After releasing some more house and pop crossover flavoured dance tracks recently, Bay area producer Jay Bird steps back into some future bass grooves for “Your Light”, recorded in collaboration with new Canadian producer Nivek Ffohrs. It’s easy to picture this one being played at a big arena future bass concert. The producers take their time with “Your Light” to let it build until the uncredited female vocal really takes off. By then, there’s no turning back and the song’s taut and progressive arrangement makes you hang on her every word. Future bass lovers will flock to this one, but like with songs by the genre’s reigning king, Illenium, there is plenty of appeal for pop/dance music lovers too.
This is my first “10/10” feature since early February. And fine new music still keeps coming in droves, so writing 10 reviews in slightly more bitable chunks is a good way to help bring attention to these songs and their artists. 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. One song featured in the last edition of “10/10”, “Prisoner” by Shadowkey and Jordan Jane is currently on my chart, and some of the artists in this edition have also been included in previous “10/10” features.
KLAAS, “First Girl On The Moon”
Hailing from Cologne, Germany, Klaas is the prolific veteran producer who rose to fame when he remixed the 2008 reboot of the late Guru Josh’s 90’s dance hit “Infinity”. His association with other producers such as Like Mike & Dimitri Vegas, The Bodybangers and others have helped keep him busy and in demand, and he scored a #1 Billboard Dance Club hit a couple of years ago with his redux of Londonbeat’s “I’ve Been Thinking About You”. Like many of his other releases, “First Girl On The Moon” is an original, with a particularly beautiful uncredited female vocal, as well as great lyrics which come courtesy of the pedigree of the esteemed Daniel Volpe. “First Girl On The Moon” is imaginative pop/dance that stands out from the rest.
SYENCE and BRITT LARI, “don’t you wanna know”
Syence is a California electronic dance production duo who have been honing their craft through releases over the past five years through high profile indie dance labels like Strange Fruits, Lowly Palace, and Seeking Blue. “don’t you wanna know” however is an Armada offering, and despite its American roots it’s got European flavours down pat, especially with its distinct synth hook. Britt Lari is a Peru-born singer and co-writer with the pristine voice that works up the excitement level in this release. “don’t you wanna know” is destined for festival and club play over the next while because it simply doesn’t let up for its three and a half minutes and is befitting for the attention of some great remixers.
Syence plays The Clevelander, Miami South Beach, on Saturday March 25 as part of Miami Music Week
FRANCESCA LOUISE, “For Michael”
“For Michael” is a compelling and poignant story of tragic loss by British pop/folk singer/songwriter Francesca Louise. After losing a close family friend suddenly three years ago, “For Michael” became an outlet for Francesca on how to deal with that passing. It’s a quiet record that could easily cause you to shed some tears before it’s over, although I’d recommend you check out the video above which has some uplifting moments. The vocal was recorded without any production, just a microphone in a quiet room, which immediately lends the feeling of isolation to the song, and is helped by an acoustic guitar melody. But as you listen to the words, remember this is a shared story and is intended to help others heal too. It’s a beautiful song that deserves attention.
ANIQO, “Vivre Libre”
“Vivre Libre” is the opening track and the final installment from the new album Birth by Germany’s ANIQO (Anita Goβ). Birth has been several years in the making, and I’ve been happy to write about the songs that I’ve enjoyed along the way that now form parts of the album. “Vivre Libre” is an engaging celebration of life, as is the closing song on the album,“Love Life”. Stylistically, it sometimes reminds me of Florence Welch meets The Cocteau Twins. ANIQO is a chameleon though, and I wouldn’t want to put her in one pop category, though her style overall is often referred to as psychedelic pop. With influences including David Bowie and Nick Drake, and a flair for making inventive, well-made videos (check out “Fear”particularly), all of ANIQO’s music is now on display for you to hear in the 10 songs in the album Birth. There’s something in it for everyone’s pop taste, and that’s how it is being aptly promoted. And what’s next for ANIQO is anyone’s guess!
LORNE, “Bow Out”
“Bow Out” is the first release in five years by UK singer/songwriter and pianist Lorne. Being a classically trained pianist, there’s no getting around the gorgeous structure of the song which keeps you hanging on every piano chord, though some invested added production helps immensely. “Bow Out” is about finding the escape route out of difficult situations, and ultimately ones where you must simply and physically leave. Lorne’s vocal at times reminds you of Coldplay’s Chris Martin without the rough edges, as well as Damien Rice without the rawness, but his songs are mainly inspired by Peter Gabriel, in whose softer songs you will find similarity. When “Bow Out” hits its most affecting, even exhilarating moments, Lorne is in his element, very reminiscent of Steve Winwood in that way if not stylistically. It’s the kind of song might also suit a full orchestra backdrop.
NIGHTS IN STEREO, “Open Door”
Based in L.A., Nights In Stereo is an alt.rock trio and “Open Door” is their first release. What gives the band notoriety is one of its members – actor Ronen Rubenstein, the Israel-born star of “9-11: Lone Star” who also had roles TV’s in “Orange Is The New Black”, “Dead Of Summer”, and “American Horror Stories”. And he and his band acquit themselves quite well, with a fluid, driving rock sound that could have easily stepped right out of the 90’s, with inspiration perhaps from bands like Weezer, 311, and Red Hot Chili Peppers as channeled through Green Day and Cage The Elephant. “Open Door” is a promising start and I’ll anticipate a follow-up soon.
ARDEN, “Room To Climb”
Meet Elliott Meldrum, 19 year-old Londoner otherwise known as Arden, with his debut single “Room to Climb”. What might seem like another slice of British indie bedroom alt.pop to follow the success of artists like Sam Fender or Tom Grennan is based on a superficial first listen. “Room to Climb” is a grower with an enlightening and uplifting story from a young rough-around-the-edges singer/songwriter who offers some wisdom beyond his years. Arden will go a long way creating music like this that’s earnest and from the heart. While “Room To Climb” has a safe and familiar overall sound, it’s solid song and Arden is off to a great start with it.
ENGSTROM & ROBBIE ROSEN, “Gives Me Hell”
I’m not sure how I initially missed “Gives Me Hell”, which has been on release for a little while now, but I’m sure glad I fell back deep into the bountiful Robbie Rosen discography to discover it! This time Robbie teams up with Swedish producer Engstrom to deliver a relatable slice-of-life story where one door closes on a relationship and another one opens. And so the title comes from the usually hopeful paraphrasing of what “I wish you well” might really mean at the end of that relationship. Robbie’s gentle and sincere delivery combined with the dance-bop rhythm and synths from Engstrom make “Gives Me Hell” a worthwhile find.
JAROD GLAWE, “Forever”
“Forever” is a sparkling, fast-paced house track that’s timely as Spring begins to unfold. This new tale of contemporary romance is brought to you by Chicago producer Jarod Glawe, who last year released the dazzling “Belong To You” featuring vocalist Robin Vine. This time, the uncredited female singer convincingly expounds all that is wondrous about being in love forever while Jarod directs the synth melody and rhythm with finesse. “Forever” is a great dance floor draw that will waste no time in persuading young lovers to prove their mettle on the dance floor.
HENRIKZ & DANNY DEARDEN, “Mind Of Mine”
Danish producer henrikz and British singer/songwriter Danny Dearden follow up their previous collaboration “Arcade” with the deep house bounce of “Mind Of Mine”. The pair don’t waste a moment of the song which includes an intriguing first minute to pull you in, some smart if brief progressions, and Danny’s absolutely gorgeous high register which will help to leave the song stuck in your head for days. In fact there are moments in the song where Danny isn’t even singing lyrics that shows his strength in carrying a song. But as a producer hendrikz is also a talented foil which makes “Mind Of Mind” such a double-pronged success.
The pace of the music industry is not letting up, and with festival season setting in, I expect tons of dance music to flood the market. It’s making it harder to choose new songs for a Top 30 every two weeks, but after 24 years it will continue (he says, turning on new tunes to listen to hehe)! I’ve always intended for songs to have a long stay of 5+ appearances (10 weeks) and only rarely does that not work out. So I’m not sure if shorter stays on the chart will prevail on the chart for some songs, so I’ll wait on that. In any case, there’s a new #1 and four more debuts!
Darren Hayes returns to #1 for the first time since 2007 with the intensely beautiful “Let’s Try Being In Love” (above). It’s his 5th #1, following 2002’s “Crush (1980 ME)”, and 2007’s “Step Into The Light”, “Me, Myself & I” and “How To Build A Time Machine”. It looks like Darren is planning much more new music to release this year, in addition to his already announced Australian tour, as he has quickly followed it up with 80’s flavoured, Prince-influenced “Do You Remember” (below).
The Chainsmokers continue to move up with “High” (above) climbing 6-4. It’s the current #1 song on dance radio right now, and they also have followed it up quickly with “iPad” (below).
Martin Garrix, Matisse & Sadko and John Martin soar 9-5 with “Won’t Let You Go”. It’s Martin’s 6th time in the Top 5. He’ll also be playing just about every festival around this year – you’ll recall he was sidelined with a fractured leg a few years back which prevented him from touring.
Frankmusik appears in the Top 10 for the first time since 2014’s “Dear Nicole” (#6) with “The Half Moon Came Up In The Sky”, which vaults 16-8.
Jonas Blue and Why Don’t We also both return to the Top 10 with their collaboration “Don’t Wake Me Up” rising 13-9.
While “Sweet Talker” leaves the Top 10, Years & Years moves up 15-10 with “Night Call” (above), the title track from the album. And there’s also another deep cut on the rise as the Deluxe Edition-only “Reflection” (below) jumps 26-18.
“Careless” by Mahalo, Milkwish and Lena Leon climbs 18-11, and is finally starting to make inroads on the dance radio airplay charts.
The Fastest Riser on the chart, not surprisingly, is Odesza’s massive “The Last Goodbye” (above), which revamps Bettye LaVette’s 1965 single “Let Me Down Easy”, to extraordinary effect. The song rises 23-13, and Odesza has already followed it up with another promising release with vocalist MARO called “Better Now”, below.
One bright indie release on the chart that should not be overlooked is Gabe James’ charming “Gracie”, which continues to make its way up the chart, moving 19-16.
Jully Black’s latest single, the empowerment jam called “No Relation” (above), moves up 28-20. She’s also recently released a duet with Grammy and Juno Award winner Dan Hill called “Something More”, below.
The Highest Debut at #24 has been around for a while, but it’s a song that just keeps giving. It’s the rollicking deep house track from the UK’s Shadowkey and Jordan Jane, “Prisoner”.
Italian producers Luca + Giam debut at #25 with the incredibly catchy 90’s flavoured house track “Hold Me Down” featuring singer Sam Merkin.
L.A.’s Michael Medrano makes it a two-fer on the chart as his collaboration with Funk LeBlanc of the “Dance Floor Version” of “It’s Your Thing” arrives on the chart at #27. It’s back-to-back with his #5 “I don’t wanna talk about love” (#26).
The fourth debut at #30 is a second visit to the chart for Glass Petals, the dance production side project for Felix Cartal and Johnny Jover, with “Leave Your Mind Behind”.
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.
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. And on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm 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! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free, proudly brought to you by Symposium Cafe Restaurant & Lounge in Georgetown, Ontario!
The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada – I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm with my New Music Pick of the 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 11:15 pm EST, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, on Halton Hills Onlineon Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST, and now on Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays at 9pm EST.
It’s been a while since French producer Mercer dropped new music, but he’s back and in charge with “Aretha”. This is a can’t miss house rave-up and a reverent tribute to the Queen of Soul. I could be wrong but it sounds like Mercer has chopped up a series of vocal bites from Miss Aretha – one of his samples may be 1987’s “Rock-a-Lott” because part of the song reminded me of another song where it was sampled, The 49ers’ 90’s hit “Touch Me”. These vocal bites contain few words, and his tight editing lets Aretha go loose in almost like a wordless Ella Fitzgerald way. He’s matched the vocals with a fierce house mix, and the results are one ultra-cool record that many DJ’s will play at festivals and events through the summer.
I enjoy watching Sweden’s Melodifestivalen contest as well as EuroVision, because they are non-stop entertainment, and North American producers just don’t seem to be able to do that and rather focus on celebrity and a lot of in-between banter instead. I’m a sucker for an underdog, and this year “Bluffin'” by Liamoo was it. 24 year old Liamoo is the 2016 Swedish Idol winner performing this sophisticated, streetwise song. Though it finished third, if marketed properly, it could be a big hit outside of Sweden. It’s got the appealing hook, memorable melody, and that captivating vibe which made for a very entertaining performance. “Bluffin'” lost out to a great winner – Cornelia Jakobs’ wonderful “Hold Me Closer” – but it’s a song that has a lot going on for you to enjoy.
Quickly following up “Oxygen” with Victor Perry (currently Top 20 on my personal chart) is German producers Saxity with “Drink You Up” featuring vocals by New Jersey-based songwriter NEEL. It’s an infectious, day-dreamy kind of song full of positive vibes, enhanced by the producers’ distinct guitar and sax work. And more often than not they find top notch talent to work with. NEEL has an attractive voice that lends a soulful Bruno Mars kind of familiarity to the song, which he also co-wrote with Saxity and the super-prolific Robbie Rosen. He’s also a multilingual (Punjabi, Hindi, Marathi and more) philanthropist who raises funds for underprivileged children. Be sure to add “Drink You Up” to your regular feelgood pop/dance playlist.
For whatever reasons, “Everytime” is German dance producer PYNGU’s first release since 2019. Fortunately, although earlier and better known under the name Kyco, he’s returned as if he hasn’t missed a step. “Everytime” is a solid, bass-synth laden production that deserves to turn heads. There’s also some nice pedigree in the mix – the song is co-written by Denmark’s Boye & Sigvardt, who topped my personal chart late last year with “Microdose”. While the female vocalist doesn’t get credit, she’s expressive and gives the song its edge in its tale of frustrating heartache. But it’s really PYNGU’s rich, uniform production that’s the star of the show, making “Everytime” an easy choice for both dance radio and club DJ’s.
Ashwyn is a talented singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer who ditched a rising career as electronic dance producer Astra for more creative pursuits while still a teen. He’s released a series of very different singles over the course of the last year, including the warm and compelling “Sell My Soul”. Surprisingly, he’s returned to more of a pop/dance release with “Feelings of Yesterday”, but this is not your cookie-cutter overproduced dance music that clutters up the radio these days. He’s made a fine decision to create a memorable, beautifully sung song that’s actually meant to convey the feelings of isolation and loneliness as many people have felt during the pandemic. The song has such a great rhythm, perfect for a long drive along a beach coast or late at night when the sky is full of stars, that Ashwyn stops singing and lets it take over halfway, which allows your mind to wander and your feet to do their thing on a club dance floor should you be so inclined. “Feelings of Yesterday” is a distinct new emotional dance track that takes risks while being perfectly accessible. It’s from Ashwyn’s forthcoming EP of the same name.
In the not-so-long-ago, the enigmatic L.A.-based producer PatrickReza put his unique touches on other people’s work through remixes for most of the major dance labels, and then released some solo songs that got lost in the pop/dance spectrum. A few years ago he found his groove in the progressive electronic/dubstep genre, and has returned with the taut and dark “Tears” from his 3-song EP “Blood, Sweat, Tears”, featuring a song with each of those words. “Tears” to me is by far the most intriguing, with haunting imagery that recalls 90’s Massive Attack that would be interesting to see put into visual form. The deliberate but focused production keeps you hanging on whatever comes next both musically and lyrically, making “Tears” the kind of song that would instill a hush over a noisy crowd when played in a club or in concert. “Tears” isn’t for everyone but open-minded listeners with a bent for unpredictable electronic production will love it.
The shortest month in the year has come and gone as quickly as ever, but it’s jammed packed with new music, some of which I hope to feature in the coming two weeks. In the meantime, there’s no shortage of activity on the new chart which features four unique new entries!
I’m excited for what Swedish pop/rock band Louis Pax will bring us in 2022, as the 80’s inspired “Bad Things” continues in a second appearance at #1! This quartet with a diverse set of influences and the amazing lead vocals of Oscar Reingsdahl did a Q&A on Instagram last week and offered up an acoustic version of their recent single “Spanish Rain”. You can check out the new lyric video for that song below, with a follow up single expected soon!
Right now “Bad Things” is keeping #1 away from Darren Hayes’ “Let’s Try Being In Love” – a pretty hard thing to do – which moves up 3-2. The singer is currently in his native Australia and was a judge this weekend at their EuroVision entry contest.
The Weeknd’s 80’s soaked “Less Than Zero” from the Dawn FM is one to watch as it climbs 7-3. Somewhat surprisingly, it becomes The Weeknd’s second highest entry on my chart, next to 2016’s #1 “Starboy” with the now re-formed Daft Punk.
“High” is a song that invades my head and stays there for a long time whenever I play it. So, accordingly, The Chainsmokers have the Fastest Riser for the second chart in a row, soaring 16-6. Up next for the guys amid touring is the follow-up single “iPad”.
Martin Garrix gets his first Top 10 on my chart since 2018’s “High On Life” with “Won’t Let You Go” (14-9), in collaboration with Russia’s Matisse & Sadko, and vocalist John Martin, who obtains his second Top 10 a little over 9 years after Swedish House Mafia’s #1 “Don’t You Worry Child”.
Rounding out the Top 10 is UK queen of house Karen Harding, whose “Sweet Vibrations” climbs 12-10, becoming her 6th Top 10 entry since the end of 2020.
“Don’t Wake Me Up” by Jonas Blue and Why Don’t We climbs 19-13 and has designs on the Top 10 next week.
Years and Years has the rare feat of having three songs on the chart right now. While “Sweet Talker” peaked at #2 on the last chart, the title track (above) from the album Night Call climbs 20-15. And Olly Alexander’s voice has never sounded better, full of poise and control, than on the album track “Reflection”, which is only available on the deluxe versions of Night Call. “Reflection” (below) arrives on the chart at #26.
“The Half Moon Came Up In The Sky” (above) may be an inauspicious release for Frankmusik, but it’s turning out to be one of my favourite songs by him, as it climbs 24-16. He is currently re-recording his 2009 album Complete Me, and you can check out the first tastes of this new work “In Step Completed” and “Better Off As 2 Completed” below.
“Careless” by Mahalo and Milkwish featuring the recognizable voice of Lena Leon climbs 25-18, and is certainly one of the best and most infectious deep house tracks on release right now.
We definitely weren’t ready for Odesza’s first release in four years (aside from their Bronson collaboration). I guess “Loyal” (which reached #1 on this chart in 2018) was a jumping off point for dabbling in early R&B and fusing it with the duo’s progressive sounds. So they took Bettye LaVette’s 1965 R&B hit “Let Me Down Easy”, in full collaboration with the now-76 year old singer, and created the new epic “The Last Goodbye”, which arrives on the chart at #23. This one must be listened to multiple times to be appreciated. The depth of production and reverence for its source is extremely impressive, and by my ears, Grammy Award-worthy.
Next up at #27 is “Cold Shoulder”, the debut chart entry from mystery American dance producers Electric Polar Bears with UK singer/songwriter Katie Sky. This one has it all – top notch production, a distinct vocal, and engaging songwriting. The EPB’s are known for their entertaining live sets, and of course they wear polar bear disguises on their heads.
The fourth debut at #28 is chart-returnee Jully Black with “No Relation”. It’s the striking Canadian talent’s first chart entry since 2015’s “Fever” (#8). It’s also Jully’s 8th chart entry, and they go back to 1999’s “Rally’n” (#4)!
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.
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. And on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm 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! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free, proudly brought to you by Symposium Cafe Restaurant & Lounge in Georgetown, Ontario!
The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada – I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm with my New Music Pick of the 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 11:15 pm EST, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, on Halton Hills Onlineon Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST, and now on Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays at 9pm EST.
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