Jessie Ware – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

#BILLCSTop30 #671 – July 31/23

The end of July brings a busy new chart, with several songs making key moves while others depart. And there are four debuts, led by two Canadians who were already on the chart with other songs, as well as a British dance music queen and a promising new artist from Colorado and based in L.A.

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below too as they are increasingly tied in with this blog. As most of you know, I host 3 online radio shows – The Big 20 and two iterations of Your Weekend New Music Mix – and produce 2 online radio segments – my new music and retro picks of the week – that are all pre-recorded.

Matoma and James Droll continue at #1 for a second appearance with the unique and thoughtful “Won’t Follow You Home”.

Coming up right behind are Conan Gray’s “Never Ending Song” (3-2, above) and “Without You” by Alesso (6-3, also above). So who will succeed Matoma at #1? Alesso also has a catchy new release featuring singer John Newman, who you know from 2014’s “Love Me Again”, and it’s called “Call Your Name” (below). They just performed it at the Tomorrowland music festival in Belgium.

Revelries’ “Down on You” has its eye on the Top 5 as it rises 8-7.

A charming indie song that could, Ben Ellis’ “Ed’s House”, climbs once more, up 10-8!

The only new song to enter the Top 10 this week is the second Top 10 entry for TELYKast with vocalist Georgia Ku, “You Got Me”, which also climbed to the top of the national dance radio chart this week!

Below the Top 10 is where the chart starts to get interesting this week. I haven’t been able to get Benson Boone’s “Coffee Cake” (from his EP Pulse) out of my head for a few weeks, so appropriately it’s the Fastest Riser on the chart, up 24-12.

Jessie Ware’s sophisticated disco of the album That! Feels Good (nominated this year for a Mercury Prize in England) and the single “Begin Again” (above) climbs 17-14, as “Freak Me Now” is issued as a single featuring the always unpredictable Róisin Murphy (below).

Another song I always look forward to hearing is Cash Cash’s “Bleach (Move On)”, which soars 25-16. You can listen to the song in a zingy new VIP remix by the guys, above.

“Move It (Control My Mind)” is one of the best new party dance songs for summer by producer Ryan Shepherd and fellow Canadian, vocalist/songwriter Heather Janssen. It has a big liftoff this week, moving 26-17.

Troye Sivan’s “Rush” is already a Top 30 hit in the UK, but I’m expecting dance radio to get behind this one, and it climbs 27-19.

The Highest Debut on the chart at #23 is “Little Rockstar”, the title track from the recent EP by Toronto’s Francesco Yates. It’s now charting concurrently with “Thunderbomb” (up 16-12) and becomes Francesco’s 8th overall chart entry. It’s also available now in a snazzy acoustic version captured in a home video style.

Toronto dance producer Luis Torres is sitting snugly in the Top 10 with fellow Canadians DLMT and Rico 56 with “Wildfire” (7-6). This week, his rollicking dance anthem “Freak Like Me” lands on the chart at #27.

UK dance music queen Hazell Dean had five UK Top 40 hits in the 80’s, including two classic #4’s “Whatever I Do (Wherever I Go)” and “Who’s Leaving Who”. and also had two US dance/disco Top 10’s in “Searchin’ (I Gotta Find A Man)” and “Jealous Love”/”Evergreen”. She has never stopped making music and I have written about her songs in these pages before. But her new original, “100% Pure Love” (in its Dean & Ware Lava Lamp Mix) – not to be confused with the Crystal Waters classic – is a fierce one, and it arrives on the chart at #28. You won’t be able to stay still to “100% Pure Love”!

The fourth new entry at #29 is “College” by indie singer/songwriter Gabe James, who charted just over a year ago with the delightful “Gracie” (#13). “College” is more of a snappy diss-bop and shows Gabe’s versatility in both performing and songwriting.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

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. You can hear recent episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

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.

At Midnight EST on Saturdays, you can also hear my new “Retro Pick of the Week” on Russ Horton’s amazing “Top 40 Timeline” oldies show.

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, and my “Retro Pick of the Week” plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

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 more than 25 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy

This is a weekly show hosted by Hunter Wilbur that airs on several online stations but is anchored at Mix88.ca on Saturdays beginning at 8pm EST. You can hear recent episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.

FM 108

You can also listen to my “Retro Pick of the Week” on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! The schedules are up-to-date.

#BILLCSTop30 #667 – June 5/23

The new chart is loaded and there are five debuts. There are just so many songs I’m enjoying right now that deserve to be on the chart, so some songs may go up and down the chart faster than usual in the next while. That’s not a bad thing, I just want to give all of the ones that resonate with me their due! This week, songs 8-19 are all on the rise, so there’s a bit of a log jam happening which should shake loose in two weeks.

REMINDER: Click the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

The best places to communicate with me continue to be Twitter @billcs or Instagram @thebillcs or Facebook @BILLCSMusicProjects. Follow this blog using the “Follow” button at the bottom of the home page.

But here we are once again and BTS’ JIMIN scores a second appearance at #1 with the simply stunning “Like Crazy (English version)” (above), certainly one of my faves of ’23 so far. “Like Crazy” is so unlike anything out there right now that it stands out whenever it plays among a bunch of other songs. You may also have caught JIMIN’s appearance on “Angel Pt. 1” from the “Fast X” soundtrack, below, which also features JVKE and Muni Long.

Climbing 4-2 is another worldwide fan favourite, Loreen’s EuroVision winner “Tattoo”. I’m hoping a new Loreen album is in the works.

I’m not sure why Universal hasn’t championed James Bay’s top notch new third album Leap, which another one that fans are running with. The beautiful “Brilliant Still” should be a single and it rises 9-6.

New to the Top 10 are “Only One” by Niko The Kid and MAYLYN (12-9, above), a really ear-catching slice of deep house, and “Finally” by Jonas Blue and RANI (16-10, below), a new song revolving around that bassy sample popularized in Gusto’s “Disco’s Revenge”. It’s Jonas Blue’s 6th song to reach the chart’s Top 10.

Climbing 17-11 is the dark and danceable “Sun Freezes Cold” by Italy’s DJ Mirko B, who looks to score a new personal best on my next chart.

I’m pleased to see that “Forget You” by former Eleven Past One singer Daniel Richter (22-17) is bubbling under deservingly at national radio in Canada, with lots of support coming from Quebec radio stations.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is another unique one that’s going to quickly find its way to the upper reaches. Norway’s Matoma is having a fantastic year for dance music and this collaboration with US singer James Droll, “Won’t Follow You Home” rises 25-18. Watch for Matoma on tour in US cities.

Also moving up steadily is Welsh singer/songwriter Ben Ellis’ enjoyable pop track “Ed’s House” (above), which jumps 23-19. Ben has also released a follow up about meeting someone with matching tattoos called “Sofia” (below).

Making the big splash onto the chart as the Highest Debut is the latest from Conan Gray called “Never Ending Song” at #24. He sounds a lot like Brandon Flowers of The Killers to me, and it’s a fun, new wave-tinged track co-written and co-produced by Max Martin. It’s Conan’s fourth visit to the chart and follows last year’s #1 “Yours”, which was also my # 7 song of 2022.

Emirati dance producers Revelries get their 6th appearance on the chart with their fine recent deep house release “Down On You” at #26, which follows up last year’s #6 “Pulling Me Down”.

Jessie Ware’s new album That! Feels Good is a must-hear for fans of dance music with sophistication and flair, and it truly sounds like she has found a niche in pop music that fans love. “Begin Again” arrives at #27 and it’s her 13th visit to the chart overall.

Talented Swedish pop/rock trio Louis Pax return with their third chart entry called “The Road Back” at #28. While the band writes melodies that could be taken right out of the 80’s, “The Road Back” often reminds me of early 2000’s rock acts like McFly or Simple Plan. Louis Pax had my #5 song of 2022 with the #1 “Bad Things”.

Rounding out the new entries is Toronto’s Francesco Yates at #29 with “Thunderbomb”, another raucous, guitar riff-laden tune that follows up last year’s #1 “Jimi”, which was also my #8 song of 2022. It’s from Francesco’s new EP called Little Rockstar, and is his 7th visit to the chart.

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 SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Radio GTA

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.

At Midnight EST on Saturdays, you can also hear my new “Retro Pick of the Week” on Russ Horton’s amazing “Top 40 Timeline” oldies show.

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, and my “Retro Pick of the Week” plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

Addictive Energy

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! The schedules have been updated.

FM 108

You can also listen to my “Retro Pick of the Week” on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

#BILLCSTop30 #649, September 26/22

Online radio is now a bigger thing in my daily life than I ever thought it would be, and it’s a lot of fun to be back in the announcing element after many years. So be sure to check out my shows The Big 20 and Your Weekend New Music Mix, as well as my short segment My New Music Pick of the Week, every week. You can find the schedule of stations on which they air near the bottom of the home page of my blog site or go to ONLINE RADIO SHOWS after the blog post.

Jessie Ware’s “Free Yourself” shot to #1 quickly two weeks ago, and it holds tight at the top for a second appearance. It’s still kind of early to call which song might succeed “Free Yourself” at #1, but there are rumblings below.

Francesco Yates gets a personal best on the chart with “Jimi” climbing 3-2. It’s a fun track with a great guitar solo – I’m hoping he’s holding out for the right deal while we all enjoy his independent releases. But can “Jimi” hold on enough to succeed “Free Yourself” at #1?

Scotland’s LF System continue to surge up the chart with their UK #1 “Afraid To Feel”, which climbs 10-4. Is #1 a possibility in the near future?

Petawane’s ode to sweet soulful love songs, “Music”, continues to rise steadily, this time up 7-5.

Rarely does half of the Top 10 make an exodus, but that’s what has happened on this chart, allowing several songs to move up quickly.

Steve Lacy’s “Bad Habit” is the deserved Fastest Riser as it climbs 16-6. Will #1 be in reach for this one?

Fred Again.. and Swedish House Mafia rework Future’s “Turn On The Lights” as “Turn On The Lights Again” (above), certain to be a festival anthem over the next year. The song moves up 11-7 but the red hot Fred Again.. has another new one worth checking out called “Danielle (smile on my face)” below.

French producers Coopex and Charles B team up with American super-talent Robbie Rosen for the fast but fun “The Boss”, climbing 17-8. You’ll be singing along to this one as it name-check’s Diana Ross’ same-titled song from 1979.

Canadian-German duo Lola Dutronic move up 12-9 just as the summer ends with “Let’s All Dance (Our Last Summer)”.

And the Canadian Top 15 radio hit for DVBBS and Brandyn Burnette, “Summer Nights”, rises 13-10. It’s DVBBS’ fourth visit to my Top 10, and Brandyn’s 15th as a lead artist (add one to include a release under his pseudonym EMAN8).

Greyson Chance’s new album Palladium has arrived, and it’s a highly personal album of many moods and ruminations based on experiences which carved the strange path for Greyson that has finally led here. I’m still digging “Athena” (above), which climbs 19-13, but the album is chock full of songs to keep you paying attention, and one of those is the provocative “My Dying Spirit”, whose new video you can watch below. And I’m looking forward to hearing all of its songs at his show in my city in December!

Luca + Giam and Sam Merkin’s “Hold Me Down” reached #3 a while back, and their latest collaboration “Full Force” could get there too, if a 22-15 move gives any indication.

The Highest Debut at #25 belongs to the extremely infectious 80’s throwback “Celebrate” by Dutch producer Laurentius and Luxembourg singer/songwriter Khalid Oke. Emphasizing African rhythms and references, it’s a sheer delight that comes from their upcoming EP together called Jaiye.

The enduring #1 “Romance with a Memory” by The xx’s vocalist/bassist Oliver Sim exits the chart after the mandatory 10 appearances (20 weeks), and is immediately replaced by the enthralling “GMT” at #26. This is a slower, deliberately paced song with a striking story (partially an ode to London, England), carried by an excellent, sympathetic vocal by Oliver. It’s from his new album called Hideous Bastard, which also contains “Romance with a Memory”. You can also check out the minimalist extended remix by his bandmate Jamie xx above.

Canadian dance producer Famba returns to the chart for the first time since 2020 with his fifth entry, the splendid trance-influenced deep house track “Forever” at #27. Famba first appeared on the chart almost 6 years ago with the amusing “Right Here Right Now” which peaked at #2.

Singer/songwriter Lily Lane is now based out of L.A. but originally from Boston, and her song “Bad” arrives at #28. It’s taken from her EP Queen of Hearts and is led by an unmistakable, powerful vocal. Lily is also the sister of Tucker, one half of the duo Sofi Tukker.

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 SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Radio GTA

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.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

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. You can hear past episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy

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. You can hear past episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.

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!

#BILLCSTop30 #648 – September 12/22

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.

Make sure you read about my frequently updated ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post)!

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!

Radio GTA

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

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

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!

#BILLCSTop30 #647, August 29, 2022

After having several years as an announcer as well as manager, program director and music director in college radio back in the day, I never expected to be back announcing on a regular basis. My New Music Pick of the Week has had a couple of go’s round, but is now played on 21 online radio stations. I co-host and assist in programming the two hour show The Big 20 every week, and it’s played on more than 10 online radio stations around the world, and also includes my pick of the week segment. And I host Your Weekend New Music Mix which airs throughout the day starting at Noon on Saturdays and Sundays on two online stations. All of this is made possible through the wonders of technology. And on occasion I do appear live, such as on the 3D Variety Show some Tuesday evenings. I owe many thanks to James Rogers, Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur for believing in these shows and for spreading the good word about them so that people all over the world can hear them! I enjoy being your online radio guide to new music every week. Links to each station now appear on my blog site home page near the bottom.

Make sure you read about my frequently updated ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post)!

Harry’s House won album of the year on the MTV Video Music Awards, and I’m still hopeful that “Daydreaming” will be released as a single, which would definitely perk up Top 40 radio. “Daydreaming” reigns at #1 for a third appearance. It’s anyone’s guess right now as to what might be #1 in two weeks.

Cozying up to “Daydreaming” is “Dusk” by Manila Killa and Lights, which inches up 3-2, trading places with Darin’s “Superstar”. “Dusk” is a personal best for Manila Killa, having surpassed the #3 peak of 2018’s “I Want You” (with Robotaki and Matthew John Kurz).

Francesco Yates is back in Canada, opening for Backstreet Boys on their tour. His fun rocker “Jimi” moves up 7-5, becoming his third consecutive Top 5 on this chart.

Strutting its stuff in the Top 10 is “Free Yourself” by Jessie Ware, which rises 10-6.

Petawane’s beautiful ode to classic soul songs called “Music” soars into the Top 10, climbing 15-8.

Frankmusik’s “Confusion Girl Completed” rises 14-9 and passes the #11 peak of the 2009 original of the song. It also becomes Frankmusik’s 13th Top 10 on this chart, and second this year following #2 “The Half Moon Came Up In The Sky”.

“Love That About You” becomes McEwen’s 11th Top 10 entry on this chart, and first since 2014, climbing 12-10. He previously racked up the previous Top 10 hits as recorded by Adam Tyler.

Canadian-German duo Lola Dutronic has been breezing up the chart with their end of summer blast called “Let’s All Dance (One Last Summer)”, which rises 19-14.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is still on top of the official UK singles chart after 8 weeks. It’s by Scottish producers LF System called “Afraid To Feel”, which climbs 27-19.

Greyson Chance’s song about determination and moving on, “Athena” (above), moves up 28-23, and last week he released his final single from his upcoming album Palladium called “Homerun Hitter”, which you can check out below.

The Highest Debut belongs to 24 year old Compton, California native and Grammy nominee Steve Lacy with “Bad Habit” at #24. This is definitely a worthy out-of-left-field hit that lives up to its hype. While not immediately memorable lyrically, its melody gets easily stuck in your head, and then the lyrics follow. It’s from Steve’s second album Gemini Rights.

Next at #26 is the quick but superbly fun “The Boss” by collaborating French dance producers Coopex and Charles B along with singer/songwriter Robbie Rosen. Robbie is also riding the chart up 23-20 with “Stained Glass” with producers Severman and Arshan Joel. It’s Robbie’s 10th chart entry in just under two years.

At #28, Italian dance producers Luca + Giam and American singer/songwriter Sam Merkin follow up their #3 “Hold Me Down” with the similarly infectious “Full Force”.

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!

Radio GTA

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

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

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 hiatus, returning on Tuesday September 6!

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 the bottom right side of my blog site home page!

#BILLCSTop30 #646 – August 15/22

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.

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

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

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

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

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!

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on:

Party Dog Radio, Sundays at 8pm EST on The Big 20
Unique Radio Australia, Fridays at 7am EST on The Big 20
Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays after 9pm EST

On Hunter Wilbur’s “Modern Hype” show on the following stations:

Radio GTA, Saturdays after 11pm EST
Mix88.ca, Saturdays after 11pm EST (different edition of the show from Radio GTA above)
WXNZ, community radio in Maine, Mondays after 10pm EST
Free 99, Tyler, Texas, Fridays after 11pm EST
98.6 The Mix, Houston, Texas, Saturdays after Noon EST
KSKO Public Radio, McGrath, Alaska, Tuesdays after 11 pm EST and Sundays after Midnight EST

More new affiliates are joining and I will post them as I compile the information.

#BILLCSTop30 #645, August 1/22

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.

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

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

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

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on:

Party Dog Radio, Sundays at 8pm EST on The Big 20
Unique Radio Australia, Fridays at 7am EST on The Big 20
Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays after 9pm EST

On Hunter Wilbur’s “Modern Hype” show on the following stations:

Radio GTA, Saturdays after 11pm EST
WXNZ, community radio in Maine, Mondays after 10pm EST
Free 99, Tyler, Texas (time TBA)
98.6 The Mix, Houston, Texas, Saturdays after 11 a.m. EST
KSKO Public Radio, McGrath, Alaska, Tuesdays after 11 pm EST

More new affiliates are joining and I will post them as I compile the information.

#BILLCSTop30 #633 – February 14/22

As was anticipated from the last chart two weeks ago, this new edition of the BILLCS Top 30 gets shaken down pretty significantly. A lot of favourites leave or are about to leave the chart, and others slip down to make room for new ones. And surprisingly, there are another four debuts. But with the fast pace of the music industry it is next to impossible to keep up with all of the new songs that are released each week. I like to think that this blog offers some highlights that you should hear, but I still hear songs months after their release for the first time. And it’s only fair to independent performers who have been pushing out their songs as quickly as they can, to give them a chance for a review up to six months after their songs are released. I’ve seen it happen before, and all it takes sometimes is one door to open, and the song gets a new lease on life.

Just a reminder about my New Music Pick of the Week online radio segment: It now airs on four separate online radio stations! These are segments that usually last between four and a half and seven minutes, depending on the length of song being featured. If you participate in or own an online radio station, feel free to connect with me if you’re looking for additional programming like this!

Make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post)!

“Bad Things” (above) by Swedish indie pop/rock quartet Louis Pax has been flying up my chart for the last month of so, and it’s only fitting that the song advances 4-1 this week. It’s a bright, feel good song with an amusing video and a terrific guitar solo that screams 80’s influences but sounds contemporary in its own lane. The band released a new softer new single recently, you can check out “Spanish Rain” below.

I can’t rave enough about Years & Years’ Night Call album. I think it’s now passed The Weeknd’s Dawn FM as my favourite album of 2022 so far (and it’s still early, mind you). So while “Sweet Talker” (with Galantis above) stays put at #2, the title song (below) advances 28-20.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to spread the love about Darren Hayes’ solo return to the pop music world after 10 years. And the song has been released without any expectations and any designs on radio play. So do take the time to enjoy “Let’s Try Being In Love”, which leaps 10-3. And your eyes will definitely be moist at the end. His vocal contribution on Louis La Roche’s “Cold To Me” gives Darren two songs in the Top 10, just like old times, as it climbs 12-9.

Kylie Minogue and Jessie Ware offer up everything that was fun and memorable about disco music in “Kiss Of Life”, which climbs 9-6.

And speaking of The Weeknd, both of my featured songs from Dawn FM move up in fine fashion. First we have “Less Than Zero” (above) climbing 16-7, while current single “Sacrifice” (below) rises 22-15.

Rounding out the Top 10 in a big way this week is the punchy rock-flavoured “Pulling Me Down” by Emirati producers Revelries, which soars 19-10. It’s the duo’s third visit to the Top 10, following “Don’t Think Twice” (#2) and “Fall-Out” (#7).

The sound of Martin Garrix is evolving eight years after “Animals” created a defining moment in electronic dance music history. Now one of the richest producer/DJ’s in the world, he can write his own ticket, and working with Russian producers Matisse & Sadko and vocalist John Martin has given him one of his best recent singles, a natural for play at upcoming festivals called “Won’t Let You Go”, and it moves up 21-14. And is that Zedd collaboration actually coming soon? Hopefully all of the photo teasing of them together means that the song is on its way.

Given that The Chainsmokers have had 3 #1’s on my chart and 3 #2’s too, it’s no surprise that the incredibly infectious “High” flies up the chart as the Fastest Riser, moving 26-16.

Lifehouse’s rocking “Cut and Run” is wasting no time proving that a straight-ahead rock track still kicks ass in today’s music world. It climbs 24-17 and is culled from the EP Goodbye Kanan.

Arriving on the chart at #24 as the Highest Debut for the first time since 2014 is L.A.-based British electronic artist Frankmusik, and it’s with a song he didn’t even write. But the production and vocal here are outstanding so be sure to check out “The Half Moon Came Up In The Sky”. It’s Frankmusik’s 14th chart entry, which all began back in 2009 with “Confusion Girl” (#9).

L.A.’s Mahalo returns to the chart with his 11th chart entry, the piano-house track “Careless” at #25. It’s his second collaboration with Poland’s Milkwish – they previously charted together with “Alone Again” (#11) in 2019. The vocalist on the track is the fantastic Lena Leon. Mahalo’s last two entries, “Not Watching Anymore” and “Got That Love”, both went to #1 and were both in My Top 10 of 2021.

NYC singer/songwriter Victor Perry is also back on the chart with his 13th entry under his name (which includes the #1 “Myself In You” plus one entry under his project as a duo called Labrose) with German producers Saxity with the dance rave up “Oxygen” at #26. It’s Victor’s sixth time working with Saxity, previously charting with “You Found Me” (#8) and “Fantasy” (#4), and it’s Saxity’s 5th entry. I love hearing whatever they come up with together!

The fourth debut is NYC singer/songwriter Robbie Rosen’s 8th entry in less than two years, this time with Finnish producer Foxela, called “Think About You” at #28. With “To The Top” still hanging in at #30, “Think About You” continues Robbie’s unbroken streak of regular chart entries which began with last year’s “When I Lost You” on the March 15, 2021 chart.

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.

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

Radio GTA – listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST 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. The “3D Variety Show” now repeats on Friday evenings at 9pm 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 Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST, and now on Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays at 9pm EST.

#BILLCSTop30 #632 – January 31/22

The winds of change are upon this chart with lots of activity in the Top 10, plus five debuts, one of which crashes onto the chart in the Top 10, something that used to happen in the earlier days of the chart, but not so much in recent years. Regardless of how busy the chart is, the only way for a song to get on the chart is that if I truly enjoy it a whole lot. That is the only criteria. Then they find their way up and around the chart in their own good time.

Just a quick note about my New Music Pick of the Week segment. It now airs on four separate online radio stations! These are segments that usually last between four and a half and seven minutes, depending on the length of song being featured. If you participate in or own an online radio station, feel free to connect with me if you’re looking for additional programming like this!

Make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post)!

Getting a second appearance at #1 is the standout track “Unbreakable” (above) by TELYKast and Sam Gray. You can check out singer/songwriter Sam Gray on the brand new Armin van Buuren single “Human Touch” (below) too!

Cutting quickly to the chase by moving 6-2 is “Sweet Talker” (above) by Years & Years and Galantis, culled from the new Years & Years album Night Call, which debuted at #1 in the UK last Friday. And with the release of that wonderful album, you’ll find the title cut (below) debuting on this chart at #28. Galantis also continues an awesome series of singles with their latest “When The Lights Go Down” (also below), a collaboration with Canadian duo DVBBS and Australian singer Cody Simpson, well worth checking out too.

Jay Bird gets a personal best on the chart as his recent single “Float”, with TWSTD ZOO and Harley Bird, climbs 5-3. The song passes the #4 peak last year of his track “Escape”.

The Fastest Riser on the chart for the second time in a row is the supremely catchy “Bad Things” by rising Swedish pop/rock band Louis Pax, soaring 14-4. The band’s follow up single “Spanish Rain” arrives later this week.

Another really infectious dance single, “i don’t wanna talk about love” by L.A.’s Michael Medrano, climbs 9-5.

“Kiss Of Life” rises 11-9 becoming Kylie Minogue’s 9th Top 10 on this chart (her first since 2015) and Jessie Ware’s 10th.

Exploding onto the chart at #10 is “Let’s Try Being In Love” (above), the most welcome first solo single by Darren Hayes in 10 years. It’s a lush, sophisticated song about self-realization that is accompanied by a video, somewhat inspired by the film “Call Me By Your Name”, which has an ending that will generate some tears. “Let’s Try” is Darren’s 13th Top 10 on this chart and the song to keep an eye on in the next two weeks. It accompanies his recent feature on buddy Louis La Roche’s song “Cold To Me” (below), which moves up 13-12.

The Weeknd’s two chart entries from his excellent Dawn FM album will continue to make waves in the coming weeks. “Less Than Zero” (above) moves up 22-16, and the single “Sacrifice” (below) climbs 27-21.

The Chainsmokers are back with the first single from their upcoming fourth album. The song is “High” (#26) and it premiered on Friday with an entertaining video, unless you’re afraid of heights. The guys are back in form with a new song that straddles pop and dance genres quite aptly. It’s their first chart appearance since 2019’s “Do You Mean” and their 12th overall since 2015.

British dance producer Jonas Blue often takes you to unexpected places with his songs that end up becoming long time favourites. A great example of that is his first hit, a poignant cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” (which reached #3 on this chart) that leaves the original intact while giving off its own unique impression. Jonas Blue’s 5th chart entry is “Don’t Wake Me Up” at #27, and once again features an unanticipated collaboration with L.A. pop/rock band Why Don’t We. The energy in the song is contagious and it works well. Why Don’t We were on this chart a year ago with their first entry “Fallin’ (Adrenaline)”, which reached #8.

The fifth debut at #29 is from L.A.-based, Colorado-born indie pop/rock artist Gabe James, whose talent and charm goes a long way with “Gracie”, evident in the visualizer video above, from his recent EP City of Lost Angels.

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.

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

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 Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST, and now on Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays at 9pm EST.

#BILLCSTop30 #629, December 20/21

The end of 2021 is upon us, and edition #629 is my last chart of the year, with the next one coming on January 3. At the very end of this year, I will have the BILLCS Top 100 of 2021 for you. This is the first year I’ve compiled a Top 100 since the mid-90’s. There was simply a lot of great music this year and I want to highlight my 100 favourite songs. I’ll do that not only through a blog post, but also through a pre-recorded radio program. My year end BILLCS Top 30 will be broadcast on a few of my online radio station affiliates, and I will confirm which ones and when in my socials! I’m truly blessed to be able to have the time and the access to so much fine music which I have written about during the year. I’m always here for the underdogs. There are so many artists who should be signed to major record label deals that it makes my head spin.

Make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!

Darin’s “Holding Me More” easily gets a second appearance at #1. Not many ballads ever make it to the top of my chart, but you can be sure that when they do, they are top notch!

The Top 5 has got crowded to see which song will succeed “Holding Me More” at #1 when that happens. “To The Top” (above), the fanciful anthem by Natixx, Lyonbrotherz and Robbie Rosen, rises 3-2, while “Play It Cool” (below), featuring the slick deep house style of UK/Irish producers Menrva and the snappy vocal by Island Banks, climbs 8-3.

Then there’s “Angel” (above) by Sonny Fodera and Clementine Douglas, which reaches a new peak by moving up 6-4. And bounding into the Top 5 up 12-5 is “Unbreakable” (below) by TELYKast and Sam Gray, which reached #1 on the national dance radio tracks this week. And even better – it’s one of a few independent releases on the radio chart.

UK dance chanteuse Karen Harding gets her fifth consecutive Top 10 on my chart with “You & I (All I Need)” (above), which rises 11-8. Check out this fun banger, the title track from her recent EP Sweet Vibrations, below.

“Everything” by Brandyn Burnette & Charlotte Sands (15-10) becomes Brandyn’s 14th Top 10 on my chart (including features and one under his other performing name EMAN8), and his second this year, following “Airplane Mode” (#9).

The three debuts from the last chart all make nice moves and should likely move up the chart swiftly in the coming month. The Fastest Riser is “Sweet Talker” (above) by Years & Years and Galantis, which soars 26-18. Toronto’s Scott Helman has a radio hit in the making with “Pretty” (also above), which moves up 27-21. And Kylie Minogue and Jessie Ware’s new disco anthem “Kiss Of Life” (below) climbs 28-22.

Four songs make their debuts. The Highest Debut belongs to Buffalo, New York’s Grabbitz with his alt.electronic track “Pain Killer” (above) at #25. It’s Grabbitz’s second appearance on my chart. He first appeared last year with Rezz on the alternative radio and dance smash “Someone Else” (#5). Next, at #26 is “Cold To Me” (also above) by British producer Louis La Roche, who recruited none other than Darren Hayes to sing this pensive ballad, which comes from Louis’ album We’re Not So Different. Darren has now appeared 17 times on my chart as a solo artist, but this is his first appearance since his delightful cover of Madonna’s “Angel” (#11) – the flip side of his 45 of “Talk Talk Talk” – charted in the summer of 2012.

At #27 is “In My Head” (above) by chart newcomers Atlanta producer Paraleven and Australian vocalist/songwriter Fractures. This is culled from the first release from Rüfüs Du Sol’s label Rose Avenue, Paraleven’s album Apollo, which is well-worth checking out. And Norway’s Matoma returns to the chart for the first time since 2018 and as an independent artist with “Never Surrender” (#28, below), which features Kodaline vocalist Steve Galligan in a fresh and powerful anthem. It’s Matoma’s fourth chart entry.

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.

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

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.

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on Radio GTA Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST!