The Beatles returned with their first new single in decades early in November, and fans responded in huge numbers to support the cut. The tune, titled “Now and Then,” was started by John Lennon and left behind as a demo, only to have the remaining two members finish it with the help of artificial intelligence, became a quick hit on the Billboard charts thanks to huge consumption figures as it was first made available. Now, the track has given the band a very important win, proving that they are still hitmakers after more than half a century.
“Now and Then” debuts very high on this week’s edition of the Adult Alternative Airplay chart, earning the top start of the frame. Billboard compiles the ranking each week to track which tunes perform best at radio stations that focus on a format known as adult alternative airplay–essentially alternative rock aimed at a slightly more mature audience. This time around, the latest from The Beatles opens at No. 9.
As “Now and Then” starts inside the top 10 on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart, it brings The Beatles back to the highest tier on one of Billboard’s many radio-focused lists for the first time in decades. In fact, the company notes that the group hasn’t appeared inside the uppermost reaches of a radio chart for 28 years.
The last time The Beatles scored a top 10 win on any of Billboard’s radio charts was back when they released what was then known as the last song from the band. In late 1995, the group’s single “Free as a Bird” also launched inside the highest space, albeit on a different tally. That tune reached No. 8 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay tally, another one of the chart publisher’s radio-only rosters.
“Now and Then” marks The Beatles’ first top 10 hit on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart, but not their first placement on the tally. The Fab Four previously rose as high as No. 11, missing the highest tier by one space, with the aforementioned “Free as a Bird.” Months after they landed that first win, they returned to the top 20 with its follow-up, “Real Love,” which climbed to No. 16. The band has thus far collected just three appearances on the ranking.
“Now and Then” quickly became a top 10 hit on several Billboard rankings after its first full tracking week had eclipsed, not only the Adult Alternative Airplay chart. It also reached the loftiest arena on the Hot 100, Digital Song Sales chart, and various genre-specific lists as well.
