Nile Rodgers – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

#BILLCSTop30 #697 – July 29/24

There isn’t much turnover on the new BILLCS Top 30 this week, and with so many songs on the rise, there aren’t a lot of big moves except for the delightful song that is the Fastest Riser. But there’s a new #1 and maybe in two weeks after I’m back from NYC there will be more changeups happening on the chart.

Remember – my blog posts are all about DISCOVERY, so let the music in!!

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below as they are now directly 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. The Big 20 and the picks of the week are happily being syndicated and you can find the current schedule for all at the bottom of the home page of this blog.

With the mid-summer dance grooves in full effect, there’s no better artist to be leading the chart than UK singer/songwriter HAYLA with her solo single “Embers” (2-1, above). HAYLA of course was recently on top of the chart for two months with John Summit and “Shiver”. And this week she has the Highest Debut with Kygo from his self-titled album, “Without You”, which bows at #27 (below). I’m still not done – HAYLA has just released the follow-up single called “Freefall”, which you can also hear below. With this year banging away for HAYLA, I can’t imagine what 2025 might be like!

The Fastest Riser, for a second chart in a row, belongs to Sam Feldt, JVKE and Anitta with “Mi Amor” (below), which soars 18-7. It’s Sam’s second Top 10 entry, Anitta’s first, and JVKE’s 6th, joining “This Is What Slow Dancing Feels Like” (#3) in the Top 10.

New to the Top 10 are Teddy Swims’ soul-wrenching “The Door” (11-8, above) and Kygo’s second chart entry “For Life”, with vocalist Zak Abel and the legendary Nile Rodgers (12-10, below).

Nile Rodgers also appears in the incredibly infectious “Honey Boy” with Purple Disco Machine, Benjamin Ingrosso and Shenseea, and it zips up the chart 21-13.

The sombre but hopeful “Rearview Mirror” by Greyson Chance (above) is a classic example of thoughtful and authentic songs being released today by artists who are choosing to make music that is deliberately different from what is dominating the charts. It climbs 17-14, and Greyson has already followed it up with, “Haymaker”, which you can hear below.

Another artist carving out his own lane is The Boy From The South with the clever “Space Party” climbing 20-15. The video above gives you more pause for thought as to what the song is about!

The irresistible “Chocolate” by Sweden’s Jubël and NOTD jumps into the Top 20 out of the gate, rising 24-18.

Also destined to get stuck in your head is “Hotel Party”, the summer’s unofficial party anthem, courtesy of my fellow Canadians Crash Adams, and it moves up 26-21.

The second debut on the chart at #30 is the first entry for Dutch producers Lucas and Steve, noted for their collaborations with fellow European producers Sam Feldt, Afrojack, Bassjackers, RetroVision and more. It’s kind of a full circle moment as I saw a set by these guys probably back in 2019 in Miami. They team up with British producer LAWRENT and British vocalist/songwriter Jordan Shaw for “End Of Time”, which is already a North American dance radio smash. Jordan Shaw previously reached #1 with Boye & Sigvardt as the vocalist for “Microdose”.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

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

Halton Hills Radio Online

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 evening at 6 pm EST. You can hear recent episodes of The Big 20 at this link. My New Music Pick of the Week also debuts each week on The Big 20 until September.

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” which airs Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada is currently on hiatus, and will return in September.

Energy885

Energy885 in Miramichi, New Brunswick’s Energy885 now anchors Hunter Wilbur’s “Modern Hype” on Fridays at 6pm EST, and his new show “Pyjama Party” on Saturdays at 5pm EST, which both air my New Music Pick of the Week. Energy885 is also airing my Retro Pick Of The Week as well on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:30 AM EST. You can hear past episodes of “Modern Hype” and “Pyjama Party” at the following link: DJ Hunter.

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!

#BILLCSTop30 #696 – July 15/24

In a chart where this week the top 13 songs are holding or on the rise, it leaves a big question mark as to how it will look in two weeks, just before I head off to New York City (yup again, can’t get enough). There are several worthy candidates on the move for the top of the chart, we’ll just have to see what songs I can let go of… well a bit anyway!

Remember – my blog posts are all about DISCOVERY, so let the music in!!

Here’s the link to the online version of the chart: BILLCS Top 30

Here’s the link to my Spotify playlist of the chart: BILLCS Top 30 Chart Playlist

The BILLCS Top 30 Archive: BILLCS Top 30 Archive (recently updated along with its Artist tab)

Deservedly killing it at #1 for a second appearance is “feel less (Live String Version Recorded at The Warehouse)” by Canadians, Juno Award winners, and true buds Felix Cartal and Lights. It’s one thing to make a dance track, but then to turn that track into one with orchestra and synths is a brilliant thing.

I’ve seen UK singer/songwriter Hayla in concert twice this year, and it will happen for a third time in September when she opens in my city for Kygo. Her solo release “Embers” rises 4-2 and seems most likely to succeed “feel less” at #1 – but will it? Hayla also has a new single, “Freefall”, coming soon, and both of her tracks with John Summit, the recent BILLCS Top 30 #1 “Shivers” and “Where You Are” appear on John’s new album Comfort In Chaos. She’s one of dance music’s biggest stars on the rise.

When JVKE releases music, things seem to happen in at least double the ways of other performers. His single “This Is What Slow Dancing Feels Like” (above) advances 5-3, but he’s also one of the vocalists and songwriters of “Mi Amor” with producer Sam Feldt and Latin sensation Anitta. “Mi Amor” (below) is the Fastest Riser on the chart this week, soaring 27-18, and easily one of dance music’s summer songs of ’24.

Benson Boone’s story of 2024 is also one of multiples – mainly with “Beautiful Things” reaching #1 in multiple countries around the world. He too has two songs on the chart this week from his Fireworks and Rollerblades album. “Cry” (above) – which pulls your leg with its false start – jumps 8-5, while current single “Slow It Down” (below) moves up 26-19.

It’s been a long time coming but Germany’s TheFatRat lands in the Top 10 for the first time with his enthralling single “Myself & I” featuring Canadian vocalist/songwriter RIELL. It leaps 12-7.

Three times a charm as L.A. dance producers TELYKast reach the Top 10 for the third time with “Without Your Love” climbing 11-9. It’s also the first one for collaborator Deorro and a second one for vocalist Catello. Both TELYKast and Catello have reached #1 with “Unbreakable” and “Nobody” (with NOTD).

Vanessa Williams’ first new song in 15 years moves up 14-10 as “Legs (Keep Dancing)” joins other dance favourites in her repertoire like “Work To Do” and “Running Back To You”.

Kygo’s self-titled album became one of electronic dance music’s most important releases of the year and is expected to debut in the Top 10 of Billboard’s album chart this week. “For Life”, featuring vocalist/songwriter Zak Abel and the amazing Nile Rodgers, jumps 18-12.

Hanging in among it all after his win at EuroVision in May is Switzerland’s Nemo with their flamboyant and engaging “The Code” rising 17-13.

While their track with Zerb, “Addicted”, has been a recent favourite at dance music radio in North America, “Bad Advice”, from their EP No Hard Feelings and featuring Canadian singer/songwriter ELIO, is mine, as it moves up 21-15.

I can’t tell you how many times “Honey Boy” has been stuck in my head this week. This uber-creative track by Purple Disco Machine, Benjamin Ingrosso, Shenseea, and again, the inimitable Nile Rodgers, climbs 28-21.

Another track that has been spinning in my head for days is “Chocolate” by two pairs of Swedish producers, Jubël and NOTD, which is the Highest Debut at #24. It’s Jubël’s first appearance on the chart while for NOTD it’s their second, and first since their 2021 #1 “Nobody” with Catello. I was also lucky to see NOTD perform last September when I was visiting Austin, Texas. And is it just me or do the male and female uncredited vocals on this track sound like they could be by the same person (pitched up/down)?

Also making a return to the chart after a briefer absence of less than two years is Canadian duo Crash Adams with their no-holds-barred “Hotel Party” at #26. This is their fourth appearance on the chart after making their debut back in 2020 and reaching #10 in 2022 with “Give Me A Kiss”, so yes, I have been an early-bird supporter of these guys and their energetic brand of fun!

Combining dream pop and dance music for a unique release are The Knocks and indie vocal duo Dolores Forever with “Lover”, which arrives at #27. The Knocks of course are chart veterans here, making their 11th appearance since 2012. They also got to #6 earlier this year with Sofi Tukker on their release “One On One”. I’m thinking that “Lover” marks a turning point in their career with another fine release.

Rounding out the new releases is the fourth chart entry for Miami producer GT_ofice with the banger “Ecstasy” at #28. He works again with both New Jersey producer Matthew Topper and the sensational Robbie Rosen on this track. Matthew makes his first appearance on the chart, and for the prolific Robbie – who got to #3 with GT_ofice and JAYEM earlier this year with the dance radio hit “Feels Like Us” – “Ecstasy” marks his 12th visit to the chart.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

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

Halton Hills Radio Online

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” which airs Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada is currently on hiatus, and will return in September.

Energy885

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!

BILLCS New Music Report – July 10/24 with new songs by @CrashAdamsmusic, @FlyByMidnight, @DJSianofficial x @BobbyNourmand x David LeSal, @TravisGarland, @PLSandTYbased & Thomas Daniel, @Jottimusic, Felix Raphael, and OSKA

All-in-one talents – those who can sing, write, producer and play an instrument – seem to be more prevalent of late in the releases that I’ve heard. This should be big news to major labels, who can sign and nurture talents like this and then give them big releases. So label A&R’s should not be passively scrolling through Instagram and Tik Tok feeds so much, there needs to be a much more organic approach in order to get the right talent.

In the Report, you can also check out my pick of the week, along with a record of the week from the host of online radio’s “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus “Modern Hype” online radio host DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” zeroes in on songs from the 80’s and one from the 90’s. Plus you’ll find out what songs were rocking the BILLCS Top 30 in this week in 2017!

The BILLCS New Music Report is always a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me at through my social media links right here.

Reminder: Click on the photo to watch the video or listen to the song.

CRASH ADAMS, “Hotel Party”

It’s been a while since I’ve written about their songs, but Toronto area duo and Juno Award nominees Crash Adams (Raf and Vince) have been killing it lately on the social media and fan engagement front, which has led to some live shows in the U.S. They continue their energized brand of slice of life songs with “Hotel Party”. And like “Give Me A Kiss” from 2022 (which reached #10 on the BILLCS Top 30), it’s a fantastic summer song in which they apologize to their neighbours for their rowdiness, but really want them to join in the fun. I first wrote about Crash Adams back in February 2020 and I’m glad they haven’t changed their vision, because we need more feel good songs in our collective lives right now. And they’ve nailed it with “Hotel Party”. Crash Adams also just announced a North American tour, which sees them play The Axis Club in Toronto on September 15 – see ya there!

FLY BY MIDNIGHT, “SuperFine”

Originally based out of Staten Island, New York, pop/dance duo Fly By Midnight – Justin Breit (Bryte) and Justin Slaven (Slavo) – have been releasing bright-sounding songs over the last six years or so, with their latest being “SuperFine”, part of a three song EP called The Race:Lap 1/3. While they’ve been honing their own sound for the past few years, they’ve previously collaborated with the notables like Betty Who, Shoffy, and Clara Mae. “SuperFine” is one of the most infectious songs of late from its very first few seconds. It’s also a great summer song, with the guys’ standout vocals leading the way atop an 80’s flavoured pop arrangement that accentuates guitars and harmonies. There’s no denying that Fly By Midnight have enormous pop potential with “SuperFine”, and if you enjoy pop/dance releases with rock elements then be sure to spread the good words about this one. Fans of groups like LANY and Walk The Moon will enjoy “SuperFine”.

SIAN, BOBBY NOURMAND, DAVID LeSAL, “Control”

“Control” is a compelling electronic dance release that’s destined for widespread play in clubs and at festivals. Once in a while a song with a spoken word vocal comes along and proves that it’s not at all a novelty. “Control” features New York City poet and MC David LeSal over the intense rhythms provided by L.A.-based producers Sian and Bobby Nourmand. David has a unique voice and when he tells you that your “body’s controlled by giant black speakers”, you’re apt to believe him! Sian, born in Ireland and raised in Spain, has been working with Sacha Robotti in the project Third Culture (USA), and it’s always nice to have Bobby Nourmand back on the darker side of electronic dance music which he creates so well. These three talents make the most of “Control” and run off with a hypnotic and highly provocative track that’s going to give Shazam a workout.

TRAVIS GARLAND, “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)”

Comeback kid Travis Garland looks like he has a lot of songs up his sleeve, including those that aren’t his own. The L.A. performer’s interpretation of Cher’s 1966 hit “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” is taut and mysterious, with a soulful and inspired vocal that is only accompanied by guitar. It’s quite far away from Cher’s original and not often covered, which allows Travis to comfortably make it his own. If you enjoyed Travis’ music from his self-titled album of 11 years ago as much as I did, then “Bang Bang” is a must for you, and to anyone new to his music, it’s a great place to start.

PLS&TY, THOMAS DANIEL, “Move”

“Move” sets out to make you do just that on the dance floor, courtesy of L.A.-based dance producer PLS&TY (aka Tommy Leas) and Nashville-based vocalist/songwriter Thomas Daniel. It’s a fast-paced, snappy pop/dance track that doesn’t let up, with Thomas’ lively vocal set against a wash of stellar synths from PLS&TY. For club DJ’s, “Move” is a good one for the start of a set as it will do a great job of motivating club goers to the dance floor. The combination of talents also makes it friendly for national dance radio ears.

JOTTI, “Like You’re Mine”

In 2022, I wrote a couple of times about songs by Jot Singh, a Kansas City-born, L.A. based talent with a flair for melody. The releases were either acoustic or DIY and showcased his fine vocal tone as well. He has since rebranded himself as Jotti, and his recent single “Like You’re Mine” is a much more produced affair that levels up from previous releases and shows that he’s ‘in it to win it’. There is always room for artfully-created, straight forward romantic pop, and Jotti nails it with “Like You’re Mine” in all departments – vocal, melody, arrangement and production – and it’s all Jotti. There aren’t many solo talents like Jotti that can do it all so well, so don’t pass up “Like You’re Mine”.

FELIX RAPHAEL, “The Further We Go”

Felix Raphael is a German multi-talent – producer, songwriter, vocalist and instrumentalist, which includes guitar. He’s best known in Europe for his live performances and collaborations with other producers such as Ben Böhmer. His latest single “The Further We Go” is ear-catching for all of what Felix packs into the song’s 4:22 length. To me, it’s a progressive electronic track with classical elements and guitar that launches a drum ‘n bass groove about a minute and a half in. With a strong lead up, you can easily get hooked on its rhythm, and once we’ve heard Felix’s voice in the first half, he uses it effectively as an instrument in the last half. “The Further We Go” is tightly woven and breezes by thanks to Felix’s tight arrangement. If you enjoy music by San Holo – and it happens to be released on his Bitbird label – DROELOE, Manila Killa, or Mako, then you’ll find plenty to enjoy in “The Further We Go”, and there’s plenty of sync potential for gaming here too.

OSKA, “Forever Blue”

“Forever Blue” is a fine song to introduce Austrian artist OSKA to the rest of the world, after winning several prestigious awards in Europe during the last four years, which largely have to do with her live performances. It’s an uplifting song with beautiful guitar work about appreciating the small things in life that make us happy, whether it’s enjoying a ride in the car or the company of someone special. There are similarities vocally to singers like Olivia Rodrigo, Nessa Barrett, Lorde and Mallrat, while the production textures offer a bit of a quiver to her vocal throughout most of “Forever Blue”, which helps make it memorable. OSKA already has one album under her belt, and later this year she will be supporting Maggie Rogers and Coldplay, so 2024 looks to be a promising year for OSKA.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs on several online radio stations around the world, and debuts throughout the summer each Wednesday at 10pm EST on The Big 20 on Halton Hills Radio Online. “The 3D Variety Show” in which it normally debuts on Tuesdays, is on hiatus and will return in September.

“Honey Boy” by quite a collective – Purple Disco Machine, Benjamin Ingrosso, Nile Rodgers & Shenseea

“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S RECORD OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online station Halton Hills Radio Online. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”. Russ’ record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

“In The Beginning”, the title track from the latest album by ex-Klaatu member Terry Draper

DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK

DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, and “Pyjama Party”, with both shows anchored at Energy 885. Hunter can also be heard weekdays at 2pm EST on Party Dog Radio. Hunter’s bop of the week can now be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

NYC social media star Vinny Marchi performs “Lady Of The Lyre”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, usually heard Tuesdays at 6pm EST but currently on hiatus until September. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” usually of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

Loverboy – Working For The Weekend (1981)
The Go-Go’s – Our Lips Are Sealed (1981)
The Cars – Shake It Up (1981)
Gloria Estefan – Turn The Beat Around (1994)
Climie Fisher – Love Changes (Everything) (1987)

BILLCS Top 30 FLASHBACK CHART – 2017

In the music world, seven years travels fast, but artists like N i G H T S, The Chainsmokers, Bobby Nourmand (one of my reviews this week), Martin Garrix, Andy Suzuki & The Method, and Bright Light Bright Light are all either in the BILLCS Top 30 recently or currently, or I’ve written up their new songs in a blog post. But wow at seven years ago!!

02 01 ATTENTION Charlie Puth
05 02 OUT OF MY HEAD Axel Mansoor
03 03 P A R T Y N i G H T S
01 04 WASTED MY LOVE Axel Mansoor
11 05 SILENT GAMES Lars Beck & Henri Purnell F/ Zekt
10 06 D U S T Bobby Nourmand
09 07 HEAVY-HEARTED Murky F/ Anuka
08 08 NEVER BEEN BETTER Steve Void
12 09 BYTE Martin Garrix & Brooks
14 10 THERE’S NOTHING HOLDING ME BACK Shawn Mendes
17 11 BAD DRUG Cosmos & Creature
15 12 DARLIN’ (Saxena remix) Welcome To The Hotel F/ Brandon Serafino
04 13 FALLING Alesso
20 14 L.I.L.Y. Anton
22 15 THERE FOR YOU Martin Garrix & Troye Sivan
New 16 NEW YORK PRETTY Bright Light Bright Light
06 17 RUNAWAY Spirix F/ Xuitcasecity
23 18 ASTRONAUTS Boye & Sigvardt & MAGNUS F/ UHRE
21 19 TRUTH Reeve Carney
28 20 MAGIC (Andy Sikorski remix) Sean Smith
13 21 I NEED YOU NOW (THE MORE YOU LEAVE) Andy Suzuki & The Method
16 22 LOVE LIKE WE USED TO (Young Bombs remix) Captain Cuts F/ Nateur
New 23 SECRETS The Him F/ Cub Rayan
27 24 THE MAN Killers
New 25 BIRTHDAY SUIT Dan Talevski
18 26 SIGN OF THE TIMES Harry Styles
19 27 CRUEL Eddy Faulkner
24 28 I WONDER The Him F/ LissA
25 29 WTFYWF Mahalo F/ Cat Lewis
26 30 SOMETHING JUST LIKE THIS The Chainsmokers & Coldplay

#BILLCSTop30 #695 – July 1/24

Two weeks later and there is more turnover than usual on the new chart. Like the last chart, there are five debuts, and as I’ve mentioned before, songs are spending less time on the chart than usual. In fact since November, only 5 songs have “gone the distance” on the chart to a maximum of 10 chart appearances (20 weeks), with the 6th going deservedly to John Summit & Hayla’s former #1 “Shivers” this week. That of course means the song will depart the chart (unless it reverses course, which is not likely).

Remember – my blog posts are all about DISCOVERY, so let the music in!!

Here’s the link to the online version of the chart: BILLCS Top 30

Here’s the link to my Spotify playlist of the chart: BILLCS Top 30 Chart Playlist

The BILLCS Top 30 Archive: BILLCS Top 30 Archive (recently updated along with its Artist tab)

There’s also a new #1 as Canadians Felix Cartal and Lights get their first one on this chart with the stunning live string version of “feel less” (above). You can also check out Felix’s latest, “idwtwya”, below.

It’s hard to say at this point if “feel less” will be #1 in two weeks, but two songs making a case for succeeding it are Hayla’s solo release “Embers” (7-4, above) and JVKE’s “This Is What Slow Dancing Feels Like” (9-5, below).

Three of the catchiest songs on the chart also arrive in the Top 10. Ekonovah’s “Feel My Flow” (above) jumps 11-6, while Kiesza’s national dance radio hit “I Go Dance” (below) leaps 13-7, and Washington’s Dreamer Boy (aka presidential namesake Zach Taylor) climbs 12-9 with “Heartbreaker” (also below)

TheFatRat’s “Myself and I” (17-12) is proving to be one of his most enduring releases, with great thanks to a superb vocal by Canada’s RIELL.

Vanessa Williams’ “Legs (Keep Dancing)” continues to work its magic and find new listeners who just adore it, and it rises 20-14.

All but one of the five debuts from last chart gets stuck in a tough place in this week’s chart, and “For Life” by Kygo, Zak Abel and Nile Rodgers ends up being the Fastest Riser, soaring 25-18.

While “Cry” climbs 10-8, Benson Boone’s official follow up single to “Beautiful Things”, “Slow It Down”, has grown on me more, and is the Highest Debut at #26.

At #27, after his “Rest Of My Life” departed the chart recently after peaking at #2, Dutch dance producer Sam Feldt returns, this time with JVKE and Brazilian star Anitta accompanying him, on the ultra-summery “Mi Amor” at #27. It’s also JVKE’s 6th chart entry.

“Honey Boy” is a pretty irresistible slice of funky dance pop as created by Germany’s Purple Disco Machine, Swedish vocalist Benjamin Ingrosso, rising star and Jamaican vocalist Shenseea, and Nile “he’s everywhere” Rodgers, and it arrives at #28. It’s Purple Disco Machine’s second entry, following last year’s “Substitution” (with Kungs, #8), Benjamin’s first (he’s the cousin of Swedish House Mafia’s Sebastian Ingrosso), Shenseea’s 1st, and Nile’s 5th (where he is billed).

Arriving at #29 is another single from Bright Light Bright Light’s Enjoy Youth album, the fun and infectious “Heartslap”, with Mykal Kilgore. It’s BLx2’s 26th chart entry, and Mykal previously appeared with him on “Feel It” (#5, 2012).

British singer/songwriter Florrie has rebooted her career with a new album called The Lost Ones, and from that we have “Kissing In The Cold” arriving at #30.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

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

Halton Hills Radio Online

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” which airs Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada (currently on vacation, returning July 16)

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 live online radio show “The 3D Variety Show”, now powered by both www.xstreamrockradio.com and Lil Rawkers with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. 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 the following link: 3D Variety Show. The show repeats on Alberta’s www.katpowerhit.ca on Wednesdays at 6pm EST.

Energy885

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!

#BILLCSTop30 #694 – June 17/24

A bit of turnover freshens up the BILLCS Top 30 this week, as five songs debut. I’ve also got some extras within the blog post, including links to newer releases by some of the artists as well as links to a few new remixes.

Remember – my blog posts are all about DISCOVERY, so let the music in!!

Here’s the link to the online version of the chart: BILLCS Top 30

Here’s the link to my Spotify playlist of the chart: BILLCS Top 30 Chart Playlist

The BILLCS Top 30 Archive: BILLCS Top 30 Archive (recently updated along with its Artist tab)

Sweden’s Darin continues at the top with his fourth #1 on this chart with “Electric”. Swedish fans are getting ready for what sounds like an exciting summer tour! Darin and other Swedish artists need to make a trek over to North America sometime where, with the right show package and promotion, they would likely make a killing. You can also check out “Electric” in its acoustic ballad version at the following Spotify link: Acoustic.

Zipping up from 6-2 is the live string version of “feel less” by my fellow Canadians Felix Cartal and Lights. This becomes a personal best on the chart for Felix and ties Lights’ previous peak with Manila Killa on “Dusk” from two years ago.

I’ll admit it: At the time of Melodifestivalen back in March, I liked Medina’s “Que Será” better than Marcus & Martinus’ winner “Unforgettable”. But as time went on, I found I was playing “Unforgettable” a lot more, and now it has risen 5-3 on the chart.

“Hopeless” (above), the emotional slice of alternative hip hop/pop from Philadelphia duo N i G H T S, climbs 8-6. They’ve recently released a 3 song EP called Vacay, from which you can listen to “Palm Tree” below.

Bounding into the Top 10 to no surprise and joining her huge track with John Summit, “Shiver” (currently #5), is British sensation Hayla with her solo release “Embers”, rising 12-7. After last night’s performance at the John Summit show in Toronto, it is clear that big things are in store for Hayla in the next few years. Fun fact: Her real name is Hayley Williams! Maybe the Paramore star will join Hayla sometime on stage!

JVKE makes it four-for-four Top 10 entries on this chart as the engaging “This Is What Slow Dancing Feels Like” (above) climbs 15-9. Also landing in the Top 10 for a fourth time is Benson Boone with “Cry” (13-10, below) from his fabulous album Fireworks and Rollerblades. Let’s hope it follows “Slow It Down” as the next single promoted to radio. JVKE and Benson have each had two #1’s on the chart.

Ekanovah’s brisk and fun “Find My Flow” (above) is making short work of the chart as it jumps 18-11. You can check out his latest release “Vibrant” below.

Kiesza’s “I Go Dance” (above) is becoming her biggest release in 10 years, currently in the national dance radio Top 30. The song leaps 20-13 on the chart, and you can check out its trance-flavoured Leena Punks & Shay de Castro remix at the following link: Remix

Teddy Swims’ Motown-flavoured “The Door” continues to make moves everywhere and it climbs 23-15.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is “Myself & I” by German electronic producer TheFatRat and Canadian singer/songwriter RIELL, which soars 27-17.

Vanessa Williams’ first new music in 15 years, “Legs (Keep Dancing)” (above), is off to a fine start, up 26-20. You can also check out John “J.C.” Carr and Bill Coleman’s 808 Beach Mix of the song at the following link: Remix

Nemo’s EuroVision winner for Switzerland, the highly infectious “The Code” (above) rises 28-21. You also can find it in a sometimes bouncy, trance-flavoured Felix Jaehn remix at the following link: Remix

The Highest Debut at #23 belongs to Greyson Chance who has released “Rearview Mirror” independently in advance of his next album. It’s Greyson’s 7th entry on the chart.

Next at #24 is The Chainsmokers, with Canadian singer/songwriter ELIO on what I think is the best track from their new EP No Hard Feelings called “Bad Advice”. This one is for fans of “Closer” and “Paris”! It’s Alex and Drew’s 14th chart entry, hard to believe their first was in 2015, and even that was preceded by what everyone thought would be a one-off, “#Selfie”, the year before!

He did amazing things with Whitney Houston’s version of “Higher Love” back in 2019 and it got to #2 on this chart. After many other cover versions, Kygo is back with original music and “For Life” arrives at #25. It’s in collaboration with vocalist/songwriter Zak Abel and the legend Nile Rodgers, who is everywhere these days. “For Life” does use the melody of the hook of Modjo’s dance classic “Lady (Hear Me Tonight)”, and it does grab you. And I like how Kygo uses it briefly enough for the original song and Zak’s great vocal to surround it. Zak also has appeared previously on the chart, on GATTÜSO’s “I’ll Be There” (#14, 2022).

At #26, Spain’s The Boy from the South is back with his third entry, the unique bop “Space Party”. It follows last year’s two Top 10 entries, “Amazing-Man” (#3) and “Man Down” (#6).

And totally out of left field at #27 is “Ur So Good (Everything I Need)” by Australia’s De Facto!! and DJ Fruit Salad. You can find out more about these producers on either Tik Tok or Soundcloud. DJ Fruit Salad kindly revealed to me that the predominant sample is from an obscure 70’s R&B track by Lorzine Wright called “You’re So Good”, which was produced by disco legend Patrick Adams. It’s so cheesy but I guarantee you won’t be able to get it out of your head!

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

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

Halton Hills Radio Online

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” which airs Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

Energy885

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!

“Better Day” is a short but sweet surprise from UK producers @thisisWh0, the amazing @NileRodgers and vocalist @JoshBarrymusic

WH0, NILE RODGERS and JOSH BARRY, “Better Day”

“Better Day” is a cool surprise for dance music fans. Although it seems like only a taste at 2:30, it is in fact a redux of a Nile Rodgers production by CHIC’s Norma Jean called “High Society”. To boot, Nile has been such a fan of British producers WH0 (known so far mainly for their remixes as well as wearing masks in performance) during their short three year existence, that he invited them to revisit and transform “High Society”, at Abbey Road Studios no less. Bringing in one-time touring vocalist for Gorgon City, British singer Josh Barry, “Better Day” is a shiny treat of positivity, decked out in classic Nile Rodgers rhythm guitar while Josh’s soulful vocal takes it to even another level. “Better Day” is proof that you never know who is listening. Like Elton John and a few other veterans, Nile has maintained his buzz for new music and paying it forward since CHIC’s heyday 40 years ago, and as a result now we’ll be hearing a lot more new music from WH0 too.

#BILLCSTop75Songsof2015

Onward and upward to 2016! However the music in 2015 was really strong compared to other recent years.

Chart: BILLCS Top 75 Songs of 2015

01 BRANDYN BURNETTE I Wanna Be (Free)
02 YEARS & YEARS Shine
03 ADELE Hello
04 COREY NILES F/ ALEX LACASSE Chasing Stars
05 YEARS & YEARS King
06 RIVER TIBER Let You Go
07 BRANDYN BURNETTE Sleeve
08 RIVER TIBER No Talk
09 COLOR THEORY Headphones (Matt Mancid Retro Crossover Mix)
10 DAN TALEVSKI Guilty As Sin
11 DENIZ KOYU VS TWOLOUD Goin’ Down
12 THE CHAINSMOKERS F/ GREAT GOOD FINE OK Let You Go (Tiesto Remix)
13 REIGEN Come Back To Me
14 ERIK HASSLE No Words
15 DNCE Cake By The Ocean
16 NATHAN SYKES Kiss Me Quick
17 CHRIS JAMISON Velvet
18 BRANDYN BURNETTE Life’s A Beach
19 THE KNOCKS & MATTHEW KOMA I Wish (My Taylor Swift)
20 TRIBE SOCIETY F/ KIESZA Pain Told Love
21 JESSIE WARE Pieces
22 SMASHING SATELLITES Waterfall
23 ADAM LAMBERT Ghost Town
24 ERASURE Sacred
25 SANDER VAN DOORN, MARTIN GARRIX & DVBBS F/ ALEESIA Gold Skies
26 JESSIE WARE Champagne Kisses
27 ANTONIO GIACCA Sensation
28 PARRALOX Aeronaut
29 DAN TALEVSKI My Religion
30 PENGUIN PRISON Show Me The Way
31 ERIC SAADE Sting
32 GREAT GOOD FINE OK F/ ST. LUCIA Something To Believe In
33 ELI LIEB Lightning In A Bottle
34 BRANDON FLOWERS Can’t Deny My Love
35 CHIC F/ NILE RODGERS I’ll Be There
36 GRAHAM ALEXANDER She’S A Chameleon
37 BOJANA STAMENOV Beauty Never Lies
38 NERVO F/ KYLIE MINOGUE, JAKE SHEARS & NILE RODGERS The Other Boys
39 LUCIEN DANTE Black Water
40 FRANCESCO YATES Better To Be Loved
41 GIORGIO MORODER F/ SIA Deja Vu
42 ERASURE Reason
43 TYLER SHAW Dizzy
44 FALL OUT BOY Uma Thurman
45 YEARS & YEARS Desire
46 GIORGIO MORODER F/ KYLIE MINOGUE Right Here, Right Now
47 MIKKY EKKO Riot
48 CHARLIE PUTH F/ MEGHAN TRAINOR Marvin Gaye
49 LIFEHOUSE Hurricane
50 DATABOY F/ NIKO THE KID When It Rains, It Pours
51 SHIFT K3Y I Know
52 ANTONIO GIACCA Ignited
53 NEW ORDER Plastic
54 SAM SMITH Writing’s On The Wall
55 KRISTINE W. Love Come Home
56 MARTIN LUKE BROWN Take Out Of Me
57 ANTON EWALD Save The Last Dance
58 DISCLOSURE F/ SAM SMITH Omen
59 JULLY BLACK Fever
60 THE WEEKND I Can’T Feel My Face
61 SAM SMITH Lay Me Down
62 SMASHING SATELLITES What It’s All About
63 GIORGIO MORODER F/ FOXES Wildstar
64 STEVE GRAND Time
65 ELEVEN PAST ONE There’s Nothing Wrong
66 THE WEEKND Earned It
67 BOYCODE It’s A Mistake
68 JAMES BAY Hold Back The River
69 MATTHEW KOMA So F**Kin’ Romantic
70 ADAM LAMBERT The Light
71 LAWSON Roads
72 SAM SMITH Like I Can
73 DANIEL ROBINSON Moonmolt
74 TRISTAN THOMPSON Burn Again
75 MI DISGUISE East Side Bay

#BILLCSTop30 #466 – September 21, 2015

The top of the chart continues to be difficult to dislodge though that will likely change in October. For we have an impressive debut in the Top 10, and a fast riser from one of the last chart’s debuts. Two debuts are also album cuts where I dive deeper into the album hoping for additional singles 🙂

The Top 10

Uno, dos, tres, quatro… Y&Y, Brandyn, Nathan, and PP, once again all comfortably atop the chart.

I thoroughly enjoyed Years & Years in concert last week. They were able to pretty much replicate the songs from Communion, with “Shine” (my current #1), “Real”, “King”, “Memo”, and “Foundation” all standouts, plus a cover of Blu Cantrell’s 2003 UK #1 “Breathe”. Olly Alexander has a genuine and affecting stage presence that will take him far 🙂

A definite contender for the top of the chart is “Pain Told Love” by Tribe Society featuring Kiesza, which climbs 9-6. It definitely marks the transformation of the former pop/rock Gentlemen Hall into the darker and thoughtful alt.rock songs of Tribe Society.

It baffles me why this song isn’t being played in every club everywhere, but “The Other Boys” by NERVO featuring super-friends Kylie Minogue, Jake Shears, and Nile Rodgers, advances 11-8 from the dance production duo’s album Collateral.

Just can’t get enough of songs by The Weeknd right now. My fellow Torontonian is now at superstar heights, with three almost sold out dates in November at Toronto’s own Air Canada Centre. “Can’t Feel My Face” climbs 14-9.

Another Torontonian, Tommy Paxton-Beesley, definitely has created some of his best music for his brand new EP as River Tiber called When The Time Is Right. He’s shifting from progressive alt.rocker to an inventive mix of EDM, rock, soul, and hip hop. No more is that evident on the new River Tiber single “Let You Go” (up top), which bows at #10, following the #2 “No Talk” also included in When The Time Is Right. “Let You Go” is River Tiber’s 8th BILLCS Top 30 entry which includes two previous #1’s “Someday” and “The City”. Simply not to be missed – and a contender for #1 on my chart – get When The Time Is Right on iTunes! 🙂
- And now for a bit of BILLCS chart geekery: “Let You Go” arrives in the Top 10 at the same time as “Let You Go” by The Chainsmokers & Great Good Fine OK is at #5. It’s the first time two different songs with the same title have been in the Top 10!

Movin’ on Up

After a wonderful set at his release party last week for his debut album Yesterday, Tyler Shaw makes no hesitation to weigh in as the Fastest Riser on the chart with “Dizzy” soaring 21-11.

While UK brother duo Disclosure continues to unveil new songs from their upcoming album Caracal, their partnership with Sam Smith continues to build with “Omen” rising 18-12.

NYC duo (a five piece band in concert though!) Great Good Fine OK are both Top 5 with The Chainsmokers on “Let You Go”, and Top 15 with their pairing with St. Lucia on “Something To Believe In” from the EP 2M2H. The busy and prolific GGFO premiered their new richly produced song “Take It Or Leave It” on Soundcloud last week (below).

I absolutely adore the mystery of a Jane Badler song! Her latest single from Opus, “Dead Eyes”, is dollied up in a well-matched remix from Eel Eye to put the mystery front and centre. “Dead Eyes” climbs 22-18.

Matthew Koma’s delightfully punkish stab at lovelife, “So F**kin’ Romantic”, moves up 24-19. The singer’s new album is finished, can’t wait to hear what’s been in the works now for so long.

The Rest of the Debuts

Three additional songs premiere on the chart.

Following up the sensual intrigue of “Guilty As Sin”, which peaked at #3, Toronto’s Dan Talevski continues his audio seduction with “My Religion”, which in turn is featured in another sexy video. Ain’t nuthin’ wrong with that! And the beautiful Spanish scenery makes a lovely backdrop. “My Religion” bows at #24.

“Wildstar” is a standout song from Giorgio Moroder’s album Déjà Vu featuring a charming vocal from Foxes that in some ways recalls Donna Summer in her heyday from my favourite album by her called I Remember Yesterday. So it’s a no brainer for my chart, whether or not it’s released as a single! “Wildstar” arrives at #25. It’s Foxes’ second appearance on the chart following 2013’s #2 “Clarity” with Zedd. “Wildstar” also follows Giorgio’s chart successes here with the title track featuring Sia peaking at #6, and “Right Here Right Now” with Kylie Minogue landing at #4.

There is no doubt that Adam Lambert’s The Original High is one of my most unexpected favourite albums of 2015 so far, with brilliant production nursing Adam’s wide-ranging voice to excellent effect. It’s so rich in songs yet I don’t see a whole lot of attention being paid to them other than of course “Ghost Town”, which should have done better as a lead off single. Nonetheless in my chart world that song peaked at #4, and “The Light” is a riveting EDM song that would make a perfect follow up! “The Light” debuts at #26.

You can hear me online on http://www.planetradio.ca every Monday at 10:15 pm EST counting down a Toronto Top 10 chart from yesteryear!

#BILLCSTop30 #463 – August 10/15

The amount of posts I write seems to have slowed down, but I do make them count 🙂 And my chart brings some of them full circle and also introduces you to some songs I adore that I haven’t written about (usually major name performers). So the new chart has five debuts – don’t let the lower chart position belie how well these five will do in the coming weeks 🙂 As usual, current faves have to give up the ghost first!

The Top 10

What more can I possibly say about Brandyn Burnette’s “I Wanna Be (Free)”? How about a fourth appearance (eighth week) at #1! Just in time for the remix by The Bravos which I wrote about recently. It’s going to be very hard to beat the Top 2 songs in this chart at year end!

And then there’s “Shine” by UK trio Years & Years. I can’t understand why radio will not play this one in North America. There’s a really powerful emotional undercurrent to “Shine”, which didn’t sink in until well after I stopped hearing it with one ear on a similar-sounding melody to Erik Hassle’s “No Words”. It holds at #2 again, but “Shine” is looking to take over from “I Wanna Be (Free)” whenever that song surrenders #1.

It does have an ‘earworm’ of a chorus as my friend David kindly put it. Toronto’s Dan Talevski has released a follow up called “My Religion” which I have not heard yet (but will in the next while undoubtedly), probably because I’m too wrapped up in “Guilty As Sin”, which rises to #3 for the talented singer.

I get the feeling of triumph every time I hear “Beauty Never Lies” by Serbia’s Bojana Stamenov. The Eurovision finalist climbs up to #5 to anchor the Top 10 midway point 🙂

There is no doubt that “Kiss Me Quick” by Nathan Sykes (which climbs to #1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Play chart this week) has its druthers aimed for the top spot on this chart, and for now it bounds 12-6 while the UK singer continues to promote the song throughout the US.

Toronto quartet Smashing Satellites follow up their #3 chart hit “Waterfall” with the very different and ebullient “What It’s All About”, which has taken its time but lands at #8.

Rounding out the trio of Torontonians in the Top 10 is star-on-the-rise singer/songwriter/guitarist Francesco Yates with “Better To Be Loved” at #9. Francesco sings on one of the debuts too!

https://soundcloud.com/penguin-prison/show-me-the-way

The fastest riser on the chart belongs to Penguin Prison with the effortless-sounding and breezy “Show Me The Way”, soaring 22-10, and the Top 10 is no stranger to PP who have cracked #1 twice before. In the US, you can catch “Show Me The Way” in the latest Hulu ad 🙂 Not yet a single, but soon-to-be… I hope… pretty please…

Movin’ On Up

I can’t get enough of UK singer Martin Luke Brown’s vocal on “Take Out Of Me”. This searing piece of soulful pop rises 19-11.

Another unique vocal appears in “East Side Bay” by L.A.-based producer/DJ – and yes vocalist – Mi Disguise. This is one sneaky club track that deserves exposure, and climbs 15-12.

Amid fierce competition, Cobi Mike’s thoughtful and affecting “Walking Through The Fire” continues to move up 14-13 – check out the intriguing video (you’ll get past the point that the singer is naked throughout, really, you will).

When in doubt gain brownie points by using your country in your latest song title 😉 Seriously, “Girl From Sweden” by Eric Saade is a catchy singalong, and I’m sure you’ll find the singer dancing in the Swedish countryside one day with pretty girls in hand 😉 The song rises 18-15.

Performers who collaborate with their significant others often make fine music together. Such is the case with Molly Moore, whose “Natural Disaster” climbs 25-19 (Brandyn Burnette is a co-writer). I wrote about another top notch song by Molly not long ago called “Don’t Believe It”, which saw official release on iTunes last week. Much more new music to come!

Canadians J-Mi and Midi-D are off to a great start with their recent single “So Much For That”. Not only is it loads of fun, with its 90’s Europop backdrop, but these underdogs, remixers and ravers alike, have created a song that absolutely anyone can identify with. The video is a hoot and the nerd in us all will appreciate it. “So Much For That” climbs 26-21.

Those 5 Debuts

I must admit to have been totally blown away by the collaboration of New York producer/DJ’s The Chainsmokers with fellow New Yorkers Great Good Fine OK on “Let You Go”. But the song IMO has been immensely improved with a throttling Tiesto remix which is available for free download on Soundcloud!! “Let You Go” is the highest debut, arriving at #22.

It was a fine few weeks for dance music and NERVO land their first chart entry with “The Other Boys” at #23 from their new album Collateral. The powerful mix plus Kylie Minogue and Jake Shears on vocals, carried by propulsive guitar work by Nile Rodgers should send this to the top of the national dance charts in short order. I wish that pop radio would be open to playing it but alas I expect not.

The Weeknd doesn’t need my blog’s help with all of his success, to be seen in December come Grammy Awards nomination time. His latest single, “I Can’t Feel My Face”, from the upcoming Beauty Behind The Madness (which I predict will be the #1 album of 2015), arrives at #25. Despite all of his obvious influences, The Weeknd makes every song his own and that’s part of his appeal! That he comes from my part of Toronto speaks volumes too 😀

Meanwhile, back to Francesco Yates… who sings lead on the latest single from Grammy nominee Robin Schulz on “Sugar”, the title song from Robin’s upcoming album. The inclusion of lyrics from Baby Bash & Frankie J’s “Suga Suga” is a bonus, but kind of interesting in a roundabout way when you think that Francesco himself (who is 19) was a mere lad when the original came out in 2003. “Sugar” premieres at #27 and the video is quite slaptsticky-funny if you suspend your disbelief.

The final debut belongs to Disclosure featuring Sam Smith once again on “Omen”. This trio must get into a room and just know when they’ve written a hit. Although “Latch” did take a while to catch on in North America (eventually climbing to #1 on this chart), “Omen” arrives signed and sealed for success. It debuts at #28 and comes from Disclosure’s forthcoming album Caracal.

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. Go on, have a look and listen/watch 🙂

You can hear me online on http://www.planetradio.ca every Monday at 10:00 pm EST counting down a Toronto Top 10 chart from yesteryear!

BILLCS Top 30 #458 – June 1, 2015

The slow rise of some songs and sharp drops of others continue thanks to the bevy of great music out there! But other songs make great gains as they become some of my favourites this year.

The Top 10

“Chasing Stars” by Corey Niles & Alex Lacasse has a solid grip on #1 for a second appearance at the top, but with River Tiber’s “No Talk” advancing 3-2 and “No Words” by Erik Hassle rising 6-3 – it’s getting pretty hot up top!

As his new single “Girl From Sweden” is released, Eric Saade’s “Sting” continues to climb my chart, rising 5-4.

Australia’s Parralox has its second Top 5 placing on my chart with the 80’s fan fest “Aeronaut”, moving up 9-5. Dig all of that Paris scenery in the video too!

There’s no stopping CHIC reviving its classic feel-good 70’s disco sound on “I’ll Be There”, which is also now a Top 5 Billboard Dance Club hit. It rises 12-6.

Years & Years is making some of 2015’s most recognizable music. As former #1 “King” is about to leave the chart in its 10th appearance, now at #10, previous single “Desire” climbs 10-7. And there’s more Years & Years to come…

With Jully Black just about appearing everywhere in Canada as fierce and proud as ever in 2015, plus being a Pan-Am Games ambassador in Toronto, it’s no wonder that she has her first Top Tenner on my chart since “Seven Day Fool” in 2007. That’s “Fever”, from her upcoming album, climbing 11-8.

New Jersey’s Charlie Puth is better known as the vocalist on “See You Again” (at #16), but he and Meghan Trainor have concocted a delightful bit of R&B-oriented sock hop pop with “Marvin Gaye” leaping into the Top 10 17-9.

Movin’ On Up

Five years after his debut solo album, Brandon Flowers has done it again with the first single from The Desired Effect called “Can’t Deny My Love”. It’s the fastest riser on the chart, vaulting 20-11, and about to join the three songs that made the Top 10 from Flamingo, including #1 “Crossfire”.

After their rollicking and extremely fun concert almost two weeks ago, Matt & Kim’s “Hey Now” from their latest album New Glow jumps 22-17.

Their latest EP Roads has been released in the UK, but here in North America we have a single for UK quartet Lawson’s title song. “Roads” moves up 21-18.

All three of the last chart’s debuts make short work of the chart and follow each other in succession. So we have “Ghost Town” by Adam Lambert (26-19), “Déjà Vu” by Giorgio Moroder featuring Sia (27-20), and “What It’s All About” by Smashing Satellites (28-21, below) all about to take off.

Debuting

More Years & Years?? Yes, please!! And it’s kind of an unintended companion song to Erik Hassle’s “No Words” above, they have a very similar song structure and melody at times (play them one after another!). “Shine” (at the top) appears on the trio’s upcoming Communion album and bows at #25.
I was really rooting for the incredible vocal performance by Bojana Stamenov to make her country Serbia’s entry to Eurovision 2015, “Beauty Never Lies”, the winner. Alas the winner ended up being the also worthy “Heroes” by Måns Zelmerlöw, but nonetheless the song has opened the doors worldwide for the talented Bojana. “Beauty Never Lies” arrives at #27.

It’s hard to believe that Maroon 5 has not appeared on my chart since 2011’s “Moves Like Jagger” but their latest single “This Summer’s Gonna Hurt Like A Motherfucker” is so irresistible in so many ways… and as atypical a song for the band as were some of those within their debut Songs About Jane 12 years ago! “This Summer’s Gonna Hurt” is their 11th chart appearance and premieres at #30.

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. Go on, have a look and listen/watch 🙂