Maxwell has achieved the No. 1 rank on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart for the first time in over two years with his single “Simply Beautiful” taking the top spot on the list dated Oct. 12. Surpassing the No. 2 position, the track emerged as the most-played song on U.S. monitored adult R&B radio stations during the tracking week of Sept. 27 – Oct. 3, as reported by Luminate, with a 9% increase in plays.
Maxwell’s Ninth No. 1 Hit
With this chart-topping cover, Maxwell has now secured his ninth No. 1 on the Adult R&B Airplay chart. This achievement puts him on par with Tank and Usher for the fourth-most leaders since the chart’s inception in 1993, trailing only Alicia Keys (14), Toni Braxton (11), and Charlie Wilson (10) on the overall leaderboard.
The Story Behind “Simply Beautiful”
“Simply Beautiful,” distributed through Musze/BMG, is a cover of an Al Green track from his 1972 album, “I’m Still In Love With You.” While this cover marks Maxwell’s first studio-released version of the song, he has been performing it live for years, including a memorable rendition at the 2008 BET Awards when Green was honored with a lifetime achievement award.
Maxwell’s Reflections on Success
Reflecting on his ninth No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, Maxwell shared his thoughts with Billboard, stating, “Hitting No. 1 with my take on Al Green’s ‘Simply Beautiful’ is an honor. Al is a true legend, and I’ve always been inspired by his music. It’s a reminder of the power of great music, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
Maxwell’s No. 1 Hits Recap
Here’s a recap of Maxwell’s nine chart-topping hits on the radio chart:
- “Fortunate,” 18 weeks at No. 1, starting May 22, 1999
- “Lifetime,” 15 weeks at No. 1, starting Sept. 29, 2001
- “Pretty Wings,” 12 weeks at No. 1, starting July 4, 2009
- “Bad Habits,” nine weeks at No. 1, starting Oct. 10, 2009
- “Fistful of Tears,” two weeks at No. 1, starting April 17, 2010
- “Fire We Make,” with Alicia Keys, seven weeks at No. 1, starting June 22, 2013
- “Lake By The Ocean,” 10 weeks at No. 1, starting June 18, 2016
- “Off,” two weeks at No. 1, starting April 2, 2022
- “Simply Beautiful,” one week at No. 1, as of Oct. 12, 2024
Maxwell’s Recent Success
Maxwell’s last three appearances on the Adult R&B Airplay chart – 2019 single “Shame” reaching No. 8, “Off,” and “Simply Beautiful” – have been standalone singles. His last album, “blackSUMMERS’night,” was released in 2016, showcasing his continued success as a solo artist.
Continued Success on the Charts
“Simply Beautiful” has also made strides on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, climbing from 15 to 12. This chart ranks songs based on combined audience totals from adult R&B and mainstream R&B/hip-hop radio stations, with the cover single garnering 5.7 million in audience, an 18% increase from the previous week. This ascent marks Maxwell’s best performance on the chart since “Lake By the Ocean” also reached No. 12 in 2016.
FAQs
Q: How many No. 1 hits has Maxwell achieved on the Adult R&B Airplay chart?
A: Maxwell has secured nine No. 1 hits on the Adult R&B Airplay chart, with his latest single “Simply Beautiful” reaching the top spot.
Q: What is the significance of Maxwell’s cover of “Simply Beautiful”?
A: Maxwell’s cover of “Simply Beautiful” pays homage to Al Green’s classic track and showcases his vocal prowess in interpreting timeless music.
Q: How has Maxwell’s recent success impacted his career?
A: Maxwell’s recent success with “Simply Beautiful” and his continued presence on the charts solidify his status as a prominent figure in the R&B music scene, further cementing his legacy as an artist.
Credit: www.billboard.com
