Stine Writing and Miniatures

BATTLE OF THE BANDS: January 2024 New Beginnings! Update!

And the winner is…

Danny Gokey got two votes
Bruno Mars got three votes

Xavier Rudd won with five votes!

If any new votes come in today I will adjust the scores if need be.

STMcC Presents 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'

https://stmccpresentsbattleofthebands.blogspot.com/

This is ‘BATTLE OF THE BANDS‘ (‘BOTB‘) where you listen to different recordings and vote for the one you like best. A new Battle gets posted on the 1st of each month

I contemplated what path to take for the New Years BOTB and decided on New Beginnings.

Whether you believe in resolutions or starting with a clean slate, no one can deny that it is the start of a new year. I searched for songs that I didn’t know that well but which told stories of new beginnings. If you had to pick one of the songs as your own New Years Anthem, which would you choose? Vote in the comments! The blurb following the video with a short explanation is not mine, I am copying it off a website.

Xavier Rudd – Follow The Sun

Released in 2012 by the Australian singer-songwriter Xavier Rudd, “Follow the Sun” is a song that radiates positivity and speaks profoundly of new beginnings.

The lyrics are simple. It tells us to simply follow the sun, or continue moving in life, because “tomorrow is a new day for everyone” with a “brand new moon, brand new sun.”

In essence, “Follow the Sun” serves as a beautiful daily reminder that every sunrise brings a new opportunity to align with our dreams and aspirations. It stands as a testament to the power of music in sparking hope, courage, and the promise of new beginnings.
https://hellomusictheory.com/learn/best-songs-about-new-beginnings/

“New Day” By Danny Gokey

“New Day” by Danny Gokey is a song that invokes a sense of optimism and renewal. Released as a single in 2019, the song has since resonated with listeners for its encouraging message.

The song mentions “new beginnings” as, you might have guessed, a “new day.” The lyrics inspire listeners to view each day as a fresh start, an opportunity to leave the past behind and embrace the potential of the present.

The positive melody and inspiring lyrics lend a unique depth to “New Day.” It’s a song that not only entertains but also motivates listeners to approach their days with a positive mindset. https://hellomusictheory.com/learn/best-songs-about-new-beginnings/

“Today My Life Begins” By Bruno Mars

One of Bruno Mars‘ less-known songs, “Today My Life Begins,” is another song with a message that conveys hope, resilience, and embracing new beginnings.

The narrator reflects on their past experiences, which have been challenging and have left them feeling broken-hearted and stuck in a cycle of hard work and little fulfillment. However, they have reached a turning point where they realize they can change their life and find happiness.

The lyrics emphasize that life is constantly changing, just like the seasons, and the narrator can sense a shift in their surroundings. They are determined to break free from the chains that have held them back and start anew.
https://hellomusictheory.com/learn/best-songs-about-new-beginnings/

21 comments

  2. Xavier Rudd gets my vote because I loved his vocals and the harmonica. My least is Bruno because of ..his voice. It sounded strained and nothing out of the ordinary. I like the 2nd one but nothing new so Rudd gets my vote.

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  5. HiYa, CHRISTINE ~

    You put together a real good Battle in short order. Nicely done, my friend!

    While listening to the three options you gave us, my brother, Judge Al Bondigas (“meatball” in Spanish), was in the room, so I extracted a rulin’ from him as well.

    I *never* let a video’s imagery interfere in my analysis of a song (unless the BOTBer specifically says that the visuals can be considered part of the judging process). That being said, I really enjoyed watching the Xavier Rudd video. It reminded me of growing up on Santa Monica Beach, body-surfing my Summers away; and also made me think of the classic surfing movie ‘Endless Summer’, which I enjoy so much that I even own the DVD.

    Ever since late 2018, “It’s a new day” has been my rallying cry. And even Judge Al frequently uses it. It means that we’re leaving the past troubles where they belong – IN the past – and moving forward with a new, positive, optimistic outlook that, personally, things have changed for the better now.

    So, although I can really relate to the sentiment in Danny Gokey’s song, I enjoyed listening to the XAVIER RUDD song more so.

    My Brother was actually familiar with Danny Gokey, which shocked me to learn. But Judge Al listens to a lot of Christian music radio, and that’s where he became familiar with Gokey, who is apparently well known in that musical genre. But even so, Judge Al actually preferred the XAVIER RUDD song a wee bit more.

    So, please chalk up TWO MORE VOTES for XAVIER.

    Again, excellent job in putting this Battle together on the fly!

    ~ D-FensDogG

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  8. Interesting concept–a personal anthem. All three songs are very listenable and convey good messages. The Bruno Mars song seems more anthemic. I vote for that one.

    Lee

    Liked by 1 person

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  10. I vote for “New Day” by Danny Gokey. All three are great songs. I’d heard the Bruno Mars song before as well as Xavier Rudd’s “Follow the Sun” and I liked them but the New Day was just so happy and upbeat that it gets my vote!

    Liked by 1 person

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