Well, we made it – the final Monday, the final week of 2020. I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to 2020 exiting stage right. Meanwhile, it’s Monday – and Monday of course means music! 

Our tradition here at Monday’s Music Moves Me is to relegate the entire month of December for the theme of Christmas tunes. But since Christmas has sadly passed, and this week rings in the New Year, I decided this final Monday of December should focus on the New Year.

Whichever your jam is, feel free to grab your favorite Christmas or New Year or ‘whenever’ tune, and come dance with us, won’t you?

Let’s start with this artist’s one last gift to his fans in 2020. His new song looks on the bright side, as the truly crazy year, 2020, comes to a close.

The American Idol season 7 alum performed the new song live on Wednesday (Dec 23) at a socially distanced show at the Maverick Center in West Valley City, Utah. He wrote on social media:

“Thank you Utah! So nice to be back in the old stomping grounds. Couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the year with my final show of 2020! First time singing ‘[This song]’ live. What was your favorite part of last night?!”

The artist, who currently lives in Nashville, grew up in Utah, and he has family members who still live there.

Give a listen to David Archuleta with “What A Wonderful Way To End A Crazy Year”:

Next up, this favorite group honors those who made 2020 a little brighter in this festive new song. 2020 was a year unlike any other, but they are still finding things to be grateful for.

In their heartfelt new video, the five-piece a capella group is seen building snowmen, having a snowball fight, enjoying a family dinner and chatting with loved ones safely and virtually.

“Thank you for your smile / It’s warmer than the fire / Your gentle laughter / Is sweeter than a choir”

Here’s Pentatonix with “Thank You”:

Next up is a tongue in cheek tune from a new (to me) artist that is another display of her authentic and natural storytelling ability paired with her unique sound. It’s a catchy and relatable track that continues to reveal this artist’s irresistible personality. She was quoted as saying:

“'[This song]’ is truthfully me, no filter. I wrote it when I was nineteen with Walker Hayes, someone who has seen me grow since the beginning. This song has always meant a lot to me and I’m so glad I finally get to share it with others.”

Walker said:

“I can’t believe Kylie was in her teens when we wrote this. Even crazier how it has stood the test time. I know this song and the way she and Shane were able to bring it together will most definitely meet people where they are & make them pull over. I did when I heard it the first time.”

The Oklahoma native starting writing songs at the age of 12 and gained national attention from music producers and television executives after releasing her music independently. This early success led the artist to begin making regular trips to Nashville, crafting her voice and polishing her songwriting. When she turned 19, she made the decision to call Music City home. 

The artist was previously selected as one of three artists for the CMA KixStart program where she will receive unique opportunities to participate in events as well as connect with industry professionals. She has been named to several Artists to Watch lists including CMT, SiriusXM On The Horizon, Taste of Country and Pandora.

Give a listen to the adorable Kylie Morgan featuring Walker Hayes with “Cuss A Little”:

Last, but certainly not least, is a song that has become my all time favorite New Year’s tunes since it’s debut in November 2017. The story behind the song as told by the artist:

“We threw a big New Year’s Eve party in London this year, and I was thinking about how everybody talks and thinks about who you kiss at midnight. Like it’s this big romantic idea of like, ‘Who are you gonna kiss at midnight, like ring in the New Year.’ And I think that is very romantic. But I think there’s something even more romantic about who’s gonna deal with you on New Year’s Day. Who’s willing to give you Advil and clean up the house. I think that states more of a permanence. So I was thinking about that, and I wrote this song called ‘New Year’s Day.'”

The artist debuted the song a day before the album’s release, during a special performance shot at her Rhode Island home, that aired during the November 9, 2017 episode of Scandal. The pre-recorded footage shows her singing the ballad in a candle-lit living room and surrounded by fans.

Here’s the inimitable Taylor Swift with “New Year’s Day”:

That’s a wrap for this week – have a great Monday, I hope you and yours also have  Merry Little Christmas – or whatever holiday you celebrate. I’ll see you on the dance floor, keeping that social distancing – hope you all are staying safe and healthy.

Now on to the particulars of Monday’s Music Move’s Me:   Photobucket

I 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 Alana of Ramblin’ with AM!

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!



4 Comments

  1. Stacy,

    Goodbye 2020! This has definitely been a crazy year. I think everyone is hopeful to see what 2021 ushers in. I’m grateful to you, my friend. I pray God’s goodness spills over you and your family, keeping each of you healthy and safe. I’m looking forward to sharing another year with you in Blogosphere and on the dance floor, dearie! Hello 2021!! {hugs}

  2. I kept seeing the name “David Archuleta” all over the place and I had no idea who he was. Thanks for clarifying that.

    The Pentatonix song was a little disappointing: not enough harmony and the piano and cello were too much of a distraction.

    On the other hand, I really enjoyed the Kylie Morgan song. It had a great hook, “what you see is what you get, but what you get ain’t what it seems.”

    Happ New Year, and thanks for letting me play along!

  3. Happy New Year to you! Nice selections; David Archuleta’s song hit a chord with me although I don’t have a fireplace. Wishing a better 2021 for all of us, now that it is here.

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