Hello Monday! Was it weird that Easter was technically ‘early’ this year, or is that just me? Hope all of you who celebrate Easter had a fabulous one! I did Easter baskets for everyone like I’ve done every year – but to be honest, it’s not quite as fun as it was when the kids were way younger. Now they know I’m the Easter Bunny, so it’s not quite as magical. But still keeping the tradition alive, so there’s that! 😉
Since it is Monday, you know that Monday means music! This week is a freebie week, so feel free to grab your favorite tune(s) and come dance with us, won’t you?
Let’s start with this American a capella group, best known for their covers of well-known songs, who recently released their new album with this song as one of the singles which immediately makes us feel the spring fever.
The group knows how to make us happy again with friendly lyrics, cheerful melodies and the cheerful attitude that we are used to from the ensemble. Rather surprising is that this song reminds us of a real dance number – how the group achieves this on the basis of voice alone is a true mystery, but also a reaffirmation of the collective talent and the complementarity of the artists.
Get ready to dance, here’s Pentatonix with “Coffee In Bed”:
Next up is a song written by this artist while locked down during the COVID-19 pandemic. During its title track, he reflects on his fear of isolation and feeling disconnected from the world.
And I’m talking to you / But it never feels like it comes through / Out on my own, I’m a spaceman
The artist is mourning how communication during the Coronavirus era is done through a screen instead of human interaction. He compares his feelings of being separated in body from his fellow humans to an astronaut thousands of miles away in space.
The uptempo ballad is also an homage to his Bollywood actress wife, Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Because of professional commitments and the COVID travel restrictions, the couple could not be together during much of 2020, and the singer is lamenting their separation. He has said that most of the songs on the album are love letters to his wife:
“When I can’t articulate the way I feel with my words with no music, I go to the studio. And I’m grateful to have that because it makes her happy, and that’s most important.”
He started writing this particular song in July 2020 when his wife was in Germany working on the fourth Matrix movie. He said:
“I was like, ‘You know, I feel very disconnected from the world, first of all, and, now, my person. And I just dug in writing it.”
That writing session inspired a complete album.
“Within a couple of days, I was like, ‘Oh, this is a solo album’. Then a few days later, I was like, ‘This is a, kind of like, themed album!'”
The otherworldly video follows him as he struggles with isolation on another planet. He navigates the new world while yearning to return home and be reunited with his wife, who makes an appearance in hologram form.
Give a listen to Nick Jonas with “Spaceman”:
Next up is this artist’s first new single since her 2018 breakout album, and conveys a deep message of hope and comfort. She’d previously performed the song on tour, before releasing it on February 26, 2021. She sings of the assurance that God will never let us go, even when we let go of Him in dark times.
Hold on to me when it’s too dark to see You / When I am sure I have reached the end / Hold on to me when I forget I need You / When I let go, hold me again
What she loves most about this song is its relevance for anyone feeling vulnerable, insecure, or uncertain.
“There are times we may need a reminder of who we are and that we are worthy of having joy in our lives. In moments where the future may look uncertain and unknown, this is a song of hope that any person can cling to.”
The heartfelt lyrics deliver a message that there’s still good in the world.
“No matter the circumstance you are walking through, there is someone in your life there to help you get through it. There’s something powerful about having people in your life that see who you are through the worst of circumstances and still choose you. ‘[This song]’ is about all of us coming together and remembering that being with each other and being there for each other is what life is truly all about.”
The song was penned during her 2019 tour, birthing the tune on a tour bus in Phoenix and polishing it later during a live performance in Wichita, Kansas. Though written before the pandemic, the song’s message was timely for the COVID-era.
“We wrote it for such a different time period and then 2020 hit and it’s like, ‘Whoa! Those lyrics just came to life in such a different way.”
The music video itself is meaningful:
“Each room within this video is actually connected to different charities and causes that I’m so excited to be raising funds with over the next several months. All proceeds from this ongoing fundraiser will be divided evenly among the organizations to aid in their incredible work.”
Get ready for some goosebumps, here’s Lauren Daigle with “Hold On To Me”:
Last, but certainly not least, is something just for fun. Someone put together outtakes/bloopers/behind-the-scenes antics of Benedict Cumberbatch and put it together with Uptown Funk, and it’s brilliant! I know you’ll be as entertained as I was.
Get ready for some giggles and dancing, here’s Benedict Cumberbatch with Mark Ronson / Bruno Mars “Uptown Funk”:
That’s a wrap for this week – have a great Monday! I’ll see you on the dance floor, still keeping that social distancing – hope you all are continuing to stay safe and healthy.
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, 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!
Loving Pentatonix this morning
Best “Uptown Funk” I have ever seen and probably the best video I will see today. Thanks for sharing this gem.
Such a great playlist and I am really getting into Lauren Daigle and her music.
Stacy,
All of your song choices are new to me, except your pick Lauren Daigle pick. I’m not a huge Nick Jonas fan but I like him. He’s a lot of fun on The Voice. It’s great to boogie with you, my friend. Have an awesome week!
I love Pentatonix and the Uptown Funk redo…love it! *waves*
Yes, the last video was fun,and a little weird, but the one I really liked was Spaceman. I think so many of us felt that way, either from time to time or all the time – counting the days off like prisoners, and missing loved ones.