Decline of the No. 1 Single

Robert Hilburn’s analysis of why No. 1 records simply don’t carry the same weight that they once did is commendable for taking on the “profit at any cost” mentality of the music business, but especially perceptive is his argument as to why Mariah Carey is as lightweight a figure as has ever been produced by pop music (“The Not-So-Big Hit Single,” Feb. 17).

For years we’ve been told by publicity flacks and lapdog critics about Carey’s prodigious vocal talents. That she has never come close to producing anything of substance is a statement that has begged to be made, and finally someone has braved the industry’s wrath to tell the truth.

Not to kick the woman when she’s down, but isn’t it interesting how she was dropped so quickly by a major label that chose to cut its losses now rather than later? This single act was a multimillion-dollar vote of no confidence on the part of EMI, and one that suggests her days of rivaling the Beatles’ or Elvis’ record sales have come to a merciful close.

Now how about some similar truth-telling on that other diva of all artifice and little art, Whitney Houston?

MIKE VILLANO

Van Nuys

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Hilburn’s article illustrates that music in recent years has rather stagnated. Additionally, due to the decrease in retail sales and availability of CD singles since the mid-’90s, consumers cannot buy their favorite songs, and this affects the songs’ potential ranking on the Billboard Hot 100. A lot of songs on the list reflect airplay-only points more than sales points.

These days, unlike the good old days of Top 40 radio, i.e., KFI, KHJ, even KIIS-FM and KRTH-FM, back in the early ‘80s and ‘70s, or even the mighty 690, out of San Diego (early ‘80s), there is no variety on any one station. Top 40 stations today choose from such a narrow playlist that songs are repetitive. Most of these songs are not even available in stores.

Songs that are released as singles but receive very little airplay don’t make No. 1 either, which leaves only a select few to make the top spot. This criterion also results in little turnover atop the Hot 100. Since many weeks go by without a change at the top, there is little variety of No. 1 songs each year since 1992.

I have a collection of 45s and CD singles from 1955 to the present, including every song to hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 since “Rock Around the Clock” (July 1955), 940 singles in all. But because of the chart methodology change in late 1991, the reduction of singles and tight radio playlists, there has not been a good selection of national No. 1 singles or a good representation of a year’s music hits to make No. 1, as compared to the ‘50s through the ‘80s.

Lately I’ve considered not buying current singles. I have to order them from the U.K., since every hit song there is available as a CD single ($7.99 each, plus shipping). Awesome for the British consumers, bad for U.S. consumers and collectors.

EDDIE HARRISON

Los Angeles

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What is Hilburn’s point? The fact that he compares Carey’s salary to what the Enron executives stole is ridiculous. What is she, a criminal?

I just love how faceless cowards like Hilburn can so easily rip someone to pieces. He sure worked diligently in compiling all of his little facts and stats. Quite impressive! And for what? To point his almighty finger, to voice his almighty opinion about someone’s art, someone’s heart and soul?

People like him will never understand what true risk is. He will remain among those timid souls who know not the true joy of success nor the heartache of failure.

DAVID FAUSTINO

Los Angeles

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I really liked your article about Mariah Carey that I read online. I was really annoyed when Carey came to Germany last year to promote her movie “Glitter” (which also flopped here).

In every TV show and interview, she was announced as the best-selling female artist. But I am almost sure that this is not true since she has only seven platinum certifications here in Europe, while Celine Dion has 33 and Madonna has more than 60 platinum certifications. I know that Carey is the biggest selling in the U.S., but certainly not Europe.

PAULINE HOLTHAUS

Lohne, Germany