Showing posts with label grammys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grammys. Show all posts

Wednesday, 17 February 2016

The 2016 Grammys - My Fashion Review


What is described as the biggest night in music, is also one of the biggest nights in fashion. We get to see our favourite stars of music and screen combine to celebrate the songs that have been littering our airwaves. I always look forward to the Grammy's red carpet because it is supposed to be the time when we see our faves show off - whether it be a crazy look or basically a 'look at how much money I have' look. This year though (much like last year) I was disappointed. It was boring to say the least. However as I do, I have picked some of the looks that caught my eye and I am here to judge them. Small disclaimer - I am not judging the individual, just simply their choice of outfit. Let's go ...

Kacey Musgraves wearing Armani Prive
One can be naive in assuming a country star wouldn't show up looking so stunning, how wrong you narrowed people are. She is living proof that just because she sings about trailers and dime stores doesn't mean she can't turn heads for all the right reasons. When looking at fashion for the Grammys I don't have a checklist as such, I just want to be excited - she did that. The violet and blue hues look rich and sumptuous and the texture is really interesting. It is fitted to perfection and hits the floor just right. I actually like the hairstyle but you know what I am not afraid for it to of been bigger.

Zendaya wearing DSquared2
This girl knows to rock a red carpet, she isn't afraid of bold fashion choices and she is one star I always look out for. At age 19 she is incredibly self aware. She knows what looks good and she makes no apologies if you don't understand it. First thing first let us talk about the hair - she has made mullets cool again, I don't know for how long, but this small space in time I am one call away from my barber. I love a woman in a suit, there is something so sexy and cool about it, she shows strength mixed with femininity - and it is tailored to perfection. I personally can't wait to see what she wears for the Oscars (especially after last years hoohaa).

Ellie Goulding wearing Stella McCartney
This just looks so effortless and cool, but I can imagine it was anything but that. Her tousled hair is a great juxtaposition to the streamline cut of the dress. This could've easily looked like a pink sack but it is cut and shaped to her amazing body just right. I really enjoy the mix and match-ness of the jewellry as well, it just emphasizes her passiveness when it comes to what a fashion critic may say. It all works for me, she has never looked more beautiful in my eyes.

Demi Lovato wearing Norisol Ferrari
Demi I love her, she is my number one. But what is this? She looks so much older than she is, she is singing about having confidence and yet this looks like she has none at all. I don't want to be nasty because I truly love this woman, I like elements of this outfit. I appreciate the body jewellery, that is a nice surprise. Plus the hair looks amazing - I have missed the long hair Demi! She just overall looks a bit meh! This is the Grammy's, we all know she has it in her to stun us - maybe if this dress was sleeveless or something - I don't know, she has done better before. For one second though let's step away from fashion - how fucking amazing was she during the Lionel Richie tribute???!!! Best vocal of the night.

Adele wearing Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci
I don't know. Does she look beautiful? Yes. Is it a well fitted dress? Yes. Does her body look slammin? Yes. Is her new bob beautiful? Yes. It is so boring though!! I don't really like the where the skirt starts on this dress, it looks a bit full right on the stomach. Of course she is wearing black, I feel her because black is also my favourite colour of clothing too. Those little slits on the shoulders do nothing for the dress, looks like an afterthought - it doesn't add anything or take anything away, they are just there. I want Adele to have her big fashion moment, and I am getting impatient. Her performance, regardless of the technical issues, was just beautiful though.

Ciara wearing Alexandre Vauthier 
Yes! Yes! Yes! This is what I want, a fashion risk! This could have bombed tremendously or become a moment. I think it was a moment! With a body like hers, that it is obvious she works hard for, she should show it off. It is sculptured by the gods. My favourite part of this whole look though is the hair, it is styled beautifully. It is simply just a low pony with a few strands pulled out - gorgeous. The makeup was tastefully done because let's face it, the star of this look is the dress. The slit right up in there, the body suit, the low cut front - tick tick tick, she won. If I had to be picky, and I have been accused of being picky in the past, is that I don't love the print. Who cares though, she isn't gonna lose any sleep over my opinions.

Selena Gomez wearing Calvin Klein
Stunning girl, beautiful, talented but I am bored with this look. There was no umph - was she trying to let Taylor have the moment? I don't know. There is no obvious wow factor. I think she needs to dress to resemble how special she is. There isn't a lot more for me to say really. I love this girl and I want her to reach new fashion levels.

Janelle Monae wearing Jean Paul Gaultier
Girls find a seat, sit down, take out your note book and get a pen that works. This is an education in how to do the Grammys! I am not saying to copy her look, copy her bravery. Stand out from the crowd without looking like a fool, know what colours suit you and push boundaries! Janelle I salute you, you never fail to please me on the red carpets of the world. This look is slightly cookie compared to previous looks so some people may give a slight side eye when she walks by, but nethertheless you're looking at her! She is art.

Taylor Swift wearing Versace 
I have been a Swifty since 'Tim McGraw' and 'Teardrops on my Guitar', I was pushing for people to listen to her in this country before they even knew what a Taylor Swift was. I was, and still am, a huge fan! I have followed her career for close to ten years now. I just had to say that so people know that I am coming from a place of love. I hate this look. I really don't get it. It cheapens her so much, I can appreciate the simplicity of the outfit. I don't like the colours, they are so jarring. I was so disappointed and I really don't ever want to be with her because I never have been. She is a phenomenal performer and songwriter, she has inspired me and millions others. I just hope this isn't a sign of things to come - LET ME STYLE YOU TAYLOR! If I can be a bit sketchy for a second though - her body is banging!

Sunday, 31 January 2016

Carrie Underwood - Missed Opportunities



Carrie Underwood is hands down one of my favourite vocalists of all time. She has the power I look for and the country tone that takes me back to Nashville (I have never been to Nashville physically). She alone takes up most of my iPhone playlist; I have 372 songs that have all been meticulously chosen and Carrie is 39 of them! May not sound like a grand statement - but it is! She holds a very dear place in my heart, I can relate to a lot of her music and also it supplies the one thing I find necessary when listening to music - can I mime to it and pretend I am in a dramatic music video, and yes I can, she delivers like no one else.

However a lot of her songs do not got any attention and I find that incredibly sad, not just for the population, but for me aswell! I want to be able to watch live performances and see music videos for all of her songs; but just like the rest of the music world she only chooses to release around 5-6 of the songs from each album! I WANT MORE!

So as I do, I have a problem and I have found a solution. The missed opportunities compilation album. This can purely be a selection of her greatest non hits or even (and I type this with shaking excitement) a video album! I have selected the 10 songs for the album so Carrie doesn't have to - you're welcome. Also I have named the album 'Relapse' after one of my chosen songs. Also the latin definition for relapse is to 'slip back' - kind of perfect for this style of album don't you think. 

So let us get this track list underway.

1. Relapse - From the album 'Storyteller'

I may be jumping the gun here because this song is on her most current album so there may still be time, however this may be the push she needs to release this single! I can't lose. 


2. Lessons Learned - From the album 'Some Hearts'

An amazing motivational song. Basically every knock you get in life you should appreciate them, because they are (wait for it...) lessons learned.


3. Flat On The Floor - From the album 'Carnival Ride'

This is a toe tapper if I ever heard one! It is about trying to get out of a terrible relationship. Although if you want to get deep it could possibly be about trying to escape an abusive relationship - but I might be reading too much in to it, I do that sometimes. 


4. Forever Changed - From the album 'Blown Away'

This a tear jerker. Emotional doesn't come close to how this song will make you feel. It is a song about a loved one losing their memory as they gets older. I want to assume dementia but it doesn't mention anything. So sad, so beautifully sung.


5. Change - From the album 'Play On'

A nice song to make you feel guilty for not giving to charity. A real thinker to make you evaluate your life choices.  


6. Cupid's Got A Shotgun - From the album 'Blown Away'

A fun country ditty about avoiding Cupid basically. Love that she sings about shooting Cupid herself, that pure nugget just wants love in this world!


7. We're Young and Beautiful - From the album 'Some Hearts'

A beautiful little love song about enjoying life whilst they are young and beautiful basically. It is just a nice, easy listening, sweet song; and we don't get much of them these days.


8. Get Out of This Town - From the album 'Carnival Ride'

One of my favourite type of songs are ones about escape. I love the idea of one day packing my bag and just running. Not in a depressing way, more just to see what else is out there. This song hits that feeling on the head.


9. Starts With Goodbye - From the album 'Some Hearts'

A song about the pain of having to say goodbye, having to leave something behind or even been left behind. So sad, but uplifting at the same time - something Carrie is an expert at doing.


10. Someday When I Stop Loving You - From the album 'Play On'

A very typical country song (that isn't a bad thing), a nice simple music track with some beautiful vocals. Quite heartbreaking to hear her singing about trying get over a break up.

 
Bonus Track
Mexico - From the album 'Storyteller'

I just really love this song right now, up there with 'Relapse' as one my favourites from the new album. Made it a bonus track because she needs to release it as a single yesterday! She could also re-record it and release it as a sequel to 'Something Bad' with fellow country goddess Miranda Lambert. 



There you go Carrie, Carrie's management and Carrie's Record label; I have done all the hard work for you. You have your cover and your tracklist. You already own the songs so just put them together, make me 11 music videos and I will move on. I need to move on. 


Thursday, 5 February 2015

My Grammy Predictions (and wants)


It is that time of year again, it is time for my 3rd favourite awards show! I love the Grammys because I love music and I want to see all these amazing artists and creators get celebrated for all their hard work the last 12 months. There has of course been a few snubs and a few surprises. What I am going to do is pick who I want to win the categories I will be watching out for as well as pick who I think will win (unfortunately they rarely match).

RECORD OF THE YEAR - Nominees

Fancy
Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX

Chandelier
Sia

Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)
Sam Smith

Shake It Off
Taylor Swift

All About That Bass
Meghan Trainor

Who I want to win - Sia
Who I think will win - Sam Smith

Don't get me wrong I will always support the fellow Brit at these award shows but for me the wonder from down under just had the best song of the year. She allowed art to become a focus of her music and I will always admire that. The video had everyone talking and the song is one that we all have tried to scream out loud whilst bouncing around our bedroom in our nude onesie, or maybe that was just me.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR - Nominees

Morning Phase
Beck

Beyoncé
Beyoncé

X
Ed Sheeran

In The Lonely Hour
Sam Smith

Girl
Pharrell Williams

Who I want to win - Beyonce
Who I think will win - Ed

Once again my British pride had to take a step back. As much as I enjoyed Ed's and Sam's albums, I couldn't turn my back on Queen Bey. Her album was a huge step forward from her previous work, she experimented and to me it seemed like she has finally done what she wants to do, without input from anyone - so kudos to her. Also one of my favourite songs of the year came from this album (Heaven).

SONG OF THE YEAR - Nominees

All About That Bass
Kevin Kadish & Meghan Trainor, songwriters (Meghan Trainor)

Chandelier
Sia Furler & Jesse Shatkin, songwriters (Sia)

Shake It Off
Max Martin, Shellback & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)

Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)
James Napier, William Phillips & Sam Smith, songwriters (Sam Smith)

Take Me To Church
Andrew Hozier-Byrne, songwriter (Hozier)

Who I want to win - Hozier
Who I think will win - Meghan Trainor

I am still not sure how this category differs from 'Record of the Year' but I digress. For me Hozier knocked it out of the park with this song, it is dark and haunting with way too many catchy lyrics than any song should have. It is also one of the few songs I haven't gotten bored of yet. I do however think Meghan will win, the song was a huge success, it created a new catchphrase and it empowered a lot of people; and the melody is just too darn catchy.

BEST NEW ARTIST - Nominees

Iggy Azalea

Bastille

Brandy Clark

Haim

Sam Smith

Who I want to win - Haim
Who I think will win - Sam Smith

This category was a tough one to call because it crosses quite a few genres. Brandy Clark definitely has the country vote and there is no denying she could follow in the footsteps of Kacey Musgraves. Bastille created one of my favourite songs (Pompeii) and Sam Smith just exploded on to the scene this year. However I want Haim to win so bad, I saw them live this year and they were incredible, they are only going to get bigger with the 1989 Tour with Taylor. We have waited a while for a second album from them so hopefully this gives them the push to get it out.

BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE - Nominees

All Of Me (Live)
John Legend

Chandelier
Sia

Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)
Sam Smith

Shake It Off
Taylor Swift

Happy (Live)
Pharrell Williams

Who I want to win - Sia
Who I think will win - Sia or John Legend

Sia has to win this one, her vocals are insane and on every live performance you can hear her straining her voice to reach the perfect note. I fell in love with song after the first listen purely because I am a sucker for an amazing powerful  strong vocal. I think John could be a contender because of the pure emotion that seeps out with every word. It is a love song sang by a man in love, there's no sweeter sound.

BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE -  Nominees

Fancy
Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX

A Sky Full Of Stars
Coldplay

Say Something
A Great Big World With Christina Aguilera

Bang Bang
Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj

Dark Horse
Katy Perry Featuring Juicy J

Who I want to win - A Great Big World With Christina Aguilera
Who I think will win - A Great Big World With Christina Aguilera

This song is just simply stunning. It is sung with such an effortless that emotes every feeling the singers have when singing this song. It makes little children cry for God's sake. Christina doesn't Christina all over it because it didn't need it. Its a simple song with a depressing message - magic. It would be nice for Jessie J to win though, she deserves some recognition and celebration.

BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM - Nominees

Ghost Stories
Coldplay

Bangerz
Miley Cyrus

My Everything
Ariana Grande

Prism
Katy Perry

X
Ed Sheeran

In The Lonely Hour
Sam Smith

Who I want to win - Miley Cyrus
Who I think will win - Ed or Sam

I don't think it's an unfair statement to say that the British Boys ruled the music charts this year the world round. So it would be a fair assumption one of them will win this category. However I really want Miley to win, I don't know if it is because I was a Disney kid in my youth or the fact that I actually liked this album. It was a good mix of pop and hip hop and 90's nostalgia. She experimented and definitely set her own tone.

BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE - Nominees

Give Me Back My Hometown
Eric Church

Invisible
Hunter Hayes

Automatic
Miranda Lambert

Something In The Water
Carrie Underwood

Cop Car
Keith Urban

Who I want to win - Carrie Underwood
Who I think will win - Miranda Lambert

I will feel like a winner either way because I love both these broads. I will never get over Miranda's albums, they are my go to choices. I just think Carrie may have beaten her to the punch with this song. Carrie's vocals are flawless. She nails every note and it seriously knocks me out. I do this weird thing where if a song hits me, or a note is perfect I will raise my arms in the air as if I am reaching for Jesus - I held my arms up for 4 minutes straight for 'Something in the Water'.

BEST COUNTRY DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE - Nominees

Gentle On My Mind
The Band Perry

Somethin' Bad
Miranda Lambert With Carrie Underwood

Day Drinking
Little Big Town

Tim McGraw Featuring Faith Hill
Track from: Sundown Heaven Town

Raise 'Em Up
Keith Urban Featuring Eric Church

Who I want to win - Miranda and Carrie
Who I think will win - Little Big Town

I have mad love for all the nominees in this category but I have to give it to Miranda and Carrie. This song is a foot stomping, table slapping good time. It's country, it's rock, it is just balls to the wall fun. I do think Little Big Town will win this though, they got a lot of love from country award shows around America for it and it is such a good song, real chill and laid back.

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM -  Nominees

Riser
Dierks Bentley

The Outsiders
Eric Church

12 Stories
Brandy Clark

Platinum
Miranda Lambert

The Way I'm Livin'
Lee Ann Womack

Who I want to win - Miranda
Who I think will win -Miranda

There is no competition for me, she is the best country has to offer right now. The album is country perfection. Her story telling is unrivalled. Her voice is indisputable. Her skills are unmatched. Give her all the awards. Jeez I love Miranda.

Here are some others that I hope win

BEST COMPILATION SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA
Guardians Of The Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1
BEST URBAN CONTEMPORARY ALBUM
Beyonce - Beyonce
BEST RAP/SUNG COLLABORATION
Eminem Feat. Rihanna
BEST COUNTRY SONG
Miranda Lambert - Automatic
BEST SCORE SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA
The Grand Budapest Hotel
BEST SONG WRITTEN FOR VISUAL MEDIA
Let It Go -Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez, songwriters (Idina Menzel)
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
Sia - Chandelier

There are 82 categories this year so hopefully I will be happy with some of them. Phew that was a big post, thanks for sticking around if you did. My main predictions will be that it will be a good night for Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith, however Taylor Swift and Iggy Azaelia won't be taking any gold wear away with them unfortunately. But every one will have fun and isn't that what its all about?!