Thanks, that wasn't easy to do. People expected it would be Leona Lewis or Sara Bareilles, but not me. I thought Lights did the best in 2008.
Though Sara Bareilles SHOULD be the Best New Artist of 2008 as far as Billboard goes
--------------
ON TAP TODAY:Might be pushed due to inclement weather
Top 40-50? Songs by Newcomer Artists
Top 20 International Artists of 2008
Top 50 Songs by International Artists
Top 40 Recurrents
60-51 on the Endchart, potentially 50-41.
Performances from Stephanie McIntosh, Sara Bareilles, Blink 182, AC/DC, Ashley Tisdale, Kristy Lee Cook, Brooke White, Bonnie McKee and Belinda.
Appearances by Sharon Obermueller, Joanna Martino, Britney Spears, Ashlee Simpson, Miley Cyrus, Aaron McCargo Jr. and Jazmin Conte.
Britney's definitely one to watch with another #1 album. We'll see how she will fare against a new wave of talent. And Stephanie's still got 2 more songs on my top 60 coming up.
In fact, she's gonna be visiting the show this week and we'll talk to her about the fresh new faces on the chart and I'll ask her what her strategy is. Stay tuned for it
Stephanie:Hi gang, Stephanie McIntosh here and today Mike had to run out to watch the live coverage of the GC Tournament Of Champions between Big Brother 8's Daniele Donato and Redemption Song's Jazmin Conte. These 2 have been going at it all tournament and have wanted to take each other out, now they got each other in the final. All day long we'll break down how they got where they are. Right now Joanna Martino joins me. Hey Joanna.
Joanna:Hey Steph.
Stephanie:So, you ready for the top New songs?
Joanna:You know it. Remember, these songs are all from MWC Chart Newcomers so Theory Of A Deadman applies to this list.
Stephanie:Yep, as is Brooke Fraser and possibly Vanessa Amorosi.
Joanna:And Hawk Nelson too, as well as Fireflight. Skillet doesn't apply
Stephanie:Well, let's rock! Now these are my commentary we're doing here. Joanna will give us her insight after.
THE TOP 40 BEST NEW SONGS OF 2008
40. Britt Nicole "Set The World On Fire" (First of 3 from her. She was in another rap battle earlier this year, again she's got the talent to succeed)
39. Hawk Nelson "Friend Like That"
38. Elise Estrada "Unlove You"
37. Meaghan Cooper "Goodbye" (well, she was on Reality TV and now she has more exposure so it helped since ABC was airing it)
36. Leona Lewis "Better In Time" (OK, she should be higher but I understand Mike. Not too strong on the MWC so it's reasonable)
(By request, Image taken off) 35. Jazmin Conte "Tourmaline"
34. Duffy "Warwick Avenue"
33. Kate Voegele "Only Fooling Myself"
32. Nicole Atkins "Maybe Tonight"
31. Red "Already Over"
30. Lights "Ice"
29. Lola "Si Me Besas"
28. Lea Marie "The Player"
27. Julianne Hough "That Song In My Head"
26. Inhabited "Open My Eyes"
25. Lady GaGa "Just Dance" (She's not bad. Should be lower I think on this particular list, around 32-33.)
24. In This Moment "Forever"
23. Britt Nicole "You" (And she raps too? Well, not in this song obviously)
22. The Spill Canvas "All Over You"
21. Expatriate "Crazy" (Should be higher but well, it happens though)
20. Sara Bareilles "Bottle It Up" (Well, I will admit this isn't her best song she's done)
19. Katy Perry "Hot N Cold"
18. Charlotte Sometimes "How I Could Just Kill A Man" (Should obviously be lower but again, that's me. That one lyric just irks me)
17. Lesley Roy "I'm Gone, I'm Going"
16. Ashes Divide "The Stone" (Nice)
15. Lights "The Last Thing On Your Mind" (hot song)
14. Miranda Cosgrove "Leave It All To Me"
13. Demi Lovato "Get Back" / "This Is Me" (Wow! She does back-to-back)
12. David Cook "Light On" (It's burning up in power)
11. Duffy "Mercy" (I love her, but this might be just a bit too high)
10. Pinboys "Tonight (We Beat The Beats)" (Too high I think)
9. Fireflight "Unbreakable" (Go get them Dawn and crew)
8. Brooke Fraser "Shadowfeet" (WOW! Thanks Mike! <3)
7. Lea Marie "World Of Wonders" (I like the fact she's so high)
6. Katy Perry "I Kissed A Girl" (Well, not surprised she's #6)
5. Joanna Martino "Energy" (Well, she deserves it. Congrats Joanna)
4. Britt Nicole "Believe" (Britt has yet ANOTHER reference on the show. Seriously, this girl is doing an amazing job I see)
3. Lights "Drive My Soul" (OK, she's got the #3 song? Well, there was apparently some other factors in this. She deserves all the success for sure)
2. Leona Lewis "Bleeding Love" (Well, Leona IMO has one of the Best Songs of 2008. Seriously, she draws you in. I'd love to work with her in the future)
1. Sara Bareilles "Love Song" (You can make a case for 6 songs here for #1. Sara wins here because of consistency I think. Lights had a fast rise, but Sara was more steady)
So Sara Bareilles wins the Best Song by a New Artist. Congrats. Later today we will try to get in 60-51 on the Endchart. Bonnie McKee performs after this break.
Just missed the cut:
41. Theory Of A Deadman "Bad Girlfriend"
42. Clique Girlz "Then I Woke Up"
43. Saving Abel "Addicted"
44. Savvy & Mandy "Waiting For The Heartbreak"
45. Triinu Kivilaan "Fallen"
46. Lights "February Air"
47. Selena Gomez "Tell Me Something I Don't Know"
48. Miranda Cosgrove "Headphones On"
49. Joanna Martino "Road Less Traveled"
50. Leona Lewis "Run"
I'm terribly sorry but we're experiencing technical difficulties. The weather is a pain today.
Still to come:
Top 20 International Artists of 2008
Top 40 Songs by International Artists
60-51 on the Endchart
Performances from Stephanie McIntosh, Sara Bareilles, AC/DC, Ashley Tisdale, Bonnie McKee and Belinda.
Appearances by Sharon Obermueller, Miley Cyrus, Aaron McCargo Jr. and Jazmin Conte.
Stephanie:OK, ready? 60-51 here we come. This next set isn't my commentary.
60. Natasha Bedingfield "Chasing Cars" (Snow Patrol cover) England [2,815 pts] Peak:#3 <#58 on MWC> (67,490) [Airplay:#59]
Snow Patrol sang this in 2006 and it was #2 for the year. Natasha sings it and it's #60 for the year marking this the 2nd time Chasing Cars is in the Year-End top 60 in 3 years. Natasha's version was up against tougher competition though and the fact it got to #3 is impressive. She managed 42 shows with this song which is one of 3 songs from her to reach 40+ shows in 2008, also her 2nd Endchart appearance as we saw her earlier at #74. Stephanie:Chasing Cars is awesome. Natasha's version is more mellow though.
59. Demi Lovato "This Is Me" (Camp Rock Soundtrack/Don't Forget!) USA [1,730 pts] Peak:1@1 <#87 on MWC> (68,129) [Airplay:#51]
She rocked and rolled for 30 shows with This Is Me, the first of 2 Demi tracks on the Endchart as we'll be seeing her other song a bit later on. This Is Me hit #1 in the summer and then it started its decline after. Demi's had a good year and she's better than some of the singers I've come across in 2008. (like Beyonce, Madonna, Mariah, etc.) She's got the skills, now can she reach 2009 expectations? Stephanie:Too cute.
58. Jonas Brothers "Burning Up" (A Little Bit Longer) USA [2,757 pts] Peak:#2 <#61 on MWC> (69,992) [Airplay:#60]
It was on Episode #62 that saw the Jonas Brothers have their best chance at the top spot when the top 5 consisted of them, Joanna Martino, Fireflight, Miley Cyrus and Coldplay who all took advantage of Natalie Grant's spill. That was when Joanna rallied to deny the NJ boys their first #1 and infact give the Christian singer her first #1 instead...which of course ended any hope the boys would be #1 with this song since Natalie rebounded the next show thanks to the video and regained #1 ending the boys hopes. However, they still got to be on for 37 shows and hold their own by maxing out at #2 which is their career-high and now 2009 will be even tougher for them since they have even higher expectations than ever before. If they can maintain their Fan Support which was #3 for the year, don't count them out. Stephanie:I don't think so, 2009 will be a struggle for them.
57. Coldplay "Violet Hill" (Viva La Vida) England [3,238 pts] Peak:#2 <#38 on MWC> (70,488) [Airplay:#58]
They got 2 appearances in 2008's list. Violet Hill's somewhat odd video with wonderful lyrics and a lovely sound helped get this song to #2 early on in the year but mostly had to deal with Flyleaf's Sorrow which prevented them from seizing #1 for themselves. Chris and boys have another song coming quite a bit later on, and they certainly made some noise in 2008 with this song spending 55 shows on. I think their album was many times bigger and more impressive than Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III. Stephanie:I agree, Coldplay's album is the Best release from the first half of 2008. Sorry Wayne, but I agree with Mike. You didn't impress me either.
56. Saving Abel "Addicted" (Saving Abel) USA [2,580 pts] Peak:#8 <#67 on MWC> (70,772) [Airplay:#57]
Saving Abel spent 44 shows on and hit #8. This song apparently had 3 versions of their video which for Addicted it is not done yet, still has some fuel left as it is around #115 back up from #129 last show. This song is so strong on the charts and could stay an MWC threat. Stephanie:I don't agree. I'm not really a fan of this song. The video that was seen on Fuse didn't impress me and I'm not really for those woman dumps man for another woman stories, but whatever works for them it worked.
55. Theory Of A Deadman "Bad Girlfriend" (Scars & Souvenirs) Canada [3,437 pts] Peak:#5 <#31 on MWC> (70,773) [Airplay:#56]
Theory Of A Deadman logged 41 shows on with a #5 showing. Both SA and TOAD had equal impact for each other. TOAD's maxed out its wheels at 41 shows after peaking at #5 compared to SA's #8. Both had solid years. For Theory, this was their debut effort on the MWC and finally after 6 years of struggle they got a hit. Can 2009 be a repeat effort? Stephanie:No, unfortunately.
54. Lola "Si Me Besas" (Lola) Mexico [2,842 pts] Peak:#2 <#55 on MWC> (71,211) [Airplay:#51]
Clearly Lola's highlight of the year is that she jumped 86-11 and was gonna dominate #1 but thanks to Natalie Grant, Lola's dream died in a flash. After peaking on her 4th show at #2, Lola spent the next 40 shows struggling to get to #1 but couldn't do it and after 44 shows (22 weeks) she gave up and fell off. She had the most successful non-English song of the year if that amounts to anything. Stephanie:WHO IS LOLA?!
53. Skillet "Looking For Angels" (Comatose) USA [3,015 pts] Peak:#4 <#49 on MWC> (72,993) [Airplay:#53]
It took 35 shows for people to understand why they were looking for angels, because they are proud of who they are. This is their first of 2 on the Endchart and we'll see their massive hit later. This video was a bit unique and the song itself was interesting. They got to #4 with this track which is their 2nd most successful ever. Stephanie:Well deserved. Singing a song about this is so inspirational. It's a shame this didn't do well on mainstream radio, it would be huge.
52. Nightwish "Bye Bye Beautiful" (Dark Passion Play) Finland [3,047 pts] Peak:#5 <#48 on MWC> (72,996) [Airplay:#55]
Annette Olzon made her Nightwish debut on DPP and this is the 1st of 2 appearances from them. She took over the reigns from Tarja but didn't disappoint at all as this song cruised to #5 and was enjoying its 44 show run. By Summer, the song was no more on the chart. Apparently this was the song that paid tribute to Tarja well, the message was sent loud and clear, they did a lot of damage. Stephanie:Tarja Turunen was the gel in Nightwish, she makes things happen. As an Aussie singer, you try to spot your surroundings. Nightwish impressed me with Annette, but there will never be another like Tarja who left the group.
51. Within Temptation "All I Need" (The Heart Of Everything) Netherlands [2,873 pts] Peak:1@1 <#53 on MWC> (74,350) [Airplay:#54]
Sharon Den Adel used a different method than Annette with her band's only Endchart appearance. They played steady and got to #1 in surprising fashion, but after 44 shows as well they faded into the sea. Within Temptation took it to another level by becoming one of few World artists in 2008 to actually top the chart. The song is somewhat heartfelt and they impressed the critics well. Stephanie:I know I was more impressed because unlike Nightwish, Sharon's voice stood out in this song and the video is kinda interesting. But they got their first #1 ever on the MWC and that's why they're here.
AC/DC takes us to break
Stephanie:On the way, the 20 faces that were not mentioned yet but can't be forgotten in years to come. Also, Sharon Obermueller and Miley Cyrus join me after the break and Joanna Martino returns to perform plus Bonnie McKee and Sara Bareilles perform live. Later, we'll have the Best of the Europeans, Aussies and Americans, and then of course we show you the best of the International stars overall, if we have time. If you don't stay tuned, I'll go Hyper Beam on you.
Both will be seen again later on. Don't expect the next Skillet song on this list for a while though. With how huge Rebirthing was, it should be top 20 or 30 for 2008.
This is all the songs left.
3 Doors Down - It's Not My Time
Amy Studt - Chasing The Light
Ashley Tisdale - He Said She Said
Ashley Tisdale - It's Life
Ashes Divide - The Stone
Belinda - At The End Of The Day
Belinda - Your Hero (Feat. Finley)
Britt Nicole - Believe
Brooke Fraser - Shadowfeet
Carrie Underwood - All-American Girl
Carrie Underwood - Last Name
Coldplay - Viva La Vida
Delta Goodrem - Believe Again
Delta Goodrem - In This Life
Delta Goodrem - You Will Only Break My Heart
Demi Lovato - Get Back
Fireflight - Unbreakable
Flyleaf - Sorrow
Graham Colton - Best Days
Hayden Panettiere - Wake Up Call
Joanna Martino - Energy
Kate Voegele - Only Fooling Myself
Katy Perry - Hot N Cold
Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl (Rock Remix)
Krystal Meyers - Make Some Noise
Lea Marie - World Of Wonders
Lights - Drive My Soul
Lights - The Last Thing On Your Mind
Linkin Park - Leave Out All The Rest
Meredith Andrews - You're Not Alone
Metallica - The Day That Never Comes
Miley Cyrus - 7 Things
Natalie Grant - I Will Not Be Moved
Natasha Bedingfield - Pocketful Of Sunshine
Nightwish - Amaranth
Paramore - Decode
Pinboys - Tonight (We Beat The Beats)
Sara Bareilles - Bottle It Up
Sara Bareilles - Love Song
Shiny Toy Guns - Rainy Monday
Shiny Toy Guns - Ricochet
Skillet - Rebirthing
Stephanie McIntosh - So Do I Say Sorry First
Stephanie McIntosh - The Night Of My Life
Taylor Swift - Love Story
The Offspring - Hammerhead
The Veronicas - Untouched
Triinu Kivilaan - Fallen
Vanessa Amorosi - Perfect
Weezer - Pork And Beans
It seems like the Guitar girl effect is in play in 2008 and part-time guitarists Belinda, Lights, Stephanie, Sara, Carrie and MAYBE Ashley Tisdale (only for one shot in Not Like That video) still have 2 songs left as well as Shiny Toy Guns and Katy Perry who are experienced guitarists. Delta Goodrem who is another in that mix still has 3 songs left. 31 other artists still have a song left. Metallica and Natalie Grant among the oldest left with Weezer and The Offspring. (The 2 younger members of Skillet are under 30 and 20 respectively, the Coopers are 33 and 36)
In the next set we will see Delta for the first time as well as Katy and another Aussie coming up, but not named Delta or Stephanie.
Still scheduled for today
Top 20 International Artists of 2008
Top 40 Songs by International Artists
Performances from Stephanie McIntosh, Sara Bareilles, AC/DC, Ashley Tisdale, Bonnie McKee and Belinda.
Appearances by Sharon Obermueller, Miley Cyrus, Aaron McCargo Jr. and Jazmin Conte.
Well, we're gonna have to push the AC/DC, Sara Bareilles and Belinda performances and the appearances by Jazmin, Aaron and Sharon for tomorrow as well as the top 40 songs by International singers. We might only have time for the Top 20 Best International stars because of inclement weather and choppy winds messing up with my connection
If I haven't visited your endcharts today, I'm sorry. This connection is lagging.
Stephanie:Hey gang, Stephanie McIntosh here again still filling in for Mike who's still at the GC site and won't be back until Saturday. So he told me I can host the Endchart for the next 3 days. Let's talk International. Now I know I will most likely be on this list since I am Aussie, but there's 24 others who deserve some love too. I will give you their homelands too. Once again, you get my commentary and you'll get Mike's commentary another time when he returns. First, a performance from me. Hope you like it, this is Wishin' & Hopin' And yes, for some reason I still keep this guitar with me. It's actually one that Alanis Morissette let me use for a while (may not be the same as the pic above) but enjoy. *DISCLAIMER:The clip doesn't actually show her playing instruments though, but the song is enjoyable*
Stephanie McIntosh - Wishin & Hopin
25. Duffy (Wales)
Can't say I'm surprised. The voice is there and Rockferry is a great holiday gift. I suggest you go buy it. Stepping Stone is a track that stands out. Should be top 5 here however.
24. Apocalyptica (Finland)
I can't say I'm surprised here. I'm Not Jesus was epic. I Don't Care was OK though. Not sure why they are ahead of Duffy though.
23. Brooke Fraser (New Zealand)
Well as much as I'm happy for her, I'm shocked she beat Duffy. Brooke, you might need to tell me what Albertine means though. I'd love to do a show with you. Shadowfeet of course got to #3 earlier this year.
22. Lesley Roy (Ireland)
OK, people are billing her as the 3rd member of the Lesley-Katy-Charlotte showdown. Not true at all, like I said she's very unique. Katy has her kissing, Charlotte has her suicidal lyrics, but Lesley's got the spunk and angst neither have I think.
21. Girls Aloud v.s. Sugababes (England)
How can you not have a Best Of International list without these 2 groups? It's crazy to not include them! Being from Australia, I decided to invite them to my special show and I attempted to cover Life Got Cold and then Too Lost In You, but I failed. They said I did great for not knowing the songs at all. Maybe if they were on Rockband (World Import).....LOL.
20. Esmee Denters (Netherlands)
OK seriously Mike, how is she #20 if she hasn't even made your chart? I know she's a Breakout star but Best International Star? I gotta question you on that Mike, sorry. Esmee's a gifted girl, but I don't think she belongs on this list just yet. She should be 26-30 though, but #20 is too high. Well, let's look at her. She was discovered I think by Natasha Bedingfield.
19. Eiza 'Lola' Gonzalez (Mexico)
Let's play a game called, 'What is Si Me Besas?' Well, looking at some translations I found it was 'If I Kiss?' Um, sounds right. Like it or not she had a big impact for the Spanish singers and is one 3 from them here.
18. Ednita Nazario (Puerto Rico)
No, she's not Katie White of The Ting Tings but that is a good resemblance. Well, she had a solid year with 1 song and being a 54 year old singer isn't easy. She almost became the oldest female soloist ever to hit #1 on Mike's chart before Natalie Grant stopped her en route to 15@1.
(by request, they don't want an image)
17. Finley (Italy)
They wouldn't be here if it weren't for Belinda and Your Hero, but I like these guys too. Your Hero might be the Video Of The Year for some with its powerful message. (not some cheesy video like Low by Flo Rida or Lollipop by Lil Wayne) Belinda has a special message for these guys coming up later on the Top 100.
16. Christina Sturmer (Austria)
She's here mainly because of Recurrent effect. This was unstoppable as far as mainstay in the top 40 with Scherbenmeer. She deserves to beat Finley and Brooke, but not enough to beat Duffy.
15. The Saturdays (England)
Here's a lyric, 'If this is love....' I forget the rest, sorry. The video for it is pretty good. Mollie told me that she would want to be more successful in 2009 with the group. Make it happen girls.
14. Rihanna (Barbados)
Well, it's borderline here on International. She had a good year IMO, Mike doesn't really think so but I understand. He had high hopes for her after 2 straight years of 2 Top 10 Endchart appearances. My expectations weren't as high though. Shut Up And Drive only finished #39 on my own personal Endchart last year.
13. Triinu Kivlaan (Estonia)
This is the first mention of Triinu on the Endchart. Fallen deserved to be #1 in 2008, but I will admit that this had a tough slew of competition to deal with. Triinu will have a good 2009, but not a great one I think.
12, 11 and 10. Pinboys, Within Temptation and Nightwish
They were virtually equal but Nightwish barely edges out the two. All had #1 hits.
9. Coldplay (England)
Coldplay should be higher, especially after the year they had. I understand there were better artists and I'm one of them, but you can't deny their run especially with what I think is Album Of The Year (not that overrated The Carter III or the over-buzzed I Am...Sasha Fierce)
8. Vanessa Amorosi (Australia)
Rock/Soul is her thing. www.myspace.com/vanessaamorosi that's her Myspace. I recommend you go check her out. She is awesome. Perfect stands out, The Simple Things is moving. Lovely girl.
7. The Ting Tings (England)
When I think of The Ting Tings, I think of crazy. 2 top 10 MWC hits and Katie's attempt to rap in SUALMG is amusing to say the least. Love ya Katie <3
6. Leona Lewis (England)
She was the 2nd best England had to offer and she's #6 here. I don't mind it so much, she had some hearty competition and she got the success she deserved in 2008. Well done Leona.
5. Delta Goodrem (Australia)
Such a gifted singer she is. Delta is like my rock in a way. I love you so much, I wish I had a sister like you. Anyway, she scored her biggest MWC hit ever with Believe Again that hit #1 5 times. You better be top 5 on the Endchart or I will be mad at Mike.
4. Natasha Bedingfield (England)
Natasha, you should duet with Delta and me. We would be great! Pocketful Of Sunshine was a monster at 8@1 and will be high on the Endchart. How would I do with this song? I'd nail it and maybe get 3@1 myself.
3. Stephanie McIntosh (Australia)
Frankly, I'm just honored to be on this list. I hit #1 4 times including adding 2 to So Do I Say Sorry First which now has 12@1, only 3 away from tying Natalie Grant. If you girls and boys support me enough, we can get 16@1 and break Natalie's record. Let's do it!
2. Lights (Canada)
She was the best Canada had to offer, but 8@1 is all she could muster for Drive My Soul. I think she should have been top 5, but #2 may be a stretch. I think Delta and I did more than her in 2008 but she did it because her fans believed in her....and those silly shower curtains too.
1. Belinda Schull (Mexico)
Talk about 2 big years! 2007 saw her Breakout, 2008 saw her blossom into the Best International Artist and it wasn't even close. Your Hero hit #1 4 times, See A Little Light was on top of the Ballads list, If We Were rocked the Recurrent for a long time, End Of The Day had a great video, Belinda had the magic touch in 2008. I think she is the Best this year too.
Stephanie:Here's my Top 5
1. Belinda Schull
2. Leona Lewis
3. Duffy
4. Stephanie McIntosh (myself)
5. Delta Goodrem
Bonnie McKee - Trouble (new song coming in 2009)
Ashley Tisdale - Shadows Of The Night (Stephanie:Wow, she did this cover? Nice attempt, but I'll take Pat Benatar any day though)
Stephanie:If we have time, the Top 40-50 Best Songs by International Artists and it includes Canada. And we will try to get Britney Spears to come. If you don't stay tuned, you'll miss my rendition of The Day That Never Comes (yes, I tried to sing this song)
Stephanie:It's time for my instant analysis or as I like to call it, 'Steph Says'. Let's break down this little show called Redemption Song.
Angelica Rose, I think if you were to put us in a singing duel-off....I'd crush her. She wouldn't be able to cover my songs very well. Mike messaged me about the show and told me about these girls. Angelica, I give you a 9/10
Alecia 'Mixi' Demner, I'd like to know how she got her nickname. Mixi says that she may come across as another of the rocker class, but in truth she says she wants to be more jazzy. Jazzy? Please, she fits that unique quality to an entirely new level, and I love it. What she's doing is truly amazing. Mixi, I give you a 10/10
Jazmin Conte, I loved playing against you in the GC Tournament Of Champions we just finished up. (Don't miss that tomorrow) We had a blast competing against each other and Daniele of BB8 challenged us with aggression. Well as for Jazmin as a singer I must say she has to be on a totally different zone compared to Angelica and Mixi. Jazmin has that down-to-earth style and I give her a lot of love. Jazmin, I give you a 9.5/10
Stephanie:So tomorrow, I will give you some more Best Of 2008 from Mike tomorrow.
Delta and Natasha were so tight for #4, but Natasha overtook her in the end.
Tomorrow, more fun stuff planned and Yankee04, Red, MC Steven and Johnald give us a surprise performance. You do NOT wanna miss this!