How’s 2018 going so far for you? Already a week in! Just think – in 11-1/2 months, we’ll be commenting how fast this year is going by…mark my words! So this is your chance to pause, and enjoy the moments as they come along. Like music. Today is the perfect day to enjoy music!
You know, because it’s Monday, and Monday means music! This week is a freebie week, so grab a favorite tune and come dance with us, won’t you?
Let’s start off with a song that addresses the way 21st century society perceives women and issues surrounding sexual harassment. The artist described the track as a “soul-gospel spiritual-manta.”
The song was written just a few days after the early October 2017 publication of New York Times’ expose on movie mogul Harvey Weinstein’s history of sexual harassment and abuse. When the artist first heard the demo from the writers, he had no idea the writers had drawn inspiration from the Weinstein sex scandal. Instead, he just thought it was a beautiful, empowering piece of music. He was quoted as saying:
“When I heard the song I knew nothing about its back story, and I don’t think that is needed for the song. The song for me was far more celebratory than anything else, so that’s what really moved me.”
“When I heard the song the day after it was written, it really moved me very strongly. My wife was listening at the same time, and she had the same feeling about the song. I just said I feel very strongly I want to record this song. Luckily, I was in the middle of making my record and we just went in the studio in my house and recorded it.”
The song features backing vocals from artist’s wife, a star in her own right.
Give a listen to Keith Urban with “Female”:
Next up is the first new music from from this duo since their 2011 collaboration with another artist – this song is reintroducing themselves to their longtime fans.
Our love is still the same, still the same, still the same / And here we are / We’ve come so far / Let’s leave it better than how it came / Don’t be afraid to change
It’s nice to see these two back together after a half-decade break. The lead artist sings about still being the same person in a relationship, despite having changed. The lyrics are hazy enough to be taken as both a love song and a message for their fans following the duo’s long hiatus.
Give a listen to the long anticipated return of Sugarland with “Still The Same”:
Next up is a dreamy tune that was penned by this artist and two others. The first verse takes its inspiration from the singer’s relationship with her husband, NHL hockey player Mike Fisher, and the second about their baby boy, Isaiah. She was quoted as saying:
“I never dreamt of my wedding day and the perfect guy. Then I met Mike, and I was like, ‘Wow, so now I know what I was missing.’ And the same with my son. I was never like, ‘I want kids so bad.’ And now that I have Isaiah in my life, I’m like, ‘What did I do before?'”
Without further ado, here’s my favorite country crooner, Carrie Underwood with “What I Never Knew I Always Wanted”:
Last, but certainly not least, is a waltz-time love song this artist wrote for his girlfriend, who is an old school friend. After writing it he had no idea whether or not she really likes the track. I sure like it, does that count?
Here’s the ever talented Ed Sheeran with “Perfect”:
That’s a wrap for this week – have a great Monday, see you on the dance floor!
Now on to the particulars of Monday’s Music Move’s Me: I have the supreme honor and privilege of being a co-host with the inimitable Xmas Dolly and our musical cohort, Callie from JAmericanSpice, and our awesome friend Cathy, from Curious as a Cathy.
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!
Stacy,
I wasn’t what you call a Keith Urban fan until I began to sorta connect with him on American Idol and he really grew on me. He’s a likable fella and he has some mewsic that I’ve come to love. “Female” has some beautiful lyrics and it certainly describes the many titles a woman wears any day of the week, sometimes multiple titles on any given day. Abuse, sexual harassment, or rape is not the fault of the girl ever but in this day it’s really hard to know always because there are incidents where the girl is crying wolf. She wanted it and for whatever reason money or vengeance the man is stuck having to prove his innocence. I say this because I know someone who is in this boat and it breaks my heart because I know it’s nothing more than “I’m out to ruin your life because you ended things.” Trust me when I say there is more to this story but I can’t disclose it. Today’s Carrie Underwood selection might be one of the best I’ve heard by her in years. Very pretty song! Thanks for sharing the dance floor with me, my friend. Have a good week! 😉
I chose the Sugarland song as well, so happy they are singing again. I missed their music.
I picked a different Keith Urban song today. That song “Female” is pretty powerful. Thanks for sharing it. Have a wonderful Monday.
Excellent choices for the New Year. Happy Monday!
Good to know Sugarland is back. I love Ed Sheeran!
Can I just say how wonderfully excited I am that Sugarland is making a return!!!
All of these videos are wonderful, great selection.
Good selections here!
That Ed Sheeran video was so beautiful (and the skiing acrobatics weren’t bad either) that I was crying towards the end. I enjoyed the Keith Urban song, too. A mellow selection.