Drew Thomas is a promising talent from Nottingham whose affable personality shines through the songs through which he lives his life. “All My Friends” has an anthemic Killers-Sam Fender bent about it that fronts the reality that in certain times of our lives things change among friends, and sometimes we’re the spectator waiting for it to happen to us, or perhaps even resisting or even resenting those changes. “All My Friends” embraces that time full on with guitars ablaze and rocks out accordingly, splendidly sung by Drew. With songs like this that would sound great played live in concert (and the video above captures a favourable taste), I wouldn’t expect Drew Thomas to be a DIY talent too much longer.
Washington D.C. area pop/R&B talent Steven Thad quickly follows up his pensive “Do You Remember” with a new 5 song EP of originals, Mr. R&B, on which it’s included, along with another standout track, the brief but touching “Goodbye, Farewell”. Despite all of the good intentions in the relationship he’s singing about, in this song Steven sings with resignation about one that has completely ended, and in its simplicity you can sense the understandable isolation when he sings of his recurring thoughts about that person which probably won’t leave his head for a while yet. I enjoy Steven’s lo-fi approach to his songs, which are alternately upbeat and joyous, or quieter and ruminating. Be sure to check out the EP and his other songs while you can, most of which I’ve reviewed in these blog pages this year.
British singer/songwriter Joulie Fox evokes the sultriness of Lana Del Rey with the power of Marina Diamandis and dashes perhaps of Lady Gaga, Sinéad O’Connor and Julee Cruise. Her new song “Running” focuses on someone getting as quickly away from a relationship as she can, but accompanying this are thoughts awash of unfinished business which will have to be dealt with at another time. It’s kind of an unsavory part of breaking up, but the song’s surreal melody and arrangement and Joulie’s careful, atmospheric vocal breathe it full of intrigue on an atypical musical ride.
It’s time for us to bid adieu to our summer favourites to make room for what will become choices songs for the balance of 2022. This summer has offered some of the most memorable music of the year, along with a number of performers playing live at concerts and events either in my city of elsewhere. Yes, it’s finally starting to look a lot what normal looked like pre-pandemic. Since Billboard has not resumed its dance club play chart – and maybe they still might do that once their chart year finishes in November – it’s time for focus to get away from dance music radio airplay, where the music biz has placed it for dance releases, and back into the clubs which has always been where the tastemaking begins.
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Jessie Ware scores her first #1 on my chart since 2014’s “Say You Love Me” with her killer track “Free Yourself”, which vaults 6-1. Although she’s been playing select dates in North America, including ones opening for Harry Styles, I hope she’ll get a proper tour going early next year.
Francesco Yates’ “Jimi” also moves up 5-3 as he continues his tour opening for the Backstreet Boys in North America. “Jimi” ties at his #3 highest peak to date with 2020’s naughty “Late Night Love”.
“Ophelia” by Swedish pop/rock trio Louis Pax moves up 11-9 and becomes the group’s second Top 10 this year following the #1 “Bad Things”. Watch for more great things from these talented guys, who have a real flair for capturing 80’s pop vibes and meshing them with today’s sounds.
Also new to the Top 10 is the Fastest Riser of the week, former UK #1 “Afraid To Feel” by Scottish production duo LF System, which soars 19-10.
I don’t think Future would have ever seen his 2012 hit “Turn On The Lights” revived as a festival anthem 10 years later! UK dance favourite Fred Again.. teams with Swedish House Mafia to put a progressive spin on the song as “Turn On The Lights Again” climbs 18-11.
Moving up within the Top 20 at Top 40 radio in Canada is “Summer Nights” by Orangeville natives DVBBS with Brandyn Burnette, which rises 17-13 on my chart.
NYC’s Robbie Rosen has two songs quickly moving up the chart. “Stained Glass” (above), his collaboration with Germany’s Severman and India’s Arshan Joel, climbs 20-14, while the infectious but short “The Boss” (below), made with French producers Coopex and Charles B, zips into the Top 20, up 26-17.
It will go down as one of the more uncharacteristic hits of 2022, and is currently #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, but “Bad Habit” by R&B/pop singer/songwriter Steve Lacy is one catchy winner of a track, and it rises 24-16.
“Welcome Back Home” is a rollicking but thoughtful house track by Dutch producers Showtek and NYC’s MC Ambush that climbs 25-21.
“Full Force” by Italy’s Luca + Giam and Florida singer/songwriter Sam Merkin is off to a fine start, moving up 28-22.
The Highest Debut belongs to diverse Michigan singer/songwriter Sage Castleberry with “I Kinda Like It”, which bows at #27. This is an instantly likeable track that’s all about being okay with not having a relationship with someone, something that most people will immediately identify with and appreciate.
Next at #28 is Florida singer/songwriter Tonner with “Castles”. Tonner has been behind the scenes as a producer and a member of Tik Tok favourites The 502’s, but “Castles” is a light and respectable pop/dance release, somewhat reminiscent melodically of Marc Cohn’s “Walking In Memphis”, at least to me!
The final new entry at #29 is the fun and anthemic “Timebomb” by L.A. production duo Two Friends along with Minnesota singer and rapper Mod Sun, which I heard first when I saw Two Friends perform in June, the day before its release. Two Friends have visited this chart as remixers and lead artists, but it’s a first time for Mod Sun, whose fiancée happens to be Avril Lavigne.
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.
ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES
You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!
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.
“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” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA. My pick of the week airs 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here.
Modern Hype
This is a weekly show hosted by Hunter Wilbur that airs on several online stations but is anchored at Mix88.ca on Sundays beginning at 8pm EST.
For other details about the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!
He’s back after a three year absence! L.A.-based singer/songwriter Simon Curtis has given his Robot Army the tender anthem they need with “FAIRYBOY”. It’s the third single (following “Ketamine” and “I’m Not Sorry”) from his forthcoming album, which will be his first in 11 years. “FAIRYBOY” takes its jumping off point perhaps from Simon’s earlier “Laser Guns Up”, except that with this song Simon directs his attention to a younger LGBTQ2S+ audience to reassure them that being different is completely okay. It also takes a cue from earlier releases as a touching song in a long quest for love, but this time with a more hopeful slant. Like his earlier songs, “FAIRYBOY” is bold in is intentions, to the point where its title is spelled out every time, the aural equivalent of being in neon (or maybe rainbow) lights. This is the kind of song Simon’s fans have been waiting for, and I think many new ones will love it too, and perhaps discover his previous album R∆ or even the underappreciated classic 8bit Heart (still available for free download atwww.simon-curtis.com) in the process.
“Memento” is a tightly-woven package of thoughts and rhythms as delivered by Sydney-based Singapore-born singer/songwriter St. Humain. It follows up his infectious single from earlier this year which I wrote about, “Sick Sad Love Song”. In this release, St. Humain encourages you to hang on to good memories as souvenirs of past relationships. While memories do fade, we often miss past lovers at times, and “Memento” helps us keep close to our hearts what we cherish the most. It’s got bold, Latin-influenced rhythms and continues to showcase St. Humain as an engaging, chameleon-like persona helping to positively represent the Asian community in pop music. “Memento” will entice you with its intrigue and openness all set to an intricate, well-crafted production.
During the past while, I’ve been impressed by my introduction to EMINZADA with the thought-provoking “Bloodline”, and I’m glad he has quickly followed it up with an even more striking release, “Sociopath”. The London-based Azerbaijani multi-talented artist, who is an active part of the disabled LGBTQ2S+ community, continues to inform us about provocative themes which are set to music and rhythms heavily inspired from his home country, touches that are almost completely foreign to audiences on the other side of the world. The song is about recognizing and conquering toxicity with others, and leading the life you want to lead. This time, the synths and bass are all amped up and EMINZADA creates another memorable and totally different experience that will resonate with anyone looking for something that’s unique to play on repeat.
With a big voice that can make heads turn quickly, you’ll be hearing a lot more of Boston-born, L.A.-based Lily Lane in the next year or so. Her single “Bad” is one of seven songs from her brand new EP Queen Of Hearts. Getting back to that voice, it’s rich, expressive and soulful, and Lily makes vocal runs sound easy to do, with strong reference to singers like Christina Aguilera and Demi Lovato. With “Bad”, Lily hopes to connect women with their naughty side, in those moments where you throw caution to the wind and seize them as inspiring or even beautiful. Lily, who is also the brother of Tucker from the Grammy-nominated Sofi Tukker (much written about in these blog pages), is a fierce presence indeed, and has already received acclaim for performances in NYC and Boston as she transitions from model to pop star.
As older favourites depart, new ones arrive, so in this edition of the BILLCS Top 30 there are five debuts. There’s all kind of movement throughout the chart and it’s fun to identify your surprises every two weeks.
Make sure you read about my frequently updated ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES(see details after the post)!
However there are no surprises at the very top. Harry Styles’ “Daydreaming” (above) is locked in at #1, while “Superstar” by Sweden’s Darin (below) stays tightly put at #2.
“Dusk” by Manila Killa and Lights (above) moves 5-3 and is a song to keep your eyes on, while the enduring “Memories” by Conan Gray (below) climbs 7-4.
Three songs land in the Top 10. First up rising 11-7 is Francesco Yates’ fun tribute to all things Hendrix called “Jimi”. Francesco is currently in the US opening for the Backstreet Boys on their tour.
Then moving up 12-9 is Javi’s delightful cover of Sade’s “Cherish The Day”. It’s Javi’s third visit to the Top 10 in one form or another. He had a solo #3 with “Situation” (Monsieur Adi remix) in 2010 in the days of free downloads, and then later provided vocals for Native Underground’s “Till It Hurts” which peaked at #9 in 2011.
The Fastest Riser on the chart soars 26-10 and it’s the latest from Jessie Ware, “Free Yourself”. It’s her 11th Top 10 on this chart, and with that big jump, has designs on the top of the chart. Check out its new video above.
Petawane’s gorgeous soul song “Music” is also off to a grand start, climbing 22-15. Try to count how many songs and performers the song name-checks!
“Let’s All Dance (Our Last Summer)” by Canadian-German electronic duo Lola Dutronic moves up 23-19 and is a grower that will sneak up on you.
“Summer Nights” by DVBBS and Brandyn Burnette rises 28-21 and also is just outside of the Top 20 on the Canadian Top 40 charts. It’s a great song for both radio and festivals.
The Highest Debut at #22 is tailor-made for festivals and clubs and is destined to be an enduring electronic classic. Burning hot British producer/DJ Fred Again.. collaborates with Swedish House Mafia in reworking Future’s “Turn On The Lights” as “Turn On The Lights Again”. This one is so powerful it would generate cheers even if you didn’t know the song, and is definitely Fred Again..’s ticket into the A list club of producer/DJ’s. It’s only Swedish House Mafia’s second time on this chart, their first of course being with the #1 “Don’t You Worry Child” almost 10 years ago.
Another huge producer, Paul Van Dyk, scores his first chart entry since 2008’s “Let Go” (#4) with the cover of the 80’s Depeche Mode track “But Not Tonight” at #26. The vocalist is Christian Burns, who last appeared on the chart in 2007 with Tiësto on the #3 “In The Dark”. Christian was also a member of British pop trio BBMak back in the day, and they reached #6 in 2000 with “Back Here”, the first of three entries for them.
LF System’s “Afraid To Feel” arrives at #27 and is starting to make big noise on dance radio in North America at last. It’s been #1 in the UK for six weeks, quite a feat for producers Conor and Sean right out of the gate. The song samples the American R&B group Silk’s 70’s track “I Can’t Stop (Turning You On)” featuring vocals by Debra Laws.
Greyson Chance returns to the chart for the fourth time in three years with “Athena” (#28) from his upcoming album Palladium. Greyson is now recording independently with releases on Lowly Palace. “Athena” follows the #2 “Dancing Next To Me” and the outrageously fun #3 “Hellboy”.
And with a warm and inviting message, Dutch dance producers Showtek are back, this time working with NYC rapper MC Ambush for “Welcome Back Home”, which bows at #29. It’s Showtek’s fourth chart entry, and their first, “Cannonball (Earthquake)” (with Justin Prime and Matthew Koma), got to #1 in 2013.
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” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA. NOTE: “The 3D Variety Show” is currently on a 3 week hiatus, returning on Tuesday September 6!
I’ll say it right now – “Stay Away” is one of my new favourites. It’s brought to you by enigmatic singer/songwriter/producer Analias (as in “an alias”), who has been releasing music for the last three years or so and previously was a contestant on France’s “The Voice”. What I like best about “Stay Away” is its well-produced breezy synth melody, which is in turn countered by some direct and sincerely sung lyrics as the singer clearly doesn’t want someone close to him to get hurt. The chorus is “stay away / stay away from all the fuckboys” and it packs a unique and unexpected punch. So as is, you won’t hear the song on the radio, but then again readers of this blog know that the best songs aren’t on the radio anyway! But if you’ve ever known someone who’s about to enter a life of trouble, “Stay Away” could’ve been their musical guide. Analias has also achieved another feat with “Stay Away” – making you want to hear more from him.
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 