Lorde’s melodrama vs Kendrick’s damn

Post date: Jan 30, 2018 3:48:55 PM

Published 1/26/18

By Karrington Butler, '18

WISHBOOK/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

This year the nominations for Album of the year are an unusual mix. There are two r&B albums, two hip-hop albums and one pop album. With four albums so similar, there is only one album that has a chance of win. In a divided field, Lorde’s “Melodrama” is a clear winner.

In 2013, Lorde released her song “Royals”. People became infatuated with a sound that hasn’t been heard before. The song told a meaning of jealousy and insecurity, Lorde resents the status, privilege and trappings of success that the royals have achieved. Soon after, she released her debut album “Pure Heroine” at only 17. With tracks like “Tennis Court” and “Glory and Gore”, it was clear that Lorde wasn’t a one hit wonder.

After her album, it took almost four years for Lorde to write her second album, “Melodrama”. During this time period, Lorde was going through a breakup which only helped her as she found herself.

From heartbreak to self discovery, “Melodrama” tells the tale of how to live life in the best way possible.

Bringing a new sound to the table with Green Light, it was clear that Lorde had made her mark on the music industry. The song takes alternative elements, while having a pop sound that makes you want to just get up and dance. All 12 tracks on the album have a clear sound that is not only unique, but true to Lorde. She owns her sound and does it unapologetically.

This year Lorde was nominated for a grammy, Album of the Year. While the competition for Best Album of the Year is tough, it is clear to me that she is the winner. From releasing this album at only the age of 21, to making something so unique to the music industry, “Melodrama” is something to talk about.

Others could argue that Kendrick Lamar’s album had a more political subject matter and the rapping was exceptional. That might all be true, but there has been music like that done before like Joey Bada$$ and his album “ALL AMERIKKKAN BADA$$”. His album, like Kendrick’s, wrestles with political themes.

“Melodrama” is a creative piece of music, that shows one’s journey of self discovery in a quirky yet somber tone. This album which features a different pop sound, with rock and alternative elements deserves Album of the Year.

By Jeresa Anderson, '18

ELADA BUDI/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

It wouldn’t be the Grammys without a snub, but Kendrick Lamar’s album, “Damn.” deserves to bring home all the glory this year.

Coming into this year’s Grammys, Kendrick Lamar is nominated for seven categories, including Album of the Year.

Lamar has a history of creating work that shows his self exploration and political consciousness. “Damn.” was the eighth highest selling album, making it one of the biggest albums of the year. Lamar’s lyrics were quick, witty, intense, and powerful. Overall, it was the most creative and versatile album of the year.

“Damn.” was released on April 14, 2017 and is Kendrick Lamar’s fourth studio album. It topped the charts in the United States and Canada with three singles: “Humble”, “Loyalty” and “Love”.

While Lamar’s album was very successful, it does have some competition. “Damn’s” biggest competitor would be Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic”. Mars’ album gained a lot of hype among Mars’ younger audience while also capturing the attention of an older audience because of its throwback feel. Mars’ album topped R&B Billboard charts for 21 weeks, yet, it is not nearly as creative as “Damn.” because it did not offer anything new to music in 2017 because it was deeply influenced by a nostalgic music from the 80s and the 90s.

When it comes to the Grammys, many people question how they judge certain categories. Kendrick Lamar has been snubbed at the Grammys before. In 2014, Lamar lost to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis for the Best Rap Album category and accepted the loss with grace.

With Lamar’s album being one of the top selling and most critically acclaimed albums to be nominated, a loss for him would further show that the Grammys accepts mediocrity over an actual creative piece of work.