Dance music rules the ascending songs on my new personal charts, while some striking new pure pop songs debut đ
The Top 10
All but one of our songs in the Top 10 move up, and that’s because the only song that moves down was #1 two weeks ago…
The irresistible house banger collaboration of Showtek & Justin Prime with Matthew Koma, a reworking of last year’s instrumental “Cannonball” with Koma vocals and lyrics on “Cannonball (Earthquake)” (video up top) grabs #1! Â The rest of my active Top 10 however responds to their catch line of ‘Show us what you got / When the m***erfuckin’ beat drops’… It’s also Matthew Koma’s 4th #1 entry, following “Spectrum”, “Parachute”, and “1998”.
It looks like “Addicted To You” by Avicii featuring the unbilled Audra Mae is smashing it worldwide too. Â It rises to #3 and watch the new video for it below.
Ascending into the Top 5 are “Find You” (6-4), which has cracked the Top 40 for Zedd, Matthew Koma & Miriam Bryant, and Adam Tyler’s poptastic free download “Electric Valentine” (7-5), becoming the singer’s 3rd Top 5er on my chart đ
Sam Smith’s “Money On My Mind” gives way and falls from first to second place, but his entry with Disclosure, the affecting “Latch”, has its eyes on the top of the chart, moving 10-6.
The third and last Matthew Koma entry remains in the Top 10 – it’s Hardwell’s “Dare You” up 9-7.
The three new entries to the Top 10 breakaway from the log jam on the last chart: Â John Newman’s “Love Me Again” climbs 13-8, with Nick Hagelin’s “Finest Clothes In Town” catching fire 14-9, and Disclosure x2, featuring Mary J. Blige on the redone “F For You” at #10. Â Listen/watch the latter two below.
Also On The Rise
San Diego’s Convulsic brings his inventive EDM/dubstep game with “Love Space” climbing 17-12, with more to come from this talented newcomer.
Right behind is Martin Garrix, whose free download of  EDM/trap song “Proxy” is on fire, and packs a wallop on the chart, moving 23-13 as the fastest riser đ
Semi-Precious Weapons’ “Drink” moves 15-14 behind some heavier songs now, but the band recently released its lyric video to “Look To The Stars” as their full album is on deck for release. Â Watch below.
Jason Derulo has apparently only teased us with his Tattoos EP, so a full album called Talk Dirty will be coming soon. Â While the title song is a lot of fun and climbs 22-18, I’m hoping the new album continues along the lines of some of his pop successes too like “Whatcha Say” or “In My Head”.
And talking dirty and “Horny” seem to fall hand-in-hand on this chart, so Lonnie Gordon’s could-be dance club hit moves up 24-20.
Sandwiched rather adroitly in-between, “I Wish We Were Leaving” by Bright Light Bright Light and Elton John climb 25-19 while BLx2’s EP of the same name arrived today on iTunes with two remixes of “I Wish”. Â Also give a listen to a new song on the EP “She Carves Her Desire” below.
FrankMusik continues with his prolific releases in anticipation of his full album called By Nicole.  His opening single “Dear Nicole” advances 28-24, while the video for a new song “These Streets”, with an interesting mix of jaunty melody and affecting lyrics, arrived this past week.  Watch below.
Debuts!!
I cannot get enough of Sam Smith, cannot wait to see his show on April 23, and thoroughly enjoyed his two performances on Saturday Night Live.  One of these was for the R&B-flavoured ballad “Stay With Me”, and this stunner bows at #21, from his upcoming In The Lonely Hour album, not due till June (but maybe Capitol/Universal will move it up on the sked…).
It’s already caused a stir online, and if you’ve been in hiding then you’ve missed the new project brought to us by Simon Curtis and Wolfy (Ro Danishei) called Wrathschild. Â “Fall Into Love” is a gorgeous pure pop testament to those feelings when you’re on that cusp, and it arrives at #22. Â And with the pair’s already fine chart pedigree – Simon with 5 #1’s, Wolfy with one of those plus another Top 10er – “Fall Into Love” will do very, very well.
It appears we’re on another roll in the boy band genre, but this time with guys who play their music as well as sing it. Â England’s Rixton has “Me And My Broken Heart” at #26, and like Martin Garrix, has Scooter Braun management in their court. Â Then there’s Australia’s 5 Seconds Of Summer with the extremely fun, catchy “She Looks So Perfect” nabbing #1 in the UK last week and premiering on my chart at #27.
The Full Chart
Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailed web edition of my chart.
02 01 CANNONBALL (EARTHQUAKE) Showtek & Justin Prime featuring Matthew Koma 01 02 MONEY ON MY MIND Sam Smith 04 03 ADDICTED TO YOU Avicii featuring Audra Mae 06 04 FIND YOU Zedd featuring Matthew Koma & Miriam Bryant 07 05 ELECTRIC VALENTINE Adam Tyler 10 06 LATCH Disclosure featuring Sam Smith 09 07 DARE YOU Hardwell featuring Matthew Koma 13 08 LOVE ME AGAIN John Newman 14 09 FINEST CLOTHES IN TOWN Nick Hagelin 12 10 F FOR YOU Disclosure featuring Mary J. Blige 03 11 TAKE COVER Neverest 17 12 LOVE SPACE Convulsic 23 13 PROXY Martin Garrix 15 14 DRINK Semi-Precious Weapons 05 15 COLLIDE Jake Miller 19 16 READY FOR YOU NOW Sean O’Reilly 20 17 BACK TO CALIFORNIA Steve Grand 22 18 TALK DIRTY Jason Derulo featuring 2 Chainz 25 19 I WISH WE WERE LEAVING Bright Light Bright Light & Elton John 24 20 HORNY Lonnie Gordon New 21 STAY WITH ME Sam Smith New 22 FALL INTO LOVE Wrathschild 11 23 INTO THE BLUE Kylie Minogue 28 24 DEAR NICOLE FrankMusik 08 25 HAPPY Pharrell Williams New 26 ME AND MY BROKEN HEART Rixton New 27 SHE LOOKS SO PERFECT 5 Seconds Of Summer 16 28 MOTEL POOL Travis Garland 21 29 INVISIBLE U2 27 30 MANiCURE Lady GaGa
Spring has sprung and more great new music seems to be out there than ever. Â If I didn’t have a 10 appearance (20 week) chart rule, songs would never leave! Â And so, three favourites will be departing after the current chart. Â But there are so many songs on the rise that a number get stuck on this chart, which will make the chart in two weeks that much more interesting! Â The strong debuts in the 20’s would have normally bowed even higher…
The Top 10
All things Sam Smith are happening in pop music right now! Â Our boy got a gig on March 29 on Saturday Night Live no less. Â Now that meant that he had to postpone the show I was supposed to go to the day before, but fortunately I don’t have to repurchase tickets and it’s at the same venue on April 23. Â So Sam stays at #1 with “Money On My Mind”, but bounds into the Top 10 at #10 with Disclosure on “Latch”, which has its sights set much higher than #10…
“Cannonball (Earthquake)” by Showtek & Justin Prime featuring Matthew Koma holds strong at #2 as the song is gradually getting release around the world, so check your iTunes!
Neverest’s rollicking change of pace “Take Cover” climbs to #3. Â The group is currently down to a trio as drummer Mykey Thomas found a must-take gig in the States, but I know they’ll find a successor who will make an equally great anchor to their sound đ Â “Take Cover” is still available as a free download through Neverest’s Facebook page.
I cannot resist Audra Mae’s vocal on Avicii’s “Addicted To You”, which not only climbs to #4 on my chart, but it’s in the Top 20 on the UK Singles Chart. Â North America, what are you waiting for? Â SMASH.
The rest of the songs featuring the amazing Matthew Koma still climb up within the Top 10, so we see “Find You” by Zedd and also featuring Miriam Bryant up 8-6, bound to be a huge hit by summer, while Hardwell’s “Dare You” is #9. Â The new video for “Find You” is above.
The fastest riser on the chart is one of the year’s most pleasing surprises so far, and still available for free download! Â That it’s by Adam Tyler is even better… “Electric Valentine” zips up the chart 14-7!
Movin’ On Up
Nick Hagelin’s “City Lights” EP is coming to you in early April, in the meantime do listen to the snappy song rooted in old R&B, “Finest Clothes In Town”, which rises 15-14.
Semi-Precious Weapons also have their album on deck for next month, but until then the party-hardy “Drink” moves up 19-15.
I’m absolutely loving the creative EDM by San Diego’s Convulsic – particularly on the car stereo đ – and “Love Space” makes its presence known by climbing 23-17. Â Video to follow soon!
Sean O’Reilly’s video for “Ready For You Now” was shot as Hurricane Sandy was coming, and the intensity of inviting something big to happen prevails in the song too. Â It moves up 22-19.
Steve Grand’s campaign to raise funds for his “All American Boy” album is way past doubled right now, which means more great things to embellish the album or accompany it will be in store for fans. Â The lovely story of “Back To California” takes the song to #20 on my chart this week.
It’s a club smash in the making, and Lonnie Gordon’s “Horny” is now available on iTunes. Â It rises 29-24. Â Check out the Paul Goodyear radio edit video below.
New to the Chart
I’ve written about all three of these stellar songs and I expect big moves in the coming weeks…
As “Animals” is about to leave the chart, “Proxy” by Martin Garrix debuts at #23. Â It’s still available as a free download and quite honestly I’m loving this one more than his other projects. Â It’s Herbie Hancock’s “Rockit” meets early Tiesto… and that’s all powerful stuff for this 17 year old Dutchman. Â Love the official video at the top of this post.
“I Wish We Were Leaving” (#25) could be one of Bright Light Bright Light’s most downbeat sounding songs, until the powerful and hopeful message is revealed. Â Having Elton John’s vocal as the other side of the story is just mind-blowing and impressive. Â The video (at the top of this post) is going to make you tear up when you feel happy or sad throughout (my only critique is that the turning point happens too abruptly). Â Brilliant. Â Bright Light Bright Light’s new album Life Is Easy is coming, with the EP of “I Wish We Were Leaving” due April 7.
We finish up with “Dear Nicole” by FrankMusik from his upcoming fourth album By Nicole at #28. Â This song pulls you in with its story and Vincent Frank’s build up to a positively ferocious vocal. Â As always FrankMusik’s songs make you want more and more, and that’s exactly what’s to come!
The Full Chart
Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailed web edition of my chart.
01 01 MONEY ON MY MIND Sam Smith 02 02 CANNONBALL (EARTHQUAKE) Showtek & Justin Prime featuring Matthew Koma 04 03 TAKE COVER Neverest 07 04 ADDICTED TO YOU Avicii featuring Audra Mae 05 05 COLLIDE Jake Miller 08 06 FIND YOU Zedd featuring Matthew Koma & Miriam Bryant 14 07 ELECTRIC VALENTINE Adam Tyler 09 08 HAPPY Pharrell Williams 10 09 DARE YOU Hardwell featuring Matthew Koma 16 10 LATCH Disclosure featuring Sam Smith 11 11 INTO THE BLUE Kylie Minogue 12 12 F FOR YOU Disclosure featuring Mary J. Blige 13 13 LOVE ME AGAIN John Newman 15 14 FINEST CLOTHES IN TOWN Nick Hagelin 19 15 DRINK Semi-Precious Weapons 03 16 MOTEL POOL Travis Garland 23 17 LOVE SPACE Convulsic 06 18 ANIMALS Martin Garrix 22 19 READY FOR YOU NOW Sean O’Reilly 26 20 BACK TO CALIFORNIA Steve Grand 21 21 INVISIBLE U2 24 22 TALK DIRTY Jason Derulo featuring 2Chainz New 23 PROXY Martin Garrix 29 24 HORNY Lonnie Gordon New 25 I WISH WE WERE LEAVING Bright Light Bright Light & Elton John 20 26 AN OPEN HEART Bright Light Bright Light 18 27 MANiCURE Lady Gaga New 28 DEAR NICOLE FrankMusik 17 29 IN YOUR CARE Bright Light Bright Light 25 30 GOLD Eurielle
As with the last chart, there are 5 new entries, and I suspect this will be the trend for the next few charts too, as many are sticking around to the maximum 10 appearances (20 weeks) before they drop off (“What’s Going On” by Monsieur Adi featuring A*M*E first charted for 4 appearances prior to its release, then re-entered, and is now in its 10th consecutive appearance). Â So the wheels on the chart are going round and round…
The Top 10
Sam Smith fever is slowly finding its way to North America.  So “Money On My Mind” continues at the top of my chart, while his featured vocal in “Latch” by Disclosure is the highest debut at #16.  That song peaked at #11 in the UK at the end of 2012.  There’s a brilliant acoustic version of  “Latch” on Sam’s equally stunning EP Nirvana (live version below).
Challenging for the top is the first of three appearances for Matthew Koma in the Top 10, this time on “Cannonball (Earthquake)” by Showtek & Justin Prime, which climbs 5-2. Â Watch the new sci-fi adventure themed video below, sort of reminiscent of “Mad Max”.
“Collide” by Jake Miller shows it has staying power, and rises 6-5, while Audra Mae’s deep-down-in-your-soul vocal carries Avicii’s “Addicted To You” 10-7.
“Happy” by Pharrell is number one in most countries, climbing 11-9, as his new album G I R L is released to positive reviews. Â It’s Pharrell’s fourth appearance in the Top 10, the other three times as featured artists on Snoop Dogg’s “Beautiful” (#6, 2003), “Wanna Love U Girl” by Robin Thicke (#4, 2005), and Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” (also #4, 2013).
The rest of the songs moving up in the Top 10 do have Matthew Koma in kommon đ Â Zedd’s “Find You’ (also featuring Miriam Bryant) is the fastest riser on the chart (19-8), becoming Zedd’s third top tenner following “Spectrum” and “Clarity”, while his collaboration with Robbert Hardwell jumps 14-10. Â That makes it 7/7 Top 10’s for Matthew, following #1’s “Spectrum”, “Parachute”, and “1998”, plus “One Night” (#10). Â Enjoy the exclusive Sky Felix remix of “Find You” below.
Songs on the Rise
Disclosure is #16 on the new chart as the boys were on the last one with Mary J. Blige on their rework of “F For You”, which climbs 16-12.
John Newman continues to find new North American fans with his soulful voice, which to me sometimes recalls Paul Young. Â “Love Me Again” moves up 17-13.
The online reaction to Adam Tyler’s “Electric Valentine”, which the singer dropped on V-Day, has been just splendid, and it’s still available as a free download for you to enjoy. Â It looks to be one of Adam’s biggest hits on my chart, rocketing 22-14.
Riding right behind as the release of his EP City Lights approaches is Nick Hagelin with the playful “Finest Clothes In Town”, up 23-15.
Semi-Precious Weapons have a full album coming to you sometime soon, but in the meantime, from their EP Aviation is “Drink”, rising 26-19.
U2’s new album has been deferred to 2015, despite the Oscar-nominated success of “Ordinary Love” and the charity donations behind “Invisible”, which moves 25-21. Â I suppose it makes sense that a tour will promote the album and looks like one may not be announced till year end.
If you’re in the New Haven, Connecticut area, watch out for club dates from Sean O’Reilly, whose melodic delight “Ready For You Now” jumps 27-22.
The Rest of the Newcomers
A lot of dance/EDM is booming in my Top 10, and San Diego-based Convulsic’s imaginative “Love Space” will tweak your ears and move your booty, arriving on the chart at 23. Â Official video is on its way.
I’m a tad late on “Talk Dirty” by Jason Derulo and 2 Chainz, but in keeping with the playful and bawdy spirit of  “Blurred Lines”, the song scores a place on the chart this week at 24.  It’s Jason’s first appearance in these parts since 2010’s “In My Head” (#7).
The honest storytelling and performance are the key to the vast enjoyment you will receive from Steve Grand’s “Back To California”. Â The singer moves a touch away from the country music leaning of his first two singles for something more in classic pop. Â It premieres at #26 in advance of his crowd-funded All American Boy – The Album, due in May.
In keeping with “Talk Dirty”, I might as well go for the gusto with the return of dance diva Lonnie Gordon with “Horny” at #29. Â Looks like there will be all kinds of naughty fun this Spring! Â And remixes are on their way!
The Full Chart
Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailed web edition of my chart.
01 01 MONEY ON MY MIND Sam Smith 05 02 CANNONBALL (EARTHQUAKE) Showtek & Justin Prime featuring Matthew Koma 03 03 MOTEL POOL Travis Garland 04 04 TAKE COVER Neverest 06 05 COLLIDE Jake Miller 02 06 ANIMALS Martin Garrix 10 07 ADDICTED TO YOU Avicii featuring Audra Mae 19 08 FIND YOU Zedd featuring Matthew Koma & Miriam Bryant 11 09 HAPPY Pharrell Williams 14 10 DARE YOU Hardwell featuring Matthew Koma 12 11 INTO THE BLUE Kylie Minogue 16 12 F FOR YOU Disclosure featuring Mary J. Blige 17 13 LOVE ME AGAIN John Newman 22 14 ELECTRIC VALENTINE Adam Tyler 23 15 FINEST CLOTHES IN TOWN Nick Hagelin New 16 LATCH Disclosure featuring Sam Smith 07 17 IN YOUR CARE Bright Light Bright Light 09 18 MANiCURE Lady Gaga 26 19 DRINK Semi-Precious Weapons 13 20 AN OPEN HEART Bright Light Bright Light 25 21 INVISIBLE U2 27 22 READY FOR YOU NOW Sean O’Reilly New 23 LOVE SPACE Convulsic New 24 TALK DIRTY Jason Derulo featuring 2 Chainz 15 25 GOLD Eurielle New 26 BACK TO CALIFORNIA Steve Grand 18 27 TALKING TO THE WALLS SvĂŠ 20 28 BREATHE ME Carlos NĂłbrega New 29 HORNY Lonnie Gordon 24 30 WHAT’S GOING ON Monsieur Adi featuring A*M*E
There’s a new #1 and two big debuts that happen to be free downloads đ
The Top 10
Buzzing with activity:
Coincidentally the new UK #1 single (as it held the chart all week long) is also my new #1, Sam Smith’s “Money On My Mind”. Â He’s been performing alternately solo gig or select ones (such as for TV) with Disclosure. Â I’m looking forward to his Toronto show on March 28. Â His entire EP Nirvana has the goods!
Martin Garrix slips to #2 with “Animals” as it hits the Billboard Top 40. Â As I wrote about this week, his new single “Helicopter”, should be equally huge.
Travis Garland advances to #3 with the sexy and repeatable “Motel Pool”.
Neverest climbs 9-4 with their dance song “Take Cover”. Â The quartet is performing at the new Avenue nightclub in Vaughan, just north of Toronto, on Friday February 28.
“Cannonball (Earthquake)” by Dutchmen Showtek & Justin Prime and featuring American Matthew Koma on vocals needs to be released worldwide!! It climbs 11-5 on my chart and is a dance floor killa!
Jake Miller’s pop gem “Collide” moves up 10-6 as the new L.A. resident gets ready to release a new video!
Bright Light Bright Light’s “In Your Care” climbs to a new peak of #7, but Rod’s duet with Elton John will storm this chart closer to its April 7 release.
Rounding out all of the Top 10 movement are newcomers “MANiCURE” by Lady GaGa at #9, and the sensational “Addicted To You” by Avicii at #10Â but given its vocal life with a bluesy vocal by Audra Mae!
Rising Up:
It looks like the rest of the world will be pretty “Happy” soon as Pharrell Williams’ ditty with an old-style Motown beat climbs 15-11 on my chart, but should get to #1 in the US and internationally too.
Kylie Minogue’s “Into The Blue” also has a great shot at being her first international pop hit in some time. Â It moves up 17-12.
Matthew Koma is part of one Top 10 song this week, but he’s also the vocalist of Hardwell’s “Dare You” (#14) and Zedd’s “Find You” (#19), along with sensational newcomer Miriam Bryant. Â Matthew was still charting a year ago on my chart with #1’s “1998” and “Parachute”.
The fastest riser on the chart is the dynamic pairing of Disclosure with Mary J. Blige on the rework of “F For You”, up 25-16.
“Love Me Again” by UK singer John Newman is going great guns all over the world, and is back in the UK Top 40. Â It moves up 24-17.
Sve’s beautiful “Talking To The Walls” jumps to a new peak of #18.
New to the Chart:
About those two at the top of this blog post đ
Adam Tyler has graced my chart with many of his songs since his debut in 2010 with “Friction”, still his best charting song peaking at #4. Â 2012 was all about “Fade Into The Light” (#9), with its well shot video and appearance on the compilation This Beat Is… Poptronik Volume 2. Â Adam released “Electric Valentine” as a free download on Valentine’s Day. Â It has received massive response as a free download, and to me is one of Adam’s best pop confections thus far. Â It debuts on my chart at #22. Â Oh and there’s a tiny tease of a classic pop song near the end đ
Nick Hagelin has only appeared in my chart once, in 2011 with the dreamy ballad “Metaphor” (#12) from his Take Off EP. Â Since then, he’s been signed to Streamline (Lady GaGa’s label), distributed by Interscope, but has yet to see release with any songs through that label. Â In the meantime, the free EP City Lights is coming on March 5, and in advance of that we have “Finest Clothes In Town”, a funky slice of R&B pop that will put you in a great, sexy mood đ Â “Clothes” bows at #23 on my chart.
U2 last appeared in my chart in 2005 with “Sometimes You Can Make It On Your Own” (#21), and was last in the Top 10 with 2000’s “Beautiful Day” (#7), though Bono & The Edge appeared in Reeve Carney’s “Rise Above 1” (#19, 2011) from their soundtrack to the “Spider-Man” broadway play (which I quite enjoyed). Â “Invisible” is one of their best singles in recent years and I got it from iTunes when it was available as a limited free download. Â Some of its proceeds go to the RED fund. Â The song arrives at #25.
While I’m looking forward to hearing their full album when it arrives, and seeing them on tour when it happens, Semi-Precious Weapons have altered their sound somewhat from hard-hitting, edgy-danceable-punkish rock, to a slicker, anthemic but still edgy pop/rock flavour. Â And, as demonstrated by last year’s Aviation High (#9), it works beautifully. Â “Drink” is punchy and contagious, and debuts at #26.
I love discovering new music by talented independent artists with lots of potential. Â Such is Sean O’Reilly, whose “Ready For You Now” is crammed full of varied pop influences and striking piano playing. Â From the Connecticut native’s album Volume 1, “Ready” arrives at #27.
The Full Chart
Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailed web edition of my chart.
06 01 MONEY ON MY MIND Sam Smith 01 02 ANIMALS Martin Garrix 04 03 MOTEL POOL Travis Garland 09 04 TAKE COVER Neverest 11 05 CANNONBALL (EARTHQUAKE) Showtek & Justin Prime featuring Matthew Koma 10 06 COLLIDE Jake Miller 08 07 IN YOUR CARE Bright Light Bright Light 02 08 EASY Travis Garland 12 09 MANiCURE Lady Gaga 13 10 ADDICTED TO YOU Avicii featuring Audra Mae 15 11 HAPPY Pharrell Williams 17 12 INTO THE BLUE Kylie Minogue 03 13 AN OPEN HEART Bright Light Bright Light 19 14 DARE YOU Hardwell featuring Matthew Koma 05 15 GOLD Eurielle 25 16 F FOR YOU Disclosure featuring Mary J. Blige 24 17 LOVE ME AGAIN John Newman 20 18 TALKING TO THE WALLS SvĂŠ 26 19 FIND YOU Zedd featuring Matthew Koma & Miriam Bryant 07 20 BREATHE ME Carlos NĂłbrega 14 21 EVERY SINGLE MOMENT  SIRPAUL New 22 ELECTRIC VALENTINE Adam Tyler New 23 FINEST CLOTHES IN TOWN Nick Hagelin 18 24 WHAT’S GOING ON Monsieur Adi featuring A*M*E New 25 INVISIBLE U2 New 26 DRINK Semi-Precious Weapons New 27 READY FOR YOU NOW Sean O’Reilly 16 28 MARRY THE NIGHT Glee Cast featuring Adam Lambert 21 29 ROLLERCOASTER Corey Niles featuring Dru 22 30 DO WHAT U WANT Lady Gaga featuring R. Kelly
Nick Hagelin’s music has been regularly featured in my blog posts since I first heard it in 2010 on his more straight-forward pop EP Take Off. Â Since then, Nick has dabbled more on the R&B tip, and rightly so given his far-ranging voice which instantly draws comparisons to Justin Timberlake. Â But Nick’s sound has always been more direct and street-wise, and recently shifted over to some softer songs in his “AcousticKilla” side, and ones that he didn’t necessarily write. Â
“What If” (video above) is a beautifully sung classic story of breakup and ‘what if’ things had been different, in this case “what if I had loved you?”. Â You have to wait a bit for Nick’s falsetto, but it’s there! Â Thematically, it’s almost like the successor to Nick’s own “Ex Games”, still available as a free Soundcloud download as are “What If” and “If This Is Love”. Â The latter song puts him into Travis Garland territory with a sexy Latin flavoured number that could mix easily into Travis’ “Easy” (currently riding my chart at #2). Â
The great thing about these songs is that they show that Nick takes risks, which is probably part of why Streamline/Interscope signed him (and we’ll await the results of that relationship). Â Do yourself a favour and find out what I’m talking about by downloading all three songs below.
It has quietly slipped onto the scene as the lead song from Nick Hagelin’s upcoming Streamline/Interscope album – a year and a half after it debuted on Soundcloudwhen I wrote about it, quickly becoming (and remaining as) my most-read post in the history of this blog! Â But I’m glad to see this slick video telling the story of this sweet-and-sour breakup song which might be the counterpart to Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor”. Â With all of the smooth R&B/pop singers breaking through in 2013, is there room for another? Â I say a BIG yes to Nick, who has been building up this release with many sterling covers that I’ve written about, including Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” and Eric Benet’s “Sometimes I Cry”. Â This video and song gives Nick more direct streetwise cred – you’ll definitely think of Drake – which seems to be otherwise lacking in many other releases this year. Â Been waiting for that full album, sooo looking forward to it!!
It’s a gem just waiting to happen. Â “Lifted” is a totally cool rework of the 2003 Top 10 hit by Baby Bash & Frankie J, “Suga Suga”. Â Kwik Fiks is producer/remixer Danny Voicu (you may have downloaded his highly futuristic-sounding remix EP of songs from River Tiber’s From Now On EP) along with Montreal based Victor Bongiovanni. Â “Lifted” is chilled out deep house that is meticulously produced and will keep even the most casual dance music listener on board. Â The future is now, folks. Â When I tweeted about the song last night, I included Baby Bash in a mention. Â And the highest endorsement can only come from the man himself who said “That was pretty dope!” Â “Listen below anddownload it for free!
Nick, “Love and War”
While we await what is anticipated to be a spectacular debut album, Nick Hagelin has dazzled us again with a sparkling cover of Tamar Braxton’s “Love and War”. Â ‘Blue-eyed soul’ and falsettos are two of my weaknesses so I’m akin to coming back for more and more. Â And the world is waiting for more Nick. Â Listen below.
Travis Garland, “Didn’t Stand A Chance”
After encountering and writing about his dynamic mashup of “Adorn” and “Diamonds” recently, I took to downloading Travis Garland’s free EP Fashionably Latefrom his website. Â Resembling Enrique Iglesias at times, Travis has made quite the progression from a few years back when I saw him performing “Believe” on TV. Â Like Nick Hagelin, it turns out that Travis has a lovely falsetto and the EP is full of R&B and hip hop inspired tunes, the best of which is this shiny ballad, made even better by his acoustic performance below. Â
Collin McLoughlin, “If I Lose Myself”
It’s always a daunting task to record a cover of a current favourite of mine, but former “The Voice” contestant Collin McLoughlin has a knack for making songs his own. Â I think TV show song choices prevented him from advancing further in “The Voice” competition, but Collin definitely has a bright future ahead if his self-produced cover of One Republic’s “If I Lose Myself” is any indication. Â Without the fancy high gloss of the original but with added soulful grittiness in Collin’s vocal, this is a mighty noteable alternate version. Â Not stuck on the video for it but regardless give a good solid listen.
Cheesa featuring Charice, “I’m Not Perfect”
In a most ear-catching pairing we find another “The Voice” contestant, Cheesa (pronounced “Chessa”), matched up with singer/actress Charice (from TV’s “Glee” as Sunshine a few years back). Â The vocals are highly complimentary but it’s definitely Cheesa’s showcase as “I’m Not Perfect” shows off both her power and restraint. Â And there’s a sublime, punchy, dubsteppy Max Stark remix that’s just been released to add to the fun. Â Listen below to both the full song and a teaser of the remix.
Ashton Zanecki, “Want U Back”
Sometimes you have to look past the song choice and go right for the gusto. Â I’ve never cared for Cher Lloyd’s “Want U Back”, but Pennsylvania singer Ashton Zanecki from Wilkes-Barre obviously does, and he has managed to make the song his own. Â My friends atEQ Music Blogfirst took notice, and I’m quickly and happily following along. Â Ashton proves that his imperfectly perfect voice – and I love voices that have that raw appeal *UHHH* – can deliver the goods. Â It’s a fantastically good natured, fun video too, and you will be smiling afterwords. Â Watch for yourself and be convinced (he begins singing after a minute of introductions). Â You Tube viral cover talent scouts, Ashton Zanecki is someone you shouldn’t miss out on.
It’s no secret that I can’t get enough of the music that DATABOY is creating right now.  The Austin, Texas duo of Cameron Maxwell and Adam Bailey continued to win me over recently when I wrote about their free Summer Now EP, and their song “Lotion” in particular is on repeat in my head as I write.  But today they unveiled the title song of their upcoming album Dreams Are Gold.  It’s a real gem.  These fellas are amazingly clever.  They’ve managed to meld a beautiful and often playful melody, crafty house rhythms, ever so soulful vocals (secretly, I think they listen to a lot of R&B), and some truly heartfelt and identifiable lyrics.  By design it’s a sincere and joyous invitation to get your ass on the dancefloor and to never, ever stop dreaming.  And if the rest of the album is this good, DATABOY will be on many playlists for this summer and beyond.  So well done!!  Listen below.
Jane Badler, “Yesterday’s Tomorrows” (Stormby’s Drama Mix)
Not too long ago,I wrote about the potential of “Yesterday’s Tomorrows”, by noted actress Jane Badler, who has also had a singing career for a while now, with her latest release an EP called Mistaken Identity. Â Visions of a grand Broadway play with gorgeous costumes, people, drama, murder, and lust, all filled my head. Â And then along came Stormby’s drama mix… and now my visions are turned on their head, into a grand Broadway musical, with over the top costumes, lots of make up and colour, drama, and dancing. Â If a song is going to be transformed, do it in high style like this. Â Dance clubs, here it comes! Â Listen below.
Sam Sparro, “I Wish I Never Met You” (video)
“I Wish I Never Met You” is the bold antithesis of a pop/dance hit, but it really works, as I wrote recently. Â I hadn’t found the video though until now, where we have Sam as a 30’s prohibition kingpin who gambles, dances, and gets his comeuppance – or does he? Â Watch and find out! Â I hope to find my way to Sam’s Return To Paradise album soon!
Nick “Human Nature”
It’s been a while since we heard something new from our boy Nick Hagelin (now using only his first name). Â You see, he’s been kind of busy, making new friends in pretty high places, and finding himself a record deal. Â And not just any deal. Â You may have heard of Streamline Records. It’s a subsidy of Interscope. Â The lead act on the label is one Lady GaGa. Â And while we had a fling with getting to know “X Games”, from his upcoming album, the song was pulled off the interweb to make you anxious for more. Â A lot of you are out there because you made my post on “X Games” in January my most read blog post in the three years I’ve been writing! Â So Nick’s promised to be viral once again, and his return to acoustic covers is with a version of Michael Jackon’s “Human Nature”. Â Nick’s honest charm, talent, and gorgeous high notes are all on display. Â Watch below.
2012 is off to a brilliant start with the upcoming release of “X Games” by Nick Hagelin. Â As you’ve read in these pages over the last year, Nick has covered a diverse number of songs through entertaining You Tube videos – including Bruno Mars’ “Marry You”, Taylor Swift’s “The Story of Us”, and especially Eric Benet’s “Sometimes I Cry”. Â He also released a coolsexycute EP called Take Off, which featured one of my favourites from last year, the silky ballad “Metaphor”.
Well reading between the lines it seems that there’s a major label offering in the works with “X Games”.  An Atlanta radio station has already jumped on it, which is a great thing for hometown boy Nick.  The song itself has enough soulful steaminess to woo the ladies and enough swagger to capture the guys’ attention.  It gets away from some of Nick’s  lighter pop/dance fare in favour of deep down home R&B… makes sense, our boy is rooted in soul.  Line it up against songs from R. Kelly, Robin Thicke, Terence Trent D’Arby, Usher… you get the picture.
Big things are poised to happen… listen to it yourself below and don’t say you aren’t impressed đ Â More news is imminent in the coming days…
That annual ritual is upon us again. Â I kicked it off with my previous post “And Visions of 2011 Danced In His Head”, which talked about my favourite 20 performers (and one compilation album) that made 2011 glitter for me. Â I won’t go into much depth about those performers again, other than those whose songs are in my Top 10. Â I’ve provided links to some notable videos and/or songs in my list below (click on the relevant song titles), particularly some you may not know, as well as some comments. Â You can see the web-pretty list using the Best of 2011 list in the sidebar to the right or click right here.
Before we begin, only one performer has more than 4 songs on the list, and that is Simon Curtis, who had my #1 song of 2010 “Beat Drop”. Â Among 7 entries, he has three duets on the list! Â Then with four songs is Frankmusik, and with three songs apiece we have Penguin Prison, Elouise, Eric Saade, Ro Danishei, and Kyle Brylin. Â These are no surprises if you’ve read this blog throughout the year.
Are you sitting comfortably? Â Then I’ll begin đ
BILL’S TOP 75 SONGS OF 2011
75 TILL THE WORLD ENDS Â Britney Spears
Unlike much of the pop world, I have never much been a fan of Ms Britney. Â But this year she recorded the best song of her career thus far which kicks off my year end list. Â In fact one of the very best reasons for expanding my list to 75 songs this year was to include this song. Â Well done – more like this please! 74 METAPHOR Â Nick Hagelin
Portland, Oregon duo Amy Paige and Josh Hoertzel make magical melodies together, and “We Don’t Miss A Beat” is their best yet. Â Watch for more in 2012. 71 ICE MELTS Â Matt & Kim 70 ANOTHER DIMENSION Â Bass Robbers featuring Matt Blue 69 NEVER WILL BE MINE Â Rye Rye featuring Robyn 68 THE CITY (Richard X emix) Â Patrick Wolf
It was so grand to hear British singer Patrick Wolf full of positive and happy energy with songs like “The City” from his recent album Lupercalia. 67TILL IT HURTS (Radio mix) Native Underground
Native Underground and singer Javi Silva (who gave us last year’s tantalizing “Situation”) are part of a New York City new dance/disco undercurrent. Â Watch for more from them in 2012, including Javi’s other project Chasing The Ghost. 66 CINEMA Â Benny Benassi featuring Gary Go 65 FALLING Bright Light Bright Light
BrightLightx2 aka Rod Thomas recorded this free download and unique interpretation of the theme from TV’s “Twin Peaks”, originally sung by Julee Cruise.
64 WHITE HORSE Â Jessica 6 63 MORE (Red One Jimmy Joker remix) Â Usher 62 STUPID WITH YOU Â Eric Saade 61MY FIZZY POP Â Kyle Brylin 60 THEN I GO TWISTING Â Erasure 59 ALL YOU NEED IS NOW Â Duran Duran 58THE LOVER’S RUMBA Â Elouise
The first of three contemporized ballroom songs to appear in this list from the fantastic Ballroom Remixed compilation from our favourite UK torch song chanteuse.
I must say I was totally enthralled with Chris Brown’s performance of this song on the Grammy Awards – though it was really a lot of special effects that catch your attention more so than the song, you can imagine how much work went into it. Â But I was totally puzzled that his record company did not promote this song to pop radio, and instead it became a #1 Dance Club Play hit.
Another magnificent Steve Anderson production which turns the song best known as the 80’s hit by Soft Cell into a seductive, smoky, and empowering torchy rendition. 54 ALORS ON DANSE Â Stromae
Canadian dance trio Audio Playground enlisted Kardinal Offishall for this infectious dance song that perked up Canadian radio playlists this Fall.
48 LADY LUCK Â Jamie Woon 47 ROCKETEER Â Far East Movement featuring Ryan Tedder 46 BAD DOG Â Neon Hitch 45 THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL Â Elouise
From the little belter herself, a live clip of this version of the ABBA hit which shows that Elouise has the goods and you’ll hear much more from her in 2012.
44 SET FIRE TO THE RAIN Â Adele 43 MOVES LIKE JAGGER Â Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera 42 MONSTER Â Kanye West featuring Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Bon Iver & Nicki Minaj
I will always listen to Kanye West’s music knowing that he can come up with greatness with the help of such friends… and to me Nicki’s outstanding rap in this song is what helped get her on the map. 41 FAIR WARNING (Dirty Vegas remix) Penguin Prison 40VENOM Long Story Short
Guitarist Matt Webb  initially released Cinnamon as a limited free download before appearing on his debut EP Coda and Jacket.  It’s one of those perfect summer heartbreak songs that shows another side of this Marianas Trench member. 31 EVERYTHING I’M MISSING  Kyle Brylin
As Kyle enters an acoustic phase of his career, his electropop of 2011 leaves its mark especially with this hypnotic song with a video that makes you watch, even reluctantly. And what is it about the eye makeup that helps give this song a bit of a sinister side? đ
30 SUPERHERO Â Simon Curtis
Your Superhero arrived in May to stage the arrival of Râ.
The first of two pop/dance confections on this list from the Detroit performer who now goes by the moniker JMSN. Â Watch for more tricks up Christian Berishaj’s sleeve in 2012. 24 PRISONER OF LOVE Â Jessica 6 featuring Antony Hegarty
Prisoner of Love is just one of those to-die-for duets that happen once in a while. Â Hopefully this will be the first of many Nomi Ruiz/Antony Hegarty pairings!
23 BLOODSTAINED HEART Â Darren Hayes
There are few performers who can convey heartbreak so conscientiously as Darren Hayes. Â The best song on his Secret Codes & Battleships album is also one of his finest vocal performances. Â Watch the video all the way through.
22 PUMPED UP KICKS (Skeet Skeet Show remix) Â Foster The People
It’s very clear from their sold out concerts and their praised performances (even on TV’s Saturday Night Live) that Foster The People is not a one-hit pony. Â Despite the strange subject matter, the song became one of the defining hits of the summer, but my preference is for the frenetic Skeet Skeet Show remix. 21JACKSONVILLE Â Brandon Flowers
Held over from 2010, Jacksonville is one of the songs on the deluxe version of Flamingo, an album that could have fared very differently if the excellent deluxe tracks had been the the core of the record. Â Nonetheless, this is Brandon at his most unique – Jacksonville could have also been kicked up a notch with some dance remixes. 20 DISCO MOMENT Bright Light Bright Light
One of Rod Thomas’ very best songs contains several lyrics that can leave you teary-eyed while you dance: Â “And I am open, I am open, but I might just close if… /You make it so hard to be around”. Â The outstanding video will twist your emotions on the spot.
The best song from the Ballroom Remixed compilation is this contemporary jive number, aided immeasurably by the magic fingers of Ben Waters. Â Jerry Reid, too, is a new bad boy talent to watch in 2012. 18 TALK TO ME Â Andrea Lewis featuring Simon Curtis
Toronto’s Andrea Lewis has another hold over from 2010 release 54321, with her 60’s retro sounding duet with Simon Curtis. Â Watch the exclusive performance by these best friends from London below.
Pre-dating the Do It In The AM album by several months, it’s one of the rare tender ballads you will hear from Frankmusik, originally available as a free download. 16 SOMEONE LIKE YOU Adele 15S&M Rihanna
Rihanna was a non-stop music-making machine in 2011, but S&M to me exceeded all expectations and made the music that followed pale in comparison. Â She was at the top of her game but is now probably due a break for fear of that other industry-eating event, over-exposure. Â The song also accompanied an interesting cadre of songs with suggestive topic matter, which all ended up in Billboard’s Top 4 on the Hot 100 earlier in year – the others were “Born This Way” by Lady GaGa, “Fuckin’ Perfect” by Pink, and “Tonight (I’m Fuckin’ You)” by Enrique Iglesias đ
14 DO IT IN THE A.M. Â Frankmusik F/ Far East Movement
13 CAN’T HELP MYSELF (KEEP DANCING) Â Matt Blue
One of 2011’s must-talents to watch is 19 year old Matt Blue, who hails from the Netherlands. Â Songs like “Can’t Help Myself” transcend the record industry barriers for official release through their videos.
12 LOVE 2 BABY Christian TV
If there was any song that should’ve been a hit in 2011 it was “Love 2 Baby”, dance pop at its best and somewhat hedonistic video to boot. Â Watch for the artist now known as JMSN in 2012.
11 NO I.D. Frankmusik featuring Colette Carr
One of the most joyous treats of 2011 was watching this completely unexpected video throwback to “Grease”. Â Frank and Colette have great chemistry together – hopefully they’ll record again.
It was never released as a single *hrumpf* but this love letter to Eric’s fans has some of the best lyrics that pop music could offer in 2011: Â “My kings and queens /Are speaking through me /Â Got my degree / In the big P-O-P”.
9 ROLLING IN THE DEEP Â Adele
Rolling In The Deep is the song that defines 2011 in pop culture. Â It endured the entire year, became a massive hit beyond expectations, was covered – sometimes magnificently – a gazillion times. Â More than any other song in the 21 album, it showcases the many broad talents of Adele. Â Now let’s hope her voice recovers and we hear more magnificence in the next few years.
8 NIGHT AIR Â Jamie Woon
One of the most mysterious and oddly appealing songs by this new English singer with deep down embedded talents. Â While the video surely must have had “Twilight” as a source, its quiet is incredibly elegant.
7 THE FEAR INSIDE Â Frankmusik
The best song from Do It In The AM was Frank’s first single from the album, released about a year ago. Â Just release yourself to this one.
Penguin Prison held court on my chart at the top of the year for two months with this song, which was made even better when Chris Glover paired it in a stunning mashup with Michael Jackson’s “Workin’ Day And Night”, which you can hear and download in the link in song title.
It lasted from the first time I heard it in a live clip from a January show throughout the year. Â Laser Guns Up is still my anthem for 2011. Â And I still want some LEGO laser guns. Â “This one’s for the people who’ve been told they’re never good enough /Â The little girls and boys who dream of what they wanna be /Â The little girls and boys who grow up into you and me”.
4 JUST ONCE Databoy
I had just heard “Stupid” and had not yet charted it before I was introduced to Databoy at the Superfraiche showcase in New York City in April. Â And that’s where I heard this song. Â Instantly, it became my song for the upcoming summer, and when it arrived as a free downloadthere was no other competition. Â I can’t wait for more Databoy music in 2012.
3 WICKED BABY Ro Danishei featuring Simon Curtis
We had to wait till late Summer for this bonus track from the deluxe edition of Ro Danishei’s End of the Rainbow, but the best was saved for last. Â This is the child of Ace of Base’s The Sign that you’ve all been waiting for, with a stunning dubsteppy breakdown amid another smoking Ro/Simon duet. Â And I wasn’t the only one who loved it, check outMy Fizzy Pop’s thoughtson the song too!
There was no song more unique in 2011 than this second single from Simon’s Râ album.  Totally different from even the songs within Râ, it’s a tour-de-force of sensual imagery carried by fierce production that will simply throttle you.  I still want to see it featured in a segment on TV’s “The Vampire Diaries”:  “You put your hand upon my neck and feel the pulse beat-beat-beat-beat /It’s like a trigger getting ready to shoot” and “Hold me up against the wall / Give it till I beg, give me some more /Make me bleed, I like it raw / Like it Râ Râ Râ”. 1 POPULAR  Eric Saade
“Popular” is the best and most captivating song of 2011 to me, which threw Swedish singer Eric Saade even more into the spotlight when the song won the Melodifestivalen contest and came third in Eurovision.  It signalled things to come, with Saade’s Volume One and Volume Two albums dropping before year’s end and giving us the year’s most  lighthearted, feel good, crunchy electropop, which hopefully will find its way around the world in 2012.  Eric Saade and his team have created the template, the rest of the world needs to catch on.  And if you’re a male pop singer, all eyes should be on Eric!  Watch the star-making performance from Melodiefestivalen again below.
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
You must be logged in to post a comment.