Sombr’s ‘Back to Friends’ Tops Pop Airplay Chart

Sombr’s single “Back to Friends” has ascended to the top of Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart, marking a notable achievement for the artist. The chart dated February 7 shows the song jumping three spots to claim the No. 1 position. This milestone signifies Shane Boose’s first leader on the Pop Airplay chart.

Significant Milestones for Sombr

Prior to “Back to Friends,” Sombr made his chart debut with “Undressed,” which reached No. 4 in September. “Back to Friends,” released under SMB/Warner Records, stands out as a self-written and self-produced work, making it a rare accomplishment within the Pop Airplay No. 1 category.

Chart History

• “Back to Friends” is the first Pop Airplay chart leader solely authored by a single writer since Glass Animals’ “Heat Waves” in February 2022.
• This song ended a four-year drought of No. 1s from single writers dating back to Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” in early 2018.
• It is also the first Pop Airplay No. 1 where one artist both wrote and produced the track since Dave Bayley of Glass Animals achieved this with “Heat Waves.”
• Sombr’s song is among only 6% of all Pop Airplay No. 1s that have topped Alternative Airplay as well.

Impact on the Charts

“Back to Friends” previously led the Alternative Airplay chart for five consecutive weeks from June to July. The song’s crossover success highlights its broad appeal in the music industry.

Grammy Nomination and Musical Direction

Sombr is also recognized as a Grammy-nominated artist for Best New Artist. The 68th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony took place on February 1, featuring all eight nominees in this category, including fellow artists like Lola Young.

Reflecting on his musical journey, Sombr expressed his belief that audiences are yearning for authentic music. He noted, “I think people are just craving real music with real instruments and real bridges and really thoughtful writing.” He mentioned his surprise at the chart’s current landscape, showcasing emerging talents like Olivia Dean and RAYE, alongside himself.

Sombr initially aimed to create alternative indie songs, but his catchy songwriting has led to pop crossover hits. His latest achievement with “Back to Friends” underscores his evolution as an artist and his growing influence on the music scene.

With the upcoming updates on Billboard’s charts, audiences can expect further developments in the music landscape as new talents continue to emerge.