Most of the world loves Ed Sheeran

February 9, 2018 7:10 AM

See the most popular song in 3000 world cities. This visualization with clickable links allows you to explore the biggest hits from last month globally. There are some to be expected like Perfect and Havana but some fun surprises like Troll in Russia.
posted by k8t (15 comments total)

I see that this is just based on Youtube views. I wonder if this data lines up with what you'd get from actual record/download sales, audio-only streaming services (Spotify, Pandora, etc), and terrestrial/satellite radio play?
posted by Strange Interlude at 8:22 AM on February 9, 2018 [1 favorite]

I'm probably just old, but it seems it was a meh month in global music history - or global music taste
posted by helion at 8:40 AM on February 9, 2018 [1 favorite]

I have a friend who sends Snapchat videos where he tells someone he loves Ed Sheeran then records their out-sized negative reaction. It's currently one of the great joys in my life.
posted by tofu_crouton at 9:32 AM on February 9, 2018 [4 favorites]

The most popular song in Mali is the third part of a video series that shows you how to make a drink that will make you a god in bed.
posted by azarbayejani at 9:33 AM on February 9, 2018 [3 favorites]

Missing data from Cuba, so it leaves the important question open....is Havana the number #1 in actual Havana?
posted by inflatablekiwi at 9:49 AM on February 9, 2018 [2 favorites]

That "Gucci Gang" was one of the worst tunes I've heard in a long time, and I have very diverse taste in music (Death Metal, Hip Hop, Jazz, classical, etc.). How on earth did that song become so popular?
posted by milnak at 10:57 AM on February 9, 2018

Your planet’s favorite band sucks.
posted by ardgedee at 11:12 AM on February 9, 2018 [2 favorites]

Robot Macador is the theme music to a SNES platformer I really want to play.
posted by GuyZero at 11:13 AM on February 9, 2018

Someone needs to get Redmond Washington up to speed with current trends in pop music.
posted by mcstayinskool at 12:01 PM on February 9, 2018

Wow, Gummo is #1 in Milwaukee. It is probably one of the top ten worst songs I have ever heard. Every other word is n---a. Also the artist is on trial for filming a 14 year old having sex with multiple men. I'd much prefer Ed Sheeran.
posted by AFABulous at 12:33 PM on February 9, 2018 [1 favorite]

Coldplay have got to be pissed.
posted by Artw at 3:23 PM on February 9, 2018

Mozambique's song is really quite great.

Also, Gangnam style is still popular somewhere?
posted by Toddles at 3:28 PM on February 9, 2018

And now I'll be dancing to Havana for the rest of the weekend. I can live with that.
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 4:57 PM on February 9, 2018

I really like Turkey's #1.. and Gucci Gang is at least more interesting than Havana :p
posted by subdee at 6:21 PM on February 9, 2018

"Gucci Gang"? I thought he was saying "Coochie Game". Still hate it...although a little less...
posted by Increase at 12:14 PM on February 10, 2018