A little more than a month ago, U2, one of the world’s biggest bands, shocked millions by announcing a surprise project. The Irish superstars dropped an EP titled Days of Ash on February 18. At the time that the six-song project arrived, it was revealed that a new full-length by the rockers is slated for later in 2026.
Days of Ash did not spend much time on the Billboard charts, but more than a month after the EP first reached streaming sites and download platforms, its lead single earns the group a milestone new radio smash.
“Song of the Future” Brings U2 Back to a Radio Ranking
“Song of the Future” by U2 appears on the Rock & Alternative Airplay chart for the first time this week as it debuts at No. 50. That’s the lowest possible rung on Billboard’s tally that details which songs reach the greatest audiences via radio stations throughout the U.S. that play rock and alternative music.
U2 Earns a Milestone Rock & Alternative Airplay Chart Hit
Now that “Song of the Future” has debuted, U2 earns its milestone tenth appearance on the Rock & Alternative Airplay chart. The Grammy winners didn’t hit the tally until nearly two decades ago, despite the fact that U2 became globally successful many years prior – though the Rock & Alternative Airplay ranking didn’t exist at that time.
U2 earned its first hit in June of 2009 when “Magnificent” launched at No. 33, which would turn out to be its all-time high. Less than two months later, “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight” doubled the band’s placements and helped the rockers climb to a new career peak of No. 27.
“Song of the Future” marks a new low for U2 on the radio roster, although the single is just getting started.
“Song of the Future” Nears the Top 10
“Song of the Future” arrives on the Rock & Alternative Airplay chart nearly a month after it first landed on the Adult Alternative Airplay list, a more specific rock radio ranking. U2’s latest focus track climbs again, and in its third stint on the tally, nearly enters the top 10. This week, “Song of the Future” ascends from No. 13 to No. 11, and that upward trajectory could easily continue for the next few frames.
U2 Has Enjoyed Great Success on the AAA Chart
U2 has proved far more successful on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart than on the Rock & Alternative Airplay roster. The Bono-led troupe has already amassed 28 top 10 successes, and half of those have hit No. 1. U2 has scored more than three times as many appearances on the AAA list than on the most competitive rock radio chart published in America.
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