Customer Reviews

2001 Grammy Pop Nominees

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This is a very good CD with a great variation of styles and good music. The best tracks (in my opinion) include Radiohead, U2, and Macy Gray. But the Grammy's did mess up royally in one aspect. The version of Eminem's "The Real Slim Shady" is the radio edited version. I don't understand how you can honor someone's music by garnering them with a nomination, and then proceed to censor the same honored music. Ridiculous, if you ask me.

I've been looking at the Grammy series for a few years but have never been able to bring myself to purchase one. They always seemed to be just a bit to short on interesting songs. I was browsing in the record store the other day though and happened to spot this one. There were several groups I had heard alot about but hadn't been able to hear (because commercial radio sucks!) so I thought I would buy this CD. So far I haven't been disappointed. The teen pop songs are catchy and while this style isn't my favorite, this album has the best of what's out there (or at least the most played). If you listen to alot of radio though you may be getting tired of these particular songs. I know "What a Girl Wants" is getting a little old. A few years from now though it will be nice to pull this CD out and listen to them again.

The more established (i.e. older) acts are just as good. I'm not what you would call a fan of Paul Simon but I love to hear his songs on the radio so it's nice to have one to play on a trip. Then there's "Beautiful Day" by U2, what can you say. It's a great song with wonderful vocals and guitar. I wasn't crazy about thr Radiohead song, I think they're a bit over-rated but again, if you're on a trip this song isn't bad to hear every once in awhile.

Thanks to this disc I finally figured out who sang the song "Breathless". I've heard it several times on the radio but DJs never mention who's singing a song so I had no idea it was the Corrs. I was disappointed that "The Real Slim Shady" was so heavily censored but I guess the uncut version would have excluded alot of 'N Sync and Britney fans, so commercially it makes sense.

Overall I think if you keep an open mind and want to expose yourself to some music you might not otherwise listen to this isn't a bad disc to start with. It's also a nifty little time capsule of music from the year 2001.

Should have called this "Best of Bubblegum 2001". Do we really need more Bye Bye Bye or What A Girl Wants? There are a few respectable tracks (Aimee Mann, U2, Beck, Joni Mitchell and Steely Dan) but where are Shelby Lynne, Bela Fleck, North Mississippi Allstars, Dolly Parton and Steve Earle? There were some great artists nominated that you DON'T hear on the radio 50 times a day. Would've been nice to give them some exposure.

With any compilation album, you are taking some risks. Much like the editor reviewed, the Grammy Nominees series is a bit classier than some other compilation albums.

You tend to get a slightly higher quality grouping of songs than those found on the NOW or Totally Hits series. This one is no exception. There's some good music here to appeal to a wide variety of people.

The only downside to this album, much like any compilation, is that you have to accept what someone else considers a "hit", deserving to be on the CD.

In my honest opinion, there are a couple of things that would really help compilation albums come out with a bit better quality.

1. Don't use radio edit or edited for content versions of songs. I realise this isn't exactly something considered "family friendly" with some artists, particularly someone like Eminem. Yet, to me, it shows a serious lack of respect for an artist to only releases edited versions of their music. You don't see people selling statues of David wearing pants, why do the same to music?

2. To be considered a true "hit", a song should make it to #1 on the Billboard charts at least once. It should also stay there for more than one week. I've seen a number of compilation albums of so-called "hits", that include songs that never broke the top 20 on Billboard. Just because a song gets a lot of airtime, doesn't necessarily mean it's a good song. Radio tends to seriously overplay a lot of music. That should never be used as a basis in judgeing a song to be a "hit" or a flop.

3. Don't try to appeal to every possible audience at once. Find one demographic and stick with it. True, some people like myself, enjoy a wide variety of music. However, your typical rap fan isn't going to be into teen pop. Just like your typical metal head isn't going to be into soft rock. Trying to include something for everyone tends to water down a compilation album. One general style or type of music should be the focus of any good compilation, and it should stay as true to that one type as possible throughout. Most compilation albums come far from that.

That being said, this is a good CD and one worth picking up. I lost interest in the NOW series after the 7th or 8th one released. I lost interest in the Totally Hits series after the 3rd or 4th one released. The Grammy Nominees series is one that I still see a lot of potential for. It's not perfect, but no compilation album ever will be.

"Grammy Nominees 2001" was the first Grammy compilation to really break out into diversity (even "1995" was kinda safe). Within seventeen(17) songs; we range from current popular music (Destiny's Child, Eminem), old favorites (Paul Simon, Madonna) and more "aquired tastes" (Beck, Radiohead). The album has a number of weak tracks; but it flows so well that we don't mind them that much. The album covers nominees for Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal.
(1) Destiny's Child "Say My Name" A. An especially tight R&B track with some inventive and intelligent content. Darkchild's production is very slick and the girls' have very mesmerizing voices. Every second of the song is flowing with a certain pulsating urgent ness, and it represents a huge comeback after the not-so-great "Bug-A-Boo". It's good to hear R&B from a more questioning side verses tragic side.
(2) Macy Gray "I Try" B-. This is a beautifully written song with heartfelt lyrics, made unsucessful by one factor: Macy's voice. Her voice is very weak and not very appealing, thus she detracts from the impact of her work. This song would be much better if someone else sung it.
(3) Madonna "Music" A. Collaborating with Will Orbit was THE best choice Madonna ever made. The beats provide an original and inventive flow for this compelling dance tune about dancing. In an age where dance has become somewhat generic, this is an inventive one with alot of techno influences.
(4) 'N Sync "Bye Bye Bye" A. It's easy to dismiss this as a meaningless pop song; but hey, those songs are often very fun. By keeping a short time length, this manages to be a catchy, refreshing and highly entertaining piece of work. It may not be too much; yet it is total sucess at what it wants to be.
(5) U2 "Beautiful Day" A. This marked U2's comeback after the less than brilliant "Pop" LP. Light, relaxed, touching, almost philosophical song that ranks up there with U2's best (and that's saying something). There's been alot of failed rock music in recent years; U2 come back and shows how it SHOULD be done.
(6) Beck "Sexx Laws" B+. I have no idea what this song is about and, in a way, don't care. As usual Beck has made a catchy, original and highly energized track. The horn arrangments alone are so inventive that they grab the ears' attention. So good to see an artist who does things his way.
(7) Eminem "The Real Slim Shady" A+. Here's an artist who always does his own thing and stands out from the crowd. This is a hands-down brilliant rap song with umapologetic, biting, hilarious lyrics that carry a bold message. There will never be another Eminem, and that's a relief. "The Real Slim Shady" is THE best song of 2000, and the still young millenium.
(8) Radiohead "Optimistic" B. Stands out from over half the music out there in originality, yet seems a little standard for Radiohead. It may feel as if the group is falling behind on their own formula. Not great Radiohead, but still captivating alernative rock with true heart.
(9) Paul Simon "You're The One" B+. Sometimes it's pathetic when old artists try to make new music, but this is a very good pop ballad. Paul Simon sounds just as good as ever and his lyrics are light and very heartfelt. A small little gem.
(10) Steely Dan "Cousin Dupree" C-. No matter how much craft has been put in this song, it still fails because of the content. The very thought of someone trying to make out with his cousin is just unappealing and wrong. Listener's don't want to hear this colassal miscalculation.
(11) Christina Aguilera "What A Girl Wants" B. A light, catchy pop tune that just isn't anything new. It may a little too soft, yet you can't really complain too much when the song so willing to please. An enjoyable listen, even if it's unnessacary.
(12) Aimee Mann "Save Me" A. This is a song for anyone who complains pop music has grown meaningless. A beautiful, deep and powerful song that pierces both the mind and heart. A great pop song, from a great movie ("Magnolia").
(13) Joni Mitchell "Both Sides Now" D. This may quite possibly be the weakest female voice I've ever heard. Her voice has no strength or conviction; feels as if she's just reading the lyrics of a sheet. Everything is also dragged out to the exetent that you'll start falling asleep.
(14) Britney Spears "Oops!...I Did It Again" D+. It may be lively, yet it has absolutley no substance. This isn't a song; it's promotional tool for Britney's image. Never entertaining at any point; the bridge towards the end reveals how laughable the entire thing is. What a mess.
(15) Backstreet Boys "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely" A-. Another example of the BSBs' mastery of the pop ballad. The song is touching. heartfelt and filled with beautiful images. Delivery is a very crucial part of any song; and this song has an graceful one.
(16) Barenaked Ladies "Pinch Me" B+. Lays back just like #5, this one is a bit more specific with content, very easing. It has the ability to bring forth memories and nostalgia; which is a hard feat to accomplish for any type of music.
(17) The Corrs "Breathless" A. A perfect pop tune. Its light, catchy, fun and completely enjoyable. A triumph on both the vocal AND insturmental levels. The song is destined to put a smile on your face and warm your heart with beautiful lyrics and beats.
Bottom Line: ***1/2. This truely is an album with something for EVERYONE. You won't find Paul Simon, 'N Sync and Eminem together on too many albums. I acctually wish that the album had more tracks on it; Marc Anthony, Sisqo, Faith Hill and Papa Roach were all contendors in top categories as well. This is a VERY diverse collection of music at the dawn of the new millenium.

I was hesitant to pick this up. If you have such a wide variety of songs such as Eminem, 'N Sync, Joni Mitchell and Radiohead, I thought I wouldn't be in the mood for all of them at the same time. It was actually worth my money! I do not like a few songs (Paul Simon and Steely Dan) but most are ente
rtaining. My personal fave, The Corrs with Breathless. If you like a variety of music, pick up this CD. It's a great listen even if many of the songs were overplayed. Also definately get the Latin & Rap Nominees CDs. They are also quite good!

Let's face it. 2000 was a dreadful year for music, too heavy on teen pop and rap and not enough good rock or R & B. This compilation displays that to some degree. I don't envy NARAS having to make these tough decisions. But some of them are very questionable. 1. Say My Name-The Grammys correctly awaded DC as emerging stars, and this is the best track off their "The Writing Is On The Wall" album. Expect DC to get a lot of nominations from their smash "Survivor" album in 2002. 2. I Try-A pretty good song, but not worthy of a "Record of the Year" nomination. 3. Music-Madonna just won't stop! This is wonderfully catchy and fun and a definite worthy nominee. 4. Bye Bye Bye-Say what you want about 'NSYNC, but this infectious tune, which was the #1 hit of 2000 from the #1 album of 2000, is fun in every way possible. 'NSYNC is the only teen pop act worthy of any Grammys and may get a few more nominations in 2002. 5. Beautiful Day-The most deserving Grammy nominees with this wonderful, cheerful tune. Earlier, I mistakenly questioned why "All That You Can't Leave Behind" wasn't nominated for "Album of the Year" for 2000, not realizing that only albums released BEFORE Oct. 30, 2000 qualify for the 2001 awards. So it now qualifys for the 2002's and it has now gotten 8 much-deserved nominations. 6. Sexx Laws-A weird choice for a song. Didn't hear much about the album, so it's a questionable nominee. 7. The Real Slim Shady-It's hilarious that this rap tune appears on the same compilation as the people Eminem bashes: Britney, Christina, and 'NSYNC. That makes this funny song even funnier. However, "The Marshall Mathers LP" is much too hateful to be considered an "Album of the Year" candidate. I've bought the album after all the publicity and listened to it several times, and I just didn't enjoy it (See my review). I know I'm in the minority with this opinion, but NARAS went for popularity with this choice. Eminem does have talent, but his "Slim Shady LP" was better than this, in my opinion. 8. Optomistic-Radiohead's "Kid A" is definitely worthy, but I wish they selected a better song for this CD. 9. "You're The One"-Is Paul Simon deserving? I don't know, since none of the songs on the album were played on the radio. 10. "Cousin Dupree"-Same problem with Steely Dan, no radio airplay. (The same problem may hit Bob Dylan in 2002) This song is a good hommage to their earlier days. I was relieved that "Two Against Nature" won, instead of "Marshall Mathers". 11. What a Girl Wants-Now we get to the biggest problem with the 2001 Grammys; too many teen pop nominees. Only 'NSYNC was deserving. This song was plain annoying. 12. Save Me-I didn't like this either. Whiny and annoying. 13. Both Sides Now-Although Joni Mitchell wrote this, I wasn't thrilled with the way she sang it. Judy Collins' old version was much better. 14. Oops...I did it Again-Pretty good Britney tune but not as good as "...Baby One More Time". She declares "I'm not that innocent", which should've been enough to declare that she's grown up. But Britney pushed the envelope way too far with the trashy "I'm a Slave 4 U". 15. "Show Me The Meaning..."-An okay BSB ballad, but not worthy of a nomination. Don't expect any more nominations for this fading boy band. 16. "Pinch Me"-Finally this fun, offbeat rock band is getting their just recognition in the U.S. after winning several Canadian "Juno"s. 17. "Breathless"-Again, okay but not Grammy-worthy. So too much teen pop, not enough rock, and a dreadful year for females weaken 2001. And Eminem's nomination sent a bad message. We should get much more rock (including U2), better R & B (especially Alicia Keys and Usher) and more female acts (Keys and Nelly Furtado) to highlight the 2002 nominations, as well as more positive, post 9/11 music. I'm looking forward to the 2002 awards.

The 2001 Grammy Nominees CD was very good. I liked most of the songs. Some of the best were Destiny's Child's "Say My Name" because of the cool lyrics and great background music, U2's "Beautiful Day" because I loved the lyrics and the music was also pretty good, and *NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" because I loved the beat and music both a lot. I also liked The Corrs' "Breathless" and Macy Gray's "I Try", and Backstreet Boys "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely" a lot. However, there were a few songs that I would have rather done without, such as Eminem's "The Real Slim Shady", who picked him for this CD? (or for a nomination, anyway?) I wasn't a big fan of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now", it was a little too slow for me and I didn't particularly like the lyrics either, and I didn't like Barenaked Ladies' "Pinch Me", I don't believe there is a real point to that song. I don't neccesarily like Beck's song either. But there is some really interesting stuff here, like Paul Simon and Steely Dan. Overall, this is a good CD. I recommend you buy it now.

I'm disappointed that this CD focuses so heavily on "bubble gum" music, while leaving out so many of the mainstream rock & alternative bands that were popular in the last year (Creed, 3 Doors Down, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, Stone Temple Pilots, Incubus, etc). So basically, if you like what you've been seeing on TRL or hearing on pop radio, chances are you'll like most of this CD. If not, there are still some other highlights on this compilation. U2's "Beautiful Day" won three Grammy's, and deservedly so, it's just a great song. Radiohead's "Optimistic" doesn't really fit in with all the boy bands and teen divas on here, but it's my favorite track on the album. Hopefully the people that bought this just for BSB, *NSync, Britney and Christina can also be open and appreciate Radiohead's unique style. I'm not a big fan of Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan or Paul Simon, but I suppose they deserved to be included since they were nominees in multiple categories. Besides, their songs add some much needed variety to the CD. And that's the whole idea of a collection like this right?

Well I was very disappointed with this cd. I figured since it was Grammy Nominees it would have some really good songs on it. It does but why did they have to seperate the rap and the latin music. i think that they needed to make a mix of all kinds of music not just one kind. I enjoyed some of the tracks but I wish they would have picked some of the artists better songs and not remixes of them. This cd gets an AVERAGE recommendation.