The new take on the 1986 Nu Shooz hit gets a fresh spin from the French producer and Canadian pop singer. Plus, new Airplay chart debuts from Preston Pablo, Dean Brody, The Trews and more.
Bob Sinclar & Kiesza are turning back time on the Billboard Canada Airplay charts.
The French producer and the Canadian pop singer’s collaboration “I Can’t Wait!” debuts this week at No. 30 on the Billboard Canada Adult Contemporary (AC) Airplay chart, dated March 21. It’s a modern take on Nu Shooz’s 1986 track of the same name.
Originally released in 1985, the song was remixed by Dutch DJ and producer Peter Slaghuis the following year, bringing the Nu Shooz to new heights. That version peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and nearly three decades later, found a new lease on life, hitting Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Digital Songs chart, peaking at No. 17.
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Sinclair and Kiesza’s version takes the duo’s ‘80s hit and turns it on its head — trading the funky synth-pop sound and memorable bass riff for hyper-electronic production, creating a driving dance beat. The song’s classic stuttering vocal hook is still present, paying homage to its predecessor.
“It's a bridge between eras. The song has that energy that makes you move without thinking. There's that disco rhythm, that analogue warmth, that loop that never lets you go,” Sinclair says.
“Kiesza came along, an extraordinary singer who gave it those ‘80s Madonna vibes. It's nostalgic, but it's not retro. It's alive. I can't wait for people to hear it on the dance floor."
On CHR/Top 40, Preston Pablo is getting vulnerable. His newest song, “Cause I Do,” debuts at No. 31.
Built around a moody, atmospheric production and Pablo’s smooth, expressive vocal delivery, the emotional track sees the Timmins, Ontario pop singer baring it all in the aftermath of a breakup. The track leans into the raw, late-night nostalgia of missing an ex and wondering if they still think about the relationship as deeply as you do.
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Through contemporary R&B textures with direct pop songwriting, Pablo creates a soundscape that perfectly mirrors the feeling of isolation and heartbreak, as he claims he doesn't "need closure," musing on how it "hurts like hell" to hear his ex-partner's name.
“It lives in that space of sadness and insecurity, missing someone, but wondering if they miss you too. There’s something comforting about that thought, knowing you might not be alone in feeling the way you do. It brings a sense of peace,” Pablo shared. “Everything about this song is meant to evoke emotion.”
On AC, Ludovick Bourgeois arrives at No. 28 with “Jamais s'oublier.” There are string of new debuts on Canada Country: Evan Burrison’s “South Side Of Sober” at No. 41, Kyle McKearney’s “Rearview” at No. 48, Sully Burrows’ “Put It On Me” at No. 50 and Dean Brody’s “A Man Without A Woman” rounds out the chart at No. 60.
Over on Mainstream Rock, The Trews are pleading to “Carolina” as they claim spot No. 28, and Royal Tusk are fighting for remembrance, as “ARMISTICE” debuts at No. 33.
At the top of the charts, Bruno Mars maintains his four-chart hot streak as “I Just Might” claims the No. 1 spot on All-Format, AC, CHR/Top 40 and Hot AC. While Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need” was holding down No. 2 on all four charts, Taylor Swift’s “Opalite” climbs 3-2 on Hot AC, potentially threatening Mars’ reign on that chart.
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Max McNown’s “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)” rises to the top spot on Country, knocking Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” to No. 2. On Mainstream Rock, YUNGBLUD’s “Zombie” maintains the No. 1 spot, while sombr’s “12 To 12” reclaims No. 1 on Modern Rock, once again dropping Boy Golden’s “Suffer” to No. 2.
Check out the Billboard Canada Airplay charts here.
