Grammy Nomination Picks 2018

Ladies and gentleman! Here, for your tickling delight (I'm sure), is my list of what I think may be nominated for a Grammy this year. The actual nominees will be announced Tuesday, November 28, while the 60th Grammy Award ceremony will be held Sunday, January 28, 2018.

This year, some nominations I'm pretty sure about. I had a hard time narrowing down some categories. I'm probably more excited this year than I have been in previous years to compare this list with the actual nominees. Enjoy! What do you think will be nominated?

NOTE: I am not a member of the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and this list is in NO WAY official or reflective of their attitudes. Typically, there are five nominations in each category, but I've left some blank. Nomination eligibility period was October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017.

Album of the Year

DAMN., Kendrick Lamar

The Weight of These Wings, Miranda Lambert

Dua Lipa, Dua Lipa

24K Magic, Bruno Mars

Divide, Ed Sheeran


Record of the Year

"Believer," Imagine Dragons; produced by Mattman & Robin

"That's What I Like," Bruno Mars; produced by Shampoo Press & Curl and The Stereotypes

"Feel It Still," Portugal, The Man; produced by John Hill and Asa Taccone

"Love on the Brain," Rihanna; produced by Fred Ball and Kuk Harrell

"Castle on the Hill," Ed Sheeran; produced by Ed Sheeran and Benny Blanco

"Look What You Made Me Do," Taylor Swift; produced by Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff



Song of the Year

"Water Under the Bridge," Adele; written by Adele Adkins and Greg Kurstin

"Better Man," Little Big Town; written by Taylor Swift

"Castle on the Hill," Ed Sheeran; written by Ed Sheeran and Benjamin Levin

"Too Good at Goodbyes," Sam Smith; written by Sam Smith, James Napier, Mikkel Storleer Eriksen, and Tor Erik

"Look What You Made Me Do," Taylor Swift; written by Taylor Swift, Jack Antonoff, Richard Fairbrass, Fred Fairbrass, and Rob Manzoli



Best New Artist

Dua Lipa

Harry Styles

SZA


Best Pop Solo Performance

"Love So Soft," Kelly Clarkson

"That's What I Like," Bruno Mars

"Castle on the Hill," Ed Sheeran

"Too Good at Goodbyes," Sam Smith

"Look What You Made Me Do," Taylor Swift

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

"In My World," Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie

"Something Just Like This," The Chainsmokers and Coldplay

"Feels," Calvin Harris featuring Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, and Big Sean

"What Lovers Do," Maroon 5 featuring Sza

"Chained to the Rhythm," Katy Perry featuring Skip Marley

Best Pop Album

Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie

Dua Lipa, Dua Lipa

Melodrama, Lorde

24K Magic, Bruno Mars

Divide, Ed Sheeran


Best Dance Recording

"Cola," Camelphat feat. Elderbrook

"Anymore," Goldfrapp

"It Ain't Me," Kygo featuring Selena Gomez

"Stay," Zedd featuring Alessia Cara

"Solid Gold," Zoot Woman

Best Dance/Electronic Album

Silver Eye, Goldfrapp

Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1, Calvin Harris

Absence, Zoot Woman


Best Rock Performance

"Believer," Imagine Dragons


Best Rock Album

Concrete and Gold, Foo Fighters

Evolve, Imagine Dragons


Best Alternative Album

Everything Now, Arcade Fire


Best R&B Performance

"Love on the Brain," Rihanna


Best Urban Contemporary Album

Ctrl, SZA


Best Rap Performance

"HUMBLE.," Kendrick Lamar


Best Rap Song

"Fake Love," Drake; written by Aubrey Graham, Brittany Hazzard, Anderson Hernandez, and Adam Feeney

"HUMBLE.," Kendrick Lamar; written by Kendrick Duckworth, Michael Willams II, and Asheton Hogan


Best Rap Album

More Life, Drake

4:44, Jay-Z

DAMN., Kendrick Lamar

Culture, Migos



Best Country Solo Performance

"Adiós," Glen Campbell

"Body Like a Back Road," Sam Hunt

"Tin Man," Miranda Lambert


Best Country Duo/Group Performance

"It Ain't My Fault," Brothers Osborne

"Funny How Time Slips Away," Glen Campbell featuring Willie Nelson

"Better Man," Little Big Town

"Speak to a Girl," Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

"The Fighter," Keith Urban featuring Carrie Underwood

Best Country Song

"Tin Man," Miranda Lambert; written by Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, and Jon Randall

"Better Man," Little Big Town; written by Taylor Swift

"Speak to a Girl," Tim McGraw and Faith Hill; written by Shy Carter, Dave Gibson, and Joe Spargur

"I Could Use a Love Song," Maren Morris; written by Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins, and Laura Veltz


Best Country Album

Adiós, Glen Campbell

The Weight of These Wings, Miranda Lambert

The Breaker, Little Big Town

From A Room: Volume 1, Chris Stapleton

Best Musical Theatre Album

Come from Away

Dear Evan Hansen

Groundhog Day

Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812


Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media

La La Land; produced by Justin Hurwitz, Marius de Vries, and Steven Gizicki

Best Song Written for Visual Media

"Audition" from La La Land; music by Justin Hurwitz -- lyrics by Pasek & Paul

"City of Stars" from La La Land; music by Justin Hurwitz -- lyrics by Pasek & Paul

"How Far I'll Go" from Moana; music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda

"Evermore" from Beauty and the Beast; music by Alan Menken -- lyrics by Tim Rice


Best Recording Package

Absence, Zoot Woman

Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical

"Too Good at Goodbyes" (Galantis Remix), Sam Smith; remixed by Galantis

"Love on the Brain" (Gigamesh Remix), Rihanna; remixed by Gigamesh

"Versace on the Floor" (Bruno Mars vs. David Guetta), Bruno Mars; remixed by David Guetta

"Desperado" (3LAU Remix), Rihanna; remixed by 3LAU



Best Music Video

"It Ain't My Fault," Brothers Osborne

"My Way," Calvin Harris

"HUMBLE.," Kendrick Lamar

"The One Moment," OK Go

"Look What You Made Me Do," Taylor Swift

Digital Age Gives Old Holiday Favorites First Week on Chart ...and Other Phenomenons

The digital age continues to change the face of the music chart landscape with new phenomenons.

The January 7, 2017 issue of Billboard's Hot 100 (released December 27, 2016) saw debuts of the holiday favorites of Jose Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad" (at #44), Burl Ives' "A Holly Jolly Christmas" (#46), Andy Williams' "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (#48), and Wham!'s "Last Christmas" (#50). Bobby Helms' "Jingle Bell Rock" even received its new peak at #29. How can this be when all the songs are over--and well over--30 years old?

For starters, the original chart was weighted heavily by commercial singles sales. Several of the above holiday recordings were not originally released as commercial singles, rendering them incapable of charting according to chart rules at the time.

Modern chart rules consider commercial sales (physical and digital download), radio airplay, and streams (even from YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, etc.) of singles and tracks, which has allowed those songs of the past to receive a place on the chart--even their first placing--during the peak of the holiday season.

Overall, we see the following formula:
Digital downloads and streams  +  modern chart rules  =  the opportunity to potentially claim a charting position for songs that were previously incapable of appearing on the chart.

Under these circumstances, it is not uncommon to now see non-single album tracks nab a chart position upon a popular album's release. This grants modern artists opportunity to rank up more chart entries than artists even 15 years ago. For example, according to Billboard's website, 17 of the 18 tracks from the deluxe edition of Justin Bieber's Purpose (2015) have claimed a position on the Hot 100. However, only 7 of the 14 tracks from Michael Jackson's Dangerous (1991) charted on the Hot 100--all 7, of which, were singles. Understanding this makes modern chart success and former chart success incomparable, particularly when considering the number of tallies an artist has had on the chart.

In fact, the modern chart rules give artists the opportunity to nearly monopolize the Hot 100. Bieber's 17 simultaneously charting tracks from Purpose claimed spots that could have offered songs from other artists a chance to perform that week on the chart. Still, the Hot 100 measures popularity of songs, so whether those popular songs are from the same artist or not, they have earned their position, even if they snag the opportunity of other artists' work possibly ever laying a claim on the chart.

These aren't the only chart phenomenons the digital age has produced. In 2014, Idina Menzel's child fan favorite "Let It Go," from Disney's motion picture Frozen, peaked at #5. Not only was the song well-sold, but it is probable that technologically savvy 4 year olds had something to do with it, since the chart recognizes every YouTube and Spotify play. In other words, every iPad toting child that knows how to access YouTube has power to influence the modern music chart. Amazing! Personally, I've termed this the Let It Go Effect.

The effects on the chart this holiday season is another reminder of how the digital age is a new era with new possibilities. As for those newly-charted old holiday favorites, each fell off the chart the following week, except for "Last Christmas," which received its current new peak at #41--most likely helped by George Michael's passing.


***Other George Michael hits to reenter the Hot 100 this week include "Faith" (#47) and Wham!'s "Careless Whisper" (#33), while the Billboard 200 saw a reemergence of his albums TwentyFive (#12), Faith (#18), and Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael (#84), as well as Wham!'s Make It Big (#168).

Albums that Have Defined My Life, By Years

In conjunction with just posting the album that defined my 2016, here are other albums that have defined my years, with brief explanations. I started with 2008, since that seemed like the most adult-ly year to start with. Though I wrote their descriptions in chronological order, I started the list with the most recent. Interesting how life plays out when you count the steps backward.

What music defined your life at the same time these defined mine?

2015 -- White Light by The Corrs

Equipped with the tools from The Artist's Way, I continued to heal, reading several more books that supported my spiritual awakening and emotional/mental renewal. Grief was subsiding as I approached acceptance. I felt very akin to The Corrs' latest outing, which was greatly influenced by the passing of the sibling group's father. Their healing and life-affirmation spoke to my journey.
How old was I this year? "27 years/Not long enough to learn from your tears.../You gotta live long enough to learn how to live" ('White Light').

2014 -- Seventh Tree and Tales of Us by Goldfrapp; Under the Tuscan Sun Original Soundtrack by Christophe Beck

Delving into the creative recovery home course The Artist's Way while house-sitting in California for my parents gave the self-exploring alone time I needed. It was my own spiritual retreat. I finally started to heal and put my demons to rest. I blogged for six months about my creative recovery in Am I Grown Up, Yet? Goldfrapp was the peaceful reflection I needed. And Christophe Beck's soundtrack gave me a romantic bounce to pick me up.

   

2013 -- This Delicate Thing We've Made by Darren Hayes; Impossible Princess by Kylie Minogue

Frantic aftermath of the tragedy of the previous year. Looking for footing. My friend's death was a catalyst for evaluating my life and the world. In what ways was I standing in my way? What is this society, this world that we've organized -- and disorganized? Why did we make it that way -- what was the point of any of it? How did I fit into the narrative? How had I fit into the narrative? I was awakening and illusions were shedding. Not too different an inward journey than explored in Darren's and Kylie's albums. I listened to them. I sang their songs. I knew their experience.

  

2012 -- Secret Codes and Battleships by Darren Hayes

My dearest friend committed suicide in March. I had planned to attend another year of college, but experiencing complicated grief, I cannot tell you how many times that fall semester I nearly packed up and didn't finish that 1.0 credits I needed to graduate. I wouldn't have made it through that semester without the bubblegum dance-pop of Carly Rae Jepsen's 'Call Me Maybe' and Kylie Minogue's 'Timebomb.' No joke.
My world had changed. My outlook changed. My perspective changed. Everything changed. It had to. Nothing I knew was safe. And I didn't know where to go. Darren Hayes' entire album summed up my emotional journey, but nothing expressed how I felt better than 'Black Out The Sun.'
Also, at the beginning of that fall semester, both of my grandmothers passed...

2011 -- Body Talk Pt. 2 by Robyn

A good friend died at the beginning of the year. I moved out of my sister's house and closer to campus -- first time living out of "home." I attended summer classes. I felt I was growing exponentially as an actor. I began a thirteen month run of constantly being involved with a play. An emotional, busy, trekking year. Robyn gave me comfort and grounding, yet courage to explore.

 
2010 -- Light Years by Kylie Minogue

Life was coming together. I had a readjusted, optimistic attitude. I even started my first blog: Adventures of a Flunking Honor Student. I was given reign to research my passions for school projects. Particularly, Kylie Minogue... There was a lot of Kylie going on, and her library probably has nothing more shamelessly cheerful as Light Years. Known as her comeback album, it was perfect for my "comeback" year, as campy as that sounds.

2009 -- Borrowed Heaven by The Corrs; The Chase by Marit Larsen

Confused by that love relationship and very much not coping well due to my youthfulness (*ANXIETY*), I ran away to Brigham Young University to start completely new. These folk-pop albums share that heartache, love, yearning, reflection, and empowerment. Though light in sound, they expressed deep, honest places for someone as light as myself.

  

2008 -- Talk On Corners by The Corrs

I fell in love, and not just with The Corrs (though I was obsessed!). Though my youthful foolishness and naivety was most of what complicated the relationship, what better way to express what I was feeling than with lovelorn ambient ballads by a hopeless romantic group.

The Word and the Album that Defined My 2016

2016. What a year it was.

Based on social media posts, it's a disaster many could not wait to let go of. I can't blame them.

Terrorist attacks. Riots. Protests. Brexit. Leagues of passed celebrities (George Michael, Carrie Fisher, and Debbie Reynolds in just the last week of the year; happy holidays, world...). A presidential election that was...constantly unpredictable, among other things.

But for me, though I saw these things happen and was affected by them, 2016 will leave as a year of value.

Value. My word of the year.

As of last year, I did away with New Year's resolutions (or wishful thinking, rather) upon reading a blog post about finding a word for the year and embodying it. (Sadly, I can no longer find that blog post). Both years now, I've searched for a word, seen one constantly pop up, and finalized that year's word by April.

Last year's word was power. I explored and understood my own self-power.

This year was value. And what better year to seek to add value to my life than as rough a year as 2016.

In fact, in my life journey, it just was the next step.

'It Took Me So Long To Get Here, But Here I Am'

• I took an improv acting class at comedy school The Second City in Hollywood. Now, I am deep into their performance program.
• I changed to a largely plant-based diet and continue to explore other means of healthfulness.
• I engaged in an online hypnotherapy course. (It works wonders! Thank you, Marisa Peer.)
• I finished up the five books I was reading at one time and now just am reading one, giving me greater sense of focus. (This may sound silly, but was a great feat for me.)
• I've delved into a writing project that I'd been procrastinating, but that has developed into full life and that I find great value in.

These and so much more have brought value into my life in 2016. Indeed, I feel I've adopted an attitude of value, much like I did last year with an attitude of power.

For me, 2016 will go down a s a year of value.
I look forward to the growth 2017 will bring and excitedly anticipate whatever word I may be led to that will define that growth.

This brings me to the album that has defined my year.

KIN by KT Tunstall.

Now years after her father's passing and her divorce, Tunstall has worked to disband social expectations and make her life the way she wants it. Released September 9, 2016, KIN is a celebration of her new arrival of self. The album explores themes of redefinition and of acceptance and gratitude for past challenges. From even the driving introduction of album opener 'Hard Girls,' the album's tunes lead listeners to burst through their barriers and to strongly stand on higher ground (to "pull it apart and put it back together" ('Everything Has Its Shape')).

The value I've added in 2016 gave me a greater sense of direction than I've had in recent years. It's helped me take greater stock in how I'd like my future to look and has given me a refreshed drive to achieve it -- it feels more at my fingertips than before. In seeking that value, I feel the sense to "pull it apart and put it back together how you want it," to dismantle all that I know--every tradition, habit, expectation, belief, dream--and to reshape my life in an entirely new direction so that what I want can show up.

It Took Me So Long To Get Here, But Here I Am.

'Everything Has Its Shape' is perhaps the song that
most defines where I am in life right now.

KIN speaks for my year of seeking value.

What album defined your year? What word did you embody in 2016?

  

For a bonus post on a quick rundown of past albums that defined my year, click here.

Grammy Nomination Picks 2017

BAM! Here is my list of what I think may be nominated for a Grammy this year. The actual nominees will be announced Tuesday, December 6, while the 59th Grammy Award ceremony will be held Sunday, February 12, 2017.

Sooooo, in recent years I've felt like I've under-reseached my lists due to time constraints. But this year takes the cake! I am so embarrassed by how little time I've had to put this together that I nearly did not post it. Still, here is what I have--my skeleton of a list--in all its late-posting glory! Enjoy. What do you think should be nominated?

NOTE: I am not a member of the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and this list is in NO WAY official or reflective of their attitudes. Typically, there are five nominations in each category, but I've left some blank. Nomination eligibility period was October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016.


Album of the Year

25, Adele

Lemonade, Beyoncé

Blackstar, David Bowie

Blonde, Frank Ocean


Record of the Year

"Hello," Adele; produced by Greg Kurstin

"Closer," The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey; produced by The Chainsmokers

"Adventure of a Lifetime," Coldplay; produced by Rick Simpson and Stargate



Song of the Year

"Hello," Adele; written by Adele Adkins and Greg Kurstin

"I Took a Pill in Ibiza" (SeeB remix), Mike Posner; written by Mike Posner

"Closer," The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey; written by Andrew Taggart, Ashley Frangipane, Shaun Frank, Federic Kennett, Isaac Slade, and Joe King




Best New Artist

Lukas Graham

Alessia Cara

The Chainsmokers

Zayn

Best Pop Vocal Album

Purpose, Justin Bieber

25, Adele

Dangerous Woman, Ariana Grande

This Is Acting, Sia


Best Pop Solo Performance

"Hello," Adele

"Alive," Sia

"Can't Stop the Feeling!" Justin Timberlake

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

"Side to Side," Ariana Grande featuring Nicki Minaj

"The Greatest," Sia featuring Kendrick Lamar

"This is What You Came For," Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna

"Closer," The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey

"Adventure of a Lifetime," Coldplay


Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway, Barbra Streisand


Best Rock Album

Blackstar, David Bowie

The Getaway, Red Hot Chili Peppers


Best Rock Performance

"Don't Hurt Yourself," Beyoncé featuring Jack White


Best Rock Song

"Heathens," Twenty One Pilots; written Tyler Joseph


Best Alternative Music Album

I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful, yet So Unaware of It, The 1975


Best Urban Contemporary Album

Lemonade, Beyoncé

Anti, Rihanna

Blonde, Frank Ocean


Best Rap Album

Life of Pablo, Kanye West

Fetty Wap, Fetty Wap

untitled unmastered., Kendrick Lamar



Best Rap Performance

"One Dance," Drake

"Panda," Desiigner


Best Rap/Sung Performance

"Work," Rihanna featuring Drake


Best Country Album

Black, Dierks Bentley

Dig Your Roots, Florida Georgia Line

Best Country Solo Performance

"Tennessee Whiskey," Chris Stapleton


Best Country Duo/Group Performance

"H.O.L.Y.," Florida Georgia Line

"Different for Girls," Dierks Bentley featuring Elle King


Best Country Song

"Humble and Kind," Tim McGraw; written by Lori McKenna

"Different for Girls," Dierks Bentley featuring Elle King; written by J.T. Harding and Shane McAnally


Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical

"I Took A Pill In Ibiza (Seeb Remix)," Seeb, remixer (Mike Posner)


Best Musical Theater Album

School of Rock

Bright Star

Waitress


Best Song Written for Visual Media

"Writing's on the Wall," from Spectre; written by Jimmy Napes and Sam Smith

"Can't Stop the Feeling!" from Trolls; written by Justin Timberlake, Max Martin, and Shellback

"Heathens," from Suicide Squad; written by Tyler Joseph


Best Music Video

"Hello," Adele

"The Greatest," Sia

"Up&Up," Coldplay

Grammy Nomination Picks 2016

Aaaaand, here it is! My picks for what I think may be Grammy nominated this year. The actual nominees will be announced Monday, December 7, while the 58th Grammy Award ceremony will be held on February 15, first ever on a Monday.

To be honest, my research for this list was not as thorough as past years, due to the time I had available to dedicate to it. For example, last year I put nominees in 34 categories; this year, only 20. Still, this is what I could accumulate, so I stand by it.

NOTE: I am not a member of the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and this list is in NO WAY official or reflective of their attitudes. Typically, there are five nominations in each category, but I've left some blank. Nomination eligibility period was October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015.


Record of the Year

"Uptown Funk," Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars; produced by Mark Ronson, Jeff Bhasker, and Bruno Mars

"Lean On," Major Lazer and DJ Snake featuring MØ; produced by Major Lazer and DJ Snake

"See You Again, Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth; produced by DJ Frank E, Charlie Puth, and Andrew Cedar

"Can't Feel My Face," The Weeknd; produced by Max Martin and Ali Payami

"Blank Space," Taylor Swift; produced by Max Martin and Shellback

Album of the Year

1989, Taylor Swift

Traveller, Chris Stapleton

Beauty Behind the Madness, The Weeknd

To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar


Song of the Year

"See You Again," Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth; written by DJ Frank E, Charlie Puth, Wiz Khalifa, and Andrew Cedar

"Blank Space," Taylor Swift; written by Taylor Swift, Max Martin, and Shellback

Best New Artist

Chris Stapleton

Meghan Trainor


Best Pop Album

1989, Taylor Swift

Piece by Piece, Kelly Clarkson

E.MO.TION, Carly Rae Jepsen

Beauty Behind the Madness, The Weeknd

Title, Meghan Trainor


Best Solo Pop Performance

"Can't Feel My Face," The Weeknd

"Blank Space," Taylor Swift

"Thinking Out Loud," Ed Sheeran

"Heartbeat Song," Kelly Clarkson



Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

"Like I'm Gonna Lose You," Meghan Trainor featuring John Legend

"Sugar," Maroon 5

"Geronimo," Sheppard

"Shut Up and Dance," Walk the Moon

"Uptown Funk," Mark Ranson featuring Bruno Mars


Best Traditional Pop Album

It's the Girls, Bette Midler


Best Electronic/Dance Album

I Cry When I Laugh, Jess Glynne

Peace Is the Mission, Major Lazer

Motion, Calvin Harris

Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü, Jack Ü

Born in the Echoes, The Chemical Brothers


Best Dance Recording

"Hold My Hand," Jess Glynne

"Lean On," Major Lazer and DJ Snake featuring MØ

"Under Control," Calvin Harris and Alesso featuring Hurts

"Where are Ü Now," Jack Ü featuring Justin Bieber

Best Rock Album

Smoke + Mirrors, Imagine Dragons

American Beauty/American Psycho, Fall Out Boy


Best Rap Album

To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar

If You're Reading This It's Too Late, Drake

The Album About Nothing, Wale


Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

"See You Again," Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth



Best Country Album

Pageant Material, Kacey Musgraves

Storyteller, Carrie Underwood

Traveller, Chris Stapleton

JEKYLL + HYDE, Zac Brown Band


Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical

"Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Remix)," Felix Jaehn, remixer (Omi)




Best Folk Album

Picking Up the Pieces, Jewel


Best Musical Theater Album

An American in Paris

Something Rotten!

The Visit

Fun Home

The King and I

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media

Empire: Season 1

Furious 7

Pitch Perfect 2

Fifty Shades of Grey

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1



Best Song Written for Visual Media

"Glory," from Selma; written by John Stephens, Lonnie Lynn, and Che Smith

"Til It Happens to You," from The Hunting Ground; written by Lady Gaga and Diane Warren

"Grateful," from Beyond the Lights; written Diane Warren

"Yellow Flicker Heartbeat," from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1; written by Ella Yelich-O'Connor and Joel Little

"See You Again," from Furious 7; written by DJ Frank E, Charlie Puth, Wiz Khalifa, and Andrew Cedar


Best Music Video

"I Won't Let You Down," OK Go

"Bad Blood," Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar

"Elastic Heart," Sia

Soapbox: Hip Hop and Respect Worth Singing About

I wouldn't necessarily call myself a generic fan of hip hop -- hip hop meaning rap and contemporary urban.

However, I think hip hop is a viable form and style of artistic expression, and I have found several gold nuggets I really dig. Despite people's common riffs against the genre, it is a style of expression that can be, at times, transcendent, a mouthpiece for good, and quite fun. I cringe when I hear the retort, "Rap is crap."

My own disinterest in hip hop comes when it is used as an outlet for disrespect -- disrespect for oneself and others, whether in sexuality, violence, or extreme substance consumption. To be honest, my interest in any art form and style is compromised when disrespectful tones are used and glorified -- be it in country or pop music, paintings, films, and whatever else. I bring it up in hip hop, though, because it seems to be a perpetuating overt theme that often defines the genre. (And only recently, I realized it to be the root of my general hip hop disinterest).

- Sexuality -

Now, it's very nice that the boys go after your big booty, but girl! that seriously cannot be your best asset. And if it is, we definitely have some work to do! Please, respect yo'self (and yo booty) by realizing that there's more to you than that and that all your goodies --physically, mentally, and emotionally -- the entire ensemble of you -- are topics worth singing about. They are precious. You are precious. Respect them; respect you. Also, respect your man by making him live a higher standard than getting you simply cuz he like yo booty! Bring him up with you. If he don't, kick him to the curb. You deserve better, and believe me, better is out there. You will find the respect you deserve.

Likewise, I think it is dazzling and just delightful that you pimp them hoes like no other, but dude! Live it up in LOVE, fool -- true love! Love is scary -- we all know. But, ah, it's worth it, I'm sure, even if it ain't yo style. If you have the power and charm to sweep the ladies off their feet to want to serve and please you, use that power and charm to teach them their true value and true self-respect in who they are as women -- every aspect of them. Give them the respect they deserve. Teach and help them to respect themselves. And by all means, be respectful to yourself by seeking an honest love and then respecting that relationship. These are worth singing about.

- Violence -

As for violence, I'm pretty sure we all can agree there is a higher road. If you think violence is the answer for your situation, take a deep breath, count to 10, walk it off -- whatever. Just don't blow it out of proportion. We get it -- something was important to you and now you want revenge. Pretty sure bustin' a cap in anyone, even the popo, is not a respectful (or honorable) way of getting what you want. Let's sit down, talk it out, get you into college, get you a job, put your life in some respectable direction -- there is a world beyond your hurt, even for you -- there is a world out there for you. We hear you. You're hurt. We validate you. As with any hurt, true healing is possible when you look for it. Grieve it in a healthy outlet. Draw a picture. Go fishing. Watch the sunrise. Anything of peace and beauty. Or, maybe physical activity -- go for a run, pump iron, kick balls around -- anything to let off steam. Now, let's get out there and do some good, fun things today! No guns, knives, or fists necessary. Redemption and healing are worth singing about.

If you really want to talk about violence, perhaps war would be your cup of tea. Yeah, war! War is an awesome subject in the category of violence. We have wars all around the world; wars in history; wars in our own streets. Even, wars in our own homes. Shoot, let's throw them all into a song or rap and share their parallelisms in a way that will blow everyone's minds. We only have us here on this planet. We're all here together. Is it really worth fighting our brothers overseas, or even here at home? Is there really a situation worth that? Again, come on, let's not blow this out of proportion. Where is the respect and honor in war? Surely, that is something worth exploring and, surely, something worth singing about. Spread the love, y'all.

- Substances -

And last but not least, if your weed, crack, meth, booze, slutty partying, or whatever is all you enjoy and look forward to doing, we have got to get you some new hobbies. The world is big, yo! No matter where you live. Get up and see and experience. Go and do. Respect yourself. Respect your life. Make great memories. Make great friends. Make great cookies! It doesn't matter! Just get off your flat, lazy butt and sober up. The days are a-countin'. What will you have done with them? Are you enjoying them? A great, active, full life is worth singing about. Whatever situations you are avoiding with your addictions, face them. Correct them. Correct yourself. Respect yourself by fixing them and moving on. You are not alone. Support and love is there, no matter where you've been or what you've done. You are not as far gone as you think. Get out there and truly live it up! Honest recovery is worth singing about.


I respect hip hop. I really do. There are some gems out there -- gems that explore true love, that dishonor and explore domestic violence, that are a voice for mental health, and much more. But there are also some real poopers that praise doing a short and unfulfilling number on yourself.

There is power in positivity. Personally, I would find more respect for hip hop if true respect were more implemented in its tradition. Then, it would be worth singing about.

"Run Away With" Carly Rae Jepsen in Teenage Dream 2.0

I've only been halfway there with Carly Rae Jepsen's recent releases, but this is the one!

On Friday, Jepsen released her new single "Run Away With Me" to rampant praise by critics -- some referring to it as "Teenage Dream 2.0," with its youthful, dreamy call.

It's nowhere near the infection of "Call Me Maybe" but holds more broad appeal than lead single "I Really Like You" from upcoming album E.MO.TION.

The accompanying music video fittingly follows Jepsen journeying through Paris, New York, and Tokyo. Though the vid is fairly generic, it has its fun and is an enjoyable look, especially with a great deal of the footage being candid. Regarding the filming, even, Jepsen has commented, "I didn't even know we were making a music video until about halfway through it."

In all, the catchy pop tune is a sweet, fun, danceable summer jam. Check it out!

Album Review: "Sound of a Woman" by Kiesza

Sound of a Woman, by Canadian dancer, singer-songwriter Kiesza, pushes the debut star to become a signature electronic-dance act. The set is respectable, laden with hook-heavy tunes, as worldwide smash "Hideaway," though the twenty-five-year-old newcomer seems caught between commercial pop success and what she may deem as scholarly presentation.

There certainly is a 90's feel to Sound of a Woman. The production recalls deep house of the era, such as Haddaway's "What Is Love," which is actually covered on the album, but as a hauntingly beautiful ballad, with Kiesza's performance highlighting the intention of the lyrics through the backed-off production. When the album isn't holding to its house influence, it takes hold of Kiesza's jazz expertise to ride into the realm of 90's R&B, recalling Madonna's R&B flirt Bedtime Stories, though Madonna's effort holds more true to a dance-pop root than this release.

The entire album comes with good production, vocals, and songs. However, it's hard to hand out strengths to the set when its sound isn't unified. We begin with heavily dance-influenced "Hideaway" and "No Enemiez" but then veer into R&B land, only revisiting the deep house near the end of the set. Versatility is good on an album, but it sounds like we are listening to tracks that belong on two separate releases. Since the album's more danceable tracks have been released as singles for its promotion, it appears Kiesza is attempting to market as an electronic artist, in which case, the album would benefit from a full ride in that genre. Instead, its R&B, which is most of the album, backs too far from its dance tracks. That said, what is on the album is nothing to sneer at.

Kiesza's talent is definitely a highlight surrounding this album. She isn't shy to show off her range and clear vocals, and she certainly doesn't hold back her dance ability in her music videos. She is a trained professional and intends to use her talent to get where she wants to go. The biggest drawback to this, though, is that she is all skill. There is little here with actual personality, despite having written all the songs herself.

Standout tracks include worldwide dance hit "Hideaway," its sister follow-up "No Enemiez," and ballad cover "What Is Love."

Would I recommend it? If you're a fan of the defining sound of "Hideaway," you'll have to keep an open mind with this one. It's not exactly what you'd expect its parent album to sound like. Still, if you're a fan of female R&B, you might really take to the deeper selects of the release.

Kiesza definitely has potential within her. Hopefully, with future releases, she and her producers remember to allow each track its unique personality while not orbiting too far from a focused center.

I give Sound of a Woman 3 out of 5 stars.

Grammy Nomination Picks 2015

Ta-da! Here is my list for whom I think will be nominated for this year's Grammy Awards. The official nominee list will be released on the morning of December 5, with the Album of the Year nominees revealed that evening during the one-hour television special "A Very Grammy Christmas" at 9 - 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

In selecting, there were very few standouts, followed by a lot of above average choices, making narrowing them down fairly difficult. I put nominees in more categories than I have previously (34 categories this year).

NOTE: I am not a member of the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and this list is in NO WAY official or reflective of their attitudes. Typically, there are five nominations in each category, but I've left some blank. Nomination eligibility period was October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014.

Record of the Year

"Dark Horse," Katy Perry, Juicy J; produced by Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and Cirkut

"All About That Bass," Meghan Trainor; produced by Kevin Kadish

"Shake It Off," Taylor Swift; produced by Max Martin and Shellback

"Stay With Me," Sam Smith; produced by Jimmy Napes and Steve Fitzmaurice

"Happy," Pharrell Williams; produced by Pharrell Williams

"Reflektor," Arcade Fire; produced by James Murphy, Markus Dravs, and Arcade Fire


Album of the Year

Frozen Soundtrack, Various Artists

Beyonce, Beyonce

The Marshall Mathers LP 2, Eminem

Reflektor, Arcade Fire

Platinum, Miranda Lambert


Song of the Year

"All About that Bass," Meghan Trainor; written by Meghan Trainor and Kevin Kadish

"Let It Go," Idina Menzel, Demi Lovato; written by Kristin Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

"Chandelier," Sia; written by Sia Furler and Jesse Shatkin

"The Monster," Eminem Featuring Rihanna; written by Marshall Mathers, Bryan Fryzel, Bebe Rexha, Aaron Kleinstub, M. Athanasiou, Robyn Fenty, and Jon Bellion

"Pretty Hurts," Beyonce; written by Joshua Coleman, Sia Furler, and Beyonce Knowles

Best New Artist

Iggy Azalea

American Authors

Meghan Trainor

Sam Smith

Aloe Blacc


Best Pop Solo Performance

"Happy," Pharrell Williams

"Stay With Me," Sam Smith

"Chandelier," Sia

"Birthday," Katy Perry

"Pretty Hurts," Beyonce

"All About That Bass," Meghan Trainor


Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

"Love Runs Out," OneRepublic

"Bang Bang," Jessie J Featuring Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj

"Love Never Felt So Good," Michael Jackson Featuring Justin Timberlake

"Do What U Want," Lady Gaga Featuring R. Kelly

"A Sky Full of Stars," Coldplay


Best Pop Album

In the Lonely Hour, Sam Smith

ARTPOP, Lady Gaga

PRISM, Katy Perry

Ultraviolence, Lana Del Rey

1000 Forms of Fear, Sia


Best Traditional Pop Album

Cheek To Cheek, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga

Partners, Barbra Streisand


Best Dance Recording

"Wasted Love" by Steve Angello Featuring Dougy

"Hideaway," Kiesza

"Grab Her," Disclosure

"Break Free," Ariana Grande Featuring Zedd

"Lay Me Down," Avicii


Best Dance/Electronic Album

Do It Again, Royskopp & Robyn

while(1<2), deadmau5

Trouble in Paradise, La Roux

True, Avicii

Best Rock Performance

"Magic," Coldplay

"Warriors," Imagine Dragons

"Believer," American Authors

"Reflektor," Arcade Fire


Best Rock Song

"Reflektor," Arcade Fire; written by Arcade Fire


Best Rock Album

Ghost Stories, Coldplay

Reflektor, Arcade Fire

Turn Blue, The Black Keys

Lazaretto, Jack White

Hypnotic Eye, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers


Best R&B Performance

"Partition," Beyonce


Best Traditional R&B Performance

"All of Me," John Legend

Best R&B Song

"All of Me," John Legend; written by John Stephens and Toby Gad


Best R&B Album

Love, Marriage & Divorce, Toni Braxton & Babyface


Best Contemporary Urban Album

Beyonce, Beyonce

Trigga, Trey Songz


Best Rap Performance

"Rap God," Eminem

"White Walls," Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring ScHoolboy Q and Hollis


Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

"The Monster," Eminem Featuring Rihanna

"Fancy," Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX

"Drunk In Love," Beyonce Featuring Jay-Z

"Dark Horse," Katy Perry Featuring Juicy J

Best Rap Song

"The Monster," Eminem; written by Marshall Mathers, Bryan Fryzel, Bebe Rexha, Aaron Kleinstub, M. Athanasiou, Robyn Fenty, and Jon Bellion

"Rap God," Eminem; written by Marshall Mathers, Bigram Zayas, Matthew Delgiorno, Stephen Hacker, Douglas Davis, Richard Walters, Dania Birks, Juana Burns, Juanita Lee, Fatima Shaheed, and Kim Nazel

"Pills N Potions," Nicki Minaj; written by Onika Maraj, Lukasz Gottwald, Henry Walter, and Ester Dean


Best Rap Album

The Marshall Mathers LP 2, Eminem

The New Classic, Iggy Azalea

Mastermind, Rick Ross


Best Country Solo Performance

"Automatic," Miranda Lambert

"Something in the Water," Carrie Underwood

"That Girl," Jennifer Nettles

"Invisible," Hunter Hayes

"Shotgun Rider," Tim McGraw



Best Country Duo/Group Performance

"Somethin' Bad," Miranda Lambert Featuring Carrie Underwood

"Rewind," Rascal Flatts

"Meanwhile Back at Mama's," Tim McGraw Featuring Faith Hill

"Sweet Annie," Zac Brown Band


Best Country Song

"Automatic," Miranda Lambert; written by Nicolle Galyon, Natalie Hemby, and Miranda Lambert

"Something in the Water," Carrie Underwood; written by Chris DeStefano, Brett James, and Carrie Underwood

"Invisible," Hunter Hayes; written by Hunter Hayes, Bonnie Baker, and Katrina Elam

"Meanwhile Back at Mama's," Tim McGraw Featuring Faith Hill; written by Tom Douglas, Jaren Johnston, and Jeffrey Steele

"I Hold On," Dierks Bentley; written by Brett James and Dierks Bentley


Best Country Album

Platinum, Miranda Lambert

Out Among the Stars, Johnny Cash

Everlasting, Martina McBride

Storyline, Hunter Hayes

Sundown Heaven Town, Tim McGraw



Best Gospel Album

Anomaly, Lecrae


Best Comedy Album

Mandatory Fun, "Weird Al" Yankovic

Obsessed, Jim Gaffigan

Best Musical Theater Album

If/Then

Aladdin

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

The Bridges of Madison County

Beautiful: The Carol King Musical


Best Song Written for Visual Media

"Let It Go," from Frozen; written by Kristin Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

"Ordinary Love," from Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom; lyrics by Bono; music by U2 and Danger Mouse


Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Visual Media

Frozen (Deluxe Edition), Various Artists


Best Recording Package

Turn Blue, The Black Keys

Hypnotic Eye, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Beyonce, Beyonce

Best Remixed Recording

"Waves" (Robin Schulz Radio Edit)," Mr Probz

"Baby, Baby (Dave Aude Radio Edit)," Amy Grant


Best Music Video

"The Writing's On The Wall," OK Go

"Pretty Hurts," Beyonce

24 Hours of "Happy", Pharrell Williams

"Chandelier," Sia