What’s New This Week: 12/13/23
Here's a sampling of our new arrangements this week, including songs from Wonka, Cher, Teddy Swims, and more!
We have a great assortment of new songs this week, so check out our highlights below. Be sure to click here for all our new songs!
· “Pure Imagination” from Wonka: From the much-anticipated prequel Wonka, Timothée Chalamet sings a new arrangement of this song that was originally featured in the 1971 movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. The new movie focuses on Willy Wonka's early days as a chocolatier. This piece begins quietly and freely and then becomes more rhythmic and builds in momentum towards the end. Enjoy reacquainting yourself with this timeless classic.
· “DJ Play a Christmas Song” by Cher: This is the first single from Cher's new album Christmas, and it recently reached number 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, making her one of the few artists to have a number 1 hit for a seventh straight decade! This catchy dance number is reminiscent of '90s hit "Believe." The piano accompaniment begins with static chords but eventually transitions into a dance-like rhythm. Sing along with this fun new track by a music icon.
· “Pure As the Driven Snow” from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes: From the recently released movie The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, this is sung by character Lucy Gray Baird (performed by Rachel Zegler). Songs from this prequel are more folk-centric and are inspired by Appalachian folk music. The piano part incorporates all the acoustic stringed instruments as well as their solo lines, and the lyrics state that the world is cruel, but Coriolanus Snow is as pure as the driven snow.
· “Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes: A 1960s cover of a classic Christmas song, The Ronettes give this song a rock and roll spin. This song appears in the Billboard Holiday charts every year, and it happens to be the second highest chart hit for the group after “Be My Baby.” This arrangement includes the catchy backup vocals and the strings interlude. Get some friends together to sing this retro classic! Also new to the site are many other classics from Darlene Love, The Crystals, and more from the hit album A Christmas Gift for You.
· “Some Things I'll Never Know” by Teddy Swims feat. Maren Morris: Originally from the album I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1), Maren Morris adds vocals to this version. It’s a song of heartbreak, and it brought healing to Teddy Swims when he recorded it solo. Maren Morris adds another layer of vocals in this piano-friendly arrangement featuring syncopated broken chord patterns. Bring along a friend to sing this emotional ballad.
· “Do You Hear the Drummer Boy?” by Charles Szczepanek: A medley including the songs “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and “The Little Drummer Boy,” this was originally released ten years ago on Signature Artist Charles Szczepanek’s album Winter Day Dreaming. He recorded a reimagined version for the 10th anniversary of the album’s release. The song begins calmly with the beautiful classic melodies and then transitions into a very rhythmic, syncopated section. Be sure to bring out the melody above all, which will mainly be covered by your pinky finger! Enjoy the merging of these Christmas classics.
Unique Pick of the Week
· “That's What I Want for Christmas” by Nancy Wilson: Originally by jazz singer Nancy Wilson, this song was one of her Christmas singles from the 1960s, and she sings that all she wants for Christmas is love. It’s one of the lesser-known holiday songs, but it has a beautiful melody. This piano solo arrangement by Brent Edstrom adds more jazz chords, so be sure to bring out the interesting chordal changes, and enjoy discovering this rare gem.
Click here for all our newest sheet music, and be sure to download our Musicnotes app!