2020 favourites are gradually departing the chart to make room for what’s new and fresh. There are five debuts on the new chart, a few that have been waiting through the heavy holiday period to find their way onto the chart. There’s lots of great music coming in January alone, so the competition for future charts will be particularly fierce.
“Give It Back” by NYC producers The Disco Fries and L.A. production trio Giiants with vocalist/songwriter Allison Park continues its reign at the top. This one leads the way in the ‘dance banger’ department for me right now, though there are other fun ones further down the chart.
Could “Nobody” by Norway’s NOTD and Catello be the one to succeed “Give It Back” at #1? Currently experiencing one of the longest stays at #1 on US dance radio in recent memory, I hope “Nobody” is also promoted to pop radio. It climbs 6-2.
“No One But You” (above), the quiet, beautiful R&B/pop ballad by Toronto’s Justin Nozuka with UK singer/songwriter Mahalia climbs 5-4 from an upcoming EP that will be released in the Spring. Justin’s latest peaceful and tranquil new single is “summer night 08” – check out the video below.
Like “Bad Decisions”, “Late Night Love” by Toronto’s Francesco Yates has long-lasting power. This funky, soulful, naughty jam climbs 7-5 to match the peak of “Bad Decisions”.
With the release of their album The Good Times and the Bad Ones, L.A. quintet Why Don’t We arrive in the Top 10 with the rollicking “Fallin’ (Adrenaline)”, moving up 11-8.
Also new to the Top 10, somewhat belatedly, is “Chew On My Heart” by James Bay, which rises 12-9. James was last in the Top 10 with 2018’s “Pink Lemonade”, which peaked at #2.
Karen Harding is well on her way to having two Top 10’s in a row on this chart. Following last year’s #1 “Undo My Heart”, “Let’s Get Together”, a collaboration with Scottish producers Illyus and Barrientos, zips up the chart 17-12.
The fastest riser on the chart is by the venerable, influential dance group Faithless. They’ve returned after a long absence with a new album called All Blessed, and “Synthesizer”, featuring singer Nathan Ball, soars 24-16.
With its rather obtuse, mythical-sounding lyrics and futuristic production, Deadmau5 looks to have his biggest hit to date with “Bridged By A Lightwave”, featuring the commanding vocal of Kiesza, up 25-19.
Another innovative production that throws back hard to 90’s techno is “Sinnerman” by England’s Hot Since 82 featuring vocalist/songwriter Ed Graves. From Hot Since 82’s new album Recovery, “Sinnerman” climbs 27-20.
The highest debut is by a performer who effectively replaces himself on the chart. Illenium’s “Nightlight” (#8) departs in favour of new single “Hearts On Fire”, a collaboration with Canadian producer Dabin and Juno Award winning singer/songwriter Lights. Also coming in various remixes, “Hearts On Fire” charges on to the chart at #22. It’s Illenium’s 8th chart entry since 2018.
Premiering on the chart is young French producer Wizzay with the punchy house track “Jealous” at #25 from his debut EP “Who I Am?”. Chart trivia: The uncredited vocalist on this track also appears elsewhere on this chart as part of a group of producers…
His history on this chart has spanned almost 20 years. In fact, the first time he appeared on the chart, it wasn’t even under his own name. “Feel Something” by dance music veteran Armin van Buuren arrives at #26. His first appearance on this chart was in 2002 with the classic “The Sound Of Goodbye” (#4) under the name Perpetuous Dreamer, before Armada Records released its first record. “Feel Something” marks his 8th appearance under his name, with guest vocals by 2019 Eurovision winner Dutch singer/songwriter Duncan Laurence (“Arcade”).
Brits both, producer Bobby Harvey and vocalist Danny Dearden make their debuts with “Tell Me” at #27. It’s one of my favourite deep house tracks that had to wait a little longer than usual to premiere on the chart.
At #28 is the fun alt.rock track by Toronto’s grandson called “Dirty”. The Juno Award nominee reached #1 for three appearances (six weeks) last Spring as the vocalist/co-writer of Whethan’s “All In My Head”.
A reminder that the music from my chart and blog are featured regularly on the online radio station The New Radio GTA. You can hear their Big 20 on Wednesday evenings with ‘The Musicman’ James Rogers and listen for songs from the chart too 🙂 Scroll down the station’s main page to listen to lots of variety from across the decades! I’m the new music consultant for the station so you can expect even more in 2021 🙂 You can start by joining Radio GTA’s new interactive Facebook group too!!
View the full BILLCS Top 30 right here! Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!
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