Music Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Lauren Stoolfire at Always Me that asks you to share one or two songs that you've recently enjoyed. For the rules, visit the page HERE
Breana: I've been listening to Pink Noise again, and I remain impressed by how thematic and good this album is. And I wanted to share another one of my favorite songs from Laura Mvula's album for Music Monday. It's called Before the Dawn.
Adri: My pick for today is 8th Wonder by Hott22.
Andrea: Hi all! This week I'm listening to You Make Me Feel Brand New by The Stylistics, Suddenly by Billy Ocean, and Starting Now by Brandy.
It’s been five years since Laura Mvula released The Dreaming Room (2016). And out of all the music I’m waiting for this year, Mvula’s next project has been one of my most anticipated. For months now, I have been excited by all the hints and singles we got for Pink Noise. And after such a long wait, my hopes were very high leading up to Pink Noise’s July 2, 2021 release date. The album is finally here, and all I can say is that the wait was worth it.
Pink Noise was actually everything I was hoping it would be. From the early singles—Safe Passage, Church Girl, Got Me and What Matters featuring Simon Neil—Pink Noise promised to be a romp through pop inspired by the 80s. The early visuals and singles clearly went in that direction, and the rest of the album’s substance—ten total tracks—delivered a spectacular and cohesive body of work that was defined by a clear theme.
I can only describe Laura Mvula’s third studio album as great and stylish. And, if you know anything about 80s pop, you’ll find many familiar sounds here with everything from synth, drums, and guitar riffs just to name a few. These hallmarks of 80s music were on full display, and they were mixed in a way that felt like a fresh spin on something that was already tried and true.
Music Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Lauren Stoolfire at Always Me that asks you to share one or two songs that you've recently enjoyed. For the rules, visit the page HERE
Breana: There has been so many new songs lately, and I feel like I can't keep up with it all. I really have to pick and choose what I'm going to talk about and when I'm going to do it. For today, I decided to stick to a familiar artist and a cover by someone who's new to me.
As I've said before, I'm really excited for Laura Mvula's upcoming album. It's not out yet, but last week she released another song from it. What Matter's is a duet, and it's one of my favorites so far. When I found out who the second artist on the track was (Simon Neil), I stumbled onto this cover he did for Kate Bush's Running Up That Hill.
Adri: Another reprise. It is Never Again by Kathy Brown and Copyright. Last week I mentioned it in my reply to Greg, but I wanted to say it again. Reprises are my favorite because they are extended versions of songs. I really wish more songs had them. And even though this song is already long, as you may know, I love long songs.
Andrea: Hi all! I'm listening to Lost by Maroon 5 and Beautiful Mistakes by Maroon 5 featuring Megan Thee Stallion. Have an amazing week all!
Music Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Lauren Stoolfire at Always Me that asks you to share one or two songs that you've recently enjoyed. For the rules, visit the page HERE
Breana: Laura Mvula released another song from her upcoming album, Pink Noise. It's called Got Me, and I love it.
Andrea: Hey all! This week I'm listening to music by Troop, All I Do Is Think Of You and Still In Love. I hope everyone has an amazing week!
It’s already four months into 2021, and I figured it was a good time to sit down and compile a better list of all the music I’m waiting for. I already mentioned two of my top upcoming releases back in January—Last Year Was Weird Vol. 3 by Tkay Maidza and The Bitter Truth by Evanescence—so for today I’m going to focus on ones I haven’t already gone over.
Untitled album by Kimbra (release date: TBA): There’s not much about this album yet—no title or release date—just THIS tweet on Kimbra’s twitter account. Primal Heart was one of my favorite 2018 albums, so I’m beyond excited about Kimbra coming back with new music.
Pink Noise by Laura Mvula (release date: July 2, 2021): I’m so excited for Laura Mvula’s third studio album. I’ve been listening to Mvula’s music more often lately, and I was just thinking about whether or not she would release another album anytime soon. I saw the announcement for Pink Noise, and it’s undoubtedly one of my most anticipated releases of 2021. Luckily the wait for it isn't too long.
Alpha by CL (release date: TBA 2021): I used to listen to 2NE1 a long time ago. They were one of my favorite groups, and it was sad when they disbanded. That being said, I’m glad CL is back and releasing more music, because the singles released for Alpha are so good so far. I’m really excited for this one.
Planet Her by Doja Cat (release date: TBA): I like Doja Cat’s music, and Hot Pink was one of my favorite albums the year it came out. So I’m looking forward to this one.
Scaled And Icy by Twenty One Pilots (release date: May 21, 2021): I'm so excited for this album! I've been a fan of this band since the Blurryface days, and I've been waiting for the followup to Trench (2018) since its initial release. Luckily the wait for Scaled And Icy won't be too long.
So that’s it for today. This list will of course change as the year goes on, but for now this is everything I’m waiting for. What music are you excited for? Are there any new releases you’ve listened to and enjoyed? If so, leave your suggestions in the comments.
Music Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Lauren Stoolfire at Always Me that asks you to share one or two songs that you've recently enjoyed. For the rules, visit the page HERE
Breana: Twenty One Pilots released a new song recently. It's called Shy Away. It's a little more upbeat than some of their other music, but I really like it. I'm also sharing Church Girl by Laura Mvula again, because a music video was released for it last week. And oh gosh, I really love the direction they went with the visuals. It perfectly suits the eighties/nineties pop vibe of the song.
Adri: I saw the Netflix movie Thunder Force the other week and enjoyed it. So obviously my pick for today is Thunder Force by Corey Taylor, Lzzy Hale, Scott Ian, Dave Lombardo, Fil Eisler, and Tina Guo.
Andrea: I'm currently listening to September, Reasons, and Sing A Song by Earth, Wind & Fire. Have an amazing week!
One artist I’ve wanted more music by was Laura Mvula. Phenomenal Women is still on my playlist, and one of the catchiest songs I’ve listened to. Laura Mvula has returned in 2021 with an EP titled 1/f, in which she reworks three of her previously released songs—Sing To The Moon, Show Me Love, and Green Garden—which were accompanied by a cover of Diana Ross’s hit, I’m Still Waiting.
This was a great EP. The sound of the songs was completely reworked, giving a fresh update to tracks that were already lovely to listen to. The original versions of Sing To The Moon, Show Me Love, and Green Garden had a mellow, instrumental sound—like the live performances Mvula’s did with the Metrapole Orkest. They were already powerful songs to begin with and some of my favorites from Mvula. The new versions recorded for 1/f had a much more pop and synth sound, which also suited the lyrics perfectly too. I can’t say that I like one version more than the other though, because they’re equally good and I can’t recommend them enough.
I also enjoyed the cover of I’m Still Waiting. It’s a great song no matter which way you look at it, and Laura Mvula’s cover was excellent.
Overall, this EP was a pleasant surprise, and it leaves a great impression and a need for more. Laura Mvula’s third studio album has been announced, and I can’t wait to give it a listen.
Music Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Lauren Stoolfire at Always Me that asks you to share one or two songs that you've recently enjoyed. For the rules, visit the page HERE
Breana: I know I mentioned Laura Mvula a couple weeks ago, but I'm really excited about all the new music being released. 1/f was already a great surprise, but then Safe Passage was released too. This is one of my top favorite songs by Laura Mvula, and I'm really looking forward to her upcoming album.
Laura Mvula also released another single from her upcoming album called Church Girl. I like this one as well.
Andrea: This week I'm listening to If This World Were Mine by Cheryl Lynn featuring Luther Vandross. I was listening to the original song, because I saw a youtube video of Donnell Cross & Cassandra Nelson singing it in a store. You can check it out HERE.
Music Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Lauren Stoolfire at Always Me that asks you to share one or two songs that you've recently enjoyed. For the rules, visit the page HERE
Breana: Laura Mvula is going to have new music later this year, and I'm excited about it. She also recently released an EP with new version of some of her songs and a cover of I'm Still Waiting by Diana Ross. I like all of the songs on 1/f. Check out the original and the new version of Sing To The Moon.
Andrea: This week I'm listening to Somebody Else's Guy by Jocelyn Brown.
Music Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Lauren Stoolfire at Always Me that asks you to share one or two songs that you've recently enjoyed. For the rules, visit the page HERE
Breana: Recently, I was listening to Laura Mvula's music again. I came across a more recent release that I missed from February 2020 called Brighter Dawn. I haven't watched the movie, Clemency, so it's no wonder I missed this one. I like Brighter Dawn. It has a nice sound as well as Laura Mvula's amazing vocals. Somehow this song feels way too short.
Adri: This week I am listening to The Sea by Morcheeba. Honestly, it feels like I've heard this song before, like a long time ago. But, I don't recall.
Andrea: Hi all, this music Monday is more of a what am I
listening to and thinking. Last Music Monday, Lauren Stoolfire over at Always
Me shared the song Kings & Queens. The tune sounded all too
familiar to songs by Bon Jovi. Of course, I wanted to know the connection between the song Kings & Queens by Ava Max; and Bon Jovi’s songs You Give Love A
Bad Name and Livin’ On A Prayer. What did I discover??? Well, all of the
songs are co-written by Desmond Child. Child has also written songs for
Aerosmith, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Kiss, Ricky Martin, and many other
well-known Artists.
I love the fact that even though the beat sounds
familiar each song is written from a different perspective. And remember
this is only my opinion. Kings & Queens seems to present the
perspective of an independent woman who’s certain that her partner can’t live
without her. Whereas You Give Love A Bad Name by Bon Jovi seems to blame one of
the partners for all of the problems in the relationship—Like how does a
relationship like that work out. Finally, my favorite song by Bon Jovi, Livin’
On A Prayer seems to present a couple who can make it through anything as
long as they have each other and work together.
I have a couple of reasons for having a special
affinity for Livin’ On A Prayer. First, I have gone to several events in
which the crowd warmer had the audience sing this song—I guess you can say it
brings back good memories. Also, I’m hooked on Livin’ On A Prayer’s
message.
I have posted the YouTube videos for Kings &
Queens, You Give Love A Bad Name, and Livin’ On A Prayer
below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Have an amazing week & stay safe! -Andrea
What are you listening to this week? Are there any new songs you discovered recently?
Music Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Lauren Stoolfire at Always Me that asks you to share one or two songs that you've recently enjoyed. For the rules, visit the page HERE
Breana: I'm currently listening to Ellie Goulding's latest album, Brightest Blue. One of my favorite songs from it is How Deep Is Too Deep.
I'm also listening to more of Laura Mvula's music. I'm really enjoying all her performances with the Metropole Orkest, and I love this version of That's Alright.
Andrea: Hi all. On Friday July 24th, D-Nice celebrated the 30th anniversary of the song and album, Call Me D-Nice. So I thought I would share it with you this week.
Have an amazing week and stay safe!
What are you listening to this week? Has there been any new music releases that you're enjoying? If so, leave your recommendations in the comments.
