Exploring patterns in European singles charts

TL;DR

This study analyzes European singles chart data from 1966 to 2015, revealing how technological and geographical factors influence song popularity dynamics across countries.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of how technological eras and geographical distances affect hit song popularity patterns in European countries.

Findings

Time to peak popularity has decreased over time due to technology.

Popularity depends on geographical proximity in analog and Internet eras.

Cultural distances influenced peak timing mainly during the CD era.

Abstract

European singles charts are important part of the music industry responsible for creating popularity of songs. After modeling and exploring dynamics of global album sales in previous papers, we investigate patterns of hit singles popularity according to all data (1966-2015) from weekly charts (polls) in 12 Western European countries. The dynamics of building popularity in various national charts is more than the economy because it depends on spread of information. In our research we have shown how countries may be affected by their neighbourhood and influenced by technological era. We have also computed correlations with geographical and cultural distances between countries in analog, digital and Internet era. We have shown that time delay between the single premiere and the peak of popularity has become shorter under the influence of technology and the popularity of songs depends on geographical distances in analog (1966-1987) and Internet (2004-2015) era. On the other hand, cultural distances between nations have influenced the peaks of popularity, but in the Compact Disc era only (1988-2003). We have also indicated the European countries in line with global trends e.g. The Netherlands, the United Kingdom and outsiders like Italy and Spain.