It’s taken a while to get there, but my new number one song is Bastille’s “World Gone Mad.” Though it was featured in the fantasy crime film Bright, the song addresses the strong political divisiveness and turmoil in Britain that resulted in Brexit. Many of the lyrics also describe the current fucked up political situation in America, where we’re led by an evil, narcissistic sociopath who has encouraged racism and nationalism, which is why it resonates so powerfully with me. The song was a modest hit, charting only on the Billboard Alternative Chart, however I think it’s Bastille’s best song since “Pompeii,” if not their absolute best.

Debuting at #17 is “The Joke” by Brandi Carlile. I was not very familiar with her music, but was floored the first time I heard this song, it’s that beautiful. This song is a certainty for a future #1 spot. And new at #20 is “Pink Lemonade” by James Bay. Wow, this song is HOT! Such a big departure from his former look and sound, which I really liked, but I’m loving this!

Additionally, I’ve expanded my list from 20 to 30 songs, as there are just so many great ones to choose from. I also want to include more indie artists who I believe are putting out some really excellent music.

1. WORLD GONE MAD – Bastille (3)
2. ALL THE STARS – Kendrick Lamar, SZA (1)
3. TWO HIGH – Moon Taxi (4)
4. SAFARI SONG – Greta Van Fleet (2)
5. RUN FOR COVER – The Killers (6)
6. BROKEN – lovelytheband (7)
7. WHATEVER IT TAKES – Imagine Dragons (13)
8. YOU WORRY ME – Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats (10)
9. LOS AGELESS – St. Vincent (5)
10. &RUN – Sir Sly (11)
11. SEVERED – The Decemberists (12)
12. PAIN – The War on Drugs (8)
13. LIVE IN THE MOMENT – Portugal. The Man (9)
14. THE NIGHT HAS AN ALIBI – Wons Phreely + the Horses (16)
15. THOUGHT CONTAGION – Muse (17)
16. HANDYMAN – AWOLNATION (20)
17. THE JOKE – Brandi Carlile (N)
18. SCARY LOVE – The Neighbourhood (14)
19. THE GOLD – Manchester Orchestra (21)
20. PINK LEMONADE – James Bay (N)
21. ALREADY GONE – Brett Dennen (N)
22. BEST FRIEND – Sofi Tukker, NERVO, The Knocks, Alisa Ueno (15)
23. GUIDE YOU IN THE DARK – Reckless Jacks (N)
24. SIT NEXT TO ME – Foster the People (22) 31st week on list
25. SOBER UP – AJR ft. Rivers Cuomo (19)
26. SATURDAY SUN – Vance Joy (N)
27. WE FIGHT – Dashboard Confessional (23)
28. MY MY MY! – Troye Sivan (N)
29. IRREVERSIBLE KNOT – DENSE (N)
30. HAPPY HOUR – Weezer (24)