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!

Stressed out, Stone Cold but Here - What I am currently listening to

I know, I know you have all been asking 'what the frick is Craig listening to lately?!'. Well despair no more as I am here to share would could possibly the best music taste of all time (I may be biased). Also you may be shocked there is no country music on my list this time, I haven't turned my back on my southern cousins it's just a lot more has caught my attention lately. So, let us get this underway.

Twenty One Pilots - Stressed Out

Twenty One Pilots have been on my radar for a long time now, not that I would choose to listen to them but I was aware that they were there. Their cover of the Elvis classic 'Can't Help Falling In Love' really perked my ears up. The singer's (Tyler Joseph) voice is so so so good, it has a strained quality that I really like. However, back to this song. I don't honestly know what is that I like about it, it isn't like anything else on my playlist. I think I really respond to the lyrics and anyone that feels out of pace with life. I really love the lyric 'Used to dream of outer space but now they're laughing at our face, Saying, "Wake up, you need to make money."' It really resonates with me because right now I am wising up to the fact that we may not be able to pursue what we love, we just need to make those pennies and pounds. 

Selena Gomez - Hands To Myself

I have been a fan of Selena since back in the Wizard days, I have also enjoyed a lot of her music. She has truly matured hasn't she? Especially with this new album. One thing I love about the new album is that it seems Selena has finally realised her vocal limits. So instead of pushing out notes; we have now got a more mellow, low tempo vibe. 'Hands To Myself' might just be my favourite songs on the album. We start off with a slow shoulder roll beat and finish on a full body shimmy. I absolutely love the bit where she sings 'I mean I could but why would I want to', I will sit and wait for it and try my best every-damn-time to Drag Race style mime to it. Instead of the video, I have posted a live performance of it. I think this shows Selena's personality a lot more because she is just having fun with it. I highly recommend you watch the official video though - for the guy alone if nothing else.

Alessa Cara - Here

I am obsessed with this song. It perfectly describes my thoughts when entering a party (that is until the Jacky D kicks in). For 19, her songwriting skills are impressive. I don't really know what to say about this song. Just give it a listen and you will see what I am talking about. She really knows how to write for someone with social anxiety. Without sounding simple, I am really impressed with the mature language she uses in this song, and the way she packs it in. This song is heavy with lyrics and I hope one day to be able to conquer them all. So far I have the first two lines down (three if you count that weird male vocal at the beginning). 

Demi Lovato - Stone Cold

I don't think there is a single song she has released that I haven't been taken to higher place whilst playing. You know how Oprah has her love for Tina Turner - like Tina is her number one, I think Demi might be mine. I just realised this whilst typing. Feels good to finally admit this to myself. I can listen to all of Demi's albums and rarely have to skip a single song. Her voice kills me (or as the kids might say - slays). I have put up a live version of my fave Demi song right now, lay some cushions on the floor when before you listen to it, it will knock you out. 'Stone Cold' is about trying to be happy for a lost love who is moving on, we have all had some degree of that. Her gut wrenching vocals emphasize the pain of that, the quiet moments resemble the moments of quiet reflection someone would have when dealing with loss. I may be babbling now, I just adore this song.

Ariana Grande - Zero To Hero

Okay, stay with me. There wasn't a single kid who didn't love the Muses in 'Hercules'. Their gospel style singing of Hercules' trials were special - a light hearted break from the drama of the movie. So, when I heard that Disney were releasing an album of covers by today's artists I was intrigued. Then I saw that Ariana was singing 'Zero To Hero' - one of the best Disney songs of all time - I had to give it a listen. Boy am I glad I did. It is beautiful, fun and makes me want to be better person. Okay maybe scratch that last bit, but this song is special and Ariana's voice is undeniably special - combine the two and we got a whole lot of special. Sit back, plug those earphones in if you don't want anyone else to hear and judge you, and just enjoy this Disney magic. And maybe, just maybe one day I can find my fellow four Muses and travel the world enlightening the youth of today. 

You don't know you're beautiful? Listen to these.

There is a type of song that I absolutely love, and that type of song would be the girl power song. I know I know I am one of those penis carriers. I shouldn't even listen to these songs as they aren't for my kind - the men. However they clutter my iTunes. There is something so beautiful about them, these music icons are putting aside their own dramas and lives to write and sing songs that let their young female fans know that they aren't alone out there. For every insecurity they have and every issue they are currently dealing with they are letting their fans know they aren't alone. These fans can bond over this and maybe just maybe listen to these songs and find the courage to face their demons and live. So, as I do I have written a short list of some of my favourite acts that sing some kick ass girl power songs:

1. Destiny's Child - Story Of Beauty/Independent Women Part 1/Survivor

This band can be described as a true champion of women. They have written a few songs for woman to chant, fist bump and scream too. My favourite girl power song would be 'Story Of Beauty'. It tells a story of a young girl who doesn't know her worth after she has had a troubled life.

Favourite lyric - 'I hope one day she realise and sees the beauty in her eyes. All she needs is prayer and strength because she is beautiful'

2. TLC - Unpretty

This has to be an anthem for a generation of girls who never felt pretty enough. Instead of being condescending they sing about feeling the same way. TLC have always been about girl power, mainly about how girls are not be messed with and they are just as strong as men - so it must have been comforting for the female fans to know that Left Eye, T-Boz and Chilli also have their insecurities.

Favourite Lyric - 'Why do I look to all these things, To keep you happy. Maybe get rid of you and then I'll get back to me'

3. Little Mix - Little Me/Change Your Life/Wings

Instead of singing about boys and love, these girls came running out the gate singing about girl power. First song 'Wings' was a marching anthem for all girls to know they can fly and do what they want. For young girls these girls are great, as we have watched them from the audition stages we know they are four average lasses who achieved the impossible. Favourite girl power song of theirs would be 'Little Me' - it sings about being who you are and not being afraid, the catch is the song is actually written to their younger selves.

Favourite Lyric - 'You gotta speak up, you gotta shout out, And know that right here, right now, You can be beautiful, wonderful, Anything you wanna be'

4. Christina Aguilera - Beautiful/Fighter/Can't Hold Us Down

Everyone knows 'Beautiful' and most will know the words. Its an amazing song about feeling beautiful in ugly situations. Fun fact about this song is that the released version is the first demo she did, the writer liked the rawness and organic feeling it had, she didn't want another version. This is definitely a song that young girls need to hear and take in.

Favourite Lyric - 'We are beautiful in every single way. Yes, words can't bring us down, oh, no. So don't you bring me down today'

5. Jessie J - Who You Are

If its not her killer vocals that slay you then its the message of this song. It tells about the struggle to just be you. Its hard to express one's self sometimes, Jessie captures the thoughts of so many of us in the song. It is one my favourite songs of all time (and also one of my favourite songs to scream along to when home alone, or when I want to piss off the twin). For the past 4 acts I have picked favourite lyrics, but basically every word is perfect - but to keep the flow I have chosen one.

Favourite Lyric - 'Its okay not to be okay'

6. Selena Gomez - Who Says

This is one of those songs that we would love to shout at our bullies. She is basically calling out her tormentors and asks them why, whilst also talking to her fans about how they are entitled to feel beautiful even if others pull you down. I love the message of this song, I mean it is so right. Who says we can't be what we want to be? No one has that control.

Favourite Lyric - 'I’m sure you got some things. You’d like to change about yourself. But when it comes to me I wouldn’t want to be anybody else.'

7. P!nk - Fuckin' Perfect

If theres one thing that I love about P!nk its her brutal honesty. She sings about what she wants and does what she wants. This song didn't come as a shock because she has always been a champion of the underdog. This song is just fucking perfect. The video made me weep like a hungry child. This is one of those songs that you know helped a lot of people.

Favourite Lyric - 'Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel like you're nothing, you're fucking perfect to me'

8. Lady Gaga - Born This Way

This song isn't just about girl power, its about humans. It is written for all of us. It is a song we can raise a fist too and scream at the top of our longs if we ever feel like we can't be us. Don't apologise for not been like someone else. We are who we are. She does a lot for her fans with making them feel special and I feel like she encapsulates in this song. If she was to leave this earth tomorrow that would be her legacy.

Favourite Lyric - 'No matter gay, straight, or bi, Lesbian, transgendered life, I'm on the right track baby, I was born to survive. No matter black, white or beige Chola or orient made, I'm on the right track baby, I was born to be brave.'

9. Demi Lovato - Skyscraper

She recorded this song after a very dark period of her life. This song was her coming out song if you like, she didn't let her illness bring her down. It is a beautiful song with even more beautiful vocals behind it. It sends a message that if your truly believe in yourself you can do whatever you want.

Favourite Lyric - 'Go on and try to tear me down, I will be rising from the ground, Like a skyscraper'

10. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger/People Like Us/Mr Know It All/Miss Independent/Dark Side

Our Kelly sure knows how to belt a powerful song out. Her voice is flawless and really can make you stop in your tracks sometimes. My favourite songs of hers are always her positive anthems. The power of her voice really reflects the power of the message she tries to tell. My favourite is probably 'People Like Us', this song came and went rather unnoticed which was unfortunate as it says a lot that people should hear.

Favourite Lyric - 'People like us, we've gotta stick together. Keep your head up nothing lasts forever. Here's to the damned, to the lost and forgotten. It's hard to get high when you're living on the bottom'

Honourable Mentions

Beyonce - Pretty Hurts

One Direction - That's what makes you beautiful

Ke$ha - We Are Who We Are

Alicia Keys - Girl On Fire

Nicki Minaj - Fly

Katy Perry - Firework

Glee Cast - Loser Like Me

30 Seconds To Mars - The Edge

Kellie Pickler - Don't You Know You're Beautiful

Aretha Franklin - Respect

Des'ree - Gotta Be

Keri Hilson - Pretty Girl Rock

My Go-To Albums

I am one of those people that get incredibly bored with music very quickly, I can love a song one day and instantly turn it over when it comes on the music channels the next day. However, there are some that break this rule. These are my go to albums right now, when I'm on the train or walking places and I can't choose anything to listen to, I will go to my old faith-fulls.

Little Mix - Salute

Quite a new addition to my go-to albums. When I first heard it I was a bit erm about it. I can flick past one or two songs but some really stuck with me. 'Boy' is my absolute favourite on the album, think old school Destiny's Child with a bit of Dream's "He Loves You Not' and Jesy's amazing vocal intro and you have a great track. Also with the album you will notice you start to walk in a different way, you march! They have perfected the art of marching music - if you don't agree listen to 'A Different Beat', 'Move' and 'Salute'. This type of music just makes my head bop and there ain't nothing wrong with that.

Natalia Kills - Trouble

I will always be thankful for Spotify for this treat to the ears. Its an amazing album. It has attitude filled songs, mixed with some beautiful ballads and some throw back tunes that are reminiscent of the 90's. Particular favourites include 'Devil Don't Fly' and 'Saturday Night' - I am a huge sucker for a ballad. If you need a song to help you stomp the street like a boss ass bitch then you got 'Problem' for that - this album has something for everyone.

Taylor Swift - Red 
If you know me then you know my love for Taylor is deep and its real. She is an amazing writer and every song she gifts us with seems like we are having a peek in to her world. I have to say my favourite album of hers will always be 'Fearless' (it was perfect), but the reason this album is on my go-to list is because it is so varied. No two songs sound similar, no two songs cover the same topic and lets face it her voice is like a fine wine - its only getting better with age. Favourite songs include 'Red', 'The Lucky One' and 'Holy Ground' - but for me its like picking my favourite food, its all good.

Miranda Lambert - Four The Record
This album is country perfection, she has the twang down and there is no shortage of guitars and banjos. This is the epitome of country for me, every song is a story whether happy or sad. It takes a lot for a song to make me cry just by listening and not having a video for it - 'Over You' had me bawling, ugly snotty kind of crying. This album is perfect for journeys, you can just look out the window and the scenery fits the songs and you can create your own music videos (just be aware of fellow passengers judging you as you place your hand against the rain splattered window and mime). This album does also have its great up tempo songs aswell. Favourite tracks include 'All Kinds Of Kinds', 'Look At Miss Ohio' and 'Mama's Broken Heart'.

Demi Lovato - Demi 
If I could have any one's singing voice it would be heres, her range is awesome and she can hold a note like nobodies business. Each album of hers gets better and better. This one definitely shows a growth and maturity. She has now got a clubby vibe to her sound on some songs and I'm not mad about it, her ballads are what you expect - perfect, and she still hasn't forgotten her pop routes. If you ever want to mime and feel like a diva (which we all do at some point of the day) then pop this on. Some favourites include 'Neon Lights', 'Warrior' and of course 'Heart attack'. I also very much recommend her last album - 'Unbroken'.

The Band Perry - Pioneer 
I fell in love with this band the second after I heard 'If I Die Young' - it was depressing, country perfection, which is what I ask from my music a lot. When they released this second album I was afraid they wouldn't live upto the high bar I set them. Then they released 'Better Dig Two', yes another death related song, but my god its so good. The whole album is great - they haven't stepped away from their country roots, but why should they, you don't fix something that isn't broken. I am also listening to them on replay a lot lately because I am going to see them on Sunday and I am balls to wall excited.

The Real Women of Disney

Well aren't these ladies all grown up? One thing these girls all have in common is that they are huge Disney stars. They have all had their own Disney Movies, TV Shows and record deals. There seems to be a formula when it comes to breeding the next star. They need to be actresses, singers and dancers. Triple threats. They become hugely popular with children and make millions for Disney. Then they grow up - and they completely detach themselves from the mouse ears. Here is a list of my top 5 Women of Disney's past.

1. Hilary Duff
She was the first, the original and the best. She starred as Lizzie McGuire in the TV show and then the movie. She also had other made for TV movies such as Cadet Kelly. After the movie she left Lizzie behind. Since then she has had 4 albums and three compilation albums, starred in films such as Cheaper by the Dozen and had bit parts in TV shows like Two and a Half Men. Also she is the first to have a baby and get married. I love Hilary. I want her to do more stuff - but for now I will just enjoy her hugely popular Instagram profile.

2. Raven Symone
Star of That's So Raven. The funniest show to come from Disney in my opinion. She also starred in 2 Cheetah Girls Movies (both very entertaining). Since she left Disney she has done bits and pieces. I really enjoyed her sitcom, State of Georgia, but like all the shows I like it eventually got cancelled. She is now a star on Broadway in the musical Sister Act, I desperately need to see this.

3. Miley Cyrus
The Queen of Disney. Her show and movie for Hannah Montana was huge! She got world famous and had hit songs in every chart. She was a phenomenon and you can't even argue with the fact. Since leaving Disney she has probably had the biggest transformation. She has targeted a much older crowd than the tweens she entertained for years. Gone are the lovely locks of hair and say hello to tattoos and punky blonde hair. I personally like her new music and her transformation. She seemed trapped with Hannah and I think now she doesn't give a shit and she is just being Miley.

4. Selena Gomez
The beautiful and talented star of Wizards of Waverley Place. She is an amazing comic actress. She also did the movie for TV show. Not as good but she then did one more season of the show so all was forgiven. She hasn't officially left the brand as she just did a TV movie and brought her character back. However, when not working for Disney she is doing more grown up stuff. Spring Breakers was definitely a huge detachment and her music is more grown up and more suitable for the clubs than a quinceanera.

5. Demi Lovato
Demi started out in a Disney movie called Camp Rock and her voice shocked us all. For such a young lady her voice is very mature. She then got her own show called Sonny With A Chance. It wasn't great but it showcased her skills. Unfortunately through personal struggles she left the show and Disney. After getting healthy she has now become a judge on The X Factor and released number one albums. If I was to listen to any former Disney Stars music it would most definitely be hers.

Right now we have a new generation of Disney stars coming through. I don't watch Disney anymore but you can't ignore the power house of it. Ones to watch out for are Bridget Mendler, China McClain, Zendaya and  Bella Thorne - they already have their own shows and record deals - world beware.