Monday has arrived with sunshine after a (much needed) rainy weekend. You know 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 a song that has always been one of my favorite Rascal Flatts song, and apparently the same is true for this amazing acapella group – they said:
“We’ve always loved this emotionally charged Rascal Flatts song, so you know we had to put our own twist on it ❤️”
And of course, as usual, they did an amazing job!
Get ready for goosebumps, here’s Home Free with “Bless The Broken Road”:
Next up is the first track on this favorite band’s newest album that was just released a couple of weeks ago. In this song, they sing about the missteps they have had in life and wanting a second chance at life. The song specifically focuses on drug abuse. About the new album, they were quoted as saying:
“We spent the last three years working on this record. Life has been incredibly hard for everyone around the world. We have all felt the loneliness. We’ve all felt the solidarity. We’ve all felt the fear. This album is meant to be a source of happiness.”
About this particular song, the frontman said:
“I really don’t know what I’m trying to share when I’m sharing it. I never sit down and think, ‘What’s my theme? What am I looking to accomplish?’ It’s more, ‘What am I feeling?’ and five years later I go, oh, that’s what that was about. ‘[This song]’ is one of those songs because it’s a vulnerable song and that’s been a hard thing for me. The subject matter is pretty self-evident. I wanted the song to end on a note that felt empowered rather than controlled by substance.”
The lead vocalist opened up about his mental health and drug addiction in late 2020 and he made a commitment to sober up in early 2021. In a series of Tweets, he opened up about his experiences with substance abuse:
“[I] lost my best friend to hard drugs. It isn’t rock n roll. It. Is. Sadness. Don’t indulge that false promise. It doesn’t give u edge. It gives you addiction. It hurts your family.”
“I say this as someone who has used.”
“Using is selfishness.”
No one has a perfect personal track record. Sometimes it is normal to feel as if you need a redo in life. There are no second tries in life. Every decision you make is permanent. So, make sure you live the best version of your life at all times.
Give a listen to Imagine Dragons with “My Life”:
Next up, for years this artist was afraid to reveal his true self to others and instead hid behind a mask. It was only when the COVID pandemic stripped him of the touring troubadour identity he’d cultivated that he could step back and engage in some personal analysis. He said:
“I had the gift of time to re-examine a lot and realized that sometimes in an effort to fit in with culture I am tempted to turn myself down for the fear of not being accepted.”
He wrote this song as a reminder to himself to follow the beat of his own drum. He said:
“I want this song to be for those who have come to that point in their life where they’re just FINALLY enjoying the freedom of self-acceptance.”
Get ready to dance, here’s Andy Grammer with “Damn It Feels Good To Be Me”:
Because this favorite band’s newest album was just released and just about every song on it is so good, you get another tune from them today. Based on the lead singer’s personal description of this song, it would be what some individuals refer to as Chicken Littles. That would be those, for instance, who are only able to perceive the dangers of the world.
Needless to say, in the times we live in such a mentality is pretty prevalent, i.e. individuals who are extremely pessimistic in regards to not only the future, but also the present. And what the artist has proclaimed in that regard is that he does not want his children growing up under the influence of such individuals. He wants them to possess a more optimistic outlook in terms of what being alive has to offer. He was quoted as saying:
“The theme of the record was facing the finality of life, and it’s scary to think about it. And it’s why we don’t spend every day talking about death because it’s a scary, open-ended conversation.
I wanted [this song] to be a celebration of life and knowing that one day, it’s going to be OK.
Even if that’s not true, that is the perspective that I have to keep in mind because I have kids who will go into the world and I want it to be a fantastic place for my four kids and I want them to know there is always tomorrow to rid yourself of toxic people.”
Once again, here’s Imagine Dragons with “No Time For Toxic People”:
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, 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!
Stacy,
How are you, girlfriend? When is your Lasik surgery set? I know you’re excited about that and I hope it goes well. “Bless the Broken Road” is one of my favorite Rascal Flatts songs. Home Free does it justice. I like their harmonies. Your song mix is a nice touch of contemporary country straight to pop music picks. thanks for sharing on the dance floor, my friend. Stay safe and well. Sending hugs and prayers your way!
I love that Rascal Flats song
I have to admit, I love great harmony and Home Free has it all. Great playlist but Home Free takes home the gold. Well played.
Very enjoyable set. I enjoy a Capella music, and Home Free did a wonderful job (although I’m not familiar with the Rascal Flatts original). Andy Grammar’s contribution was such a well done COVID time video (animation). If only none of us listened to the hate parade! I liked both Imagine Dragons songs but No Time for Toxic People had the edge. It started out sounding like a 60’s song to me, then totally switched to a modern vibe. It’s catchy. Thank you for the dance.
Nice harmony on the first song!
Great songs and I just made it. It has been a crazy week. Thanks for hosting this party.