All Songs Considered New Music Friday: What Were The Grammys Made For?
Feb 2, 2024
Music critics and journalists Ann Powers, Sidney Madden, and Stephen Thompson discuss their predictions for the Grammy Awards. They also recommend new albums like The Last Dinner Party and Jay Mascis' latest release. The hosts express excitement for Grammy performances and anticipate unexpected collaborations. They explore the Grammy Awards' role in anointing ambassadors for different genres and discuss controversies surrounding the event.
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Strange Grammy Collab
- Stephen Thompson recalls a Grammy moment when Blue Man Group, Moby, and Jill Scott performed together.
- He compares it to an overly ambitious dessert, enjoyable but ultimately too much.
No Clear Frontrunner
- This year's Record of the Year nominees lack a clear frontrunner, unlike previous years dominated by figures like Taylor Swift.
- The field is strong, representing diverse genres and artist statuses.
Predicting Grammy Embarrassments
- Stephen Thompson usually predicts Grammy winners by considering the most embarrassing outcome.
- He cites the 1980s when Lionel Richie's "Can't Slow Down" won over albums like "Purple Rain" and "Born in the USA."