December 2022 – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

#BILLCSTop100of2022

Online chart: https://www.tinyurl.com/BILLCSTop100of2022

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – December 22/22 spotlighting new songs by @WaitingForSmith #Roskamala @TwoFriendsmusic & @BillyLockett

2022 is almost at an end, but I still have eight more songs for you to check out below, all but one independently released. And that’s the way it goes in my blog posts – I always root for the talented underdogs.

Work now begins on my year end Top 100 of 2022, which I will begin counting down on Twitter next Thursday (December 29) through to Saturday (December 31). Like last year, I’m also preparing an online radio show of the Top 30 from the list, which will air first on Radio GTA and then on Mix88.ca on New Year’s Eve.

You can also read about my pick of the week, along with picks from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur. “The Musicman” James Rogers has ears on songs from 1969 this week with his Classic Five pop hits feature. Plus I include my Top 5’s from the BILLCS Top 30 from the last 5, 10, 15 and 20 years.

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

SPOTLIGHTING

WAITING FOR SMITH, “Heal”

Amsterdam-based British singer/songwriter Waiting For Smith follows up the delightful “Skylight Dawn” with “Heal”, which prompts frank conversations about mental health and wellness, as depicted in its unique video. The singer, whose real name is Harry Lloyd, uses his experiences with meditation and related philosophy as a result of spending a year in hospital after breaking his back a skiing accident. While the topic may seem heavy, his execution of “Heal” as a song is a much lighter affair, a touching and well-sung treatise about new beginnings and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s culled from his recent EP Trying Not To Try.

ROSKAMALA, GREENWICHE, “Kiss Me Amnesia”

“Kiss Me Amnesia” is a compelling and moody new slice of alt.pop from Thai artist and producer Roskamala, who left a successful career as an actress and TV host in order to pursue her love of music full-time. For “Kiss Me Amnesia”, she has enlisted the vocals of new male singer Greenwiche, whose expressive tone gives an affecting side to the song. The lyrics revolve around reconciling with the past in order to successfully move on to new relationships, which is also illustrated in the above video, though its ending provokes some questions. “Kiss Me Amnesia” is a strong debut single for Roskamala and I think we’ll be hearing much more from her.

TWO FRIENDS, BILLY LOCKETT, “Hate Me”

“Hate Me” is an impressive ballad given a lift by the Two Friends treatment, as they did earlier this year with their sentimental Top 5 dance radio hit with John.k, “Wish You Were Here”. This time though, the music adds future bass touches to anchor a song about trying to strengthen a relationship when something gets called into question. Its affecting vocal is by British singer/songwriter Billy Lockett, whose voice achingly wants the relationship badly enough that “Hate Me” becomes uplifting in the end. To me it’s kind of a bookend for The Chainsmokers’ “Everybody Hates Me” and will fit like a glove in Two Friends’ live sets.

FEATURING

TheFatRat, NEFFEX, “Back One Day (Outro Song)”

German producer TheFatRat continues to maintain his status as one of the most popular creators on You Tube and in the gaming world, thanks to his ability to lift copyright restrictions on his music, which allows it to be used freely across platforms. “Back One Day” is a post-victory song where you can imagine characters in a movie or video game celebrating their successes and looking forward to the next adventure. It’s actually a vocal version of TheFatRat’s song “Xenogenesis (Outro Song)” for which he enlisted another popular You Tube creator, NEFFEX, whose early 2000’s alt.rock styled voice alternately provides conviction and urgency to the song. Despite its immediate connection to You Tube and gaming, “Back One Day” is a versatile, energetic song that stands stalwartly on its own, and I can see DJ’s and producers playing it at festivals and other concerts.

ZOE SKY JORDAN, “Just Fine”

“Just Fine” is a solid mix of rock and folk that might be best heard in live performance – and I wrote this review before I knew about the above video. Zoe Sky Jordan is not a new name on the pop scene, a US-based Toronto-born singer/songwriter whose parents, Marc Jordan and Amy Sky, are two highly respected Canadian musicians that saw some domestic success in the 70’s and 80’s and continue performing today. “Just Fine” has a dreamy alt.pop vibe that will appeal to fans of Lana Del Rey, Lorde, and Mitski, and draws attention with a fantastic guitar solo and a memorable chorus that repeats, “I always live up to the hype, never crack under pressure”. “Just Fine” pulls you in with repeated listens and is from Zoe’s upcoming album.

BENJAMIN RUSSELL, ROB STUART, “Yell” (Rob Stuart’s club mix)

Canadian singer/songwriter/producer and electronic dance artist Benjamin Russell has a new album on the way early next year called Something In F Minor, which is his debut release in collaboration with fellow musician Rob Stuart. It has already been preceded by a few singles, out of which Rob’s club mix of “Yell” caught my attention lately. This is a lively, raw, cathartic electronic release reminiscent of 80’s new wave and post new wave artists like early Depeche Mode, John Foxx, Shriekback, and early Underworld. Of course who better to translate those inspirations than someone such as Benjamin, who was there and recorded one of my favourite Canadian synth pop songs of its day, “Miracle” (long out of print, check it out below). “Yell” is a real ear-grabber that commands your attention, and it comes in a variety of mixes in EP form, so just let yourself go and dance…..

SID SETH, “Caffeine High”

“Caffeine High” is a short and breezy slice of pop from India-born, NYC-based singer/songwriter Sid Seth. Like with previous single “Simple Yet True” (which I reviewed a while back), Sid writes straight-forward, generally upbeat songs that speak genuinely and many listeners will relate. When you’ve had a great day or have met someone special, then you live that rush of a “Caffeine High”. But the actual backstory of this song is about Sid’s initial experiences living in NYC, which he describes as “the heart-attack life. The lows are crazy and so are the highs.”

DUB ZOO, “Confusion”

I never knew that psychedelic dubstep from Australia was a thing until I learned about the music of Dub Zoo, which has been been going strong in Oz since 2016. Dub Zoo is a collective of revolving members and vocalists which mixes dark, deep fare with lighter songs. “Confusion” is one of the former, and will certainly evoke fond memories of early UB40, The Specials, and Massive Attack. Lizzie O’Keefe’s compelling voice leads the way and “Confusion” will leave fans of dubstep mighty content, while offering a breath of fresh air to new listeners. It’s culled from Dub Zoo’s new album Strange Times.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

“Black Mascara” by Greyson Chance from his album Palladium

“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

“Girlfriend” by North Carolina singer/songwriter Hemlocke Springs

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S PICK OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” (currently on hiatus until January) which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

Saudi Arabian singer/songwriter Kali-B with “What I Mean”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song. In a 1969 kinda mood this week…

Tommy James & The Shondells – Crimson and Clover
The Archies – Sugar Sugar
The Rolling Stones – Honky Tonk Women
Steam -Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye
The Beatles – Come Together

THE BILLCS TOP 30 – 5-10-15-20…

The Top 5 songs from the BILLCS Top 30 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago…

2017

Pineapple Skies – Miguel
Flags – Shoffy featuring Yuna
Sky Walker – Miguel featuring Travis Scott
Need Your Heart – Latchmere
Crazy (Tiësto’s Big Room Mix) – Dzeko

2012

Parachute – Matthew Koma
Don’t You Worry Child – Swedish House Mafia featuring John Martin
Yeah Yeah – Willy Moon
Between The Raindrops – Lifehouse featuring Natasha Bedingfield
Music Makes You Lose Control – Carlos Nóbrega

2007

How To Build A Time Machine – Darren Hayes
Papercut – Roz Bell
Don’t Stop The Music – Rihanna
Me, Myself & (I) – Darren Hayes
Calabria – Enur f/ Natasja

2002

Serve The Ego (Gabriel & Dresden remix) – Jewel
James Dean (I Wanna Know) – Daniel Bedingfield
Disease – Matchbox Twenty
The Sound Of Violence – Cassius featuring Steve Edwards
Something – Lasgo

#BILLCSTop30 #655 – December 19/22

This edition of the new chart is my last one for 2022. The next edition will kick off 2023 on January 2, 2022. I’ll have one more edition of the BILLCS New Music Report in two days, but the report will not publish next week as I will be preparing my Top 100 of 2022. I expect to count down the list on Twitter in three parts starting Thursday December 29. The full list will be published on December 31, and that evening an online radio broadcast of my Top 30 of 2022 will happen first on Radio GTA and then on Mix88.ca. So there’s lots more coming to put a wrap on an interesting year in music!

The best places to communicate with me continue to be Twitter @billcs or Instagram @thebillcs or Facebook @BILLCSMusicProjects. Follow this blog using the “Follow” button at the bottom of the home page.

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below too as they are increasingly tied in with this blog.

For the final chart of the year, “Yours” by Conan Gray is locked in at #1 for a second appearance at the top. But also, where will the song finish on my year end list next week?

Both “Golden Hour” by JVKE (above) and “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez (also above) have been bookends making a deliberate pace up the chart. “Golden Hour” however moves 6-3, and “Until I Found You” inches up 5-4, which will also allow them to finish off well on my year end list. JVKE also has a new song which you shouldn’t miss. It was a surprise for me to f,ind out that “Hero” was recorded with Martin Garrix and it’s definitely turning into a new favourite. Check it out below with its cool animated video.

Charlie Puth’s short but thoughtful “Charlie Be Quiet” moves up 8-5 and becomes his third Top 5 song on this chart. The other two were “Attention” (#1) and “We Don’t Talk Anymore” (with Selena Gomez, #5).

The top of the chart is heavy with action as Darin’s “Satisfaction” (above) climbs 14-6 and is the Fastest Riser on the chart for a second chart in a row. His other entry, “What’s The Point” (below), jumps 25-20.

“The Power” is looking to become Matoma’s personal best on the chart. The rollicking sports anthem moves up 10-7, one position behind the peak of his 2016 release “False Alarm” with Becky Hill.

I’ve really had a sweet spot all year for ballads or softer songs recorded by new male singers. You can add Toronto’s Shawn Molko to that list as his lovely “I Will Wait” climbs 11-8.

Continuing to rev up the dance charts is “Lionheart (Fearless)” by Joel Corry and Tom Grennan which rises 13-9.

Toronto duo Crash Adams get their first Top 10 placement on the chart with “Give Me A Kiss”, which jumps 12-10.

Zac Poor’s poignant bop “Ghost Boy” kicks into high gear and moves up 22-16.

The Highest Debut on the chart belongs to Greyson Chance with “Black Mascara” at #25, another stunning track from his Palladium album. His beautiful performance of the song from his December 1 show in Toronto sticks in my memory and compelled me to revisit it, now one of my favourites from the album. As his song “Athena” departs the chart this week after peaking at #6, Greyson continues to have to songs on the chart as “My Dying Spirit” holds at #2.

At #26 is the unanticipated collaboration of dance music legend Armand Van Helden and British house music queen Karen Harding. The song is “Wings (I Won’t Let You Down)”, an Armand release from 2016 built around the refrain of Ph.D.’s 1981 Top 5 UK hit “I Won’t Let You Down”, which has been revamped to include original lyrics and vocals from Karen. Even better, the song keeps the late Jim Diamond’s vocal intact in the chorus. It’s an upbeat song made into something euphoric thanks to the talented team. While “Wings” is Armand’s first appearance under his own name on this chart since 2007 (since he’s also a member of Duck Sauce), it’s also his sixth entry, which includes two #1’s, the house classic and UK #1 “U Don’t Know Me” (with Duane Harden, 1999) and “My My My” (2005). “My My My” in fact is an early example of a dance producer building a new song around an old one, which in that case was Gary Wright’s “Comin’ Apart”. Karen has also worked on other tracks like this, for example ALTÉGO’s “I Wanna Know”, which I wrote about recently, is a similarly styled reboot of CHIC’s “Soup For One”. “Wings” is Karen’s 7th entry on the chart.

The last new entry at #27 is the dance music radio firecracker “Spiral” by NYC’s Lena Leon at #27. This song has quickly moved up into the Top 10 of the national dance music radio charts. It’s well-deserved, with an excellent vocal driving a unique house music release. It’s Lena’s second entry on the chart, her first being earlier this year with Mahalo and Milkwish on “Careless” (#3).

View the full BILLCS Top 30 right here! Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!

Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! You can also follow me on Spotify at the following link: BILLCS Top 30 Songs.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Radio GTA

Listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST on Wednesdays as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs. The show also repeats on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. EST and Sunday mornings at 2:00 AM EST. You can hear past episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

Halton Hills Online

“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free. “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every week on “The 3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA. My pick of the week airs 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear past episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy (currently on hiatus until January)

This is a weekly show hosted by Hunter Wilbur that airs on several online stations but is anchored at Mix88.ca on Saturdays beginning at 8pm EST. You can hear past episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.

For other details about the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – December 14/22 spotlighting @Darinofficial @BensonBoone #TASBA @RiverTiber @NiGHTS_official

10 seems to be the magic number for all the new music that can fit into the BILLCS New Music Report every week for you. I guess that I’ve essentially revamped my previous “10/10” feature into a weekly report of the best new songs that I’ve heard in the last few weeks, some of which you’ll be seeing on my personal chart, the BILLCS Top 30, soon too.

You can also read about my pick of the week, along with picks from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur. “The Musicman” James Rogers dips back into the 60’s this week with his Classic Five pop hits feature. Plus I include my current BILLCS Top 30 #1 song and the Fastest Riser on the chart.

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

SPOTLIGHTING

DARIN, “Memories”

As regular readers of the blog know, I just can’t get enough of the recent releases from Swedish pop star Darin. He’s followed up the single release of “What’s The Point” with a five song EP, My Purple Clouds, which not only includes previous singles “Can’t Stay Away”, “Superstar” and “Satisfaction” (which is currently rising up the BILLCS Top 30), but two new tracks, “Give You Up” and “Memories”. Both are solid, but “Memories” gets the edge for me because it evokes thoughts of great pop singles of the past, and how much of today’s contemporary music is veering away from classic songs structures and arrangements. “Memories” is particularly 80s/90s inspired, and I love how Darin’s variety of producers are shaping his already excellent voice for his 2020’s era.

BENSON BOONE, “Before You”

2022 has brought us numerous songs from young new talents from Instagram or Tik Tok who show off their softer side quite well – including Stephen Sanchez, JVKE (both currently with songs on my chart), and Washington’s Benson Boone. Following up the 20 year old’s EP Walk Me Home, which includes the still-gorgeous “In The Stars” (which reached #2 on the BILLCS Top 30 earlier this year), Benson brings us the romantic “Before You”. The song’s about stopping time and basking in the moment with that special someone, and trying to remember what life was like before you met. Benson’s passionate performance (check out his live performance above) makes “Before You” extra special and a cut way above the average ballad.

https://soundcloud.com/tanyabarrera17/tasba-id-radio-mix?si=432ce993245947d0af6af82b2756fc54&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

TASBA, “Now”

TASBA is a new electronic dance producer from Denver (aka Tanya Barrera), who can shift seamlessly within sub-genres. A while back I wrote about her debut release, the deeply personal instrumental trance track “Inner Child”, and she returns with the energetic deep house of “Now”. As she told me about the song, visualize if you will “two lovers facing difficulties with expressing their love for each other. So close, yet so far to connecting and letting each other know they feel the same.” “Now” is a lengthy late night house track that will set the mood for your club soirée. With high calibre releases like “Now” (in both radio and extended mixes), we can look forward to much more from TASBA in ’23.

RIVER TIBER, “Not Just Anyone”

Toronto’s River Tiber has been my go-to alternative pop artist during the last decade who never fails to come up with songs that are totally out of the ordinary, and occasionally catches the ear of someone like Drake, who sampled River Tiber’s “No Talk” on one of his albums. River Tiber (aka Tommy Paxton-Beesley) recently dropped his third album Dreaming Eyes (his first indie album is out of print and not on steaming services), which is chock full of such a myriad of influences that it would be hard to name even a handful and sound knowledgeable. He draws upon classical, pop, rock, jazz and avant-garde sounds that alternately challenge and soothe the listener. “Not Just Anyone” is a particularly jazz-inflected track that features a good use of his voice against a backdrop of a fast-paced linear-sounding melody. Much of the album is awash in sounds from different instruments – such as harp, if I’m hearing right – and melodies evocative of other pre-rock eras. Previous singles “Sent From Above” and “Hypnotized” are included. The ultimate test for “Not Just Anyone” and other songs from Dreaming Eyes will be to hear them performed live – the last time I saw River Tiber perform in concert was in 2016.

N i G H T S, “Boyband”

Right away, I want to tell you that “Boyband” isn’t a new release for the prolific Philadelphia-based electronic pop/R&B duo N i G H T S. But it is one that I seem to have missed, though judging by its streaming numbers, it’s one of their most popular releases to date. “Boyband” has resurfaced in these blog pages because of a new video for what has turned out to be a rather timeless-sounding song. As the two members of N i G H T S continue gradually to reveal themselves from the shadows in it, the video for “Boyband” is also provocative for its minimal black and white style that captures both a cool vibe and attitude that’s a perfect match for the song, which is heavier in hip hop flavours than usual for the guys. So it was a good call to drop this video to reignite interest in “Boyband” four years after its original release, because if it caught my attention then others will also enjoy.

FEATURING

A.J. SMITH, “Naughty”

“Naughty” is about as different a Christmas song that you can get, and it’s brought to you by Nashville-based rising multi-talent A.J. Smith. And different here means joyous, festive and jingling bells, but it also means some suggestive holiday fun for grown-ups. A.J.’s voice really soars, his wordsmithing will make you smile, and as usual his production is impeccable, so when making your holiday playlists, start some new traditions with “Naughty”.

VASSY, BINGO PLAYERS, THE DISCO FRIES, “Pieces”

“Pieces” is a bouncy and vibrant slice of classic 90’s flavoured deep house brought to you by an amazing mix of dance music talent: Australian singer/songwriter VASSY, who has had 7 Billboard dance/club play chart #1’s to date; The Netherlands’ Bingo Players, known for the UK #1 “Get Up (Rattle)”; and NYC’s The Disco Fries, regulars in this blog who have previously collaborated with Bingo Players (on 2020’s “Forever Love”) but also got to #1 on the Billboard dance/club play chart with VASSY a few years ago with “Concrete Heart”. “Pieces” is everything that you could expect and more to keep those party vibes grooving along, and is currently in the Top 30 and rising up North American national dance radio charts.

ST. HUMAIN “Pillow”

Australia-based singer/songwriter St. Humain continues to dazzle with his relatable stories which are beautifully sung and often set to zesty pop electronic backdrops. “Pillow” finds the protagonist’s head wanting to ease into a relationship while his heart urges him to jump. It’s that in-between stage when we usually find that the relationship isn’t going to happen for one reason or another, and it ends up being the stuff that keeps us up late at night. You can pick and choose your favourite with “Pillow” or previous consistently fine releases “Memento”, “Tastes Like You” and “Sick Sad Love Song”, all or any of which are apt to be included on St. Humain’s upcoming EP Metadramatic.

MOD SUN, CHARLOTTE SANDS, “SEXOXO”

Minnesota-based singer/songwriter Mod Sun has released his 4th single from his upcoming album God Save The Teen called “SEXOXO”, which also follows up his collaboration with dance producers Two Friends on “Timebomb” (which recently peaked at #9 on the BILLCS Top 30). This is a fun-loving song that celebrates exploring a new relationship and all the feelings that go hand-in-hand with that – which might have a little to do with his own life with fiancée Avril Lavigne. Featuring impressive L.A. singer/songwriter Charlotte Sands – who you know from social media through her song “Dress” and her duet with Brandyn Burnette, “Everything” (which reached #7 on the BILLCS Top 30 about a year ago) – the pair definitely are in sync on “SEXOXO” and their chemistry makes the song stand out. Mod Sun keeps turning new pages with his music, leaps and bounds beyond his early pop punk/hip hop days, and I’ll look forward to hearing more on the album.

XANA, “bet you’ll get off on this”

As its title implies, “bet you’ll get off on this” is about boldly stating your authentic self, laying everything bare so that others can choose to stick with you or move on, with no regrets. Canadian pop singer/songwriter Xana has a flair for waxing poetic directly, and eloquently at that. This mainly acoustic release with minimal production, supported by acoustic guitar and strings, is an ideal showcase for this song. Fans of singers like Jewel, Brandi Carlile or Ingrid Michaelson will enjoy the music of Xana.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

It’s a banger! “Goin’ Down” by electronic dance producers DLMT & Party Shirt

“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

“Can’t Stop Us Now” by Mr. Worldwide himself Pitbull, this time with Country singer Zac Brown

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S PICK OF THE WEEK

18 year old Canadian singer/songwriter Aja with “Fireflies”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Aretha Franklin – Respect
Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay
Tommy Roe – Dizzy
Troggs – Wild Thing
Marvin Gaye – I Heard It Through The Grapevine

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

“Yours” by Conan Gray

BILLCS Top30 FASTEST RISER

“Satisfaction” by Darin (26-14)

#BILLCSTop30 #654 – December 5/22

My chart is three days early as I will be going on my first week-long cruise on Saturday, and plan to take a break from my regular routines to enjoy everything that it has to offer. With this kind of trip, vacation means vacation! A reminder too that there will be no BILLCS New Music Report until Wednesday, December 14.

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below too as they are increasingly tied in with this blog.

The new chart is my second last for 2022 and marks another shakeup, including another new #1. Conan Gray’s stunning ballad “Yours” makes the big leap 6-1 for his first chart topper which is culled from his album Superache. It’s also an early Happy Birthday for Conan, who turns 24 on Monday!!

Remaining at #2 is “My Dying Spirit” by Greyson Chance from the Palladium album. It’s kind of odd to have two songs that aren’t from the electronic dance world at the top, but these ones are very deserving. And Greyson performed one of my favourite concerts of the year last night in Toronto. Though he said he was nervous he was deeply committed and I felt that the concert was the equivalent of a musical group hug.

“Golden Hour” (above) by JVKE rises 10-6, as a new duet of the song, featuring British singer Cat Burns (below), is released, to try and capitalize on the Top 40 success of “Golden Hour” in the UK. As much as I enjoyed Cat’s duet with Sam Smith on “Go” earlier this year, I think that “Golden Hour” is just fine with JVKE solo, though do listen for yourself to decide. And have you noticed that most of the song is pretty much a waltz?

Charlie Puth gets a 31st birthday present today as “Charlie Be Quiet” climbs 14-8, becoming his fourth Top 10 on my chart, from his album Charlie.

L.A. based singer/songwriter Lily Lane’s dynamic and dramatic “Bad” climbs 12-9 from her EP Queen of Hearts. I enjoy how the singer borrows stylistically from some singers and their songs – in the chorus I clearly hear Adele’s “Rumour Has It”.

Norway’s Matoma gets his 3rd Top 10 and first in 4 years with new sports anthem “The Power” soaring 19-10. He previously reached #6 in 2016 with “False Alarm” (with Becky Hill) and #10 in 2018 with “Lonely” (with MAX).

Toronto’s Crash Adams has been picked up by Warner Records and their fun and breezy single “Give Me A Kiss” climbs 18-12.

I’m hoping that Joel Corry & Tom Grennan’s “Lionheart (Fearless)” becomes a huge North American hit outside of dance radio and clubs. This potent anthem bolts 21-13.

The Fastest Riser on the chart – to no surprise to regular readers – is “Satisfaction” (above) by Darin, which vaults 26-14. It looks like the Swedish star is destined for a fourth Top 10 in a row. And might there be a fifth? His pop cover of Johnossi’s “What’s The Point” (below) debuts at #25.

I’ve been enjoying how Martin Garrix has been tapping into more alternative electronica rather than focusing on dance pop or festival bangers. His collaboration with DallasK and vocalist Sasha Alex Sloan, “Loop”, rises 22-17.

The rest of the previous chart’s debuts also make headway. “100% Pure Love” (above), the Crystal Waters classic redone by Years & Years, climbs 27-19. Then there’s the winning collaboration of Tiësto and Tate McRae for “10:35” (also above), which moves up 28-21. And right behind is Zac Poor’s beautiful indie release “Ghost Boy” (below), up 29-22. Although “Ghost Boy” ultimately confronts homophobic behaviour, if you listen closely to the lyrics you may also relate if you have ever been bullied or have been made deliberately to feel out of place.

The Highest Debut belongs to two of my faves, Illenium and MAX, two artists I would never have thought would work together, but here they are with “Worst Day” at #24. The song to me could have even been an outtake from Illenium’s Ascend album. It’s a heavenly match and more on the pop side than usual for Illenium, and introduces MAX to yet another audience. “Worst Day” is Illenium’s 10th chart entry, following last year’s #1 “Sideways”, and it’s MAX’s 12th and first in almost two years!

At #28, Canadian dance producer DLMT makes his chart debut along with Australia-based duo Party Shirt with the immensely fun “Goin’ Down”. This one is tailored for New Year’s Eve parties and just try to resist moving around to it.

And at #29, New York City-based but Israel-born dance producer GATTÜSO returns with his second chart entry, “I’ll Be There”, which is graced with the voice of go-to dance singer/songwriter Zak Abel. GATTÜSO reached #8 earlier this year with “Afterglow” in collaboration with Nicky Romero and singer/songwriter Jared Lee.