writing lots of Secret Messages in my Diary, Dear Diary

Hello my favorite Monday peeps! Here we are, another Monday – and Monday means music! This week’s theme is “It’s “Dear Diary Day” according to the National Day calendar. Run with this prompt the way it moves you and have fun!” Alrighty then! Let’s get this diary party started!

Let’s start with a song that works with this theme, from way back in 1983. It was the title (and opening) track of this group’s album. Parts of the music video featuring a radio telescope were filmed at Jodrell Bank in Chshire, England.

The song begins with strange effects and a backmasked voice (saying “welcome to the show”) followed by a burst of morse code, before the song proper begins. The song and album were recorded in response to the backmasking controversy at the time, in which certain groups were claiming that rock artists were including hidden subliminal messages on their songs and albums.

Give a listen to Electric Light Orchestra with “Secret Messages”:

Next, from an American actress, singer and social media personality. She began her career with a YouTube channel. I couldn’t find any background on this song, other than that this artist wrote it and released it on December 25, 2023.

Give a listen to Kylie Cantrall with “Dear Diary”:

Next up is a song by this American singer-songwriter from her second studio album in 2003, released on May 24, 2004, as the album’s third single. It was nominated for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 2005 Grammy Awards. The song peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Its Hani remixes topped the Hot Dance Club Play chart in late 2004.

Without further ado, here’s Alicia Keys with “Diary”:

Last, but certainly not least, this artist is an American actor and singer of Puerto Rican descent. After graduating in musical theater from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, he began performing in stage musicals.

In the song and its accompanying visuals, the artist—who appeared in A Star Is Born opposite Lady Gaga, playing Ally’s best friend Ramon—poignantly reflects on his New York City roots and saying goodbye to his family to pursue his dreams.

I know I said I’d be back in two months, and I’ve been gone ever since / I went across the country to chase the things that I’m needing to grow / So I had to get away from you and everything I’d ever known

Took some s— for granted / Didn’t always have much, but we managed / To all of my family and all of the homies / Who taught me what home is / I want you to know this / It don’t matter where life leads me / If you call and say that you need me / I’ll be comin’ home

Raised by a single mom in the Brooklyn projects, Ramos fostered a love for music from a young age. In 2015, he originated the roles of John Laurens and Phillip Hamilton in Broadway’s Tony-winning smash Hamilton.

A few years ago he released his debut album, this song is the first single from that album.

Without further ado, here’s Anthony Ramos with “Dear Diary”:

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 Moves 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!