Time to start whipping out the Christmas tunes! Only one holiday track makes my list this time round, mainly because there were a lot of new releases from different artists this month. Justin Bieber, Rend Collective, Ed Sheeran, and multiple others released new material this month, rising rapidly to the top of popularity charts.
1. Wasn't Expecting That - Jamie Lawson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AydFkrm6UrU
The story of how Jamie Lawson got signed by Ed Sheeran is crazy. They played together once a long time ago. Then, one day with Sheeran playing a concert in Dublin, he was asked who he wanted to open for him, and he answered Jamie Lawson. The rest is history.
2. Robbers - The 1975 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjHgiSx0RNQ
Surprisingly, this band and it's leader are still pretty young. The band was founded in 2002, by lead singer Matty Healy who is only 26. Even more surprising is the fact that they are already considered an experienced band, touring straight for almost three years. They have potential that they've already reaped on, but they can definitely still improve.
3. Love Yourself - Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyEuk8j8imI
This is my favourite track off of Bieber's new album titled Purpose. It was co-written by Ed Sheeran, and combines the two artist's unique style perfectly. It's a very simple song, really focusing on Bieber's vocals backed with some basic electric guitar work. Almost sounds like Thinking Out Loud by Sheeran.
4. Tenerife Sea - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fktjAlczv8
I'm been watching a few videos on YouTube about the life of Ed Sheeran, and he seems like a very special guy, even outside of his musical talent. He always cracks jokes and speaks his mind on radio talk shows, and always does whatever he can for his fans. According to everyone who knows him, he's one of the greatest guys ever.
5. The City - The 1975 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuihJInaeN4
Another awesome The 1975 track! Almost every single track that they come out with is stellar. Even their new one Love Me is pretty good, although it's not really my style, or the one I would prefer for the band. I'm really looking forward to their new album though, which should be coming out soon.
6. Mountaintop - The City Harmonic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUYAqH2yRqQ
The intro for this song has been stuck in my head all month. The drum beat is so catchy, and lays out a perfect introduction to Elias Drummer's vocals. Again, this band is the worship master of dynamics. They conventionally, and at the same time unconventionally, use their instruments to build songs of emotion and purpose.
7. You Will Never Run - Rend Collective - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONYUM3v35S4
This is perhaps my new favourite worship song. Coming from Rend Collective's new album As Family We Go, the song is typical Rend Collective stuff, extremely upbeat and catchy in a chorus vibe. The band has really come together to produce another stellar hit, and a song that has an amazing meaning.
8. Sorry - Justin Bieber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRh_vgS2dFE
Another great song off of Bieber's new album. According to iTunes it is the most popular song thus far. I think that's because it's so upbeat, and catchy. Surprisingly, I really like the lyrics on Bieber's new stuff. Rather then being flimsy, teeny stuff, it is more structured and thought out. The lyrics are purposeful, and while still being mainly about relationships, they're more mature.
9. Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JCLY0Rlx6Q
This band is very similar to The 1975, with the same ideology and such, but with a slightly more pop sound. They're also a younger band then The 1975, with this being only their second studio album. This band has a lot of talent, and are still developing their own sound under management which is great.
10. Winter Snow - Audrey Assad - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi25lohx7Kw
Chris Tomlin's album from 2009 titled Glory in The Highest: Christmas Songs remains one of my favourite Christmas albums. It includes a plethora of different material from different artists. Instead of calling it an album, it's almost better to call it a project. Tomlin sides with a multitude of established artists, and upcomers, such as Audrey Assad, who has an amazing voice.
