Best Love Songs of 2019

Attention!!!

The decade ended with some inspiring yet extremely love-gushing records that are bound to be deemed as classics in the years to come. In the ever expanding genres of the industry, all artists with the certain exceptions of rap and rock have had their attempt at the production of a love song. This compilation takes a closer look at those tunes of love of yesteryear which made us cherish our loved ones and reminisce the endearing memories we have shared with them. 

1. Taylor Swift – Lover

It took Swift almost a decade to perfect another love song after Today was a Fairytale. However, this pop ballad is clearly the best love song of 2019 with perfect vocals and mushy lyrics. It is the title track off her latest album and is clearly the best production out of the record. It is one of those tunes that is gushing with love and is accompanied by a duet with Shawn Mendes as well as a First Dance Remix catered particularly for weddings. Her work was paid off as it received a Song of the Year nomination at the 2020 Grammys.

2. Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber – 10,000 Hours

In one of Bieber’s latest ventures other than marriage, we see the superstar collaborate with country duo Dan + Shay for one of the sappiest tracks of the year. The ballad proved to be extremely commercially and critically successful and is accompanied by a music video featuring the wives of the three vocalists.

3. Backstreet Boys – No place

The third release off the critically acclaimed ninth studio album of BSB is a refreshing and light pop track with a focus on loved ones and family. The boy band makes the production even more wholesome with a music video featuring their respective families.

4. Zayn & Zhavia Ward – A whole new world

We are all familiar with this track where the original from Aladdin by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle won the coveted Best Original Song at the 1993 Academy Awards as well as the Song of the Year at the 1994 Grammys. This Middle Eastern reworked production was well received by critics where Zayn and Zhavia’s vocals complemented each other perfectly to coincide with the ambience of the remake.

5. AJ Mitchell ft. Ava Max – Slow dance 

Two newcomers to the industry have attempted and succeeded in their endeavor to produce an awesome track with just the correct dose of romance. While Mitchell has not yet broke through into the mainstream, this collaboration is a clear stepping stone towards that direction. 

6. Tom Walker – Just you and I 

It is the rerelease of the full production of the track that was only available as an acoustic release in 2017. This slow love song was critically acclaimed and was one of the most successful singles in Europe of 2019. The record marks Walker’s second biggest hit in the mainstream.

7. Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – Señorita 

This sultry Latin pop duet marks the second time the duo has collaborated following I Know What You Did Last Summer in 2015. The record is the biggest hit in this compilation topping the charts in over 35 countries. The steamy track also sparked off a new found romance between Mendes and Cabello.

8. Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber – I don’t care 

This up tempo dancehall-influenced duet served as the lead single off Sheeran’s surprise studio album, No.6 Collaborations Project. This sprightly tune was one of the biggest hits last year and is accompanied by a less than appealing video where the two artists “have fun” in front of the green screen at the viewer’s expense.

9. Westlife – Hello my love 

Of course Westlife’s much anticipated comeback must be a love song. The pop-EDM track was the lead single off the band’s eleventh album, Spectrum, which sees the beloved boy band do what they do best, sing about love.

10. Jonas Brothers – Sucker 

Clearly there is a pattern for the comebacks of boy bands. Shedding their solo careers, the brothers ended their hiatus with their up tempo pop rock production. This edgy earworm dance anthem heralded the successful return of the Jonas Brothers which has led to a multiplatinum album and autobiography. The music video features the three alongside their significant others. 

Till the next ballad...

At Ease!!!

Xposition - February, 2019

Attention!!!

61^st Annual Grammy Awards

Childish Gambino was the big winner of the night where he won Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Music Video and Best Rap/Sung Performance for his hit This is America. It was a historical moment for Rap as This is America was the first from the genre to win Record of the Year. Kacey Musgraves was also a big winner as she won Album of the Year and Best Country Album for Golden Hour, Best Country Song for Space Cowboy and Best Country Solo Performance for Butterflies. The coveted Best New Artist award went to Dua Lipa who also won Best Dance Recording alongside Silk City (Mark Ronson & Diplo).

Camila Cabello opened the ceremony with her hit Havana which was then joined by Ricky Martin and J Balvin to perform their hits Pégate and Mi Gente. Post Malone was joined on stage by rock legends Red Hot Chili Peppers to perform a medley of Stay, Rockstar and Dark Necessities. Curtains closed on the show with Fantasia, Andra Day and Yolanda Adams paying tribute to Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin with a performance of (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. Jennifer Lopez, Smokey Robinson and Ne-Yo celebrated the 60^th anniversary of Motown Records with a medley of the greatest hits released under the label such as ABC, Do You Love Me, Please Mr. Postman and Dancing in the Street. Other notable winners were:

·         Best Pop Vocal Album: Ariana Grande – Sweetener

·         Best Rock Album: Greta Van Fleet – From the Fires

·         Best Rap Album: Cardi B – Invasion of Privacy

·         Best Rap Song: Drake – God’s Plan

·         Best R&B Song: Ella Mai – Boo’d Up

·         Best Pop Solo Performance: Lady Gaga – Joanne (Where do you think you’re goin’?)

·         Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media – The Greatest Showman

·      Best Song Written for Visual Media: Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – Shallow (A Star is Born)

2019 BRIT Awards

The 1975 and Calvin Harris were the big winners of British music’s most prestigious night. The curtains opened with a performance of The Greatest Show by Hugh Jackman from The Greatest Showman soundtrack. Calvin Harris who performed a medley of his hits Giant, Promises and One Kiss took home Producer of the Year and Single of the Year for One Kiss (with Dua Lipa). The 1975 won British Group and Album of the Year for A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships. Little Mix who performed their latest hit Woman Like Me assisted by Ms Banks won Video of the Year. The other winners were:

·         British Male Solo Artist – George Ezra

·         British Female Solo Artist – Jorja Smith

·         British Breakthrough Act – Tom Walker

·         International Male Solo Artist – Drake

·         International Female Solo Artist – Ariana Grande

·         International Group – The Carters

·         Global Success Award – Ed Sheeran

91^st Academy Awards

Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody won big at the Oscars with 4 wins including Best Actor for Rami Malek for his portrayal of the band’s lead vocalist, Freddie Mercury along with Best Film Editing, Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing. The coveted Best Original Song went to Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt for Shallow from A Star is Born. Ludwig Göransson took home Best Original Score for Black Panther.

2019 Billboard Latin Music Awards Nominations

In a historic feat Ozuna has scored a record 23 nominations across 15 categories including Artist of the Year and two nods each in the Hot Latin Song of the Year for Taki Taki and Te Bote and Top Latin Album of the Year for Aura and Odisea. Far behind him with 13 nods each are J Balvin and Nicky Jam followed by Bad Bunny with 12 nominations. The awards, which honor top performers in Latin music cover 34 categories and will be held on 25 April 2019 in Las Vegas.

Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show

This year’s show was marred by controversy even before it began. Pink and Rihanna allegedly declined to headline the show which left the organizers with the safe pick of Maroon 5 with guest stars Travis Scott and Big Boi. Cardi B announced that she turned down an opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl LIII alongside Maroon 5. Her reason for doing so is in support of ex-NFL player Colin Kaepernick who knelt during the national anthem in 2016 to raise awareness to police brutality, racial inequality and other social issues.

Maroon 5’s lackluster performance was attributed to them performing their commercially successful hits such as Sugar and Moves Like Jagger in place of fan favorites such as One More Night, Payphone and Animals. Lead vocalist Adam Levine received backlash over taking his shirt off during the last portion, as the same was compared to how Janet Jackson’s career took a downfall due to her wardrobe mishap in 2004, just because she was a woman.

Pink receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Pink was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame where her husband Carey Hart and two children joined for the special occasion. Soon after the event, she announced that she will be releasing a new single titled Walk Me Home this month, followed by a studio album, Hurts 2B Human in April. The BRIT Awards also announced that she would receive the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award this year, making her the first non-British artist to receive the prize.

R.Kelly jailed for sexual abuse

R&B superstar R.Kelly was arrested on 10 charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Kelly turned himself in to the Chicago police on the day the charges were announced. Bail was set at USD 1 million by the judge who also ordered Kelly not to have any contact with a minor or an alleged victim.

Celine Dion biopic in the works

French studio Gaumont announced the production of “The Power of Love”, a biopic based on the life of pop superstar Celine Dion to be released in 2020. Valerie Lemercier will direct the primarily French film and star as the Canadian singer.

James Ingram passes away at the age of 66

Two time Grammy winner and Oscar nominee James Ingram passed away at the age of 66 from brain cancer. Ingram was a critically acclaimed R&B singer and songwriter scoring hits such as Baby Come to Me (with Patti Austin), Somewhere Out There (with Linda Ronstadt), I Don't Have the Heart and Yah Mo Be There (with Michael McDonald).

6ix9ine pleads guilty to nine crimes
The Brooklyn rapper pleaded guilty to nine crimes including helping the Nine Trey Blood Gang of which he was a member to kill a rival gang member. By cooperating with the prosecution, the 23-year old will gain some leniency during sentencing, which is scheduled for 23 January 2020. Till then he will remain in an undisclosed federal prison for safety reasons.

21 Savage released on bond by US Immigration

UK born rapper 21 Savage (real name Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph) was released on bond by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after nine days in detention for violation of US immigration laws. He was charged with overstaying in the country since his visa expired in the US. His expedited deportation hearing is scheduled for 11 April 2019. He was scheduled to perform at the recently held Grammy Awards where his Post Malone collaboration Rockstar was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Performance. 

Michael Jackson Estate sues HBO over Documentary 

Optimum Productions and the co-executors of Jackson’s estate are suing HBO and parent company, Time Warner over the upcoming documentary Leaving Neverland, which alleges sexual abuse on the part of the King of Pop. The MJ estate is relying on a non-disparagement provision in a 1992 agreement between Jackson and HBO and the lawsuit if won by the estate could exceed USD 100 million in damages.

UN issues Guidelines for Audio Devices

The World Health Organization and International Telecommunications Union have presented new standards for the manufacture and use of personal audio devices. The agencies state half of all people aged 12-35 or 1.1 billion people are at risk of hearing loss due to prolonged and exposure to loud sounds. The recommendations say the devices should include software to track exposure to sound and methods to limit volume.

Chart News

In the US, Ariana Grande’s brand new single 7 Rings debuted atop the charts during the first week and kept its throne for the remainder of the month. During the month Grande released another single Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored, the third single off her latest album, interpolating NSYNC’s It Makes Me Ill, which debuted at No.2 just missing the top spot because of her own hit. With this hit she equaled a record set by The Beatles in 1964 to occupy the top 3 spots (with Thank U, Next at No.3) on the chart and the first solo artist to do so.     

In the UK, Grande continued her reign with 7 Rings for the first two weeks of the month. In the third week she replaced herself at the top with Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored, and became the first female artist in UK history to replace herself at No.1. She then once again replaced herself at the top, with 7 Rings returning to the top in the fourth week. During the month, Mabel’s Don’t Call Me Up, Billie Ellish’s Bury a Friend and Lewis Capaldi’s Someone You Loved, all entered the top 10 during the month.

Hot New Picks of the Month

1.       Galantis ft. OneRepublic – Bones

2.       Little Mix ft. Ty Dolla $ign – Think about us

3.       Yungblud & Halsey ft. Travis Barker – 11 minutes

4.       Khalid & Kane Brown – Saturday nights

5.       Julia Michaels ft. Selena Gomez – Anxiety

6.       Daddy Yankee ft. Snow – Con calma 

7.       Troye Sivan & Lauv – I’m so tired

8.       Ally Brooke – Low key

9.       Zedd & Katy Perry – 365

10.  J. Cole – Middle Child 

Till the next beat...

At Ease!!!

Best Love Songs of 2018

Attention!!!

Happy Valentine's Day Recruits!

Some say that music is the doorway to your heart. Corny as it may sound, music, irrespective of genre can unleash emotions that one may not be even aware of. Valentine’s Day is a commercialized season for the flower vendors and gift services to make a buck. Love songs are now part and parcel of this as whatever said and done, love and music have always been intertwined. Since Valentine’s Day is here, as a staple compilation on this blog, it is time to look at the best love songs of yesteryear.  

Calum Scott & Leona Lewis’ You are the Reason takes the crown as the best love song of 2018 followed by James Arthur & Anne-Marie’s cover of Zach Efron & Zendaya’s Rewrite the Stars from The Greatest Showman. At third place is global smasher Meant To Be which was the biggest Country hit of 2018. There are many songs off soundtracks for instance Fifty Shades Freed, The Nutcracker, Aquaman and Hotel Transylvania 3. It is quite conspicuous that most entries on the list are duets. In terms of genre traditional Pop takes the mantle with EDM, Country and R&B also having a few entries. Dua Lipa and James Arthur are the only two artists with 2 entries each, that too the second being on a featured credit. So here are the top 30 love songs of 2018. 

1. Calum Scott & Leona Lewis – You are the reason
2. James Arthur & Anne-Marie – Rewrite the stars
3. Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line – Meant to be
4. Rita Ora & Liam Payne – For you
5. Dan + Shay – Speechless
6. Lukas Graham – Love someone
7. Bazzi ft. Camila Cabello – Beautiful
8. Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B – Girls like you
9. Khalid & Normani – Love lies
10. Zayn – Let me
11. Michelle Williams – Tightrope
12. Dalton Harris ft. James Arthur – The power of love
13. Skylar Grey – Everything I need
14. Phantoms ft. Vanessa Hudgens – Lay with me
15. Anne-Marie – 2002
16. Andrea Bocelli & Matteo Bocelli – Fall on me
17. Hailee Steinfeld & BloodPop – Capital letters
18. Ella Mai – Boo’d up
19. MAGIC! – Kiss me
20. Kylie Minogue – Stop me from falling
21. Silk City & Dua Lipa – Electricity
22. Troye Sivan ft. Ariana Grande – Dance to this
23. Kygo & Imagine Dragons – Born to be yours
24. George Ezra – Paradise
25. Kane Brown – Lose it
26. Craig David ft. Yxng Bane – Magic
27. Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa – One kiss
28. XXXTentacion & Lil Pump ft. Maluma & Swae Lee – Arms around you
29. Jonas Blue ft. Joe Jonas – I see love
30. Why Don’t We – Hooked 

Till the next sonata...

At Ease!!!

Greatest Hits of 2018

Attention!!!

Whether it was God's plan or Drake's plan, we will never know. But the year belonged to Champagne Papi. Alongside Post Malone and Cardi B, Drake revamped the landscape of Rap, R&B and Hip-Hop. The genre grew in leaps and bounds under the guidance of the trio, particularly Cardi B, as she spearheaded the campaign of Rap and Hip-Hop into Pop, Latin Pop and even EDM. Fusion was indeed the order of the day, with mega collaborations being tested left, right and center. 

Pop music which took a backseat in the first half of the year, returned with gusto with Ariana Grande leading the pack. EDM was also prominent throughout the year with memorable tracks produced by Marshmello, Zedd and Calvin Harris. However, it was quite conspicuous during the year that the newer artists have restrained themselves from adhering to a pure genre which is the reason for their vast popularity. Movie soundtracks also played a greater role in the charts this year with A Star is Born, Black Panther and The Greatest Showman experiencing monumental success. 

Drake's global chart topper, God's Plan takes the crown in this year's list with Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa's mammoth hit One Kiss taking second place. In terms of genre, Hip-Hop and Pop is dominant in this compilation. Ariana Grande, Cardi B, Post Malone, Dua Lipa and Drake leads with 3 entries each followed by Marshmello, Ed Sheeran, Calvin Harris, Camila Cabello, Halsey, Kendrick Lamar and Anne-Marie with 2 entries each. The list this year was compiled based on worldwide charts mainly considering the US and UK charts but also giving weight to the success achieved in the European markets as well as Canada and Oceania. So here are the top 50 songs of 2018:

1. Drake – God’s plan
2. Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa – One kiss
3. Post Malone ft. Ty Dolla $ign – Psycho
4. Cardi B, J Balvin & Bad Bunny – I like it
5. Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B – Girls like you
6. Drake – In my feelings
7. Ariana Grande – No tears left to cry
8. Post Malone – Better now
9. Clean Bandit ft. Demi Lovato – Solo
10. Drake – Nice for what
11. Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey – The middle
12. Marshmello & Anne-Marie – FRIENDS
13. Ariana Grande – thank u, next
14. Bebe Rexha ft. Florida Georgia Line – Meant to be
15. Rudimental ft. Jess Glynne, Macklemore & Dan Caplen – These days
16. Ed Sheeran – Perfect
17. Benny Blanco, Halsey & Khalid – Eastside
18. Post Malone ft. 21 Savage – Rockstar
19. Kendrick Lamar & SZA – All the stars
20. Camila Cabello – Never be the same
21. Taylor Swift – Delicate
22. Eminem ft. Ed Sheeran – River
23. Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – Havana
24. Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B – Finesse
25. 5 Seconds of Summer – Youngblood 
26. Juice Wrld – Lucid dreams
27. Childish Gambino – This is America
28. Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – Shallow
29. DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo & Chance the Rapper – No brainer
30. Calvin Harris & Sam Smith – Promises
31. XXXTentacion – Sad!
32. Lil Dicky ft. Chris Brown – Freaky Friday
33. George Ezra – Shotgun
34. Selena Gomez – Back to you
35. Travis Scott – Sicko mode
36. Halsey – Without me
37. Dua Lipa – IDGAF
38. The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar – Pray for me
39. 6ix9ine ft. Nicki Minaj & Murda Beatz – Fefe
40. Marshmello & Bastille – Happier
41. Ariana Grande – God is a woman
42. Justin Timberlake ft. Chris Stapleton – Say something
43. Anne-Marie – 2002
44. Dua Lipa – New rules
45. Tyga ft. Offset – Taste
46. Keala Settle – This is me
47. Khalid & Normani – Love lies
48. Panic! At the Disco – High hopes
49. Jonas Blue ft. Jack & Jack – Rise
50. Ella Mai – Boo’d up  

Till the next ensemble...

At Ease!!!

2018 Recap: A Year in Music

Attention!!!

Ladies and gents, this is the moment you've waited for. It’s time to say goodbye to 2018. If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, and no tears will be left to cry for the past year. It’s a no brainer that it was a fantastic year for music. According to God’s plan all the stars aligned for Rap & Hip-Hop, as if I’m taken back to 2002. I like it how the Spanglish resurgence incorporated Rap and EDM into its fold. I've told you one, two, three, four, five, six thousand times that the recap is always under seven segments: genres, albums, singles, milestones, shockers, talent and obituaries. While we will never be the same after 2018, we have high hopes for 2019; thank u, next:

1.  Genres

The most conspicuous changes in the mainstream genres were:

• Continuing their reign from last year Rap and Hip-Hop ruled the first half of the year with Cloud Rap being the main subgenre on the charts.
• Pop which took a backseat to the new trends in fusion music resurfaced in the latter half of the year.
• The next phase of the Latin resurgence was the fusion of the genre with EDM and Rap with some hits and a few epic fails.
• Mega collaborations was the order of the day be it any genre.
• K-Pop conquered the world with BTS and BLACKPINK leading the fray.
• The age of Hard Rock and Metal is definitely over with the few hits from the genre being produced only by mainstream artists.
• Country music had a big year with the genre doing well on the charts particularly due to crossover artists.  
• It was a great year for movie musicals with their soundtracks performing extremely well. 

2. Albums

Some of the best albums released in 2018 were:

• Migos – Culture II (3rd studio album)
• Justin Timberlake – Man of the Woods (5th studio album)
• George Ezra – Staying at Tamara’s (2nd studio album)
• Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour (4th studio album)
• CNCO – CNCO (2nd studio album)
• Kylie Minogue – Golden (14th studio album)
• Charlie Puth – Voicenotes (2nd studio album)
• Maluma – F.A.M.E. (3rd studio album)
• Shawn Mendes – Shawn Mendes (3rd studio album)
• J Balvin – Vibras (5th studio album)
• Marshmello – Joytime II (2nd studio album)
• Panic! At the Disco – Pray for the Wicked (6th studio album)
• Ariana Grande – Sweetener (4th studio album)
• Post Malone – Beerbongs & Bentleys (2nd studio album)
• Lily Allen – No Shame (4th studio album)
• Jess Glynne – Always in Between (2nd studio album)
• Christina Aguilera – Liberation (8th studio album)
• Drake – Scorpion (5th studio album)
• 5 Seconds of Summer – Youngblood (3rd studio album)
• Eminem – Kamikaze (10th studio album)
• BTS – Love Yourself: Tear (3rd Korean studio album)
• XXXTentacion – ? (2nd studio album)
• Nicki Minaj – Queen (4th studio album)
• Clean Bandit – What is Love? (2nd studio album)
• Rita Ora – Phoenix (2nd studio album)
• Little Mix – LM5 (5th studio album) 

Most of the anticipated albums in 2018 were debut studio albums:

• Camila Cabello – Camila 
• Sigala – Brighter Days
• Bebe Rexha – Expectations
• Alan Walker – Different World
• Cardi B – Invasion of Privacy
• Anne-Marie – Speak Your Mind
• Calum Scott – Only Human
• Jorja Smith – Lost & Found
• Mike Shinoda – Post Traumatic 

3. Singles

• Drake’s God’s Plan topped the charts in 14 countries and entered the top ten in 9 others and ended the year as the most successful single of the year.
• Camila Cabello who left the girl band Fifth Harmony in 2016 achieved monumental global fame with her summer smash hit Havana featuring Young Thug.
• Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B’s Girls Like You was the most watched music video of 2018 with over 1.5 billion views. Due to this being her third chart topper, Cardi B extended her record in the US for most number ones by a female rapper.
• BTS’ Fake Love became the highest charting K-Pop single by a group in the US while BLACKPINK became the highest charting K-Pop female act with Ddu Du Ddu Du.
• Ariana Grande revisited the noughties in her Thank U, Next video which became her most successful hit to date and broke the record for most-watched video on YouTube within 24 hours by achieving 55.4 million views passing BTS’ Idol.
• With the success of Drake’s In My Feelings boosted by the Kiki Challenge, biggest viral sensation on social media made the artist the rapper with the most number ones in the US.
• Little Mix left Simon Cowell’s record label Syco Music over creative differences particularly their hit Woman Like Me featuring Nicki Minaj.
• Lady Gaga returned to the top of the charts with Shallow a duet with Bradley Cooper from the soundtrack of their box office hit movie musical A Star is Born.
• Lauryn Hill’s 1998-hit Ex-Factor was sampled by Drake and Cardi B in their hits Nice for What and Be Careful respectively. 
• Panic! At the Disco scored their biggest hit to date with High Hopes surpassing the success of I Write Sins Not Tragedies way back in 2006.
• Dad blogger LadBaby claimed the coveted Christmas No.1 with his cover of Starship's We Built This City beating stiff competition from Ariana Grande's Thank U, Next and Ava Max's Sweet But Psycho. 
• Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas is You became the first Christmas song in 60 years to enter the top 5 in the US reaching a peak of No.3. 
• Pinkfong's Baby Shark became a viral hit with over 2 billion views on YouTube and several artists such as BLACKPINK and Girls Generation covering the song and parodies being done on talk shows such as Ellen Degeneres and James Corden and a performance at the X Factor final. 
• Drake's In My Feelings was the biggest viral sensation of the year with the Kiki Challenge being performed around the world and with its success, Drake became the rapper with the most number one hits in the US. 

4. Milestones

• Bruno Mars took home the big 3 at the Grammy Awards with Record of the Year for 24K Magic, Album of the Year for 24K Magic and Song of the Year for That’s What I Like
• Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez won Best Original Song at the Academy Awards for Remember Me from Coco
• US President Donald Trump awarded the late Elvis Presley, the Presidential Medal of Freedom
• Martin Garrix took the No.1 spot on the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs for 2018
• Ariana Grande was named Billboard Woman of the Year
• BTS became the youngest recipients of the Order of Cultural Merit from the South Korean government.
• Jess Glynne broke Cheryl Cole’s record for most number ones by a British female artist in the UK with 7 chart toppers.
• Billboard Hot 100 celebrated its 60th anniversary in August.
• Jennifer Lopez received the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards
• Justin Timberlake performed at the Super Bowl LII Halftime Show
• Daddy Yankee was awarded the Icon Award for his contribution to Latin Music and Maluma was awarded the Extraordinary Evolution Award at the Latin American Music Awards
• Janet Jackson received the Icon Awards at the MTV Europe Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards and Radio Disney Music Awards
• Wolf Alice’s Visions of a Life won the coveted Mercury Prize
• Dame Kiri Te Kanawa was awarded the Member of the Order of Companions of Honour in the Queen’s 2019 Birthday Honours
• Kelly Clarkson was honored with the Icon Award at the Radio Disney Music Awards
• Mary Poppins Returns, the sequel to Walt Disney’s beloved musical-fantasy film was released after a lapse of 54 years starring Emily Blunt in the titular role.
• Cher, Reba McEntire, Philip Glass and Wayne Shorter were the honorees at the Kennedy Center Honors. 
• Taylor Swift became the most awarded female winner in American Music Awards history with a total of 23 awards, breaking the record held by Whitney Houston.

5. Shockers

• Spice Girls excluding Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) announced their much anticipated return with the Spice World 2019 Tour with 13 shows.
• Boyzone released their seventh and final album Thank You & Goodnight marking their 25th anniversary and a farewell tour with the same name.
• Tulisa won the legal battle against Will.I.Am and Britney Spears for Scream & Shout ensuring a songwriting credit.
• The remaining members of Fifth Harmony declared a hiatus to pursue solo endeavors.
• The final judgment was delivered in favour of the Marvin Gaye estate in the Blurred Lines copyright suit against Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams.
• Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso confirmed that Swedish House Mafia have reunited and will tour and release new music in 2019.
• The rap beef between Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly reached a climax with Not Alike released by Eminem with a response by MGK with Rap Devil and the final cannon shot at MGK by Eminem with Killshot.
• In her new memoir, Brutally Honest, Spice Girl Mel B revealed that just before the X Factor UK final in 2014 where she was a judge she had taken 200 aspirin pills in an attempt to end her life due to her difficult marriage to Stephen Belafonte.
• 6ix9ine was arrested by US police for racketeering and conspiracy murder charges and if found guilty, the rapper may face 32 years to life in prison.
• In the Woolsey Fires that burned through California several artists’ homes including that of Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke and Lil Pump were burned to the ground.

6. Talent

Here are the winners of those talent/reality contests which produce some of the best artists:

• 63rd Eurovision Song Contest – Israel with Netta’s Toy
• The X Factor (15th Season) – Dalton Harris mentored by Louis Tomlinson  
• The Voice (14th Season) – Brynn Cartelli coached by Kelly Clarkson
• The Voice UK (7th Season) – Ruti Olajugbagbe coached by Sir Tom Jones
• The Voice (15th Season) – Chevel Shepherd coached by Kelly Clarkson
• The Four: Battle for Stardom (1st Season) – Evvie McKinney
• The Four: Battle for Stardom (2nd Season) – James Graham 

7. Obituaries

• Ray Thomas of The Moody Blues (29 December 1941 – 04 January 2018)
• Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries (06 September 1971 – 15 January 2018)
• Mark Salling of former Glee Cast (17 August 1982 – 30 January 2018)
• Dennis Edwards of The Temptations (03 February 1943 – 01 February 2018)
• Barbara Alston of The Crystals (29 December 1943 – 16 February 2018)
• Yvonne Staples of The Staple Singers (23 October 1937 – 10 April 2018)
• Avicii (08 September 1989 – 20 April 2018)
• XXXTentacion (23 January 1998 – 18 June 2018)
• Vinnie Paul of Pantera (11 March 1964 – 22 June 2018)
• Aretha Franklin (25 March 1942 – 16 August 2018)
• Ed King of Lynrd Skynyrd(14 September 1949 – 22 August 2018)
• Mac Miller (19 January 1992 – 07 September 2018)
• Marty Balin of Jefferson Airplane/Starship (30 January 1942 – 27 September 2018)
• Freddie Hart (21 December 1926 – 27 October 2018)
• Roy Clark (15 April 1933 – 15 November 2018)
• Devin Lima of LFO (18 March 18 1977 – 21 November 2018)

Till next year...

At Ease!!!

Xposition - November, 2018

Attention!!!

2018 MTV Europe Music Awards

The curtains closed on the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards with fantastic performances from Bebe Rexha, Panic! At the Disco and Nicki Minaj. Camila Cabello took home Best Artist as well as Best US Artist and Best Song and Best Video for Havana (ft. Young Thug). Cardi B was awarded Best New Artist while Janet Jackson was honored with the Global Icon Award. Some of the other winners were:

Best Pop Artist: Dua Lipa

Best Hip Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj

Best Rock Artist: 5 Seconds of Summer

Best Electronic Artist: Marshmello

Best Live Artist: Shawn Mendes

2018 Country Music Association Awards

The 2018 CMA Awards were held in November with Chris Stapleton snagging 3 wins out of five nominations including Male Vocalist of the Year and Single and Song of the Year for Broken Halos. However, the biggest accolade of the night – Entertainer of the Year was awarded to Keith Urban. The other winners were:

Female Vocalist of the Year: Carrie Underwood

Album of the Year: Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour

Music Video of the Year: Thomas Rhett – Marry me

New Artist of the Year: Luke Combs

2018 People’s Choice Awards

The people have voted and the results are in. BTS was the big winner at the ceremony under Music where they were awarded Group of 2018 and the Song and Music Video of 2018 for Idol. Nicki Minaj was close behind with 2 wins for Female Artist of 2018 and Album of 2018 for Queen. The other winners were:

Male Artist of 2018: Shawn Mendes

Country Artist of 2018: Blake Shelton

Latin Artist of 2018: CNCO

Concert Tour of 2018: Taylor Swift – Reputation Stadium Tour

Spice Girls announce reunion

The Spice Girls have announced that they will reunite for a 2019 UK tour. This reunion is without founding member Victoria Beckham aka Posh Spice. The Viva 4 Ever tour will see the best-selling female group of all time perform at 6 stadiums. The last time all five reunited was for a one-off performance at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Ariana Grande is Billboard’s 2018 Woman of the Year

Ariana Grande was named Billboard’s 2018 Woman of the Year. The superstar has had 4 chart topping albums including her latest Sweetener which produced the hits No Tears Left to Cry and God is a Woman. She has raised awareness for mental health, LGBTQ rights and following the Manchester Arena bombing outside her concert last year, she organized the One Love Manchester benefit concert, which raised millions to aid victims and their families.

Woolsey Fire and One Love Malibu Festival

The deadliest wildfires in California (now known as Woolsey Fire) left more than 30 dead and nearly 300,000 were required to evacuate. Several artists’ homes including that of Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke and Lil Pump were burned to the ground and Lady Gaga, Cher and Melissa Etheridge were forced to evacuate from their residences. The One Love Malibu Festival was held to raise funds to assist the victims and rebuild the community. Katy Perry, Chris Martin, Gwen Stefani and Macy Grey are some of the big names who took the stage.

Katy Perry is 2018’s Highest Paid Woman in Music

With earnings over USD 84 million, Katy Perry tops Forbes’ 2018 list of the highest paid women in music. Her massive income is due to her successful Witness Tour and also the staggering fees received for her judging role on American Idol. Close behind her at second place is Taylor Swift while Beyonce, Pink and Lady Gaga complete the top 5.

Bohemian Rhapsody waltzes to the top of the box-office

Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody premiered worldwide and soared to the top of the box-office. Rami Malek stars as Freddie Mercury, the lead vocalist of the British rock band. Adam Lambert, who is on tour with the real Queen as its frontman for the past 6 years also makes a cameo in the film.

Netflix announces Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings

Netflix has announced it is releasing a series featuring the music career of Dolly Parton titled Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings. The anthology series will consist of 8 episodes each based on one of Parton’s songs. Professional dancer and actress Julianne Hough is set to star as Jolene inspired by the hit of the same name.

Chris Cornell’s Family sues doctor

Chris Cornell’s widow and children are suing the doctor who treated the lead vocalist of the rock band Soundgarden. The lawsuit filed against Dr. Robert Koblin alleges that he and his clinic “negligently and repeatedly” prescribed “dangerous mind-altering controlled substances to Cornell which impaired Cornell’s cognition, clouded his judgment, and caused him to engage in dangerous impulsive behaviors that he was unable to control, costing him his life.”

Late Elvis Presley bestowed with Presidential Medal of Freedom

US President Donald Trump has selected the late Elvis Presley to be the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian honour in the country. As an icon of American culture Presley has sold billions of records, won 3 Grammy Awards out of 13 nominations and starred in 31 films.

6ix9ine arrested on Racketeering Charges

6ix9ine was arrested last week by the US police for racketeering, firearms, assault with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy murder charges. The arrest was made after a five-year investigation into the Nine Trey Bloods street gang, of which 6ix9ine is a member. If found guilty, the rapper may face 32 years to life in prison. Due to his arrest his upcoming debut studio album Dummy Boy has been postponed indefinitely.

Jason Derulo joins the star studded cast of Cats Movie Musical    

Jason Derulo is the most recent artist to be added to the fold of the Hollywood adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s acclaimed Cats Musical, alongside Taylor Swift and Jennifer Hudson. The ensemble cast also features Idris Elba, Rebel Wilson, James Corden, Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen. 

Chart News 

Meanwhile in chart news in the US, Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B’s Girls Like You which retained its crown for the first two weeks was ousted by Ariana Grande’s global hit Thank U, Next which is her first No.1 in the US. She held onto the peak position till the end of the month. During the month Post Malone & Swae Lee’s Sunflower from the soundtrack of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Panic! At the Disco’s High Hopes and Sheck Wes’ Mo Bamba all entered the top 10.  

In the UK, Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper’s Shallow from the soundtrack of A Star is Born began the month at the helm. However, like in the US Grande’s Thank U, Next replaced them at the top and remained for the rest of the month. During the month Kodak Black ft. Tyga & Offset’s Zeze, Halsey’s Without Me and Jess Glynne’s Thursday all entered the top 10.

Other songs which became popular during the month were:

1.       Black Eyed Peas ft. CL – Dopeness

2.       Phantoms ft. Vanessa Hudgens – Lay with me

3.       Zara Larsson – Ruin my life

4.       Clean Bandit ft. Marina & Luis Fonsi – Baby

5.       David Guetta, Bebe Rexha & J Balvin – Say my name

6.       CNCO, Meghan Trainor & Sean Paul – Hey DJ

7.       Hailee Steinfeld – Back to life

8.       Backstreet Boys – Chances 

Till the next beat...

At Ease!!!

Xposition - October, 2018

Attention!!!

This October, Taylor Swift broke the record for most AMAs won by a woman at the 2018 American Music Awards. After a brilliant performance of her unreleased I Did Something Bad from her album Reputation she took home Artist of the Year, Tour of the Year, Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock and Favorite Album – Pop/Rock for Reputation. Camila Cabello matched Swift’s count taking New Artist of the Year and Video of the Year, Collaboration of the Year and Favorite Song – Pop/Rock for Havana featuring Young Thug. Other great performances of the night included Cardi B, J Balvin & Bad Bunny with I Like It, Camila Cabello with Consequences and Gladys Knight, Ledisi, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin and CeCe Winans with a tribute to Aretha Franklin. Some of the other significant wins were:

·         Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock: Post Malone

·         Favorite Duo or Group – Pop/Rock: Migos

·         Favorite Artist – Latin: Daddy Yankee

·         Favorite Artist – EDM: Marshmello

·         Favorite Social Artist: BTS

·         Favorite Soundtrack: Black Panther  

CNCO and Ozuna were the big winners at the 2018 Latin American Music Awards. CNCO took home Favorite Duo or Group, Favorite Pop Artist and Favorite Pop Album for CNCO while Ozuna was awarded the Album of the Year and Favorite Urban Album for Odisea and Favorite Urban Artist. Other major wins were:

·         Artist of the Year: Bad Bunny

·         New Artist of the Year: Sebastian Yatra

·         Song of the Year: Luis Fonsi & Demi Lovato - Échame La Culpa

·         Favorite Male Artist: Daddy Yankee

·         Favorite Female Artist: Becky G

·         Favorite Video: Anitta: Medicina

·         Icon Award: Daddy Yankee

·         Extraordinary Evolution Award: Maluma

Martin Garrix took the No.1 spot at the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs for 2018. In the annual poll Garrix is followed by Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Hardwell, Armin Van Buuren and David Guetta who complete the top 5. Avicii gets a posthumous ranking of No.15 as his fans made sure the beloved DJ was not forgotten.

In more EDM news, Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso have confirmed that Swedish House Mafia have reunited and will tour and release new music in 2019.  The trio split during the peak of their success in 2012 after their smash hit Don’t You Worry Child, and have been releasing music as solo artists.  

The year continues to witness the success of soundtrack albums, the latest is A Star is Born from the film of the same name starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. The album has already topped numerous charts with critics praising the musical styles, lyrics and Gaga’s vocals. Country music icon Willie Nelson’s son Lukas Nelson and artists such as Mark Ronson and Julia Michaels also contributed to the album. The album’s lead single Shallow performed by Gaga and Cooper is also climbing the charts worldwide.

Michael Bublé fans were in for a shock as the artist in an apparent “final interview” told the Daily Mail that he will be retiring from music. Since his tenth studio album Love is due in November, it appeared that the record would be his last. The news was not a surprise, as the industry knew that Bublé’s son, Noah was in recovery from liver cancer which caused him severe emotional trauma. However, since then his representatives have dismissed the claims and clarified that Bublé is “absolutely not retiring”.

Following the release of their newest single Woman Like Me featuring Nicki Minaj, Little Mix have announced that they have written a new song about the #MeToo anti-sexual harassment campaign. Moreover, they have announced that their fifth studio album titled LM5 will be out this November.

The Prince Estate has requested US President Donald Trump from playing the late rock star’s Purple Rain in his campaign rallies. Prince’s half-brother Omarr Baker has requested Trump and the White House to cease the use of the artist’s music immediately as no prior approval had been obtained.

Music lost two more legends from the industry in October. First Marty Balin, the lead vocalist and guitarist of Jefferson Airplane died at the age of 76 through unknown causes. Next, classic country singer Freddie Hart passed away at the age of 91 as result of pneumonia.

In chart news in the US, Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B’s Girls Like You which ended the reign of Drake continued at its helm for the entirety of the month. During the month Lil Wayne’s Mona Lisa, Bad Bunny ft. Drake’s Mia, Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper’s Shallow and Lil Baby & Gunna’s Drip Too Hard all entered the top 10.  

In the UK, Calvin Harris & Sam Smith’s Promises sustained its reign for the first two weeks of the month before being overthrown by Dave ft. Fredo’s Funky Friday. However, this was short lived as Promises regained its crown in the final week of the month. During the month Freya Ridings’ Lost Without You, Little Mix ft. Nicki Minaj’s Woman Like Me, Rita Ora’s Let You Love Me and Jess Glynne’s All I Am all entered the top 10.

Other songs which became popular during the month were:

1.       Eminem – Venom

2.       DJ Snake ft. Cardi B, Ozuna & Selena Gomez – Taki taki

3.       Sigala ft. Ella Eyre, Meghan Trainor & French Montana – Just got paid

4.       Jonas Blue, Liam Payne & Lennon Stella – Polaroid

5.       Jason Derulo & David Guetta ft. Willy William & Nicki Minaj – Goodbye

6.       Dean Lewis – Be alright

7.       Avril Lavigne – Head above water

8.       Charli XCX & Troye Sivan – 1999 

Till the next beat...

At Ease!!!

Xposition - August, 2018

Attention!!!

So many accolades were given this summer. The always anticipated MTV Video Music Awards were held with Cardi B leading the nominations with 12 nods out of which she won 3 including Best New Artist. Childish Gambino also won 3 awards Video with a Message, Best Choreography and Best Direction all for This is America. However, it was Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug who took home the coveted Video of the Year for Havana. The night included star studded performances including Nicki Minaj with a medley of her newest singles Majesty, Barbie Dreams, Ganja Burns and Fefe, Shawn Mendes with In My Blood, Ariana Grande with God is a Woman and Post Malone, 21 Savage and Aerosmith with a medley of Rockstar, Dream On and Toys in the Attic. However, the best performance of the night was from Jennifer Lopez, the recipient of the Video Vanguard Award, who performed a medley of her hits including Waiting for Tonight, On the Floor, Love Don’t Cost a Thing, All I Have and Dinero. Other significant wins of the night included:

·         Artist of the Year: Camila Cabello

·         Song of the Year: Post Malone ft. 21 Savage – Rockstar

·         Best Collaboration: Jennifer Lopez ft. Cardi B & DJ Khaled – Dinero

·         Best Pop: Ariana Grande – No tears left to cry

·         Best Dance: Avicii ft. Rita Ora – Lonely together

·         Song of the Summer: Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin – I like it

Next up we have the 2018 Teen Choice Awards where 5 Seconds of Summer was the clear leader with 3 wins including Choice Music Group, Choice Summer Group and Choice Song: Group for YoungBlood. In terms of performances Meghan Trainor performed a medley of her hits No Excuses and Let You Be Right, Lauv performed I Like Me Better and Bebe Rexha performed I’m a Mess. Other big winners include:

·         Choice Male Artist: Louis Tomlinson

·         Choice Female Artist: Camila Cabello

·         Choice Breakout Artist: Khalid

·         Choice International Artist: BTS

·         Choice Song: Male Artist: Ed Sheeran – Perfect

·         Choice Song: Female Artist: Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – Havana

·         Choice Collaboration: Zac Efron & Zendaya – Rewrite the stars

·         Choice Summer Song: Selena Gomez – Back to you

Finally we have the 2018 iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards where Shawn Mendes swept 4 awards out of whopping 8 nominations including Best Pop Artist or Group, Artist of the Year, Fan Fav Artist and Fan Fav Video for In My Blood. Mendes opened and closed the night as well with performances of Lost in Japan and In My Blood. Other noteworthy performances were Halsey with a medley of Sorry and Bad at Love, 5 Seconds of Summer with YoungBlood and Marshmello & Anne Marie with a medley of 2002 and Friends. Some of the other major victors were:

·         Video of the Year: Logic ft. Khalid & Alessia Cara – 1-800-273-8255

·         Best EDM/Dance Artist or Group: Marshmello

·         Best Director: Drake – God’s plan

·         Best Collaboration: Bebe Rexha ft. Florida Georgia Line – Meant to be

·         Song of the Summer: Loud Luxury ft. Brando – Body

·         Fan Fav Single: Selena Gomez & Marshmello – Wolves

  

The music industry suffered a massive blow in August as cancer took its latest victim, this time the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. Franklin passed away in her home in Detroit at the age of 76 after battling pancreatic cancer for a while. She is one of the best-selling artists of all time and is the recipient of 18 Grammy Awards. She held the record for the highest chart entries in the US till the 2010s and remains an icon and a legend for those succeeding her legacy. Her contribution to music and the industry as a whole is unmatched, and her achievements shall remain historic compared to the discrimination suffered by her gender and ethnicity during her heyday.   

In other news Sir Cliff Richard has announced a new album called Rise Up to be released in November. This will be Richard’s first new material in 14 years. Speaking of new material Culture Club has been re-branded as Boy George & Culture Club and they released a new song in nearly two decades called Let Somebody Love You. It appears you may have to wait a little bit longer for Ed Sheeran’s Minus (-) which will complete the set, as the pop star has expressed that the next record will not be a pop record but something experimental. Nevertheless, the fans may not have to wait as long as a big pop record as Sheeran has stated the new material may be out as early as next year.

Boyzone began their 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour and their first gig was in Sri Lanka where they paid tribute to their former band mate Stephen Gately as well as going on to perform their newest single Because live for the first time (catch a glimpse of the live debut on the Major Maestro FB page). Meanwhile, Alan Walker was announced to play live in Sri Lanka during the Asian Leg of his global tour.

In chart news first and foremost congratulations to the Billboard Hot 100 which celebrated their 60th anniversary since its launch on 04th August 1958 with Ricky Nelson’s Poor Little Fool as the first ever No.1. At present Drake’s reign in the US continued with In My Feelings throughout the month with no competition to its position whatsoever boosted by the Kiki Challenge going viral on social media. During the month 6ix9ine featuring Nicki Minaj & Murda Beatz’s Fefe, Tyga featuring Offset’s Taste, DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper & Quavo’s No Brainer and Travis Scott’s Sicko Mode all entered the top 10.  

In the UK too, Drake continued atop the charts with In My Feelings which was ended by George Ezra’s Shotgun in the fourth week of the month and continued its reign in the final week as well. During the month DJ Khaled’s No Brainer, Loud Luxury featuring Brando’s Body, Calvin Harris & Sam Smith’s Promises and Benny Blanco, Halsey & Khalid’s Eastside all entered the top 10.

Other songs which became popular during the month were:

1.       Jess Glynne – All I am

2.       Marshmello & Bastille – Happier  

3.       The Chainsmokers ft. Emily Warren – Side effects

4.       Martin Garrix ft. Bonn – High on life

5.       Meghan Trainor – All the ways

      6.    Bazzi ft. Camila Cabello – Beautiful

Till the next beat...

At Ease!!!