The 65th Grammys: A Show to remember.
The 65th Annual Grammy Awards was by far The Best Grammy Program that i've seen since Michael Jackson died. To Me, it started a little disjointed w/ Host, Trevor Noah; but Stevie Wonder & Smokey Robinson, along w/ Chris Stapleton & 'Wan Mor' set The Bar. Lizzo rose it even higher, & EVERYONE following her had to Bring It! The majority of the performances were Great! I haven't been able to say that about a Grammy Show for years. Everyone did their Thang, but I was especially proud of the Tribute to the 50th Anniversary of HipHop. It was fun to see LL get hyped about his Love for The Culture.
One Thing that stood out to Me, was the progression of HipHop Music over the years, as it played out On Stage. The Original Concept was Message Driven; there were few curses in the lyrics. The transition to profanity laced lyrics came on abruptly during the Tribute. That's the way Record Producers introduced it to Us; the difference was, for every 'Too Short', there was a 'Guru'. That's not the case today. That said, I think that it was well done- kudos to QuestLove & his Production Crew, as well as All of the Performers... Busta Represented, but Missy KILLED IT! One writer commented that the Tribute was 'somewhat chaotic', but she was showing her ignorance of The Culture. 'True HipHop Heads' saw a consistent narrative of Passing The Mic, from Artist to Artist- throughout the generations. Styles change, but The Method stays the same.
I haven't seen The Grammys in Years, so I don't know when they eliminated Male & Female Categories. It's curious- are they intentionally creating a Free for All in each Category; or are They consolidating Categories out of necessity? There were many more female artists nominated than men... I'm not a Harry Styles fan, but I found his acceptance speech sincere. I have my critique of Beyonce, but I commend her on making Grammy History. Her work ethic is legendary, so the achievement is Hard Won. Samara Joy's win for Best New Artist was a pleasant surprise. Her acceptance speech was pure & heartfelt. I remember hearing her for the 1st Time, & wish her well. As for Lizzo's win- all I can say is: About Damn Time! The Woman is a Force. I hope that this win allows Lizzo to get the Respect she deserves as an Artist.
A particular Truth that stood out to me throughout this Program, is the contribution of Black Music to the overall Global Culture. This is important @ a Time when Other Groups either downplay, or take Credit for Black American Music Trends. I appreciate All of the Genres featured, but from Stevie & Smokey's performance, to Lizzo, Mary, the HipHop Tribute for The Departed, to the 'God Did' performance- U can feel a Special Energy in each. These performances were Soul Stirring. Each brought their A- Game, & it made for an excellent Program. In contrast, Steve Lacy confused me. He 'kinda sorta' reminded me of Lenny Kravitz, & his band reminded me of Mint Condition. Both sounded like 2nd Generation copies.
I found Sam Smith & Kim Petra's performance of 'Unholy' to be dark & heavy, in comparison to the other performances on the Program. It seemed to play up to the Urban Legend of Hollywood Parties & Satanic Rituals. I found myself wondering:: Did they place a ritual in the middle of the Program? I'm reminded of Lil Nas X's Grammy performance of 'Montero'. Trevor Noah's 'devil' reference afterwards was warranted; the whole thing bothered me. Clearly, I'm not alone. I always looked @ Sam Smith as a 'Boy George' type, but I guess he sees himself more as a 'George Michael' type... I think he's wrong.
In contrast, Luke Combs reminds me of a pleasant mix of Clint Black & Kenny Rogers- 'Old School' Country. Brandi Carlile's performance of 'Broken Horses' reminded me of a mix of Bonnie Raitt & Melissa Etheridge - Powerful. Harry Style's performance of 'As it was', reminded me of Classic 80s British Pop. I thought it was a well done, 2nd Generation effort; especially when compared to Steve Lacey. Bad Bunny had the Honor of setting off The Program. I think he brought energy, but his band lacked the dynamic of the other Artists. I can't help but think that The Miami Sound Machine, or Pit Bull would've brought a stronger dynamic to their musical performance.
All in All, the 65th Grammys was memorable. The performances stood out, but the Tribute to Dr. Dre, along w/ Grammy wins for Willie Nelson & Bonnie Raitt made it special. It was a very thoughtful mix of Old & New... The Motown Sound continues to stand the Test of Time; Stevie & Smokey made it look easy! Future Nominees know to bring their Best Effort.
-I'm curious to see what Next Year's Program will look like.