After returning home from a successful UK and European tour, Greyson Chance is moving forward boldly with songs from his upcoming album Palladium. He already gave us a taste with the warm and thoughtful softer title track, and now brings us the more ribald, energetic “Athena”. Appropriately, the song is about moving on and being determined to give it all, but still wanting a guiding force accompanying him. So, being a former student of ancient history himself, Greyson calls on the Roman goddess of wisdom and battle strategy to be along for the ride. “Athena” doesn’t mince any words and features one of Greyson’s most engaging vocals, and I’m sure it is going to be a crowd favourite and singalong when he tours North America later this year.
Well in my recent trip to Las Vegas, I simply couldn’t go all beast mode and see all 9 concerts that were part of the package I bought, the schedule was just too relentless with afternoon and late evening shows. But I did get to see Tiësto (plus openers Luis Torres and Mia Moretti), The Chainsmokers, Dillon Francis, NGHTMRE, and Cash Cash (and opener Esther Anaya) – there were other openers too, but their names were not advertised. By far, Tiësto’s show was the best overall because of the gorgeous venue (Zouk), the effects, and the overall general feel good vibe, plus two outstanding openers – nice to see my fellow Canadian Luis Torres back (formerly of Dzeko & Torres!). Cash Cash provided an excellent set for a pool party, which included many of their own releases, and Esther Anaya was a great opening DJ, incorporating her own violin playing. NGHTMRE and Dillon Francis brought great energy to their shows, in fact NGHTMRE’s first half hour would have left anyone breathless, and Dillon Francis made DaRude’s classic “Sandstorm” a centrepiece highlight. While it was great to see The Chainsmokers again after 3 years, and for the show not to be exclusively a DJ set, it was marred somewhat by an excessively long wait, likely because the boys were travelling in from Toronto. But event organizers suggested we be there by 11:30 a.m., only to find The Chainsmokers did not come on stage till 3:30 pm! It was a wonderful experience, and I’ll certainly be back in Vegas again soon.
Make sure you read about my frequently updated ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES(see details after the post)!
I was not a fan of One Direction’s music and they never appeared on my chart. So if you told me more than 7 years ago that Harry Styles would get three #1’s on my chart, I would have thought you had lost your mind. But Harry has proven over three albums now that he is an amazing singer. That is most evident on Harry’s House on “Daydreaming”, which climbs 3-1, to follow “Lights Up” and “Adore You” at the top. “As It Was” just dropped off the chart after reaching #4, and perhaps it would have got to #1 had I not got burned on it through exposure everywhere, but I’m very happy for that song’s success.
I previously announced that “Daydreaming” and “Superstar” by Darin were my personal songs of summer, and fittingly, right in the middle of summer, both songs are back-to-back, with the breezy and effortless-sounding “Superstar” climbing 5-2.
Congratulations to Manila Killa on his top notch album release Dusk! I look forward to seeing him perform again in Toronto in October. Meanwhile, the title song from the album, in collaboration with Canada’s own Lights, rises 9-5.
Conan Gray breaks into the Top 10 for the first time with “Memories” moving up 11-7.
I can’t say that I’m a fan of the Renaissance album, but “Break My Soul” by Beyoncé is still one hot track, climbing 14-8.
Toronto’s Francesco Yates has the Fastest Riser on the chart with the rocking “Jimi” rising 24-11. You can catch Francesco across North America opening for the Backstreet Boys on tour.
Javi’s glorious cover of Sade’s “Cherish The Day” closes in on the Top 10 by climbing 18-12.
Sweden’s Louis Pax have a fun pop bop called “Ophelia”, their second chart entry, moving up 21-15.
As Frankmusik continues to re-record songs from his 2009 album Complete Me, his “completed” new version of “Confusion Girl” moves up 23-17. It’s his 16th chart entry, which includes one recorded under the pseudonym Vincent Did It.
“You” by UK/Irish producers Menrva and sensational U.S. vocalist MOYA is well on its way, making a nice 29-21 jump.
Providing some Madonna-esque retro vibes is Canadian-German duo Lola Dutronic, whose fun “Let’s All Dance (Our Last Summer)” rises 30-23.
Four new entries are led by veteran NYC vocalist Petawane with his beautiful multi-decade tribute to soul songs and singers called “Music”, which bows at #22. The song is getting splendid reaction especially in the UK, which continues to have a thriving soul music scene. Watch out for this one!
Next at #26 is “Free Yourself” by Jessie Ware, who continues on the dance/house tip with a new song that once again features an excellent vocal. Maybe the Grammys will recognize her at last next year? It’s her 12th chart entry, including her initial appearance, a feature on a re-release of Miguel’s “Adorn”.
Orangeville brothers and producers DVBBS return to the chart with the melodic “Summer Nights” at #28. This one is already a Top 30 radio hit in Canada, made especially strong being a collaboration with blog mainstay Brandyn Burnette! It’s DVBBS’ fourth entry on the chart and first since 2016. It’s Brandyn’s 19th as a lead or featured artist. He’s also had entries under his moniker EMAN8 and as one half of Cosmos & Creature. “Summer Nights” is also DVBBS’ first independent release since before their “Tsunami” days.
The fourth entry is the arpeggio-filled and emotional dance track “Stained Glass” by German producer Severman, Indian producer Arshan Joel, and NYC vocalist Robbie Rosen at #29. It’s a first time entry for the two producers, and is prolific Robbie’s 9th entry in under two years, which already resulted in a #1 last year with “Sanctuary” with Dutch producer Howen.
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.
You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! Links to all stations appear later in this section in blue.
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.
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.
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” now airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA.
Although I initially wrote about FRANSIS a while back as a four-piece alt.rock band, it’s now a showcase name for singer/songwriter Emma Withers. Following up the title track of her EP Honeymoon, “Pin Me Down” is a compelling folk-rock song that takes its time to unfold its words about the struggles that women face in the aftermath of crimes like sexual assault. The first three minutes are sheer cathartic release in which FRANSIS’ lyrics are sung over a softer, guitar-led melody that gradually builds. After the three minute mark in “Pin Me Down”, all of the anger and frustration kept under wraps in the first part of the song let loose in a highly memorable, no holds barred vocal performance. Not shying away from being provocative and honest in her music, don’t be surprised if FRANSIS continues to acquire more attention outside of her native England this year and next.
If 2000’s alt.rock is your thing – think Panic! At The Disco, Saint Motel, Good Charlotte – then the music of Detroit trio If Walls Could Talk awaits. Tony, Nick and Steven have been best buds for years, and their enthusiastic approach to their ode to gaming, “Fs in Chat”, will win you over. Tony’s friendly and distinct voice leads the way as “Fs in Chat” is all about enjoying gaming for the heck of it, regardless of whether other online streamers are wanting you to fail or not. The creative and humorous video gives good visuals of the guys while capturing the essence of the song. It will take no time for you to want to stick around for the ride with If Walls Could Talk and “Fs in Chat”.
It’s almost the middle of the summer, and the feel-good summer songs are definitely making their impact with me. Aside from a couple of great softer songs to have in the mix, the upbeat songs are flourishing on my stereo, and some debut this week and will continue to do so in the coming weeks. And in two weeks I’ll be visiting Las Vegas for the first time in six years and will have access to attend electronic dance music shows by The Chainsmokers, Marshmello, Loud Luxury, Cash Cash, Dillon Francis, NGHTMRE, Tiësto and others for pool parties and evening events, which promises to be a vacation like I’ve never experienced before! It’s going to be extremely hot too so I will try not to get scorched. The next chart will be posted after I return, on Tuesday, August 2.
Make sure you read about my frequently updated ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES(see details after the post)!
The xx’s Oliver Sim hangs on to #1 for a second appearance (4th week) with his Prince-worthy “Romance with a Memory” (above). But he’ll be challenged in two weeks by Benson Boone’s captivating “In The Stars” (holding at #2) and Harry Styles’ glistening “Daydreaming” (9-3, below), which I hope will eventually be promoted at radio.
The Fastest Riser zips into the Top 5, and it’s the incredibly summery “Superstar” by Sweden’s Darin (14-5). It’s Darin’s third Top 5, following two #1’s, “Can’t Stay Away” and “Holding Me More”. Will it get its turn at #1 too?
henrikz and Danny Dearden inch up 7-6 with their beautifully sung house track “Mind of Mine”.
Also new in the Top 10 are: “Afterglow” (above) by Nicky Romero, GATTUSO and Jared Lee, rising 11-8. It’s the first Top 10 for Nicky and GATTUSO, but third for Jared following “Those Were The Days” (with Midnight Kids, #5) and “Ain’t Deep Enough” (with Autograf, #3). And Manila Killa and Lights soar 17-9 with their collaboration “Dusk” (below) which is the title track of Manila Killa’s new album, out on July 22.
Conan Gray scores his highest charting song to date as “Memories” (above), from his new album Superache, moves up 13-11. Listen to another thoughtful track from Superache called “Yours”, below.
Had there not been so many other songs that I love ahead of it, “Break My Soul” by Beyoncé would have jumped to a higher position. Instead it scores a not-too-shabby 21-14 leap which positions it well for the Top 10 in two weeks.
Also keep your eyes on the three other debuts from two weeks ago. Louis Pax’s “Ophelia” (27-21, new video above) is a real grower, Steve Void and Sharon Doorson’s cover of Crystal Waters’ “Gypsy Woman (La Da Dee)” (28-22, below) will keep you grooving, and Frankmusik’s redux of “Confusion Girl” (30-23, also below) turns it into a contemporary pop bop.
The Highest Debut is Francesco Yates’ impressive and addictive “Jimi” which bows at #24. The Toronto-born singer/songwriter/guitarist’s last two chart entries did well, “Bad Decisions” reached #5 in 2020 while the steamy “Late Night Love” peaked at #3 in early 2021. It’s his sixth chart entry overall.
After landing at #2 earlier this year with “Play It Cool” (featuring Island Banks), UK/Irish duo Menrva are back on the chart with “You”, a collaboration with American belter MOYA, which bows at #29. It’s also the duo’s first release in a new deal with Capitol Records!
Rounding out the chart is Canadian/German duo Lola Dutronic with their retrospective look at summers gone by with “Let’s All Dance (Our Last Summer)” at #30. It’s their first chart entry, though Lola Dutronic has been around for about 20 years in one form or another, with Canadian producer/songwriter Richard Citroen being the constant.
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.
You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! Links to all stations appear later in this section in blue.
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 Sunday mornings on Radio GTA at 2:00 AM EST, at 8pm EST on Sundays on Party Dog Radio, and then at 7:00 am EST Fridays on Unique Radio Australia!
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, now brought to you by the Appalachian Pub & Eatery in Georgetown, Ontario! “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.
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” now airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA.
My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on:
Radio GTA Wednesdays at 11:00 pm EST, Saturdays after Midnight EST, and Sundays at 3 am EST
Halton Hills Online Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and Saturdays at 7pm EST
Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays after 9pm EST
WXNZ, community radio in Maine, Mondays after 10pm EST
While I was on vacation recently in NYC, I didn’t write any blog posts, so of course the songs accumulate while I’m away. My solution: It’s “10/10” time with edition #27! In “10/10”,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. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but I wouldn’t otherwise get to write about. Songs often end up on my personal chart, the BILLCS Top 30. They may even receive airplay on one of the many affiliate online radio stations that are learning about my blog choices and finding them good fits for my radio shows such as “Your Weekend New Music Mix” or “The Big 20”!
PETAWANE, “Music”
The heart and soul of contemporary soul music lives and breathes in the form of veteran NYC singer Petawane (aka James Burris). His recent release “Music” is a passionate tribute to soul music of the recent past, and name-checks so many songs and performers in the process that it’s hard to keep track. “Music” could have been easily executed as a novelty track, but instead you’ll embrace it and put it on repeat. Petawane has a classic vocal style that’s influenced by the best, from Sam Cooke and Nat “King” Cole, to Curtis Mayfield and Teddy Pendergrass, to Patti LaBelle and Millie Jackson. He’s also a three-time winner of “Showtime At The Apollo”, and signed to legendary music executive Ray Caviano’s RFC Fresh label, so with “Music” you can expect something exceptional.
SHOWTEK and MC AMBUSH, “Welcome Back Home”
Longtime electronic dance producers, The Netherlands’ Showtek, have worked with many artists over the years on too many numerous smashes to count, and continue to come through with a fantastic, fun release. “Welcome Back Home” is a feel good, inclusive song uniting people with love and music. Netherlands-based American vocalist MC Ambush – whose notable work goes back to Kevin Lyttle’s classic “Turn Me On” in 2003 – provides the encouraging, anthemic vocal that carries the song over its buoyant and well-crafted synths and melody. Club DJ’s who want their audiences to cheer will want to crank up “Welcome Back Home” in their sets.
SHOFFY, “Nightmares in NYC”
Over the past few years, L.A.-based singer, songwriter and producer Shoffy (aka Alex Shofler) has garnered success at both Top 40 radio and on the dance music scene with his varied takes on electronic pop. In fact, the quietly introspective but direct “Flags”, from his 2017 self-titled album, reached #2 on my personal chart, and I played that song and others from the album for months. His new release “Nightmares in NYC” is laid back, reflective electronica, about being lonely in a city where it’s impossible to be alone, yet when missing someone who is thousands of miles away becomes the centre of your focus, then you might as well be in a desert instead of NYC. Shoffy’s every-guy vocal and thoughtful songwriting style here will appeal to fans of Lauv and John.k.
GLASS PETALS and DREW RAY TANNER, “Cardio”
As its title implies, “Cardio” is destined to give night club dancers a real workout with its heavy bass synths pounding from big speakers. Glass Petals is the deep house side project for Canadian producer Felix Cartal with fellow producer Johnny Jover, and it follows up the recent “Leave Your Mind Behind” once again for the Hau5trap label. TV’s “Riverdale” fans might be doing a double take at the second artist featured – fellow Canadian Drew Ray Tanner, aka Fangs Fogarty, one of my favourite characters on the show. His distorted voice provides the sublimely ominous vocal that will compel you to give it your all on the dance floor. Just say “Fangs made me do it”.
FUTURE KINGS and LIFFORD, “Brick House”
If you’re looking for some house music that’s laced with funky sounds, then you should be undoubtedly satisfied by this cover of The Commodores’ “Brick House” by UK producers Future Kings and British R&B/pop vocalist Lifford for Oliver Heldens’ OH2 label. While the original is certainly still heard all over the world in clubs today, Future Kings (Alex Ross and Paul Webb) deliberately turn the song on its side with a sassy, trance-house production that breathes some new life into it. And it’s helped even further by Lifford Shillingford’s compelling, rich voice, which gives it more contemporary flair while still sounding like a mix of classic Joe Simon and Clarence Carter. Fans of “Britain’s Got Talent” will also know Lifford from his performances on that show in season 12. Future Kings and Lifford deliver “Brick House” 2022 which will go down easy in clubs.
MELØ, “XEX”
At the top of the year, I introduced you to Windsor, Ontario singer/songwriter MELØ and his catchy single “Mysteria”. You can find that song as well as three more on his EP Things We Lost, including the intriguing “XEX”. Again drawing from a myriad of influences that transport you back to the middle of the 80’s, and I might be entirely wrong, but “XEX” to me is an anthem to that which is intangible or unexplainable in the world, which is encouraging to those who always enjoy a good mystery. In some ways MELØ’s songwriting in “XEX” reminds me of British pop group China Crisis, who have an art for writing songs that often are about nothing in particular. That places a lot of emphasis on the production, harmonies and melody, which are all solid on “XEX”.
SAGE CASTLEBERRY, “I Kinda Like It”
A charming, versatile voice goes a long way over jangly guitars and perky synths. Michigan-raised Sage Castleberry definitely has the goods as a singer, songwriter and guitarist as he proves in “I Kinda Like It”. The song’s about recognizing that it’s perfectly fine to have someone to talk to and keep you company when you’re feeling lonely, without having to commit to a relationship. “I Kinda Like It” will appeal to fans of Jason Mraz, John Mayer and Bruno Mars. Sage Castleberry isn’t an easy name to forget, and his high energy level and earnestness will take him far.
STEVEXCOOPER & ROTHSTEIN, “Water Wings”
“Water Wings” is an upbeat new song with minimal synths carrying a slight but infectious melody, brought to you by Brooklyn producer stevexcooper and vocalist Rothstein. The song is from their upcoming EP What Are You Made Of?, and is a delight for alternative and college radio fans. Steve Cooper has had a nearly 20 year career in the music industry, and his flair for the atypical with a lot of genuine touches in “Water Wings” is impressive to the ears. You’re guaranteed to dig “Water Wings” from first listen, even if you don’t quite know why, which makes the subsequent listens all the more inviting.
BRUNO FURLAN with MEDUSA, “Nobody”
“Nobody” is an inspired house track whose roots show reverence for the 80’s house of producers like Todd Terry. Producer Bruno Furlan hails from Brazil, and he’s got a heater here that’s guaranteed to put some big bounce into any club set. The song is led by the enticing voice of Medusa, who has brought her talents to many electronic and house tracks. From start to finish, “Nobody” is a dancefloor winner.
BEXX, “One More Night”
There’s an interesting story behind how “One More Night” came to be. It’s brought to you by new UK pop/dance singer bexx who hopes to follow the successes of fellow Brits like Becky Hill and Rina Sawayama. The endless positive vibes of “One More Night” were inspired by the film “My Best Friend’s Wedding”, despite bexx going through a breakup at the time of writing. As you can see from the joyous video above, it’s a bright, solid three minute pop tune that show’s off bexx’s sharp vocal as well.
“Bloodline” isone of the most unique alt.pop releases you’ll hear this year, a thought-provoking song from new London-based, Azerbaijan-born singer/songwriter EMINZADA. As easy as the song goes down melodically, the song’s message remains profound, carried by EMINZADA’s own simple and likeable vocal with its tidy British accent. It’s about that time in one’s life where family tradition, as honoured and pronounced as it might be in some cultures, must come to an end in order for someone to live the life they choose. As a person with a disability that affects him as a singer – with a sunken breast bone that can impact his heart and lungs – and as a disabled member of the LGBTQIA+ community, EMINZADA experiences daily hurdles which he shares through his music. “Bloodline” is also rich with Azerbaijan traditional instrumentation, which is rarely heard in the global pop world. “Bloodline” gently commands your attention and makes you look forward to what EMINZADA will deliver on his forthcoming EP.
With a penchant for bright melodies and thoughtful, personable lyrics, Memphis singer/songwriter Nick Black releases his new single “Filler” which features a well-placed rap interlude from fellow Memphis resident Daz Rinko. “Filler” is about finding balance in life, not looking too far ahead to forget about who and what is currently around you. Nick’s vocal style reminds me of Jason Mraz or Mokita with a dash or two of one of his major influences, John Mayer. “Filler” follows the release of his fourth album Twitch #1, a result of using Twitch.tv over the past few years to formulate songs in real time in front of a virtual audience. So Nick not only has many obvious talents musically, but he’s done well to market himself with a brand for like-minded people. “Filler” is bright and unconventional, and could find favour on alternative or college radio.
You’ll get Joni Mitchell and Lana Del Rey feels when listening to “Summer Thing” by Connecticut-based singer-songwriter Julia Sposito, otherwise known as Juls. It’s all about navigating young love through the summer months, trying to determine if it’s the real thing or just a short-term romance destined to be a memory. The instrumentation is dreamy and deliberate as Juls’ polished vocal glides over top while her ruminations are brought to the fore. “Summer Thing” is a relatable introduction to the music of Juls from whom I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more.
What songs have that “sound of summer” to you that are on my chart? Two that I foresee being played loud on summer evenings are Harry Styles’ “Daydreaming” – for folks who can ease up on “As It Was” and “Late Night Talking” – and Darin’s “Superstar”. They are led by commanding vocals with effervescent melodies. It’s funny too that some songs that we might associate with summery sounds weren’t even released or popularized in the summer months, such as The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations”. Dance music has been my soundtrack to summer probably back to the days of disco in the 70’s. In one form or another, for me it has been inescapable!
Make sure you read about my frequently updatedONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES(see details after the post)!
Mercer’s “Aretha” gets a stunning fourth appearance at the top of the BILLCS Top 30. This has only happened twice in the last two years. The two songs were “Rain On Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande and “No More Looking Back” by Idris Elba & Inner City featuring Steffanie Christi’an. And what do those songs have in common? They were my #1 songs of 2020 and 2021 respectively. Could the same be in store for Mercer? 2018’s “Satisfy” (with Ron Carroll) was my #3 song of that year.
“Romance With A Memory” by Oliver Sim advances 6-3, with designs on #1 in two weeks. It’s slinky, Prince-like melody and a cool, sometimes droll vocal by Oliver make this one unique.
The intensity of NIVIRO and Harley Bird’s “The Edge” helps send it 8-5 on the chart. This is a rare dance tune with plenty of substance and emotion.
Benson Boone’s “In The Stars” also has sights on #1 as it charges into the Top 10, up 11-6. It’s led by a sincere vocal and interesting story that makes it so repeatable.
Two additional songs land in the Top 10. “Mind Of Mine” (above) by Danish producer Henrikz and British singer/songwriter Danny Dearden, climbing 16-9. It’s Danny’s second Top 10 following last year’s “Tell Me” (#4) with Bobby Harvey. And “don’t you wanna know” (below) by Syence and Britt Lari moves up 14-10. Syence’s previous Top 10 entry was the touching “We Won’t Leave You” with Steve Void (#7).
Continuing to make inroads on the chart is “The High” by Canada’s Ryan Shepherd with vocalist/songwriter Bella Renee, climbing 15-12. I’m delighted to find out that Ryan will be opening for Two Friends in Toronto at History on June 30 and July 1. I’ll be there on June 30 and look forward to seeing Ryan and hearing what he spins for us that evening!
Be sure to contribute to UNICEF on behalf of Ukraine if you can by purchasing a digital copy of “Unity” by Gareth Emery and Ukrainian producer Omnia, which climbs 18-13.
Although they are very different in styles, “Memories” (above) by Conan Gray (20-15) and “Let Me Down Easy (Lie)” (below) by Why Don’t We are two ballads that will endure for the summer, and will always be bookends like that for me now!
The Fastest Riser on the chart is the aforementioned “Daydreaming” by Harry Styles, which soars 26-17. The funky 60’s meets 70’s sound of the song led by another top notch Harry vocal is a jam that keeps giving.
The also previously mentioned “Superstar” by Darin climbs 27-19 and looks to find its way to the Top 10 as did its #1 predecessors, “Can’t Stay Away” and “Holding Me More”.
“Dusk” by Manila Killa and Lights continues to grow on me, and rises 28-21, with a delightful vocal by Lights.
“Crown” by Canadian producers We Are Fury featuring singers brassie and Kyle Reynolds moves up 30-23, putting some alternative electronic crunch into the chart.
The Highest Debut belongs to pop stalwart Mika, who is back with “Yo Yo” at #26, which is quite different for him with a downbeat midtempo melody, but it is a real grower. It’s from his forthcoming 6th album (excluding his compilation Storybook Vol 1), some of which he played in concert when I saw him perform in April. It’s Mika’s 11th appearance on my chart. He reached #1 with “Rain” in 2010.
At #27, it’s “Love That About You” by Arizona-based singer/songwriter McEwen. That may be a new name to you but the sound of the song is certainly familiar. That’s because McEwen previously recorded under the name Adam Tyler and charted 12 songs on this chart between 2010 and 2015, 10 of which reached the Top 10. “Love That About You” was actually recorded four years ago but is timeless and very appropriate theme-wise for this post-pandemic world. It comes from McEwen’s first album in more than seven years called 0524.
The last debut at #28 belongs to American-Puerto Rican singer/songwriter Javi with his terrific cover of Sade’s “Cherish The Day”, originally from the 1992 album Love Deluxe. Javi has consistently been making music for several years as a solo artist or as a vocalist in projects like Native Underground. This is his first song to appear on my chart however since 2010’s Monsieur Adi remix of “Situation” (#3), and a very welcome return!
In fact Mika and Javi were on my chart at this very time in 2010 (Mika with “Kick Ass”), and McEwen came along later that summer with his first entry, “Friction” (Ricardo Autobahn remix).
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.
You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! Links to all stations appear later in this section in blue.
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 Sunday mornings on Radio GTA at 2:00 AM EST, at 8pm EST on Sundays on Party Dog Radio, and then at 7:00 am EST Fridays on Unique Radio Australia!
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, now brought to you by the Appalachian Pub & Eatery in Georgetown, Ontario! “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.
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” now airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA.
My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on:
Radio GTA Wednesdays at 11:00 pm EST, Saturdays after Midnight EST, and Sundays at 3 am EST
Halton Hills Online Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and Saturdays at 7pm EST
Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays after 9pm EST
WXNZ, community radio in Maine, Mondays after 10pm EST
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
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