[REVIEW] In spite of the doubt follow Jessica Reedy's lead and say I WILL to every challenge you face

 There's so much I can say about this song, but really if you just listen to it from beginning to end (as I have done REPEATEDLY) you will get the picture. There will be those who will doubt you and say what you can't do. Sometimes you might say it to yourself. What Jessica Reedy does in I WILL is remind us that we don't have to listen. "Though I feel weak, something is strong inside of me, " she sings. "So I'm not going to quit. I got something special inside... I won't let fear win." 

We all have SOMETHING we are meant to do. It's up to us to get to the business of doing it. There will be times you don't feel equipped, but as the song says YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH. Our Creator believes in us, 'pushing' us not to quit. 

Because of that there is NOTHING we can't do. 

Conversations' 50+ Artists and Songs That Made 2021

 In 2021 music helped us all to get through the challenges, experiences and highlights that we faced throughout the year. For Conversations Magazine's Editor-In-Chief Cyrus Webb music was also full of anthems and encouragement for those looking at life and love. 

This year's Artists and Songs that Made 2021 is full of artists across a variety of genres that have helped to make 2021 a year to remember. You will find some familiar names as well as rising stars that are using their talents to remind us of what gifts we all are in the world. 

It is our hope that you will find some new artists and music to refresh your playlist as we head into 2022.

Conversations' 50+ Artists and Songs That Made 2021

(Listed in no particular order)

1. Karl Michael, "Liar" featuring Teddy Swims
2. Kenny Lattimore, "Lose You"
3. Olivia Rodrigo, "good 4 U"
4. Adele "Easy On Me"
5. Poo Bear, "The Day You Left"
6. Mary J. Blige, "Amazing"
7. Caleb Lovely, "When You Love Me"
8. Taylor Swift, "I Knew You Were Trouble" (Taylor's Version)
9. Neoni, "Wonderland"
10. Jessica Reedy, "I Will"
11. Teddy Swims, "Simple Things"
12. Caleb Lovely, "Change Your Mind"
13. Ali Caldwell, "Trouble Town"
14. Noah Guthrie, "Only Light I Need"
15. Gary "Lil' G" Jenkins, "That's My Baby"
16. Trynket (feat. Burnt Ships), "Neverland"
17. Riley Clemmons, "Stuck Inside My Head"
18. Alyst, "Gleeming"
19. Tito Jackson, "Love One Another"
20. Bentlee, "My Almost"
21. Bruno Mars, Anderson, Paak, Silk Sonic, "Leave the Door Open"
22. Four Washington, "Heart Away"
23. Riley Clemmons, "Headspace"
24. Abi Nav, "Devil with No Name"
25. Jessica Lynn, "Not Your Woman (Reimagined)"
26. Tank, "I Deserve"
27. Parker Graye, "Last Time"
28. Canaan Cox, "Up with the Sun"
29. Bella Manchester, "I'll Go"
30. Chante' Moore, "Right One"
31. Nate Gott, "Used To"
32. Antoine Dunn, "Love It All"
33. Camila Cabello, "Million to One"
34. Ant Clemmons/Justin Timberlake, "Better Days"
35. Ariel Marin, "Supa Supa"
36. Southern Avenue, "Control"
37. Neoni, "Paranoia"
38. Troy, "Foolish"
39. Roman Alexander, "Better in a Car"
40. Victoria Justice, "Stay"
41. Jamie Miller, "Hold You Til We're Old"
42. Dustin Lynch, "Thinking 'Bout You"
43. Neoni, "Where We Rise"
44. Riley Clemmons, "Keep On Hoping"
45. Liz Bohannon, "Let Me Go"
46. Jennifer Hudson, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"
47. Alvin Garrett, "The Lightness of Love"
48. Neoni, "Mutany"
49. Jam and Lewis (featuring Mariah Carey), "Somewhat Love"
50. Carl Brister, "L.O.V.E. Remix"
51. Baker Grace, "I Feel For You"
52. Vinai/ Ray Dalton, "Melody"
53. Ralph Curtis, "Life is Hard, Living Is Harder"

[REVIEW] Caleb Lovely's WHEN YOU LOVE ME sums up what a relationship should be

When you meet that someone that opens you up in ways you never expected, who gets you and even makes you feel better than yourself then you know you have something special. With WHEN YOU LOVE ME that is what Caleb Lovely sings about. It's that love that makes you want to throw the hands of time away, enjoying each and every moment. 

"I just want to be the only reason for the breath that you take," he proclaims, showing how close he wants them to be. It also shows how sometimes the right relationship will make you believe again.  Like an answer to a prayer, love can do things for us that we didn't think possible. 

Caleb Lovely's WHEN YOU LOVE ME sums up what a relationship should be.

[REVIEW] THAT'S MY BABY by Gary "Lil G" Jenkins is that anthem guys want to share with that special lady

 As guys we don't always say the things we should or it doesn't come out the way we sometimes want. With THAT'S MY BABY Gary "Lil G" Jenkins shares the words we want to say in just the right way.

The song has a beat that makes you want to move and a message that expresses the truth: sometimes our pride keeps us from saying what's on our heart. He doesn't let that stop him from letting that special lady know he sees her and feels her. 

Throughout the song we get a mixture of praise and appreciation as well as acknowledgement when he's done wrong. She's been with him through the good and bad, showing where she stands with him. "That's my baby," he sings, 'my forever love'. 

Definitely a song you can put on repeat to dance to or chill to. The guys get the message out that they want, and the ladies get their much-deserved appreciation and praise. 

[REVIEW] With her signature style Ali Caldwell proclaims redemption in TROUBLE TOWN

 

When I say the name Ali Caldwell the thing that comes to mind is an artist that is able to captivate you with every word. Her latest offering of 2021 TROUBLE TOWN is no different.

Telling a story as only she can, Ali sings about an individual who wants what they had back---realizing they made some bad choices, including stops in 'trouble town'. We can all relate to this---men and women both--- doing things we know weren't right and hoping it's not too late to turn things around. 

"I can't take it back, what I did," she confesses, wishing she could rewind it all. The truth is she can't. We can't. All we can do is moving forward try to be better. 

Great vibes and a message that speaks to your heart, TROUBLE TOWN is another win for Ali Caldwell. 

[REVIEW] Alyst showcases his lyrical skills with GLEEMING

With an addictive, driving beat GLEEMING by Alyst showcases his ability to tell a story about rising above the obstacles and negativity to shining. He knows what it's like to be ignored not he's everywhere, doing his thing as an independent artist that is making his mark. 

Realizing what's important, Alyst raps about not worrying about followers but focusing on the dollars and the pursuit of the dream. This is what makes him stand out among others in Hip Hop. He's about the story and not just getting your attention. 

With the perfect marriage of words and flow, GLEEMING shines in 2021. 

[REVIEW] THE DAY YOU LEFT by Poo Bear shows the complicated nature of loving and losing

 I can't tell you how much I can relate to THE DAY YOU LEFT by Poo Bear. 

The song is all about loving someone, losing someone and then still feeling the love and regret that you're left with. Us guys don't always talk about the feelings we have when it comes to relationships. We hurt just like others do, and this song shows that even when we know something is wrong it's hard for us to let it up. 

The fact that he is expressing the tug of war of the heart of wanting to be done with the betrayal but still loving the person is so fear. The thing he also says that struck me was IF the person wanted to come back he was open to it! One can judge how wise that might be, but it is still REAL. I've been there, wanting something that no longer served me well. 

THE DAY YOU LEFT shows the complicated nature of loving and losing. That is why men and women can relate to it. 

[REVIEW] GOOD 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo is that song about moving on even when you don't want to

The heart is a funny thing, right? Olivia Rodrigo's GOOD 4 U shows that not everyone moves on or heals as quickly as others. It's hard when the person who said they wanted to give you the world is not with someone else. They have moved on, but you are still thinking about what was---and what will now never be.

GOOD 4 U is that tongue and cheek song about someone who is able to do well personally and professionally while you are still trying to pick up the pieces and move forward. You don't really want the other person to hurt. You just wish you didn't have to go through what you're feeling alone. 

Then comes the second-guessing: 'Maybe I'm too emotional,' she says, but to him she says, 'Your apathy is like a wound in salt.' The follow-up is the heart-breaking: 'Maybe you never cared at all...' That is a revelation no one wants to come to, but it could be the case.

Relatable and fun, GOOD 4 U is that song about moving on eve when you don't want to. 

[REVIEW] Life is better with new Mary J Blige in your playlist. AMAZING is just what we needed

 As soon as this single dropped on Amazon it was downloaded and happily on repeat on my playlist. 

Everything about this song speaks to me: the hype of DJ Khalid, the crazy beat and the words of Mary J. Blige that are just what we need as we wrap up what's been another extraordinary year. 

For her it's about celebration each and every day, not waiting on a birthday or special event. "I feel good, I feel great, man I feel amazing..." those are the words we should look in the mirror and repeat to ourselves and then to others. Life is too short not to appreciate the day and to encourage the positive vibes, avoiding the negativity. 

"Every day celebrate not just on occasion," she encourages. That is just what we need to do as we look at the blessings we have and not at what it seems as though we don't have. 

From beginning to end this song makes you move. It's just what we needed in times like this to remind us of the blessing that is life. 

[REVIEW] Bella Manchester's I'LL GO reminds us that separation can bring peace

 

When you care about someone it's not easy to walk away, but Bella Manchester's I'LL GO reminds us that sometimes to protect our peace we have to know when to leave. The song tells a story that applies to any relationship where you know you are not being appreciated or served well. As the word say you have to say goodbye to protect your peace. Only then can you really be happy.

[REVIEWS] Not where you want to be? Keep going! BETTER DAYS reminds you that the best can still be ahead.

 'Some people come out of the storm better. Some come out of the storm bitter... The difference is the compass of your heart, and the direction you want to go.' ~ When Kirk Franklin says that in the beginning of this edition of BETTER DAYS it spoke to me on such a deep level. It's truth. In the darkness we are meant to be a light. That is the choice that we have.

So much to love about this song. BETTER DAYS reminds us that no matter how dark things might seem at this time, there are better days ahead IF we don't give up. We have to keep our eyes on the road ahead. "We're on our way to better, " the song says. "It gets worse 'fore it gets better, but better's ahead. Better days are coming."

The light at the end of the tunnel is something we can keep pushing towards, and if we do we will get to the other side of whatever challenge or obstacle we are facing.

Love the messaging of this song, and the fact that it speaks to you on so many different levels. No matter how dark things might seem BETTER DAYS are ahead. Don't give up before you reach them.

[REVIEW] Hands down Neoni's PARANOIA goes hard. Great way to begin 2021

 

You can run but you can't hide from this simple fact: Neoni can really do no wrong. Paranoia is another example of their ability to make you feel something with every line. Love how this song just sneaks up on you, delivering strong vocals and a beat that keeps you moving.

And let's not forget the words. I think we can all agree that there's more than a little bit of paranoia in the world right now. We gotta get past that, but it makes for a great song. :-) You can't hide from this one. PARANOIA comes for you hard. A great way to begin my music catalog in 2021.

[REVIEW] Neoni's WHERE WE RISE shows that when the chips are down we keep moving forward

This is a serious question: Can Neoni do anything wrong with it comes to music?

Every song they have put out has been a banger, and WHERE WE RISE is no different. Every time it plays I see something from a superhero movie or a Shonda Rhimes drama when things seem to be going wrong for the heroes---and then they remember who they are.

When the chips are down and all seems lost, that is when the true winners stand up and identify themselves. We not only rise, we thrive.

Hands down Neoni nails another one.

[REVIEW] Troy reminds us that a break-up doesn't end the feelings we have. To think that would be FOOLISH

 

I think we have all been there: been with someone and things didn't work out. The thing is the feelings don't go away just because the relationship ended. That is what Troy sings about in FOOLISH.

I can't lie: this song spoke to me. We might try to move on, but when you see that person or a certain song comes on the radio, your mind can't help but go to them.

FOOLISH is a song that shows though things come to an end the feelings will take time to deal with---and that's okay.

[REVIEW] STAY by Victoria Justice is the honesty a lot of us wish we could have but don't

Sometimes you just don't want to be alone, and with STAY by Victoria Justice it shows that we don't have to be.

Even if it's not something that we normally do, the song shows that sometimes it's okay to just express how you feel and what you want. "We can stay up to the sun arises. All night long. All night long. This feelings too good to fight it. It can't be wrong."

We've all heard of drunk texting or dialing, but STAY shows sometimes in the moment the truth just comes out. It's that honesty a lot of us wish we could have but don't.

[REVIEW] Jamie Miller's HOLD YOU 'TIL WE'RE OLD has all the ingredients of a great love song

 I have been following Jamie Miller for a while on social media, so when I saw he had released a new single I knew it was something I wanted to check out.

HOLD YOU 'TIL WE'RE OLD is all about that special someone and how much they mean to us. No matter what we go through, we're in it for the long haul. "I wouldn't know how to let you go if I wanted to," he sings, talking about the challenges that all relationships go through.

"I know time can change us, break us...make us lose our minds," but that doesn't mean we have to call it quits. The song is all about what it really means to love, and how we can commit to someone for better or worse.

[REVIEW] A phone call can be all it takes to bring back the magic. THINKING 'BOUT YOU speaks the truth.

 I've been there, and I think we probably all have: gotten a phone call that sparks the memory of a not so distant event in our lives. THINKING 'BOUT YOU by Dustin Lynch and MacKenzie Porter is all about how a chance encounter or phone call can lead us back to those memories that make us smile and remember what was.

If you're thinking about someone, let them know it. There's a pretty good chance they are thinking about you, too. Take the chance and make the call. It could be just what you need to bring back the magic.

[REVIEW] With all that is going on in the world Riley Clemmons encourage us to Keep On Hoping

 For people of faith and those who want to keep going but need the encouragement, a song like this is full of important reminders. That is what makes Riley Clemmons such a needed voice in music. Through Keep On Hoping she reminds us even in the dark times don't give up.

'Keep on hoping when the days get dark. Keep on singing, don't you ever lose heart.' Our Heavenly Father is bigger than all of our problems and 'will give us strength to keep on going.' We just have to do our part.

Lift your eyes, you're going to be alright, she sings. We got this with God's help.

[REVIEW] Liz Bohannon reminds us that sometimes the way we show love is by simply saying LET ME GO

 

Life comes with many lessons, and in LET ME GO by Liz Bohannon we see that sometimes we learn that truly loving someone and yourself means you have to let go.

The song is all about the honesty of making the tough decision to say this is not working for you anymore. It's time to do what it takes to make you happy. "I know that I'm breaking your heart," she admits, but what matters is peace of mind.

Love the way the song tells the story of a love story that is ending but the importance of not giving up on love entirely. True love sometimes shows itself by finding the courage to say goodbye.

[REVIEW] The voice that can seemingly do no wrong, Jennifer Hudson's AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH soars

 

I have so much love and respect for Jennifer Hudson, and her single AINT' NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH is another reason why she has the fanbase that she does. The song is a oldie and goodie, but she is able to make it her own, and we're all here for it.

A great message of not just love but the extent we'll go for it, AINT' NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH soars from beginning to end.

[REVIEW] With a driving beat and a powerful message, Kenny Lattimore delivers another hit with LOSE YOU

 

'Why would I do something to lose you?'

I love the way this song begins with an important question, and then Kenny Lattimore shows in LOSE YOU that actions mean more than words---and he's determined to make sure that special someone knows what they mean to him. 

He shows that it's about showing and giving respect, realizing that the way we treat others says more than the words we speak. The overall message? If you really love someone it's going to show. They won't have to question it. That love will always show itself. 

[REVIEW] Four Washington's HEART AWAY is that love gone wrong song we can all relate to in some way

 

We know what 's like to have our love not being returned the way we want. With HEART AWAY Four Washington shows that sometimes we find ourselves begging for a love to be returned from someone who has obviously moved on.

We've gone from sharing dreams together to now dreaming alone. "Will it hurt you to say or is your love already gone," the song asks. A lot of times we already know the answer, but it's hard for us to accept. 

'Is it over? Don't go!' Again we know what this is like. It hurts, but sometimes we just have to realize what was there at one time is gone. When someone seems to take your heart away saying goodbye isn't easy but proves to be necessary. 

[REVIEW] Alvin Garrett's THE LIGHTNESS OF LOVE reminds us what love can do to you and for you

Alvin Garrett is a go-to for great love songs. THE LIGHTNESS OF LOVE is another example of that. He's able to reminds us what love can do for you, and what that special someone can do to you and for you.

Us guys will like the song, because it gives us the words we can say to that special lady. The ladies will like it, because it puts the attention on them and for those who say we don't know how to communicate it gives us the words.

Did I mention it is also a great song to dance to or vibe with? All the right ingredients for a song you'll enjoy having on your playlist.