logo

2023 Music Milestones: Morgan Wallen Dominates Apple Music, Taylor Swift and SZA Reign Supreme on Streaming Charts

LOS ANGELES -- Country sensation Morgan Wallen claimed the coveted top spot on Apple Music's global song chart for 2023, with his chart-topping hit, "Last Night," securing an impressive 52 days at No. 1 on the Global Daily Top 100 chart. Notably, Nigerian rapper Rema's collaboration with Selena Gomez, "Calm Down" remix, made history by securing the 12th position on the global songs chart, marking the highest entry ever for an African song. The track also dominated Apple Music's Shazam chart, claiming the No. 1 spot.

The global songs list featured a diverse array of musical talent, including Miley Cyrus with "Flowers" at second place, SZA's "Kill Bill" at third, Drake and 21 Savage's "Rich Flex" at fourth, and another SZA hit, "Snooze," in the fifth slot. Taylor Swift's "Anti-Hero" followed closely, showcasing the artist's enduring popularity. SZA, leading the 2024 Grammy nominations, further solidified her influence by topping Apple's most-read lyrics in 2023 with her smash single, "Kill Bill."

Morgan Wallen's "Last Night" not only dominated Apple Music but also made waves on the Billboard Hot 100, reigning for an impressive 16 weeks — surpassing Harry Styles' "As It Was" and tying with Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber’s “Despacito” for the second-longest reign in Hot 100’s 65-year history.

Adding a new dimension to the 2023 year-end charts, Apple Music introduced the Apple Music Sing chart, revealing that J-pop duo YOASOBI claimed the top spot with their song “アイドル(Idol).” Additionally, Apple's data highlighted the growing global influence of Música Mexicana, with Peso Pluma and Eslabon Armado's "Ella Baila Sola" reaching No. 18 on the Global Daily Top 100.

In a move reminiscent of Spotify's Wrapped playlist, Apple Music introduced Replay, enabling subscribers to revisit the year's most popular tracks on the streaming service. Taylor Swift, named Apple Music's artist of the year in November, continued to make waves, with an astonishing 65 of her songs reaching the Global Daily Top 100 in the first 10 months of 2023. The Eras Tour further fueled Swift's success, contributing to a 61% global increase in streams when she kicked off her landmark concert tour in March. The music industry's landscape continues to evolve, with 2023 reflecting a diverse and dynamic array of artists making their mark on the global stage.

"Taylor Swift's resonance within the music landscape is unequivocal— not confined to the remarkable milestones of this record-shattering year alone but extending across her entire career," asserted Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and Beats. In a resounding statement, Schusser emphasized Swift's status as a generation-defining artist and a genuine catalyst for change in the music industry. The sentiment expressed holds a conviction that Swift's enduring impact and influence will reverberate throughout the years, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape. Swift's ability to shape and redefine the industry's narrative positions her as a transformative force, ensuring that her legacy will continue to shape the future trajectory of music for years to come."

"In conclusion, Taylor Swift's indomitable impact on the music industry stands as an enduring testament to her artistry and influence. As acknowledged by Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and Beats, Swift's significance extends far beyond the confines of a single record-breaking year, encompassing her entire illustrious career. Her role as a generation-defining artist and a catalyst for change underscores the transformative power she wields within the musical landscape. The statement confidently asserts that Swift's resonance will echo through the years, leaving an indelible mark that will continue to shape and inspire the future of the industry. In a dynamic and ever-evolving musical landscape, Taylor Swift stands as a luminary whose impact transcends temporal boundaries, ensuring her legacy as a true change agent in the world of music."