I LOVE GIFT CARDS !!!!!!!! Sure , some may find them impersonal or whatever , but I love them . I think gift cards can be a thoughtful gift . Especially to anyone who lives on a budget or pay check to check . It's like giving them permission and resources to do something a little more on the " want " list than on the " need " list . I love all kinds . I love a Starbucks card , did you know that when you register your Starbucks gift card online you receive a free bevi and discounts on your birthday ?! It also is a way to manage when/if you recieve more than one and keeps up with your purchases further notifying you to earned bonuses and freebies . True story . I love a iTunes gift card . As far as I am concerned , music is the gift that keeps on giving . I will never have " enough " music . New to me , but the Amazon gift card , I mean , all those things I can never seem to find in the used book/music/dvd/ store and are wicked unrealistically priced on ebay or in store , can be found !!!! I had been looking for a very specific set of salt and pepper shakers for a Christmas gift . Looked high and low . Even enlisted a friend who antiques , no where to be found . Then, THEN , Amazon comes through and inexpensively at that !! It's literally like a treasure box of amazingness . Amazon is also a company that works with ebates . So , I can even get a percentage back when I shop there with my gift card . I mean......how could you not ??!!!
Anyway , I received several gift cards for Christmas and decided to use them today . I had a list of tunes/books/dvds to always be on the look out for because they are either so old they no longer are in regular stores , are so new they haven't been distributed yet or are just so weird that they can only be found online . My list became significantly smaller today after the use of my gift cards . I am giddy as a music loving girl can be right now . I don't know how my ears are going to be able to intake all this amazing music at one time . I'll probably be in some sort of ipod musical coma for weeks .
I think music is of similar importance as books when it comes to shaping our minds and educating us . I'm sure many an educator would scoff at that , but hey , it's my thought and I'm stickin' to it . I will never have all the albums I want . I don't know short of becoming a CEO at Best Buy , iTunes , etc. how one could ever afford to have all the albums/books/etc . on their lists . Making gift cards an even more amazing gift !!! Well , that's my soap box for today . 1 . Gift cards are thoughtful and 2 . Music is magic .
What albums are you listening too ? Did you purchase online , in store or download ? What's your favorite medium for music ? Vinyl ? Disc ? Download ? Streaming ? Did you receive any unique music something or other for Christmas ?! Please feel free to share in the comment section !
If no one hears from me in about a week or so......maybe check in . My musical overdose can only last so long . LOL !!!
Friday, January 8, 2016
Monday, January 4, 2016
~ New Music Monday ~ Happy New Year ~ January 4th 2016 ~
Happy New Year Music Lovers !!!!!! I hope that you all had a beautiful holiday season filled with rest , fun , fam , friends , and of course.......killer tunes . Before we get too far into the new year I thought I would do a quick #NewMusicMonday recap of 2015 . There was so much amazing music released this year that it is truly difficult to know where to start . So , I thought I would do my own version of an award show break down . The #NewMusicMonday Awards , I'd do a red carpet , but it's frakin' cold outside . So . Also , while my preferences seem to bend toward a Country Music genre preference , please know that I listen to music from all genres . What I share on #NewMusicMondays and in posts like this one are simply what I am jamming to and digging at the moment . It just so happens that as of late Country Music has gotten my attention in a big way . I ' ve always been a country music fan , but with the discovery of artists like Moore , Stapelton , Cam and Musgraves , it is becoming a bigger piece of the musical pie that is my heart . Now , onto our awards .........
First off - Best Song - For me , it was Eric Paslays , " She Don't Love You " . From the moment I heard it the lyrics nearly knocked me over with their truth . Is it not a fear we all have when it comes to love ? The fear that the other is just there to pass time . That we are simply a scratch pad to doodle out all the mistakes . That there is no love left because it's all been given away ?! I mean , just give part of it a glance ,
First off - Best Song - For me , it was Eric Paslays , " She Don't Love You " . From the moment I heard it the lyrics nearly knocked me over with their truth . Is it not a fear we all have when it comes to love ? The fear that the other is just there to pass time . That we are simply a scratch pad to doodle out all the mistakes . That there is no love left because it's all been given away ?! I mean , just give part of it a glance ,
" She don't love you , she's just lonely
She don't know another way
To break free from what's been broken
Too many cowboys rode away
So forgive her if she's distant
She can't tell her heart to lie , no
You'll never be her one and only
She don't love you , she's just lonely "
She don't know another way
To break free from what's been broken
Too many cowboys rode away
So forgive her if she's distant
She can't tell her heart to lie , no
You'll never be her one and only
She don't love you , she's just lonely "
.............. I mean........... I mean..........those are amazing lyrics . Yes , there where amazing singles out this year and so many that could be considered " Best Song " . I mean , " Hello " , but for me this was #1 .
Best Performance - Obviously - Stapelton/Timberlake covering George Jones' , " Tennessee Whiskey " and Timberlake's , " Drink You Away " brought the entire room , full of fellow entertainers , writers , fans , and industry folk up on their feet from the first note . It is easily the best performance of the year from all award shows . It also , put the much deserved and long over due spotlight on Chris Stapelton , a writer , singer and player for many years now on the Nashville scene . I think that is one of the many reasons so many in the room stood up to enjoy the performance . They all have a respect for his work and his consistency to his style . I also feel that all true country music fans are seeing Stapelton as the saving grace for the genre . He is a tried and true throw back to the pickers of the past . I can so easily hear Haggard , Jennings and Jones influence through out his CD , " Traveler " . Which is an amazing album and if you don't have it , you need to get it . ASAP !! All the female BGV's on the album are Stapelton's wife , Morgan . Their voices go so beautifully together . I think that may be one of my ideals of a perfect relationship . When two people can be creative together and complement one another's talents in such a big way .
Most Anticipated Albums of 2015 - If you have read my #NewMusicMonday posts more than once you will not be surprised to see Kip Moore as my answer to this statement . Kip Moore's , " Wild Ones " and Adele's , " 25 " both took between 3-4 years since their previous album to be released . I was on the edge of my seat for both . Neither have disappointed and proved well worth their wait . I just pray , beg and will even fast if it helps , that it does not take that long for their next bodies of work to be released . In my old age I am losing patience with such extended periods between awesomeness .
Best Female - Kacey Musgraves - " Pageant Material " - I adore everything about Kacey Musgraves . I've said it before , I'll say it again , I wanna be Kacey Musgraves when I grow up . Her writing is kitschy , on point and not all can do that . I love her " Rhinestone Revue " tour fashion , stage set up , etc. It only goes to prove that a real honest to goodness artist , marches to their own beat .
Kacey Musgraves & Willie Nelson
Cover Nelson's - " Are You Sure "
Album - Pageant Material
Best Male - Kip Moore - " Wild One's " - Constantly over looked and under rated . It baffles me to the point of anger that this writer and band are getting passed by . I do NOT understand radio . I do NOT understand the industry . I do NOT understand the awards shows . But what I do understand , is that what Moore is doing while everyone is looking the other way , is building an undeniably loyal and fierce fan base . He is consistently selling out shows and leaving his mark in each city he plays . He is creating a reputation as a song writer that doesn't say anything he doesn't mean or hasn't lived for himself . That , that is why fans are flocking to his live shows . He is as real and passionate on stage as he is on his tracks . True music lovers can sense when something is being produced as apart of " the machine " and there is NOTHING , " machine " about Moore's music . You know it's real from the first word . In my opinion , once the " trendier " artist's light burns out , we will see Kip and the Slow Hearts get there well deserved accolades and radio play . Tomorrow begins the shooting for the video from Moore's second single off of " Wild Ones " , " Running for You " . It is a beautiful & very real love song . I don't dub many a love song , real , but this one is legit . It's a bit of a , if you love someone let them go , philosophy . I am so very anticipant to see what Moore and Life in Rewind have planned for this song visually . There are so many places it could go . I will for sure be posting it when it is available .
Best Group - Little Big Town - " Pain Killer " - This feels like an obvious choice . With the release of their album , " Pain Killer " and the controversial , but chart dominating single , " Girl Crush " the group seemed to have the year locked up and headed toward nothing but positive notes . However in late spring LBT hit some bumps in the road by way of Jimmy Westbrooks vocal injury and surgery . The band had to unexpectedly take a hit in their late spring/ early summer touring , but the band was back at it by late summer/early fall with the release of the title track , " Pain Killer " .
Best Duo - Maddie and Tae - " Start Here " - This young female duo hit the scene strong with their single , " Girl in a Country Song " off of their freshman release , " Start Here " . They spent the summer touring with Dierks Bentley , Kip Moore , & Cannan Smith on Bentley's , " Sounds of Summer " tour . The duo has just released their third single , " Shut Up and Fish " , which I am sure is going to get similar attention and love from fans as " Girl in a Country Song " did . These talented writers , players and singers are just getting started and I can't wait to see how they grow and evolve as both writers and performers . If they are this on top of things now , I can already hear glass ceilings breaking for what's to come .
Best New Artist - Tori Kelly - " Unbreakable Smile " - I venture out side of the country genre for my Best New Artist pic of 2015 . Starting as a Youtube personality , Kelly has worked her way onto award show stages , guest performer slots and is being managed by Scooter Braun . Yes , as in Justin Beiber's manager , Scooter Braun . With her hit , " Should've Been Us " still charting I feel like this singer/song writer is also , just starting her ascend into the music sphere .
Now - I would like to share with you a two performances that you may have missed due to holiday chaos . First , Miranda Lambert at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors performing , " Desperado " in honor of the Eagles . The Eagles ended up cancelling their appearance at the show due to sickness , but will be accepting their honor next year . Since Lambert was already slated to perform the show set list continued with her as scheduled and can I please just say that I am SOOOOOOO glad they did . Her cover of this well known tune is amazing !!!! She was not rushed , she didn't seem flustered by the changes or the fact that the President of the United States was in the audience . Her vocals where perfect , as was her outfit and skin !!! I could not help , but notice her glow as the camera zoomed in for a close-up shot before zooming away from the finale of the performance . GLOWING !!!! I don't know what divorces do to everyone , but for Ms . Lambert it has done nothing , but make her more amazing . She can't even help it . Judge for yourself .
Miranda Lambert - Kennedy Center Honors
Cover - The Eagles - " Desperado "
Second , you may have missed this cause it was New Years Eve and , well , ya know , who really remembers New Years Eve anyway ?! But this performance you're going to want to check out and allow to be your only New Years Eve memory . Chris Stapelton with Kings of Leon covering Lynyrd Skynyrds' " Simple Man " seems fated . It just can't go wrong .
Kings of Leon w/ Chris Stapelton
Covering - Lynyrd Skynyrd - " Simple Man "
Now that I feel we are sufficiently caught up on all things 2015 , I think next week we can start with a clean slate and begin discussing 2016's #NewMusicMonday artists . Are you with me ?!! YEAHHH!!!!! If you have any comments , questions or music suggestions please feel free to share them with us !!!! I wanna know what you are listening to , too !
DON'T FORGET !!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU HAVE THE POWER!!!!!!!!!! Call in to your radio stations , text , tweet , insta , facebook and snail mail them if you want . Make sure the DJ's know who your favorite artists are and what you want to hear from them . You have the ability to make or brake an artists single with your requests or lack there of . Making a radio request is one of the easiest/quickest/inexpensive was to show support to your favorite artist and/or bands . DJ's let them know when they come in for interviews and promo spots , what their fan base is like in their local . So , rep your city and your favorite band all at once by making a song request with your local DJ's .
Monday, December 14, 2015
~ New Music Monday ~ December 14th ~ Congrats on the Grammy Noms !! ~
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!
Sam Hunt - House Party
#NewMusicMonday is officially on Christmas break , but we wanted to congratulate the #NewMusicMonday featured artists Little Big Town , Cam , Elle King , Chris Stapleton , Sam Hunt , Taylor Swift , Tori Kelly , Lauren Dagle , Carrie Underwood , & Kacey Musgraves on their 2016 Grammy nominations !!!!!! Congrats y'all !!! So exciting and so deserved ! Hope you all get time to enjoy this amazing moment ! Can't wait to see the list of performers . I fully expect to see several of the names above on it . If you wanna see what all the fuss is about feel free to check the #NewMusicMonday archives here at The Faith Journals for clips and fun facts on the artists listed above as well as many others . Also , don't forget , as a radio listener and music lover you have the power to get your fave artists on air . Call , text , tweet , e-mail , insta , fb , even snail mail will work to get the songs and artists you wanna hear on rotation . This is one of the easiest / most inexpensive / and quickest ways to show support for your favorite artists . Request now !!! Here are just a few clips of a few of the nominated artists .
Little Big Town - Girl Crush
Cam - Burning House
Kacey Musgraves - Biscuits
Chris Stapleton - Nobody to Blame
~ Insta Blog ~ Do Not Conform ~ You Be You ~
Perhaps one of the more difficult directives we will ever be given . It is a task to not allow ourselves to simply melt into the mold this world has created for us and the expectations it has put on us . Graduate at this age . Go to this college . Get this job . Marry . Have babies . Have grand babies . Retire comfortably . So on , so forth . But God has not called us to a neatly scheduled life . When we buck the " norm " of this world to pursue after Gods " norm " ( and I use the word lightly ) for our life it can make folks uncomfortable . It is frightening to see someone going against the grain confidently . Well , if I have learned anything in the last four years it is I do not mind to live a life that scares or makes people uncomfortable if I am living a life I am confident He is taking part in . Not falling into the worlds idea of what my life should be is a daily task . At any moment I could throw my hands in the air and say , " Fine ! I'll just do what everyone else is doing " . But I know in my heart I was called to be different . Right now that " different " is the schedule of my life . I skipped past a few things on the " worlds " list of who I should be and what I should be doing at this current time in the life line . But In a month , year , 2 years the different I am living may be , well....different . My prayer for you this week is that you would find the strength or keep hold of the strength to continue your pursuit of Gods " norm " for you and that you would not be tempted by the worlds idea of " norm " . You are not alone . He is FOR you and WITH you . If you know NOTHING else about His calling and plans for your life KNOW this , you were not called to conform to this worlds idea of " norm " . I hate to go all mom talk on ya , but if all your friends jumped off a bridge would you ??!! Square pegs rule !!! Let no one make you feel like less for being who God made you and for following His call on your life .
~ Merry Christmas ~
Christmas 2013
As you all know , I love me a holiday. Particularly Christmas . I don't exactly know why it makes me so happy, but it just does . The twinkly lights , the permission to decorate all things with glitter , the sweet treats everywhere , fond memories of Christmas ' past or maybe the excitement of a new year and fresh start ahead . Whatever it is I have found myself wanting to spread that cheer......( for all to hear , how was I to resist quoting Elf ?! ) . I've been saying Merry Christmas since December 1st . Right after thank you or have a good day or whatever other greeting is exchanged I follow it up with Merry Christmas ! Something that I have noticed , more so this year than ever before , is the actual surprise on folks face when I say it . Then the almost relieved tone in their voice when saying it back or saying " Thank You " in return . Its been so thought provoking for me . It is almost as if everyone is waiting for permission . Permission to express their joy , permission to say something semi-religious or spiritual , or just permission to be kind . I don't know . Its just so odd to me . I don't think I am even explaining it properly I am so baffled by it . I feel like with every surprised reaction the Lord is saying to me , " Yes . Keep reminding them . Keep loving them in this simple way . Keep surprising them with the reminder of the " reason for the season " . " If that makes any sense to ya . So , Merry Christmas loved ones ! I hope your holiday season is a merry and bright one . Lets not forget the true reason we have to celebrate . Spread His joy with someone today .
Sunday, December 6, 2015
~ New Music Monday ~ December 7th ~ Dear Santa ~
I am dedicating this weeks #NewMusicMonday to Santa and the wish lists we send him each year . Now , I don't know about you , but I am positive I am on the nice list . I'm almost sure of it . I mean , other than that one thing , that one time at that place ...... I have been super nice all year . Enough about me . It isn't too late to add any of these sweet selections to your wish list . Below are artists that have been featured on #NewMusicMonday , CD's or downloads that I already have and feel you should too , and/or are on my wish list as well . Cause I mean , what am I , a Rockefeller ?! SideNote : I have been struggling with a migraine all weekend . So , if any of my written thoughts make no sense , let us choose , at least for this week , to blame my #MigraineBrain . Now , onto wicked sweet tunes .
Lets go ahead and state the obvious.....
Kip Moore - Wild Ones - If you thought any other artist would be on the top of my list you have not been paying attention . First of all , the in store cut and the online cuts of this album are different . If you purchase the download deluxe version you get three more tracks than what is on the in hand version . I of course own both . I don't even care if you judge me . Going through my CD bin I found three , I repeat THREE of the same Keith Urban album . I have no clue how I got two of them . Clearly I have hoarding issues as well as musical FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) . So , owning only two of Wild Ones is actually progress . The Wild Ones tour just finished its' Fall leg and will hit the road again in 2016 headed to mid - America , Canada , and the West Coast . I also believe they may be doing some Aussie dates . You can check Kips site www.kipmoore.net for further details , purchasing tickets , etc . would make for a great Valentines present . Yes , once again , I am already thinking of Valentines ideas . I'm a pre-planner and can't control it .
Eric Church - Mr. Misunderstood - dropped secretly the night of the CMA's and has been charting since . I do not own this album yet , but have heard and read nothing but goodness from it . It is on my list to Santa . The fact he dropped a free copy to his die hard fans causes me to believe that despite his bad boy style , Church is on Santa's nice list .
Chris Stapelton - Traveler - Has done 2.5 million-ish , I believe I read , sales wise since his performance with Justin Timberlake on the CMA's - That's just about a month ago.....meaning that is some mad climbing . Just goes to show how much the art of craftsmanship and performance plays . It would seem that no has doubted that Stapelton could experience this kind of success . Everyone was just waiting for him to get his shot . Well , he got that shot and aimed square at the bulls eye . Sharp shooting Stapelton !
Carrie Underwood - Storytellers - Just released her second video and single from the album titled , " Heartbeat " . The audio can be found on last weeks #NewMusicMonday if you wanna take a listen . But lets all be real honest with ourselves . It's Carrie . Vocally , she can do no wrong . So . Even if you bought it without YouTubing some of the tracks I doubt you'd be disappointed . There is a YouTube video of the writers and producers listening to the final tracks while being unknowingly videoed and it's awesome . If you got time to spare and need a giggle I vote you give it a watch .
Adele - 25 - Because Adele . I mean , do I need to say more ? Hello !!! 25 seems to have broken basically every record ever . So . Just go get it . Right now . Stop reading . Like , put this on pause or whatever and go .
Little Big Town - Pain Killers - About this time last year , give or take a month " Girl Crush " was preparing to hit radio and I was blogging about the madness and idiocy of people requesting it be banned from radio play . Well , I suppose LBT and normal thinking people showed them . " Girl Crush " won song of the year at CMA's and almost immediately landed at the top of all charts . It stayed at the #1 slot on GAC - Country Countdown for weeks .
From one of my very first #NewMusicMonday postings , I recommend The Lone Bellow's , " Then Came the Morning " . I love the entire CD and can listen to it front to back with out feeling the need to skip a track .
Kacey Musgraves - Pageant Material - I have featured several Musgraves tunes on the #NewMusicMonday posts . I love her style !! Writing , performing , singing , fashion , I love it all !! I wanna be Kacey Musgraves when I grow up is basically what I am saying here . Pageant Material is one that I don't own the entire album yet . Mainly because I want the actual vinyl copy and I just haven't been around to look for it in stores . Not all stores carry vinyl . So .
Dierks Bentley - Riser - I have shared several of Bentlys tunes as well on #NewMusicMonday and I am still so in love with " Bourbon in Kentucky " that I listen to it on full blast while singing at the top of my lungs whiles driving to and fro . Again , you're welcome car beside me at the red light . You . Are . Welcome . I also , wanna recommend " Up On the Ridge " a more earthy , blue grassy offering Bentley did several years ago . I just kinda feel like Dierks can do no wrong . He is the guy you want to see do well .
Sam Hunt - Montevallo EP - Not a full length album , but it will not leave you disappointed . It took me a minute to warm up to Hunt . But now that I have , I can't wait to see/hear what the next album is like . Hunt is also the male BGV's on Underwood's " Heartbeat " track . Fun trivia for ya there .
The Shires - Brave - A band out of the UK , they spent several dates on tour with Little Big Town just last month . I hope they will tour in the Spring with other American bands in the US . I love the album and could so easily hear it on US radio . Their harmonies are on point , making them the perfect opener for a band like LBT . It is my understanding they have written with Kip Moore , am I the only one who would love to hear that tune ?! I didn't think so .
Cam - Burning Houses - Cam's first disc is a EP that features her current climbing hit , " Burning Houses " . I love this song so much . I get all the feels when listening to it . Her voice is gorgeous and for what is out there right now I feel it is really unique .
To Be Released : The following albums are still TBR (to be released) , but have produced a single that is currently downloadable . IDK that's a word , but I'm gonna say it is for this situation . Downloadable .
Clare Dunn - Move On - I believe that at the moment only the single or a EP (Extended Play - bigger than just one single , less than a 10-12 track CD) is available for purchase for Clare . She is a new artist and is currently touring with Chris Young on the " Coming Over " tour . I would advise looking her up on iTunes or amazon to download " Move On " . I LOVE IT !!!! And am finally starting to hear it on my local radio stations . Clare is on her way up and I highly recommend giving her a listen . Girls with guitars can't help but be awesome . It's just who they are .
The Cadillac Three - White Lightening - White Lightening vinyl is currently available for pre-order at the bands web site . TCT will be hitting some of the Spring tour dates with Kip Moore and the Slow Hearts . I feel like , we should just go ahead and call the cops , because there ain't no way you're walking out of that show anything less than fired up . I kinda can't wait to see all that comes from it . Not just the hilarious #insta's and tweets that I am confident will be shared , but also the possibility of a single coming from Moore and Johnston . They have written together in the past , but neither have recorded any of their tunes so far . Fingers crossed !!
Thompson Square - Trans Am - I haven't read or heard the details of the original release for TSquares upcoming album , but the announcement of their pregnancy I am sure played a roll in scheduling . I believe the duo is taking a baby break over the holidays and preparing for T3 to arrive . You can keep up to date on all info via their site www.thompsonsquare.com . In the mean time go download " Trans Am " .
Meredith Andrews - Soar - Coming this spring Andrews will release what I believe is her 3rd or 4th studio album . The single " Soar " is currently available for download at iTunes , etc . I love all of Meredith's work . I feel , much like Underwood , vocally , she can do no wrong .
The Band Perry - Live Forever - " Live Forever " , the first single off The Band Perry's forthcoming album has been working the charts for months now . And just several weeks ago the band announced they are pushing it's release date to early 2016 sometime . Stating that after working on finishing touches they got struck by the creativity bug and ended up wanting to rework the album a bit . That's alright with me ! I love TBP and feel like if in the 11th hour they came up with something that inspired them so much they felt they needed to push the album , then I trust it is worth the wait .
AGAIN , I want to remind you that as a music lover , radio listener and TV Watcher you have POWER !!!!! Call, text , tweet , insta , facebook , e-mail or snail mail those requests to your local stations . Requesting your favorite artists tunes is one of the quickest/easiest/cheapest ways to support them . It only takes a second and can be done while waiting in traffic (on a speaker of course ) , waiting for a meeting , whatever !!!! Make the call ! Make the request ! Make the difference in your fave artists career !!! Yes , it's that big of a deal . Trust me .
I will be taking a holiday break from #NewMusicMonday for the next several weeks . I may do a few other type posts , but we will see . I have a lot swirling about in my mind . I hope that I have given you enough material to keep your ipod on shuffle for the rest of your Holiday and well into the New Year . Looking forward to what 2016 has not only for music , but for myself . Thank you all for your continued support in reading , commenting , and simply being supportive of The Faith Journals . It means a lot to me .
Lets go ahead and state the obvious.....
Kip Moore - Wild Ones - If you thought any other artist would be on the top of my list you have not been paying attention . First of all , the in store cut and the online cuts of this album are different . If you purchase the download deluxe version you get three more tracks than what is on the in hand version . I of course own both . I don't even care if you judge me . Going through my CD bin I found three , I repeat THREE of the same Keith Urban album . I have no clue how I got two of them . Clearly I have hoarding issues as well as musical FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) . So , owning only two of Wild Ones is actually progress . The Wild Ones tour just finished its' Fall leg and will hit the road again in 2016 headed to mid - America , Canada , and the West Coast . I also believe they may be doing some Aussie dates . You can check Kips site www.kipmoore.net for further details , purchasing tickets , etc . would make for a great Valentines present . Yes , once again , I am already thinking of Valentines ideas . I'm a pre-planner and can't control it .
Kip Moore - Running For You - Current Single
CALL AND REQUEST IT ASAP!!!
Eric Church - Mr. Misunderstood - dropped secretly the night of the CMA's and has been charting since . I do not own this album yet , but have heard and read nothing but goodness from it . It is on my list to Santa . The fact he dropped a free copy to his die hard fans causes me to believe that despite his bad boy style , Church is on Santa's nice list .
Chris Stapelton - Traveler - Has done 2.5 million-ish , I believe I read , sales wise since his performance with Justin Timberlake on the CMA's - That's just about a month ago.....meaning that is some mad climbing . Just goes to show how much the art of craftsmanship and performance plays . It would seem that no has doubted that Stapelton could experience this kind of success . Everyone was just waiting for him to get his shot . Well , he got that shot and aimed square at the bulls eye . Sharp shooting Stapelton !
Chris Stapelton - Tennessee Whiskey fr " Traveler "
Carrie Underwood - Storytellers - Just released her second video and single from the album titled , " Heartbeat " . The audio can be found on last weeks #NewMusicMonday if you wanna take a listen . But lets all be real honest with ourselves . It's Carrie . Vocally , she can do no wrong . So . Even if you bought it without YouTubing some of the tracks I doubt you'd be disappointed . There is a YouTube video of the writers and producers listening to the final tracks while being unknowingly videoed and it's awesome . If you got time to spare and need a giggle I vote you give it a watch .
Adele - 25 - Because Adele . I mean , do I need to say more ? Hello !!! 25 seems to have broken basically every record ever . So . Just go get it . Right now . Stop reading . Like , put this on pause or whatever and go .
Little Big Town - Pain Killers - About this time last year , give or take a month " Girl Crush " was preparing to hit radio and I was blogging about the madness and idiocy of people requesting it be banned from radio play . Well , I suppose LBT and normal thinking people showed them . " Girl Crush " won song of the year at CMA's and almost immediately landed at the top of all charts . It stayed at the #1 slot on GAC - Country Countdown for weeks .
Little Big Town - Girl Crush fr Pain Killers
From one of my very first #NewMusicMonday postings , I recommend The Lone Bellow's , " Then Came the Morning " . I love the entire CD and can listen to it front to back with out feeling the need to skip a track .
Kacey Musgraves - Pageant Material - I have featured several Musgraves tunes on the #NewMusicMonday posts . I love her style !! Writing , performing , singing , fashion , I love it all !! I wanna be Kacey Musgraves when I grow up is basically what I am saying here . Pageant Material is one that I don't own the entire album yet . Mainly because I want the actual vinyl copy and I just haven't been around to look for it in stores . Not all stores carry vinyl . So .
Dierks Bentley - Riser - I have shared several of Bentlys tunes as well on #NewMusicMonday and I am still so in love with " Bourbon in Kentucky " that I listen to it on full blast while singing at the top of my lungs whiles driving to and fro . Again , you're welcome car beside me at the red light . You . Are . Welcome . I also , wanna recommend " Up On the Ridge " a more earthy , blue grassy offering Bentley did several years ago . I just kinda feel like Dierks can do no wrong . He is the guy you want to see do well .
Sam Hunt - Montevallo EP - Not a full length album , but it will not leave you disappointed . It took me a minute to warm up to Hunt . But now that I have , I can't wait to see/hear what the next album is like . Hunt is also the male BGV's on Underwood's " Heartbeat " track . Fun trivia for ya there .
The Shires - Brave - A band out of the UK , they spent several dates on tour with Little Big Town just last month . I hope they will tour in the Spring with other American bands in the US . I love the album and could so easily hear it on US radio . Their harmonies are on point , making them the perfect opener for a band like LBT . It is my understanding they have written with Kip Moore , am I the only one who would love to hear that tune ?! I didn't think so .
The Shires - Brave fr " Brave "
Cam - Burning Houses - Cam's first disc is a EP that features her current climbing hit , " Burning Houses " . I love this song so much . I get all the feels when listening to it . Her voice is gorgeous and for what is out there right now I feel it is really unique .
To Be Released : The following albums are still TBR (to be released) , but have produced a single that is currently downloadable . IDK that's a word , but I'm gonna say it is for this situation . Downloadable .
Clare Dunn - Move On - I believe that at the moment only the single or a EP (Extended Play - bigger than just one single , less than a 10-12 track CD) is available for purchase for Clare . She is a new artist and is currently touring with Chris Young on the " Coming Over " tour . I would advise looking her up on iTunes or amazon to download " Move On " . I LOVE IT !!!! And am finally starting to hear it on my local radio stations . Clare is on her way up and I highly recommend giving her a listen . Girls with guitars can't help but be awesome . It's just who they are .
The Cadillac Three - White Lightening - White Lightening vinyl is currently available for pre-order at the bands web site . TCT will be hitting some of the Spring tour dates with Kip Moore and the Slow Hearts . I feel like , we should just go ahead and call the cops , because there ain't no way you're walking out of that show anything less than fired up . I kinda can't wait to see all that comes from it . Not just the hilarious #insta's and tweets that I am confident will be shared , but also the possibility of a single coming from Moore and Johnston . They have written together in the past , but neither have recorded any of their tunes so far . Fingers crossed !!
The Cadillac Three - White Lightening
Thompson Square - Trans Am - I haven't read or heard the details of the original release for TSquares upcoming album , but the announcement of their pregnancy I am sure played a roll in scheduling . I believe the duo is taking a baby break over the holidays and preparing for T3 to arrive . You can keep up to date on all info via their site www.thompsonsquare.com . In the mean time go download " Trans Am " .
Meredith Andrews - Soar - Coming this spring Andrews will release what I believe is her 3rd or 4th studio album . The single " Soar " is currently available for download at iTunes , etc . I love all of Meredith's work . I feel , much like Underwood , vocally , she can do no wrong .
The Band Perry - Live Forever - " Live Forever " , the first single off The Band Perry's forthcoming album has been working the charts for months now . And just several weeks ago the band announced they are pushing it's release date to early 2016 sometime . Stating that after working on finishing touches they got struck by the creativity bug and ended up wanting to rework the album a bit . That's alright with me ! I love TBP and feel like if in the 11th hour they came up with something that inspired them so much they felt they needed to push the album , then I trust it is worth the wait .
AGAIN , I want to remind you that as a music lover , radio listener and TV Watcher you have POWER !!!!! Call, text , tweet , insta , facebook , e-mail or snail mail those requests to your local stations . Requesting your favorite artists tunes is one of the quickest/easiest/cheapest ways to support them . It only takes a second and can be done while waiting in traffic (on a speaker of course ) , waiting for a meeting , whatever !!!! Make the call ! Make the request ! Make the difference in your fave artists career !!! Yes , it's that big of a deal . Trust me .
I will be taking a holiday break from #NewMusicMonday for the next several weeks . I may do a few other type posts , but we will see . I have a lot swirling about in my mind . I hope that I have given you enough material to keep your ipod on shuffle for the rest of your Holiday and well into the New Year . Looking forward to what 2016 has not only for music , but for myself . Thank you all for your continued support in reading , commenting , and simply being supportive of The Faith Journals . It means a lot to me .
Merry Christmas Y'all !!!
A little throw back for ya . Maraiah Carey Christmas Album
I believe it is the best selling Christmas album of all time .
Again , another fun fact for ya . I hope you get to play some trivia over the holidays .
I have really set you up for some winning .
Friday, December 4, 2015
~ I'm Sensing A Pattern ~
I have been struggling lately with something I have never , that I can recall , have ever struggled with before . Not since my salvation anyway . The fight . The desire to physically tear someone up . I recall that when I was knee high to a grass hopper I had a bit of bite to me , but that was literally decades ago . So , with this seemingly new struggle of wanting to put up my dukes I feel in my heart that I am stumbling all over the place . I know . I know !! Physical violence is NEVER the answer . I know . I know !!! But , knowledge does not always triumph over desire . Knowledge does not always triumph over instinct . Especially when it isn't about defending yourself , but another . All rules , out the window . However , I cling to the knowledge that God is higher . That vengeance is the Lords . I am doing my best to cling to the truths He has instilled in me long before this particular battle was my own . I was looking back over a few of my social media posts from the last few weeks that have come as a result of my quiet time with Him . I have posted them below in their entirety . I'm sensing a pattern . Give them a glance and you may as well .
" Do not be surprised by the fiery attacks on your mind ." " You are engaged in massive warfare , spiritually speaking ." "....; your role is simply to trust Me as I fight for you ." Jesus Calling - Proverbs 3:5 " Trust in the Lord with all your heart , and do not lean on your own understanding ." - Psalm 3:3 " But You , O Lord are a shield about me , my glory and the lifter of my head ." - Know tonight that whatever you are going through , struggling with , or are being weighed down by , He ...is fighting FOR you . We are at war on every front . It should be no surprise that it includes spiritual warfare too . " Trust the Lord with all your heart " because He fights FOR you !!!! You are not alone . He loves you . He as planned ahead for you . He fights for you . I can't seem to say that enough tonight . He . Fights . For . You .
" We must pray with our eyes on God , not on the difficulty . " Oswald Chambers
Current Struggle . I'm unsure I have ever struggled like I am now to focus on just the God part of a prayer . Some situations we just continue to stare at the issue/problem/situation afraid that if we take our eyes off of it , it will sneak off and God won't be able to find it and "fix" it . I've got it twisted . Its about keeping my eyes on God while no matter what happens knowing 1 . No sin is hidden from Him . 2. Vengeance , is the Lords . 3. He loves Me . His desires/plans for me are to prosper and keep me well . Gotta keep m'eyes on the God of the situation , not the situation . Lord come quick .
Do you see it ? The pattern . As I pray , as I struggle to leave this particular time in my life at His feet , He is speaking to me . He is answering my prayers as they leave my lips . He . Will . Fight . For . Me . So , tonight as I settle into an attempt at thankfulness over wallowing in negative thought , I will thank Him . Thank Him for fighting for me . Thank Him for providing and weaving all these truths into my heart and mind before I even knew I needed them . Thank Him for a million other things He does daily . He's got this . He's got me . Also , He has you . I share what I share on social media and this blog for 1. Selfish therapy . It feels good to get it all out of my head . I feel when we let things linger in our minds for long we give the enemy a open shot at us . 2 . I don't believe it's all about me . I think that when the Lord shows us something , shares some sort of wisdom , provision , protection , etc . it is as important as the gospel it's self . It is a reflection of His character and goodness and it is our job to share that with folks . So , even if just one person feels a little less alone in their struggle because I am sharing mine , mission accomplished .
My prayer for you this weekend is that you would stop to consider what the Lord may have been preparing for you and whatever struggle you are going through before it began . He equips us . He does not lead us astray . He is purposeful . Let us thank Him for going before us in ALL situations .
Happy Weekend !!
" Do not be surprised by the fiery attacks on your mind ." " You are engaged in massive warfare , spiritually speaking ." "....; your role is simply to trust Me as I fight for you ." Jesus Calling - Proverbs 3:5 " Trust in the Lord with all your heart , and do not lean on your own understanding ." - Psalm 3:3 " But You , O Lord are a shield about me , my glory and the lifter of my head ." - Know tonight that whatever you are going through , struggling with , or are being weighed down by , He ...is fighting FOR you . We are at war on every front . It should be no surprise that it includes spiritual warfare too . " Trust the Lord with all your heart " because He fights FOR you !!!! You are not alone . He loves you . He as planned ahead for you . He fights for you . I can't seem to say that enough tonight . He . Fights . For . You .
Exodus 14:14 " The Lord will fight for you , you need only to be still . "
In the last few days I have really felt the Lord taking me to task with this verse . I had become proud thinking the "be still" part was so simple . Well, I don't think I had really known what it was to want to fight , kick , punch , smack , swear, yell , hair pull & all the other violent actions of a fight until recently . Wanting to physically come to blows with someone and having this verse brought to mind is a real genuine struggle . Put down your dukes . Quiet your tongue and your mind . No kicking . No scratching. It isn't so easy . Today , hands to myself and mind everywhere else , I am clinging , like perhaps never before to the truth of this verse . He WILL fight for you . Matter of fact . It's so important for us to know that He will stand in front of us and in place of us to take or deliver a hit that He made sure the writer of this verse used the word FIGHT . Fight and Be Still . What contradictions!!! But His directive is clear . My job = Be Still . His job = Fighting . Whatever He may be taking you to task on believe on Him to keep His word . He is the most faithful of us all .
" We must pray with our eyes on God , not on the difficulty . " Oswald Chambers
Current Struggle . I'm unsure I have ever struggled like I am now to focus on just the God part of a prayer . Some situations we just continue to stare at the issue/problem/situation afraid that if we take our eyes off of it , it will sneak off and God won't be able to find it and "fix" it . I've got it twisted . Its about keeping my eyes on God while no matter what happens knowing 1 . No sin is hidden from Him . 2. Vengeance , is the Lords . 3. He loves Me . His desires/plans for me are to prosper and keep me well . Gotta keep m'eyes on the God of the situation , not the situation . Lord come quick .
Do you see it ? The pattern . As I pray , as I struggle to leave this particular time in my life at His feet , He is speaking to me . He is answering my prayers as they leave my lips . He . Will . Fight . For . Me . So , tonight as I settle into an attempt at thankfulness over wallowing in negative thought , I will thank Him . Thank Him for fighting for me . Thank Him for providing and weaving all these truths into my heart and mind before I even knew I needed them . Thank Him for a million other things He does daily . He's got this . He's got me . Also , He has you . I share what I share on social media and this blog for 1. Selfish therapy . It feels good to get it all out of my head . I feel when we let things linger in our minds for long we give the enemy a open shot at us . 2 . I don't believe it's all about me . I think that when the Lord shows us something , shares some sort of wisdom , provision , protection , etc . it is as important as the gospel it's self . It is a reflection of His character and goodness and it is our job to share that with folks . So , even if just one person feels a little less alone in their struggle because I am sharing mine , mission accomplished .
My prayer for you this weekend is that you would stop to consider what the Lord may have been preparing for you and whatever struggle you are going through before it began . He equips us . He does not lead us astray . He is purposeful . Let us thank Him for going before us in ALL situations .
Happy Weekend !!
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