With the Grammy nominations announced, its time for my annual review of every album of the year nominee. Track information in this review if courtesy of genius.com.
"Good Morning Gorgeous" (Deluxe) - Mary J Blige
300/Mary Jane Records
1) "No Idea"
She's stating how she's moved up.
2) "Love Will Never"
This track is about how she's trying to recapture something lost; "Drowning in my mind, love won't feel the same again. Things I sacrificed, just to feel something again".
3) "Here With Me" (ft/ Anderson .Paak)
This is about a relationship going through the motions.
4) "Rent Money" (ft/ Dave East)
This deals with divorce; "This isn't love, this is roulette. I just want back what I put into this".
5) "Gone Forever" (ft/ Remy Ma & DJ Khaled)
She feels used.
6) "Amazing" (ft/ DJ Khaled)
This track deals with self-empowerment. The chorus is lyrically lacking.
7) "GMG Interlude"
8) "Good Morning Gorgeous"
With a nice slow groove, this is about trying to love yourself; "Second guessing, it doesn't help me. I'm so tired of feeling empty.....I wake up every morning and tell myself 'Good Morning Gorgeous' ".
9) "Come See About Me"
10) "On Top" (ft/ Fivio Foreign w/ Cool & Dre)
This is about her long career; "You need to bet on me, why not?"
11) "Tough Love" (ft/ Moneybagg Yo)
There's a nice intro; "Maybe I can make a run from all my pride, And all my ego".
12) "Love Without The Heartbreak"
This is about her wanting a do-over.
13) "Failing In Love"
This deals with picking up the pieces.
14) "Enough"
She's tired of it all; "I don't care if it's hard on me, I'd rather be lonely".
You can clearly see connecting theme, dealing with Mary J Blige's divorce. This is a fairly solid album, but more good than great. However, Mary J Blige still has something to say on her 14th studio album. (82)
"Renaissance" - Beyonce: 93
"30"- Adele: 92
"Good Morning Gorgeous" (Deluxe) - Mary J Blige: 82
With the Grammy nominations announced, its time for my annual review of every album of the year nominee. Track information in this review if courtesy of genius.com.
"Un Verano Sin Ti" - Bad Bunny
Rimas Records
1) "Moscow Mule"
This track is simplified sounding.
2) "Despues de la Playa"
The interlude has a fun break that carries over throughout the track, but the lyrics aren't exactly subtle.
3) "Me Porto Bonito" w/ Chencho Corleone
4) "Titi Me Pregunto
This deals with his family wanting him to settle down; "listen to your friend, she's right. I'm gonna break your heart. They don't fall in love with me". This track has a nice beat.
5) "Un Ratito"
This track deals with an indecisiveness between 2 women; "love can be so beautiful, but there's always something that interrupts it".
6) "Yo No Soy Celoso"
There's a smooth flow to this; "Let he who has not sinned throw a stone and I'll throw a rock".
7) "Tarot" w/ Jhay Cortez
This is lyrically so-so.
8) "Neverita"
A woman isn't ready for commitment.
9) "La Carriente" w/ Tony Dize
This track brings a different feel to the album up to this point.
10) "Efecto"
He's intoxicated by a woman.
11) "Party" w/ Rauw Alejandro
Although this has a catchy beat, its lyrically lacking.
12) "Aguacero"
The vocals are heavy and unpleasant.
13) "Ensename a Bailar"
There's a nice beat; "My heart isn't made of sand but you're leaving footprints".
14) "Ojitos Lindos" w/ Bomba Estereo
With a brass intro, this deals with getting lost on your own; "I learned that pretty moments are priceless, like when you gift me your gaze".
15) "Dos Mil 16"
He's reflecting on his stardom, and what he would do differently.
16) "El Apagon"
An ode to Puerto Rico, melodically this is a bit all over the place.
17) "Otro Atardecer" w/ The Marias
This provides a different sound.
18) "Un Coco"
He's hoping for a 2nd chance; "The last petal told me that there's still a chance".
19) "Andrea" w/ Buscabulla
With a mellow feel, this is about a woman wanting more; "Everything has become complicated, as if being a woman was a sin".
20) "Me Fui de Vacaciones"
This is about exuding positivity with a reggae style; "I no longer ask for wishes, I got all that I need". There's a nice instrumental interlude.
21) "Un Verano Sin Ti"
This is about the lack of love & meeting expectations.
22) "Agosto"
This feels like an unfinished track.
23) "Callaita" w/ Tainy
This is about a woman not looking back at an old relationship.
There are a fair amount of hit & miss on this album (with a particular lack of subtlety lyrically), but this album picks up towards the back half. It does feel like this could be further edited down, making for a far better album. (81)
With the Grammy nominations announced, its time for my annual review of every album of the year nominee. Track information in this review if courtesy of genius.com.
"Renaissance" - Beyonce
Parkwood/Colombia Records
1) "I'm That Girl"
With this opener, Beyonce is showing how she's still in the game. The track builds on itself.
2) "Cozy"
This acts as a third-person perspective on her triumphs & struggles; "Dancin' in the mirror, kiss my scars , Because I love what they made". There's a nice flow in the 2nd verse.
3) "Alien Superstar"
This is a song of self-appraisal; "I'm one of one, I'm number one, I'm the only one". There's a classic feel to this track, where everything just clicks together.
4) "Cuff It"
This deals with falling in love. The post-chorus provides a nice transition.
5) "Energy" ft/ Beam
This track provides some biting lyricism; "I just entered the country with derringers, 'Cause them Karens just turned into terrorists".
6) "Break My Soul"
This power track deals with perseverance; "I'm lookin' for motivation, I'm looking for a new foundation". This is such well-crafted.
7) "Church Girl"
With a soul beat, this is about trying to let up, and do the best you can.
8) "Plastic Off The Sofa"
With a slowed-down tempo, this is a perspective on a long-term relationship; "say, say you won't change. I love the little things that make you you...the rest of the world is strange, stay in our lane".
9) " Virgo's Groove"
A sensual track, I wish there were more dynamics and levels to this.
10) "Move" ft/ Grace Jones & Tens
With a dance beat, this is about breaking out.
11) "Heated"
This acts as a followup to "More".
12) " Thique"
This is partly about body positivity.
13) "All Up In Your Mind"
This sonically connects to "Thique". The writing is superb.
14) " America Has A Problem'
This is playing off a Kilo Ali track of the same name, as Beyonce is saying how addictive she is to her partner; "you can't get no higher than this, 'Cause love don't get no higher than this".
15) " Pure/Honey"
A multipart song, part 2 "Honey" feels a bit more cohesive.
16) "Summer Renaissance"
A tribute to Donna Summer, the bridge acts as a nice change of pace.
"Renaissance" is such a well-crafted album top to bottom. There are subtle variations throughout that provide a change of pace. You're always left wondering what Beyonce will do next. (93)
With the Grammy nominations announced, its time for my annual review of every album of the year nominee. Track information in this review if courtesy of genius.com.
"Music Of The Spheres" - Coldplay
Parlophone/Atlantic Records
1) "Music Of The Spheres"
An ambient opener.
2) "Higher Power"
This is about trying to find our best selves. If I'm being honest, this feels like rehashed past Coldplay, with a bridge that leaves a lot to be desired.
3) "Humankind"
From the perspective of an alien species hearing music for the first time; "My heart started glowing, I feel it inside, it's flowing". This could use some more creative writing.
4) "(Alien Choir)"
An interlude.
5) "Let Somebody Go" w/ Selena Gomez
Dealing with the sorrow & pain that comes with the loss of love; "All the storms we weathered, everything that we went through. Now, without you, what on Earth am I to do?.........They say love is only equal to the pain".
6) "(Human Heart)" w/ We Are King & Jacob Collier
This deals with concealing emotions, starting with a haunting opening verse. "Boys, boys don't cry. Boys keep it all inside. I try to hide it underneath.....Girls can make-believe. Girls wear it on their sleeve. Thought I could pretend for tryin' sake". The vocals and the messaging shine through.
7) "People Of The Pride"
With a rock/"muse" kind of feel, this track feels disorganized.
8) "Biutyful"
About universal love, the distorted voice is very jarring.
9) "Music Of The Spheres II"
Interlude.
10) "My Universe" (w/ BTS)
This is about a difficult love; "In the night I lie & look up at you. When the morning comes, I watch you rise. There's a paradise they couldn't capture. That bright infinity inside your eyes". The 2 groups mesh well together.
11) "(Infinity Sign)"
This starts off with a driving beat, but it doesn't really go anywhere.
12) "Coloratura"
The closing track acts as a space epic, with a beautiful sounding intro; "we're a slow-burning tune. But we'll get there, so for now in this crazy world, I do. I just want you".
You can see the theme that Coldplay was going for, but it falls a bit short. If the album had been framed more like the closing track, then they may have hit the mark. Honestly, it's a little puzzling how this got a Grammy nomination. (77)
With the Grammy nominations announced, its time for my annual review of every album of the year nominee. Track information in this review if courtesy of genius.com.
"30" - Adele
Columbia Records
1) "Strangers By Nature"
A Judy Garland homage, this gives off a classic sound that's a bit unexpected to start off the album.
2) "Easy On Me"
This deals with lessons learned amid her childhood and lost love; "I know there is hope in these waters, But I can't bring myself to swim when I am drowning in this silence." She shows off her vulnerability.
3) "My Little Love"
Adele describes what being a mother means to her, through voice memos between her son and herself.
4) "Cry Your Heart Out"
This track deals with the time after her divorce; "When will I begin to feel like me again? I'm hanging by a thread". I wish there was more to the chorus.
5) "Oh My God"
She's trying to take control, and put herself first; "Teetering on the edge of Heaven & Hell is a battle that I cannot fight". There's a cool feel to this track.
6) "Can I Get It"
She wants a real relationship; "When will you run with me? Like I know you wanna". There's almost a folk-feel to this.
7) "I Drink Wine"
This is about shedding one's ego; "How come we've both become a version of a person we don't even like?"
8) "All Night Parking" (w/ Eroll Garner) Interlude
This is about falling for someone new.
9) "Woman Like Me"
Adele is talking about the end of her relationship; "I begged you to let me in, 'Cause I only wanted to be the cure".
10) "Hold On"
Anthemic, Adele gets incredibly personal; "How do I feel so mighty small, when I'm struggling to feel at all?......Just hold on , let time be patient......Sometimes loneliness is the only rest we get...and the emptiness actually lets us forget". Just some really strong writing.
11) "To Be Loved"
This piano ballad is about the ups & downs of life; "I'll never learn if I never leap, I'll always yearn if I never speak". Adele showcases her stellar vocals.
12) "Love Is A Game"
This track starts off with a string intro. If I'm being honest, I think "To Be Loved" would have been a better album closer.
As expected, Adele always brings it. "30" finds herself at her most vulnerable at times. There are a couple tracks that miss the mark a bit, but she carries this album with her stellar vocals and elite song composition. (92)
Strengths: Patient feet rarely fall for release fakes. Able to swivel hips and pursue with fluidity. Squeezes deep sideline routes with physicality. Contested catches are typically tilted in his favor. Solid transition quickness to plant and drive on the throw.
Weaknesses: Loses his leverage unnecessarily. Needs better open-and-sprint timing when squatting underneath. Vertical specialists can overtake and stack him. Inconsistent digesting route combinations. Doesn't play to his size in run support duties. Inconsistent coming to balance as an open-field tackler.
Score: 6.38 (Will eventually be a plus starter) Next Gen: 83 (Good)
Comp: Jaylon Johnson
RD 2 (63) James Cook RB (Georgia) 5'11" 190
2018: 41att/284yds 2TDs, 8rec/89yds
2019: 31stt/188yds 2TDs, 16rec/132yds
2020: 45att/303yds 3TDs, 16rec/225yds 2TDs
2021: 113att/728yds, 7TDs, 27rec/284yds, 4TDs
Combine: 4.42s 40, 33"vert
Strengths: Instinctive processing comes naturally. Runs with rapid feet and forward lean. Can make drastic path alterations with hard cuts. Patient behind his lead blockers. Used out of the backfield as a pass-catching mismatch on LBs. Steady hands with ability to run a route.
Weaknesses: A passive run finisher with disappointing contact balance. Collapsed by moderate contact as an inside runner. Does not offer value near the end zone. Will struggle against NFL blitzing LBs in protection.
Score: 6.15 (A good backup with potential to develop as a starter) Next Gen: 77 (Good)
Strengths: Rapid read and response against play-action. On a continuous quest to go get the ball. Loose & fluid in pursuit and change of direction. Bends & flattens off the corner as a blitzer. Speed to cover man targets underneath.
Weaknesses: Gets caught up too easily in the clutter. Struggles to fit and hold a gap. Knocked off-balance by redirect blocks. Angles to the runner leaves little margin for error as a tackler. Average coverage recognition. Has an injury history.
Score: 5.94 (Average backup/Special Teamer) Next Gen: 69 (Average)
Strengths: Receiver used on direct snaps, as a RB, on jet sweeps and in the return game. Laser-focused once the ball is snapped. Low center of gravity for sudden route cuts & breaks. Creates throwing windows with leverage, footwork & strength. Concentration to make circus catches. Relishes contact and can play through it. A patient runner with vision and foot hovering over the gas pedal.
Weaknesses: Won't run away from defenders. Might be quicker than fast. Better polish & speed variance needed to disguise intentions. Inconsistent working back to the throw.
Score: 6.18 (A good back with the potential to develop as a starter) Next Gen: 79 (Good)
2021: Ray Guy Award, Unanimous All-American, 1st All-Mountain West, Mountain West STPOY, 18/28 FGs, 53LNG, 45/45 XPs, 79 Punts, 51.2avg, 86LNG
Combine: 4.68s 40, 32"vert
Strengths: Elite field-flipping with unmatched power. Punting style creates a strong forward bounce if its not caught. A former soccer player & hurdler with plus athleticism. Hustles down and cuts off return angles as a talented tackler.
Weaknesses: Has relative disregard for touchbacks and coverage consideration. Needs better touch with nose-drop technique for coffin corners. Left-footed kicking makes field goal kicking less likely.
Score: 6.09 (Traits or talent to be an above-average backup)
Comp: Todd Sauerbrun
RD 6 (185) Christian Benford CB (Villanova) 6'1" 208
Strengths: Does a great job of reading play development. Takes clear advantage of his size on 50-50 balls. Body control & agility to phase stop-and-go routes. Completely eliminates catch space with deep-sideline box-cuts. Uses full-body challenges to disrupt the catch-point. Will deliver a blow to a RB.
Weaknesses: Average mirror-and-match footwork in early stages. Needs better patience with feet & hips in press. Loses track of his man in scramble situations. Slow step in recovery from quarters & Cover 3. Needs more aggressive detachments from blocking WRs.
Score: 5.95 (Average backup/special teamer)
RD 6 (209) Luke Tenuta OT (Virginia Tech) 6'8" 319
2021: Honorable All-ACC
Combine: 5.41s 40, 26"vert
Strengths: Started at both tackle positions. Uses size to wall off LBs on climbs. Inside hands will make him stronger in pass protection. Hustles out to meet edge speed with pass sets.
Weaknesses: Lacks explosive lift into contact. Below-average lateral movement. Below-average punch & control in pass sets. Below-average anchor.
Score: 5.52 (Priority Undrafted Free Agent) Next Gen: 51 (Below-Average)
RD 7 (231) Baylon Spector LB (Clemson) 6'0" 233
2018: 9tckls
2019: 43 tckls, 2scks
2020: 65tckls, 4.5scks, 2FFs, 1PD
2021: 74 total tckls, 2.5scks, 1FR, 1INT, 1PD
Combine: 4.60s 40, 36"vert
Strengths: Rapid-fire diagnosis and reaction to play movement. Quickness to flow & contain the outside run. Comes to balance and tackles with double leg wrap-ups. Former safety with smooth drops & weaves in zone.
Weaknesses: Won't be a disruptive defender. Gets jostled around by box traffic. Below-average tackler when it's not in front of him. Range in coverage is very average. Lacks twitch to burst and disrupt at the catch point.
Score: 5.83 (Average backup/special teamer) Next Gen: 64 (Below Average)
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