Well people, this is it – the final Monday of February! Spring is literally right around the corner, so for those of you already tired of the cold winter months, hope is nigh! Meanwhile, since it is Monday, you know that Monday means music! This week is a freebie week, so grab your favorite tune(s) and come dance with us, will you?
Let’s start with this Kiwi singer-songwriter who has all the makings of a great performer. With a background in acting, dancing, and modeling, it was only natural the triple threat added yet another weapon to her arsenal – evolving a lifelong passion for music into her own unique brand of quirky electro-pop.
With millions of streams and numerous achievements now under her belt, the pop powerhouse is taking the scene by storm. Having spent the past few years racking up performance experience, she is now a firm fixture on the New Zealand festival circuit.
Reminiscent of industry heavyweights Miley Cyrus and Dua Lipa, this artist’s polished pop sound layers infectious electronica with a healthy dose of sass, producing radio-ready pop anthems sure to shake the crowd. She has not only cemented her status as New Zealand’s resident pop princess but established herself as an international force to be reckoned with.
I give you this new (to me) artist, PRINS with “Something New”:
Next up, I mentioned this favorite artist really needed to release a new song, and guess what?! He did! On the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he shared this new song which features a conversation between the country star and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The song isn’t explicitly about Ukraine or the ongoing war, but rather finds the artist meditating on the similarities that link people around the world, despite ostensible cultural differences. Zelensky pops up in the final minute of the song, saying:
“We speak different languages in our life, but I think we appreciate the same things — children, freedom, our flag, our soldiers, our people… There is no distance between our two countries in such values.”
The artist was quoted as saying:
“There’s just no differences. You can put us in different places with different flags and different languages, but we have so many similarities.”
The artist also noted Zelensky’s history as an actor and comedian, and said the president offered a few suggestions for the song:
“I think he understands that art is how you reach the most people, especially in the heart. He can give as many speeches as he can give, but it’s a lot easier to hear something with a melody maybe.”
The country star will donate his portion of the royalties from the song to United24, a crowdfunding effort that will help build housing for displaced Ukrainians whose homes have been destroyed.
Get ready for greatness, here’s Brad Paisley featuring President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with “Same Here”:
Next up, these two artists have reunited for yet another fabulous duet. The plaintive song finds both singers imploring their significant others to put down their pride and apologize.
Just say, ‘I’m sorry’ / It’s not the hardest thing to do / Just say you’re wrong sometimes / And I’ll believe you ’cause I love you / Just say, ‘I’m sorry
Everybody wants to be / The one who’s right / Everybody wants the last word / To end the fight / Every day is a new day / With a chance to choose / Sometimes the way you win is to say you lose
This song is one of the songs on the female artists freshly released newest album (Feb. 17th – I have it, and I love it!). The artist announced the release on Instagram:
“I can’t believe this day is finally here!! I have been waiting almost patiently to share my heart and soul with all of you. This album means so much to me it’s silly sauce. I hope this becomes the ‘I remember where I was when I listened to that album’ for you.”
Without further ado, here’s P!nk featuring Chris Stapleton with “Just Say I’m Sorry”:
Last, but certainly not least, this artist feels like dancing, and he’s got a new song to prove it! This two-time Grammy winner and singer-songwriter dropped the music video for this infectious and rousingly upbeat new single off his upcoming eighth studio album, which will be released in June.
In the one-shot clip the 45-year old artist makes his way around a variety of rooms at the Via Verde Country Club in San Dimas, California, stopping to dance with patrons and workers. The action culminates at a wedding reception, where he shows off his moves before leading guests into an epic group dance routine.
Throughout the epic dancing journey, the artist encounters a few familiar faces like TikTok video creator Gianna Marie, “The Dancing Weatherman” Nick Kosir and LGBTQ activist Josh Helfgott.
The new record is unabashedly pop, a move away from the guitar-based reggae explored in his previous albums. It was an idea that emerged at the request of his mom, as a matter of fact. He said:
“I played her some acoustic demos and she was like, ‘Yeah, these are great but y’all need to make a pop album. She said, ‘Because you’re not getting any younger, and you better do it before it’s too late.’ So anytime we found ourselves needing to pick up the tempo, we’d say, ‘Do it for Mama June.’
It became bigger than five musicians who usually sit around a campfire playing acoustic songs. This album reflects a concerted effort to push ourselves and push the process with our hearts fully open.
Songs appear out of a real necessity, and this song appeared as I struggled with identity and self-worth in my mid-40s. And I have to truly dance like no one’s watching.”
Get ready to dance, here’s Jason Mraz with “I Feel Like Dancing”:
That’s a wrap for this week – have a great Monday! See you on the dance floor!
Now onto 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!
Lots of energy here! Sure to get rid of the Monday doldrums. 🙂 Kudos to Brad Paisley for helping Ukrainians. Brilliant initiative!
Great playlist this morning, but the two songs in the middle are the highlight for me. I Think Chris Stapleton can make any song a hit and a duet with Pink is a prime example.
Stacy,
Spring is right around the corner. Friday afternoon I had an appointment. This is the first time we both had been away from the house in about a month. My eyes popped to see the early blooms making an otherwise gray day cheery.
Jason Mraz’s song is fun. Now, I Feel Like Dancing! 🙂 Have a boogietastic week, darlin’!!
Stacy,
Spring is right around the corner. Friday afternoon I had an appointment. This is the first time we both had been away from the house in about a month. My eyes popped to see the early blooms making an otherwise gray day cheery.
Jason Mraz’s song is fun. Now, I Feel Like Dancing! 🙂 Have a boogietastic week, darlin’!!
Brad Paisley has a point. Were it up to the people of a country, there wouldn’t be war, because they don’t want to get killed, and they don’t know the people in the other country, and they’d probably get along fine if they did. It’s the politicians that want war. Anyway, great choices, and that PRINS sure is pretty and has a great voice….
Now I want to Dance even if it was repetitive:). I enjoyed listening to Pink and pretty cool to have Pres. Z on the song.
Very nice playlist
Well, guess whose back in town! YEP, it’s me your favorite pain in the butt! hahahaha How are you my friend? I surely hope you and your beautiful family is well. I’m doin’ okay now… well, much better than before. I’ve had my back sorta fixed, but we still have one more operation to do, but I’m gonna wait for that one until I heal up some, but I’m doing okay for now. I sure did miss all the girls and everyone that plays along, How are you and the family doin? Fine I hope! You still know how to rock the house girlfriend! HAPPY TO TALK TO YA AGAIN! See ya next week! HUGS
A great playlist. Very nice.