My Top 30 Songs for September 27-October 3, 2026

Photo of The Neighbourhood from their Facebook account

After spending three weeks at #2, “Private” by The Neighbourhood finally dislodges “Rein Me In” to take over the top spot on my latest chart. The captivating song is from their fifth studio album (((((ultraSOUND))))), released last November, although the track itself was actually released at the end of October but didn’t begin charting until June. Formed in Ventura County west of Los Angeles in 2011, the band consists of four of the five original members: heavily tattooed, silky-voiced vocalist Jesse Rutherford, guitarists Jeremy Freedman and Zach Abels and bassist Mikey Margott, as well as drummer Brandon Fried who joined in 2014. I love their sophisticated style of alternative rock that incorporates elements of pop, electronic, hip hop and R&B.

I’ve been a big fan of The Neighbourhood from the moment I first heard their magnificent song “Sweater Weather” back in the summer of 2013. It ultimately became my favorite song of 2013 and 4th favorite song of the entire decade of the 2010s, and is obviously a favorite of many others, as it’s been streamed nearly 5 billion times just on Spotify alone. Since March, The Neighbourhood has been on their worldwide tour which will conclude in Los Angeles in December. “Private” is their fourth song to top my chart, after the aforementioned “Sweater Weather”, “Stargazing” in 2021, and “Hula Girl”, also from (((((ultraSOUND))))), this past April. I love the song’s hypnotic beat, gentle thumping bassline and intricate blend of jangly, chiming and grungy guitar notes. But most of all, I love Rutherford’s sensuous croons that add to the eerily enchanting sound.

Entering the top 10 are “Stone Over Water” by Death Cab for Cutie, “I Feel Hope Coming” by Alabama Shakes, and “We Might as Well Be Strangers” by Weezer featuring Wednesday.

For a third week there are two new entries to my chart, starting with “Good Times // End Times” by American progressive/funk rock band Goose. The song is from their sixth album BIG MODERN!, which dropped in June, and follows “Good2B”, which spent 12 weeks on my chart over the summer, peaking at #4. I’ve come to like this band a lot!

The second new entry is “Already Gone” by the enigmatic and dangerously sexy country artist Orville Peck (born Daniel Pitout in South Africa and now based in Los Angeles). In addition to his unique brand of alternative country and deep baritone singing voice, Peck (who is gay) is known for often wearing a fringed mask and not showing his face. In a 2023 interview for People magazine, he elaborated on his decision to wear a fringed mask: “I grew up loving country where there was an intersection between theatricality and very honest songwriting. Dolly’s a perfect example—the big wigs, the crazy outfits, but it’s her. For me, I was obsessed with the Lone Ranger, cowboys hiding their face, so that’s what I wanted to do.” He’s also an actor who made his Broadway debut on March 31, 2025, playing the Emcee in the revival of Cabaret for 16 weeks. “Already Gone” is from his fourth studio album Mule, released September 18th.

  1. PRIVATE – The Neighbourhood (2)
  2. REIN ME IN – Sam Fender & Olivia Dean (1)
  3. LOST BOYS – Phoebe Bridgers (5)
  4. BEACHES IN TENNESSEE – Cage the Elephant (6)
  5. MARIANNE – Fontaines D.C. (7)
  6. HEART STOP – The Revivalists (4)
  7. ONLINE – Western Jaguar (3)
  8. STONE OVER WATER – Death Cab for Cutie (11)
  9. I FEEL HOPE COMING – Alabama Shakes (12)
  10. WE MIGHT AS WELL BE STRANGERS – Weezer feat. Wednesday (13)
  11. I CAN TAKE THE SUN OUT OF THE SKY – Brigitte Calls Me Baby (14)
  12. NO MORE REGRETS – almost monday (10)
  13. RAGING HALLS – Lyia Meta (8)
  14. DOORS – Noah Kahan (9)
  15. LOSER – Tame Impala (19)
  16. EVERGREEN – Young the Giant (17)
  17. EDGE OF THE EARTH – The Beaches (18)
  18. BEHIND THE LINES OF REASON – Hardwicke Circus (20)
  19. WINDOW – Foo Fighters (22)
  20. METASTASIZED – Bealby Point (23)
  21. HOLD ME IN THE DARK – Myles Smith (15)
  22. THE ENDLESS BORDER – Velvet Jesus (16)
  23. LOVE TO GO – Edgehill (26)
  24. YOUNG AGAIN – Shinedown (27)
  25. HIGH HOPES 3000 – ROLE MODEL (29)
  26. BLACK DOG RABBIT HOLE – Devon Gilfillian (30)
  27. REPEAT OFFENDER – Gloom is Okay (21)
  28. SELF AWARE – Temper City (24) 20th week on chart
  29. GOOD TIMES // END TIMES – Goose (N)
  30. ALREADY GONE – Orville Peck (N)

My Top 30 Songs for September 20-26, 2026

It’s a third week on top for the beautiful “Rein Me In” by Sam Fender and Olivia Dean, as well as a third week at #2 for “Private” by The Neighbourhood, who’ve spent much of this year on their world tour which began in late March and concludes in their hometown of Los Angeles in December. Fontaines D.C. are the biggest upward movers again this week as their mesmerizing song “Marianne” jumps 10 spots to #7.

There are two new entries to my chart again this week, starting with “High Hopes 3000” by Los Angeles-based artist ROLE MODEL, the music project of 28-year-old singer-songwriter Tucker Harrington Pillsbury. The song is from his third studio album Chuck Timely & The Hourglass, which dropped August 7th. His 2025 single “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” topped my chart exactly one year ago.

The second new entry is “Black Dog Rabbit Hole” by Nashville-based soul singer-songwriter Devon Gilfillian. The song is featured on his fourth album Time Will Tell, released on June 26th. His 2020 single “Unchained” reached #10 on my chart and ranks #68 on my 100 Best Songs of 2020 list.

  1. REIN ME IN – Sam Fender & Olivia Dean (1)
  2. PRIVATE – The Neighbourhood (2)
  3. ONLINE – Western Jaguar (3)
  4. HEART STOP – The Revivalists (4)
  5. LOST BOYS – Phoebe Bridgers (7)
  6. BEACHES IN TENNESSEE – Cage the Elephant (8)
  7. MARIANNE – Fontaines D.C. (17)
  8. RAGING HALLS – Lyia Meta (5)
  9. DOORS – Noah Kahan (6)
  10. NO MORE REGRETS – almost monday (9)
  11. STONE OVER WATER – Death Cab for Cutie (13)
  12. I FEEL HOPE COMING – Alabama Shakes (15)
  13. WE MIGHT AS WELL BE STRANGERS – Weezer feat. Wednesday (11)
  14. I CAN TAKE THE SUN OUT OF THE SKY – Brigitte Calls Me Baby (12)
  15. HOLD ME IN THE DARK – Myles Smith (14)
  16. THE ENDLESS BORDER – Velvet Jesus (10)
  17. EVERGREEN – Young the Giant (20)
  18. EDGE OF THE EARTH – The Beaches (21)
  19. LOSER – Tame Impala (23)
  20. BEHIND THE LINES OF REASON – Hardwicke Circus (22)
  21. REPEAT OFFENDER – Gloom is Okay (16)
  22. WINDOW – Foo Fighters (24)
  23. METASTASIZED – Bealby Point (25)
  24. SELF AWARE – Temper City (18)
  25. FREAKING OUT – Michigander (19)
  26. LOVE TO GO – Edgehill (29)
  27. YOUNG AGAIN – Shinedown (30)
  28. PICKING DRAGON’S POCKETS – Modest Mouse (26)
  29. HIGH HOPES 3000 – ROLE MODEL (N)
  30. BLACK DOG RABBIT HOLE – Devon Gilfillian (N)

My Top 30 Songs for September 13-19, 2026

Sam Fender & Olivia Dean from the “Rein Me In” video

Sam Fender and Olivia Dean remain on top for a second week with “Rein Me In”, while Los Angeles alt rock band The Neighbourhood hold the #2 spot again with their captivating “Private”. “Online” by British Columbia, Canada-based artist Western Jaguar advances two spots to #3. In addition to Western Jaguar, two other Canadian acts are represented on this chart – The Beaches, whose song “Edge of the Earth” sits at #21, and Bealby Point, whose song “Metastasized” currently ranks #25. I must state that I’m both horrified and furious that our out-of-control lunatic president has started a needless economic war with our friendly neighbors to the north.

Irish band Fontaines D.C. are this week’s biggest upward movers, as their song “Marianne” leaps 11 spots to #17.

There are two new additions to my chart this week, the first of which is the wonderfully boisterous “Love To Go” by Nashville-based alt-rock band Edgehill, comprised of Chris Kelly (lead vocals and guitar), Jake Zimmermann (lead guitar and vocals), and Aidan Cunningham (drums). The trio have been putting out great songs since 2022, but I only learned about them earlier this year with the release of their song “Doubletake”, which ultimately went all the way to #1 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart and #2 on my chart. Both “Doubletake” and “Love To Go” are from their debut album Ode to the Greyhouse, which was released this past February.

The second new entry is “Young Again” by Florida-based rock band Shinedown. Formed in 2001, the lineup presently includes founding members Brent Smith (lead vocals) and Barry Kerch (drums), as well as Zach Myers (guitar, piano, backing vocals) and Eric Bass (bass, guitar, piano, backing vocals). Shinedown has the most #1 singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts with 23, and all 37 of their released singles have reached the top five. To date, the band has sold more than 10 million records worldwide. (Wikipedia) “Young Again” is from their eighth album EI8HT, released this past May and also includes their song “Three Six Five”, which spent 12 weeks on my chart last year.

  1. REIN ME IN – Sam Fender & Olivia Dean (1)
  2. PRIVATE – The Neighbourhood (2)
  3. ONLINE – Western Jaguar (5)
  4. HEART STOP – The Revivalists (7)
  5. RAGING HALLS – Lyia Meta (3)
  6. DOORS – Noah Kahan (4)
  7. LOST BOYS – Phoebe Bridgers (10)
  8. BEACHES IN TENNESSEE – Cage the Elephant (9)
  9. NO MORE REGRETS – almost monday (8)
  10. THE ENDLESS BORDER – Velvet Jesus (6)
  11. WE MIGHT AS WELL BE STRANGERS – Weezer feat. Wednesday (15)
  12. I CAN TAKE THE SUN OUT OF THE SKY – Brigitte Calls Me Baby (16)
  13. STONE OVER WATER – Death Cab for Cutie (17)
  14. HOLD ME IN THE DARK – Myles Smith (14)
  15. I FEEL HOPE COMING – Alabama Shakes (20)
  16. REPEAT OFFENDER – Gloom is Okay (11)
  17. MARIANNE – Fontaines D.C. (28)
  18. SELF AWARE – Temper City (12)
  19. FREAKING OUT – Michigander (13)
  20. EVERGREEN – Young the Giant 22)
  21. EDGE OF THE EARTH – The Beaches (23)
  22. BEHIND THE LINES OF REASON – Hardwicke Circus (24)
  23. LOSER – Tame Impala (25)
  24. WINDOW – Foo Fighters (26)
  25. METASTASIZED – Bealby Point (27)
  26. PICKING DRAGON’S POCKETS – Modest Mouse (18)
  27. WE SHOULD TALK – Bleachers (19)
  28. LOVE ME NOT – Grace Potter (21)
  29. LOVE TO GO – Edgehill (N)
  30. YOUNG AGAIN – Shinedown (N)

My Top 30 Songs for September 6-12, 2026

Sam Fender & Olivia Dean taken from the “Rein Me In” video

After several weeks of waiting in the wings, the gorgeous “Rein Me In” by English singer-songwriter Sam Fender and English singer-songwriter Olivia Dean (who won the Best New Artist Grammy earlier this year) ascends to the top of my chart. The song is a re-recorded duet version of the original from Fender’s third studio album People Watching. The original version of “Rein Me In” was released in June 2025 as the sixth single from the album and eventually became Fender’s first song to reach #1 on the UK Singles Chart in February 2026, as well as winning the Brit Award for Song of the Year. In addition to Fender and Dean’s great vocals, I love the beautiful piano, jangly guitar and blaring sax.

Fender debuted the new version during a show at London Stadium in June, bringing Dean on stage to perform it with him. Videos of that performance went viral, and the two performed it again nine days later at Fender’s St. James’ Park concert. Fender announced the official release of the new version on June 20th, stating that Dean “added a female perspective to ‘Rein Me In,’ and I think it’s all the better for it“. The original and duet versions ended up spending a combined 23 non-consecutive weeks at number one, making it the longest-running number-one single in UK music history. The song also topped the charts in Australia and Ireland and reached #2 in New Zealand. It became Fender’s first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 45. “Rein Me In” is his second song to reach #1 on my chart, the first being his 2021 single “Seventeen Going Under”.

In other chart developments of note, The Neighbourhood move into second place with “Private”, while Cage the Elephant‘s “Beaches In Tennessee” and Phoebe Bridgers‘ “Lost Boys” enter the top 10. The sole debut this week, entering at #28, is the enthralling “Marianne”, the new single from the always wonderful Irish rock band Fontaines D.C. The song is the lead single from their forthcoming fifth album Dopamine Chamber, set for release October 16th.

  1. REIN ME IN – Sam Fender & Olivia Dean (3)
  2. PRIVATE – The Neighbourhood (4)
  3. RAGING HALLS – Lyia Meta (1)
  4. DOORS – Noah Kahan (2)
  5. ONLINE – Western Jaguar (6)
  6. THE ENDLESS BORDER – Velvet Jesus (7)
  7. HEART STOP – The Revivalists (8)
  8. NO MORE REGRETS – almost monday (10)
  9. BEACHES IN TENNESSEE – Cage the Elephant (11)
  10. LOST BOYS – Phoebe Bridgers (12)
  11. REPEAT OFFENDER – Gloom is Okay (5)
  12. SELF AWARE – Temper City (9)
  13. FREAKING OUT – Michigander (14)
  14. HOLD ME IN THE DARK – Myles Smith (15)
  15. WE MIGHT AS WELL BE STRANGERS – Weezer feat. Wednesday (17)
  16. I CAN TAKE THE SUN OUT OF THE SKY – Brigitte Calls Me Baby (19)
  17. STONE OVER WATER – Death Cab for Cutie (20)
  18. PICKING DRAGON’S POCKETS – Modest Mouse (13)
  19. WE SHOULD TALK – Bleachers (18)
  20. I FEEL HOPE COMING – Alabama Shakes (23)
  21. LOVE ME NOT – Grace Potter (16)
  22. EVERGREEN – Young the Giant 24)
  23. EDGE OF THE EARTH – The Beaches (25)
  24. BEHIND THE LINES OF REASON – Hardwicke Circus (26)
  25. LOSER – Tame Impala (27)
  26. WINDOW – Foo Fighters (29)
  27. METASTASIZED – Bealby Point (30)
  28. MARIANNE – Fontaines D.C. (N)
  29. EXIT WOUND – Ships Have Sailed (21)
  30. MARATHONS – Sorry Ghost (22)

My Top 30 Songs for August 30-September 5, 2026

Photo of Lyia and Cha Cha Girl taken from her Facefook account

“Raging Halls” by Malaysian singer-songwriter extraordinaire Lyia Meta remains atop my chart for a second week, while American singer-songwriter Noah Kahan moves into second place with “Doors”. Entering the top 10 is “no more regrets” by San Diego, California-based indie pop band almost monday.

There are three new additions to my chart this week, starting with “Loser” by Australian act Tame Impala, the music project of singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker. The song, which debuts at #27, was actually released last September (2025) as the second single from Tame Impala’s fifth album Deadbeat, which dropped a month later, but as with The Beaches’ “Edge of the Earth” is currently appearing on various alternative charts (which heavily influence my own chart). His single “Dracula” spent three weeks at the top of my chart at the beginning of this year.

Entering at #29 is “Window” by legendary American rock band the Foo Fighters. The song is from their 12th studio album Your Favorite Toy, released this past April. And coming in at #30 is “Metastasized”, the latest single by Vancouver, Canada-based indie pop-rock band Bealby Point, who currently consist of Jack Armstrong (lead vocals, guitar), Jordan Studer (bass) and Zack Yeager (drums). I’ve been a big fan of theirs since learning about them in 2021, and have featured them several times on this blog. “Metastasized” will be included on their forthcoming debut album Happiness Frontier.

  1. RAGING HALLS – Lyia Meta (1)
  2. DOORS – Noah Kahan (3)
  3. REIN ME IN – Sam Fender & Olivia Dean (4)
  4. PRIVATE – The Neighbourhood (5)
  5. REPEAT OFFENDER – Gloom is Okay (2)
  6. ONLINE – Western Jaguar (7)
  7. THE ENDLESS BORDER – Velvet Jesus (8)
  8. HEART STOP – The Revivalists (10)
  9. SELF AWARE – Temper City (6)
  10. NO MORE REGRETS – almost monday (11)
  11. BEACHES IN TENNESSEE – Cage the Elephant (12)
  12. LOST BOYS – Phoebe Bridgers (13)
  13. PICKING DRAGONS’ POCKETS – Modest Mouse (9)
  14. FREAKING OUT – Michigander (16)
  15. HOLD ME IN THE DARK – Myles Smith (17)
  16. LOVE ME NOT – Grace Potter (18)
  17. WE MIGHT AS WELL BE STRANGERS – Weezer feat. Wednesday (19)
  18. WE SHOULD TALK – Bleachers (20)
  19. I CAN TAKE THE SUN OUT OF THE SKY – Brigitte Calls Me Baby (21)
  20. STONE OVER WATER – Death Cab for Cutie (22)
  21. EXIT WOUND – Ships Have Sailed (14)
  22. MARATHONS – Sorry Ghost (15)
  23. I FEEL HOPE COMING – Alabama Shakes (26)
  24. EVERGREEN – Young the Giant 28)
  25. EDGE OF THE EARTH – The Beaches (29)
  26. BEHIND THE LINES OF REASON – Hardwicke Circus (30)
  27. LOSER – Tame Impala (N)
  28. IN THE STARS – The Rolling Stones (25)
  29. WINDOW – Foo Fighters (N)
  30. METASTASIZED – Bealby Point (N)

My Top 30 Songs for March 15-21, 2026

Photo of Royel Otis by Jamiesonfilm

Australian duo Royel Otis remain at #1 for a second week with “who’s your boyfriend”, while singer-songwriter Noah Kahan moves into second place with “The Great Divide”, which currently tops both the Billboard Alternative and Adult Alternative charts. Nashville-based alternative indie rock band Edgehill enters the top 10 with “Doubletake”, which is featured on their debut album Ode to the Greyhouse, released last month.

There are four new entries to my chart this week, starting with “LOOK OUT FOR ME” by Baltimore, Maryland-based melodic hardcore band Turnstile. Formed in 2010, they consist of lead vocalist Brendan Yates, guitarists Pat McCrory and Meg Mills, bassist Franz Lyons, and drummer Daniel Fang. Coming in at #26, the song is from their critically acclaimed fourth album Never Enough, which won a Grammy for Best Rock Album on February 1st.

Entering at #28 is “Drag Path”, the latest single by my longtime favorite music act, Columbus, Ohio-based duo Twenty One Pilots, comprised of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tyler Joseph and dummer Josh Dun. Next up is “Starlight” by L.A.-based dream pop band Cannons, made up of vocalist Michelle Joy, lead guitarist Ryan Clapham, and keyboardist/bassist Paul Davis. The song will be included on their forthcoming fifth album Everything Glows, to be released March 27th. These two, along with Two Feet and Young the Giant, are four acts with songs on this chart who I’ve seen live in concert.

Last, but certainly not least, is “Burn For You RMX” by Between Daze, another act from Baltimore, Maryland who debut at #30. A songwriting/recording project comprised of Johnny Burkhead (vocals), Scott Rodenberg (guitar) and Ken Kundratic (guitar), along with Mike Coyne (bass) and Kevin Walsh (drums), they’ve been making alternative pop/rock and roll music together for over 20 years but really began hitting their stride in 2021 with the release of their single “Burn For You”. They’ve now revisited the track with a terrific newly mastered version by Wye Wye Productions. With a sound somewhat reminiscent of 80s U2 and The Cure, the band states the song is “a poignant exploration of true love and how far one is willing to go to have it.”

  1. WHO’S YOUR BOYFRIEND – Royel Otis (1)
  2. THE GREAT DIVIDE – Noah Kahan (3)
  3. ZOMBIE – YUNGBLUD (2)
  4. HULA GIRL – The Neighbourhood (6)
  5. TO SPACE – Kings of Leon (7)
  6. LOST YOUR GHOST – Two Feet (8)
  7. HUMAN – Brandi Carlile (4)
  8. 12 TO 12 – sombr (5) 21st week on chart
  9. I’VE GOT A BROKEN HEART – The Lemon Twigs (9)
  10. DOUBLETAKE – Edgehill (12)
  11. RUBBER BAND MAN – Mumford & Sons w/Hozier (11)
  12. THE WRECKAGE – Silversun Pickups (15)
  13. LOST – almost monday (14)
  14. WAITING FOR ME – Talk in Waves (16)
  15. COBRA – Geese (17)
  16. SWEET LOVE – Stephen Sanchez (18)
  17. SLUMBER PARTY – Brigitte Calls Me Baby (19)
  18. INFINITE SOURCE – Deftones (10)
  19. HEATHER – Secret Postal Society (21)
  20. THE OLD LAW – Father John Misty (22)
  21. BEDROOM POSTERS – Yellowcard feat. Good Charlotte (27)
  22. I REMEMBER WHEN – MISSIO (28)
  23. ALL MY FRIENDS ARE SO DEPRESSED – Joyce Manor (13)
  24. PARACHUTE – Hayley Williams (26)
  25. DIFFERENT KIND OF LOVE – Young the Giant (30)
  26. LOOK OUT FOR ME – Turnstile (N)
  27. DRACULA – Tame Impala (20) 21st week on chart
  28. DRAG PATH – Twenty One Pilots (N)
  29. STARLIGHT – Cannons (N)
  30. BURN FOR YOU RMX – Between Daze (N)

My Top 30 Songs for March 8-14, 2026

Photo of Royel Otis by Jamiesonfilm

With the US of A now embroiled in a war with Iran, needlessly started by our self-described “Peace President” (aka authoritarian dictator, pedophile, grifter and lunatic mob boss Donald Trump), it almost seems pointless to write about music. Nevertheless, for those few who might give a shit, I’m sharing my latest favorite songs list.

Australian duo Royel Otis takes over the top spot with their infectious pop gem “who’s your boyfriend”. With lyrics describing an on again, off again love triangle – “Who’s your boyfriend now? ‘Cause you’re sleepin’ with him, but it’s me you’re thinkin’ about” – an old guy like me probably shouldn’t but fuck, I love it! The song is from their second album hickey, released last August. I’ve become a big fan of this talented young duo, and “who’s your boyfriend” is their third song to top my chart, after “Murder on the Dancefloor” (which ranks #4 on my 100 Best Songs of 2024 list) and “moody” (which ranks #4 on my 100 Best Songs of 2025 list).

In other chart news of note, “Rubber Band Man” by English folk rock band Mumford & Sons, with added vocals by Irish singer-songwriter Hozier, reverses course and moves up six spots to #11. It peaked at #7 in late January, but after seeing them on last weekend’s Saturday Night Live show, I realize how much I still like this song.

The lone new entry this week is “Different Kind Of Love”, by L.A.-based alternative pop rock band Young the Giant. Released February 6th, it’s their first new music since 2023 and the lead single from their forthcoming sixth album Victory Garden, planned for release on May 1st. It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly seven years since I saw them in concert in 2019.

  1. WHO’S YOUR BOYFRIEND – Royel Otis (2)
  2. ZOMBIE – YUNGBLUD (1)
  3. THE GREAT DIVIDE – Noah Kahan (4)
  4. HUMAN – Brandi Carlile (5)
  5. 12 TO 12 – sombr (3) 20th week on chart
  6. HULA GIRL – The Neighbourhood (8)
  7. TO SPACE – Kings of Leon (9)
  8. LOST YOUR GHOST – Two Feet (10)
  9. I’VE GOT A BROKEN HEART – The Lemon Twigs (7)
  10. INFINITE SOURCE – Deftones (6)
  11. RUBBER BAND MAN – Mumford & Sons w/Hozier (17)
  12. DOUBLETAKE – Edgehill (15)
  13. ALL MY FRIENDS ARE SO DEPRESSED – Joyce Manor (14)
  14. LOST – almost monday (18)
  15. THE WRECKAGE – Silversun Pickups (19)
  16. WAITING FOR ME – Talk in Waves (21)
  17. COBRA – Geese (22)
  18. SWEET LOVE – Stephen Sanchez (23)
  19. SLUMBER PARTY – Brigitte Calls Me Baby (24)
  20. DRACULA – Tame Impala (16) 20th week on chart
  21. HEATHER – Secret Postal Society (25)
  22. THE OLD LAW – Father John Misty (26)
  23. THE FEAR – Future Theory (11) 20th week on chart
  24. GET THE MESSAGE – The Paradox (12)
  25. WHITE HORSES – Wolf Alice (13)
  26. PARACHUTE – Hayley Williams (28)
  27. BEDROOM POSTERS – Yellowcard feat. Good Charlotte (29)
  28. I REMEMBER WHEN – MISSIO (30)
  29. HOLY ROLLER – The Format (20)
  30. DIFFERENT KIND OF LOVE – Young the Giant (N)

My Top 30 Songs for March 1-7, 2026

Hard to believe we’re already into March, as time seems to fly by at an ever-faster speed. YUNGBLUD remains on top for a second week with “Zombie”, while Royel Otis moves into second place with “who’s your boyfriend”. Three songs enter the top 10, beginning with “The Great Divide” by Noah Kahan, leaping seven spots to #4, “To Space” by Kings of Leon, climbing three spots to #9, and “Lost Your Ghost” by Two Feet, moving up four spots to #10.

Entering my chart this week are “Bedroom Posters” by American pop-punk band Yellowcard, along with American rock band Good Charlotte. The song is a new version of the original that’s featured on Yellowcard’s latest album Better Days, released last October. The album’s title track went to #1 last year on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart and peaked at #6 on my chart. The second new entry, coming in at #30, is “I Remember When”, the hard-charging and boisterous new single by Texas-based duo MISSIO, who’ve been one of my favorite acts since 2017. I’ve written about them numerous times on this blog, and several of their songs have topped my charts.

  1. ZOMBIE – YUNGBLUD (1)
  2. WHO’S YOUR BOYFRIEND – Royel Otis (3)
  3. 12 TO 12 – sombr (2)
  4. THE GREAT DIVIDE – Noah Kahan (11)
  5. HUMAN – Brandi Carlile (5)
  6. INFINITE SOURCE – Deftones (4)
  7. I’VE GOT A BROKEN HEART – The Lemon Twigs (9)
  8. HULA GIRL – The Neighbourhood (10)
  9. TO SPACE – Kings of Leon (12)
  10. LOST YOUR GHOST – Two Feet (14)
  11. THE FEAR – Future Theory (6)
  12. GET THE MESSAGE – The Paradox (7)
  13. WHITE HORSES – Wolf Alice (8)
  14. ALL MY FRIENDS ARE SO DEPRESSED – Joyce Manor (15)
  15. DOUBLETAKE – Edgehill (16)
  16. DRACULA – Tame Impala (13)
  17. RUBBER BAND MAN – Mumford & Sons w/Hozier (17)
  18. LOST – almost monday (19)
  19. THE WRECKAGE – Silversun Pickups (20)
  20. HOLY ROLLER – The Format (18)
  21. WAITING FOR ME – Talk in Waves (22)
  22. COBRA – Geese (24)
  23. SWEET LOVE – Stephen Sanchez (25)
  24. SLUMBER PARTY – Brigitte Calls Me Baby (26)
  25. HEATHER – Secret Postal Society (27)
  26. THE OLD LAW – Father John Misty (28)
  27. WORLD APART – Bike Routes (23)
  28. PARACHUTE – Hayley Williams (30)
  29. BEDROOM POSTERS – Yellowcard feat. Good Charlotte (N)
  30. I REMEMBER WHEN – MISSIO (N)

My Top 30 Songs for February 22-28, 2026

Photo of YUNGBLUD taken from a 2025 article in Rock Sound

The beautiful anthem “Zombie” by English singer-songwriter, musician and actor YUNGBLUD takes over the top spot on my chart this week after sombr’s five-week run with “12 to 12”. He calls the song a “love letter to nurses”, and it covers me with goosebumps every time I hear it. From his fourth studio album Idols, released in June 2025, “Zombie” is the first of his singles to reach #1 on my chart, as well as the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart. Both song and album were nominated for Grammys. His 2022 single “Funeral” reached #3 on my chart and ranks #40 on my 100 Best Songs of 2022 list.

Born Dominic Richard Harrison, the charismatic YUNGBLUD’s music has been described as alternative rock, featuring elements of pop-punk, pop rock and hip-hop. He’s cited a wide range of musical influences, including such artists as Arctic Monkeys, The Beatles, The Cure, Nirvana, Avril Lavigne, the Clash, Soundgarden, My Chemical Romance, Marilyn Manson, Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, Elton John, Chrissie Hynde, Siouxsie Sioux of Siouxsie and the Banshees, Lady Gaga, Lorde, Post Malone, Kanye West, Eminem, and Katy Perry. He also had a close friendship with Ozzy Osbourne, who he considered a mentor. (Wikipedia)

Earlier this month, YUNGBLUD won the Grammy for Best Rock Performance for his cover of the Black Sabbath song “Changes”, featuring Frank Bello on bass, Nuno Bettencourt on guitar, Sleep Token II on drums, and Adam Wakeman on keyboards. Recorded at the Back to the Beginning benefit concert by Black Sabbath, along with a number of supporting artists, on July 5, 2025, the song was released as a charity single later that month.

In other chart news of note, “who’s your boyfriend” by Australian duo Royel Otis advances three spots to #3, while Deftones‘ “infinite source” moves up a spot to #4 and Brandi Carlile‘s inspirational “Human” moves up three spots to #5. L.A.-based alternative pop-rock band The Neighbourhood enter the top 10 with their lovely “Hula Girl”. Vermont folk rock artist Noah Kahan has the biggest upward mover this week with “The Great Divide”, which leaps 15 spots to #11, while “Lost Your Ghost” by Brooklyn, New York artist Two Feet jumps seven spots to #14.

The lone new entry this week is “Parachute” by singer-songwriter Haley Williams, who’s also a member of and lead vocalist for Nashville-based rock band Paramore. The song is from her third solo album Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, released last August.

  1. ZOMBIE – YUNGBLUD (2)
  2. 12 TO 12 – sombr (1)
  3. WHO’S YOUR BOYFRIEND – Royel Otis (6)
  4. INFINITE SOURCE – Deftones (5)
  5. HUMAN – Brandi Carlile (8)
  6. THE FEAR – Future Theory (3)
  7. GET THE MESSAGE – The Paradox (4)
  8. WHITE HORSES – Wolf Alice (7)
  9. I’VE GOT A BROKEN HEART – The Lemon Twigs (10)
  10. HULA GIRL – The Neighbourhood (11)
  11. THE GREAT DIVIDE – Noah Kahan (26)
  12. TO SPACE – Kings of Leon (12)
  13. DRACULA – Tame Impala (9)
  14. LOST YOUR GHOST – Two Feet (21)
  15. ALL MY FRIENDS ARE SO DEPRESSED – Joyce Manor (16)
  16. DOUBLETAKE – Edgehill (17)
  17. RUBBER BAND MAN – Mumford & Sons w/Hozier (14)
  18. HOLY ROLLER – The Format (18)
  19. LOST – almost monday (19)
  20. THE WRECKAGE – Silversun Pickups (20)
  21. TANANA – Portugal. The Man (13)
  22. WAITING FOR ME – Talk in Waves (24)
  23. WORLD APART – Bike Routes (23)
  24. COBRA – Geese (25)
  25. SWEET LOVE – Stephen Sanchez (27)
  26. SLUMBER PARTY – Brigitte Calls Me Baby (28)
  27. HEATHER – Secret Postal Society (29)
  28. THE OLD LAW – Father John Misty (30)
  29. ASKING FOR A FRIEND – Foo Fighters (15)
  30. PARACHUTE – Hayley Williams (N)

My Top 30 Songs for February 15-21, 2026

Given America’s ongoing descent into an authoritarian dictatorship led by a cruel and corrupt narcissistic lunatic and pedophile who operates like a literal mob boss, I haven’t been in the frame of mind to write about music since the start of the year. I’m still feeling pretty disheartened and anxious about what new horrors Combover Caligula and his odious administration will unleash upon us in the coming weeks and months, but wanted to write a post of my current favorite songs mainly because a few of my favorite indie music acts have songs on this week’s chart, and this is my way of letting them know.

First off, the amazing singer-songwriter sombr holds the top spot for a fifth week with his exuberant pop gem “12 to 12”. The talented 20-year-old was nominated for a Best New Artist Grammy, and his song “back to friends” was my favorite song last year. Moving into second place is “Zombie” by English singer-songwriter, musician and actor YUNGBLUD (born Dominic Richard Harrison). The biggest upward mover is “Lost Your Ghost” by New York City-based singer-songwriter and musician Two Feet (aka Bill Dess), jumping nine spots to #21.

The aforementioned favorite indie acts with songs on this chart are English psychedelic rock band Future Theory, who’s fantastic track “The Fear” spends its fifth week in the top 3 (peaking at #2 last week), Virginia singer-songwriter and musician Talk in Waves (aka Jake Mimikos), who’s “Waiting for Me” sits at #24, and Welsh singer-songwriter and musician Secret Postal Society (aka Craig Mapstone), who’s song “Heather” debuts at #29.

Other new debuts include “The Great Divide” by singer-songwriter Noah Kahan, at #26, “SWEET LOVE” by young Nashville-based singer-songwriter Stephen Sanchez, at #27, “Slumber Party” by Chicago-based alternative rock band Brigitte Calls Me Baby, at #28, and “The Old Law” by American singer-songwriter, musician and producer Father John Misty (aka Joshua Michael Tillman), at #30. (It seems nearly every artist has a musical alter-ego.)

  1. 12 TO 12 – sombr (1) 5th week at #1
  2. ZOMBIE – YUNGBLUD (5)
  3. THE FEAR – Future Theory (2)
  4. GET THE MESSAGE – The Paradox (3)
  5. INFINITE SOURCE – Deftones (6)
  6. WHO’S YOUR BOYFRIEND – Royel Otis (9)
  7. WHITE HORSES – Wolf Alice (7)
  8. HUMAN – Brandi Carlile (8)
  9. DRACULA – Tame Impala (4) Spent 3 weeks at #1
  10. I’VE GOT A BROKEN HEART – The Lemon Twigs (10)
  11. HULA GIRL – The Neighbourhood (13)
  12. TO SPACE – Kings of Leon (15)
  13. TANANA – Portugal. The Man (11)
  14. RUBBER BAND MAN – Mumford & Sons w/Hozier (12)
  15. ASKING FOR A FRIEND – Foo Fighters (14)
  16. ALL MY FRIENDS ARE SO DEPRESSED – Joyce Manor (17)
  17. DOUBLETAKE – Edgehill (19)
  18. HOLY ROLLER – The Format (20)
  19. LOST – almost monday (21)
  20. THE WRECKAGE – Silversun Pickups (22)
  21. LOST YOUR GHOST – Two Feet (30)
  22. STAY IN YOUR LANE – Courtney Barnett (16)
  23. WORLD APART – Bike Routes (27)
  24. WAITING FOR ME – Talk in Waves (28)
  25. COBRA – Geese (29)
  26. THE GREAT DIVIDE – Noah Kahan (N)
  27. SWEET LOVE – Stephen Sanchez (N)
  28. SLUMBER PARTY – Brigitte Calls Me Baby (N)
  29. HEATHER – Secret Postal Society (N)
  30. THE OLD LAW – Father John Misty (N)