Making it four intriguing singles in a row, “Handle” by Netherlands-based Emirati producers Revelries is probably their most unique one thus far. Highlighting the soft and breathy vocal style of Atlanta singer M F L R, “Handle” has the underlying vibe of a George Michael song without sounding like the singer. It’s also got many sexy rhythmic and chill, atmospheric qualities… but gosh if it isn’t next to impossible to figure out what it’s all about… and, to be honest, it doesn’t really matter. There are many fine songs out there that draw you in for other reasons than lyrical content and this collaboration of Revelries and M F L R takes a lot of risks in “Handle” that just work.
“Let It Go” is meant to be played from huge speakers at an outdoor club pool party, with enough high-end future bass sounds to resonate around the block. It’s all brought to you courtesy of Toronto-based producer Wildfire (aka Paul O’Brien) with bright and shiny synths and a crisp female vocal. The rhythm of “Let It Go” struts along well until a few well placed drops cause you to lose control and let your body flow right along. I do believe Wildfire has a lot of potential with “Let It Go”, and the producer has already received past support from the likes of The Chainsmokers and Alison Wonderland.
Axel Mansoor is an Emmy Awards-nominated singer/songwriter who has the rare talent for grasping particular moments in time and putting it into music. We’ve already experienced glorious songs like “Wasted My Love” and “Out Of My Head”, but this time with “The Other Side”, Axel sings about making choices in a soft, soulful, high register. This gives a gentle side to dealing with such decisions, making them part of everyday life rather than something to stress over, and by song’s end something that is resolute. “The Other Side” has a delightful mid-tempo arrangement with solid harmonies and guitar work, and continues to earmark the growth of this talented performer.
The French brothers that recorded under the name Krono had a viral favourite particularly in Europe a few years back with their remix of Aaron Smith’s “Dancin'”. After releasing an album and receiving plenty of support from most major DJ’s, Krono are back via Tipsy Records with “Perfect Strangers” from the upcoming album The Kid Life. These lads are classically trained and know how to keep a melody moving. And with great help from singer PIOTR, the song has major 90’s/00’s retro appeal with a soulful voice that takes cues from Jay Kay of Jamiroquai and Adam Levine. Add a dark and mysterious undercurrent to the song and “Perfect Strangers” should have know trouble making lots of friends in due order.
After winning a slew of recent awards in her native London, which led to a story in Billboard last month, Natalie Shay is more than ready to shine in the worldwide spotlight that a solid song like “Yesterday” might bring for her. Co-written and recorded with Jonathan Vears, who has worked with the likes of Imagine Dragons, “Yesterday” is richly layered, punchy pop/rock that recounts a relationship that was never meant to be. Natalie’s style often recalls artists like Alanis Morissette, or perhaps even her own namesake, Natalie Imbruglia – one that will rock right out but still capture a beautifully trained voice with expressive qualities. “Yesterday” is a worthy introduction to a new talent that we will hear more of throughout the year.
I’m not sure what “Navi.6” is all about, but I think that’s part of the appeal behind the new single from Toronto electronic duo Isla Den (aka Ellie and Michael). This is indie DIY story-making electronica that throws me back to the early 80’s when folks like The Cocteau Twins were emerging to bring another side to the new wave sounds that became more popular, with a vocal here that recalls late 80’s UK groups like The Sundays or The Heart Throbs. What I also like about “Navi.6” are the inspired tempo shifts, and the spiritual, other-worldly side to some of its lyrics, particularly later in the song. “Navi.6” is a fine song to generate interest in what Isla Den are all about after receiving some attention last year with a debut EP. The duo received subsequent acclaim for bringing their songs to life through visuals in concert, and a follow up EP is coming soon.
Isla Den play The Garrison in Toronto on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
Some new songs make inroads deeper into the chart and there are four debuts.
But it’s once again A-Trak and Todd Terry who dominate the list for a 4th appearance (8 weeks) with “DJ’s Gotta Dance More”.
But “DJ’s Gotta Dance More” (above) should give way next week to the fantastic song that soars 10-2, which is “Closure” by Dutch producer and record label honcho Steve Void. The original version is above and the new acoustic version is below in its video featuring singer Andy Marsh.
The disco-tastic “Mister Love” by Luxembourg’s White Chocolate (above)advances 8-5, while the pairing of Jax Jones and Years & Years is a winner with “Play” (below) moving up 9-6.
New to the Top 10 are the *rock and roll* of “Siren” by The Chainsmokers (above) – who have more new music coming this week with 5 Seconds Of Summer called “Who Do You Love” – featuring Aazar, rising 14-9, and the fastest riser on the chart from Netherlands-based Emirati duo Revelries in partnership with Sam Smyers and vocalist Oktavian for “Don’t Think Twice” (below), moving 20-10. The Revelries lads also have new music coming out this week called “Handle” featuring MFLR.
“Shooting Star” (above) by NYC singer/songwriter/producer Anna Yvette reaches a new peak of #11, while Sam Bluer’s “Bite My Tongue” (19-14) and “Sexual Vibe” (21-15) by Charlie Puth’s younger brother Stephen (both below) are both eyeing the Top 10.
Indie songstress Molly Moore jumps into the Top 20 for the 5th time with “Be Here Now” (22-17, above), while hot newcomer and Milwaukee native of Albanian heritage Amanda Koçi, better known as Ava Max, rises 25-18 with former UK #1 “Sweet But Psycho” (below).
Dance master R3HAB takes it slow and romantic with “All Into Nothing” (26-19, above) featuring Nashville vocalist Mokita. Once known as Marcy Levy, the incomparable Marcella Detroit graces “Paradise” by Parralox (Eric Kupper remix, below) with her vocals and in its video.
The highest debut on the chart at #22 is one of the most delightful collaborations of 2019 so far. Who woulda thunk that the music of Lauv and Troye Sivan would be so darned harmonious with “I’m So Tired…”. It’s Lauv’s 2nd chart entry, following “I Like Me Better” (#3), and Troye’s 7th. By Spring, this song should be everywhere.
I didn’t care much for the next song until its drawing power convinced me at a concert in November. I’m talking about San Holo’s “Lift Me From The Ground”, featuring Sofie Winterson on vocals, from San’s acclaimed Album1. The crowd reaction to “Lift Me” in NYC in November was almost overwhelming, a really defining moment for San Holo with his rock star live show. “Life Me” arrives at #23. It’s San Holo’s third chart entry following “Light” (#4) and “Brighter Days” (#12, now #28).
2019 has kicked off with some fun music, and one anthem that should by all rights be played at every festival is “Repeat After Me”. It premieres at #25 and is by the all stars that are Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Armin van Buuren and W&W. It’s the first time on the chart for Dimitri, Mike and W&W, but it’s the 5th for Armada Music founder Armin. He first charted in 2003 with a #1 “Just Another Day” (featuring Ray Wilson) and got another #1 in 2008 with “Going Wrong” (featuring Chris Jones). Welcome back Armin for the first time since 2013’s “This Is What It Feels Like” (featuring Trevor Guthrie, #6).
The final debut belongs to UK producer Maff Boothroyd with the retro-flavoured deep house of “Take Me Away” at #27. It’s also the second entry for the Strange Fruits label, also at #2 with label owner Steve Void’s “Closure”.
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! Click on this link to take you there, and follow me on Spotify: BILLCS Top 30 Songs
From his forthcoming album, EMAN8 (aka Brandyn Burnette) has given all of the Louisiana feels it takes for a joyous backdrop to his new song “Inspired”. The St. Louis native, currently based in L.A., goes back to his younger roots to get inspired to inspire others, and that’s a worthy trip to take. Co-written once again with his gal Molly Moore, “Inspired” follows up his debut EMAN8 single “Amen” with an equally uplifting theme, but the rock ‘n roll psychedelia and gospel of that song have been replaced with down home blues and R&B. EMAN8 continues to make inroads with his own appealing version of ‘progressive soul’ and “Inspired” is just the right song to attract other similarly minded folks to the message.
For those of you who like their dance music on the chill but sexy and romantic side, then Austin-based producer and guitarist Cloudchord will satisfy that craving with “Alegria”. Using the Brazilian bossa nova style as its basis, the sound of “Alegria” is charming and lo-fi, and goes down easy like the smoothest of brandies or cognacs. The Emmy-winning Cloudchord also dazzles us with his pristine guitar work which shines the most in the latter part of the song. “Alegria” follows up Cloudchord’s 2016 album Imprint and some subsequent collaborative EP’s with Oatmello and the Soul Food Horns. It’s jazzy and funky and you can’t go wrong with an instrumental that packs such diversity into its three minutes.
“American Dream” marks the return of L.A. based Canadian duo Sultan + Shepard this time through Armada. It’s an alternately rollicking and sultry instrumental that draws its inspiration, and some samples, from the main theme of the movie “American Beauty”. It’s a perfect fit for clubs, with quiet, understated moments taking turns with some really fluid and dirty synth work. Sultan + Shepard have always been known for creative, outside-of-the-box originals and remixes during this decade that have attracted collaborations with the likes of Nadia Ali, Taryn Manning (with a #1 Billboard club chart hit, “Send Me Your Love”), Tiësto, Fedde LeGrand, and Dillon Francis, which have also resulted in nominations for both Grammy Awards (remixing Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out Of Heaven”) and Juno Awards (their collaboration with Nadia, “Almost Home”). If this is just the start of what Sultan + Shepard are bringing us in 2019, then watch out!
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