Hump Day Song of the Day - Love Sex Magic - Ciara, Justin Timberlake

I always loved this oh so funky tune!  Happy Hump Day!

Song of the Day - Spotlight - Marshmello, featuring Lil Peep

As featured in January 12's New Music Fridays:

Superstar deejay/producer Marshmello has come out with one of the most talked about new EDM tunes this week. The steady, hypnotic track features the late Lil Peep, who passed away from a drug overdose just this past November. According to Billboard, the artist was hesitant to put out the song, which he worked on with the rapper just a few weeks before his death, but Peep's mother convinced him to do so and the results are well, check it out...

Yeah, it's kind of dark, but oh so good.  Check out Spotlight...

New Music Fridays, January 26th, 2018

Ah, so many songs, so little time!  I tell you, it's not an easy job sometimes, choosing five hot new tracks out of the many that are released each week.  It takes several listens and sometimes the changing of minds on some of the week's selections.  I think this week that we've got a little bit of variety thrown into the realm of new music, with selections from Justin Timberlake, Sting with Shaggy, Tiesto and more.  Check it out...

Say Something - Justin Timberlake, feat. Chris Stapleton

Justin Timberlake seems to be prepping next week's Super Bowl performance by releasing his third new song in the last four weeks and so far, this one's my favorite.  Featuring country music singer Chris Stapleton, this dramatic and serious tune is a quality track!  Check out the song's accompanying video...  

The Middle - Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey

German and Russian deejay/producer Zedd shared a new collaboration with singer Maren Morris and EDM duo Grey.  The song will be a backdrop to Target's spring marketing campaign and is typical of Zedd's style, sort of easy breezy with a little bit of pop dance thrown in the mix.  Check out The Middle...

Don't Make Me Wait - Sting, feat. Shaggy

It's been a long, long time since either Sting or Shaggy have put out anything noteworthy, and now they're doing it together.  Debuting their new song, Don't Make e Wait, on last night's Grammy's, the duo gave us a taste of possibly what's to come on their forthcoming album entitled 44/876.  The song is slow and steady, with island rhythms serving as a backdrop to their different, yet complimentary voices.  Check it out...

Happy Hour (Eden Prince Mix) - Weezer

Several remixes of Weezer's Happy Hour have come out since its release in October, and this one by Eden Prince is just dreamily dancey. Check out Happy Hour...

BOOM - Tiesto, Gucci Mane, Sevenn

And speaking of remixes, here's a new version of Tiesto and Sevenn's BOOM with a little Gucci Mane thrown into the mix.  This one's an instant club shaker.  Check out BOOM...

So there you have it, five hot new music tracks for your listening pleasure.  Stay tuned for more New Music Fridays next week and in the meantime, check out this week';s honorable mentions...

God's Plan - DrakeR3

Just the Same - Charlotte Lawrence

Lullaby - R3HAB, Mike Williams

Mix Up - Mr. Popular

Hope For Tomorrow - Autograf, Klingande, Dragonette

Song of the Day - Sick Boy The Chainsmokers

Good morning and Happy Monday!  As featured on January 19th's New Music Fridays, here's The Chainsmoker's new tune, a sort of darkish tune when compared to what these guys have put out before.  The song has grown on me, though!  Check out Sick Boy...

Song of the Day - These Days - Rudimental, feat. Macklemore, Jess Glynne

Here's a fresh track from British drum and bass band Rudimental.  The tune features the vocals of Macklemore and Jess Glynne and is as sweet as it is romantic.  Check out These Days...

Song of the Day - The Feeling - John Lindahl

I first discovered young singer John Lindahl's The Feeling whilst doing research for December 15th's New Music Fridays, and I loved it the first time I heard it.  It's a nice throwback to the 70's with a fast-moving and funky neo-disco jam.  Check out The Feeling...

Flashback Friday Song of the Day - Like a G6 - Far East Movement, Dev, The Cataracs

Poppin bottles in the ice, like a blizzard 

When we drink we do it right gettin slizzard 

Sippin sizzurp in my ride, in my ride, like Three 6 

Now I'm feelin so fly like a G6

Oh here's one that brings me back.  After posting singer Dev's new tune yesterday, I got this one, which I haven't heard in ages, on the brain.  Such a great dance jam!  Check out Like a G6...

Song of the Day - All I Wanna Do - Dev

Do any of you remember dance music recording artist Dev?  Well, it's been a long long time since her appearance on Far East Movement's Like a G6 or her own Dancing in the Dark, but she is finally back with a new album and a new song.  I Only See You When I'm Dreamin, the sassy songstress' sophomore album came out in October and this song just reached my ears when it appeared on Spotify's New Music Fridays this past week.  All I Wanna Do is not nearly as seductive as her former stuff.  It's got more of a pop edge to it.  Check it out...

Hump Day Song of the Day - Everyday - NVDES

Here's a little bit of neo-disco for your Hump Day.  This one by EDM artist NVDES is no doubt inspired by the then neo-disco sounds of Stardust's 1998 smash Music Sounds Better With You.  Check out Everyday...

Song of the Day - Wild - Captain Kidd

Today's song is one which I bookmarked way back in December, but never spotlighted.  It just sat there in my Current playlist until I came across it yesterday and fell in love.  Captain Kidd is an Ohio-based indie band and they've really done an awesome job on this beautiful, hypnotic and very chill tune. Check out Wild...

Song of the Day - Get Low - Zedd, Liam Payne

Here's a song that placed at #21 on my Top 51 Dance Tracks of 2017 list.  It's an ear pleasing collaboration between producer Zedd and singer Liam Payne and it reminds me of summer.  Check out the cool Get Low...

New Music Fridays, January 19th, 2018 - New Kylie, Chainsmokers and More

Oh man, there were a lot of new songs released this past week!  I spent no less than two hours combing through all the new music tracks on Spotify's New Music Fridays.  Surprisingly, there weren't too many tunes I bookmarked, but the ones I did will be on my playlist for a long time, I am sure.  Exciting new stuff here, folks especially the debut of Kylie Monogue's Dancing and new stuff by Troye Sivan and The Chainsmokers, among others.  So let's get right to it...

Dancing - Kylie Minogue

After what seemed like an eternity, Aussie superstar Kylie Minogue is back with a brand new song from a forthcoming album called Golden.  The song is not as immediately memorable as the debut to her last album, Kiss Me Once's Into the Blue, but the mid-tempo tune is Kylie through and through nonetheless.  Check out Dancing...

Sick Boy - The Chainsmokers

After what seemed like a long hiatus from music, The Chainsmokers are back with a darker, more serious sound.  Sick Boy is eliciting some unfavorable reviews from critics, and I can understand why, but to a point.  No, this new track isn't fun at all, and its dramatic undertones might disappoint some fans, but to me it just might attract them some new ones.  I'll let you decide...

The Good Side - Troye Sivan

A week after releasing My My My! in advance of his new album, Troye Sivan put out a new track, The Good Side.  This one's more like the stuff on his Blue Neighborhood album, and possibly an apologetic nod to a former lover mentioned on that album.  The ballad is straightforward and honest, and a perfect second release for Sivan.  Check him out performing the song on SNL this week...

These Days - Rudimental, Macklemore, Jess Glynne, Dan Caplen

British band Rudimental has released a new, beautiful and inspiring track.  These Days features fellow Brits Jess Glynne and Dan Caplen and Seattle-based rapper Macklemore.  Check out this beautiful song...

Heaven's Gate - Burna Boy, Lily Allen

Nigerian rapper Burna Boy is just beginning to become internationally known.  After appearing on Fall Out Boy's Sunshine Riptide, the performer has just released his own single.  Heaven's Gate features Lily Allen on vocals, and her unique voice blends well with this up tempo, island rap jam.  Check out the very cool Heaven's Gate...

With the unusually high number of new music releases this week, of course there's got to be some honorable mentions.  Check out these noteworthy new tunes...

Supplies - Justin Timberlake

Ignore Me - Betty Who

No Drama - Tinashe, Offset

Placebo - Devin Dawson

Human - Kimbra

John's Music World's Top 51 Dance Tracks of 2017

Lol, I know that it's already January 21st of the new year, but time constraints and taking my time on this list have left me to this.  Regardless, this is a labor of love getting to share some great music that my followers might not otherwise get to know.  So, even though 2017 is long gone by now, here's my picks for the best 51 Dance Tracks of the Year 2017...

It was a lot of fun compiling a list of 2017's Best Pop Songs, and it's going to be even more fun doing the same for dance tracks.  As you all already know, dance music is my favorite type of music.  I love pretty much anything that gets me moving, from straightforward pop/dance songs to house, tropical and chill to some of the great new vibes of neo-disco.  As with any year, 2017 produced some pretty memorable, and very danceable, tunes, so let's take a look at what I chose as the best in dance music tracks for the year 2017...

#51 -Slow - Matoma, Noah Cyrus

Norweigan deejay/producer Matoma enlisted the help of sweet-voiced Noah Cyrus on this slow, but steady dance tune.  Check out Slow on YouTube.

#50 - Told You So - Miguel

Miguel's Told You So is the kind of song I used to love back in the 80's.  With a soulful, yet dancey sound, this one's got an uplifting chord to go along with that chorus.  Check out Told You So...

#49 - More Mess - Kungs, Olly Murs, Coely

French deejay/producer is best known for his smash This Girl, and in 2017 he put out a brand new set of goodies for us to hear.  Featuring British singer Olly, More Mess has got a fast-moving, harder edge for a dance song and it's oh so good. Check it out... 

#48 - Keep It Low - Afrojack, feat. Mighty Fools

Here's a fast and frenzied dance track from the master of fast and frenzied dance tracks.  Check out Keep It Low.

#47 - Disco T*ts - Tove Lo

Swedish singer Tove Lo returned in 2017 with a brand new album of goodies.  Blue Lips is the funky, disco-infused album and Disco T*ts was its lead single.  Check it out on YouTube.

#46 - Hot Damn! - The Shadowboxers

Here's one of only five songs to be featured on both this countdown and my Top 50 Pop Songs of 2017, and for good reason.  Though not a classic dance tune, this one is funky enough to get anybody moving.  Check out Hot Damn! on John's Music World.

#45 - Pose (Eva Shaw Remix) - Rihanna

Though the Anti album was not nearly the commercial success I am sure it was intended to be, this sexified remix of the song Pose is vintage Rihanna.  Check it out on YouTube.

#44 - DNA - BTS

South Korean boy band BTS struck it big internationally with this k-pop dance smash.  Check out DNA...

#43 - Lonely Together - Avicii, with Rita Ora

After a long hiatus, Avicii returned in 2017 with a new extended play record and one of the biggest hits to come off of that effort is this one with sweet-voiced Rita Ora.  Check out Lonely Together.

#42 - I Believe I'm Fine - Robin Schulz, Hugel

German deejay/producer Robin Schulz has had several hits off his latest, Uncovered, and this one, with French producer Hugel, is uplifting and chill.  Check it out on John's Music World.

#41 - Never Too Late - Alle Farben, Sam Gray

I've had German deejay/producer Alle Farben on my radar for some time now.  His 2017 tune, Never Too Late, is a nice, chill tune that's perfect for a summer day.  Check out Never Too Late.

#40 - Love Is Alive - Louis the Child, feat. Elohim

Such a nice, chill vibe from this track by dance pop duo Louis the Child!  Check out this cool expressive dance video for Love Is Alive...

#39 - Swish Swish - Katy Perry, feat. Nicki Minaj

Katy Perry's Swish Swish is by far the funnest thing on her latest Witness record.  Check it out on John's Music World.

#38 - Only With You - Cyn

I don't want anything to do with anyone like you

...and speaking of Katy Perry, here's a funky lil jam by an artist signed to Katy's record label, Unsub Records.  The singer's high-pitched voice is perfect for this type of in-your-face dance record.  Oh this one's been on my playlist for some time now.  Check out Only With You on YouTube.

#37 - Waterslides - Pixx

Here's a fast-moving, ultra-futuristic jam that I discovered back in June.  Think of it as Bjork meets the dance floor.  Check out Waterslides.

#36 - Water Me - Lizzo

I am free, yeah yeah
Come water me, oh oh
Love you so, but if you don't
I have to leave, oh no
I am free, yeah yeah
Come water me, oh oh
Love you so, but if you don't
I have to leave, oh no

One of my absolute favorite songs of the year is this inspirational and funky gem by indie raptress Lizzo.  Not only are the lyrics empowering, they're downright fun!  Ooh, I so wanna do a video of this one.  In the meantime check out Water Me...

#35 - Without You - Avicii, Sandro Cavazza

Here's another track from Avicii's latest, and it's got his classic sound, a hard-driving, rockish sound with strong male vocals, provided by Mr. Sandro Cavazza.  Check out Without You.

#34 - Hello There - Dillon Francis, feat. Yung Pinch

Here's a recent discovery that I posted only a month ago.  It's by LA-based deejay/producer Dillon Francis and it's got a cool, island vibe.  Oh, and the video is hysterical.  Check out the Song of the Day post for Hello There.

#33 - Wild Thoughts - DJ Khaled, Rihanna, Bryson Tiller

Now here's a sexy, sultry song by DJ Khaled with a lil help from RiRi and Bryson Tiller.  Check out the hot, Santanaesque Wild Thoughts.

#32 - Line of Sight - Odesza, WYNNE, Mansionair

I love me a good chill tune, and though this hypnotic, ethereal tune took awhile to sink in, when it did it never left.  Great song!  Check out Line of Sight...

#31 - raingurl - yaeji

There's this hella cool deejay based out of Brooklyn and her name is yaeji.  She's got one of my favorite house tunes of the year.  Check out raingurl on John's Music World.

#30 - Right to It - Louis the Child, Ashe

Louis the Child makes a second appearance on this chart with this easy breezy summer jam that you can check out on John's Music World.

#29 - Oh Child - Robin Schulz

German deejay/producer Robin Schulz has proven to be a reliable quality music maker.  Ever since discovering his work on Lilly Wood & The Prick's Prayer in C and then through his awesome Sugar record, I've become a bona fide fan.  Here, he shows his versatilty with this easily pop chart-worthy tune, Oh Child.  Check it out...

#28 - Instruction - Jax Jones, Demi Lovato, Stefflon Don

Jax Jones is one of my favorite dance artists to come out of 2017.  This high energy track always gets me going.  Check out Instruction on John's Music World.

#27 - Everything Is Never Enough - Goldfrapp

Goldfrapp is an act that's had true staying power.  The British electronic duo have been making hits since 2000 and their latest, Everything Is Never Enough, is as hypnotic and pulsating as anything they've ever done.  

#26 - A Different Way - DJ Snake, Lauv

DJ Snake has been one of the hottest dance music deejay/producers around for the past couple of years.  One of his latest, A Different Way, wouldn't necessarily have placed this high on my list if it weren't for the wild and funky vocals that accompany the crescendo and are hard to make out.  Very cool!  

#25 - Interweb - Poppy

If you're a child of the 80's and you went clubbing back in the day, then you will really appreciate this one.  Poppy's Interweb is a sexy, hypnotic, bass-thumper that if you closed your eyes you'd swear you were back in 1985.  Check out Interweb... 

#24 - Starlight - Emeli Sandé

Singer Emile Sandé is not known for dance music, but last year she released the brilliant Starlight and proved she's got it when it comes to more than one genre.  Check out Starlight on John's Music World.

#23 - M.I.A. - Why Don't We

Manufactured boy band and occasional vloggers Why Don't We had this song in 2017, M.I.A., and it was...is...pretty darned hot!  With a steady beat and some catchy lyrics, it's a slow and deliberate dance floor jam.. Check out M.I.A. on YouTube.

#22 - All Over Again - Todiefor, feat. Helen, Dazie

Another slow, deliberate song that sort of reminds me of chill EDM artist Zhu is this hypnotic tune by Todiefor, which you can check out right here...

#21 - Get Low - Zedd, Liam Payne

This very catchy and sexy collaboration between superstar deejay/producer Zedd and former One Directioner Liam Payne is da bomb!  Check out Get Low...

#20 - F**k They - Sofi Tukker

Soffi Tukker, a New York-based duo, was on fire all year long in 2017.  This one, a great big, high energy middle finger aimed at their detractors, was, and still is, one hot club jam!  Check it out on John's Music World.

#19 - I Feel So Bad - Kungs, feat. Ephemerals

You might remember French deejay Kungs from his dance smash, This Girl.  Well, I happened to catch his page on Spotify and checked out his whole album, from which the former came, and I found several songs to hit my playlist in 2017.  I Feel So Bad is somewhat reminiscent of something the Avicii of a couple of years might've put out, with a strong male vocal and a funky, harder edge track.  Check out I Feel So Bad.  

#18 - It Ain't Me - Kygo, Selena Gomez

Kygo and Selena Gomez had a huge hit with this anthemic and ethereal kind of dance tune.  I placed it at #13 on my Top 50 Pop Songs of 2017 and it belongs in the top 20 here, as well.  Check out It Ain't Me on John's Music World.

#17 - House Party - The Knocks & Captain Cuts

I've been hearing a lot of neo-disco in recent months, and this funky little ditty adds, you got it, a little house into the neo-disco mix and the result is hip-shaking.  Check out My House.  

#16 - Rockabye - Clean Bandit, Anne Marie, Sean Paul

Clean Bandit had a productive 2017, with at least a couple of records to hit the charts.  This collaboration with singer Anne Marie and reggae rapper Sean Paul is dramatic and dancey all at the same time.  Check out Rockabye...

#15 - Would You Ever - Skrillex, Poo Bear

Superstar deejay/producer Skrillex created one of my favorite dance tunes of the year.  Check out my Song of the Day post for Would You Ever.

#14 - Get It Right - Diplo, MO

Another superstar deejay/producer to make great stuff in 2017 was Diplo.  His collaboration with Danish singer MO on a track for Major Lazer's documentary, Give Me Future, is the perfect blend of slow melodies and up tempo dance stuff.  Check it out on John's Music World.

#13 - There For You - Martin Garrix, Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan's first foray into dance music couldn't have called for a better partner, Dutch EDM producer Martin Garrix.  Ooh, this one's smooth!  Check out There For You.

#12 - Feel It Still - Portugal. The Man

One of the funkiest songs of the year came from a new (at least to most of us) band with a strange name.  I placed this one at #2 on my favorite Pop Tunes for 2017, and it's dance-ability surely places it towards the top here, too!  Check out Feel It Still.

#11 - Heatwave - Amber Mark

My favorite neo-disco jam of the year comes from young singer Amber Mark.  If you close your eyes and listen to Heatwave, you're gonna think you're back on a dance floor somewhere in the late 70's.  Check out the samba-infused disco of Heatwave...

#10 - Faking It - Calvin Harris, Kehlani, Lil Yachty

This, our #9 dance tune of 2017, wasn't really a huge hit for Calvin Harris, but to me it's just so irresistible!  Check out Faking It on John's Music World.

#9 - Breathe - Jax Jones

I've become a big fan of Brit producer Jax Jones over the last year, and this dance-heavy jam, featuring Norwegian singer/songwriter Ina Wrodsen is a perfect dance tune  Check out Breathe.  

#8 - Look What You Made Me Do - Taylor Swift

My #1 pop song of 2017 is also in the top ten of my dance tunes, as well.  Taylor Swift's Look What You Made Me Do is such a hot song to dance to, especially if you're a pole dancer!  Check it out on John's Music World.

#7 - D.Y.T. (Do Your Thing) - NVDES, REMMI

NVDES was new to me in 2017 and I am loving just about everything they put out.  This sexy dance jam is hot!  Check out D.Y.T. (Do Your Thing).

#6 - Shedon'tknowbutsheknows - Tove Lo

Another entry from the neo-disco persuasion, this groovalicious disco jam is the perfect song for a late night twirl under the disco ball.  Check out Shedon'tknowbutsheknows...

#5 - Dirty Sexy Money - David Guetta, Afrojack, Charli XCX, French Montana

When I first reviewed this collaboration between superstar dance music producers David Guetta and Afrojack, I was surprised at a lot of negativity towards it.  To me, the high energy tune, with some nice vocals by Charli XCX, sounds like a lot of the kind of stuff that made us all love David Guetta in the first place.  Ah well, I love it.  Here's Dirty Sexy Money...

#4 - Uh Huh - Somewhere Else

Now here's a dance track that is so hot that I can't stop bopping and shaking whenever I hear it.  A little bit of house, a little bit of sexy, and a whole mess of beats.  Check out Uh Huh...

#3 - Swalla - Jason Derulo, Nicki Minaj, Ty Dolla $ign

Jason Derulo is an expert at making music that makes ya move, and this shimmy shimmy yay, shimmy yay, shimmy yo is freaking awesome!  Check out the funky Swalla...

#2 - Best Friend - Sofi Tukker

I think that I'll keep loving you, way past sixty-five
We made a language for us two, we don't need to describe
Everytime time you call on me, I drop what I do
You are my best friend and we've got some shit to shoot

Sofi Tukker's biggest breakthrough of the year was this pulsating bit of high energy dance.  Check out Best Friend...

#1 - Mi Gente - J. Balvin, Willy William

By far, the most hypnotic dance track to come out of 2017 was J. Balvin's Mi Gente.  Whether you understand Spanish or not, the hot hook of this one'll get you moving every time.  The song was so infectious that Beyoncé even put herself into the mix at one point. Check out Mi Gente...

So there you have it, my picks for the best 51 dance tracks of 2017.  If you can't find something here to dance your ass off to, then I'm thinking you may be without any rhythm.  Stay tuned for my choices for the best 10 albums of 2017 coming soon.

Song of the Day - IDGAF - Dua Lipa

Good morning and Happy Sunday!  Here's a hot, hot tune from the wonderful Dua Lipa.  Check out IDGAF...

Song of the Day - Just a Kid - Two Friends, feat. Kevin Writer

Today's song I featured on that last, hot New Music Fridays of 2017.  It's by a production duo who call themselves Two Friends and it's got a simple, catchy hook and features, what else?  Kids! Total cuteness!  Check out Just a Kid...

Flashback Friday Song of the Day - Womanizer - Britney Spears

Good morning and Happy Friday!  We've got Britney for this week's flashback and with the current state of our news, a very appropriate song.  She could just be talking about anybody these days, right?  Here's Womanizer...

Song of the Day - Ooh Lordy - Youngr

Here's a happy little dance song from a Manchester-based singer named Youngr.  The tune is from the singer's record called This Is Not An Album and it was released just two short weeks ago.  Love the sound!  Check out Ooh Lordy...

Hump Day Song of the Day - My My My! - Troye Sivan

The very first song highlighted this week on New Music Fridays was this new, sexually charged dance tune from Aussie singer Troye Sivan.  The song is from his upcoming sophomore album and I am certainly looking forward to more.  Check out My My My!

Song of the Day - Zombie - The Cranberries

In some sad news, Irish rock band The Cranberries' lead singer Dolores O'Riordan suddenly passed away last night at the age of 46.  At this point there is no known cause of death.  Though I was never a huge Cranberries fan, there is one song of theirs I do know well, and that was their biggest hit, Zombie, penned by O'Riordan.  May she rest in peace!  Here's Zombie...

New Music Fridays, January 12th, 2018 - Five Hot New Tracks

In all the months I've been writing this column, I don't think I've ever bookmarked less songs than I did this past Friday.  That's not to say that I couldn't find five nice new music tracks to get excited about.  Check out this week's offerings...

My My My! - Troye Sivan

Aussie Troye Sivan has been working on the follow-up to his stellar debut Blue Neighborhood, and he has just released the first track and video from it.  The song is called My My My! and it's much closer to the dancey sound of his recent appearance on Martin Garrix's There For You than any of the tunes on the first album.  The new sound is nice, but I am hoping he'll stick to at least some of what made him so great in the first place, namely songs that showcase his deep, rich voice.  Check out the sexually charged video for My My My!

Spotlight - Marshmello, Lil Peep

Superstar deejay/producer Marshmello has come out with one of the most talked about new EDM tunes this week.  The steady, hypnotic track features the late Lil Peep, who passed away from a drug overdose just this past November.  According to Billboard, the artist was hesitant to put out the song, which he worked on with the rapper just a few weeks before his death, but Peep's mother convinced him to do so and the results are well, check it out...

The Champion - Carrie Underwood, Ludacris

One of the week's most pleasant surprises comes from an unlikely source.  On Friday, country music star and former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood unveiled a new song especially created for Super Bowl LII, which takes place on Sunday, February 4th.  The song is oh so catchy and features a surprisingly nice guest vocal from rapper Ludacris.  One of my favorite tunes of the week.  Check out The Champion...

Curious - Hayley Kiyoko

Singer/songwriter/actress Hayley Kiyoko just dropped a song from her upcoming album, Expectations, and it's is catchy and very pop-oriented.  In fact, I loved it on the very first listen, which says a lot.  I can definitely see this one becoming a hit.  Check out Curious...

Alright - Mike Yung

New York City subway soul singer and America's Got Talent semifinalist has put out a classic soul song that I wish I could find somewhere on the Internet.  This track is the ultimate in soulful inspiration and goes right up there immediately with classics from Sam Cooke, The Righteous Brothers and more.  If you love inspirational music, then go out and find this one!  

Stay tuned for more New Music Fridays next week!

Song of the Day - I Want to Know What Love Is - Foreigner

God, I haven't heard this song in ages!  I wanted to post a special song today in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King and I had a hard time thinking of one, until this one popped in my head.  I think that were he alive today, Dr. King would be disappointed in what we've become as a nation in these past couple of years.  There's so much hate that's been building up for years and years and it's scary to see how the hate has become so open.  Sigh!  We need more love in this world.

Song of the Day - Finesse - Bruno Mars, Cardi B

Here's a song I highlighted in last week's New Music Fridays and it's actually not new, but a new remix featuring R&B singer Cardi B.  The tune, and the video is a nod to the funky sounds of early 90's R&B and is very pleasing tot he ears. Check out Finesse...

Song of the Day - Trouble In the Streets - BC Unidos, feat. Carly Rae Jepson

Here's a tune off of a recent EP from Swedish production team BC Unidos. The song features Carly Rae Jepson on vocals and is a funky little 60's reminiscent number with a fast moving guitar riff set in the background of Carly's voice.  Pretty cool!  Check out Trouble In the Streets...

Flashback Friday Song of the Day - Dare Me - The Pointer Sisters

The Pointer Sisters are one of my favorite musical acts of all time.  The threesome of June, Ruth and Anita were really something special back in their day, churning out hit after hit after hit in the 70's and 80's.  This one came at the pinnacle of their success in 1985 off their platinum Contact album.  Here's Dare Me...

Song of the Day - La Tortura - Shakira, Alejandro Sanz

Ay amor me duele tanto

Me duele tanto

Que te fueras sin decir a donde

Ay amor, fue una tortura perderte

Oh my love, it hurts me so

It hurts me so

That you went without telling me where

Oh my love, it was torture losing you

I heard this classic duet the other night at Posh Bar in New York City and ooh, I immediately remembered how good it was...one of my favorite Spanish language songs ever!  Here's an awesome live performance of the sultry, yet sad song featuring two legends.  Check out La Tortura...

Hump Day Song of the Day - Energia - Sofi Tukker

Good morning and Happy Hump Day!  Here's a fast n' funky high energy jam by dynamic duo Sofi Tukker, and what's even cooler is that Energia is sung in Portuguese.  Hella cool!  

Song of the Day - Line of Sight - Odesza, WYNNE, Mansionair

I absolutely love the cover to this very ethereal single by Odesza.  The song is classic chill in every way imaginable, and with beautiful, memorable vocals by WYNNE and Mansionair, it is definitely worth a listen.  Check out Line of Sight...

Song of the Day - Love Is Alive - Louis the Child, feat. Elohim

I've been working on John's World's Top 50 Dance Tracks of 2017 and I realized I never posted this one by dynamic dance duo Louis the Child.  Not only does the song have a nice, chill vibe, the video's pretty cool too!  Check out Love Is Alive... 

Song of the Day - Whoops Now - Janet Jackson

Whoops now, it's a late Song of the Day post, so here's a lil fun one for your Sunday evening...

New Music Fridays, January 5th, 2018 - New Tracks by JT, Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar and More

Well the first week of 2018 in new music has already been monumental, with new efforts by Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and more.  Let's take a look...

Filthy - Justin Timberlake

Of course, the biggest news in new music this week is the always highly anticipated return of Justin Timberlake to the scene.  The 36 year old singer released a new song and video for Filthy, a lead single to what will be his 4th studio album, Man of the Woods.  Bottom line: the song's got a steady, mid-tempo vibe that's funky, as you might expect.  It's not as catchy as Timberlake's previous effort, Can't Stop the Feeling, but it's definitely gonna grow on me.  Though Entertainment Weekly's Eric Renner Brown hated it, I, for a change, think it's kind of exciting!  Judge for yourself as you take a look and listen at the futuristic and fun accompanying video for Filthy...

All the Stars - Kendrick Lamar, SZA

The lead single to the soundtrack of Marvel's upcoming Black Panter film is a collaboration between rapper du jour Kendrick Lamar and R&B singer SZA.  Now I don't often cover rap/hip-hop tunes, but Lamar is exceptional and this track is quality.  Check out All the Stars...

Finesse - Bruno Mars, Cardi B

Anyone who was around back in the early 90's will immediately recognize the set for Bruno Mars and Cardi B's new video for Finesse, and the end of the video dedication gives proper testament to that great sketch comedy show, In Living Color.  Of course, as with any Bruno Mars song, this one's funky and cool, but for me, and former fly girl Jennifer Lopez, the video is da bomb!  Check out Finesse...

For You - Liam Payne, Rita Ora

Two of my favorite new singers have come together for a song from the upcoming Fifty Shades Freed movie.  For You is a sweet duet that puts together two of music's brightest young voices.  What a nice, dramatic tune!  Check it out...

Heart's Ain't Gonna Lie - Arlissa, Jonas Blue

Jonas Blue is starting the new year off right with a reworking of British singer Arlissa's neew promotional single, Heart's Ain't Gonna Lie.  There's no real good video or audio for this sweet pop tune, but trust me, it's good!  

B.A.M. - Schilly

Here's another funky, funky tune that well worth a listen.  It's really too bad that this one isn't around the Internet either!   As always, though, you can check out the track on Spotify.

Song of the Day - Riding Solo - Jason Derulo

I'm putting on my shades to cover up my eyes

I'm jumping in my ride, I'm heading out tonight

I'm solo, I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, solo

Here's a flashback for your Saturday.  It's early Jason Derulo with a song I just love!  At's me, always ridin' solo!

Flashback Friday Song of the Day - Peanut Butter Jelly - Galantis

Here's a fun song and video for your Friday!  Now spread it and enjoy it!

Best of 2017 Song of the Day - What Lovers Do - Maroon 5, SZA

It's a wicked, windy, wintry day here, so lets close our eyes and imagine we're on a dance floor at a resort on an island somewhere, dancing to this summery song...

Hump Day Song of the Day - Uh Huh - Somewhere Else

Hello and welcome to the very first Hump Day Song of the Day for 2018 with a hot, pulsating dance jam that I hope to hear in a club one of these days very soon.  Check out Uh Huh...

New Music Fridays, December 29th, 2017 - A Hot Last Week of New Music for 2017

It's been a very busy week for me with my Top 50 Pop Tunes of 2017 and I did not get to this week's new music until late, but as they say, better late than never.  Of course, there's a plethora of great new stuff this week, and if I'd had more time, I'd highlight more than just five, but alas, I don't so here's the week's hottest new music tracks...

Just a Kid - Two Friends, feat. Kevin Writer

Newish pop/dance duo Two Friends, consisting of Matt Halper and Eli Sones, have released a happy, fun song that I immediately liked just from the first thirty seconds or so.  Though I've never heard of these guys before, I did check out some pieces on the track, on edmsauce and Dancing Astronaut, and not only is the song likable, so is the story behind it.  Check out Just a Kid...

Happy When (Miko Waye Remix) - Caitlyn Scarlet, Miko Waye

From With Guitars:

Indie-pop star Caitlyn Scarlett, unveils an exclusive remix of new track ‘Happy When’ by rising Afrowave/dancehall producer Miko Waye. Taken from her forthcoming EP ‘Red Tape, Vol. 2’ due 2018, Miko Waye adds his own distinctive flavour to ‘Happy When’, infusing well structured percussions and uplifting kalimbas, showcasing the Berlin native’s African heritage that perfectly supports Caitlyn’s emotional vocal performance.

I could not have said it any better myself.  Nice tune!  Check out Happy When...

Other Side of Love - Kokiri, Parx

Here's a nice, high energy dance/house tune I could sinking my dancing feet into.  I haven't heard one like this in awhile, nice vocals with a catchy hook and a thumping dance beat, and all set for the height of the night.  It reminds me of something straight out of the early 90's.  Check out Other Side of Love...  

SWERLK - MNDR, Scissor Sisters, Martin Sharp

After a five-year hiatus, Scissor Sisters have released a hot dance single in conjunction with MNDR, and this remix by Martin Sharp is HOT!  All proceeds from the track are going to the victims of the Orlando Pulse Nightclub tragedy, so check it out...

Sweet Revolution - Poppy

Early on in the life of these New Music Fridays posts, I spotlighted a funky, new-wavey tune by YouTube personality Poppy.  At the time I'd never heard of her, but the song, Interweb, was so 80's and so infectious.  Well, she's back with a much more mainstream tune that very well could hit Top 40 radio.  Check out Sweet Revolution... 

I really hope you check out and enjoy these great new songs.  Take a look at some more honorable mentions below and as always, stay tuned for more New Music Fridays...

Own This Groove - AmPm, Liyv

Feel Good (Blanee Remix) - Felix Jaehn, Mike Williams

Pop! Champagne - Sinclair

Unforgettable - Robin Schulz, Marc Scibilla

Radio Sound - Argonaut & Wasp

All I Wanna Do - DEV, DJ Mike D

Best of 2017 Song of the Day - Everything Is Never Enough - Goldfrapp

Here's another hot dance tune that I've got on my short list of the best of 2017.  Everything Is Never Enough is one of Goldfrapp's best, hypnotic and free.  Check it out...

Best of 2017 Song of the Day - There For You - Martin Garrix, Troye Sivan

Now that my Top 50 Pop Songs of 2017 is out there, I'm going to turn my attention to the best dance music of the past year.  Here's a favorite of mine from superstar deejay/producer Martin Garrix, with Aussie Troye Sivan, who is reportedly working on a new record (can't wait!).  Check out the smooth, dancey There For You...