hit the charts

Meaning

This expression means to enter the official list of the most popular, best-selling, or most-streamed music singles and albums. It indicates that a song or record has achieved commercial success.

Examples

• Her debut single is expected to hit the charts by next week.

  Her debut single is expected to hit the charts by next week.

• The band's new album hit the charts at number one in several countries.

  The band's new album hit the charts at number one in several countries.

• It is very difficult for independent artists to hit the charts without a label.

  It is very difficult for independent artists to hit the charts without a label.

• That catchy summer song hit the charts and stayed there for months.

  That catchy summer song hit the charts and stayed there for months.

• As soon as the soundtrack was released, three tracks hit the charts.

  As soon as the soundtrack was released, three tracks hit the charts.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The song entered into the charts last week.

  ✓ The song entered the charts last week.

  The verb "enter" does not take the preposition "into" when referring to music rankings, though "hit the charts" is the more idiomatic, energetic choice.

• ✗ His music hit the table of top songs.

  ✓ His music hit the charts.

  In English, the official ranking lists for popular music are always referred to as "the charts," never "tables" or "lists."

Related Expressions

Practice

• Nobody expected this weird indie track to ___ so quickly.

  💡 Enter the list of best-selling songs.

  Show answer

  hit the charts

• Their latest album managed to ___ at number three.

  💡 Enter the official music sales rankings.

  Show answer

  hit the charts