2022 Grammy's Album Of The Year Review: "Love For Sale" - Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga

 

For this year's reviews of the album of the year nominees, I simplified my grading. I grade each song (not any interludes or preludes) out of 10, coming up with a final score out of 100. 

"Love For Sale" - Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga

(All Rights To Streamline/Columbia/Interscope Records)

1) "It's De-Lovely"

There's a nice brass intro. I would have liked a bit more in the instrumental solo.

2) "Night and Day"

With a sweeping intro, this brings a nice laid-back feel.

3) "Love For Sale"

Tony Bennett commands the introduction with a confident brass backing. There's a nice bright solo section.

4) "Do I Love You?"

There's a calming feel with delicate vocals from Lady Gaga, building to the end.

5) "I've Got You Under My Skin"

The vocals are playful.

6) "I Concentrate On You"

There's a nice feel, with the trumpet solo meeting the moment.

7) "I Get A Kick Out Of You"

There's a nice instrumental break.

8) "So In Love"

There's a good mix in this track.

9) "Let's Do It"

This starts off with a soft intro, followed by a seamless tempo change. The instrumental break doesn't quite mesh with the feel of the track.

10) "Dream Dancing"

There's a smooth guitar solo.

11) "Just One Of These Things"

12) "You're The Top"

With a lively intro, there's a really solid back & forth with the drums.

This album of Cole Porter covers was a pleasant listen. Tony Bennett still brings it with the vocals, and Tony & Gaga continue to have a nice balance together. I hope Lady Gaga continues to explore jazz in the future. (94.58)

Olivia Rodrigo "Sour" - 100

Billie Eilish "Happier Than Ever" - 97

Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga "Love For Sale" - 94.58

Jon Batiste "We Are" - 94.54

Lil Nas X "Montero" - 85

H.E.R "Back Of My Mind" - 78

Kanye West "Donda" - 61

Top 25 of SNL in 2021

 

SNL started to get back on track in 2021, coming off an uncertain year with the beginning of a pandemic. As I went through creating this list, I was reminded of the tone that SNL took in the 2000s and early 2010s, with some new cast members really reinvigorating the show.

25) "Science Room With Jason Sudeikis"

24) "Sea Shanty"

23) "Zillow"

22) "The War In Words: Bertie & Mary"

21) "It Gets Better"

20) "Car Heist"

19) "Angelo"

18) "Please Don't Destroy: Hard Seltzer"

17) "Muppet Show"

16) "Weekend Update: Bowen Yang on the Rise of Anti-Asian Hate Crimes

15) "NFTs"

14) "Aaron Rodgers Trump Cold Open"

13) "Picture With Dad"

12) "The Last Dance: Extended Scene"

11) "Lonely Christmas"

10) "Weekend Update: Sarah Sherman Roasts Colin Jost"

9) "Hot Damn"

8) "Drivers License"

7) "Please Don't Destroy: Three Sad Virgins ft/ Taylor Swift"

6) "Mattress Store"

5) "Canceling Cable"

4) "New Military Weapon"

3) "Lesbian Period Drama"

2) "Weekend Update: Goober the Clown on Abortion"

1) "Weekend Update: Jeanine Pirro on the Mexico-United States Border" 

2022 Grammy's Album of The Year Review: "Sour" - Olivia Rodrigo

 

For this year's reviews of the album of the year nominees, I simplified my grading. I grade each song (not any interludes or preludes) out of 10, coming up with a final score out of 100. 

"Sour" - Olivia Rodrigo

(All Rights To Geffen Records)

1) "Brutal"

A punk take on teen angst; "And I'm so caught up in the news of who likes me and who hates you....If someone tells me one more time 'Enjoy your youth'. I'm gonna cry". With an excellent chorus, this is a great intro to the album.

2) "Traitor"

This deals with the feeling of betrayal post a relationship; "Brown guilty eyes and little white lies, I played dumb but I always knew that you talked to her, maybe did even worse". She finds herself questioning what was even real.

3) "Drivers License"

'Drivers License' is about moving on by fulfilling a promise. The track keeps building to the bridge, with outpouring emotion.

4) "1 step forward, 3 steps back"

This deals with the challenges of a relationship; "Called you on the phone today just to ask you how you are. All I did was speak normally, somehow, I still struck a nerve". She's left unsure what will set them off.

5) "Deja Vu"

She's questioning the authenticity of a past relationship; "A different girl now, but there's nothing new".

6) "Good 4 U"

 A pop-punk sarcastic take on how quickly her ex moved on without a care for her; "Well, good for you, you look happy and healthy. Not me, if you ever cared to ask......your apathy is like a wound in salt".

7) "enough for you"

This deals with effort she put in; "Tried so hard to be everything that you liked, just for you to say you're not the compliment type". You can feel the pain in her vocals.

8) "Happier"

She's simultaneously wishing her ex well, while hoping she made a lasting memory; "Oh, I hope you're happy, but not like how you were with me".

9) "jealousy, jealousy"

This deals with unrealistic standards; "I know that beauty is not my lack but it feels like that weight is on my back". We go back to that punk feel.

10) "favorite crime"

She's implying that she's partly responsible for a failed relationship, as she let herself be treated that way; "Know that I loved you so bad, I let you treat me like that. I was your willing accomplice, honey". There's impressive lyricism and just outstanding vocals.

11) "hope ur ok"

The album closes on this uplifting song that deals with acceptance; "Does she know how proud I am she was created, with the courage to unlearn all of their hatred?". A perfect closing track.

Much like with Billie Eilish's debut album, what a start for Olivia Rodrigo's career. There simply isn't a track worthy of skipping, as every track finds its spot. I can't wait to see what we get with her sophomore album down the road. (100)

Olivia Rodrigo "Sour" - 100

Billie Eilish "Happier Than Ever" - 97

Jon Batiste "We Are" - 95

Lil Nas X "Montero" - 85

H.E.R "Back Of My Mind" - 78

Kanye West "Donda" - 61