Beyond Radio is the place where music discovery and music nostalgia collide. It is your one-stop source for playlists, music charts, remembrances and recommendations. Our Podcast and music therapy playlists combine elements of nostalgia and discovery, while my blog entries reflect on our musical past through the lens of my personal charts from decades past. I weave a story that includes the connection between artists, chart facts and personal anecdotes that hopefully conjure a connection to the soundtrack of your own life. The current charts and playlists are updated monthly or bi-monthly (bi-weekly for the BR250) and are curated based on a passionate audience that produce their own personal charts weekly.
No surprise that a new dance pop nugget from Lady Gaga would be the #1 trending song. What is encouraging is that it is yet another song that bucks the EDM sound of the last 5 years. I guess it could be described as retro but it also sounds fresh and fun. Already top 10 on Hot AC and top 15 Pop.
2 BILLIE EILISH No Time To Die 1715.2 5
As a complete 180 degree contrast, this James Bond theme is as somber and downtrodden as the title would indicate at the start. It does go into movie theme territory in the second verse. Doubtful this is going to be pitched to radio.
3 THE STROKES Bad Decisions 1280.3 28
The opening riff of this 7 years in the making single sounds like it was ripped right out of 1982. The chorus of course adds the signature Strokes-y sound. This is currently in the AA top 10 and Alternative top 25.
4 BIFFY CLYRO Instant History 1000.8 45
This is the 1st preview into the Scottish band’s 9th album since 2001, “A Celebration Of Endings”, that will be released in May. They have had marginal success on U.S. rock radio while 4 of their last 5 albums have reached the UK top 3.
5 JESSIE WARE Spotlight 925.7 71
The latest single from the British songstress is a laidback but throbbing disco nugget, reminiscent of Lisa Stansfield. The album “What’s My Pleasure?” is scheduled for release in early June.
6 SAM SMITH To Die For 881.55 20
I’m not sure what to think of this song yet. At first, I was not even going to give it a second listen, just another depressing tune. Listening to it now, it might grow on me. And certainly, it has dance remixes that would play well on Pop radio.
7 THE WEEKND After Hours 864.5 68
The dominance of “Blinding Lights” has been evidence on the BR250 the last few months. It eclipsed the 1st single “Heartless” here, though they are currently both in the U.S. Pop top 10. This new single has a bit more of an alternative bent to it. He is definitely a singular artist.
8 PEARL JAM Superblood Wolfmoon 799.5 42
Eddie Vedder and company replace last month’s #3 “Dance Of The Clairvoyants” with this more PJammy follow up.
9 SZA f/ JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE The Other Side 744.1 103
It seems inevitable that a Trolls sequel would include Justin Timberlake and here we are. A nice slice of R&B/Pop. This is SZA’s 6th R&B top 10 since 2017.
