Category: Music

Music

Normani & Sam Smith Make a Strong Case for Best Collab of 2019

Yes, 2019 is all but less than a month old, but Normani and Sam Smith have already come out guns blazing with their new track: “Dancing with a Stranger.” In recent years, “sad bops,” or songs with uptempo-ish melodies and melancholic themes, have dominated airwaves and playlists. Think records like “Green Light” (Lorde); “One Last Time” (Ariana Grande); or “Be Careful” (Cardi B). While the … Continue reading Normani & Sam Smith Make a Strong Case for Best Collab of 2019

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Music

30 Most Anticipated Albums of 2019

Happy New Year! While 2018 was a stellar year for music (read my best albums and best songs lists), I’m even more excited for what 2019 has in store. From the blockbuster soundtracks to the grand return of some of music’s biggest names, 2019 is sure to be a huge year for music. So, without further ado, here are the 30 most anticipated albums of … Continue reading 30 Most Anticipated Albums of 2019

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Music

Top 40 Songs of 2018

#40. Pistol Annies, “Got My Name Changed Back” Is there anything better than a spunky, celebratory song about freedom after divorce? The rollicking lead single from the Miranda Lambert-fronted band’s third album, “Changed Back,” is a simple Americana-influenced track that is incredibly empowering. Stacked with guitars, steel drums, and beautiful harmonies, this track helps to continue to make country music less of a boy’s club … Continue reading Top 40 Songs of 2018

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Music

The Top 40 Albums of 2018

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

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Music

2019 Grammys Nominations Predictions: The Pop Field

Best Pop Vocal Abum Best Pop Vocal Album is one of the most highly contested categories each year at the Grammys. This year is no different, there are two or three albums that seem to be definite nominees, but there are a plethora of records that all make strong cases for a nomination. Let’s get to it. Taylor Swift’s reputation (read my review here) and Ariana Grande’s Sweetener (read … Continue reading 2019 Grammys Nominations Predictions: The Pop Field

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Music, Think Pieces

Does Cardi B Benefit from Colorism?

A commonly accepted definition of colorism: “Discrimination based on skin color, also known as colorism or shadeism, is a form of prejudice or discrimination in which people are treated differently based on the social meanings attached to skin color.” (Source) Cardi B’s meteoric rise to the top of the rap game has been nothing short of historic and inspirational. Her first entry on the U.S. … Continue reading Does Cardi B Benefit from Colorism?

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Music

On ‘LM5,’ It’s a “Woman’s World” and Little Mix Rules (Review)

Little Mix is something of an anomaly. They’re one of the biggest stadium acts in the United Kingdom and Europe, but they have barely made a dense Stateside. With their fifth full-length, LM5, Little Mix ties The Saturdays for most studio albums from a girl group in the modern era. Formed on the X Factor UK in 2011, Little Mix has consistently impressed with their formidable … Continue reading On ‘LM5,’ It’s a “Woman’s World” and Little Mix Rules (Review)

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