In early May, I introduced you to Boston’s Almost Owen through a delightful acoustic indie bedroom production. He’s followed that up with a full blown alt.rock effort called “One Lucky Man”. He’s got a great voice and like with many classic rockers, he can sing a lot of powerful, meaningful lyrics and draw the audience into his story without worrying that he’s actually singing too much. The song has a straight-forward arrangement with a steady rhythm that steers it quickly through three and a half minutes without it seeming even as such. Definitely keep your ears open for Almost Owen – he’s a sharp songwriter who knows what his listeners want to hear, and delivers a great message with “One Lucky Man” in the process.
It seems easy enough to think that a song called “Feels Like Summer” might be a simple, straight-forward pop song about fun in the summer. But UK singer/songwriter Samuel Jack was raised partially in Johannesburg, South Africa, and his interest in music was sparked by Paul Simon’s Graceland. So I’m confident there is a myriad of influences brewing inside, which leads to Samuel’s rich, R&B-inspired vocal that gives “Feels Like Summer” extra depth. The song itself is reflective, looking back on a teen romance that brings back the summer setting all over again, even when it isn’t even summer. All too many of us can relate to those feelings, which is why “Feels Like Summer” is a charming winner and Samuel is a singer to watch. If you like music by Hozier and Passenger then add Samuel Jack into the mix.
It’s a bit off the path from a lot of today’s pop music, but that’s probably what makes it refreshing: “Shotgun” is new jazzy pop from Canadian band Monkey House. Canadian radio listeners will be familiar with them from the 90’s and early 2000’s with such songs as their cover of Steely Dan’s “Lazy Nina” as well as the original “Big Money” receiving regular airplay. Led by pianist, Emmy Award winner, and Juno Award nominee Don Breithaupt, Monkey House’s “Shotgun” has an 80’s vibe about it that will appeal to fans of artists of that era such as Matt Bianco. But it’s the summery chorus that you won’t get out of your head and can easily be earmarked as a great summer driving song. It comes from the forthcoming album Friday with a video to follow that will be directed by Oscar winner Miles Dale. Don’t let this one slip by – definitely one fine summer bop!
“Show Me Love” is proof positive that sometimes it just takes a solid vocal to take a song to the next level. And UK band Beware The Bear – who seem to be rather elusive in social media circles – have given the vocal showcase to Sean Smith on this particular occasion. Of course readers of this blog know Sean well for his own songs like “Magic” and his recent unique dance collaboration with Peter Wilson called “Verona”, and fans of pop music in the UK also know him from his Same Difference days. “Show Me Love” is a different setting for Sean from his recent music, and perhaps in some ways leans back to more straight-forward pop-rock of Same Difference. In any case, Sean’s voice is the right fit for this song and allows him to exercise his range and versatility. “Show Me Love” has wide appeal and is a worthwhile addition to upbeat pop-rock playlists.
As readers of this blog are aware, I am not big on cover versions and they really have to impress me to write about them. So when a singer/songwriter like Indiana’s Jon Mclaughlin decides to release a cover version – or two – then some undivided attention is a must.
Jon boldly takes on Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional” (above) as a reflective ballad, and its transformation is a brilliant success. It’s not sombre by any means, it has become a story about a past lover and the resulting feelings from that relationship. Ballads can be sped up and dance songs can be slowed down, but it has to be done right. And with his on point vocal and piano playing, “So Emotional” is given real credibility as a ballad.
Also be sure to check out Jon’s cover of Years & Years’ “Desire” (below), which is the second part of this double-A sided single release. I’m still a bit too attached to the original of four years ago but slowing down this particular dance song fleshes out the intense longing of the lyrics.
He did it his way and the results are in: Brandyn Burnette’s transformation into EMAN8 as a performer is now complete with the release of his debut album titled Emanate (Brandyn’s actual middle name). And while it is now years away from some of my favourite songs by him such as “I Wanna Be (Free)”, “Nothing At All” and of course “Thanks For Nothing”, a new and adventurous chapter is unfolding. And I’m pretty certain it’s going to be an enjoyable ride.
As I’ve already mentioned in past posts about the songs that preceded the release of Emanate – “Amen”, “Inspired”, and “Grateful” – Brandyn-as-EMAN8 is now focusing on the joyous and fun aspects of his music, while continuing to be the humble and intriguing artist we have grown to enjoy. And while “Amen” and “Grateful” to me are two of the album’s better songs, there is still a third within and it’s called “Time” (featured above). The song veers away from the blues-influenced progressive soul of most of the tracks on Emanate and into progressive electronica, not surprising considering Brandyn’s involvement in dance music over the past few years working with artists like Elephante, Two Friends, Vicetone, Win & Woo, and more. Also very successful are “Sympathy”, hip hop inflected dance music featuring Kelechi, and “Stir”, featuring more words of positivity. The only song that doesn’t work for me is “Reese’s Pieces”, which has a great rhythm track but doesn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the songs.
Be sure to check out EMAN8 if you haven’t already for some mighty fine songs within the album Emanate brought to you by a very deserving artist who is creating his own path his way.
10/10 (or tenoutoften) is back and is once again this blog’s new feature where 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.
Writing 10/10 features 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.
tenoutoften 04
SAVI & TARYN MANNING, “Bring Me Back To You”
“Bring Me Back To You” is a future house fan’s delight from L.A. producer SAVI and long time dance club favourite, singer/actress Taryn Manning (“Orange Is The New Black”, “Hawaii Five-O”). This Strange Fruits release is a well-produced mix to keep dancers on the floor, with a nice trappy mid-section that draws you back into the latter part of the song. It’s great to hear Taryn in this slightly different, more progressive setting, so with her track record on the charts – two #1’s “Send Me Your Love” (with Sultan + Shepard) and “GLTCHLFE” – club DJ’s will easily fit “Bring Me Back To You” to their mid-evening Saturday night sets.
TOBIAS BERGSON & MICHAEL SHYNES, “Keep Trying”
“Keep Trying” is one of those positive slices of deep house music that’s destined to be a crowd pleaser. Brought to you by the new Dutch label Diepgraven, Austria’s Tobias Bergson surrounds the lyrics with bright sounds and a riveting rhythm to allow the fine voice of US singer Michael Shynes to anchor the song. This one’ll getcha in the same way that Armin van Buuren & Trevor Guthrie’s “This Is What It Feels Like” or Dave Edwards & Mark Asari’s “That’s What We’re Made Of” created timeless, effortless good vibes.
ADNAN VERON & SHAYCE OPAL, “Without You”
Anytime is the perfect time for romance in “Without You”. Adnan Veron is a new producer out of Indonesia and he’s got a fantastic British singer named Shayce Opal to carry the song for him. It’s a delightful combination of stunning high vocal notes with mid-tempo electronica, and it lilts along at a comfortable pace with wistful lyrics setting the tone. “Without You” is a gorgeous Neon Fruits release that deserves attention.
PAUL HETHERINGTON, “Touch”
Australian producer and vocalist Paul Hetherington follows up his first release in a number of years called “When I Lost You” with the atmospheric and taut “Touch”. The song seems to take cues perhaps from 80’s new wave and late 90’s and 00’s pleasures from the likes of fellow Aussies Darren Hayes and Savage Garden. Paul crafts an intriguing and memorable melody while the provocative synth beat throbs along.
BENEDICT CORK, “Funny How Things Change”
It came out a little while ago now but I don’t want “Funny How Things Change” by British singer Benedict Cork to slip away without notice, in the same way that I immediately latched on to YEBBA’s “Evergreen” in late 2017. This is indeed a happy marriage of a wonderful new voice and a splendid song, which Benedict co-wrote. He has a radiant tone that immediately impresses and cuts through the lyrics like butter. Benedict Cork is definitely one singer to put on your list. In fact he’s released another song since “Funny” called “Breaking Hearts” so I’ll have to get to that one soon too.
APOLLO LTD, “Misfits”
Nashville duo Apollo LTD returns with “Misfits”. It strikes you instantly with an urgent vocal and a snappy melody with well thought out words to which anyone can relate. It has a slightly soulful backdrop that could have found its way out of a 70’s Boz Scaggs or Steely Dan record, but mainly “Misfits” is a solid, contemporary pop release that stands out.
BETICAL, “Runnin'”
French brothers Max and Martin, aka Betical, offer up late night deep house grooves with “Runnin'”. It’s a bit different from their more recent releases but should have no problem drawing folks out on to the dance floor with its atmospheric vocal and booming house beats. The song hopes to strike a chord with the younger crowd about being independent and free-thinking. DJ’s might find themselves making “Runnin'” a go-to for late hot summer nights.
KENNY SUMMIT, ERIC KUPPER and AMY DOUGLAS, “Give Me Love”
“Give Me Love” has one mission – to make you groove long and hard. This is big sounding deep house at its best thanks to US producers Kenny Summit and Eric Kupper featuring the classic, soulful voice of NYC’s Amy Douglas, who most recently appeared on Horse Meat Disco’s “Let’s Go Dancing” (which got to #14 on my personal chart). There’s simply no denying the power of a song like this in dance clubs. It draws heavily from 90’s house – a nice companion piece in my opinion in fact to its namesake late 90’s classic by Alcatraz.
VALENCIA JAMES, “Flames”
Australia-based, NYC-bred singer/songwriter Valencia James is a newcomer with a fierce voice to remember in her debut single “Flames”. It’s a powerful song with an expressive and compelling vocal that uses the imagery of playing with fire when a relationship is about to be permanently damaged. There’s no doubt when you hear Valencia James that you will think of another very famous NYC vocalist – Lady Gaga. “Flames” is a great introduction to Valencia James and I’m sure we will be hearing much, much more from her.
HOMESTEAD, “Runaway”
“Runaway” was a nice surprise to come my way as the debut single from two super and talented fellow Canadians calling themselves Homestead, producer/guitarist Liam DeBoer and vocalist Joël, who previously reached #12 on my personal chart with 2016’s “You Fucked Up”. This alt.rock flavoured dance track has a hypnotic melody led by Joël’s at times unique and mysterious-sounding vocal. I haven’t figured out what it’s all about but “Runaway” is chock full of interesting imagery and warrants multiple listens.
I’m so glad my big faves from very early Spring have carried over to make my birthday week a very happy place where ever I play the Top 3! And the rest of the Top 10 is quite active, with three debuts rounding out the chart.
They are of course M-22’s “White Lies” (above), Cedric Gervais & Just Kiddin’s “Good Things” (disco edit) featuring vocalist Kyan (also above), and “Enlighten Me” by Dutch producers DubVision and SYZZ (below) giving the chart the zing it needs at 1-2-3!
MAX is back in the Top 5 for the first time as a lead artist since “Lights Down Low” got to #3 in its Two Friends remix in 2016. Was I just an early bird on that one, or were y’all late heads? Anyway, “Love Me Less” (featuring Quinn XCII) climbs 7-4.
Nashville’s Mokita is on his way to the Top 5 for a second time this year with “Kiss And Tell” rising 9-6. And then there’s his new one “Inside Out” too so watch for it in this space in the near future…
The Chainsmokers acquire their 10th Top 10 since 2015 with “Do You Mean”, featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Canada’s Juno Award-winning bülow moving up 11-7.
The fastest riser on the chart had its video debut today. Soaring up the chart 20-9 is Illenium & Jon Bellion’s “Good Things Fall Apart”. This is Illenium’s third Top 10 entry since the late Fall. Check out that intriguing video above.
Rounding out the newcomers to the Top 10 is Lost Frequencies’ magnetic “Recognise” featuring vocalist Flynn and rising 12-10.
Closing in on the Top 10, with no surprise, is the progressive and experimental “Coyote” from L.A.’s Mako, zipping up the chart 17-11. This one draws you in with each listen so don’t miss it.
Halifax’s Famba just signed to Sony Canada proper, and he’s on his second radio hit for them. Easily accessible to dance clubs in its Dallerium remix above is “Swear To God”, advancing 19-12.
Timmy Trumpet’s new anthem “World At Our Feet” finds itself soaring 23-15 in its second appearance.
“Adore You” by Jessie Ware is a quiet, sexy, funky grower and it moves up 22-17.
Taking its cue from a lot of 90’s pop and hip hop music is “We Found Love” by Canada’s Sultan + Shepard who collaborate with Showtek for this reboot of the Heavy D. & The Boyz hit. It climbs 26-18.
They say some DJ’s don’t dance but in the video for his song “Atypical”, you’ll find Manila Killa busting some impressive moves. Led by the vocals of GiGi, “Atypical” rises 25-19 culled from Manila Killa’s 1993 release.
The first newcomer is by recent Oscar and Grammy Award winner Mark Ronson who brings along Grammy-winner YEBBA for one of three songs on his album Late Night Feelings. The sensational “Don’t Leave Me Lonely” arrives on the chart at #23. Somehow it’s only Mark’s second entry on the chart, the first being “Valerie” with Amy Winehouse in 2007. YEBBA’s previous 2017 “Evergreen” got to #4, and I expect similar things from “Lonely”.
Next up is the debut entry for Switzerland’s Luca Hänni, who was so fun and engaging with his Eurovision performances with “She Got Me” arriving at #25. The song ranked 4th overall in Eurovision and deserves to be a worldwide smash. It’s pretty darned irresistible.
The third new entry of the week at #27 belongs to French producer Nick Peters with a lyrical dance gem in “Where Did You Go”, featuring UK vocalist Jamie Grey. Nick’s visited the chart before, in 2017 with “No Love In Brooklyn” getting to #4 in partnership with Frank Pierce and Scott Vega.
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
With every single they release, Netherlands-based Emirati producers Revelries put a unique twist on dance music, usually in the house or deep house sub-genres. This time with “Blue” they work with L.A. producer Rob Tirea and vocalist Kayrae, who co-wrote the song. An urgent and expressive vocal is set against a driving house rhythm, with a few impressive pauses along the way, that command your attention to make “Blue” not your ordinary-sounding dance track. The producers spike it with elevated bass synth work and everything works well together. “Blue” is a bit left of centre and may not be an immediate draw, but stick with it and you’ll look forward to hearing it more and more.
Some innovative and entertaining songs make their debuts this week. One artist continues to find himself with two songs at a time on the chart, while another appears on the chart – twice – for the first time in over 5 years. And they both join another artist who has one song on the rise and one which peaked in the Top 5 a few weeks ago.
But first the Top 10, in which we find two songs snug comfortably at the top 🙂
It’s “White Lies” that reigns supreme for a second week for German/UK producers M-22 and featuring the songwriting talents and uncredited vocal of British singer A*M*E. It kind of goes hand in hand, for me anyway, with Cedric Gervais’ disco edit of “Good Things” in collaboration with Just Kiddin and singer Kyan, which stays at #2.
A third frenetic house track joins the top two to keep you dancing away. “Enlighten Me” is by the fine Dutchmen that are DubVision and SYZZ, and it soars 8-3. They bypass Mahalo and MŌZ who remain at #4 with the deep house of “Go Ahead”, as well as “Sucker” by The Jonas Brothers, which still climbs 7-5. Although Joe Jonas found himself in the Top 5 previously as a solo singer with “Make You Mine” (#3, from his underappreciated Fastlife album) in 2012, and again with DNCE with “Cake By The Ocean” (#2) in 2015, I don’t think I ever fathomed the Jonasei gracing the upper reaches!
Every release by MAX that has hit my chart has made the Top 10, and “Love Me Less”, featuring Quinn XCII, rises 10-7. Mokita’s third entry on the chart becomes his second Top 10 hit. The Nashville singer/songwriter moves up 11-9 with “Kiss And Tell” as “London” tumbles to #15 after peaking at #3. The second newcomer to the Top 10 is “Wild” by German producer Final DJs and featuring Bright Light Bright Light on vocals. “Wild” moves up 13-10 and becomes Bright Light Bright Light’s 17th Top 10 entry!
Three other recent entries are advancing well on the chart. French producer Kidswaste’s delightful “Sleeping Pills” featuring vocalist KOLE climbs 21-16, and right behind is progressive electronica from L.A.’s Mako with “Coyote” moving up 23-17. The fastest riser on the chart, however, is “Swear To God” by Canadian producer Famba, which is making short work of the chart by leaping 27-19. It’s also Famba’s second Canadian radio hit following “Wish You Well” (featuring Trove).
It’s definitely an interesting chart for debuts. Although he continues to move up at #13 with “Crashing” (featuring Bahari), the prolific Illenium has singer/songwriter Jon Bellion on deck this time for the quite amazing and thoughtful “Good Things Fall Apart”, which makes an impressive debut at #20. Then there’s Timmy Trumpet’s commanding “World At Our Feet” which becomes the Australian producer’s first entry on this chart at #23.
And last but not least, there are Dutch producers, the brothers Showtek. This is the first time that Showtek has appeared on the chart since 2014, when “Cannonball (Earthquake)”, with Italian producer Justin Prime and US vocalist Matthew Koma, went to #1. They are back two-fold, first at #26 with Canada’s own Sultan + Shepard bowing for the first time on the chart with “We Found Love”, an update of “Now That We Found Love”, a huge 90’s hit for Heavy D. & The Boyz, originally recorded in 1979 by reggae band Third World. And then there’s the story of remixing a fun 4 year old song – but when a remix by A-Trak is among them you know it’s going to be great. Showtek and vocalist Leon Sherman’s “Listen To Your Momma” arrives at #28, and A-Trak’s is one of five remixes on the EP.
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
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
You must be logged in to post a comment.