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The State of the Hot 100 Top 10: 2025 Mid-Year Trend Report

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A First Look at HSD’s 2025 Mid-Year Report

Hit Songs Deconstructed releases an annual mid-year report that features detailed analysis of Billboard Hot 100’s Top 10 hits.

This report looks at trends relating to genres, influences, tempo, key, lyrical themes, instruments, structure and more, helping you to proactively stay in tune with what’s on the rise, what’s in decline, and how the hit song landscape is rapidly evolving.


Overview

During the first half of 2025, 38 songs charted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, with 7 hitting the top spot.

Behind them were 25 performing artists, 122 credited songwriters, 64 credited producers and 10 record labels.

Shaping their sound and vibe were 6 primary genres, 27 sub-genres and influences, 25 prominent instruments, and 7 lyrical themes.


Country Surpasses Pop and Hip Hop

Country became the leading primary genre in the Hot 100 Top 10 during the first half of 2025, accounting for 29% of entries—a dramatic rise from just 4% in 2021–2022. This surge was driven largely by Morgan Wallen, who appeared on 9 of the year’s 11 Country Top 10s.


Inward Looking Hits
Introspection-themed lyrics rose to their highest level in over a decade, accounting for almost half of Top 10s. The theme traversed an array of genres and styles, including "Anxiety" by Doechii, "Pink Pony Club" by Chappell Roan, and "Smile" by Morgan Wallen.


What else shaped the Hot 100 Top 10 during the first half of 2025?


Download the Report Preview with free highlights from The State of the Hot 100 Top 10: 2025 Mid-Year Report.


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Grammy winning, multi-platinum music producer, mixing engineer
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