Alright, back to the Grammys. Before Sunday gets here I want to get in a couple more categories. For right now, we're going to look at the Best Country Solo Performance. Five performances with a good amount of variance between artists and songs. This category is another amalgamation of existing categories, which have been combined in the effort to shrink the overall number of categories. Both Best Male & Female Country Vocal Performance, as well as Best Country Instrumental Performance, were combined to make this category. Again, as you'll see, the instrumental songs get the shaft.
We have five artists nominated for this award - three females, two males... One is a super-duper star, two are talent show affiliated, one is old school country, and one is having an identity crisis. Let's take a look...
Dirt Road Anthem - Jason Aldean. This song is interesting... it was on the honorable mention list for the Top Ten Moronic Songs of 2011 (previous post). It seems Jason doesn't really know what he want's to do or who he want's to be. First he's "chillin'" on the dirt road, then he busts out into a country boy rap that's as terrible as anything should ever be, with major corporate backing. What could be a good song with a relaxing melody, turns into a shameful debacle... and he doesn't even have any compelling rap lyrics! Key Lyrics: "... watch out for the boys in blue... better watch yer mouth, before I come knock that loud mouth out..." (what's with the country/ghetto tough talk?) "we like corn bread and biscuits, and if it's broke 'round here, we fix it..." (That's the point were I had enough...) Song in One Word: confused. Pick: No. It's bad enough that it was nominated (and thus giving a nod of recognition to the merger of these two distinctive expressions), however it won't win. Not only is it not the best song, it's not even a good song.
I'm Gonna Love You Through It - Martina McBride. This is a sweet song. This inspirational number is centered around cancer and its effects on the family, however, in spite of the well crafted story, the song slips into the universal realm of all inspirational songs. It could be dedicated from anyone to someone who is going through a rough time and needs assistance. That's the genius of the song and the heartfelt performance of Martina. The story of cancer comes in secondary to the notion that someone will "love you through" the rough times. Key Lyrics: "When this road get's too long, I'll be the rock you lean on. Just take my hand. Together we can do it. I'm gonna love you through it." Song in One Word: warm. Pick: Not strong enough. It's a great performance, however it's just not sticky enough....
Honey Bee - Blake Shelton. This is pure "Grade A", radio friendly, pop-country. Blake's use of various aspects of nature's balance of hard and soft, perfectly allow for the lyrics to relate to anyone listening. This is a universal subject... a simple love song. Blake delivers the song with a full helping of down-home country, while the song's construction is pure pop, hit-maker, formula driven. It could have back fired... but it didn't. It works, and works well! Key Lyrics: "I could've said I love you; could've wrote you a line or two, Baby all I know to do is speak right from the heart." Song in One Word: pleasant. Pick: This is where it get's thick. This is strong enough to win. It sticks in your head way after it goes off (stickiness)... It could win, and that would be a good fit... however, I think he's going to be fighting over second place, this time.
Mean - Taylor Swift. This is the underdog song... the country underdog song... no, this is universal wisdom, wrapped up in a cute little country song. This song is strong. I'd say this is the best song of the bunch... The soundscape is alive with all the sounds of acoustic country music... while, at the same time, it's polished and beefed up like a modern pop song. This is a perfect merger of pop and country. If it suffers from anything, it's Taylor's laid back delivery. She's comfortable and very believable as the main character in the song, however as far as vocal performances go, it doesn't top the pack. Key Lyrics: "Some day I'll be livin' in a big ol' city, and all you're ever gonna be is mean... all you are is mean and a liar, and pathetic and alone in life, and mean and mean and mean..." (you gotta love it!) Song in One Word: courageous. Pick: She's fightin' it out with Carrie and Blake. After the smoke settles, the country-pop princess will still be sitting in her seat, clapping for someone else. (I will admit there is a possibility that she'll squeak past with a win... but I don't think so.)
Mama's Song - Carrie Underwood. This song starts off like a quiet Sting song, before hitting its stride, at the hook. Then the song pulls you in and carries you out into the sea wedding bell bliss. This song is the phone call every parent (mother or father) want's to receive from their daughter. This song, propelled by Underwood's genuine tones and crystal clear vocals, sticks to the brain like a great dream... even when you wake up... and long after you forget the specifics... you still feel good for the rest of the day. This song is uplifting in every way... and sonically, the subtle strings in the background take it over the top. Key Lyrics: "... I think I found the answer to your prayers... and he is good, so good... he makes promises he keeps, no he's never going to leave, so don't you worry about me..." Song in One Word: touching. Pick: After all the smoke settles down... the former American Idol will fix her hair, straighten her dress, and walk right up those stairs to receive her award. This song's crafting is certainly of superior stock, however what makes it shine and gives it the life that it deserves is Carrie's delivery. This is the country solo performance of the year.
So, we'll see if the judges at the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences do the right thing...
Until then, take a look at the videos from these songs, and we'll meet again to look at more music.
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