It's that time of year again -- time to recap my favorite things of 2019! 
It's been a year of a lot of ups and downs, but isn't that just life?

• I got to celebrate a year with my boyfriend
• I got to be a part of my best friend's wedding
• I became an uncle for the second time
• I got a promotion at work
• I lost another grandparent

The good outweighs the bad and I'm grateful for another good year. That's just a little snapshot of my year personally -- now here's a few things from pop culture I loved this year.

BOOKS:
Another year of not getting around to reading all the things I want to read. There are just so many books! Here are my top ten books that came out in 2019.

Bending Toward Justice: The Birmingham Church Bombing that Changed the Course of Civil Rights - Doug Jones
Call My Name - Heather Wyatt (My best friend has another book out! This is a fantastic book of poetry and you can buy it by clicking here.)
Hold My Hand - Michael Barakiva
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men - Caroline Criado Perez
Isthmus: Poems - Margaret King
The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy - Mackenzi Lee
The Music of What Happens - Bill Konigsberg
Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love - Jonathan Van Ness
Red, White and Royal Blue - Casey McQuiston (My favorite novel of 2019 -- I read it twice! You can buy it by clicking here.)
Too Much Is Not Enough - Andrew Rannells

Here are some honorable mentions: (These are some of the books that have been out a while that I read for the first time in 2019.)
China Rich Girlfriend - Kevin Kwan (2015)
​The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas (2017)
In Pieces - Sally Field (2018)
Paper Towns - John Green (2008)
Sharp Objects - Gillian Flynn (2006)

MOVIES:
You'll get a full recap when I preview the Oscars in early February (aren't you excited?!), but here are a few things I've liked so far: Trading Paint which starred Shania Twain in her first major acting role, and the Mindy Kaling penned Late Night starring Emma Thompson.

MUSIC:
My favorite album of 2019 is Taylor Swift's Lover. I don't buy or download as many full-length albums as I used to, but Lover is one that I've enjoyed from start to finish. Here are my top twenty songs of the year.

“Be Alright” - Dean Lewis
“Cool” - Jonas Brothers
“Good As Hell” - Lizzo
“High Hopes” - Panic! At the Disco
“homecoming queen?” - Kelsea Ballerini
“I Warned Myself” - Charlie Puth
“Look What God Gave Her” - Thomas Rhett
“Lover” - Taylor Swift
“ME!” - Taylor Swift feat. Brendon Urie
“Never Really Over” - Katy Perry
“Old Town Road” - Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus
“Only Human” - Jonas Brothers
“Shania Twain” - Aura Dione
“Sucker” - Jonas Brothers
“Sweet but Psycho” - Ava Max
“Thank U, Next” - Ariana Grande
“Truth Hurts” - Lizzo
“Want You in My Room” - Carly Rae Jepsen
“Wow.” - Post Malone
“You Need To Calm Down” - Taylor Swift (My favorite song and music video of 2019! Click here to listen and watch the music video.)

TELEVISION:
My top fifteen shows of 2019:

Big Little Lies
BoJack Horseman
Broad City
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
The Crown
The Good Place
Grace & Frankie
Killing Eve
The Morning Show
The Other Two (My favorite TV show of 2019.)
Schitt’s Creek
Stranger Things
Superstore
Veep
Watchmen

The end of the year means it's time to recap the year and look back on what kept me entertained in 2018! It's been a wonderful year personally -- I will be an uncle again next year, my best friend published her first book and got engaged, and I met a wonderful man who I'm lucky enough to call my boyfriend. I can't wait to see what's in store for 2019! But first, here are my favorite things entertainment-wise from 2018.

BOOKS:
I didn't read quite as much as I did in 2017, or quite as much as I wanted to, but these are my Top 5 books from 2018.

• Dear Madam President – Jennifer Palmieri

Written with insight into Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign (Palmieri was the campaign's Director of Communications) this book is a wonderful manual for any woman who wants to throw her hat in the ring or anyone who wants to better understand the complicated navigation it takes to be a woman in politics.

• Leah On The Offbeat – Becky Albertalli

The conclusion of the Simon trilogy -- a wonderful LGBTQ+ series for young adults.

• My Life With(Out) Ranch – Heather Wyatt (buy it by clicking here)

My favorite book of 2018. This book is hilarious and poignant, and it is a must read for anyone who has ever struggled with weight or living their life authentically.

• The Dangerous Art of Blending In - Angelo Surmelis

A heartbreaking and heartwarming YA novel that left a lasting impression on me.

• What If It’s Us – Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera

I knew that when these two powerhouse authors teamed up they would create something amazing, and they certainly didn't disappoint. I fell in love with Arthur and Ben.

Here are some honorable mentions:
I just got autobiographies from Michelle Obama (Becoming) and Sally Field (In Pieces), so they didn't make the cut -- but I'm certain I'll love them!
Crazy Rich Asians - Kevin Kwan
A few years old, but I read it in anticipation of the film release and loved it!
The Mother of Black Hollywood - Jenifer Lewis
This book came out at the end of 2017, but I read it early this year. It is laugh out loud funny, and offers a unique perspective on mental illness.

MOVIES:
I tend to binge watch movies during award show season, so I won't have my full take on 2018 movies until February just before the Academy Awards. But, so far this year, Love, Simon has been my favorite movie! I also really loved Crazy Rich Asians, Deadpool 2, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and the documentary RBG.

MUSIC:
By far my favorite musical event of 2018 was the Shania Now Tour, which I was lucky enough to see twice! Now was also by far the album I listened to the most this year, even though it came out in the fall of 2017.
As for this year, Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves tops my list of best albums released. It is a magnificent work of art. I also really enjoyed Cher's ABBA covers album, Dancing Queen, and The Greatest Showman: Reimagined.
These are my Top 20 singles of the year:

• “Ashes” – Celine Dion
• “Babe” – Sugarland featuring Taylor Swift
• “Bloom” – Troye Sivan
• “Butterflies” – Kacey Musgraves
• “Delicate” – Taylor Swift
• “Don't Go Breaking My Heart” – Backstreet Boys
• “Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B
• “Heaven” – Kane Brown
• "How Long" - Charlie Puth
• “IDGAF” – Dua Lipa
• “The Middle” – Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey
• “My My My!” – Troye Sivan
• “Never Be The Same” – Camila Cabello
• ‘no tears left to cry” – Ariana Grande
• “Party For One” – Carly Rae Jepsen
• “Rich” – Maren Morris
  
• “Sit Next To Me” – Foster the People
• “Space Cowboy” – Kacey Musgraves - My favorite song of 2018!
  
• “Thunder” – Imagine Dragons
• “Whatever It Takes” – Imagine Dragons

 
Honorable Mentions: "Beg" by Jack & Jack, "Havana" by Camila Cabello, and "Tequila" by Dan + Shay

TELEVISION:
My Top 10 shows of 2018:
Altered Carbon
Brooklyn Nine Nine
Fresh Off The Boat
Grace and Frankie
Insecure
Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Queer Eye
Real Country
Schitt's Creek
Superstore

2018 MIDTERM ELECTIONS:
And finally, here is a list of my favorite 18 winners from the 2018 elections!

• Angie Craig
  

Elected to the U.S. House in Minnesota's second congressional district, she'll be the first lesbian mother in Congress.

• Chris Murphy
  

Murphy won re-election to the U.S. Senate in Connecticut -- his fierce advocacy for gun safety and his smart views on foreign policy have made him a favorite of mine.

• Chris Pappas
  

At just 38, Pappas already has an incredible resume as a public servant, and now he will be one of 10 openly gay members of Congress in 2019.

• Dianne Feinstein
  

Despite an intra-party challenge, Feinstein was elected to a fifth full term in the U.S. Senate in California. She's been a top progressive asset on the Senate Intelligence Committee.

• Gavin Newsom
  

A moment I've been waiting for over a decade -- Newsom was elected governor of California! He's been one of the most loyal LGBTQ+ allies since his time in local government in San Fransisco.

• Gretchen Whitmer
  

Whitmer will be Michigan's second female governor and ran on a common sense, progressive solutions platform.

• Jacky Rosen
  

Nevada will now be represented by two Democratic women in the U.S. Senate!

• Jahana Hayes
  

A former National Teacher of the Year award winner, Hayes will be the first black woman to represent Connecticut in Congress.

• Jared Polis
  

Polis became the first openly gay man elected governor in the United States when he prevailed in the Colorado gubernatorial race in 2018.

• Kirsten Gillibrand
  

One of my very favorite U.S. Senators -- Gillibrand was elected to her second full term in November.

• Kyrsten Sinema
  

In one of the closest U.S. Senate races of the year, Sinema, who is bisexual, beat Congresswoman Martha McSally, who is well known for her work in trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

• Lauren Underwood
  

Underwood was one of my favorite candidates this year and I'm thrilled to see what she will accomplish in the U.S. House.

• Lucy McBath
  

McBath became a gun safety advocate after the tragic murder of her son Jordan Davis, and in 2018 she beat one of the most conservative members of Congress.

• Mazie Hirono
  

Sen. Hirono, another of my favorites, was re-elected to represent Hawaii for a second term.

• Michelle Lujan Grisham
  

I was thrilled when Congresswoman Lujan Grisham announced her candidacy for governor of New Mexico, and even more thrilled when she won!

• Sharice Davids
  

Davids will become one of the first two Native Americans to serve in Congress and she's also the first openly gay person to represent Kansas in Congress.

• Tammy Baldwin
  

The first out senator was re-elected for a second term in Wisconsin! She's continued to fight for progressive values and I'm eager to see what lies ahead for her.

• Tony Evers
  

Evers finally toppled Wisconsin governor Scott Walker! That's enough reason to celebrate!

​Let’s be honest – 2017 was a depressing year, especially after Inauguration Day. It’s been a frightening and sad year with a lot of highs and lows, but luckily I did have things to entertain and inspire me throughout 2017. Here’s a list of what I enjoyed and what kept me going during the year entertainment-wise.
 
BOOKS
 
I made a goal to read at least 30 books in 2017, which I did! About half of the books I read were new releases, and the other half were older books that had been on my To-Be-Read list for a while. Here are my favorite ten books of 2017.

• The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue – Mackenzi Lee

Historical fiction with LGBT characters?! Yes, please.

• History is All You Left Me – Adam Silvera

Well written, but heartbreaking YA novel.

• Honestly Ben – Bill Konigsberg

Are you noticing a pattern yet? I read a lot of YA this year. This is the sequel to Konigsberg’s Openly Straight which was fantastic as well.

• Hunger – Roxane Gay

I really like Roxane Gay’s non-fiction work and this is an incredibly thought provoking book on obesity and all that goes along with being obese in an unaccommodating and superficial world.

• The Inexplicable Logic of My Life – Benjamin Alire Saenz

Bejamin Alire Saenz has become one of my favorite authors since I read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe last year. This book is fantastic as well.

• Moonglow – Michael Chabon

This book came out at the end of 2016, but I’m including it because I read it this year. It’s one of those books that I read at exactly the right time. The book is about a man interviewing his grandfather on his deathbed, and I read the book in the final weeks of my grandfather’s life. It’s a poignant novel, and Chabon is always a great writer.

• Mrs. Fletcher – Tom Perrotta

Tom Perrotta has written some of my favorite books (The Abstinence Teacher, The Leftovers). He never disappoints.

• She Persisted – Chelsea Clinton (Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger)

Best children’s book of the year. Important and timely message. I can’t wait to buy it for my niece when she’s a little bit older.

• The Upside of Unrequired – Becky Albertalli

I’m still obsessed with Becky Albertalli’s debut novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (which is being made into a film--Love, Simon—to be released in March 2018!). This is her second book, and it was just as fantastic.

• What Happened – Hillary Clinton

This was my favorite book of 2017. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me angry, and it inspired me to keep going. I deeply admire Hillary Clinton’s perseverance and tenacity, and those traits come through this raw and compelling story of the 2016 election.

• Call My By Your Name – André Aciman

Honorable mention, since it came out in 2007. But, I read it in 2017. The thing I’ve said most consistently about this novel is that it wrecked me. It’s beautifully written and it’s such an incredible, yet heartbreaking love story.
 
 
MUSIC
 
For me, the biggest music event of 2017 was Shania Twain releasing Now, her first studio album in 15 years! I’m still loving all 16 tracks on the epic album and I encourage you to listen to it if you haven’t yet. I also loved albums from Kelsea Ballerini, Thomas Rhett, and Taylor Swift this year. Here’s a rundown of my 17 favorite songs of 2017.

• “…Ready For It?” – Taylor Swift

“He can me my jailor, Burton to this Taylor” – I may never be over that line. Catchy and clever as all get out.

• “Body Like A Back Road” – Sam Hunt

This song is fun and sexy, and so is Sam Hunt.

• “Craving You” – Thomas Rhett featuring Maren Morris

I love Maren Morris’s voice, and Thomas Rhett’s Life Changes is one of my favorite albums of 2017. This song is superbly written and has amazing harmonies.

• “Cut To the Feeling” – Carly Rae Jepsen

If queer people ruled the world, this would’ve been the biggest hit of the year. It’s still a bop!

• “Despacito” (Remix) – Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber

Don’t judge me. This song is catchy and sexy.

• “God, Your Mama, and Me” – Florida Georgia Line featuring Backstreet Boys

Another song with great harmonies.

• “Legends” – Kelsea Ballerini

I’ve become a big Kelsea Ballerini fan this year, and her sophomore album Unapologetically is fantastic. This lead track is a slight divergence from what we’ve heard from her so far, but I’m loving it.

• “Life’s About To Get Good” – Shania Twain

My top song of 2017! From the moment she debuted the song in late April at the Stagecoach festival in California, I’ve been listening to this song on repeat. For six weeks, I had to rely on a live bootleg version, then we finally got the official single on iTunes. It was the perfect choice for Shania’s “comeback” single!

• “Look What You Made Me Do” – Taylor Swift

The old Jordan can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Because he died jamming out to this song that somehow manages to reinvent pop while sampling a 1990s pop staple.

• “Poor Me” – Shania Twain

I was completely floored the first time I heard this song. Technically, it wasn’t a single, but it was a promotional track released in 2017 in the lead up to Shania’s new album Now. This song takes us through the emotions of her highly publicized divorce, and leaves it all out on the table. It’s one of the most raw songs lyrically we’ve ever heard from Shania, and I love it.

• “Say All You Want For Christmas” – Nick Jonas featuring Shania Twain

Three of my favorite things – Shania, Nick Jonas, and Christmas!

• “Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran

There seems to be a lot of hate for Ed Sheeran on the internet—so much so that he quit social media for a while. I for one don’t understand the meanness. Plus, he’s got some catchy tunes, including this one.

• Swingin’ With My Eyes Closed – Shania Twain

Once again, Shania blew me away! When she debuted this song on Today in June, my jaw just dropped. I relied on another live bootleg version until the official release of the single in August. This may be my favorite song on Now, although it fluctuates from day to day.

• “That Don’t Impress Me Much” – HAIM

Also, technically not a single from 2017, but it was released on iTunes. Typically, I’ll listen to Shania covers and enjoy them, but why listen to a knockoff when you can hear the original. That isn’t the case with this transformative version from HAIM. I’m in love with the bass line. This is almost as good as the original, and knowing what a massive fan of Shania I am, that should tell you all you need to know.

• “The Cure” – Lady Gaga

This song is a bit of a departure from Lady Gaga’s most recent albums, but I and other fans were living for it. We need more of this from Gaga in 2018!

• “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” – Shawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes is adorable, but also incredibly talented. I love his songwriting and his voice, and I couldn’t get enough of this song in 2017.

• “We Got Something They Don’t” – Shania Twain

The third single from Shania’s Now album is another banger. It’s slowly climbing up the country charts, and I’m hoping it’ll be a massive hit in 2018.
 
Honorable Mentions

• “24K Magic” – Bruno Mars

This is just a fun song. It’s infectious! It was released in late 2016, but I got a lot of enjoyment out of it this year.

• “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” – Zayn & Taylor Swift

Also a late 2016 release, but it peaked this year. Musically this is such a brilliant track. Loved the blending of their voices, too.

• “Something Just Like This” – The Chainsmokers & Coldplay

Two more groups that get a lot of hate, but I still love Coldplay and enjoyed this collaboration.
 
 
PEOPLE
 
With the current disaster in the White House, it was important to have other sources of inspiration to look to. Women really lead the charge and the resistance in 2017, and here are 17 women who deeply inspired me this year.

• Barbara Boxer

She may be retired from the Senate now, but that hasn’t stopped her from still fighting for progressive issues and causes with her PAC for a Change.

• Becky Albertalli

She’s become one of my favorite writers, and I also really admire her activism, especially on behalf of the LGBTQ community.

• Chelsea Clinton

In spite of a torrent of vitriol thrown at her consistently (even from so-called respected members of the press), she still manages to care about the world and try to put out kindness each day. I strive to be more like her.

• Connie Schultz

Another one of my favorite writers. Her column, and her social media posts give me hope on a medium that is so often filled with hopelessness.

• Danica Roem

In 2017 she became the first trans person elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, beating a notoriously homophobic and transphobic Republican. Awe-inspiring to say the least!

• Hillary Clinton

I will always admire her tenacity. The fact that after everything she’s been through, she’s still fighting for the voiceless says so much about her character. Check out her Onward Together organization if you haven’t yet.

• Joy Reid

In a world filled with alternative facts and fake news, Joy Reid is a truth teller. Let’s start a petition to get her named as host of Meet the Press.

• Kelsea Ballerini

I love that her new album is titled Unapologetically—what a mantra for 2018. Being happy and living your best life is such a goal, and she seems to be doing that. It’s infectious.

• Kesha

I deeply admire her strength and how she’s bounced back after the horrific things she’s experienced. Plus, her new music is fantastic.

• Kirsten Gillibrand

Now that Barbara Boxer is no longer in the U.S. Senate, Kirsten Gillibrand is my favorite senator. She’s consistent on all the issues that matter, and I’m expecting even bigger things from her in the next few years.

• Laverne Cox

In an all-around horrific year nationally for trans people, I love how Laverne Cox continues to grow in her career and how she continues to speak out and be an advocate for trans folks everywhere.

• Maxine Waters

She has helped lead the resistance as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. I love that she takes no bullshit. She’s always been a hero of mine, and in 2017 she became an even bigger inspiration.

• Mazie Hirono

She continued to lead the fight against the repeal of the Affordable Healthcare Act while she was undergoing treatment for kidney cancer. She’s a much underappreciated voice in the U.S. Senate.

• Meryl Streep

From the beginning of the year with her epic speech at the Golden Globes against the incoming administration, she has also helped shape the narrative of the resistance. She’s a brilliant actress, but also a wonderful human being who continues to find new ways of lifting up other women.

• Rachel Maddow

No one is reporting on the collusion between the Tr*mp campaign and administration with Russian officials the way Rachel Maddow is. More people need to be paying attention.

• Roxane Gay

I read two of her nonfiction works this year and they both had a profound impact on me. I really admire her ability to be so confident in her writing. That’s something I strive for.

• Shania Twain

One of my personal heroes, again due to tenacity. In the face of adversity and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Shania always finds a way to move on and come back stronger than ever.
 
 
TELEVISION
 
I didn’t watch as much TV as I have in the last few years, but here are my 17 favorite shows of 2017.

• Big Mouth
• The Crown
• Difficult People
• The Good Place
• Grace and Frankie
• The Handmaid’s Tale
• House of Cards
• Insecure
• Mom
• Orange is the New Black
• Riverdale
• Schitt’s Creek
• Superstore
• This Is Us
• Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
• Veep
• Will & Grace

To truly appreciate this album one must understand how long it’s been since Shania Twain released her last studio album, UP!, and everything she’s been through in those 15 years. For a little perspective—Barack Obama was a state senator from Illinois, Taylor Swift wasn’t even a teenager yet, and Facebook was two years away from taking off. In that time, Shania lost her husband/producer to an affair he was having with her best friend. She contracted Lyme disease which led to neurological damage to her vocal chords. It’s been a long 15 years with epic highs and lows. She’s remarried now, and she’s achieved a lot in those 15 years professionally despite being out of the limelight. She had an epic Vegas residency from 2012-2014, and a record breaking tour in 2015.
 
Aptly titled, Shania’s new album reflects what she’s been through and where she is Now. As she’s stated in interviews, this is not a divorce album. Sure, there are references in many of the songs, but this album is so much more. It’s a remarkable journey of strength, endurance, and perseverance in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
 
The album starts off with the rocking “Swingin’ With My Eyes Closed” which she says came from the fighter within her. That fighting spirit is evidenced in many of the album’s 16 tracks, along with typical Shania optimism. She doesn’t shy away from the heartbreak and sadness, though. There are plenty of songs that will leave you devastated.
 
Shania has a history of breaking down barriers and not neatly fitting into rigid labels, and Now highlights that in the best way. The blending of genres is one of Shania’s greatest strengths. The music doesn’t need to be defined by a style other than Shania herself. She is her own genre, and there’s something for everyone. There’s country, dance, gospel pop, R&B, and even reggae influences on this album.
 
Admittedly, my expectations were high for Shania’s comeback. I, and other Shania fans, have waited patiently and we all had high hopes. All of those expectations were exceeded even with the preview tracks and the release of the first two singles. After getting to experience the album as a whole, I was more than satisfied. From start to finish this album is truly a masterpiece and a gift. It’s relatable even when a song’s specific circumstances haven’t been experienced personally.
 
Listening to Now from beginning to end takes the listener on a rollercoaster of emotions, much like Shania (and most people for that matter) has been through over the last decade and a half. There’s a feeling I get when listening to the closing track “All In All” much like the feeling I get when I read a really great novel. I’m so happy to experience the entire thing, but I grieve for it once it’s over. I’m left fulfilled, but still crave more.
 
Shania proves once and for all that she is the driving creative force in her career and has been all along. Many have tried to dismiss her as a puppet, but as the solo songwriter of the entire album, and her first venture in co-producing, her artistry cannot be denied. Now is pop music at its finest.
 
TRACK BY TRACK Review
 
1. “Swingin’ With My Eyes Closed”
Written By: Shania Twain / Produced By: Shania Twain and Ron Aniello
What a banger! From the moment she debuted this song on Today back in June, I was in love with it. It’s got that typical Shania attitude to it, and it’s a great song to kick off the album. The percussion at the beginning is like a hybrid “We Will Rock You” married with throwback Shania classics “Any Man Of Mine” and “Honey, I’m Home,” with a reggae feel thrown in for good measure. It’s a soaring song musically with lush, catchy hooks and background vocals. Also, who else but Shania could create such an epic violin solo in the middle of a song?!
 
2. “Home Now”
Written By: Shania Twain / Produced By: Shania Twain, Matthew Koma, and Ron Aniello
Breezy, light, and catchy. The perfect song for those that love when Shania shows off her country roots. It’s got a fun acoustic feel with lots of guitar, banjo, fiddles and violins.
 
3. “Light Of My Life”
Written By: Shania Twain / Produced By: Shania Twain and Jake Gosling
I love the funky groove of the verses of this song, but it really shines when it gets to the chorus. It takes a different pace musically, sounding like a peppy Beck or REM song. The background vocal in the chorus are Shania perfection, along with the “Mhmms” in the verses. The lyrics are all too relatable for anyone (like me) who crushes hard on someone who doesn’t even know they exist.
 
4. “Poor Me”
Written: By: Shania Twain / Produced By: Shania Twain and Jake Gosling
Lyrically, this is one of the rawest songs Shania has ever released. The first time I heard it I was absolutely heartbroken. It’s definitely one of the darkest songs on the album, but set to an R&B infused pop beat with a clever twist of words. So many lyrical phrases on this song send a jolt right to the gut.
 
5. “Who’s Gonna Be Your Girl”
Written By: Shania Twain / Produced By: Shania Twain, Matthew Koma, and Ron Aniello
Vocally this is one of my favorite performances on the album. It showcases Shania’s range and highlights the best parts of her voice. To me it’s a more melodramatic prequel to “Forever And For Always.” I really love the use of the baritone guitar in this song.
 
6. “More Fun”
Written By: Shania Twain / Produced By: Shania Twain and Jacquire King
An understated weekend party anthem. I think of this as a funky follow-up to “C’est La Vie.” Different musically from anything we’ve heard from Shania. Really highlights the diversity of the album.
 
7. “I’m Alright”
Written By: Shania Twain / Produced By: Shania Twain and Ron Aniello
Another devastating song lyrically in the verses, but hopeful and optimistic in the chorus. An absolute favorite of mine. The chorus gives me chills and the background vocals on the second verse are fantastic. I love the deep rhyming notes in each verse, too.  Beautiful musically – with a cello! Then we get the gospel tinged climactic last chorus (that reminds me of the climax of “I Ain’t Goin’ Down”). It makes me want to repeat it immediately.
 
8. “Let’s Kiss And Make Up” (Deluxe Version only)
Written By: Shania Twain / Produced By: Shania Twain, Ron Aniello, and Dan Book
Flugelhorns, ukuleles, and Shania, oh my! This is such a fun tropical dance bop. It’s a sweet, but melancholy love song with a perfect groove that makes it impossible to sit still. Reminiscent of Omi’s hit “Cheerleader.” Much deeper lyrically than the music and title suggest.
 
9. “Where Do You Think You’re Going” (Deluxe Version only)
Written By: Shania Twain / Produced By: Shania Twain, Ron Aniello and Jake Gosling
You would never know Shania had any vocal issues listening to this song. This is a knockout vocal performance. Lyrically, it’s another devastating song. It starts out as a sultry ballad, but turns into so much more in the choruses. It’s haunting and listening to it gave me chills all over. It’s one of the most emotional and beautiful songs of Shania’s career. I love the soaring crescendo of strings as the song nears its end.
 
10. “Roll Me On The River” (Track 8, Standard Version)
Written By: Shania Twain / Produced By: Shania Twain, Matthew Koma, and Ron Aniello
Another funky, genre defying banger from Shania. I love the subtle banjo throughout the song and the violins are put to such great use. A really unique song musically, and totally sexy lyrics. This song is smokin’.
 
11. “We Got Something They Don’t” (Track 9, Standard Version)
Written By: Shania Twain / Produced By: Shania Twain and Jacquire King
I love the empowerment of this song lyrically. Musically it is the perfect song to turn up and jam out to. I love the mix of high and low harmony background vocals. I love the horns in the musical break and the fake out—just when you think it’s almost done here comes a kickass trumpet solo, followed by a brilliant final climactic chorus.
 
12. “Because Of You” (Deluxe Version only)
Written By: Shania Twain / Produced By: Shania Twain and Jake Gosling
A really sweet introspective love song. Understated but beautiful vocal performance.
 
13. “You Can’t Buy Love” (Track 10, Standard Version)
Written By: Shania Twain / Produced By: Shania Twain and Jake Gosling
Only Shania can turn the cliché “When life gives you lemons” into something new and clever! This is a fun, upbeat song with a 60s pop/rock feel to it. This song will definitely make you smile, and I love the happy “Yeah!” at the end.
 
14. “Life’s About To Get Good” (Track 11, Standard Version)
Written By: Shania Twain / Produced By: Shania Twain, Matthew Koma, and Ron Aniello
I’ve been listening to this song for five months now over and over and I still love it each time! I love the depth of the lyrics on the verses and the joyful happy catchiness of the chorus. The banjo throughout this song is so great! I love the gospel musical break in this song, too, and the buildup back to the chorus for the finale. It was a great song for Shania to release first to preview the album and sums up her life in the past few years so well.
 
15. “Soldier” (Track 12, Standard Version)
Written By: Shania Twain / Produced By: Shania Twain and Jacquire King
Another beautiful, sweet ballad. Another powerful vocal performance and haunting musically.
 
16. “All In All” (Deluxe Version only)
Written By: Shania Twain / Produced By: Shania Twain and Jacquire King
Lyrically this might be my favorite song on the album. It’s so relatable and contemplative. I love the self-reflection and I think it’s a perfect way to wrap up such a raw, personal album. I love the light, lush, tropical feel of the song musically and it reminds me a bit of Toto’s “Africa” in parts.

Click here to purchase or stream Now.

In the spring of 1996, shortly before I turned 11 years old, I began my seventh year of playing Little League baseball. There were good years and bad years, but generally speaking I wasn’t very good at sports. It’s not a unique story—overweight, unathletic kid who got picked last, etc.
 
My grandmother promised me she’d buy me a new CD for getting through another year of baseball. (She had a long history of rewarding me with prizes even when I didn’t necessarily deserve anything.) This promise thrilled me! I had just been getting into music after I got a CD player for Christmas when I was 9 years old, and I loved going to Musicland/Sam Goody in the local mall.
 
I was pretty sure I wanted the Dangerous Minds soundtrack because of the song “Gangsta’s Paradise.” But, after one more trip to the music store I found something else. At the time, the only new music I listened to was country music because that’s what my parents listened to. I only knew pop and rap songs that were wildly popular if I heard them at school or through a friend. So, most of my music collection was country.
 
I browsed the country music section and saw a CD by Shania Twain. I knew a few of her songs so I picked up the album titled Shania Twain and glanced at the track list. I didn’t know any of those songs. I did the same with The Woman In Me and there were quite a few songs on it I liked. Her massive hit “Any Man of Mine” was a favorite and it turned out she also sang “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?” (I thought the latter was performed by someone like Pam Tillis…”Any Man of Mine” was the first Shania song I was familiar with.)
 
I decided The Woman In Me was the CD I wanted and relayed that decision to my grandmother. A few days later when my mom picked me up from baseball practice, the shrink-wrapped newly purchased CD was sitting in the passenger seat waiting on me. I remember that moment, but I don’t remember listening to the album the first time. I do remember completely falling in love. It was the first CD I owned that I could listen to from beginning to end without skipping any songs.
 
Every song on that album was amazing to me. I listened to it day in and day out, flipping through the CD booklet and obsessing over the lyrics. I had never heard music this wonderful! Shania’s voice and songwriting completely captivated me. I became an instant and lifelong fan.
 
It’s no coincidence that just a few months later, I wrote my very first song. These days I don’t write song lyrics that often, but I can trace my love of writing back to The Woman In Me. I was overwhelmed and inspired. I ended up getting her first CD later and of course loved it, too.
 
I’ve been a devoted Shania fan for over 20 years now and her music isn’t the only inspiring thing about her. Her resilience amazes me. She’s been through such extreme lows and traumas in her life, yet she always bounces back and stays optimistic. That optimism is what helps get me going somedays. I love the cheerfulness in Shania’s music. Even in many of her darker more raw songs, she provides a silver lining to see that light at the end of the tunnel.
 
The first single from her upcoming album Now does just that. “I wasn’t just broken, I was shattered,” she sings on “Life’s About To Get Good.” But, clearly with that title, things don’t stay that way for long. “Life’s About To Get Good’ is the mantra I need in such bleak times. Even though that particular song was more than 20 years away from being written and released, receiving The Woman In Me was a symbol that life was about to get good for me.
 
I read a study recently that showed people with anxiety are more prone towards obsessions. It made total sense to me. Obsessing over Shania’s music and career have often been a great distraction when other things in my life weren’t so great.
 
Even as I write this, it’s hard to put into writing just how much her music and story has meant to me. I can point to examples like getting her CD above, or reading her interview in The Advocate when I was a closeted teenager (and how few straight music stars would grant their time to LGBT publications), but mostly it’s just that her music has been a consistent source of enjoyment and happiness for me since I discovered it.
 
For those of you who aren’t as familiar with Shania, first of all, go download her Greatest Hits album right now. You won’t be disappointed. Secondly, her upcoming album is her first studio album in 15 years. That’s why Shania fans are totally freaking out! We’ve been waiting very patiently for this. I remember the five year wait between Come On Over and UP! and how that felt like agony, but that’s nothing compared to this!
 
Shania has teased new music for several years now. We finally got a definitive release date scheduled earlier this year and she debuted her new single at the Stagecoach music festival in California, and then on Today in June.
 
I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was a little apprehensive. Any doubts I may have had were gone completely once I heard “Life’s About To Get Good.” For the six weeks after the performance at Stagecoach leading up to the release of the single on iTunes, I played the live version repeatedly. I couldn’t get enough! She’s released three other promo tracks which are equally as great, and previewed snippets of a few other songs from Now as well.
 
I can’t wait to download the full album later this week and finally hold a brand new Shania Twain CD in my hands. I know, because Shania promised me, that life’s about to get good.