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grammy awards

2014 Grammy Predictions- Song Of The Year

by Ryan Shea

Credit to: Parade
Credit to: Parade

Miley’s song could be nominated, folks. Be aware.

The announcement of the songs nominated for the 2014 Grammy Awards are only 18 days away at this point where they are set to be announced live on CBS the night of December 6th.  A tradition that they have been doing for a couple of years, the event will take place at 8/7 central, hosted by LL Cool J and featuring performers (and potential nominees) Drake, Macklemore and Keith Urban to name a few.  As exciting as the performances are themselves, millions of music fans and performers alike will be giddy with anticipation over who will be the actual nominees for next year’s biggest music event.  But who will be nominated in each category?

The award for “Song Of The Year” is different from “Record Of The Year” in that Song is awarded to its composers whereas Record can go to the performer and production team for that song.  To me, this award exemplifies the best written song of the year, the one that is different from the rest and really made you think about its lyrical content in order to win this type of award.  In recent years, this has been won by John Mayer’s “Daughters”, Adele & Paul Epworth’s “Rolling In The Deep” and the guys from Fun’s song “We Are Young” last year (Miguel’s “Adorn” should’ve won, in my opinion).  So who has the chance to win the award this year?  Take a look at who I think are some of the potential nominees.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert- “Same Love”(Written by: Ben Haggerty, Mary Lambert, Ryan Lewis & Curtis Mayfield).  I love it when an artist of this caliber comes and makes a song about marriage equality, especially when he is in an industry that is known for its overabundance of homophobia.  Written in particular about legalizing same sex marriage in Macklemore’s home state of Washington, the song does a simple yet extraordinary way of flowing lyrically why the use of the words “gay” and “faggot’ are truthfully wrong and why we should accept people as a whole no matter what their backgrounds are.  In my opinion, this has never been doing before hip-hop wise, and I give Macklemore a ton of credit for being brave enough to do this.  I also love that he has featured a ton of relatively unknowns on his album as he himself was practically one before the release of “Thrift Shop” in late 2012.  Just like he did with Thrift Shop (Wanz) and Can’t Hold Us (Ray Dalton) he features the beautifully gifted Mary Lambert on this track to add a soft yet powerful female element to the song.  Definitely the winner in my book here.

Miley Cyrus- “Wrecking Ball” (Written By: Henry Russell Walter, Sacha Skarbek, Stephan Moccio, Maureen Anne McDonald and Lukasz Gottwald).  Let’s keep it 100 here folks, this was the year of Miley.  We couldn’t escape her presence this year and say what you want about her but she does do a pretty good job at keeping us talking.  The second release off of her album “Bangerz” became known a bit more for its very controversial video than it did the actual song.  The song itself talks about the end of a relationship and the dealing of heartbreak at a young age (mainly this song is about Liam Hemsworth, whom she was engaged to until recently).  It is her best effort yet, in my opinion, and has a lot of raw energy and grit to her which is something that she hasn’t really done in the past, being all Disney and whatnot.  This song earned her her first number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and a permanent spot in our brains (for that video and other stuff) but more importantly in pop culture.  She ain’t Hannah Montana anymore that’s for sure.

Pink & Nate Ruess- “Just Give Me A Reason” (Written By: Pink, Jeff Bhasker & Nate Ruess).  It really drives me nuts that almost fifteen years into her career I still feel like Pink doesn’t get the recognition she deserves.  The third release off of her popular album “The Truth Above Love”, “Just Give Me A Reason” is another one of those amazing songs that talk about the woes of a relationship and how hard it is to hear the other person when you yourself are in a ton of pain that you can’t see your way out of.  Pink’s deep and low falsetto blends very well with Nate Ruess’ high-pitched vocals and makes this song that much more special.  Pink, who we usually see do songs from a more solo perspective, truly shines on this one and proves why even after all this time she is still one rocking chick.

Drake- “Hold On We’re Going Home” (Written By: Aubrey Graham, Noah Shebib, Majid Al Maskati and Jordan Ullman).  Something that I am still in shock about is the fact that Drake’s title track and album for “Take Care” didn’t get a single nomination in the main categories at last year’s Grammy’s, which is crap.  I am really pulling for this talented guy to be grab a nomination for this song on some type of level, because this is one of his best one’s he has put out thus far.  Blurring the lines of rapping and singing, the R&B crooner and hip-hop mainstay released this song second off of his very successful third album “Nothing Was The Same” to the delight of fans and critics.  A simple song about how he feels for his female counterpart, the song has been a hit on the charts and in the minds of many of his female fans as he continues on his path to being one of the greatest hip-hop artists today.

Lorde- “Royals” (Written by: Ella Yelich O’Connor & Joel Little).  I fucking love this song, forgive me for my language but I feel like that emphatic “FUCK” needs to be in there.  A surefire lock for a Best New Artist, this song is the anti “Bling Bling” and “Beemerz, Benz & Bentley’s”.  Meaning that she is aware of her background and upbringing and doesn’t have to sing about the jet set lifestyle in order to make it big in the industry, kind of like Sara Bareilles “Love Song” did with her tongue and cheek version of not writing a love song for her debut record.  I am really pulling for her in February and really in the future because she is definitely one to watch out for.

Honorable Mentions:

Justin Timberlake- “Mirrors”

Taylor Swift- “Red”

Bruno Mars- “Treasure”

Sara Bareilles- “Brave”

Imagine Dragons- “Radioactive”

Who do you think should and will be nominated?

 

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC Tagged With: 2014 grammys, drake, grammy, grammy awards, grammy nominations, justin timberlake, macklemore, mary lambert, miley cyrus, nate ruess, pink, record, ryan lewis, sara bareilles, song, Taylor Swift

Skrillex Takes it All: DUMBstep!

by Ryan Shea

Skrillex Grammy awards
Skrillex Grammy awards
Skrillex wins Dance Music categories at the 2013 Grammy Awards

So, unfortunately, my predictions for the winners in the Dance music category at the Grammy’s this year were off.  I must admit I had a feeling the outcome would be this way but I hoped that the Grammy board would step away from the commercial front runner and actually give it to someone with talent.

So Skrillex’s single Bangarang took home the Grammy for Best Dance Recording.  Yawn!  Dubstep is so 2011!  But I guess the Grammy awards didn’t get the memo.  Although I wanted SHM to take it I would’ve been happier to see Avicii win then Skrillex.

He also won Best Dance/Electronica Album.  I listened to Bangarang, the album, and was totally unaffected.  It was the same mechanical beats over and over.  Kaskade was definitely robbed, but I think this is just the beginning for Dance Music.  Hopefully in the years to come dance artists will be recognized for their talent and of their commercial appeal.

I am so tired of DUMBstep and Skrillex!  I’m sure everyone agrees!  First off, that hair!  Last night he looked like he hadn’t showered in months.  I get it, you’re a DJ and you’re so unique and special, but it’s the Grammy Awards!  Show some respect and wash your hair.

I am really angry with the outcome last night and hope that other dance music fans were as well.  Feel free to let me know how you feel!

Filed Under: BREAKING NEWS, ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, OPINION, TELEVISION Tagged With: 2013 grammy awards, dance music, grammy, grammy awards, grammy winner, skrillex, skrillex house music, winner

Boobs or Snooze; The 2013 Grammy Awards

by Ryan Shea

Katy Perry Grammys

This year’s Grammy awards brought out an array of fashion.  Despite CBS’s comical dress code, the stars still looked hot this year.  CBS sent a notice that the attendees of the Grammy awards should not wear anything revealing; no plunging necklines, side boobs, or butt views.  Although CBS tried to control the fashion, many artists clearly disregarded the networks warnings. This is the 2013 Grammy Fashion review.

One artist who visibly paid no attention to the dress code was Katy Perry.  Perry’s revealing mint green Gucci dress was skin tight and the peep hole at her chest was anything but censored.  Her cleavage was fully exposed!  The dress was unattractive and Katy Perry looked a little undone.  Not her best.

 

Katy Perry Grammys
Katy Perry at the 2013 Grammys

Another artist who ignored the no “bare skin’ rule was Kelly Rowland in Georges Chakra.  The fitted black gown was beautiful and had many, many revealing lines.  If she moved the wrong way all of her naughty parts would have been on display.  Thankfully there were no slips, but it was obvious Rowland was unfazed by the clothing regulations this year.

 

Kelly Rowland Grammys
Kelly Rowland at the 2013 Grammy’s

I have to admit I was slightly let down by the fashion at the Grammy’s this year.  Nothing really astounded me.  That being said, there were a few celebrities whose choice of dress was beautiful and warrants mentioning.

My best dressed this year goes to; Rihanna!

 

Rihanna Grammy's
Rihanna at the 2013 Grammy’s

I must admit I fully expected Rihanna to completely go against the dress code and shock us all, but she decided to keep it tasteful.  The singer rocked a dazzling red Azzedine Alaia gown, sheer panels’ criss-crossed over the chest and haltered on the neck.  The skirt was full and flowing chiffon.  She looked elegant and still made a statement.

Carrie Underwood looked striking last night.  She was put together from head to toe.  The strapless Roberto Cavalli gown hugged her curves and accentuated her toned arms.  The pattern on the dress was elegant and the beading on the skirt was breath taking.

 

Carrie Underwood Grammy's
Carrie Underwood at the 2013 Grammy awards

Faith Hill really surprised me this year.  The knee length frock she wore fit her perfectly and the sheer, embroidered top was lovely.  The lace jacquard on the skirt was so subtle you could barely see it.  This J. Mendel dress looked stunning on Faith Hill.

 

Faith Hill
Faith Hill at the Grammy Awards

And now for my favorite part of the Grammy’s… the WORST DRESSED.  The Grammy’s always brings out some of the most outrageously heinous fashions.  And, oh, they did not disappoint me this year!  I’ll try and narrow it down to my top 5 this year.

#5 – Jennifer Lopez

 

Jennifer Lopez Grammy
Jennifer Lopez at the Grammy’s

 

J.Lo’s dress looked like a hefty bag.  The cut out for her leg to stick through made no sense!

#4 – Nicole Kidman

 

Nicole Kidman Grammy's
Nicole Kidman at the 55th annual Grammy awards

Her dress aged her and the muted colors washed her out.

#3 – Adele

 

Adele Grammy's
Singer Adele at the 55th annual Grammy’s

I feel wretched naming Adele as one of my worst dressed, but the pregnant Grammy winner looked like she was wearing curtains!

#2 – Solange Knowles

 

Solange Knowles Grammy's
Beyonce’s little sister Solange

Beyonce’s younger sister looked like a cracked out Diana Ross.  The sparkly green dress was cheap looking and the orange heels were horrible.

#1 – Ashanti

 

Ashanti Grammy
Ashanti at the 2013 Grammy Awards

Ashanti’s floral dress was too revealing and looked cheap.

Lastly, I want to shout out a few of the men who rocked it last night…

 

Hunter Hayes
Country Cutie Hunter Hayes

Country cutie Hunter Hayes looked handsome in his Hugo Boss black suit.

Justin Timberlake in Tom Ford at the 2013 Grammy awards

 

Justin Timberlake rocked his Tom Ford suit and had all of us ladies swooning.

 

The fashion at the Grammy’s this year was toned down compared to previous years.  No one really amazed me.  I remember tuning into the Grammy’s and being dazzled by the unique costumes the musicians would adorn.  I look forward to the outrageous red carpet and can only hope that next year will be more eventful.

Filed Under: BREAKING NEWS, FASHION, MUSIC, OPINION, REVIEWS, STYLE, TELEVISION, U.S. Tagged With: 2013 grammy awards, 55th annual grammy awards, adele, Annual Grammy Awards, ashanti, best and worst dressed, Carrie Underwood, CBS, dress code, fashion, Fashion Reviews, grammy, grammy awards, Grammy Fashion, Grammy Winners, Grammys, Hunter Hayes, j.lo, Jennifer Lopez, justin timberlake, Katy Perry, kelly, Kelly Rowland, music, nicole kidman, red carpet, Rihanna, solange, solange knowles, television, The Grammy Awards, worst dressed

Dance Music at the Grammy’s

by Ryan Shea

left

Dance music has come a long way in the past decade.  From music you could only hear at 5 am in NYC at clubs like Sound Factory and Crobar, to now being played out by commercialized mainstream radio.  Dance music is beats and vocals dubbed together by artists who can hear melodies where others do not.  Having said this, it is amazing to see these artists being honored, as musicians, at the Grammy awards.

The nominees for Best Dance Recording are all very talented DJ’s.  Avicii is a great DJ who brought dance music to the mainstream when Flo Rida remixed his song Levels.  Although he should be recognized for helping bring dance music to the forefront of American radio, I don’t think he deserves the Grammy this year.  The Best Dance Recording, in my opinion, belongs to Swedish House Mafia featuring John Martin, Don’t you Worry Child.  This song mixes beautiful vocals and lyrics with genius melodies and beats.  Not only can you sing along to this track but you can also get lost in its atmosphere.  Swedish House Mafia is a trio of talented DJ’s and ingenious producers.  They mix just the right amount of commercial feel to get radio air time and still keep the respect of dance music lovers around the world.

The Grammy for the Best Dance/Electronica Album hands down belongs to Kaskade Fire and Ice.  Kaskade is one of the few American DJs and producers to draw followers around the world.  In 2011 Kaskade was voted America’s Best DJ 2011 by www.djtimes.com.  The Fire and Ice album peaked at #17 on the US Charts and #1 on the US Dance Charts.  Kaskade brings together different artists and other DJs in this album and still manages to keep his authentic sound.  The album includes two discs’ (Fire and Ice) which contain the same tracks but mixed in two completely different ways.  Fire is smooth and alluring, while Ice is loud and hard.  Although the same songs, each disc feels and sounds completely unique.  Kaskade deserves this award, in my opinion, and I believe will take home the Grammy this year.  Although the other albums in this category are all great none has the originality and range of skill like Kaskade Fire and Ice.

 

Filed Under: BREAKING NEWS, ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, OPINION Tagged With: avicii, dance, dance music, dj, dont you worry child song, edm, electro, fire and ice album, grammy, grammy awards, house music, kaskade, producers, review, shm, swedish house mafia, techno, techno music

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