Jimmy Buffet's Posthumous Music Surges to Top Spot on Billboard Chart
Jimmy Buffett might've departed last autumn, but his enthusiasts continue to celebrate his legacy by relishing his music that he composed, recorded, and distributed during his active years. One of the renowned singer-songwriter's smash hits is back on top again this week, climbing up the ranks and setting a new record, propelling the late star to unprecedented heights.
"Mele Kalikimaka" is just one of the numerous holiday tracks that make an appearance on the Billboard charts each week, reflecting Americans' insatiable appetite for Yuletide tunes. Although it doesn't rank among the top Christmas performances, this track somehow manages to reappear on the World Digital Song Sales list and secure a top 10 spot anew.
In this specific chart cycle, Buffett's rendition of the tune, which incorporates parts in Hawaiian, resurfaces on the World Digital Song Sales chart at No. 4. This isn't just a new height for the track itself, but a personal best for Buffett as well.
Buffett's take on "Mele Kalikimaka" has now spent a total of 21 weeks among the most popular songs sung in languages other than English (or Spanish) in the United States, and it's only now that it has reached this new, lofty peak. The track first appeared on the chart in 2018, but its original release predates that by decades.
"Mele Kalikimaka" was initially popularized in 1950, when Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters introduced the hit. Since then, numerous artists have covered the song, but Buffett's version stands out for its laidback, beach-vibe twist. The combination worked flawlessly with the classic tune's essence.
Buffett has only managed to score two hits on the World Digital Song Sales chart, and both belong to "Mele Kalikimaka," although they are two different versions of the same composition. In December 2016, a duet of the song, featuring Buffett and Jake Shimabukuro, debuted on the chart. Not long after its release, it climbed its way into the top 10, reaching the No. 10 spot.
"Mele Kalikimaka" was included in Buffett's album Christmas Island, which he released in October 1996. Despite the album not producing any traditional singles, fans have since discovered their favorites among the tracks, leading some of them, such as this striking Hawaiian melody, to chart success.
Jimmy Buffett's version of "Mele Kalikimaka" from his album "Christmas Island" is currently enjoying a resurgence, climbing to a new high of No. 4 on the World Digital Song Sales chart. This isn't the first time Buffett's rendition has made it to the top 10, as a different version featuring him and Jake Shimabukuro did so in December 2016, reaching the No. 10 spot.
Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters initially popularized "Mele Kalikimaka" in 1950, but Buffett's interpretation, with its distinctive beach-vibe twist, has also gained popularity. This version of the song has twice appeared on the World Digital Song Sales chart, making Jimmy Buffett one of the few artists to have multiple entries with this specific composition.
Despite not producing traditional singles, Buffett's "Christmas Island" album has had enduring appeal for fans. One of the standout tracks, "Mele Kalikimaka," has continued to chart success, spending a total of 21 weeks on the World Digital Song Sales chart for songs in languages other than English.
The success of "Mele Kalikimaka" in the charts is a testament to its timeless appeal and Buffett's ability to capture the essence of the classic tune with his unique style. Its ongoing popularity is also likely fueled by its association with the holiday season, as "Mele Kalikimaka" is one of the numerous holiday tracks that make an appearance on the Billboard charts each week.
This week, Buffett's "Mele Kalikimaka" sales have contributed to the song's rise on the charts, continuing to celebrate the legacy of the renowned singer-songwriter who departed last autumn.
