2023 Grammy's Album Of The Year Review: "Special" - Lizzo

 

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.

"Special" - Lizzo

Nice Life/Atlantic Records

1) "The Sign"

This acts as a 'tone-setter' for the album. Lyrically, its a bit lacking.

2) "About Damn Time"

This track deals with resilience; "Oh, I been so down and under pressure, I'm way too fine to be this stressed". This is extremely catchy.

3) "Grrrls"

This acts as an anthem for women showing love & power; "That's my girl, we codependent. If she with it, then I'm with it".

4) "2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)"

As the title says, this deals with whether Lizzo is ready for a relationship; "You found me, I was fed up with the fantasy". There's a nice key change with the last chorus.

5) "I Love You Bitch"

There's a nice piano intro, but this track is let down by a simplistic chorus.

6) "Special"

This deals with self-empowerment in response to some of her online critics; "Could you imagine a world where everybody's the same". She really shows off her vocals.

7) "Break Up Twice"

With a unique sounding intro, this acts as an ultimatum; "I never had nobody with a love like you, It would be a shame not to see this through". The backing instrumentals further enhances this track.

8) "Everybody's Gay"

This is about showing our true-selves; "This costume feels so real, almost scared myself". There's a nice throwback sound.

9) "Naked"

Dealing with acceptance, this track has a nice groove.

10) "Birthday Girl"

This deals with celebration; "We here, we just had to believe on it".

11) "If You Love Me"

This is superb lyrically; "If you love me, you love all of me, or none of me at all".

12) "Coldplay"

With a jazzy sound to it, this is a dedication to her significant other. This samples Coldplay's "Yellow".

There are a few minor hiccups during the 1st half of this album, but there's a consistent sound & tone. The 2nd half "Special" is incredibly solid. (88)

"In These Silent Days" - Brandi Carlile: 96

"Renaissance" - Beyonce: 93 

"30"- Adele: 92 

"Special" - Lizzo: 88

"Good Morning Gorgeous" (Deluxe) - Mary J Blige: 82

"Un Verano Sin Ti" - Bad Bunny: 81

"Music Of The Spheres" - Coldplay: 77    

2023 Grammy's Album Of The Year Review: "In These Silent Days" - Brandi Carlile

 

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.

"In These Silent Days" - Brandi Carlile

Low Country Sound/Elektra Records

1) "Right On Time"

This is a reflection on conflict and regret; "turn back time, help me to rewind and we can find ourselves again".

2) "You and Me On The Rock" (ft/ Lucius)

This track deals with found family; "Me out in my garden and you out on your walk is all the distance this poor girl can take without listenin' to you talk". 

3) "This Time Tomorrow"

A message on grief; "You know I may not be around this time tomorrow, but I'll always be with you".

4) "Broken Horses"

With a folk/rock feel, this track is in relation to her upbringing; "I have worshiped at the altar of the puppet's master rule.....I have ever so politely traded softly for your praise".

5) "Letter To The Past"

This is Brandi speaking to her younger self; "folks are gonna lean on you, And leave when the cracks appear".

6) "Mamma Werewolf"

This is about displaying bad habits and inter-generational trauma ; "I stalk the streets where the shadows lie, And I pray to God that the sun will rise.....This curse a gift from my father's kin, They fought the beast I feel within, But we don't talk about it and we don't call its name".

7) "When You'e Wrong"

With a haunting outro, this deals with empathy; "Someone strong enough to lean on you when the roses fall away".

8) "Stay Gentle"

This is a message to her children; "know to find joy in the darkness is wise, Although they will think you don't understand".

9) "Sinners, Saints and Fools"

This is lyrically deep with a wild instrumental outro; "By the time he got to Heaven, it was surrounded by a wall, The pearly gates were locked up tight, the golden chains and all".

10) "Throwing Good After Bad"

Deeply personal and powerful, this is about a loved one making poor decisions; "And you will poor your heart into any shimmering fad, Throwin' good after bad".

"In These Silent Days" is another masterpiece from Brandi Carlile. She's such a lyrical genius, I could take this album being an hour or even 2 hours long. I can't wait to see what she does next. (96)

"In These Silent Days" - Brandi Carlile: 96

"Renaissance" - Beyonce: 93 

"30"- Adele: 92 

"Good Morning Gorgeous" (Deluxe) - Mary J Blige: 82

"Un Verano Sin Ti" - Bad Bunny: 81

"Music Of The Spheres" - Coldplay: 77    

2023 Grammy's Album Of The Year Review: "Good Morning Gorgeous" (Deluxe) - Mary J Blige

 

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".

15) "Need Love" (ft/ Usher)

16) "Running" (ft/ Ne-Yo)

This starts with a unique-sounding intro.

17) "Good Morning Gorgeous" (Remix) (ft/ H.E.R)

This is a nice collaboration.

18) "Rent Money" (Remix) (ft/ Jadakiss & Griselda)

This collab doesn't work like the prior remix.

19) "Come See About Me" (Remix) (ft/ Fabolous)

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

"Un Verano Sin Ti" - Bad Bunny: 81

"Music Of The Spheres" - Coldplay: 77

2023 Grammy's Album Of The Year Review: "Un Verano Sin Ti" - Bad Bunny

 

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)

"Renaissance" - Beyonce: 93 

"30"- Adele: 92 

"Un Verano Sin Ti" - Bad Bunny: 81

"Music Of The Spheres" - Coldplay: 77

 

2023 Grammy's Album Of The Year Review: "Renaissance" - Beyonce

 

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)

"Renaissance" - Beyonce: 93 

"30"- Adele: 92 

"Music Of The Spheres" - Coldplay: 77

2023 Grammy's Album Of The Year Review: "Music Of The Spheres" - Coldplay

 

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)

 "30" - Adele: 92 

"Music Of The Spheres" - Coldplay: 77

2023 Grammy's Album Of The Year Review: "30" - Adele

 

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)

"30" - Adele: 92