Album Of The Year

Should Win: Golden Hour– Kacey Musgraves or Dirty Computer– Janelle Monáe

Will Win: Dirty Computer– Janelle Monáe

Drake and Post Malone are clearly more mainstream here, but one of the culprits of Grammys past has been the “genre-splitting” phenomenon. Compared to other award shows, voters here tend to lean toward a specific genre more than they would in voting for movies or television. In instances where multiple artists of the same genre compete for non-genrefied awards (basically all the biggest prizes of the night), the votes tend to get divvied up between them, resulting in all parties getting screwed. This year, hip-hop-leaning voters will choose from Cardi B, Post Malone, Drake, and the rap/R&B hybrid Black Panther album. Therefore, Musgraves and Monáe have a clear advantage this time around.

That’s not to mention the acclaim of their two LPs. Both were able to land on many year-end best lists in 2018, including SCAD Radio’s. Musgraves’ fantastic Golden Hour made a heavy impact outside of the country music realm and became a critical darling with its beautiful acoustics and pleasing songwriting. Dirty Computer doubled as an anthemic pride album and a sci-fi epic of a short film. Both are equally deserving of the night’s final prize, but expect Monáe to come out on top just because she’s a little more popular than the often-overshadowed country genre.

Record Of The Year

Should Win: “This is America”- Childish Gambino

Will Win: “God’s Plan”- Drake

This one almost always goes to something that got tons of radio play, and Drake’s “God’s Plan” takes the cake for most FM cranks. It’s a tough call, because “All the Stars”, “rockstar”, and “Shallow” have also gotten a fair amount of air time, but the lead single to Scorpion will land Drake his first Record of the Year victory. This is Gambino’s 2nd time in the category (was up last year for “Redbone”), and “This is America” certainly made waves with its politically fueled music video. He’ll be a sure bet to score Best Music Video, but probably not here.

Song Of The Year

Should Win: “This is America”- Childish Gambino

Will Win: “Shallow”- Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper

For those that don’t know, Song of the Year focuses solely on the lyrical composition of the music, whereas the former centers on how the songs sound. With that being said, expect the Star is Born duo to nab the first Song of the Year from a movie since Titanic’s “My Heart Will Go On”. The musical-drama grossed more than $400 million worldwide, and its use in the film was more relevant than end credit nominee “All the Stars” from Black Panther. It’s got all the emotion and epicness of Celine Dion’s hit, but it’ll likely come above “This is America” due to the Grammys’ sordid history with the hip-hop genre.

Best New Artist

Should Win: Dua Lipa

Will Win: Dua Lipa

Jorja Smith had a respectable debut last year and is undeniably a talented R&B singer, but Dua Lipa’s hits like “New Rules” and “IDGAF” top all the other nominees. No one else here is as big of a name as the British pop star, either, a huge factor in the Grammys these days. Perhaps the only competition she has is the divisive Led Zeppelin ripoff/tribute (depending on your perspective) band Greta Van Fleet, whose love ‘em or hate ‘em style caught the attention of many voters. It’s also worth noting H.E.R. is in this field, as well as Album of the Year, but it isn’t always a shoo-in that she’ll score the Best New Artist trophy.

The remainder of the field is extensive, but there are some noteworthy possibilities. Experimental EDM artist Sophie could become the first-ever transgender Grammy winner with her album Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides. Black Panther could make history yet again if its album scores AotY, with the film’s Best Picture bout waiting in the wings at the upcoming Oscars. There’s never been a movie that scored the top Academy Award and whose album garnered the top Grammy trophy as well. The nominations do raise a few eyebrows here and there (Weezer’s Pacific Daydream? Seriously?). This is, after all, the Grammys. Alicia Keys hosts the show on Sunday.

The post 2019 Grammy Preview appeared first on SCAD Radio.

Also be sure to check out our Top 10 Songs of 2018.

#10- Clean- Soccer Mommy

Move over, Lana- there’s a new sad queen in town. Sophie Allison’s official debut packs all one could want from a slowcore indie rock stance. Whether the woozying riffs of “Cool” & “Your Dog”, or the melancholy chants of “Still Clean” & “Last Girl”, Clean checks off all the boxes for an indie star on the rise.

#9- Invasion of Privacy- Cardi B

After making landfall in 2017 with “Bodak Yellow”, Belcalis Almánzar’s first full-length follows up on the boisterous nature of the single that made her famous. Aside from her signature swank, Invasion of Privacy keeps on giving thanks to a variety of crowd-pleasing sounds like the latin-infused “I Like It” and the trappy “Drip”. Throw in an A-list cast of features, and the whole thing catapults Bardi far past one-hit wonder status.

Read our review for the album here.

#8- Welcome to the Neighbourhood- Boston Manor

Arcade Fire’s Win Butler described their landmark The Suburbs as neither “a love letter to, nor indictment of”, but a letter from his hometown. Boston Manor, on the other hand, uses this album as a complete criticism of theirs. Henry Cox announces “Welcome To The Neighbourhood/If you could leave you would” on the titular track before the Blackpool-bashing delves into issues that’ve beset the English city, such as a newfound drug haven on “Halo”. The hard rockers pull no punches with harsh yet understandable words and consistently banging riffs.

#7- Bark Your Head Off, Dog- Hop Along

Frances Quinlan’s ever-shifting voice leads the way on the Philadelphia band’s fourth album. Earworm moments like the finale of “How Simple” to the biblical imagery of “Not Abel” weaves variety into the record, but it’s clear the vocal performance makes Bark Your Head Off, Dog the best it can be.

#6- Golden Hour- Kacey Musgraves

For those of you about to skip on this one due to it being a “country” album, let it be known that much of Golden Hour is anything but. What makes Kacey Musgrave’s music so listenable is her ability to appeal to those who’ve never worn a cowboy hat. Her loveable lyrics are often cute in their wordplay, while the production strays from the southern sounds that would otherwise be a turnoff to country-haters.

#5- Sex & Food- Unknown Mortal Orchestra

The New Zealand band dives into a delicate mix of sounds on their fourth LP. The ripping riffs of songs like “Major League Chemicals” and groovy basslines of “Hunnybee” provide something for every listener.

#4- How to Socialize and Make Friends- Camp Cope

2018 introduced a wave of female indie rock with artists like Soccer Mommy and Snail Mail, but it was Australian girl group Camp Cope that won us over with their second LP. The trio tackled subjects like sexism in the music world, entranced with the raging vocals and often sarcastic wit of lead singer Georgia “Maq” McDonald.

#3- Black Panther: The Album- Various Artists

Since DAMN came out last year, it seemed we weren’t getting another Kendrick Lamar album soon. However, we got the next best thing- a giant collaborative release with Kung-Fu Kenny and his friends to pair with the Marvel blockbuster. Blending sounds like African tribal drums with today’s hip-hop and R&B worked like a charm. The soundtrack is just as much of an ode to the continent as its movie, even with that…interesting (and meme-worthy)…Future verse on “King’s Dead”.

#2- Be the Cowboy- Mitski

Zany instrumentation accompanies witty writing on the songwriter’s most recent offering. Most of the tracks don’t reach the 3-minute mark, staging Be the Cowboy more as a collection of anecdotes from Mitski’s mind. Some songs are won over by the exuberant sounds, others by the poetic lyrics. Though anchored by the pounding “Nobody”, the album contains plenty of treats like the melancholy “Lonesome Love” and the flamboyant “Why Didn’t You Stop Me?”

#1- Dirty Computer- Janelle Monáe

A “visual album” that packs a 46-minute short film for good measure is still a fantastic listen by itself. The robotic flow of the ingenious artist (and now pansexual icon) dishes out identity, feminism, and lust all in one dazzling LP. Politically intelligent on “Screwed” and “Django Jane”, while shamelessly craving same-sex love on “Make Me Feel” and “PYNK”, Dirty Computer is a relevant plea for a better tomorrow, as well as an LGBT pride album for a generation.

SCAD Radio has to choose it as the best album of 2018.

Read our review for the album here.

The post Top 10 Albums of 2018 appeared first on SCAD Radio.

As with the conclusion of any Earth cycle, it’s time for SCAD Radio’s favorite tracks that made 2018 suck less. After rigorous debate and a sophisticated voting process, we have rounded out our overall choices for the 10 best songs of the year.

Also be sure to check out our top 10 albums of 2018.

#10- Nice for What- Drake

For the most part, it seemed fans loved Scorpion “only partly”. While much of the LP fell flat, “Nice For What” brought more of the upbeat and fun music Drake has become a household name for. Taking a bite from Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor”, the Canadian rapper constructs a women’s empowerment tune complete with a star-studded music video of famous females.

Listen here.

#9- Tints- Anderson .Paak feat. Kendrick Lamar

The funkiest man in music right now teams up with rap’s reigning king for a nostalgic bop. Fans anticipating the lead single for .Paak’s third album, Oxnard, got what they wanted. “Tints” begins with a delicious ‘70s-centric disco beat as the Dr. Dre. prodigy and Lamar dive into their distaste for the paparazzi. Channeling his inner James Brown, Anderson .Paak summons perhaps his flashiest tune to date.

Listen here.

#8- Make Me Feel- Janelle Monáe

Bubbly, catchy, and clearly Prince-inspired, the single to Dirty Computer warps the pop & R&B styles the electric lady is known for mixing. With that finger-snap bassline to the “bass drop” chorus of sorts, “Make Me Feel” made us feel “so f*ckin’ real”.

Listen here.

#7- Fists of Fury- Kamasi Washington

Clocking in at nearly 10 minutes, the opening to Kamasi Washington’s Heaven and Earth is nothing short of epic. A fight song at heart, but a jazzy ballad for the ages nonetheless, the saxophonist’s combination of roaring brass and racing drums ensure that listening to “Fists of Fury” only through headphones limits the thunderous experience.

The full track isn’t available on YouTube, but you can listen to a live version here.

#6- Cool- Soccer Mommy

A ringing yet soft guitar carries us into the underdog world of one of indie rock’s most promising stars. “Cool” details the girl who’s too good for you through the eyes of the girl on the sidelines, Soccer Mommy. Capitalized with a simple chorus that’ll have you belting out “you-ou-ou-ou”s of your own, one of 2018’s best breakouts finishes the track with a nicely done slow fade-out.

Listen here.

#5- High Horse- Kacey Musgraves

The disco-pop glitz of “High Horse” would never leave a first-time listener to guess Musgraves is a country artist. The songwriter ventures further and further away from the genre she once called home, and in all the right ways. The danciest track from the terrific Golden Hour wonderfully displays the Texan evolving far beyond her comfort zone.

Listen here.

#4- All the Stars- Kendrick Lamar & SZA

The end-credit tune from Marvel’s groundbreaking Black Panther movie shines thanks to two of Top Dawg Entertainment’s finest hitmakers. Kendrick Lamar’s motivational verses in the guise of T’Challa complement the superhero’s story, and SZA’s powerful vocals anchor the uplifting chorus. Wakanda forever indeed.

Listen here.

#3- This Is America- Childish Gambino

When Donald Glover and his stage name Childish Gambino were announced to be the host and musical guest for Saturday Night Live, it served as a conformation of new music. The same night Gambino performed at the New York venue, the music video for the America-criticizing song was unleashed for the internet to interpret. He surprised everyone with the psychedelic shift in genre on songs like “Redbone”, but Glover made an even bigger splash with this instant classic and it’s mind-boggling video.

Read our review for the iconic music video here.

Watch the music video here.

#2- Nobody- Mitski

Everyone experiences loneliness at some point in their lives, even if you’re an indie giant like Mitski Miyawaki. Starting with a light percussion tap and concluding with a roof-raising chant of the track’s title, the Japanese-born singer/songwriter pairs feelings of isolation with a bouncy riff that launched her from underground to indie fame.

Listen here.

#1- Feels Like Summer- Childish Gambino

If you haven’t realized by now, it was a big year for Donald Glover. Following the cultural phenomenon “This Is America”, the music world couldn’t expect what the multi-talent would do next. In sync with the “jigsaw-puzzle” vibe of the former, “Feels Like Summer” tactically misled viewers on a seemingly relaxing animated bit with various rappers and public figures from J. Cole to Michelle Obama. Even the video’s finale of Gambino entering his house as the sun sets is thought to reference the rumors his upcoming fourth album will be his last. Nevertheless, for those of you who didn’t know, the song is actually about climate change and global warming. Yeah.

Listen here.

The post Top 10 Songs of 2018 appeared first on SCAD Radio.

Since the Halloween of 1999, Voodoo Fest has brought a large onslaught of acts to the Mardi Gras City. The historically colorful and bright culture of New Orleans is the perfect atmosphere for the world of Voodoo. And what better time to host the ceremony than the weekend leading up to the spookiest day of the year?

When entering the gates of New Orleans City Park, there is already a sense that the concept of judgement is replaced by a sense of exuberance. Attendees are decked out in their finest festival outfits and costumes, ranging from the typical festival attire to outrageous Halloween makeup. People know they are in a safe place. Art tents and kiosks sell unique jewelry and accessories for purchase, brightening up every buyer’s look and establishing community. The themes of individual expression were aggressively prominent in the overall vibe of the event.

Artists like Janelle Monáe (side) and Lizzo promote the female form, self-love, and body positivity openly in songs such as “Pynk” and“Good as Hell”. Other acts including Marilyn Manson and Arctic Monkeys used their platforms to address viewpoints freely on the current political climate. Societal taboos and statements are openly discussed from the artist’s concern to a hungry audience of ears, eager for leaders and trail blazers.

One of the most controversial announcements of the weekend was Childish Gambino’s replacement by Travis Scott after a reportedly serious leg injury. Scott’s performance of high energy and accompanied beats converted any disappointed Gambino fan’s heavy heart into instant relapse, enjoying every lyric of his recent #1 album, ASTROWORLD.

Voodoo truly allowed inspiration to take over the body of all-comers, just as powerful as the supernatural doll it’s named after. An experience for all who look for an escape from the controlled world, Voodoo Fest was a breath of fresh air.

The post Travis Scott, Arctic Monkeys, and More Rock Voodoo Fest 2018 appeared first on SCAD Radio.

As for the songs on the album, bubbly sounds composite of a few different genres help us welcome back Monáe like nothing changed in those 5 years since her last studio LP. “Screwed” and “Django Jane” are presented consecutively as girl power anthems, the latter with politically fierce lyricism when Monáe announces “And we gon’ start a motherf*ckin’ pussy riot/ Or we gon’ have to put ’em on a pussy diet” before delving into her feminist pride.

“PYNK” starts off a bit more innocent with her soft vocals explaining the color, but maintains the “girls rule” theme when it becomes apparent she’s talking about her affection for the female genitalia alongside female empowerment. She perfectly encapsulates the fact that she loves her gender identity by declaring “’Boy, it’s cool if you got blue/ We got the pynk” with feature Grimes.

Aside from the feminine fist-pumps of the aforementioned tracks, Dirty Computer has some other highlights. “Make Me Feel” takes inspiration from Prince’s “Kiss” to deliver a poppy tune that would’ve put a smile on The Purple One’s face.

If there’s anything that doesn’t click with this album, it’s certainly some of the features. Music legend Brian Wilson seems a bit redundant and very forced on the titular track, providing nothing more than the classic Beach Boy “whews” in the background. The lighthearted talk of women’s genitals does go a step too far on the Pharrell Williams feature “I Got The Juice”, where juice overtly represents female sexual elements in a trope that starts to get beaten into the ground before the track is almost redeemed by Monáe declaring “If you try to grab my pussy cat, this pussy grab you back”, therefore ensuring this woman probably has a certain pink hat laying around somewhere in her home.

Dirty Computer ditches the Metropolis-inspired storyline that’s been the backbone of Janelle Monáe’s career, but triumphs as a record loaded with LGBT anthems to fit her newly revealed orientation. Definitely an album for the times, the blend of political verses and self-truth add to an already impressive catalog for the Kansas City singer.

SCAD Radio gives it 8.3/10.

The post Janelle Monáe Introduces New Album with Film appeared first on SCAD Radio.