The Monday after a long weekend always seems to be the one it’s hardest to awaken to the annoying alarm, am I right? I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving – I cooked all day that day, and everything turned out absolutely delicious, if I do say so myself! Plus the proof was in the pudding when Little Dude inhaled his piled high plate so fast, his plate was still warm when he finished…heh!

Meanwhile, it’s Monday, and Monday means music! For the month of November, I get to be in the Honorary Conductor and Spotlight Dancer seat – this week is easy since it’s a freebie week – grab your favorite tune(s) and dance along with us, won’t you?

Let’s start with a brand new single from this artist, whose new album just came out nine years after her second album. For this multi-talented singer / actress / writer / producer, High School Musical feels like “a past life.” After all, it has been 10 years since High School Musical 3: Senior Year hit theaters — and 12 since High School Musical first taught us that we’re all in this together (even Sharpay Evans). So much time has passed, in fact, that Disney is currently gearing up to launch an HSM spinoff, the very meta High School Musical: The Musical.

But while Disney is preparing to revisit the past, this artist is focused firmly on her future — which now includes a brand-new album coming out in 2019, that’s a reflection of what’s she’s been through and where she’s headed next. The artist was quoted as saying:

“[High School Musical] is so long ago for me. I’ve grown so much and I’ve matured so much. It’s almost like a past life.”

She’s also refocused on new music for the first time in nearly a decade (not including her YouTube channel, which has become a home for a segment called “Music Sessions,” that features people like Vanessa Hudgens and Debby Ryan joining her for covers). In early November, she dropped this first new single, an energetic, reflective pop hit that ruminates on interior insecurities.

Give a listen to the multi-talented Ashley Tisdale with “Voices in My Head”:

Next up, this duo joined forces to release this dazzling music video in celebration of The Greatest Showman — Reimagined album, which just released on November 16th.

The album features new versions of songs from The Greatest Showman’s chart-topping original soundtrack that debuted a year ago today, just before the film’s December release. Artists like Ty Dolla $ign, Kesha, Zac Brown Band and more contributed their voices to The Greatest Showman — Reimagined soundtrack, breathing new life into the beloved songs from the film.

The series of releases concluded with this rework of the romantic ballad originally sung in the film by Zendaya and Zac Efron.

The two Brits put their own spin on the gorgeous original while staying true to its sentiment, simply adding a bit of their own je ne sais quoi to the production and vocal arrangements. Both artists sound incredible on the track – almost as though it was written for them in the first place – and capture the song’s emotion just perfectly with their performances.

Prepare to be amazed by Anne-Marie and James Arthur with “Rewrite The Stars”:

Next up is a song I’ve shared before, but this version is from this amazing artist’s performance at the recent CMA’s.

This song is her apparent commentary on the sense of divisiveness consuming the United States.

Politics and prejudice, how the hell’d it ever come to this / when everybody’s gotta pick a side / it don’t matter if you’re wrong or right

The artist was quoted as saying:

“I do think that we as humans are inherently good and we need to remember that. Because we’re different, that doesn’t make somebody else bad, it just makes us different. We wanted that song to be hopeful and to maybe make somebody stop and think about that.”

Here’s the gorgeous, talented, and very pregnant Carrie Underwood with “Love Wins”:

Last, but certainly not least, is another song from The Greatest Showman: Reimagined. This amazing artist lent her powerful voice to the upcoming cover album that showcases the music of the 2017 blockbuster musical starring Hugh Jackman.

The singer tweeted that she was “so happy” to be part of the project, which was released in full on November 16. The complete recording features fresh takes on the popular movie soundtrack from other singers and groups like P!nk, Zac Brown Band, Sara Bareilles, and Panic! At the Disco.

This artist’s contribution to the album is a ballad that was written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul for the film’s fictional operatic singer, Jenny Lind, who is famously known as the “Swedish Nightingale.”

Her emotional cover of the melody is practically indistinguishable from the music she typically produces, but the artist has an unusual connection to the song. The original soundtrack version, as well as Lind’s performance of it in the movie, was actually voiced by Loren Allred. In 2012, Allred competed on NBC’s reality show The Voice – which this artist is currently a coach on.

Give a listen to the inimitable Kelly Clarkson with “Never Enough”:

That’s a wrap for this week – have a great Monday – see you on the dance floor!

Remember – starting next week, the theme for the entire month of December is Christmas! I can’t wait!

Now on to the particulars of Monday’s Music Move’s Me:   PhotobucketI have the supreme honor and privilege of being a co-host with the inimitable Xmas Dolly and our musical cohort, the awesome Cathy from Curious as a CAThy, and while our beloved Callie of JAmerican Spice is taking a break, our friend Michelle from Musings and Merriments with Michelle is helping out with hostess duties! And, for the month of October, our Honorary Conductor and Spotlight Dancer is Michele Truhlik of “Angels Bark“!

Want to join in the fun? It’s easy – just find a tune that rocks your boat, post it and link up – don’t forget to grab Xmas Dolly…er, um, I mean her button…over at her place here. Check out Xmas Dolly’s sidebar for the random themes we sport each week – and you can always ask for a specific theme of music you like, too. Check out the other music lovahs and let’s jam!



7 Comments

  1. Stacy,

    I noticed on FB that you were busy with your Thanksgiving meal prep. It doesn’t surprise me that Little Dude inhaled his food before his plate got cold. First, he’s a growing boy and second judging by your FB photo shares everything looked yummy delicious!

    Your freebie mewsic choices are mostly new-to-me. Kelly’s ‘Never Enough’ cover is beautifully done showcasing her vocals in a very complimentary way. While she is a powerhouse, I prefer when she sings a little more toned down. Thanks for boogieing with me this morning. Have a furtastic week, my friend!

  2. Excellent choices. The Greatest Showman was a wonderful movie and this song is beautifully done. Carrie Underwood is right about one thing, “Love Wins”. It’s a beautiful song. Have a blessed day.

  3. Well, your first tune I never heard nor do I know who she is so thank you for the introduction, your next tune Anne-Marie and James Arthur with “Rewrite The Stars” the girl reminds me of that last year’s winner on the Voice & James didn’t I see him on American Idol? Great tune though. Now as far as Carrie Underwood… now you know she is definitely on the top of my list & what a show woman she has turned out to be. I’m so glad she won too this year. Totally awesome because she so deserves it. As far as still affiliating her with American Idol still I wish people would get over it she has earned the right to say she is a star on her own. Great new tune also! Kelly Clarkson with “Never Enough” she really is phenomenal with her voice range. The Greatest Showman re-imagined was a phenomenal movie also. I seen it and to me it wasn’t long enough, and I wanted more. Great job girlfriend! hugs

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