Rihanna already showed that she could tackle new single Stay solo when she took it to SNL last year [Here]. But yesterday's Grammys saw the beauty shine some light on the album's duetting partner, Mikky Ekko, by bringing him along to perform at the industry's biggest award ceremony.
It was a somewhat muted showing- when compared to others on the night- with basic staging and simple lighting, but it was pitched perfectly, and sung beautifully. It was definitely an improvement on last year's
We Found Love/Princess Of China medley [Here], anyway!.
The tempo was stepped up on Rihanna's later return to the stage, where she joined Bruno Mars, Sting, and two of the Marley children for a tribute to their late father, Bob Marley. It was an odd one, what with it being clumsily tacked on to the end of a Bruno Mars and Sting mutual love in. But I guess they did this to show the influence that Marley's music has had on preceding generations (i.e. them).
Still, it was a good, if muddled, performance by all concerned, and as much as Bruno Mars annoys me, I can't help but LOVE Locked Out of Heaven and respect the energy he brings to his live showings. (I just had to put that out there....Feel much better for it!)
Thoughts?
No thanks. ;-D
ReplyDeleteDamn, you beat me to the punch! ;)
ReplyDeleteWell being nice about Rihanna (it kills me inside - believe me) she sounds strong in the top video and much better to which she usually delivers!
ReplyDeleteRegarding Mars, am I alone in thinking it sounds like she is shredding the shit outta his voice?
I've been stewing on it since early this morning. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI managed to fortunately avoid that solo performance but did listen to the Marley tribute. Vocally I have no criticism. But frankly...I don't care how her voice sounds...I just hate the sight of her.
ReplyDeleteYes, you said it how I wanted to but felt after my harshness of certain vocalists recently I should be more subtle, but yeh she does my tits in!
ReplyDeleteThe whole nonsense of her taking back her animal ex makes me detest her even more...
I'm not a big Rihanna fan. In fact I usually change stations when I hear her. But this performance was HOT! They crushed it - including her.
ReplyDeleteI think she surprised a lot of people. Smart song choices.
ReplyDeleteLOL! If that imagery sticks, stuey, I will not be happy!!
ReplyDeleteTeeheehee it most definitely will not!
ReplyDeletehttp://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m599oi3G7X1r0orgpo1_500.gif
ReplyDeleteWell...happy to report I managed not to. Took all my willpower though.
ReplyDeleteRihanna needs to stop dancing/moving on stage, it's repulsive.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, I think she did well. I thought her delivery was a bit weird in "Stay". But you're right, she sang beautifully. Plus, I think it's a beautiful song.
I liked the Bob Marley tribute. I was digging the whole reggae thing, haha.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y239/blackkitten251/catty.gif
ReplyDeletehaha
For me, Bruno Mars is the male version of Alicia keys lol.
ReplyDeleteOpie, what's your opinion on Ms. Idiot Fenty reuniting with her abusive boyfriend?
ReplyDeleteI think that is a very foolish move by Chris. I'm sure he can do better. :-)
ReplyDeleteReally. I find him to deliver the goods. I enjoyed his performance at last year's Grammys enormously. One of the best of that evening.
ReplyDeleteOn a random note I just relized everybody Chris Brown fought won a grammy (frank ocean, Rihanna, drake) he should fight himself
ReplyDeleteLol THAT explains those undeserved Grammys. Was wondering already. Thanks William.
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard "Locked Out of Heaven"- the studio version no less- I could not believe it was the same voice on "Billionaire". It was so hoarse in comparison.
ReplyDeleteAnd really, I was comparing how they both have the same raspy tone.
Lol I didn't realize your comparison went to tone. I just immediately went to my biggest dissapointment factor regarding Alicia.
ReplyDeleteI don't really hear that similarity tbh.
Haha it took a lot of research but I finally found the source of the undeserbed grammys
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed his performance too, mostly because of Janelle though. Although I will say that he stretched the limit of his vocals last year.
ReplyDeleteDon't know about him stretching his vocal limits. Just thought he sounded good but mostly had a lot of energy. A worthy tribute to James Brown.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I went back and re-watched his performance. It was during the Micheal Jackson tribute that I thought he seemed to be straining his voice. It was still a good performance nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think we were thinking of different performances.
ReplyDeleteAnyway...I wasn't questioning your claim. I meant that I lack technical knowhow to judge whether someone is really straining. :-)
When you are learning how to play drums, you must always set goals for each practice session.http://www.stuartdrums.com/
ReplyDelete