In popular music, a chart-topper is an extremely popular recording, identified by its inclusion in a ranked list—a chart—of top selling or otherwise judged most popular releases. Chart-topper and related terms like No. 1 hit, top of the charts, chart hit, and so forth, are widely used in common conversation and in marketing, and loosely defined. In North America, the weekly charts from trade publication Billboard magazine are most often referenced (quite often internationally, as well), particularly the Billboard Hot 100 singles and Billboard 200 album charts, although there are many other charts and sources. Because of its value in promoting artists and releases, both directly to the consumer, and by encouraging exposure on radio, TV and through other media, chart positioning has long been a subject of scrutiny and controversy. Chart compilation methodology and data sources vary, ranging from buzz charts based on opinions of various experts and tastemakers, to charts that reflect empirical data, like retail sales. Therefore, a chart-topper may be anything from an insiders' pick to a runaway seller. The term is also used similarly to some extent in video games. Popular music is music belonging to any of a number of musical styles that are accessible to the general public and are disseminated by one or more of the mass media. ... This article or section is not written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. ... Methods and media for sound recording are varied and have undergone significant changes between the first time sound was actually recorded for later playback until now. ... It has been suggested that plotting be merged into this article or section. ... Sales, or the activity of selling, forms an integral part of commercial activity. ... Marketing is a social and managerial function that attempts to create, expand and maintain a collection of customers. ... World map showing North America A satellite composite image of North America. ... A trade journal is a periodical, magazine or publication printed with the intention of target marketing to a specific industry or type of trade/business. ... Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry. ... The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. ... A collection of various CD singles In music, a single is a short recording of one or more separate tracks. ... The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. ... A musician is a person who plays or composes music. ... Consumers are individuals or households that consume goods and services generated within the economy. ... See TV (disambiguation) for other uses and Television (band) for the rock band European networks National In much of Europe television broadcasting has historically been state dominated, rather than commercially organised, although commercial stations have grown in number recently. ... In general, data consist of propositions that reflect reality. ... Drawing of a self-service store. ... An insider is a member of any group of people of limited number and generally restricted access. ... Namcos Pac-Man was a hit, and became a cultural phenomenon. ...

See also: hit parade, music chart The hit parade is the list of songs most popular at any given time. ... Music charts are a method of ranking music according to popularity during a given period of time. ...