Justin Bieber’s ‘Roller Coaster’ Rides To No. 1 On iTunes Despite Europe
Justin Bieber’s new single “Roller Coaster” has soared to No. 1 on iTunes US within nine hours of its midnight release on Sunday (Nov. 24), despite European fans being unable to access the track on the media player.
Five hours after his new “Music Mondays” single dropped, the 19-year-old tweeted iTunes asking them to address the problem after fans raised the alert.
“@iTunesMusic get my song #Rollercoaster out on iTunes in Europe! Wtf (sic),” a frustrated Biebs wrote.
In addition to European fans petitioning iTunes on Twitter, Justin’s manager Scooter Braun voiced his concern. Braun tweeted, “@iTunesMusic get #rollercoaster worldwide.”
Despite these issues, the Canadian’s funk, uptempo bounced its way to No.1, something of a feat given One Direction’s new single “Strong” has only been out since Nov. 22.
As of press time, iTunes rankings show “Roller Coaster” at No. 1, A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera at No. 2 with “Say Something, and Pitbull’s “Timber” featuring Ke$ha at No. 3.
@iTunesMusic get my song #Rollercoaster out on iTunes in Europe! Wtf
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) November 25, 2013
Rounding out the Top Five, One Direction’s “Story of My Life” scores at No. 4, while Eminem and Rihanna hold at No.5 with “The Monster.”
“Roller Coaster” is the eighth “Music Mondays” cut — and, notably — the first uptempo.
But just because the BPM gets a boost, the state of Bieber’s love life hasn’t really improved. After the lush pain of “Heartbreaker,” longing of “All That Matters,” more lamenting on “Bad Day” and a plea for another chance on “All Bad,” this latest song sees the heartthrob singing about the highs and lows of a relationship that didn’t make it.
“Roller coaster, roller coaster/Spinning all around and around for a world baby,” he sings over a throbbing funk beat and bass reminiscent of Jackson 5, George Clinton, and heavier Disco.”Roller coaster, roller coaster/For a minute we were up, but the next we were falling down.”
Based on the October tease, in which Braun imitated Rodney Jerkins while this latest song played, and the producer’s Twitter and Instagram messages earlier today (#Rollercoaster @JustinBieber go to iTunes and support! Rollerskating Groove!”), Jerkins and 19-year-old Julian Swirsky helmed the track.
Thank God for a another #1! Big shout out to @JustinBieber your vision came to pass! @Iamjulkeyz it was fun working with u! #Rollercoaster
— Rodney Jerkins (@RodneyJerkins) November 25, 2013
Justin, who has been on a very public roller coaster during his Believe tour, is about to kick off his final eight shows in Australia, and is currently in Brisbane.
Reports of “struggling ticket sales in Australia” a laundry list of controversies, and a recent inclusion on GQ’s “25 Least Influential People 2013? list reflect present storms for the teen star.
But, with over 150 Believe concerts completed during a $155 million grossing tour, 10 million plus record sales, numerous awards, a highly motivated fan base who have just sent “Roller Coaster” to No.1, and the Believe movie-documentary to come this Christmas, it’s probably unwise to write Bieber’s future off.
In today’s song description, the embattled superstar wrote,
“You just always have to remember that even things feel like they are at a low point, you will make it back up again. That’s what relationships — and life — are all about (sic).”
(Photo: Bieber via Instagram, captioned “When they tell me #Rollercoaster is #1.”)
Update: Justin thanked fans for his No.1 at around 11:30 am EST before adding “Roller Coaster” is now available worldwide.
Did you get #rollercoaster yet? What do you think? #1 ? thank you http://t.co/rUvEwbEVl4 http://t.co/B6gn3LFbSe
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) November 25, 2013
