The Cranberries have claimed the top spot on this week’s Modern Rock chart with their urgent single “Salvation,” rising from No. 2 to unseat Oasis’s “Champagne Supernova,” which had spent the past two weeks at No. 1.
“Salvation,” now in its fifth week on the chart, has climbed steadily over the past month and marks a major milestone for the Irish band, who last hit the top tier of the Modern Rock chart with “Zombie” in 1994. The song’s punk-fueled energy and anti-drug message have resonated with listeners, helping it reach the summit ahead of several longer-charting hits.
Oasis slips one spot to No. 2 after a 12-week run on the chart with their sprawling epic “Champagne Supernova,” which has become a defining track for the Britpop movement in the U.S. Stone Temple Pilots hold steady at No. 3 with “Big Bang Baby,” while Bush’s “Machinehead” remains unmoved at No. 4 in its 12th week.
Climbing into the Top 5 is Tracy Bonham’s “Mother Mother,” moving up to No. 5 from No. 6. The fiery single, driven by Bonham’s piercing vocals, has quickly become a modern rock radio staple. Right behind her, Dave Matthews Band’s “Too Much” also gains ground, rising to No. 6 in just its fifth week.
The biggest debut of the week comes from Soundgarden, whose new single “Pretty Noose” launches onto the chart at No. 7. The track is the first single off their upcoming album Down on the Upside, and its arrival suggests another strong run for the Seattle rockers.
Rounding out the Top 10 are The Verve Pipe’s “Photograph” at No. 8, Dishwalla’s rising hit “Counting Blue Cars” at No. 9, and Foo Fighters’ “Big Me,” which drops from No. 5 to No. 10 in its 16th week—likely nearing the end of its chart run after months of steady play.
With Soundgarden’s debut and several songs gaining momentum, next week’s chart promises to bring even more shakeups as summer approaches.
Transmission with Derek Nester 