Last Sunday was a big night in the music world. Following a difficult year for an industry built on live performance, the 2021 Grammy Awards proved that there are always silver linings in challenging situations. This year’s event was like no other before it… by a lot of accounts, it was actually better. Check out what the interns have to say about their favorite award winners!
Ayden’s Pick: Fiona Apple – Shameika
When Fetch the Bolt Cutters was released in early 2020 it was a moment. Widely regarded as Apple’s best work yet, the album truly sounds unlike anything else ever created— and it came at a time unlike any before it. The record’s long list of accolades, including a rare perfect 10 rating from Pitchfork, continued to grow at the 63rd Grammy Awards where Apple won Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rock Performance for “Shameika.” The track, which is written about an unexpected compliment (“Shameika said I had potential”) from a middle school bully, is a standout off of a record so strong that it’s nearly impossible to pick favorites.
Taylor’s Pick: Taylor Swift – august
Taylor Swift rightfully took home top honors for her career-best record folklore, and “august” is a clear example of what makes the album work as well as it does. Deeply felt, nostalgic and wistful, it’s exactly the type of earnest confessional that Swift built her meteoric career on. The only difference? “august” is completely fictional, exploring a love triangle storyline seen on fellow cuts “cardigan” and “betty.” Sonically, too, this is Swift (and collaborators Jack Antonoff & Aaron Dessner) on her A-game with echoey guitars, a beautifully hushed vocal, and exactly the right balance of restraint and letting loose completely. Not only is “august” one of the best tracks on folklore, it’s a career highlight.
Lindsay’s Pick: Dua Lipa – Levitating
Because we are celebrating the Grammy winners this week I decided to go with the artist who (in my opinion) was best dressed. English singer/songwriter Dua Lipa absolutely killed it during her performance and rightfully won Best Pop Vocal Album for Future Nostalgia. The song I want to highlight today is one that I simply cannot get out of my head, “Levitating”. Her performance of this high energy track as well as “Don’t Start Now”, included not two but three wardrobe changes. Joined with one of today’s biggest hip-hop stars, DaBaby, Lipa and her crew wowed viewers with her stage presence and stellar vocals.
