3 years ago, we first counted down the then Top 100 artists in my iTunes library. Since that time, I’ve successfully managed to migrate my music collection to a new PC with the stats intact. So, I figured it was time to take another look, expanding out the field to the top 200 artists, based on number of plays from late 2007 through January 1, 2017.
We break in to the top 50 today, and cross the 100 listen barrier for the first time .
#49: Hole
iTunes stats: 97 plays
Previous ranking: #43
6 songs, written mostly by either Kurt Cobain or Billy Corgan, added only 28 new listens over the past 3 years for Courtney Love’s band, causing a 6 spot drop in the rankings.
#49: Boyz II Men
iTunes stats: 97 plays
Previous ranking: #53
The stars of my first concert added 48 new listens from their 9 tunes to raise 4 spots in the rankings.
#48: P.O.D.
iTunes stats: 99 plays
Previous ranking: #36
A big 12 spot drop in the rankings for the band responsible for Bobby Jenks’ walk-on music.
#47: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
iTunes stats: 103 plays
Previous ranking: #55
An average of just over 10 plays per track, thanks to more than doubling their number of listens over the past 3 years, enables the Florida rockers to jump 8 spots.
#46: Weird Al Yankovic
iTunes stats: 107 plays
Previous ranking: #49
The parody hit-maker nearly doubled the total number of listens for his 7 tracks over the past 3 years.
#45: Snoop Dogg
iTunes stats: 110 plays
Previous ranking: #46
The ganja-smoking gangsta rapper added 45 additional listens, enabling him to move up one spot in the rankings.
#44: The Offspring
iTunes stats: 114 plays
Previous ranking: #40
Only 42 new listens for the 9 tracks from the Orange County punk band causes them to drop 4 spots in the rankings.
#43: Van Halen
iTunes stats: 115 plays
Previous ranking: #51
15 tracks from the multiple incarnations of the band combine to push them up 8 spots in the overall rankings, cracking the top 50.
#42: Mötley Crüe
iTunes stats: 124 plays
Previous ranking: #36
A 6 spot drop for the glam rockers caused by only 42 new listens over the past 3 years.
#41: Journey
iTunes stats: 127 plays
Previous ranking: #28
The removal of Don’t Stop Believin’ from my White Sox victory playlist caused the band to drop 13 spots in the rankings.