In these strange times, “Better” by Jack Garratt contains an optimistic viewpoint that music fans need to hear. It’s culled from his second album Love, Death & Dancing, which is divided up into four parts. “Better” kicks off part two, and at times Jack’s vocal will remind you of label-mate Brandon Flowers; the energy level in the song could easily have taken cues from The Killers’ earlier releases. It all amounts to an infectious rocker, full of nifty guitar work and hooks which underscore Jack’s reassurances that “everything will work itself out”. And that’s a simple philosophy that needs to be bottled up and given away. Hearing it in “Better” though is a great start!
After many fine songs in 2019 – two of which, “Kiss And Tell” and “London” reached #3 on my chart and ended up in my Top 20 of the year – Nashville’s Mokita returns with the lighter, whimsical “Bad”. The singer/songwriter is completely smitten in this song, and he doesn’t care if the object of his affection is “Bad” for him or not, he’ll just have to deal with that and get through it. You kind of hope it will all work out for him in the end, but most of us know that a one-way crush isn’t going to go anywhere. Perhaps that’s why the song has a danceable, airy, slice-of-life kind of electronic rhythm that makes it quite enjoyable in just under 3 minutes.
It’s only his third release, but “17” has the potential to spread wings and take off for UK singer/songwriter Ashley Singh. His straight-forward pop-rock take on reminiscences and what if’s about a past crush in “17” are so genuine you can hear the natural tremble in his voice. I won’t give it away, but the song will blindside you with its first verse, so then you have to hear the rest! Although his influences are wide and varied, citing Coldplay and Joni Mitchell, the melody of “17” screams Shawn Mendes’ “Stitches” (a UK #1 too). The song will also appeal to Shawn’s huge audience, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s blessed with similar good looks of a Zayn Malik either. Ashley Singh is one fine talent and I look forward to hearing more.
partywithray is an L.A.-based producer/remixer who came out of nowhere seemingly to land on ZHU’s “Came For The Low” last year, which alone has racked up close to 6 million streams on Spotify. He then grabbed a remix spot on Mahalo & Disco Killerz’s EP for “Tongue Tied”. Following a similarly mysterious path to ZHU, partywithray (who appears to be aka Freddy Janney) has now released “Ya Bish!”. It’s a trifle of electronic nonsense, except that it has the one-two punch of a killer of a whispered vocal hook, layered over top of an irresistible, droning bass synth. That simply spells Dancefloor Filler in my books. Don’t be surprised to hear this in one of the online electronic festival events in the middle of a set that’s just getting wound up. “Ya Bish!” is silly and carefree fun, and partywithray is a certainly a promising new producer to watch.
JAMES LEON, “I Thought You Were My Friend” (Pollarik ’86 remix)
Artists should never give up on a good song. Originally released last year, London-based singer/songwriter James Leon attracted some fair attention with “I Thought You Were My Friend”. Despite its strong lyrics, I think the mix of the song was missing something. Producer/remixer Pollarik has worked on some of James’ other songs, so who better to reignite “Friend” with a sizzling 80’s-flavoured remix that is just begging for a dance floor complete with mirror disco ball. James’ vocal sounds great too in this strut-worthy mix. Electronic dance music fans, especially those with retro dance fever, will have a blast with this one.
It’s been great to see L.A.-based singer/songwriter Chris Wallace back and releasing new music after 8 years since the fantabulous “Remember When (Push Rewind)” (from the album also called Push Rewind, which I wrote about back in the day) took over #1 on my chart that summer and finished up as my #2 song of its year. “Time Bomb” and “Keep Me Crazy” also followed into my Top 10, but then Chris’ career went uncharacteristically quiet. In recent years he married and became a dad, but that hardly stops an enthusiastic return. “Let Me Love You” is his third new release (following “Stay Home” and “Insecurities”, whose honesty touched many fans), and is hardly like the aforementioned songs – a warm, romantic ballad that could be a wedding song for future couples, since it was in fact written about the moments leading up to his own marriage proposal (video below). It’s gentle and sung from the heart with a great vocal, and there’s not much more you can ask for with a song like this. Chris is now frequently performing and chatting online on Facebook or Instagram, with much more new music on the way, so I can’t wait to hear what’s coming next!
A second 10/10 post in June to close out the month brings you a lot of unique music that requires your full attention in order to win your appreciation. We cover the globe with songs from Germany, England, Ireland, Australia, Denmark, Switzerland and the U.S. with a dashes of mystery and fun!
In 10/10 (or tenoutoften) , I write about 10 hot and fresh songs in no particular order, for your kind consideration and attention.
I continue to write individual blog posts about certain songs. That does not mean that songs in the 10/10 lists are any less than those featured individually, and they are not listed in any particular order.
Writing 10/10 posts means I can cover more songs in one shot. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but don’t always get a chance to write about.
YELLO, “Waba Duba”
The Swiss maestros that are Yello can orchestrate the best complex electronic nonsense even into their late 60’s and early 70’s, and have returned with their first release in three years called “Waba Duba” from their upcoming album Point. “Waba Duba” recalls some of their best work of the 80’s, such as “The Race” or “Goldrush”. Don’t try to confound yourself by trying to figure out if there is any plot to the song. Instead enjoy the always-bizarre vocal and the layers of synths and samples that make some of the most unique sounds you will hear in pop music. “Waba Duba” is loads of fun, destined to annoy the heck out of you like “Oh Yeah” did all those years ago while you groove to the beats.
KID BLOOM, “Wounded/Surrounded”
“Wounded/Surrounded” is an anthemic-sounding, atmospheric new melodic electronica release from L.A. singer/songwriter Kid Bloom. The song takes you on a journey through a sea of emotions, wrought by the singer’s captivating voice. When he sings without effects it sparkles and sometimes sounds like Frankmusik; at other points the song is awash in synths and vocal manipulation and because of it you can feel the bewilderment. Alternately dreamy and thought-provoking, “Wounded/Surrounded” is an ear-grabber and well-worth your attention.
EBONY BUCKLE, “Ghost”
Ebony Buckle is a London-based singer/songwriter originally hailing from Australia. She has a stunning, controlled, theatrical voice which immediately recalls Kate Bush and Imogen Heap. And her pristine vocal puts all the right human touches in “Ghost”, a pop song that could have otherwise been a difficult listen. It’s a true story about being physically apart for two years from husband (and co-writer) Nick due to visa issues. And that is simply heartbreaking, a separation that could have been irreparable. Instead, they wrote “Ghost” over Skype, turning their story into song so that anyone else in an unfortunate state of separation can relate and heal. Be sure to give “Ghost” your complete attention. It would also be perfect as set to a lyrical dance routine.
DEAN ROBERT, “Get Up”
It’s strange that even before I read up about Dean Robert, the other voice that came to mind when you hear “Get Up” is The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue. For Dean also hails from Ireland and even opened for The Script when he was part of a band. Now Berlin-based, “Get Up” is bright, energetic dance second release for the singer that will win you over. Dean’s voice may be a little bit too manipulated in the production at times but there’s a great melody afoot in “Get Up” and it moves along briskly and enthusiastically.
JAZZ MINO, “Like A Drunk Girl”
UK singer/songwriter Jazz Mino releases music that needs to be heard by more of you who enjoy interesting pop with idiosyncratic perspectives. Her latest single, “Like A Drunk Girl”, is more about standing up for yourself and making your own decisions to do what you want than meets the ear. The title is actually negative imagery for what other people might say to put you down, so you cave in and do what they say. Jazz Mino’s always affable nature really shines through in this song which sings from both experience and the heart. Check out the lyric video above.
AIRPORTS, “U Feel It 2”
You never know these days if an artist is a band or a singer judging by the names in use. “U Feel It 2” is a delightful slice of romantic pop from Australian singer Airports (aka Aaron Lee). It’s definitely a mood-setter with a subtler boy-next-door vocal that shies away from what would be called “boy band pop”. The production focuses on the song’s lovely melody and there is definitely radio play potential here. Check out what alternative video ideas occur above when Airports’ original plans were scuttled by COVID-19.
TONIIA and SUNNIE WILLIAMS, “Only Human”
Blending hip hop and trap flavours with electronics, German producer Toniia has released “Only Human”. It features the strong and sultry voice of Sunnie Williams, whose vocal is the drawing power for “Only Human” for its first minute, before the beats kick in. After that, the song is a sea of many moods with some big drops and synths that command “Only Human” until its finish. It’s a fast listen at 2:49 with many sounds and qualities to perk up your ears. Watch the lyric video above.
BOYE & SIGVARDT and H. KENNETH, “Party Sucks”
Don’t let the title fool you – “Party Sucks” is actually a dark slice of deep house music from Danish producers Boye & Sigvardt and Nashville’s H. Kenneth that will appeal to fans of recent work by Mahalo among others. The classic house rhythm is the key with pitched-down vocals that make it perfect for a late night set. And it’s cool that Boye & Sigvardt and H. Kenneth never get stuck in one style or groove, collaborating with UK producers Sondr, creating diverse music that shows they would rather be innovators than producing the next wannabe house anthem.
SC.UNDERCOVER, “Morals”
“Morals” is a standout song because it sounds like nothing else out there. Brought to you by UK producer/songwriter/vocalist SC.Undercover, the song fuses pop and R&B flavours with drum ‘n bass vibes, making for a fast-paced ride. At its core, the song is about finding love after making mistakes and experiencing significant regret. The warm, vocal is offset by a gentle rap, and at other times hits upper register harmony vocals which remain fascinating and noticeable in the background, forming the song’s hook. “Morals” is unconventional pop/dance music at its most listenable.
MINDCHATTER, “Language”
Mindchatter is a NYC-based producer of mystery who doesn’t identify him/herself in any of his Twitter, Facebook or Soundcloud bios. “Language” is an intricate, somewhat experimental sounding song that’s intriguing because it seems to borrow from late 90’s Everything But The Girl and Roísin Murphy at their most daring, fusing it with other more contemporary sounds you might associate with label-mate ZHU. “Language” is not for everyone but you have to admit it is one very cool, well-produced song, accompanied by quite a different visualization, above.
I’m looking forward to the day when I have more time to work on my music hobbies, including blog writing. That day is coming soon as I create my sunset on my daytime career later this summer. I’m sure kicking start the music industry again will need all the help it can get so that both big and small artists can flourish. But it all starts with the music, which is why I continue to want to share what I’m enjoying every two weeks with you all in the BILLCS Top 30 🙂
Gareth Emery stays at #1 by a proverbial hair with “You’ll Be OK” (with Annabel on vocals) and that’s largely thanks to his online performance last week called “High AF”, in which Gareth’s set used an L.A. backdrop from 71 stories up as the sun was setting. It was a great set which you can watch above along with the video for “You’ll Be OK”. You can check out his latest preview from his album The Lasers below called “Gunshots”.
“Rain On Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande seems to be a sure bet for #1 in two weeks and is many people’s choice for song of the summer, and deservedly so. It’s the first time since Gaga has appeared in my Top 5 since “Applause” (#2, 2013) and is Ariana’s highest peaking song to date.
An 8 point jump by “Rain On Me” was not enough to become the Fastest Riser on the chart. That feat belongs to “Never Let Me Down” by Germany’s VIZE with British vocalist/songwriter Tom Gregory, which soars 17-7 thanks to it’s immediately recognizable and blazing, infectious hook. It will be a contender for the top.
Two other songs climb into the Top 10. The Weeknd’s “After Hours” (above) clocks in at over 6 minutes but it moves along briskly and influences from pals Daft Punk are felt throughout. It rises 12-8, becoming The Weeknd’s 5th trip to my Top 10, while L.A. producer Jerin James’ gracious and soulful debut “Birds and Bees” (below), featuring the voice of Deverano, leaps 15-10. From having a daughter who took competitive dance lessons for 10 years, I can visualize many a lyrical dance routine to this one (though a creative tap routine would also work)!
Alesso has been busy with online performances, as with one for Stella Sessions this past weekend, below. His underrated single “Midnight” (above), featuring an excellent vocal by Liam Payne, rises 14-11.
The more I play it, the more I love it. “Sleepwalking”, despite its title, has an amazingly energetic vibe about it courtesy of Win & Woo with vocalist Kyan Palmer, and it climbs 16-13. Other than remixes, it’s Win & Woo’s highest ranking song to date on the chart.
With designs set on the Top 10 very soon, the sultry and soulful “Save A Kiss” by Jessie Ware rises 21-14. Check out the slick PS1 remix above!
Loud Luxury was everywhere on the weekend, I caught them performing in two online festivals plus being interviewed on TV. The lads of course are promoting their EP Nights Like This to the hilt, and from that comes the rollicking “Aftertaste” featuring singer and co-writer Morgan St. Jean, moving up 20-15.
Out of the four debuts two weeks ago, Toronto singer/songwriter Tafari Anthony gets the biggest showing with a 29-21 move for the brusque but soulful “Centerfold”, which calls out a former lover in no uncertain terms.
I’m a bit of a latehead on the highest debut this week, but it’s also a perfect song for Pride month, quite obviously inspired by Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” and it provides an alternate take on that song. “Dancing Next To Me” is the heartwarming, highly danceable first entry on my chart for Greyson Chance and it arrives at #24.
As “Lost Boy” slips to #26, Victor Perry’s first single from his upcoming EP Rewind arrives at #25. The gorgeous heartache of “What I Deserve” is being featured all this week on NYC’sAfterglow On Airfrom 7 to 9 a.m. so tune in to catch it in the mix!
One of my favourite singers returns to the chart for the first time since 2007 and that is Montreal-born Rufus Wainwright. He has a new album coming called Unfollow The Rules, which has been preceded by the EP “You Ain’t Big”. The whimsical title song, with one of Rufus’ best vocals in years, arrives at #27. “You Ain’t Big” is Rufus’ 14th chart entry. He has had three number ones: “April Fools”, “Foolish Love” (both 1998, from his debut album) and “California” (2001, from Poses).
The song that battled it out for the fourth debut on the chart is the emotional anthem “Leave It All Behind” by Florida’s Trivecta featuring vocalist Fagin. It comes from Trivecta’s EP Everyday,which I wrote about recently.
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 2020 🙂 You can start by joining our new interactiveFacebook 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!
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!!
“Tell It To My Heart”, the 1988 Grammy-nominated smash by Taylor Dayne, is not a song to mess with unless you know what you’re doing. A few years ago, Jason Walker and Bimbo Jones had some success with a rendition that slayed because of Jason’s off-the-charts vocal. Miami-based, South America-born producer/DJ Victor Porfidio gives the song a deep house work-over as “To My Heart”. With a big, rich, soulful vocal by a singer he refers to as Big Mike, this version comes off as UK soul-meets-Miami deep house. It’s one helluva fast-paced surprise that should be embraced by DJ’s everywhere. This version also makes me wonder what the song would sound like as old school freestyle. “To My Heart” is definitely one to find and embrace!
L.A.-based singer/songwriter Cobi offers one of his most passionate performances in his latest single “Don’t Stop”. The beauty of the song hit home even stronger for me when I saw him play it acoustically online recently. It’s about being madly in love with someone and never wanting that person to question or stop being in love with you. For the doubts are always there, so if you both “Don’t Stop” then the magic will continue. Like in many of his songs, Cobi’s voice is so suited to an old-school bluesy-rock arrangement, and the urgency in “Don’t Stop” is well-conveyed. Have a look at its lyric video up top.
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