I’m a tad bit late, but I didn’t want to start the year without wishing my online friends a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Let’s hope 2012 is great!
As usual, when a new year begins, I like to reflect on the year that just passed. I typically write about the artists, songs and videos that that left a mark on the previous year, but this time around I would like to focus solely on the artists that impacted me.
When I think of the insanely awesome music that was released in 2011, there are 2 artists that come to mind right away—Adele and Bruno Mars.
I am a fan of other artists—Rihanna, Usher, Kanye West, Drake etc., but Adele and Bruno Mars not only produced music, they created art.
Artist of the Year- Female
Truth be told, I jumped on the Adele bandwagon way later than most. A few years back I heard that the talented songstress was the second coming of Amy Winehouse, but I was happy with Amy, so I didn’t seek her out. I appreciated Adele’s throwback, Motown-y voice and style, but just one Amy was good enough for me.
When I heard the song Chasing Pavements, I thought to myself “who sings this song cuz it’s freaking amazing! ” I still didn’t call myself an Adele fan when I found out that she was the incredible singer behind the song. Even when her widely beloved single, Rolling in the Deep hit the airwaves and was embraced by all, she still didn’t get me. No, I’m not proud of my stubborn ways.
The first time I heard the emotionally charged song (a song I could sadly relate to) was when I sat down to watch some TV. I got comfy on the couch to do some serious channel surfing and I landed on the 2011 BRIT Awards. She wore a black dress, hair pulled back, and stood with a microphone in hand and accompanied by her piano player. Then, she belted out a larger than life song with intense honesty and vulnerability. I froze. I was mesmerized by her power.
It was magic. I have never witnessed such artistry in all my life. She killed the performance! Her voice was so damn amazing she didn’t even need the piano man. It was real, deep and melancholy. I was overcome with emotion. I couldn’t help but tear up. Adele finally got me.
From that day on I became an Adele fan.
Unlike my initial hesitant feelings for Adele, I liked Bruno Mars from the very beginning. He appeared on the scene when I was getting sooo sick of hearing mindless drivel and longed to hear music that made me feel something...anything! And listening to his soulful, Motown inspired ditties, was like the answers to my prayers.
Just when I thought that I couldn’t love him anymore, he released his ode to slothfulness – The Lazy Song. As surprising as it sounds, it was actually very good! (Classic line- I’ll be lounging on the couch just chilling in my Snuggie, Click to MTV so they teach me how to Dougie...”) C’mon, you know you liked it too!
To me Bruno was one of the best artists of 2011 because he didn’t sound like everyone else. He created a distinctive nostalgic style that made him one of the coolest artists to work with.
I’m not the only one that thinks he can do no wrong. At the 2011 MTV VMA Awards he was asked to pay tribute to Amy Winehouse by performing her song, Valerie. And of course, he did a great job.
Just like Adele, Bruno’s music captured the sound of Motown with lush orchestration and doo wop melodies. Even his look is a throwback to the 50s and 60s. Seriously, can anyone else can rock a pompadour quite like Bruno?
Honourable Mention- Nicki Minaj
I had to add Nicki Minaj to the mix. She may not be the best Emcee ever, but she gave us something we never thought we wanted with our rap: entertainment. What other rapper would wear multi-coloured wigs (BTW, I’m would soooooooooo love to rock any one of them!), crazyass get-ups and from time to time, would speak with a British accent? Um, Nicki would!
As side from her eccentric behaviour, her music took an introspective tone on some of her songs. In her hit single Moment 4 Life - f/ Drake, she was able to speak about her impending fame and embracing her popularity.
Nicki was definitely the golden girl in 2011 as her music stayed on the charts for the entire year. Hits like Super Bass, Your Love, Fly- f/ Rihanna ruled the airwaves and iTunes.
My fave thing about Nicki is how she injects her crazy persona throughout her music and videos. She’s one of the handful of people that can truly embrace different personalities in song without being committed. Thanks for the fun, Nicki!
Those are my picks for 2011. Who were your fave artists?
Michelle
One of my New Year’s resolutions was to eat healthy and lose weight. I’m proud to say that I am starting to exercise and I am slowly but surely learning how to eat better. I’m not obsessing over losing tons of weight, but I could stand to lose a couple (okay 20) pounds.
