Winding down on the year from hell, let’s check out some of the high points of the month by keeping an updated account of the best new songs of the month. December 2020, you might be the last month of an otherwise difficult and weird year, but we’re going to remember you for the good stuff.
Cool k thanks bye.
(Headline lyric from Sara Bareilles’ “December.”_
LA-based R&B star Taylor DeBlock is pulling all of our heart strings with his new EP Manque. It is appropriately named, seeing as the running theme throughout the 6-track EP is how it feels to miss someone. The up-tempo spirit of the opening track “NECESITAS” perfectly captures the feeling of losing patience while waiting for somebody that you feel really complements your life. This same sentiment is echoed on tracks like “SAY” and “CALL ME”, both of which showcase the DeBlock’s romantic availability. There is room to slow things down, as highlighted by “RIGHT WAY”, a more vulnerable take on trying to understand the thoughts inside someone’s head.
DeBlock is providing the world with the perfect winter soundtrack for feeling stuck inside not only our homes, but even our own heads. With relatable subject matter that can resonate with a wide range of situations, Manque is here to sooth that often-frustrating feeling of having overbearing thoughts.
DeBlock says of the meaning of the EP:
Originally taken from the French ‘tu me manque,’ meaning ‘I miss you,’ the EP’s title displays a two- fold meaning. A ‘manqué’ is also someone who has failed to live up to an expectation – accepting what has become, the manqué eventually sees where they fell short and must carry on.
As the holidays approach and the pandemic rages on, the feeling of missing things from the past are likely to increase. This is where Meredith Shock’s nostalgic new tune “Maybe This Isn’t Home” comes into play. The track takes us to Shock’s childhood home that she is returning to after starting to build her more grown-up life in Nashville. In a beautiful display of lyricism, Shock adds a personal touch to the song, describing in detail the different things that make her childhood home feel safe and normal. This makes for a more emotional experience on the part of not only the listener, but the singer as well. When all is said and done, it is easy to notice that the song has successful echoes of moving on and growing up while also highlighting the appreciation she has for the home that built her.
Shock says of the track:
I think a lot of people can relate to this song, especially young adults, who have left towns that they spent most of their life in and are beginning to build homes somewhere else. Although it could be considered a sad song, I also want it to be uplifting or hopeful– there’s something to be said about realizing that you are more than just a place you grew up in and have known your whole life.
Keep up with the artist at MeredithShock.com.
Sitting in his third-grade math class, Mike Richards, aka A Note Two Self, realized that he would much rather join the kids who were playing music. That is exactly what he did. Fast forward to the present and A Note Two Self is releasing a new track called “Love Drunk”. What starts off as a simple guitar-heavy track quickly turns to a big band, acoustic production, complete with pumping percussion and electric riffs. The story is that of somebody who is willing to give their entire self to the person they have fallen for, and it almost resembles a worship song, one you would hear in the grandest of cathedrals. Perhaps this is because the track is essentially that feeling of worshiping and wanting to shower your person with love. “Love Drunk” takes you to one of the happiest places a song can go.
A Note Two Self explains:
“Love Drunk” was inspired by that feeling of unconditional love and being so enamored that you’re super caught up in the moment. No matter what happens through the good times, the bad times, when you’re in the middle of the whirlwind you’ve got an anchor keeping you grounded.
We’ve all experienced the confusion that comes with being wrapped up in an unclear state of affairs with that special someone. Amongst other emotions, we often find ourselves asking a never-ending list of questions. Where is this going? What do they mean? What’s my next move, and what is theirs?
There’s no doubt that life would be simpler if we put an end to the constant mind-garbage that bubbles up from our brain’s most curious corners. Yet, we still can’t seem to help ourselves from spending hours analyzing the most straightforward text message, or deciding between which emoji would qualify as the most appropriate response.
If this situation hits home for you, I’m happy to present you with a solution that will remind you of how to properly respond: Southern California’s R&B star, Joyce Wrice, and her new single “So So Sick”. Not only will this track bring you back to a positive space focused on self love, but you will simply be too busy enjoying yourself to even think about anyone else.
With commandeering vocals and a self-empowered message, Wrice brings to life sentiments of rejection and pain; along with the necessary attitude to move past such emotions. The singer-songwriter’s sweet-and-cheeky sound is driven home as she conveys the unpleasant cyclicality of someone being unsure of how they feel about you, and having been through this before. As opposed to waiting for someone who’s only half-baked crazy about you, the listener is inspired to prioritize themselves and move on– an important lesson to take in stride as we move into the new year.
“So So Sick” was co-written alongside Daniel Church and produced by Grammy Award-nominee, D’Mile. The track comes from Wrice’s forthcoming album debut, set to arrive early 2021.
If holiday cheer is something that seems a little hard to find lately, then check out Toddie Time, a unique collection of holiday classics from Michelle Malone and The Hot Toddies. On all six holiday songs, The Hot Toddies dive into nostalgic hits while reinterpreting your favorite Christmastide classics that range from toe-tappers that swing to sweet ballads that pull on your heartstrings. Their fun new arrangements all their own that display Malone’s vocal prowess and Doug Kees guitar skills. Malone and Kees are joined by Tommy Dean on upright bass, and occasionally Chris Burroughs on drums.
A particular stand out is “Blue Christmas”, as their version features an electric guitar solo with extra rifs all around. Malone’s vocal style and mood on this track is such a fresh and new take on this bittersweet classic. Their arrangement on “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” really showcases a great pairing of upright bass and electric guitar – making you feel like you’re back at your favorite neighborhood dive bar this holiday season, tapping your feet at some live music, and ordering a Hot Toddie. So go on, stream this holiday gift of songs today and be swept up in the cheer you’ve been looking for!