By Reynand Wu 
Luke Combs has once again cemented his dominance in the country music landscape, securing his 21st number one hit on Billboard’s prestigious Country Airplay chart with his latest single, "Be By You." The track ascended to the top of the rankings, driven by an impressive 32.8 million audience impressions between August 14-20, marking a 3% increase in listenership according to data from Luminate. This latest achievement further solidifies Combs’ position as one of the most successful artists in the history of the Country Airplay chart.
"Be By You" marks the third single from Combs’ critically acclaimed album, The Way I Am, to reach the pinnacle of the Country Airplay chart. Prior to this success, "Back in the Saddle" held the number one spot for two weeks, and "Sleepless in a Hotel Room" enjoyed a five-week reign at the top, appearing in November and April, respectively. The consistent performance of singles from The Way I Am underscores the album’s broad appeal and Combs’ ability to connect with a wide audience.
A noteworthy aspect of "Be By You"’s chart success is that it is one of the rare occasions where Combs has not penned the track himself. The song, co-written by Dan Alley, Sam Banks, and Nick Walsh, joins an exclusive club of chart-toppers for Combs that he did not write. This list includes the Jameson Rodgers feature "Cold Beer Calling My Name," which spent one week at number one in 2021, and his highly successful cover of Tracy Chapman’s iconic "Fast Car," a song that dominated the charts for five weeks in 2023. This distinction highlights Combs’ discerning ear for material that resonates deeply with country music fans, regardless of its origin.
While "Be By You" represents an exception in his songwriting credits, the vast majority of The Way I Am showcases Combs’ prolific songwriting talent. A remarkable 19 out of the album’s 22 tracks feature his name as a writer. Reflecting on the journey of "Be By You," Combs shared in a March statement that the song came to him through a friend, and its "vibe and the melody immediately struck me." This personal connection to the song likely contributed to its emotional resonance and subsequent chart success.
A Milestone in Country Airplay History
With his 21st number one on the Country Airplay chart, Luke Combs now stands among an elite group of artists who have achieved such a significant level of chart dominance. He is one of only 11 artists in the chart’s history, which dates back to 1990, to have amassed at least 21 number one hits. This places him in esteemed company, tying him with fellow country stars Thomas Rhett and Keith Urban, who also boast 21 chart-toppers.
The pantheon of country music titans with the most Country Airplay number ones is led by Kenny Chesney with an impressive 33. Following closely behind are Blake Shelton with 30, Tim McGraw with 29, and Jason Aldean with 27. Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson, and George Strait each have 26 number ones, while Morgan Wallen has amassed 22. Combs’ continued ascent through these ranks is a testament to his enduring popularity and influence in contemporary country music.
"Be By You" Strong Performance Across Charts
Beyond its success on the Country Airplay chart, "Be By You" has also demonstrated robust performance on other key Billboard metrics. The single debuted at a strong number two on the multi-metric Hot Country Songs chart in February and has maintained a consistent presence within the top 10 for its entire six-month run. During the tracking week of August 7-13, the song garnered 7.3 million official streams and an additional 34.3 million in airplay audience impressions, alongside 1,000 in sales. This broad-based appeal across streaming, radio, and sales further underscores the song’s widespread popularity.
"Be By You" is now one of Combs’ 27 career top 10 hits on the Hot Country Songs chart, a list that includes six number ones. This dual success across different chart methodologies highlights Combs’ ability to connect with fans through various consumption patterns, a crucial element for sustained success in the modern music industry.
A Composer’s Touch Beyond the Microphone
Combs’ impact on the country music charts extends beyond his own recordings. His songwriting prowess has also contributed to the success of other artists. Notably, he shares a writing credit on Carly Pearce and Lee Brice’s chart-topping hit, "I Hope You’re Happy Now." This collaboration, which led the Country Airplay chart for a week in June 2020, showcases Combs’ versatility as a songwriter and his ability to craft hits that transcend his own artistic persona. This particular credit is significant as it represents a number one hit he co-wrote but did not perform, demonstrating his talent as a behind-the-scenes architect of country music success.
The Evolving Landscape of Country Music and Luke Combs’ Role
Luke Combs’ consistent chart success reflects a broader trend in country music, where artists who blend traditional country sensibilities with modern production and relatable storytelling have found immense favor with audiences. The Way I Am, as an album, exemplifies this balance, offering a collection of songs that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. The album’s commercial and critical acclaim, further amplified by the success of singles like "Be By You," solidifies Combs’ status as a leading figure in the genre.
The data from Luminate provides a clear picture of the sustained engagement with Combs’ music. The steady increase in audience impressions for "Be By You" indicates a growing listenership, a phenomenon often fueled by a combination of radio airplay, streaming activity, and positive word-of-mouth. In an era where music consumption is fragmented, achieving consistent gains in audience impressions is a significant indicator of a song’s cultural penetration.
The fact that "Be By You" has climbed to number one without Combs’ direct songwriting credit is a testament to his trust in his collaborators and his commitment to delivering the best possible music to his fans. It also suggests a maturing artist who is open to diverse creative inputs, a trait that can lead to unexpected artistic breakthroughs. His statement about the song’s immediate impact on him further emphasizes the intuitive nature of his connection to music, regardless of authorship.
A Look Ahead: Chart Projections and Future Success
The charts for August 29 will be updated on Billboard.com on Tuesday, August 25, offering a further glimpse into the ongoing performance of "Be By You" and other tracks on the charts. Given its current momentum, "Be By You" is likely to remain a strong contender at the top of the Country Airplay chart for the foreseeable future.
Combs’ continued success also raises questions about his future projects and his potential to break even more chart records. As he continues to release new music and embark on extensive touring, his dedicated fanbase remains a powerful force, consistently driving his songs to the top of the charts. The longevity of his career, marked by consistent hits and a growing catalog of beloved songs, suggests that Luke Combs is not merely a passing trend but a foundational artist in the contemporary country music landscape. His ability to adapt, collaborate, and consistently deliver high-quality music ensures his continued relevance and impact on the genre for years to come. The journey of "Be By You" from a friend’s introduction to a number one hit is a compelling narrative that further enriches the story of an artist who continues to define the sound of modern country music.
