Returning To Myself—Why Not Now, Why Not Me like a Butterfly on Camera!

Hello, my favorite Monday peeps! 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 new song from this favorite OG artist who announced her eighth studio album and first solo release in four years, set for release on October 24th. She said:

“I’m not my favorite person to spend my time with. Returning to myself is not just a lonely, but a painfully boring thing to do. So much so that I’m actually not at all interested in doing it.

I prefer to double, triple, and quadruple down on co-dependency, which I’ve come to learn that outside of 12-Step programs and junior high school relationships, isn’t really that unhealthy at all…”

Give a listen to the inimitable Brandi Carlile with “Returning To Myself”:

Next up is a brand new song by this favorite group from their 12th studio project, which dropped last month (August 8th). They said:

“One of the struggles within today’s church is the lack of awe. Having access to virtually everything within the palm of our hands, where’s the joy in being surprised? Those moments that take our breath away.

This album reflects where I am right now…longing for wonder and awe—actively seeking the wonder of God and learning not to take it for granted. We’re so excited to finally share it, and we hope it brings even a fraction of the joy and excitement it’s brought us.”

Give a listen to MercyMe with “Why Not Now, Why Not Me”:

Next up is an amazing duet by this favorite country artist and the queen of country herself, who never shows up halfway. In this song, she swoops in to deliver a song that feels more like a lifeline than a duet.

For the male country artist, the song started out as a letter to his kids, a way of telling them that the world is rough, but they’re tougher. He admitted recording with the country queen was surreal, saying it was like a “pinch myself moment.” When he heard her vocals come back on the track, he said the chill bumps went all the way down to his toes.

Get ready for some goosebumps, here’s Zac Brown and Dolly Parton with “Butterfly”:

Last but certainly not least is a brand new song from this favorite artist, from his recently released eighth album. His last two records, were subdued and introspective, and apparently were commercial misfires. I know! I’m as suprised as you are!

Those records dealt with weighty topics, though – the death of his friend Jamal Edwards, and his wife Cherry’s diagnosis and recovery from cancer. The songs were cathartic, not designed for chart domination – but for the first time in a long time, the artist was left with something to prove.

He gets straight into it on his new record, with this opening track encumbered with the blindingly literal title.

When your career’s in a risky place / Everything seems like a big mistake / I’m still looking for [something] to say / Deluding myself that they still relate

It’s a stark admission from one of the most successful artists of his generation. And it raises a genuine question: What does this artist sing about when audiences seem to have rejected his most personal songs?

Without further ado, here’s the amazing Ed Sheeran with “Opening”:

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!