Fifty-Two in 'Twenty-Six

46th Annual Grammy Awards

February 8, 2004

Best Album of the Year:

Speakerboxxx / The Love Below

Outkast

Released: September 23, 2003

Genre: Southern Hip-Hop; Progressive Rap; Funk; Jazz; Pop; Progressive Soul; Psychedelia

Length: 2:19:49

40 Tracks

Singles:

GhettoMusick Hey Ya! The Way You Move Roses Prototype

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

The Way You Move Hey Ya! Roses

Personal Favorite Track: Bowtie (overall)

Speakerboxxx: Bowtie The Love Below: Roses

What Best Describes this Album: Early 2000's Middle School Dance

Personal Grade: Weak - 5.3/10

Personal Assessment:

Alright, another band/group that I very familiar with - I never listened to this full (double) album - but - I definitely heard all the singles and jammed out to them - Hell, Hey Ya still plays on the radio quite a bit in my area.

One thing I found interesting is the Double Album - basically feels/seems like they gave Big Boi his own album and Andre 3000 his own - even though all the tracks are "Outkast" tracks. Seems the fellas aren't on every track - but - do tend to pop in here and there on each others songs from time to time.

Reminded me of the John Lennon & Yoko Ono album (Double Fantasy) that I listened to previously - except this album was more enjoyable.

Back when I listened to Double Fantasy - I wished they separated John and Yoko's tracks - John on the first half and Yoko on the second.

But

When I listened to Speakerboxxx/The Love Below - I found my self enjoying one person's tracks more than the other. Made me wish they intermixed the tracks a bit more - but - I guess that defeats the whole Double Album aspect.

The Love Below portion has definite theme/message which get lost if the tracks were intermixed.

I found my self gravitating toward the Big Boi heavy tracks/Speakerboxxx more - which was funny - considering back in the day when the singles were on the radio - I really enjoyed Andre 3000's singles more - but - after full listen throughs - I wasn't absolutely in love with the non-hit tracks on The Love Below side - they were okay - not great.

I'm not saying ALL the Big Boi heavy songs are complete hits either.

I guess today is the day that I discovered - in a toe-to-toe match up - I enjoy Southern Rap more than Psychedelic Funk.

And to be little bit honesty - I think it's the juxtaposition of these tracks that almost pits the Rap against the Funk - if these were listened to separately - I don't think I would be so harsh on Andre - or at least I wouldn't feel like I was being harsh.

Andre definitely swung for the fences - where as the Big Boi heavy tracks were pretty standard compared to past Outkast songs.

The Love Below does have some decent tracks - even beyond the singles - but - some of it comes of so experimental (again reminds me of Yoko's tracks off Double Fantasy) - Andre was definitely ahead of his time with the sound - but - felt like it needed to be polished more in my opinion.

Another thing that killed me - the interludes or the spoken word breaks on both sides of the album. At first they were entertaining - but - after repeat listens they became draining and irritating. If had the CD - I could easily see myself hitting that "skip track" button frequently.

I want it noted - EACH interlude is listened to on every playthrough - BUT - the interludes do not count to the overall score of the album - if they did - the score would have been much lower.

Counting the interludes - there is 40 tracks - and it feels like a real Quantity over Quality type situation.... again - I feel like The Love Below pulls down the average slightly - just simply due to the drastic change in tone.

I honestly didn't know how I am supposed to judge this - as two separate albums? - one album? Based on some googling - you can't by a physical copy of Speakerboxxx without getting The Love Below and vice-versa - sooooooooo... I decided to treat this as one album

I wish this album was trimmed down a bit more - made it a bit tighter - on both sides.

This album was definitely an experience - I highly recommend - I enjoyed it - it brought back fond memories - I could only imagine if this was a complete blind listen through - for me, there were a lot of Big Boi tracks I never heard - hearing them gave me more interest in his music - If you haven't heard it - at the very least give it a full listen through.

One of my favorite parts was the calibrations/features on the tracks - Killer Mike, Jay-Z, Norah Jones to name a few.

I am currently contemplating picking up this double album for myself - or - at the very least - buying the digital tracks to cut out all the interludes - actually - I'd probably recommend buying the singles and actually tracks - cut off the fluff of the interludes.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

An Experience that provides tastes of both Southern Rap and Psychedelic Funk which can seem oversaturated with tracks.

45th Annual Grammy Awards

February 23, 2003

Best Album of the Year:

Come Away With Me

Norah Jones

Released: February 26, 2002

Genre: Acoustic Pop; Blues Pop; Soft Rock; Country Soul

Length: 45:03

14 Tracks

Singles:

Don't Know Why Feelin' the Same Way Come Away With Me Turn Me On

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

Don't Know Why Come Away With Me

Personal Favorite Track: Turn Me On

What Best Describes this Album: The Chilliest Jazz Lounge

Personal Grade: Solid - 8.1/10

Personal Assessment:

Another Album and Artist I feel familiar with - at the very least with their singles.

I vividly remember hearing Norah on the radio back in the day - again, like O' Brother Where Art Thou? - I haven't heard it or her in almost a decade - maybe a few singles on the radio here and there.

Anyways, I enjoyed her then and I still enjoy her now.

Listening to this album fully - I find it to be simple (in a good way) yet mesmerizing.

Norah's vocal raspy has great depth to carry the album - the instrumentals are almost a dim essence that surrounds and cast a glow onto her.

I found this album to be so calming and soothing - currently, this album is probably my most listened to album - it's just so easy to gel with.

But with that said - the trance it can put you in - can also make tracks bleed into each other - maybe a ding on the simplicity of the album - it can be difficult to differentiate one track from another.

Yet....

Personally, I love it - but - I could definitely see this album not being for everyone.

I Highly Recommend - I, myself, will be seeking this album out to add to my collection.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

A Chill Mesmerizing Album.

Tucked in between Billy Joel and Stevie Wonder:

44th Annual Grammy Awards

February 27, 2002

Best Album of the Year:

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (Soundtrack)

T Bone Burnett, Peter Kurland, Mike Piersante, Gavin Lurssen and Various Artists

Released: December 5, 2000

Genre: Country; Old Timey; Folk; Bluegrass; Blues; Gospel; Americana; Soundtrack

Length: 1:01:24

19 Tracks

Singles:

I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

THE ENTIRE ALBUM (I'm not listing all 19 tracks)

Personal Favorite Track: I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow - With Band

What Best Describes this Album: Time Traveling to the Dirty 30's

Personal Grade: Weak - 5.1/10

Personal Assessment:

So this is very interesting.

Yes, I have heard and listened to this Entire Album before - multiple times.

My family owned it and it got a good bit of play in our house and car back in the day - but - I probably haven't directly listened to this Album in almost two decades.

Now, I have watched the Movie multiple times - I would guesstimate roughly/conservatively 10 times - but I still haven't watched the movie in least a decade - and that's probably the last time I heard most of these tracks.

Oddly enough, I did quote this movie at least twice in the last month - I actually quote many lines from this movie often.

Listening through this album for the first time in over two decades - it's kind of funny - because I remember really liking it - but - now it kind of seems like a novelty.

It's very niche style of music - and - even more so when the concept of the tracks is to emulate or are direct covers of old timey songs of the depression era.

At the time when the album dropped - it was probably seen as very refreshing entry into the new millennia - and - of course - well, I guess I am assuming - the popularity of the movie helped catapult the music into popularity - the movie was popular in my household and friend group.

So with this review - I will try to keep my nostalgic bias and my love and memories of the film separate - although most likely this review will be tainted.

Here we go:

This album definitely requires you to be in the mood to enjoy it.

So many songs can come off as depressing - if not the song - then definitely the instrumentals.

Moving from the mood/feelings and going straight to the sound - you are hit with a pure twangy tin can sound - again, that emulates the depression era and the vibes of the film.

This album probably gets paired with the Country Music genre but I would say definitely more bluegrass and/or folk.

With all of that said - the construction of the tracks is very interesting in the sense they have this "old timey" feel and still make it appealing to listen to - but - there are points where the tracks truly can come off as novelty song rather than a song that conveys thoughts or emotions - looking at In the Jailhouse Now track.

Don't get me wrong - this is NOT a comical album - there's definitely tracks that can be absolutely haunting - what I am trying to express by calling it a novelty - is that these songs are so out of place with our time and it's just unique that we get artists - which seems- they are trying to replicate an experience rather than make a hit track.

Without the context of the film - I have a feeling a lot of people will not fully enjoy the entirety of this album by itself - there are definitely a few tracks that pop even without the context - I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow (Specifically the lyrical versions - yes- versions with a "s" because there's 4 Constant Sorrow tracks on the Album - two of which are instrumental) and Didn't Leave Nobody But The Baby - this track is a sleeper hit - love the vocals.

But a large majority of the album contains simple lyrical tracks that are carried by the instrumentals or the gravitas of the singer's vocals.

As an overall cohesive album - this is great - but - as a realist - this album is not for everyone.

I Highly Recommend the Album - at least one good listen through - I myself would even look for a copy of the it.

I even recommend the film - but - I know that's not what this blog is for - but - I highly recommend the film. To the point I would say you would not regret it

Despite the Low Score - A Solid - Middle of the Road Album.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

An Album That's More of a Experience Than a Jam You Put On to Rock Out To.

43rd Annual Grammy Awards

February 21, 2001

Best Album of the Year:

Two Against Nature

Steely Dan

Released: February 29, 2000

Genre: Rock, Jazz Pop, Post-Funk

Length: 51:24

9 Tracks

Singles:

Cousin Dupree

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

*NONE*

Personal Favorite Track: Jack of Speed

What Best Describes this Album: Sleazy Dads in Cargo Shorts and Mandals

Personal Grade: Unbearable - 0.1/10

Personal Assessment:

Holy Crumb Bum!

The Grammy's Absolutely Have to be Effin' Kidding with this Album - Not only was it Nominated - Not only Did it Win - but it beat out Paul Simon, Radiohead, Beck, and Eminem.

This album is slimy feeling.

In my opinion - if this album was the embodiment of a human being - they would be the creepiest, sleazy scrode.

This music kind of disgusts me - just unsettling.

And - to me - all the songs sound the same - so if you don't like the opening track - then next 46 minutes are going to unbearable.

I actually don't want to spend too much time bagging on this album - because I know the musicians are more talented than I am - and - apparently there is fan base for this type of music - but - it (the sound, the melody, the vocals, the lyrics) absolutely repulses me.

DO NOT RECOMMEND.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

9 Minutes Short of Being an Hour of Pure Torture.

42nd Annual Grammy Awards

February 23, 2000

Best Album of the Year:

Supernatural

Santana

Released: June 15, 1999

Genre: Latin Rock

Length: 1:14:59

13 Tracks

Singles:

Smooth Put Your Lights On Maria Maria Corazon Espinado Love of My Life Primavera

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

Smooth Maria Maria

Personal Favorite Track: Smooth

What Best Describes this Album: A Dentist's Waiting Room

Personal Grade: Weak - 4.3/10

Personal Assessment:

This album kind of makes me feel wishy-washy.

Carlos Santana is without a doubt an excellent guitarist - the guitar riffs (besides the featuring artists) is what makes this album pop.

But - it can feel kind of one note.

I recognize it as talented work, but doesn't grab me - it feels repetitive - too safe.

Also some of the songs can feel dated - I think mostly by who they had feature on the tracks - Everlast, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Lauryn Hill, CeeLo Green, and David Matthews.

They bring this older style hooks to the tracks that don't seem to carry beyond the 90's.

I will say - Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty - was also a featured singer on Smooth - but I think that song is still banger - I actually still hear it come on the radio frequently - at least once a month. Prior to hearing this album this week - I am pretty sure I even sang the song myself when it was trapped in my head.

I will admit - there are a few Spanish lyrical songs - I don't fully understand the message they are bringing, but tone is still there - I really enjoyed Primavera.

I am assuming the popularity of this album back in the day was being carried by the singles which largely paired with a popular musical artist from the decade - and as I said - it doesn't do it for me.

There are a few tracks on there that are mostly instrumentals - I tended to like those more than the songs with featured artists but even those instrumental heavy tracks were not enough to win me over.

Feels like "overhead music" - music you hear at the Dentist office, while shopping, or at a restaurant - music to complete mediocre activities - not the music you put on to move you.

I'd say at the very least give this album a listen - but - I would not say it a must have.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

A Quasi-Blah Album and Songs Accompanied by One of the Most Talented Guitarists of All Time.

41st Annual Grammy Awards

February 24, 1999

Best Album of the Year:

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill

Released: August 19, 1998

Genre: Neo Soul; R&B

Length: 1:17:39

16 Tracks

Singles:

Doo Wop (That Thing) Ex-Factor Everything is Everything

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

None

Personal Favorite Track: To Zion

What Best Describes this Album: The Album You Put On to Center Yourself

Personal Grade: Excellent - 8.5/10

Personal Assessment:

I found this album to be very refreshing compared to most of the other albums that came out in the 90's.

It's enticing, groovy, melodic, catchy, thoughtful, soulful... in short it doesn't feel like all the other canned cycled crap that won Best Album of the Year from the 90's.

The songs make you want to bop, sway, and sing along.

The vocals, back-up vocals, beats, instrumentals (there is a great array of sounds) are all on point.

I can see myself putting this album on to calm myself down - but at the same time - I can see myself putting this album to excite me - get me ready. The whole album has the versatile feel.

I get a sense that I'm being told a story - being introduced to someone's life but also being entertained.

The sound of the album feels transcendent - as if you can sense it was made in the late 90's but it so marvelously produced it seems timeless - like you can put the album on at any time - any decade - and it will still carry.

I have a lot of praise for this album - BUT - the one thing that gets me - a good handful of tracks end with some sort of "classroom chatter about the aspect of love".

The "chatter" during my first few listens was extremely jarring - I won't say I have grown to accept it - it's more I learned to tune it out until the next track starts. The "chatter" also inflates the play time of this album - they are not quick chats - I'd say most of them are roughly a minute long or a bit more - I'd compare them to commercial breaks in the sense that I tune out, do some light activities, before I settle in for the next song.

Those "chats" (and couple so-so tracks) is the main reason for keeping this album from perfection.

Honestly there are no real duds of tracks - just some of them don't hit as hard as others - I had a difficult time choosing my favorite track - there were many contenders.

Beyond those small imperfections - this album is still an absolute, immediate Classic.

I haven't felt this way for an album in long time.

I Highly Recommend! I will be telling all my friends and family.

I will be seeking out this album for my collection.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

An Instant Classic.

Giving Lauryn the edge of Fleetwood:

40th Annual Grammy Awards

February 25, 1998

Best Album of the Year:

Time Out of Mind

Bob Dylan

Released: September 30, 1997

Genre: Blues Rock; Country; Blues; Rockabilly

Length: 1:12:50

11 Tracks

Singles:

Not Dark Yet Love Sick

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

None

Personal Favorite Track: Not Dark Yet

What Best Describes this Album: An Album You Put On When Want to Get High

Personal Grade: Poor - 3.4/10

Personal Assessment:

Okay - I know of Bob Dylan - however - I don't know any of his songs - but - I do have a preconceived idea of him based on impressions I have seen from comedians, movies, and sketch comedy where he has been referenced.

Oddly enough - I have not seen his biopic starring Timothee Chalamet.

What's my preconceived idea?

Well, that he's a chill, extremely mumbly, folk singer.

And based on this album - that preconceived idea holds up.

He seems very docile - with very little to no excitement in his voice - which does kind of make this album tough to get into.

You are forced to listen to his lyrics which almost feels like he's working from a stream of conscience - almost making up a a sing-song improve story on the spot.

I almost don't understand all the hype - I know he probably was a big movement maker with the older generations/eras, but from my personal, present day point a view - I feel like he maybe is skating on his name alone with all the praise of this album.

I will give it - it does have a "cool/chill" tone to it.

I don't want to call it moody or emotional - but - it's more like old man talk-singing about what's on his mind.... but I feel like I am back tracking with my statements here - it can also feel haunting at times.

"Old man"... out curiosity I googled how old Bob Dylan was at the time of this album - 56 years young.... so wow.... I thought he was way older. Also.... I just assumed Bob Dylan was dead. Dude is still alive.

I guess if I could summarize, the overall tone I took away from the album is sadness - but that's simply based on the overall sound of the melodies - but - there are faster paced songs that - in my opinion - talk about nothing - basically sounds like Dylan describing things happening outside a window.

I don't know how else I can say it - but - I just don't get the hype....

BUT

There are at least three songs of this album I really enjoyed:

Not Dark Yet Standing in the Doorway Make You Feel My Love

I don't know if I enjoy those three tracks enough to constitute purchasing this entire album - but I would contemplate purchasing just those individual tracks.

If I can take this album experience out of the context of hearing music - it gives me the same feels I had when I saw a Tim Burton Movie (like Edward Scissorhands) for the first time - a bit unsettling, jarring, a little "what's going on here" but slowly/eventually you grow some sort respect for the person even though their work isn't your cup of tea.

I am glad I took a moment to listen to Bob Dylan - hard to believe this is my first time hearing his stuff - but I think I can safely say he is not for me.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

A Slow Bleak Mumble Sing-Talk-Story Album that's Not for the Pop Obsessed.

39th Annual Grammy Awards

February 26, 1997

Best Album of the Year:

Falling Into You

Celine Dion

Released: March 11, 1996

Genre: Pop

Length: 1:15:54

16 Tracks

Singles:

Falling into You Because You Loved Me It's All Coming Back to Me Now All by Myself Call the Man

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

None

Personal Favorite Track: Your Light

What Best Describes this Album: A Bad, Cheesy Romance Novel with No Sex

Personal Grade: Unbearable- 0.1/10

Personal Assessment:

First Impressions:

I don't know much about Celine Dion outside her single from the film Titanic, but I am a bit surprised this won Album of the Year.

Looking at the other nominees that lost to Celine - I don't know any of them either. What was going on in 1996-1997?

I know - or I guess I am assuming - Celine has Icon status - I don't really know why, but I know people make a big stink over her. For most of my life I just assumed that's all due to the her track, My Heart Will Go On, from the Titanic film.

I will say - most of the songs on the album are originals - only 3 covers - but I'm a little bowled over that this is what people were gravitating to.

Let's find out what all the hub-bub is about....

Here is my review:

Oh brother...

Listening to this album is extremely daunting for me.

It just feels very heavy and just drags for me.

This has to be one of the longest albums we have listened to - roughly 1 hour 15 minutes long - 16 tracks - 6 tracks over 5 minutes long (one of which is over 7.5 minutes) the remaining majority of the tracks are over 4 minutes (only two tracks under 4 minutes).

The fact that the central/common theme of the album or the majority of the tracks is Love - just makes it worse.

I will give credit - Celine does have some pipes - she can sing - but content of the songs she is singing and the melodies just feels tortuous.

Almost like listening to old lady, soap opera, easy listening, sappy, Karen music.... sounds like if 1990's Airport Romance Novels had soundtracks.

These sound like the type of songs that are urging you sing along with Celine - but like I said the content/message of the songs are Not going to appeal to the mass population.

Actually, this album feels more like one of those albums where you are being sung at - participation in the form of dancing and singing along from the listener does not seem like a major prospect.

Personally - I don't gel with that type of music - I like to be swept up into the music - I want to be carried away - I want to participate in some way - dance, sing, at the very least have my toes tap or head bob - but with this album, it just makes me feel dead inside - or maybe make me wish I was.

Honestly - I don't think anyone Hates Love - I think they hate the Commercialization of Love - and that is what this album is to me - Manicured, Packaged, Formulaic Love - but it comes off as Boxed Crap.

This album is not for me - I don't even think there is a singular track on this album that is for me.

It was not enjoyable choosing a "favorite track".

I cannot recommend this album to another person in good conscience - not even for a singular listen through.

This album - this music - in my opinion is very niche to the point I don't even know I personally would be able to recommend this to anyone I know.

But - if you like Bougie Harlequin Novels (like the ones with Fabioesque men on the cover) - Divas - Power Ballads - then maybe this album is for you.

I plan to never listen to this album again.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

Great Musical Talent Wasted on Corny Songs.

A new lowest-low.

38th Annual Grammy Awards

February 28, 1996

Best Album of the Year:

Jagged Little Pill

Alanis Morissette

Released: June 13, 1995

Genre: Alternative Rock; Post-Grunge

Length: 57:23

12 Tracks (Plus 1 Bonus Track)

Singles:

You Oughta Know You Learn Hand in My Pocket Ironic Head Over Feet All I Really Want

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

You Oughta Know Hand in My Pocket You Learn Head Over Feet Ironic

Personal Favorite Track: Right Through You

What Best Describes this Album: Somewhere Between Your Emo/Goth/Grunge/Punk Teen Years

Personal Grade: Average - 6.5/10

Personal Assessment:

After the last few weeks to a month - listening to covers, live albums, re-recordings - I felt very refreshed listening to this album.

I was excited.

And I have to say this has to be one of the most popular albums from the 90s - this is one of the first albums in a very long time where I was very well aware of the Artist as well as most of their tracks - many of which I have seen via music videos - and of course through radio play, I've heard most of them - even still to this day.

I don't know much about Alanis Morissette - I'm not even aware if she has any music outside this album that I would be aware of - but most of these tracks on this album are very significant in Pop Culture.

So... Let's Review this Album:

I love the sound of this album - angsty, grungy, angry, moody, emotional - it feels both dated but at the same time relevant at the same time.

Definitely gives off the vibe of Don't Eff with Me.

Full of tracks that are NOT made for dancing - but - 100% encourage you sing along with them - even the non-single tracks.

I actually had a tough time choosing my favorite track off the album.

Very cool sound - seems somewhat simplistic but impactful.

The only real downside I could spin for the album is that it's maybe one to sided with the "feels" it generates - like on a darker tone side of life vibe.

But I am kind of digging it.

Another negative - some of the songs - I typically find it with the singles - tend to be bit - I actually don't know how to properly express in words - almost a bit....campy? - specifically I recall the songs: Ironic, You Learn, and Hand in My Pocket having that vibe - there's just something there that seems a bit off compared to the rest of the album. They are not terrible songs - but they are not great either - it's almost like they checking some sort of box with those tracks or keeping them as filler.

BUT!

This album as a whole out grew the 90's and transcends its time period.

I would highly recommend giving this album a listen - I would see myself keeping this album or majority of these tracks on a constant playlist rotation.

Definitely garnishes repeat listens.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

A Moody Bop Worthy of Your Collection

Giving Jagged Little Pill the edge over Paul Simon's Still Crazy After All These Years

37th Annual Grammy Awards

March 1, 1995

Best Album of the Year:

MTV Unplugged

Tony Bennett

Recorded (Live Album): April 12, 1994

Released: June 28, 1994

Genre: Vocal Jazz

Length: 1:10:35

20 Tracks

Singles:

*NO SINGLES*

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

*NONE of Tony's Renditions* but I have heard these songs before performed by other artists

Personal Favorite Track: It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing

What Best Describes this Album: A Senior Citizen Talent Show

Personal Grade: Unbearable - 0.1/10

Personal Assessment:

Holy Crap - Immediately - I am so disappointed in the 90's Best Albums of the Year so far.

Another Live Album - More Covers - Re-recordings of Tony's Greatest Renditions on Old Classics - No Original Songs on the Entire Album.

This is NOT at all what I expected out of the 90s and I am kind of disgusted.

Once again - my sympathies go out to the musicians who were nominated and created original music but did not win - heck - I am even upset for those who weren't even nominated:

The 3 Tenors, Seal, Bonnie Riatt, Eric Clapton

Anywhosel - how was the album....?

Well, I personally am not in love with it.

I understand Tony Bennett may be considered a talent - maybe a national treasure - but - in my opinion I don't find anything special about Tony's particular performance on this live album.

I can't say I listened to any of Tony's earlier work - but - on this particular album you can hear his age when he sings - at the very least he sounds old - not necessarily saying that's a bad thing and I am not saying that older singers need to hang it up - I just note it because he doesn't seem very lively - happy to be there just not spry- there's no grand flourishes - and when he does have a song where he holds that final note - he sounds strained.

A few of his tracks almost sounds as if he talking through the song rather than harmonizing.

The most exciting moment on the album is when Tony scats on the song The Girl I Love.

The Jazz Instrumental Accompanists are doing all the heaving lifting on this album, but even the accompanists aren't exciting me.

This album in an absolute snore in my opinion.

I have heard many of these songs - never performed before by Tony Bennett until now - and there most likely a good reason for that - Tony's not the best at it - at least not on this live album.

I would much prefer to hear all these tracks preformed by other artists.

For me this album is a complete pass - I wouldn't even say it's worth a listen.

Again - I don't know what's up with 90's - was this really the best we had to offer from 1994?

Really hoping for a palate cleanser with next year's Grammy Winner - as low as I rated this album - I think just about anything has to be better.

So far this is the rock bottom of all the albums I listened to.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

An Album That Can Be Used To Lull You To Sleep

36th Annual Grammy Awards

March 1, 1994

Best Album of the Year:

The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album

Whitney Houston & Various Artists

Released: November 17, 1992

Genre: Pop; Urban Pop; R&B

Length: 57:44

13 Tracks

Singles:

I Will Always Love You Someday I'm Every Woman I Have Nothing Run To You Queen of the Night

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

I Will Always Love You

Personal Favorite Track: Queen of the Night

What Best Describes this Album: A Middle Aged Lady's 90's Mix Tape

Personal Grade: Weak - 4.2/10

Personal Assessment:

What's going on with the 90's?

Opening up the decade with the Best Albums going to album full of covers (Unforgettable...With You - Natalie Cole), and then we get essentially a Acoustic Rerecording (Unplugged - Eric Clapton) winning Best Album of the Year, and now we get a Soundtrack to a movie...?

I mean I love a good chunk of Whitney Houston songs (my favorite Whitney Songs are NOT on this album) - but - the ones on this album are mostly covers (I Will Always Love You, I'm Every Woman, and Jesus Loves Me).

I kind of feel bad for all the musical artists who created original songs/albums, were nominated, and lost to a Movie Soundtrack: Sting, Billy Joel, Donald Fagen, and R.E.M.

Judging the Album by it's cover - I was super excited solely for the Whitney aspect - but - kind of disheartened by the other included tracks from Various Artists....

Anywhosel

This album does open up with ICONIC Whitney... or is it this rendition of "I Will Always Love You" that cemented her Icon status...?

The Woman Had Absolute Skills - She's a Magnificent Singer!

I cannot deny how talented Whitney is as a singer - but - I will say the majority of the songs she sings on are not every day bops.

They are very heavy - extremely daunting.

I am in awe of her power - but - I can't see myself passively adding this album/her particular tracks into my musical rotation.

I feel the same way to Celine Dion or any Opera or any Heartfelt Song lifted from a Broadway Musical - I recognize the talent - but I need it in very small doses... and when I ready and in the mood.

Lastly, I will say for the Whitney portion - there is an attempt to change genres of the album - power ballad to a basic ballad to pop to back to a basic ballad to pop again and then to gospel.... and for me - that final shift from Queen of the Night to Jesus Loves Me - kills me - in the bad way - it's just an egregious tonal shift.

For the Non-Whitney Songs - we have Se7en tracks - two of which are pure instrumentals that really kill the vibe - especially The Bodyguard Theme. The songs preform by the other artists and groups are kind of... safe.

There are some good songs - I almost considered Even If My Heart Would Break by Kenny G & Aaron Neville as my favorite track from the album - but - the rest kind of seem like some B.S. filler on the album.

Half-assed middle of the road songs - some sound like their original guise was to sound like they had heart - but come off as pandering to appease mainstream white-bread.... especially looking at you Trust In Me by Joe Cocker - that song just absolutely blows compared to what Whitney brought... or even next to Kenny G's contributions.

Personally - I'd say take it or leave it when it comes to this album.

It doesn't make me want to see the movie at all - but - I am sure if you seen the movie you may very well want to check out the album - but - strictly from a music perspective - there's not a whole lot that makes me want to come back for more - I don't even know if I would recommend this album up for a one time listen.

The only thing keeping this album from being in the "Poor" category is the fact that Whitney's talent is undeniable.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

It will have you asking for some more Whitney but beyond her talents the album as a whole is just blah with no real excitement.

35th Annual Grammy Awards

February 24, 1993

Best Album of the Year:

Unplugged

Eric Clapton

Released: August 25, 1992

Recorded (Live Album): January 16, 1992

Genre: Acoustic Rock; Acoustic Blues

Length: 1:01:47

14 Tracks

Singles:

Layla

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

Tears in Heaven Layla

Personal Favorite Track: Lonely Stranger

What Best Describes this Album: Like a Mini Intimate Private Concert

Personal Grade: Average - 6.6/10

Personal Assessment:

Almost, Too Funny....

Last week I bagged on Natalie Cole for singing an entire album of covers...

Now this week - we have Eric Clapton singing/playing acoustic version of some of his greatest hits.

Essentially an Entire Album that should not to include any duds.

Yes, I have heard tracks from this album/record - but - I was never aware Clapton won a Grammy for it.

Would this be considered a re-recording??? Or does the fact that it's a live album negate that? Last week - I even called out a hypothetical scenario - a what if.... Taylor Swift submitted her re-recordings of her past albums for a Grammy nomination...?

Well... onto the rest of my thoughts strictly on the music/album:

I mean it's good - very good.

Overall it has rich tone that drags you in.

Being full blown acoustic feels so intimate.

It has large range from the way the album opens with twangy instrumental of a guitar - to blues - to even deeper emotional & endearing pathos - to quick pace kind of a rockabilly acoustic rock tone.

The picking of the guitar is so engrossing - each track/song feels unique from track to track - yet as entire album - still feels very cohesive - each song blends perfectly to the next.

Eric Clapton singing voice doesn't sound like it has much range - but - again that's where Clapton plays to his strength - leans on the raspy/breathiness of his voice and strong instrumental melodies.

I don't want to sound to hippie-dippy - but at moments - this album literally transported me - help me envision elements outside my own - put me in a somewhat dream state - soothed me, comforted me, and also exited me all throughout.

To date -this album has probably had the most repeat listens out of all the albums I listened to so far this year.

The only negative I can think of - is the album starts off so strong - grabs you - but the last half of the album kind of peters out.... Well, Technically - the skill is all there instrumentally - but - gets too be too heavy in blues and rockabilly and lyrically, I tend to check out as I can't connect.

The last half - by itself is not bad - but after following the first half... let's just say for me personally, it didn't have a strong finish - felt more like a more of a busy finish rather than a solid/grand finish - and that's why I cannot deem this a perfect album.

It started off as well rounded and then gets stuck in a genre that I don't think will appeal to the mass majority.

Even with all that said, I personally - if I saw this album in the wild - I would add it to my collection - felt like a pretty memorable album.

I highly recommend giving it a listen.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

An Eric Clapton Acoustic Greatest Hits Album that Brings Its.

34th Annual Grammy Awards

February 25, 1992

Best Album of the Year:

Unforgettable: With Love

Natalie Cole

Released: June 11, 1991

Genre: Traditional Pop; Jazz

Length: 1:12:47

22 Tracks

Singles:

Unforgettable The Very Thought of You

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

This is bit of an odd one - YES, I know a large majority of these songs - BUT - I have never heard any of these covers preformed by Natalie Cole

Personal Favorite Track: Orange Colored Sky

What Best Describes this Album: Intimate Night Club with a Lounge Singer

Personal Grade: Unbearable- 2/10

Personal Assessment:

My Immediate Initial Thought Upon Listening:

Whoa... An Entire Album of Covers - No original songs - Won Album of the Year.

Wow.

I can't imagine if someone like Billie Eilish did complete album of 100% covers - then were nominated for Best Album of the Year - and then Won.

I mean... my favorite artist/band... doing covers of some of the most badass songs of all time... Hell Yeah, I would check that out, but I don't think I they would be even considered as a nominee. I mean - Swifties came out of the woodworks for Taylor's re-recordings of her old albums ... but it still none of them were even nominated for a Grammy

And how did the other nominated artists feel that year....?

Paul Simon, Bonnie Raitt, R.E.M., and Amy Grant

I get the idea of doing a tribute.... but dang.

I guess a large majority of Michael Bublé's hits are covers of great, classic songs - but - he still has a few original songs of his own that have some popularity - my favorite song of his is one of his original songs.

I don't know anything about Natalie Cole - other than her relation to Nat King Cole - but - again - I find it a bit bizarre that she created an entire album of covers and - didn't sneak in any original songs of her own - and still won a Grammy.

I don't know why this is hitting me so hard.

What the heck was going on in 1991 that Grammys gravitated to this album?

Anywhosel....

Going beyond my initial thoughts - Reviewing the actual album as a whole:

I don't have much to say.

This album is very lackluster in my opinion.

There is no "Wow" factor.

I can't give credit to Natalie for the songs since they previously existing songs - so really, all I can critique is her take on them... and it pretty boring.

Natalie Cole's voice is extremely leveled and I am really hurting to think of a track where she really (impressively) stretched her vocal range.

The instrumentals themselves are also very basic in a get your blood pumping type of way - technically, the musicians contributing to the album are very talented - but - it feels like there is no unique takes or renditions on any of the old songs.

Too Safe - Too Simple.

The only positive spin I can give this album is that it is very soothing - like waiting in a lobby of a Dentist Office, or a overhead music at a Bookstore, or a Bougie Cafe.

I would only recommend this album for a true, devote Jazz enthusiast - strictly staying in that genre/lane - this would be a good (maybe even great) album - but in my personal opinion - this album is not grand enough to make the large populous swell.

Comparing this album juxtaposed against other Best Albums of the Year so far - this album is nowhere near the top - nowhere even near the middle.

I personally will not be listening to the album ever again - I don't even think I will be listening to Natalie Cole again.

If I want to hear one of these classic hits again - I pretty sure there is a sea of other covers which will be far more compelling.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

Natalie Cole's Tribute to Classic Tunes that Comes Off Very Tired and Basic.

33rd Annual Grammy Awards

February 20, 1991

Best Album of the Year:

Back on the Block

Quincy Jones and Various Artists

Released: November 21, 1989

Genre: R&B; Hip Hop; New Jack Swing; Jazz

Length: 57:54

14 Tracks

Singles:

I'll Be Good To You The Secret Garden Tomorrow I Don't Go For That The Places You'll Find Love Wee B. Doinit Back on the Block

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

*NONE*

Personal Favorite Track: Wee B. Dooinit (Acapella Party)

What Best Describes this Album: Time Traveling to an Early 90's House Party

Personal Grade: Poor - 3.5/10

Personal Assessment:

Wow - An Album and Full List of Tracks - 7 of which are Singles - which I have NEVER Heard Previously.

I am aware of most of the contributing artists and the main producer, Quincy Jones - but - I find it interesting this album won a Grammy for Best Album of the Year and I never once in my life heard a single track from this album.

As for the album....

Hot Dang - this Album is like a Time Capsule - An Unearthing of Songs, Melodies, Sounds and early Hip-Hop Rhymes that were previously trapped in the Late 80's/90's.

Quincy had definitely an ear for talent and knows how to produce the crud out of some tracks - but - I will say from my perspective - my opinion - listening to an album for the first time - 37 Years after it's inception - this album does feels busy as hell.

I did not truly begin to appreciate the album until my second full listen through. My appreciation and love did grow more with each repeat listen, but I don't think I am enamored.

It's like Quincy created a variety show of musical talent under one album.

I describe it as a "Variety Show" because some tracks feel like the artists are showcasing their talents more than creating a song for someone to dance and/or sing to.

Example:

The song, Jazz Corner of the World, I think is technically considered an Introduction to the track Birdland - it has a mix of Hip-Hop rhymes intermixed with Jazz - almost a conversation going back and forth - like the album is laying down some Musical Exposition.

Due to the variety of stylings and artists - I could easily have seen this album serving as a soundtrack that was birthed from another project - like an answer to a Stage Play or Movie.

Also with the combination from the multiple genres of music - the album can go from fast paced to slow and mellow - like being transported from a Dance Floor - to a Jazz Club - then to an Elevator.

For myself - I do find this album interesting - but - personally I do not think this will garnish further listens.

I feel individuals who will enjoy this most would be for individuals who were there - people who lived through the late 80s and early 90s - it serves as a time machine, but personally, I don't feel like the songs transcend past that time period.

It's an album to appreciate for what it did for its time but not an album to keep on constant music rotation - let alone not an album I would add to my collection.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

A Musical Variety Album trapped in Late 80's Sounds & Stylings which showcases Hip Hop, Jazz, and R&B.

32nd Annual Grammy Awards

February 21, 1990

Best Album of the Year:

Nick of Time

Bonnie Raitt

Released: March 21, 1989

Genre: Americana; Rock; Blues Rock

Length: 42:31

11 Tracks

Singles:

Thing Called Love Have a Heart Nick of Time Love Letter

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

Thing Called Love

Personal Favorite Track: Thing Called Love

What Best Describes this Album: Small Live Band at a Small Town Bar

Personal Grade: Weak - 4.5/10

Personal Assessment:

This Artist, Album, and Nearly Every Single Song is new to me.

I vaguely feel like I heard Thing Called Love and I honestly don't know if I am pressing myself to force a distant memory in my brain.

Anywhosel.... I am essentially going in completely blind which hasn't happened in a while - in the past I have had at least some sort of background knowledge of the artist or some of their songs.

First Impression - how the hell does this not get categorized as a Country Album.

I am 100% convinced Bonnie is a country artist - and - I was a bit shocked that a Country Artist would have won the Grammy for Best Album of the Year - but - when I look at the genres that her album is categorized in:

Blues Rock - which I can sometimes understand Blues

Americana - I'm even not sure what that is...?

Rock - Aw, Hell Nah, Dawg - this term is too broad

I will say a majority of these songs seem very soulful and from the heart - full of quality feels - but at the same time there's a simplicity.

Which I know it's most likely not simple - I know there is multiple instruments utilized in this album but I really get hooked on Bonnie's vocals.

Raitt's voice has this great raspy, textured voice that comes off very natural - Like a welcomed cool breeze on a hot day.

If I could say anything negative - it's that this album - in my opinion - is only going to grab people that are in love with the genre.

It doesn't fully transcend it's genre.

It reminds me of that pure country sound from the 90s - yes, I know this was made in the 80s - and yes, I know it's classified as americana and blues.

There is one track on the album - that's way off script - Have a Heart - feels more like a Island Track. I can't stand it. Compared to everything else - it doesn't seem authentic.

Maybe one or two songs could cross over and pull people, but a large majority of the other tracks on the album are so thick with their Music Genre Accent - it's hard to see it any other way.

I grew up on classic country - and - I hate current country.

So, initially I am drawn to the album - it gives me those old school vibes - it has such a canned nostalgic vibe and sound - but - that's what makes this an album I would NOT have in constant rotation.

Give me a summer night, some cold drinks, maybe some BBQ, with nothing to do but shoot the shit and dick around outside with your pals - yeah - I can see this album being played.

But on a random Tuesday mid afternoon, or cleaning my home, or working out, or getting ready for a night out - nah - I won't be reaching for this album.

I highly recommend giving it a listen - it's worth that - but I won't be hunting this album down.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

An Album with a Classic Sound of Soulful Country and Blues which could have paved the way for the Pure Country Sound of the 90s.

31st Annual Grammy Awards

February 22, 1989

Best Album of the Year:

Faith

George Michael

Released: October 30, 1987

Genre: Pop; Funk; R&B; Soul; Rock; Blue-Eyed Soul

Length: 47:45

9 Tracks

Singles:

I Want Your Sex Faith Hard Day Father Figure One More Try Monkey Kissing a Fool

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

Faith Father Figure

Personal Favorite Track: Faith

What Best Describes this Album: Getting Pumped Up For A Night Out

Personal Grade: Average - 6.3/10

Personal Assessment:

Oh Boy!

I was super excited when I found out George Michael was next album on the list.

I have never listened to this album nor any of his other albums - a lot of songs were new to me - but - Faith is my All Time Go To Karaoke Song!

Faith was probably one of the first (and very few) songs where memorized all the lyrics.

So going in to this album I did have some giddy excitement and was ready to hear more of what George Michael had to offer.

I was very pleased.

This album has a little bit of everything that I enjoy - multiple songs to sing to - multiple songs to dance to - from fast paced to slow and melodic.

This Album has great range.

One of the things that kept this from being a perfect album for me was the sound - felt very trapped in the 80s time period with this techno-esque drum beat - which isn't the worst thing in the world - but not my absolute favorite - I would definitely have to be in the mood.

I will say - this would be the perfect album to get ready with your friends before going out on the town. Keeps the energy up - but - doesn't go too hard - just right.

Like I said earlier - I think you have to be in the right mood for this album - but - with that said - I would LOVE to have this album in my collection for when that mood strikes.

I would recommend this album to friends - at very least goad people into giving it a listen.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

A Great Pump Up Album with a Touch of that 80's Nostalgic Sound.

30th Annual Grammy Awards

March 2, 1988

Best Album of the Year:

The Joshua Tree

U2

Released: March 9, 1987

Genre: Rock

Length: 50:11

11 Tracks

Singles:

With or Without You I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For Where the Streets Have No Name In God's Country One Tree Hill

Review:

Songs I Previously Heard/Knew:

With or Without You I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For Where the Streets Have No Name

Personal Favorite Track: With or Without You

What Best Describes this Album: Music for a Mega Church

Personal Grade: Poor - 4/10

Personal Assessment:

Okay....

I am very much well aware of U2's music - as well I am aware of a lot of hate/ribbing towards Bono.

I don't know much about Bono or the other band members. I am not sure why the possible hate - from what I can parse - they are kind of in that same genre of Nickelback from my perspective. Talented but not like for being "bland".... or possibly overplayed and over exposed?

Getting this out there first - I do have/had preconceived thoughts about their music.

But - I should state I have never listened to this particular album - but - I do already know some tracks.

Going into this I had to tell myself to be unbiased and to look at the album completely objectively.

I am solely looking at the music from this Album only and will not let my thoughts of U2's other music bleed into this review.

So,

Here we go:

First initial thoughts - after a complete listen through - it has this Ethereal type vibe going on - I not stating this in a great way - not a compliment or a dig - just statement that sounds more like spiritual healing type music.

Like trying to be something much larger than pop or rock music.

Almost like I am listening to a Christian Rock Album/Band???

I am not saying the lyrics/messages are Christian based or inspired - but - it gives off that sound of a Christian Rock Band.

The songs are slow paced, moody/emotional, heartfelt - as if each ande every song is a ballad.

I keep coming back to the labeled genre of this Album - "Rock" - and I was expecting some headbangers, but this definitely a record that could soothe me to sleep.

To be honest, I question how a lot of Albums get categorized in the genre's that they do. I am also discovering new genre's weekly - but - what's so odd here - The Joshua Tree album is listed as only being in the "Rock" bucket - nothing else - last week's Paul Simon album was in 5 different genres....

I also had a hard time choosing my favorite track as each song melds into each other - a very cohesive album - but nothing stands out. Every track almost eerily sounds too similar.

Maybe a harmonica here or there to make my ears perk up but that's it.

Which kind of makes this album boring in my opinion.

Technically all there - great melodies - but nothing there to get me excited. Not compelling me to feel any emotion really.

I want to hear some range - I don't mind this type of music scattered out through out a track - but a full album? Give me something to sing to, another to dance to, and another one that causes contemplation.

Again - the entire album is kind of like a lullaby.

I'd recommend you give it a listen, but if you heard any U2 prior to this and you didn't like that - I have a feeling you won't care for this either.

Not for me and not for my album collection.

To Summarize My Ramblings:

A Very Boring, Bland Album.