If you’re like me and want to hear music recorded by humans, then I would suggest avoiding playlists created by the streaming platforms themselves, unless they have a policy against music created by AI. Apparently, AI-created music is becoming prevalent on streaming platforms, and casual listeners are falling for the scams. Hard-working artists should not have to compete against technology for their craft, so be careful out there.
Check out information about my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS after the chart commentary below as they are now directly tied in with this blog. As most of you know, I host 3 online radio shows – The Big 20 and two iterations of Your Weekend New Music Mix – and produce 2 online radio segments – my new music and retro picks of the week – that are all pre-recorded. The Big 20 and the picks of the week are happily being syndicated and you can find the current schedule for all at the bottom of the home page of this blog.
NOTE: I will be gradually phasing out the You Tube links for the songs on the chart for accessibility purposes. With this week’s new entries, the links in the photos are now Spotify links.
Swedish House Mafia and Alicia Keys hold on to #1 on the chart for a second appearance with their brilliant collaboration “Finally”. It’s definitely a hard act to follow by either one of these talents.
“Somedays” is the warm and inviting deep house track by Sonny Fodera, Jazzy and D.O.D. which now climbs 4-2 and is set to challenge for the top spot in two weeks.
A lot of the audience who attended Angrybaby’s show in Toronto on Saturday were evidently waiting to hear his banger “Back To Life”, judging by the reactions when it was played. “Back To Life” moves up 8-4.
Leaping 14-6 and now in the Top 10 mix is Alexander Stewart’s exuberant “His Problem Instead”. It’s his first solo entry to reach the Top 10. “Wrong Way”, with Two Friends, got to #3 late last year. And speaking of Two Friends, I’m seeing them in concert on January 31, and I’m full expecting an Alex Stew cameo!!
The only other new entry to the Top 10 is “Only I” by Hayla, climbing 12-10. It’s her fourth Top 10 entry, and she was her dazzling self at the Kygo concert I saw last week, singing “Without You” (which reached #1 on this chart last year).
Moving up the chart briskly is Crash Adams’ affecting and uber-positive “Optimist”, which jumps 19-11. If you want to join in on the guys’ brand of outreach to their fans, then follow their broadcast channel on IG. One of the best!
I think sometimes terrestrial radio is at odds with the streaming world. I read a column recently which claims songs like Damiano David’s gorgeous “Born With A Broken Heart” (23-16) aren’t getting a lot of requests at radio. The world doesn’t revolve around radio anymore and right now if programmers want to cater to the casual listeners making ongoing requests for “A Bar Song” or “Good Luck, Babe!”, then go right ahead.
The Fastest Riser on the chart is “Heart First” by Lucas and Steve with Jordan Shaw, which soars 26-17. I just love the hooks, melody and vocal in this one. I’m surprised North American dance radio isn’t all over it following the artists’ #1 last year with “End of Time”.
While there are also plenty of songs moving up in the bottom half of the chart, we’ll see in two weeks which songs break through a bit more as it looks like anyone’s guess, including mine!
The Highest Debut is “Hypnotized” by Anyma and Ellie Goulding at #26. Anyma is the American-Italian producer who has been in the news because of his residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas and the stunning show he has put on there, which I assume will be going on tour in a different iteration. It’s his first appearance on the chart, but Ellie Goulding is welcomed back for the fourth time but first since 2013, and she sounds great on “Hypnotized”.
Next at #27 is “The Message” by Nashville producer MGR Mike and Mexican producer Milton V. It’s a standout disco-house track featuring an excerpt of an inspiring speech by Ricky Turcios, the 2021 bantamweight Ultimate Fighter contest winner. While tracks like this could get old really fast, this one keeps your interest because of its enthusiasm and the driven rhythm, which is guaranteed to have you moving in no time.
And at #28, it’s the second chart entry by Switzerland’s Luca Hänni, known for his 2019 EuroVision performance of “She Got Me”. That catchy piece of business got to #5 on this chart, so who knows if “Love Me Better” will do the same. Its engaging and timely lyrics about self-love and self-care after a breakup is certainly a big draw.
ONLINE RADIO SHOWS
You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!
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. JC Legend fills in for The Musicman until April. The show also repeats on Saturday evening at 6 pm EST. You can hear recent episodes of The Big 20 at the following link: The Big 20.
My New Music Pick of the Week debuts each week on The Big 20. It airs more than 25 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking at the following link: Schedule.
On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.
My Retro Pick of the Week airs each week on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline”, Saturdays at 4pm EST. You can view its schedule by going to the lower right corner of the home page of this blog.
The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada
The 3D Variety Show is on hiatus and will return in April 2025.
Canada’s Party Dog Radio now anchors Hunter Wilbur’s “Modern Hype” on Saturdays at 6pm EST, which airs my New Music Pick of the Week. Party Dog Radio also airs “The Big 20”, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week on Sundays after 9pm EST.
For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! Schedules are updated regularly.
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