“Sinnerman” is a striking new slice of deep house from veteran UK producer Hot Since 82 (aka Daley Padley) and new vocalist Ed Graves. It’s culled from Hot Since 82’s latest album Recovery (which also features tracks with Boy George and Rudimental among others), as he continues to release music on his own Knee Deep In Sound label. While Ed Graves is new as a vocalist on this song, he is not new to the music business. He’s a respected producer (Alt-J, Liz Cass) and multi-instrumentalist from the US but based in England who co-wrote and plays guitar on “Sinnerman”. And the song is as mysterious as its title – after several listens, I have no idea what it’s about, but no matter. With dark-sounding synths and vocal effects creating its rich atmosphere, and Ed’s sometimes soulful vocal creating another major layer, it’s immediately memorable with a brisk pace belying its four and a half minutes in length, and will work well for late night sets in clubs when they resume business in most of the world.
L.A.’s Rob Tirea is a rising songwriter and producer who has recently also taken on vocal duties for his releases, after a number of previous songs with other vocalists – notably Jeremy Beamish of Australia’s The Beamish Brothers – or producers – I wrote about his work with Emirati producers Revelries on “Blue” last year. And like “Blue”, “Deaf and Stellar” is another fine slice of left-of-centre electronic dance/pop. The song seems rather cryptic at times, with its unusual song title, but what I get out of it is a positive spin on life after a relationship has ended. Rob has an easy going tenor voice and the melody is soothing to accompany its earnest lyrics. “Deaf and Stellar” won’t resonate with you immediately, and I don’t think that’s its intention either, so do stick with it.
tiny deaths is a new “dream pop” project created by L.A.-based singer/songwriter Claire de Lune with producer Grant Cutler. From the new EP If I’m Dreaming comes “The Jump”, a quietly captivating observation on the attraction and ‘what if?’ moments we have with fame. With its minimalist drum beat pulsating throughout, “The Jump” has hypnotic qualities, with Claire’s attractive and smooth voice being the star of the show. Electronic music fans of this new sub-genre will undoubtedly be impressed and tiny deaths appears to be moving in an intriguing direction. Check out the video above featuring dancer Desaré Cox to give you more insight into the song. PS there’s a Shania Twain ‘easter egg’ in the song … *hint* it’s the title of one of her songs 🙂
Whenever UK singer/songwriter James Poole creates new music, it always draws me in for one reason or another. Often, it’s in the way he uses his voice, whether it’s the falsetto in the funkiness of “Goodness Gracious” or its raw power in “I Am Lion”. In “Hope You’ll Be There Soon” it’s a restrained head voice vocal over a mainly acoustic pop backdrop. Yes, it sounds rather simple at the end of the day but in actuality it takes a lot to make it sound so effortless. The gentle, positive message of the song wouldn’t work as well without it either. “Hope You’ll Be There Soon” reminds me of when I first heard James’ voice many years ago when he was recording covers on You Tube. If you haven’t heard James’ music before, be sure to check this one out as well as the songs in his album Humanity released last year.
Educated at Berklee College and travelling worldwide with symphony orchestras brings a richness to the music of NYC-based singer Kéren with her recent single “Talisman” from her new 6-song album In Form. Kéren sounds like so many classic alternative and pop singers at different times – Adele, Amy Winehouse, Sade, Björk – yet has also achieved her own sound through the crisp and compelling clarity of her voice and the subtle yet layered arrangement of her music. “Talisman” is a song that could be set to a cinescape of images for even better effect. Kéren’s worldly music seems to want to unfold a set of stories that will be fit for the ages. “Talisman” has numerous indelible and mystical qualities about it that warmly pull you in to enjoy.
It’s been a while since I’ve written about Canadian independent R&B/pop artist Diamond Cafe, who is back with his latest single “Not Sorry”. This song reflects back on a relationship where saying sorry (or not) seems to be the major issue at play. It’s a 70’s funk-filled showcase as the singer (aka Tristan Thompson) continues to show his prowess with his George Michael and Prince inspired vocals. Its soulful vibes and interesting story go down easy, and I’m sure we’ll be hearing more from Diamond Cafe in the new year. Play this one next to songs by fellow Canadians Francesco Yates and Jessie Reyez.
The time couldn’t be more right for an electro ballad like no other out there right now. American Idol finalist Robbie Rosen (recently heard on Saxity’s “Fantasy”) and the award-winning Kacey Fifield, who has been performing since she was 10, come together with an original composition that they co-wrote called “Last Breath”. The song looks back on broken promises made when relationships end, and how they may have been sincere at the time. It also ponders what person will actually be with you when it comes down to your own last breath. The song’s many subtleties hold up all the way through until some final delicate moments. The pair could not sing better together, and Kacey is one helluva impressive singer to watch for at only 15 years old. So, no it’s not a love song – it has its own dynamic which will catch you off guard. Don’t be too surprised if you’re full of deep sighs and oohs and ahs at the sincere appeal of “Last Breath”.
“Better With You” is a new pop/dance single with fresh appeal thanks to the successful collaboration of new Indian electronic producer MÜNE and British indie group Tors. This year, MÜNE (aka Pranay Sharma) became the first artist from India (more specifically, the city of Indore in west-central Madya Pradesh) to sign with Ultra Records. “Better With You” may be atypical for that label’s releases, but it does play upon melding the folk vocal of Tors with gentle acoustic guitar and mellow synths. It’s a quieter dance release for sure, but one that would work the same way live as those sweeping electronic ballads at a show by the likes of Illenium. MÜNE definitely leaves an auspicious mark here for what he is trying to accomplish in an already crowded electronic dance market. The feel good vibes of “Better With You” are a great start.
When I wrote about a release by Valencia James last year, I compared the power in her voice to Lady Gaga. And while that may be so on that song (“Flames”), in her latest called “All The Waves”, it’s like Dua Lipa meets Sarah McLachlan. Her soundscape and vivid, memorable lyrics, about working through tough times to bring out the best in us, instantly recall the music of the latter, while her current pop flair recalls the former. There’s no doubt that it’s an interesting blend which all works well together. Give “All The Waves” a few spins and add it to a playlist that might also include Kate Bush, The Pretenders, and Annie Lennox where you can definitely appreciate the diversity of a singer like Valencia James.
There continues to be an enormous abundance of fine music out there – all you have to do is look for it and listen! The BILLCS Top 30 is now in its 22nd year online and continues to act as a guide to steer you in the direction of some great tunes in a variety of pop genres. The chart has four new entries to tantalize you.
Hanging on to #1 is “House Is Happiness” (above) by German producer and saxophonist Stan Sax, who is one half of the duo Saxity, who themselves move into the Top 10 with “Fantasy” (below), featuring the voices of Victor Perry and Robbie Rosen (13-10). Stan and Koni are back on another roll of releases, with another brand new one coming this Friday.
His third album Love Goes is receiving fine public and critical response, and Sam Smith has his eyes on #1 in two weeks with his engaging single “Diamonds”, climbing 5-2.
Sweden’s Agnes obtains her first Top 5 song on this chart since 2009 as the zippy “Fingers Crossed” advances 8-5. Her last song to do this was “Release Me”, which got to #1.
Besides “Fantasy”, the other newcomer to the Top 10 is “Tinseltown In The Rain”, the emotional and intriguing cover of The Blue Nile’s 1984 song by German producer Matt Mancid and California-based vocalist (and multi-instrumentalist) Color Theory. “Tinseltown”, in its Big Rhythm mix, climbs 11-9.
The Fastest Riser on the chart belongs to Toronto’s Justin Nozuka with British singer Mahalia on “No One But You”. This romantic R&B/pop ballad moves up 18-11.
It looks like “Nightlight” opened up even a more pop-oriented audience door for Illenium than his last album Ascend. Recently #1 on the national dance chart for two weeks, “Nightlight” rises 17-13. The uncredited vocal is by one of its co-writers, and frequent Illenium collaborator, Annika Wells.
I like to think of Canadian singer/songwriter Francesco Yates’ “Late Night Love” as his equivalent of Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack” – especially since the singer opened for JT throughout one of his recent tours. This sexy and raucous R&B-flavoured song rises 20-15.
Tyler Shaw is one of Canada’s most versatile performers, who can shift from style to style, including recording in French. Such is the case with his latest danceable Top 20 pop radio hit “Remember”, which climbs 21-16.
MAX and SUGA’s “Blueberry Lies” continues to lead the last chart’s new entries, and advances 25-19. Be sure to check out MAX’s excellent album Colour Vision. I was so pleased to see him perform the entire album in a recent free virtual show.
I currently have the Highest Debut on repeat. It’s the new house banger “Give It Back” by The Disco Fries and Giiants featuring singer/songwriter Allison Park. By all rights this song should be huge, and I’m helping to give it that push as it debuts at #20.
Next up at #24 is the first appearance on the chart for Swedish production duo NOTD in tandem with mystery performer Catello on their latest single “Nobody”. The song has already soared into the Top 10 on national dance charts, and is the logical follow up to last year’s huge hit “So Close”.
Despite having been on release since summer, I can’t let the song that debuts at #25 go without it having a chart run. British rocker James Bay returns to the chart with “Chew On My Heart” from his most recent EP Turn It Up. He reached #2 two years ago with “Pink Lemonade”.
The fourth debut is a supurb change of pace for L.A.-based singer/songwriter Lauv, who partners with rising star Conan Gray for “Fake” at #30. The guys really have great chemistry and make “Fake” a lighter, enjoyable song considering its subject matter. It’s Lauv’s 4th appearance on the chart, and Conan’s first.
A reminder that the music from my chart and blog are featured regularly on the new online radio station 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 interactiveFacebook group too!!
View the full BILLCS Top 30right 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
Want to see what I’ve been listening to and charting for the past 22 years? Rummage through theBILLCS Top 30 Archive (where you can click on the link within) when you have a chance!!
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