First off, I’m just gonna come out and say that I am NOT a fan of cheesy holiday movies, no matter what channel they are on.
I know, I know… I’m a traitor to my gender over here.
But, being a Kansas City Chiefs fan and a music lover, I had to check out the trailer for the upcoming Lifetime Holiday movie based on the highly publicized Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce relationship.
The movie is called “Christmas in the Spotlight”, and the offical trailer was released this past week:
Yep. Total cheesefest.
But with the female obsession of these genre of film, and the hype that still surrounds the Swift/Kelce relationship, you know it’s going to be a smash.
“Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts November 23rd on Lifetime.
Her latest album “The Tourtured Poets Department” is spending it’s 11th week at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart, with millions of copies of sold so far. Some people are complaining that she keeps releasing different versions of her album to keep the top spot, but so what? People are buying it. That just makes Taylor one hell of a business woman, which we already knew that.
Taylor also just released an acoustic version of her latest single “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone, and it’s just as hauntingly pretty as the original:
Damn, that song is such a mood.
Woman is unstoppable, and sorry haters, you’re gonna see a hell of a lot of her at the Chiefs games this Fall, as she and the NFL have made the schedules so that she could attend as many Chiefs games as possible to cheer on her boyfriend Travis Kelce.
Taylor Swift is setting the world on fire once again with her new album “The Tortured Poets Department”, and she just released the video for the lead sing;e “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone, and it’s really freaking cool:
I think this may be one of my favorite videos of hers.
Seriously, this song is growng on me. At first I was like, “mehhhh”, but the more I hear it, the more the beat and the haunting vocals stick. And I really love Post Malone’s vocal contributions on the song, and honestly, I kind of dig him without the face tattoos.
Well done on the both of them with this song and video.
Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated new album “The Tortured Poets Department” is here, and Swifties are losing their damn minds.
First of all, it’s a surprise double album, as Taylor dropped an extra 15 songs at 2am, which is cool.
And naturally, there’s a song about curren beau Kansas City Tight End Travis Kelce on there (duh) called “The Alchemy”:
“Where’s the trophy? He just came running to me.”
Well done, Tay Tay.
Also, the lead single off of the album is “Fortnite” featuring Post Malone:
So, yeah, you’ll be hearing that ALL over the radio.
Now, I’m not what you would call a “Swiftie”, but I do respect and admire Taylor and what she has done in her career. A lot of her music isn’t my cup of tea, but she does have some great songs that will forever have a spot on my permanent playlist (hello, “Wildest Dreams”!). I think Taylor is an incredibly impressive woman, and definitely a great role model.
So, play on Taylor, and keep kicking ass and taking names.
Let’s be honest, one of the best parts of the Super Bowl is the commercials. Unless you’re a Chiefs and Taylor Swift fan, of course!
The trend these past few years has been for brands to release their commericals early. Some people complain about it, but, with a average of $7 million per 30 second spot, I honestly don’ blame for companies to do whatever they have to do to get their money’s worth.
Cetaphil released their Super Bowl commerical yesterday, and it’s a tearjerker for sure. Plus it’s got a clear Taylor Swift theme without actually mentioning her name:
Come on, you know it’s cute.
Plus, Cetaphil is a good product- I’ve got problem skin, and the cleanser is amazing.
No, I’m not being paid for saying that. They spent 7 million, so I’m giving them a freebie.
I’m also not mad about them capitilizing on Taylor Swift’s popularity, and her influence on the NFL this past season. She did bring a lot of new, young female fans to the NFL, and really, that’s not a bad thing. If it makes dads and daughters bond, I’m all for it. Heck, my dad and I have had several Taylor Swift-centric conversations of late, and I’m 41 and he’s 72. Whatever works, right?
Hate all you want, it’s not going away.
In these crazy times, anything that brings a smile to one’s face is a good thing.
Teddy Swims is one of the biggest new talents on the scene, with an absolutely astounding voice. He hit i big in 2023 with “Lose Control”, and he’s just getting started.
As a sucker for a good cover song, my attention was drawn to a live performance of Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” that he performed on BBC Radio earlier this week.
HOT DAMN!
That was fantastic.
And I wonder how much it hurt o get those eyelids tattooed.
I can’t wait to see where Teddy goes next. As I mentioned before, this is just the beginning.
2023 was a pretty solid year music-wise, and as I do every year, I like to compile a list of what I really loved from the past twelve months.
It’s not based on any particular merit, or me trying to be hip and pleasing people. When it comes to music, for me, it’s what makes ME happy.
I couldn’t really care less about an artists political affilations, or what’s controversial at the moment. I feel like people like to pick everything apart and take the joy out of things. I try to not do that, and enjoy a song for what it is.
Here’s my “Top Picks” for 2023:
#12- Olivia Rodrigo “Vampire”:
Olivia is such a fresh talent, and her latest album “Guts” proved that she is here to stay. The lead single “Vampire” is catchy, creative, and relateable as hell.
“You called them crazy, God, I hate the way I called them crazy, too”
What woman hasn’t been in that position?
I’m really excited to see how Olivia develops as an artist in the next few years. She’s got it all. Talent, musicianship, songwriting abilites, personality and looks.
She’s like a darker Taylor Swift, and I’m all for it.
#11:Staind “Here and Now”:
“You, you always said
That I’m better when I’m not trapped in my head”
What a great opening lyric, and it really spoke to me.
Staind made another comeback this year, and they still have the same sound and great lyrics that perfectly encompass relaionships. It’s kind of like a sequel to their 2005 hit “Right Here” which I’ve always loved as well.
A lot of rock bands from my high school/college era are still going strong, making new music, and gearing up for tours in the new year, which I am totally loving. Nostalgia mixed with some great new offerings… Green Day, Blink 182, Red Hot Chili Peppers… the list goes on.
Keep it coming!
#10- Hailey Whitters “Everything She Ain’t”:
Hailey Whitters had a breakout year with her hit single “Everything She Ain’t”- ALL the sass with this one.
She’s basically Miranda Lambert 2.0, with an extra dose of honey and whiskey.
The female force in Country Music is strong. Let’s keep that train a rolling, ladies!
#9-Chris Stapleton “White Horse”:
Chris Stapelton can do no wrong in my eyes. Dude is a future legend. And he dropped his new album “Higher” last month, and the lead single “White Horse” is the perfect mix of Rock and Country with a smidge of Blues thrown in. Chris is a genre unto himself.
#8-Taylor Swift “Cruel Summer”:
What a freaking year Taylor had! I mean, all of her years are big, but she made 2023 her bitch. Now, I will be honest, I don’t love all of her music. I think she’s incredibly talented and brilliant, but I wouldn’t say I celebrate her entire catalogue. That being said, I love what she’s doing- and she’s at the top without selling herself short or, you know, making a sex tape or having public meltdowns. She is proof that you can do it ALL- and will go down as one of the greats of all time.
Roll your eyes, complain about her… as Taylor says, “Haters gonna hate, hate, hate”.
You don’t have to be a fan of her music to be a fan of her.
Also, this song- even through it came out several years ago, became a massive hit this year- is catchy as hell.
“I’m drunk in the back of the car And I cried like a baby coming home from the bar (oh) Said, “I’m fine, ” but it wasn’t true I don’t wanna keep secrets just to keep you”
Been there.
#7-Jelly Roll feat. Lainey Wilson “Save Me”:
Another artist who had a stellar year was Jelly Roll. Rock, Country and Top 40 all had him topping charts, and he’s another artist deying genre lines. I don’t think there’s a damn thing wrong with it. I know some traditionalists snarl and say “that ain’t Country”, but I beg to differ. If Country music never evolved, and stayed as it was in the Hank Williams days, people would complain about that, too.
Music has to evolve. It always has, and always will.
And this song by Jelly Roll with the addition of the badassery that is Lainey Wilson is really, really good. Thankfully, I don’t releate to the song (at least, not yet. I don’t want to speak too soon!) but I love the meaning, and know that many do feel this way. I know Jelly Roll himself had been in that position at one point, and has managed to make a massive turnaround in his life. The guy really is an inspiration – look up his story if you haven’t yet.
And Lainey’s vocals at the end are CHILLLLLLLS.
#6-HARDY “JACK”:
Hot damn, HARDY.
HARDY is another artist who rides the lines of Country and Rock. He’s had mega-hits on Country radio, both as an artist and a songwriter, and his song “JACK” was #1 on Mainstream Rock this year. I absolutely love this song- the lyrics, the music, and anyone who has had a tangle with Jack Daniels (which I’ve had a few in my early twenties) kniws this song is truth.
This is why I stick to wine.
HARDY, like Chris Stapleton and Jelly Roll, is proving once again that Country and Rock go together extremely well.
I consider myself a Country/Rock hybrid with a sprinkle of Pop mixed in (just as a human) so obviously I’m down with this trend.
#5- Teddy Swims “Lose Control”:
Teddy Swims showed UP this year. His breakout single “Lose Control” made me stop in my tracks when I first heard it. I was like, “who is THAT???”
Definitely one of my favorite new artists of the year!
That voice is just sick. In the best possible way.
You know what needs to happen?
A Teddy Swims/Chris Stapleton duet,
Yesssssssssss…
#4-Lainey Wilson “Wildflowers and Wild Horses”:
Lainey Wilson is another artist who had a massive 2023. She was EVERYWHERE. As she should be.
And her latest single “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” is easily my favorite of hers so far.
“I’m four-fifths of reckless and one-fifth of jack I push like a daisy through old sidewalk cracks Yeah, my kinda crazy’s still running its courses with Wildflowers and wild horses”
HELL. YES.
Although, I’m a bottle of Yellow Tail merlot instead of Jack, but close enough.
#3- Kelsea Ballerini “If You Go Down”:
This is SUCH a fun song, and it reminds me of me and my best friend Erica and all of our shennanigans over our 30 year friendship.
Kelsea is really coming into her own as an artist and songwriter, and has put out some really good stuff post-divorce. (Isn’t that how it always goes? Silver lining, I guess.)
#2- Cody Johnson “The Painter”:
Cody Johnson is here to save Country Music.
His latest album- a double album called “Leather”- came out this Fall, and the lead single “The Painter” is a perfect Country love song.
“I don’t remember Life before she came into the picture Brought the beauty I was missin’ with her Showed me colors I ain’t never seen She took chances With every wall I built, she saw a canvas I thank God every day for how He made her My life was black and white but she’s the painter”
What a beautifully written chorus.
#1- Miley Cyrus “Used to Be Young”:
Miley Cyrus has come a long way- both as an artist and a person- and her music has been pure pop perfection lately.
I know “Flowers” was her big hit this year, but I personally love her latest single “Used to Be Young”.
As someone who had way too much fun in her early twenties (hey, had to get it out of my system!), this song resonated with me big time.
Was I wild and crazy? Hell yeah.
Maybe not to Miley Cyrus’s level, but still.
But it was fun, and embarrassing and ridiculous and beautiful and everything in between.
Isn’t that what youth is for?
All I know is that I had a good time, and now at 40, my idea of a good time is bed by 9:30 after a glass of wine and some pork chops.
I get excited over crock pots and Dysons.
It happens, kiddos.
There is a season for everything. Enjoy each one to the fullest.
Now that I dropped a middle-age wisdom bomb on you, I want to know what was YOUR favorite song of 2023?
Tis’ the Season for ridiculous holiday light displays!
I’m always impressed by big holiday light shows, especially as my holiday lights are always less than stellar. I always think I will do better the next year, and by the time the holidays roll around, I’m over my big ideas. So, kudos to anyone who puts the time, energy and money into their decorations. I’ll get there one day.
That being said, I always like to see what people come up with, and every year, the level of effort and creativity seems to level up.
This Taylor Swift Christmas light and fireworks display- yes- freaking FIRE WORKS- caught my eye this morning. THIS is next freaking level.
Any guesses what their utility bill is? I’m pretty sure they could put their entire neighborhood through college with it.
So, this guy, Tom BetGeorge with Magical Light Shows is behind the magic, and apparantly you can hire him to jazz up your house.
God, I love “There I Ruined It”. Follow them on Youtube, Insta and TikTok. They’re usuing AI in the way the good Lord intended… to keep us entertained.
Also, let’s enjoy “Traylor” while it lasts. I don’t know why, but I’m getting a kick out of all of it. Real or not.
Perhaps this is my sign that I need to get a life.