40. Sex & Cigarettes, Toni Braxton The R&B veteran delivered a strong and succinct album in a year full of bloated, overdrawn releases. Her contralto voice and slinky timbre anchor the most explicit and honest soundscape of her career. From the cathartic climax of the title track to the spunky “Foh” and “Deadwood,” Toni maneuvers through themes of independence, lust, and growth with astonishing ease. Sex & … Continue reading The Top 40 Albums of 2018
“Imagine,” a new song from Ariana Grande’s upcoming fifth studio album, Thank U, Next, is an exercise in narrative building. Over a twinking, string-laden Happy Perez & Pop Wansel production, Ariana crafts a mirage of the perfect relationship only to have it destroyed by her piercing belts in the chorus. Ariana’s progression in songwriting has been beautiful to watch. Even the simplest descriptions of “pad thai” … Continue reading Review: Ariana Grande Nails It Again With “Imagine”
This year all of the General Field categories (Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist) have been expanded from five nominees each to eight. Although more nominees means more records and artists being recognized, this also means predicting these categories become much, much harder. I’ll separate these songs into three categories: Locks, Strong Contenders, and Outside Shots. … Continue reading 2019 Grammys Nominations Predictions: Album of the Year
This year all of the General Field categories (Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist) have been expanded from five nominees each to eight. Although more nominees means more records and artists being recognized, this also means predicting these categories become much, much harder. I’ll separate these songs into three categories: Locks, Strong Contenders, and Outside Shots. … Continue reading 2019 Grammys Nominations Predictions: Record of the Year
Best Rap Album Rap music is far and away the biggest genre in music today. Everyone wants to be a consumer and creator of the culture. With the massive influx of new rappers and veterans stepping up their game to keep up with younger artists, the rap categories at this year’s ceremony will be especially competitive. Right now there are three albums that are all … Continue reading 2019 Grammys Nominations Predictions: The Rap Field
This year all of the General Field categories (Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist) have been expanded from five nominees each to eight. Although more nominees means more records and artists being recognized, this also means predicting these categories become much, much harder. I’ll separate these songs into three categories: Locks, Strong Contenders, and Outside Shots. … Continue reading 2019 Grammys Nominations Predictions: Song of the Year
Best R&B Performance Locks “Boo’d Up” (Ella Mai), “Best Part” (Daniel Caesar, H.E.R.), “Love Lies” (Khalid, Normani) As the field stands now, these three songs are the surest bets for a nomination. These three records make up the triad of the biggest R&B hits of the year. Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up” was massive and her name will be all over the Grammy nominations. Daniel Caesar … Continue reading 2019 Grammys Nominations Predictions: The R&B Field
