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Shake It Off

You know what they say. Once a teenie bopper, always a teenie bopper.

Which is why I pretty much flipped out yesterday over this video by Taylor Swift, after she announced her new album release, 1989. 

It's been a long time coming, but I guess she has finally made the jump from country to pop. I like Taylor for various reasons, and her genre of choice is the least of those. To be such a young star in the spotlight—going on 10 years now, calculating that the start of her fame came around the age of 15 or 16—she seems incredibly grounded and (er, dare I say?) normal.

This new song "Shake It Off" isn't just catchy and fun—although it definitely is both of those things, too. It's a message to girls that life isn't easy, growing up with the naysayers and heartbreakers is a reality. There will always be those around you that try to bring you down. But what is she suggesting in return? Shake it off. And I like that message, especially from a millennial.

She got my $12.99 for pre-order of this album. And I'm not ashamed to say it.

hope tonight

I have a terrific music recommendation to share with you. It's a new album by my dear friend, Melanie Penn, that is hot off the presses–just released May 20th.

I've been listening to her songs for years now, practically since I moved to New York. I first heard her on an album called In The City produced and written by a group of local singers and songwriters. Then, through a mutual friend, I met her! Fast forward a couple more years, and Mel and I became cubicle neighbors at work. Funny how things work out isn't it? (AND, yes, sometimes she sings at her desk which is an absolute day-maker for me.)

There are so many things I love about Melanie, but one of my absolute favorites is how beautifully she sings. Just take a listen for yourself on her new album Hope Tonight. She's talented, she's creative, and the lyrics are profound and meaningful and will stick with you for days. So don't say I didn't warn you.