NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 14: Photo of PEARL JAM; 14-02-1992 Amsterdam, Pearl Jam (Photo by Paul ... [+]
Pearl Jam officially kicked off the latest era of their time together last month as they released their new single “Dark Matter,” which fronts a forthcoming album of the same name. The group’s new song has become a very fast winner on two rankings–ones which they had never ruled before, until now.
“Dark Matter” climbs to No. 1 on Billboard’s Rock & Alternative Airplay chart this week. The tune debuted at No. 6 last frame, which is a very impressive starting point on any radio list. Now, it’s soared to the summit, replacing Blink-182’s “One More Time” in first place on the tally.
As “Dark Matter” climbs to the peak position on the Rock & Alternative Airplay chart, Billboard’s ranking of the tunes that reach the largest audience at both rock and alternative radio stations, it gives the band their first No. 1. Somehow, despite being one of the most beloved rock groups in the world, Pearl Jam had never dominated this specific tally before this week.
Pearl Jam came closest to No. 1 on the Rock & Alternative Airplay chart back in 2009. That year, their single “The Fixer” stalled in the runner-up rung. The smash actually debuted in second place, but it was never able to beat the competition and find its way to the penthouse.
“Dark Matter” is one of Pearl Jam’s six top 10 hits on the radio ranking. Last week, the tune joined with “The Fixer,” as well as “Sirens” (No. 4), “Just Breathe” (No. 5), “Mind Your Manners” (No. 6), and “Dance Of The Clairvoyants” (No. 8). That last tune marked their most recent top 10 win until last frame.
As “Dark Matter” hits No. 1 on the Rock & Alternative Airplay chart, the tune also becomes Pearl Jam’s debut leader on another Billboard list. The track soars to the top spot on the Hot Hard Rock Songs ranking, which lists the most-consumed hard rock cuts in the nation. Last frame, it opened at No. 3, and now it’s become their first champion.
On the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart, “Dark Matter” was already the band’s biggest hit–and it wasn’t even close. The group has only sent two tunes to the tally, with this latest win immediately becoming their first top 10, and now their only ruler. The group debuted on the list in 2020 with “Superblood Wolfmoon,” which stalled at No. 19.
