Sapphire as a Bloodline that’s a Part Of Life—i think we all need a lil Church (nobody’s too lost)!

Hello, my favorite Monday peeps! Today marks the 6th anniversary of my dad’s passing:

And tomorrow marks the 5th anniversary of my best friend for over thirty years, sadly (and suddenly) passing:

We’re not going to dwell on the sadness, though; neither would want us to. Today’s also my Un-Birthday – so I think celebrating is in order, don’t you? 😉 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, won’t you?

Let’s start with a brand new song from this favorite artist, singing about never wanting to stop dancing with a lover whose aura shimmers just like the blue diamond for which the song is named.

The music video was filmed across various locations in India during his tour through the country earlier this year, the visual keeps the English musician in the center of the frame as he walks through bustling streets, explores beaches, visits tourist spots, hangs out with locals, and sings with a team of youth soccer players.

His companion in those sites is Indian artist Arijit Singh, with whom the artist sings in Punjabi, “ਚਮ-ਚਮ ਚਮਕੇ ਸਿਤਾਰੇ ਵਰਗੀ” — which translates to “They sparkle just like stars”. The artist said:

“‘[This song]’ was the first song I finished for Play that made me know where the album was heading. It’s why I finished the recording process in Goa surrounded by some of the best musicians in India.

The final jigsaw piece for me was getting Arijit on the record. Me and him have done a full Punjabi version of the song that will come out in the next few weeks, which has a lot more of him on it. This is the album version of the song, and my favorite song on the album. Hope you guys love it.

Play was an album that was made as a direct response to the darkest period of my life. Coming out of all of that I just wanted to create joy and technicolor, and explore cultures in the countries I was touring. It’s a real rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish, it encapsulates everything that I love about music, and the fun in it, but also where I am in life as a human, a partner, a father.”

Get ready to dance, here’s Ed Sheeran with “Sapphire”:

Next up is a brand new song that’s a collaboration between two amazing artists. The TikTok sensation-turned-pop singer ruminates over the ties that bind:

Take that pain, pass it down like photos on the wall / Momma said, ‘Your dad’s to blame, but that’s his daddy’s fault’ / Oh, there’s no one left to call

From where you came isn’t who you are / Oh, my brother / You don’t have to follow in your bloodline

The week of May 19, the hard-hitting gospel-inflected anthem simultaneously topped both Billboard Global tallies for the first time.

Get ready to be amazed, here’s Alex Warren and Jelly Roll with “Bloodline”:

Next up is a brand new song from this favorite artist – I wasn’t able to find a backstory on it other than it’s a single from his brand new album that just dropped on May 30th. When the song premiered, he wrote on social media:

“I wrote my first kids song, but I realized it was probably actually for adults (including me). ‘Part of Life’ is out now, let me know what you think. New album 5/30.“

Give a listen to Ben Rector with “Part Of Life”:

Last but certainly not least is yet another brand new song from this favorite artist, who asserts the church is more than the four walls of a building. He contends Church (with a capital ‘C’) looks more like the people who care about you than it does wooden pews and dusty hymnals.

Encouraging listeners to be the hands and feet of Jesus, this song reaches out to those who have experienced church hurt or simply those who need a gentle reminder that no mistake ever disqualifies you from God’s grace. He said:

“The line I love in that song is ‘if nobody’s too lost to get found, I could use a lil Church right now.’ I mean, I believe that. That’s the line of the record, to me. Is there more of a Christ message than that? That nobody’s too lost? What you’ve done, who you’ve hurt, how bad you’ve been hurt…nobody’s too lost to be found by the love of Jesus.”

Give a listen to TobyMac with “a lil Church (nobody’s too lost)”:

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!