The red coffee cups are back at Starbucks, holiday lights are beginning to illuminate the night sky, and Halloween candy is being pushed aside and replaced with candy canes and gumdrops. This can only mean one thing, right?! The holiday season is here! Even so, it may feel a little strange to go from dancing along to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" to walking in a winter wonderland overnight; it's not even Thanksgiving yet! So don't pull out the tinsel just yet. Instead, why not bridge the gap with some tunes about how grateful you are this November?! It is Thanksgiving season after all.
1. New Day - Alicia Keys
This song, by the one and only Alicia Keys, is upbeat, groovy, and optimistic. It's all about embracing the day and celebrating life! Lyric to Reflect On: "If you wanna touch the sky, hands in the air one time. All night, and all day, I'mma live it loud like there's only one life..." 2. Miracles - Coldplay
"Miracles" has an awesome vibe to it; I feel uplifted whenever I hear it, and am able to reflect on love and happiness. Something about it just strikes a chord and reminds me to be thankful for all of the miracles in life!
Lyric to Reflect On: Sometimes the stars decide, to reflect in petals in the dirt. When I look in your eyes, I forget all about what hurts (...) Believe in miracles."
3. Army - Ellie Goulding Confession: this song is on repeat right now. It's one of those songs in which everyone can relate in one way or another. "Army" is a song about love (or friendship!) and being thankful to know that someone always has your back.
Lyric to Reflect On: "Dark times; you could always find the bright side. I'm amazed by the things that you would sacrifice just to be there for me."
4. Thankful - Kelly Clarkson Okay, this one is pretty self-explanatory. This Kelly Clarkson throwback from her 2003 album (which, by the way, is called Thankful!) is a song of gratitude. Classic Thanksgiving jam, if you ask me.
Lyric to Reflect On: "When I'm down you always know how to make me smile; (I'm) thankful for the joy that you're bringing in my life."
5. This Moment - Katy Perry
Katy says it best: "all we have is this moment." This song serves as a reminder to be present and to be thankful for the now. This would also be a great song to get up and dance to after a big Thanksgiving feast!
Lyric to Reflect On: "All we have is this moment; tomorrow's unspoken. Yesterday is history, so why don't you be here with me?"
6. You Got Me - Gavin DeGraw
We all need people in our lives who will be there to support us! "You Got Me" is an ode to that person you would do anything for. Friendship is definitely something to be grateful for this Thanksgiving!
Lyric to Reflect On: "I'll be the one to lead you home; I'll be the one to keep you warm. I'll take you way out of the storms; when you can't stand, I'll stand up for you."
7. Thank You - Leona Lewis
Once again, this song choice is pretty self explanitory. This ballad off of Leona Lewis' new album portrays a gentle and sincere message of thanks... Perfect for reflecting on what or who YOU are most thankful for.
Lyric to Reflect On: "Thank you...For seeing the best and the worst of me, the angel underneath...Thank you."
8. Grateful - Rita Ora
Straight off of the "Beyond the Lights" soundtrack, Rita Ora's "Grateful" is the perfect way to reflect on all of the situations that have shaped you to be who you are today. I'm going to let the lyrics do the talking so you can get what this awesome song is really about:
"There is nothing I would change, Not even one mistake I made I got lost, found myself, found my way I’m grateful for the storm Made me appreciate the sun I’m grateful for the wrong ones Made me appreciate the right ones I’m grateful for the pain For everything that made me break I’m thankful for all my scars ‘Cause they only made my heart Grateful."
See, there's a way to be festive this November without jumping straight into the Christmas carols (...but no worries, they have their time and place too!) Happy Listening!