"Without Music, Life Would Be A Mistake"

I get as excited for the Grammy Awards the way most people get excited about the Superbowl. It is my favorite night of television as it brings artists from all the genres together to honor music. Last night I went into the Grammy Awards feeling excited- some of my favorites were going to be performing, and I was curious who would win each category. The overall show was a little bit of a let down, and today I come to you to review and dissect- while staying kind, because as I've talked about in the past, nothing bothers me more than unnecessary hate.

The Awards

Over the years, the Grammy's has become less about the awards and more about the performances. Almost all of the awards are actually given out prior to the live show. There are tons of categories for music's biggest night, here I just highlight a few. 

Best Musical Theater Album

My Pick: Hamilton

Winner: Hamilton

If you haven't heard about Hamilton, it's about time that you do. Hamilton is a broadway musical, hip hop style, written about Alexander Hamilton. The cast is rich in diversity, as is the music. I urge you to go listen to the soundtrack on Spotify. You may just find yourself hooked into the craze.

Best Country Album

My Pick: Traveller, Chris Stapleton

Winner: Traveller, Chris Stapleton

I first heard about Chris Stapelton when he and Justin Timberlake performed a duet at the CMA Awards. I was intrigued, so I headed to my reliable source of Spotify to check it out...and I fell in love. It was my favorite Country album released this year, and overall one of my favorite albums. Chris has a raspy, gritty tone and a pure love for soulful country music. It's not like most country albums released these days- and I think that's probably a good thing.

Best Rap Album

My Pick: To Pimp A Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar

Winner: To Pimp A Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar

I own three of the five albums that were nominated for this award (Nicki Minaj and Drake being the other two). I love all three. But Kendrick's album is just so...fascinating. He raps about real issues, he is an advocate for black rights and for black lives matter, his music MEANS something and he puts his heart and soul into his words and his art. There are plenty of people who won't "get" Kendrick, but there are also plenty that do.

Best Pop Vocal Album

My Pick: Taylor Swift, 1989 OR Kelly Clarkson, Piece by Piece.

Winner: Taylor Swift, 1989

This was a tough call for me because Kelly Clarkson was also up for this award. I would have been elated for either one who took home this award. Vocally, Kelly crushes it over Taylor. They are both solid album with gems and magical moments.

Best New Artist

My Pick: Tori Kelly

Winner: Meghan Trainor

Tori was my pick because of her incredible vocals. I urge you to go give her a listen. She will give you chills. But Meghan has been able to rise to the top of the charts more than once, and she was certainly deserving of this title.

Song of the Year

My Pick: Blank Space, Taylor Swift

Winner: Thinking Out Loud, Ed Sheeran

Other than Girl Crush, I loved every song in this category. The first time I heard Thinking Out Loud I cried like a baby, and Tom and I both have it stashed aside as a possible- one day- wedding song. But we need to talk about Blank Space, because that song is killer. When midnight struck on the day 1989 was released, I was most excited about the song Blank Space. I kept going back to it. I loved the concept and the sound and the little lyrical jabs. Then I read why Taylor wrote the song:

I think as a song writer you have to be pretty well aware of who you are as a person, then I think you also have to have one eye on what people think of you. What the general perception is of you out in the world. In the last couple years I've noticed there's been a pretty sensational fictionalization of my personal life. To the point where it's sort of like 'Wow, that too?' They've kind of drawn up this profile of this girl who is a serial dater, jet setting around with all her boyfriends, she can get 'em but she can't keep 'em because she's too emotional and she's needy. Then she gets her heart broken because they leave and she's jilted so she goes to her evil liar and writes songs about it for revenge. 

So, Taylor basically wrote the song as a "if this is who you think I am, let's write about that". I loved that! It's such a fantastic song.

Record of the Year

My Pick: Uptown Funk, Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars

Winner: Uptown Funk, Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars

Like the previous category, I was a fan of every nomination here. Uptown Funk, though....it's been on the radio for one year and 3 months, and I have YET to get sick of it. It's. So. Damn. Catchy. And good. and rich. And fun. And perfect. And I will continue to love it, no matter how many times it is played.

Album of the Year

My Pick:

Winner: 1989, Taylor Swift

I didn't have a pick here, because again, I loved all of the albums nominated. I think Taylor gets the crown here for a few reasons: 1. The ultra, mega success of 1989. I haven't done all of my research here but I'm almost certain 1989 outsold the other albums nominated...by a lot. 2. Her ability to make the official "jump" from Country to Pop and still remain incredibly relevant, crush it on the charts and earn incredible reviews. 3. The songs on 1989 are quality tunes. Unlike some pop albums, 1989 has deep content. 

The Performances

Taylor Swift, Out of The Woods

Out of the Woods is one of the weaker songs off 1989 for me. That being said, she managed to bring the song to life in a beautiful, almost haunting way on stage. I loved that she repeated the bridge of the song, and I love that she sang it with powerful vocals. 

Bonus: Adele singing along to every word in the crowd. 

Bonus 2: Jack Antonoff playing guitar! Jack is one of the masterminds behind the 1989 album, He's also part of the band Fun,. The Bleachers, and co wrote the song Brave with Sara Bareilles. I'm a big fan of Jack's work and loved seeing him as part of the performance.

Carrie Underwood and Sam Hunt, Take Your Time/Heartbeat

These are two very attractive country stars. But this duet simply didn't work. Sam Hunt has some catchy tunes, but his "bro country" vibe didn't mash with Carrie's sweet, romantic song. Carrie's vocals were stunning as always. 

The Weekend, Can't Feel My Face/In The Night

I love The Weekend and I love his album- I was glad that it won a few awards last night. I also love his genuine vocals, that he just went up there and sang. Vocally, it was one of the better performances of the night.

Andra Day and Ellie Goulding, Rise Up/Love Me Like You Do

Prior to last night's performance I wasn't sure who Andra Day was. This morning, I went straight to Spotify to get a dose of her music. That should tell you how captivated I was by her gorgeous vocals. Ellie is one of my favorite artists, and I thought she sounded great last night. Together, they had a beautiful performance.

John Legend, Demi Lovato, Meghan Trainor, Luke Bryan, Tyrese, and Lionel Richie for a Lionel Richie Tribute

What a random group, right? What a BEAUTIFUL group, right? John Legend and Demi Lovato stole this performance for me, they both sang beautifully. Demi really put her entire soul into that "Hello" performance. I loved how much Lionel Richie loved it! This was a fun performance, a great tribute to a wonderful artist...and this is the performance where I turned to Tom and said "THIS is why I love the Grammy's!" bringing artists of all different genres together! 

Bonus: Many glimpses of Bruno Mars dancing :)

Little Big Town, Girl Crush

The vocals here were stunning.  It seems everyone loved "Girl Crush" this year. And when I first heard it, I thought it was a pretty song with strong vocals from the gals in Little Big Town. But then I really listened to the words, and I just couldn't get behind the song. It's not a sexy song about having an actual "girl crush". The lyrics are actually saying "I want to be this girl because you love her and I want you to love me". I'm sorry, but am I the only one who finds that to be a little creepy? I do think the vocals are beautiful, though.

Stevie Wonder and Pentatonix, That's The Way of the World

What a combo! The accapella styling of Pentatonix with Stevie wonder really worked here. It was quick, but it was real (just their voices, no big to do), and it was really lovely.

Hamilton Cast, Hamilton

I was excited that the Grammy's took time to honor Hamilton and show us a performance- I've been listening to it so much it was cool to actually see it live. Great voices here, fun song, wonderful musical.

Jackson Browne and The Eagles, Take It Easy

Not much to say here- it's a great song, and they did it well, even after all these years. 

Tori Kelly and James Bay, Let It Go and Hollow

Just two talented singers with their instruments singing two beautiful songs. Tori's vocals are incredible. James doesn't quite match up, but I enjoy his songs and his smooth voice.

Kendrick Lamar, Blacker The Berry/Alright

This performance was intense, but powerful. Both of these songs speak to the struggles that blacks face in today's culture. They are IMPORTANT songs. His performance was equally important, using visuals to really drive his point home. 

Adele, All I Ask

This is my favorite Adele song off her latest album. I was so excited to hear her perform it live! But, tragically, there was some major sound issues here. Something was way off. Adele later tweeted that it was the piano mic, it fell onto the strings. It sounded awful- like a bad guitar. It also affected Adele's singing. I'm about to say something I never in my life thought I would say, but Adele was off pitch. I know, I didn't think it was possible either. I can't blame the girl, that awful sound glitch must have thrown her off horribly. I think she should get a re-do. But at least we know that she IS human. I still love her, and this song.

Bonus: Bruno Mars introduced the performance. Bruno also co wrote this song.

Justin Bieber, Love Yourself/Where R U Now

I wish this kid wasn't such a tool because I actually do like his music, and I thought he delivered a solid performance last night. It's just so hard to root for him. 

Lady Gaga, David Bowie Tribute

Gaga was the PERFECT choice for this tribute. While some may have just gone up there and sang a few Bowie tunes, Lady Gaga fully emersed herself into the character, and put on a SHOW. She was amazing! I loved her vocals, I loved her dance moves, I loved that she took on this tribute with PRIDE and joy. 

Chris Stapleton, Bonnie Raitt and Gary Clark, Jr, B.B King Tribute

These three were a perfect choice for such a soulful tribute. I went to bed before this happened, but I watched it today and was captivated by the vocals here. A lot of people don't know this about me but I actually spend a lot of my time listening to blues/soul type of music. I loved this, right up my alley.

Alabama Shakes, Don't Wanna Fight

As I just mentioned up above, I listen to a lot of blues music, and Alabama Shakes fits nicely into that category. Brittany Howard's voice is just unreal. Their music always makes me want to do a little groove.

Hollywood Vampires, Ace of Spades

I was so confused about this band. Tom and I kept kind of giggling whenever they were announced. Like- what? How random. I'm not into harder rock music, so I didn't love this.

BONUS THOUGHTS

Best Acceptance Speech: Taylor Swift, 1989 album win. She "responded" to Kanye West recently claiming that he was the reason she became famous, but she did it in a classy, empowering kind of way.

Who was robbed: I wish Kelly Clarkson would have won something, but I don't necessarily think she was robbed. I can't really think of anyone who was robbed. Plenty of people are upset that Taylor won over Kendrick Lamar. I think 1989 was pretty deserving. I do think the Foo Fighters were a little robbed.

Someone I discovered: Andra Day.

What was most upsetting: Adele's sound issues causing some major problems.

Who needs to release another album asap: Bruno Mars, Bruno Mars, and Bruno Mars. 

One more thing: As much as I love pop music, I listen to a slew of other genres. Hip Hop, R&B, Country, Blues, Indie, Alternative, Broadway...the list goes on and on. As much as a lot of my favorite artists were honored tonight, there's so many more I love that will likely never be part of the Grammy's. That's something I like about myself, that I don't just stick to one genre or only know "popular" music. That's also something I love TO DO, is to discover new music or to find out what others listen to. Right now I'm listening to a lot of Ron Pope. Go check him out!

WHEW. What a night, right? Tell me, what were your favorite moments?

Ellie Goulding/Bruno Mars concert

When I parked my car this morning, I grabbed my iced coffee and purse and ran through the doors, past our lovely receptionist and right into my coworker Sue's office. I slammed my stuff down on the table and leaned myself against the wall with the biggest smile on my face, and all I could say was "SUE".

That, my friends, is my morning after reaction to the Ellie Goulding/Bruno Mars concert.

I told you few weeks ago about my love for these artists, and mentioned that I'd be seeing them live. The concert was even better than I could have imagined.

We got there JUST in time for Ellie. The usher took our tickets as she was singing her first song. Ellie's set was about 40 minutes long, and in those 40 minutes I heard some of my favorite songs from her, including "Figure 8", "Explosions", and "Only You". She played the drums in a few of the songs and shook her hair all over the place in beat with the music. She closed her set with three of her hits- "Anything Could Happen", "Need Your Love", and "Lights". The crowd went crazy for "Anything Could Happen". It was like suddenly everyone woke up and realized who was on the stage. I was already a fan of Ellie, but now I'm an even bigger fan and want to see her live again.

We had to wait about another 40 minutes for Bruno to hit the stage, but it was well worth the wait. I'll take you through most of the concert happenings, but I just want you to know ahead of time that this is one of those concerts where I was in a complete state of bliss for 99% of the time- just one minor moment of sadness, but that will be explained in a bit.

So he opened the show with "Moonshine" and I knew immediately we were in for a treat. Bruno and his band are so in sync with one another. There are no crazy gimmicks, set changes, or backup dancers- the boys just do their thing. They dance, sing, and play instruments, and it's pretty obvious within seconds of the show how passionate they are.

Bruno's next song was "Natalie", which, is one of my favorite songs from his new album, in fact it is tied for the favorite spot. It's an angry song, but it's so upbeat and catchy that I cannot help but love it. I was happy and could have gone home right then and there just because I got to hear that song live. I can't remember the last time I had that much fun screaming angry words outloud.

Now, since some of my tweets didn't go through last night, I am not sure the exact order of the rest of the concert but I'll do my darndest to explain it to ya'll. He sang "Treasure", his latest single, which is a fun throwback type song that I blast when I hear in the car, and last night I danced my tail off to it.

Bruno sang "Billionaire", which is really the song that put him on the map when he was a guest artist on the track with Travis  McCoy. I legit almost cried because the words in that song talk about how one day he'll be famous, playing in a different city every night. And now, fours years later, here he is, playing an arena show with hundreds of people singing the words to his song. He's come so far since Billionaire!

He then sang part of "The First Time", off his debut album, and that is when I REALLY started to flip. His voice was just. Incredible. He got really into the song and it was very...intimate.

He did "Marry You", and the crowd loved it. Most people know that song, it has become a popular wedding tune and was done well on Glee.

Then Bruno did my favorite song from the new album, If I Knew. He introduced it by saying it was influenced by Motown music. Which, if you give the song a listen, is pretty obvious. It's very old school. At the end of the song he mashed it with his 2010 hit "It Will Rain", from  the Twilight Soundtrack. The two songs mashed well together and I wasn't expecting to hear "It will Rain" so I was pretty pumped. His voice in these two songs in particular was absolutely killer.

So Bru Bru took a little break from singing to interact with a lucky girl in the front row. He chatted with her and challenged his bandmates to "swoon her". One of this bandmates, Phillip, who's been around since the beginning, said the something like "you should just runaway with us" which made Bruno go into a little bit of "Runaway", a song that is not featured on his albums. It is my favorite "unknown" Bruno Song. I screamed so loud because I was NOT expecting that. In fact, earlier that night, I was explaining to Lauren how I became a Bruno Mars fan, which is that one day I was bouncing around youtube and I randomly stumbled on "Runaway". I fell in love with the voice, and that's how my love for Bruno came about. So to hear just a teaser of that song was incredible. Then, of course, they went into a fan favorite "Runaway Baby". The band really gets into that song.  The dance moves were- wow.

Can't remember when exactly he sang "Show Me", a reggae type song, but he did, and even though it's not a hit, people loved it.

Bruno took his guitar at one point and started an acoustic version of "Nothin on You", which he is again a guest vocal on for rap singer B.O.B. I loved that he did this song, and everyone in the audience did too. I think everyone had kind of forgotten about that song until we heard it again!

Then Bru Bru came out with just him and the microphone. He teased his next song by saying "this is the hardest song I've ever written, and the hardest song I ever have to perform live". It was, of course, "When I Was Your Man". For personal reasons, I hate that song, and turn it every time I hear it on the radio, so I had a difficult time functioning during the live performance of it. I had to sit down and kind of buried my head in my hands. It was a bit of a downer for me, but I cannot deny that Bruno's voice was heartbreaking and chilling as he sang it. You could tell it was very difficult for him.

Bruno got a little break after that song as his keyboard player did a killer solo. The lights turned red, and my gut told me "Grenade" was about to happen. My gut was right. Crowd went crazy and Bruno performed it in a way I can't really describe. They changed the outro a bit to drag it out, so that he kept repeating "you won't do the same" again and again. It was....amazing.

Last song before the encore was another fan favorite, "Just The Way You Are". Bruno looked so happy to sing that tune, dedicating it to us in Detroit (and yes, I realize he does that with every city, but darn it, I felt special). It was a fun little sing a long with the crowd and the band.

The lights went out and the band left the stage, but of course we knew they'd be back to sing the hit "Locked Out of Heaven", which they did, and sprayed gold glitter flakes all over the arena floor. Everyone was dancing and jumping up and down.

I really thought the show was over, and all of the sudden a neon green gorilla flashed on the screen. I. LOST. IT. I knew what was coming- the very inappropriate yet absolutely amazing song, "Gorilla". I was shocked that he closed the show with that song but honestly what better way to say goodnight than to leave us with a song like that. Well, the children and their parents in the audience probably didn't appreciate it, but I sure did.

I walked out of that show with the biggest smile. It was honestly in my top five favorite concerts, and I say that a lot, but I mean it. It was an experience. A girl walking out next to me felt the same way. I heard her say to her friend "I only knew one song, and I've been to a million concerts, but that's the best concert I've ever seen". I mean COME ON. You don't say that about a concert where you only know ONE song! Just shows how incredible he is as a performer.

It's the best $40 I've spent in a long time. I really encourage you to see Bruno if he comes to your town- Sam said so last night and I agree- this is a show you go to, no doubt about it. You go. It's entertaining, it's good music.

Can you tell I had a good time? Because I had like, a really, really good time. It was one of those nights where I was so lost in the music I didn't even care that people were probably staring at me like I was a fool.  All I know is I was with my two best friends and had one of the best times I've had in a while.

Tuesday Tunes: Ellie Goulding and Bruno Mars

Only 9 more days until I get to see Bruno Mars live in concert! I adore him. I remember when he first came on the scene and I immediately bought his album and listened to all his unreleased music. I was a tad obsessed. I've never seen him live, so I am ecstatic to do so next week. His music is incredible.

I'm also super excited that he's bringing Ellie Goulding out on the road with him! His two opening acts are either Fitz and the Tantrums or Ellie, and I'm a mega fan of both. The Detroit show gets Ellie.

So, to help in my excitement for the show, I'm choosing one song from each of their albums for you to enjoy as much as I do!

Ellie Goulding
Album: Lights, 2011
Song: Your Biggest Mistake

Album: Halycon, 2012
Song: I Know You Care

Bruno Mars
Album: Doo Wops and Hooligans, 2010
Song: Runaway Baby

Album: Unorthodox Jukebox, 2012
Song: If I Knew

What'd you think?