The Friday File: 77% of all revenue from recorded music goes to the top 1% of bands and solo artists. The 10 best-selling tracks now generate 82% more sales than 10 years ago, while the top 10 songs receive twice the airtime today than in 2004. Seven of the 10 most popular songs of all-time were released after 2004. In short, top hits are more popular and lucrative than ever.