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

"Guts" - Olivia Rodrigo

(Geffen Records)

1) "All-American Bitch"

This deals with ideals & double standards; "Forgive and I forget, I know my age and I act like it". With a punk-pop chorus, this is an energetic opening to the album.

2) "Bad Idea Right?"

A playful track that has her thinking about going back to a relationship; "Yes, I know that he's my ex, but can't two people reconnect? I only see him as a friend, The biggest lie I ever said". The instrumental break goes off.

3) "Vampire"

This track revolves around being taken advantage of and liberation; "How's the castle built off people you pretend to care about?". The track gradually builds, with a nice drive in the bridge.

4) "Lacy"

She finds herself comparing herself to other women, and dealing with the personification of beauty; "I feel your compliments like bullets on skin". Her vocals are very delicate.

5) "Ballad Of A Homeschooled Girl"

This comes from social anxiety with a garage rock feel; "I'm on the outside of the greatest inside joke". There's a nice half-time feel towards the end.

6) "Making The Bed"

This is self-depreciating on fame; "Another day pretendin' I'm older than I am".

7) "Logical"

This deals with how love can be irrational; " 'Cause if rain don't pour and sun don't shine, Then changing you is possible. No, love is never logical". While touching, lyrically "logical" is a bit clunky.

8) "Get Him Back!"

There's a pop-rock feel; "But I am my father's daughter, so maybe I can fix him". Just a well-crafted track.

9) "Love Is Embarrassing"

She explores love & self-worth; "Just watch as I crucify myself for some weird second string loser who's not worth mentioning". 

10) "The Grudge"

A ballad about conflicting emotions among a relationship/friendship marked by manipulation; "And I hear your voice every time that I think I'm not enough.........It takes strength to forgive, but I don't feel strong enough".

11) "Pretty Isn't Pretty"

A reflection on self-positivity & expectations; "There's always something in the mirror that I think looks wrong". I appreciate the message, but the production doesn't quite stand out.

12) "Teenage Dream"

This is about growing up under a spotlight; "When am I gonna stop being wise beyond my years and just start being wise?.......I fear that they already got all the best parts of me". A powerful closer to the album.

"Sour" was such a strong debut album from Olivia Rodrigo, that some wondered how she would be able to follow it up. It turns out that wouldn't be a problem, as "Guts" is a solid sophomore album. Olivia dips a little more into that pop-punk vibe with this successor, I wonder what we can expect in the future? (90.8)

Taylor Swift: "Midnights" - 93.6

boygenius: "The Record" - 92.1

Olivia Rodrigo: "Guts" - 90.8

Lana Del Rey: "Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd." - 87.1

Miley Cyrus: "Endless Summer Vacation" - 84.4

Jon Batiste: "World Music Radio" - 82.4

Janelle Monae: "The Age Of Pleasure" - 78.4    

 

Grammy's Album of The Year Review: Jon Batiste - "World Music Radio"

 

"World Music Radio" - Jon Batiste

(Verve/Interscope Records)

1) "Hello, Billy Bob"

A spoken word intro, this acts as a start-up.

2) "Raindance" (ft/Native Soul)

This is a reggae inspired with Native American roots; "When you gon' arrive in the sky to let your love down". There are some smooth transitions.

3) "Be Who You Are" (ft/JID, New Jeans & Camilo)

There's a blending of styles, but this track feels like its all over the place. Its lyrically weak.

4) "Worship"

"Worship" acts as a call to prayer. There's a tonal shift about halfway in. While I like the production, lyrically it seems repetitive and simplistic.

5) "My Heart" (ft/Rita Paye`s)

This is a more intimate track.

6) "Drink Water" (ft/Jon Bellion and Fireboy DML)

A very calming track; "So take a deep breath, drink water. You know that these streets just loud, calm down". 

7) "Calling Your Name"

I'm not really a fan of the production on this track; it's a little 'muzak' for my taste.

8) "Clair de Lune" (ft/Kenny G)

An instrumental track.

9) "Butterfly"

This comes from Jon being by his wife's side. The piano is very lovely.

10) "17th Ward Prelude"

11) "Uneasy" (ft/Lil Wayne)

This connects to New Orleans; "Close the shower door on my city, it's steamin'". The guitar is really nice towards the back half.

12) "Call Now (504-305-8269)" (ft/Michael Batiste)

With a funk feel, this is a fairly deep lyrical track; "When this fame is gone, I'll state my same old song".

13) "Chassol"

14) "Boom For Real"

Lyrically this drags.

15) "Movement 18' (Heroes)"

With some brilliant piano playing, this is a reflection on some of Jon's musical influences.

16) "Master Power"

This samples different religious prayers. Instrumentally this feels like its going in circles at times.

17) "Running Away" (ft/Leigh-Anne)

This revolves around power and the feeling behind this; "When the weight is on your shoulders, I'll take it off of you". 

18) "Goodbye, Billy Bob"

This acts as a sign-off for this radio-like experience. 

19) "White Space"

A piano forward track.

20) "Wherever You Are"

A culmination of sorts, this falls somewhat flat for me.

21) "Life Lesson" (ft/Lana Del Rey)

Coming off of their work on Lana's album with "Candy Necklace", this duo continues to work well here. Quite a strong closing.

Jon Batiste is trying out something unique with "World Music Radio", quite literally creating a radio program. We see a blending of sounds and styles, but I'd argue this album could have been scaled down. Overall I enjoyed a majority of the album, but it could have been something incredibly special. (82.4)

Taylor Swift: "Midnights" - 93.6

boygenius: "The Record" - 92.1

Lana Del Rey: "Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd." - 87.1

Miley Cyrus: "Endless Summer Vacation" - 84.4

Jon Batiste: "World Music Radio" - 82.4

Janelle Monae: "The Age Of Pleasure" - 78.4  

Grammy's Album of The Year Review: boygenius - "The Record"

 

"The Record" - boygenius

(Interscope Records)

1) "Without You Without Them"

This short introductory a cappella track is centered around the ordeal of being known. The harmonies in the chorus are beautiful.

2) "$20"

There's a punk feel; "Run out of gas, out of time, out of money. You're doing what you can, just makin' it run". 

3) "Emily I'm Sorry"

This acts as an apology track; "She's asleep in the back seat, Looking peaceful enough to me, But she's wakin' up inside a dream, Full of screeching tires and fire". The delicate vocals brings the message home.

4) "True Blue"

This centers around finding yourself; "And it feels good to be known so well. I can't hide from you like I hide from myself". 

5) "Cool About It"

This deals with a relationship that's lacking communication; "I'm trying to be cool about it, Feelin' like an absolute fool about it, Wishin' you were kind enough to be cruel about it......I ask you how you're doing and I let you lie". Each verse brings a new element.

6) "Not Strong Enough"

Centering around feeling that you're not enough for someone; "I can't stop staring at the ceiling fan and spinning out about things that haven't happened". The track goes full throttle with Lucy's chorus.

7) "Revolution 0"

This track deals with online dating; "Imaginary friend, you live up in my head". This could have used another verse, or a different perspective with multiple vocalists.

8) "Leonard Cohen"

You get a read of the connection that this trio has; "You felt like an idiot adding an hour to the drive. But it gave us more time to embarrass ourselves, tellin' stories we wouldn't tell anyone else". 

9) "Satanist"

This comes from Julien and her religious upbringing; "Will you be a nihilist with me? If nothin' matters, man, that's a relief". There's really nice guitar work, setting up a punk feel.

10) "We're In Love"

This is based on the importance of the group's friendship; "I feel crazy in ways I never say. Will you still love me if it turns out I'm insane? I know what you'll say, but it helps to hear you say it anyway". Lucy is able to paint a picture with her vocals.

11) "Anti-Curse"

Inspired by Julien's near-drowning experience; "I'm out of my depth at a public beach, I never listened, I had to see for myself". The track picks up with Julien's big vocals towards the end of the 2nd verse.

12) "Letter To An Old Poet"

This deals with someone having so much power over you; "You don't get to tell me to calm down. You made me feel like an equal, but I'm better than you". Instrumentally, this is a nice closing to the album, as you sense a sort of chaotic swarm before it ends. That effect is done very well.

This album flies by as you're listening. Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus make for a powerhouse trio. While they have their separate solo careers, I hope we get a lot more from boygenius in the near-future. (92.1)

Taylor Swift: "Midnights" - 93.6

boygenius: "The Record" - 92.1

Lana Del Rey: "Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd." - 87.1

Miley Cyrus: "Endless Summer Vacation" - 84.4

Janelle Monae: "The Age Of Pleasure" - 78.4 

  

Grammy's Album of The Year Review: Lana Del Rey - "Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.

 

"Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd." - Lana Del Rey

(Interscope/Polydor Records)

1) "The Grants"

With a gospel style intro, this deals with carrying memories, specifically taking your memories into the afterlife; "And I'm gonna take mine of you with me".

2) "Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd."

This is slower paced with a nice piano backing; "There's a girl who sings 'Hotel California', Not because she loves the notes or sounds that sound like Florida. It's because she's in a world, preserved, only a few have found the door...". The vocals are layered over smoothly.

3) "Sweet"

The instrumentals are nice, but the vocals don't always match up well.

4) "A+W"

This acts as a rant/stream of consciousness that goes from her childhood to adulthood; "It's not about havin' someone to love me anymore. This is the experience of bein' an American Whore". I love the transition into Part 2. This whole track comes together perfectly. The message that these lyrics relate are incredibly powerful. 

5) Judah Smith Interlude

A recording of a Judah Smith sermon, where among other topics are the differences of lust & love.

6) "Candy Necklace" (ft/ Jon Batiste)

This is a reflection on a troubled relationship; "White noise comin' out of my brain, Turns off for nothing". She's obsessed with her partner's reckless behavior. Batiste really shines on piano and adds a nice element to the track.

7) Jon Batiste Interlude

A spoken interlude on joy.

8) "Kintsugi"

This refers to the art style, dealing with breakage & repair; "I don't trust myself with my heart, But I've had to let it break a little more. 'Cause they say that's what it's for. That's how the light shines in". Overall the lyrics feel a bit scattered.

9) "Fingertips"

She's showing her innermost thoughts. It's a deeply personal stream of consciousness.

10) "Paris, Texas" (ft/ SYML)

Reflections on her relationships back home; "When everyone's star is bright, Brighter than you are, It's time to go". 

11) "Grandfather please stand on the shoulders of my father while he's deep-sea fishing" (ft/ RIOPY)

This deals with her desire for spiritual guidance & connection; "God, if you're near me, send me three white butterflies, Or an owl to know you're listening, sitting while I'm drinking". This track is simply gorgeous. 

12) "Let The Light In" (ft/ Father John Misty)

This could be seen as a story of an affair.

13) "Margaret" (ft/ Bleachers)

This track is about Jack Antonoff's now wife Margaret Qualley.

14) "Fishtail"

This deals with inconsistencies; "Maybe I'll take my glasses off so I stop painting red flags green".

15) "Peppers" (ft/ Tommy Genesis)

This track is about the confidence and allure of Angelina Jolie; "Take a minute to yourself, skinny-dip in my mind". This track is very scattered overall.

16) "Taco Truck x VB"

This track has a nice rhythmic flow. 

You tend to know what to expect from Lana Del Rey, but the lyrics in "Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd." really hit hard, particularly in the title track and "A+W". Lana and Jack Antonoff producing make for a nice working pair. (87.1)

Taylor Swift: "Midnights" - 93.6

Lana Del Rey: "Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd." - 87.1

Miley Cyrus: "Endless Summer Vacation" - 84.4

Janelle Monae: "The Age Of Pleasure" - 78.4 

Grammy's Album of The Year Review: Miley Cyrus - "Endless Summer Vacation"

 

"Endless Summer Vacation"  - Miley Cyrus

(Columbia Records)

1) "Flowers"

This is about moving past a relationship; "I can buy myself flowers, write my name in the sand. Talk to myself for hours, say things you don't understand". The bass really grooves, and the strings are a nice added touch.

2) " Jaded"

Dealing with regret and missed opportunities; "Said goodbye forever, but you never unpacked. We went to hell, but we never come back". She still feels for her ex.

3) " Rose Colored Lenses"

She wants to stay in the moment; "Wearing rose-colored lenses, let's just play pretend.... Pretend we'll never end". There's a nice backing guitar, but the track plods along a bit.

4) " Used To Be Young"

She's looking back at her past; "Turns out open bars lead to broken hearts, and goin' way too far". She shows off her vocals, and you can feel the emotion.

5) " Thousand Miles" (ft/ Brandi Carlile)

This is a reflection on a relationship; "I'm out of my mind, but still, I'm holding out like a rolling stone. A thousand miles from anywhere". I wish Brandi had her own verse.

6) " You"

This is about being wild with someone. There's a slow groove, but the lyrics leave something to be desired.

7) "Handstand"

This track deals with meeting someone you won't forget. There's a spoken word intro. The track has a techno feel.  The track is certainly experimental, but I'm not sure if it works. This is one I'd have to sleep on.

8) "River"

An upbeat track, she's showing devotion. I'm not a fan of the almost spoken word verses.

9) "Violet Chemistry"

This is about wanting a lover to stay. The track is synth heavy.

10) "Muddy Feet" (ft/ Sia)

She's calling out a cheater. She really goes off in the chorus. Based off of this track, it would be interesting to see a rock album from her.

11)"Wildcard"

Miley is wanting more in a relationship; " loving you is never enough". This is a vocal showcase.

12) "Island"

She's going through the process of missing someone; "Am I stranded on an island? Or have I landed in paradise?". 

13) "Wonder Woman"

This is about a strong & resilient woman; "Never know she's broken cause she's always fine. She's a million moments, lived a thousand lives. Never know she's hopeless, only when she cries". Miley's vocals are beautiful and vulnerable.

" Endless Summer Vacation" has a few dips, but overall this is a very solid album. Miley is really able to show off her vocals. And as I mentioned with "Muddy Feet", I'd really like to see Miley's take on a rock album. (84.4)

Taylor Swift: "Midnights" - 93.6

Miley Cyrus: "Endless Summer Vacation" - 84.4

Janelle Monae: "The Age Of Pleasure" - 78.4 

Grammy's Album of The Year Review: Taylor Swift - "Midnights"

 

"Midnights" - Taylor Swift

(Republic Records)

1) "Lavender Haze"

Capturing the "honeymoon phase" of a relationship, there's a cool vibe to this opener; "And you don't really read into my melancholia". She takes on outsiders' view on a relationship (asking about marriage) when she just wants to stay "in that lavender haze". 

2) "Maroon"

This is a different take on a love story; "When the morning came we were cleaning incense off your vinyl shelf 'cause we lost track of time again. Laughing with my feet in your lap like you were my closest friend". 'Maroon' sees the breakdown of a relationship; "Carnations you had thought were roses, that's us". The chorus has a really nice rhythm, as we see the power of her lyricism. 

3) "Anti-Hero"

A song on self-reflection, pondering on her worst fears; "I wake up screaming from dreaming, One day I'll watch as you're leaving cause you got tired of my scheming". There's fantastic imagery throughout, for example; 'Monster on a hill...too big to hang out'. This track is very bleachers-esque.

4) "Snow On The Beach" ft/Lana Del Rey

This track deals with the concept of falling in love at the same time; "flying in a dream, stars by the pocketful, tonight feels impossible". With a very dreamy feel, you can tell that Lana's fingerprints are on this track. While Lana's vocals are mainly backing in this version, there's some beautiful blending.

5) "You're On Your Own Kid"

'You're On Your Own Kid' is very auto-biographical; "I play my song in the parking lot, I'll run away...I gave my blood, sweat & tears for this". With a classic Taylor bridge, her vocals feel delicate.

6) "Midnight Rain"

Dealing with the ending of a relationship, this track utilizes a vocal modulator; "He wanted it comfortable, I wanted that pain, He wanted a bride, I was making my own name". While being synth heavy, it doesn't feel overdone. 

7) "Question...?"

This is a reflection on if someone's new relationship compares to what came prior; "Did you leave her house in the middle of the night? Did you wish you'd put up more of a fight?' Overall its a little clunky lyrically.

8) "Vigilante Shit"

This deals with seeking revenge; "Draw the cat eye sharp enough to kill a man. You did some bad things, but I'm the worst of them". There's a 'Reputation' feel to "Vigilante Shit". Overall this track has a stripped back production, putting her vocals out in front with the backing synth. 

9) "Bejeweled"

'Bejeweled' is about the frustration of a relationship; "Didn't notice you walkin' all over my peace of mind". Everything just comes together here; lyrically & stylistically.

10) "Labyrinth"

We see her detailing the process of falling in love again; "It only feels this raw right now. Lost in the labyrinth of my mind.....everybody just expects me to bounce back". This time around the synth can be distracting at times.

11) "Karma"

With a fun feel (and a cool record-scratching intro), this is about confronting people in your past; "You're terrified to look down, Cause if you dare, you'll see the glare of everyone you burned just to get there". The chorus here is among the catchiest of the album.  

12) "Sweet Nothing"

A reflection of literal 'sweet nothings' exchanged; "I find myself runnin' home to your sweet nothings...All that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing". (This song might have a new perspective in the swiftie community)

13) "Mastermind"

This is about the machinations of a relationship; "What if I told you none of it was accidental? And the first night that you saw me, nothing was gonna stop me". The bridge is both very personal & heartbreaking; "No one wanted to play with me as a little kid, So I've been scheming like a criminal ever since". A perfect closer to the standard album. 

There are a lot of different ways you can view "Midnights". One is as a self-reflection, on Taylor's past in general but also on her own music, borrowing certain lyrical and rhythmic flourishes. On the other-hand, in hindsight this could also be viewed as a 'breakdown' album (if not a straight up break-up album). This is the genius of Taylor Swift, that you can find these different perspectives depending on where you look. Given the reflexive nature of "Midnights", I can't wait to see what direction Taylor eventually goes on with her next new studio album. (93.6) 

(As a Swiftie myself, I tried to be as balanced as possible in reviewing this. If I had included the 3am tracks, along with "Hits Different" and "You're Losing Me", this score would have been even higher.)

Taylor Swift: "Midnights" - 93.6

Janelle Monae: "The Age Of Pleasure" - 78.4 

Grammy's Album of The Year Review: Janelle Monae - "The Age Of Pleasure"

 

"The Age Of Pleasure" - Janelle Monae

(Wondaland/Bad Boy/Atlantic Records)

1) "Float" (ft/Seun Kuti & Egypt 80)

About liberation and confidence, there's a nice brass backing; "I used to walk into the room head down. I don't walk, now I float"

2) "Champagne Shit" 

Just a sidenote, being a swiftie this title track piqued my interest, haha. With a funky backing, I wish there was more to this track.

3) "Black Sugar Beach" 

This acts as a lead-out from the prior track.

4) "Phenomenal" (ft/Doechii)

There's a good rhythm and some really nice phrasing.

5) "Haute"

This is a continuation from "Phenomenal".

6) "Oooh La La" (ft/Gracie Jones)

7) "Lipstick Lover"

"Cause for your love, I'll take my time. Just wanna feel your hips on mine".

8) "The Rush" (ft/Nia Long & Amaarae)

Janelle's lead vocals are so pure, but the features lead to mixed results.

9) "The French 75" (ft/Sister Nancy)

10) "Water Slide"

There's a reggae feel.

11) "Know Better" (ft/ CKay, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80)

I really appreciate the brass instrumentals. "Committed to your shrine".

12) "Paid In Pleasure"

This is a continuation.

13) "Only Have Eyes 42"

This track really grooves.

14) "A Dry Red"

Slowed down, I find that lyrically this track doesn't quite fit.

"The Age Of Pleasure" is a lot of fun, but I do find that it leaves you wanting more. There are a few standout tracks, but a lot of the album sort of blends together. (78.4)

Janelle Monae: "The Age Of Pleasure" - 78.4