In keeping with her career-long tradition of socially conscious lyrics and unrelenting musical innovation, Beyoncé dropped her Pan-African anthem “Black Parade” on June 19 — aka Juneteenth, the African American holiday celebrating the date in 1865 when Texas slaves were informed of their emancipation. The iconic singer/songwriter then watched as her riotously rhythmic single became the unofficial theme song for a global Black activism movement. Co-produced by Beyoncé and trusted collaborator Derek Dixie, “Black Parade” adroitly juxtaposes soulful gospel choir harmonies, pulsating Afropop rhythms, and American trap beats against majestic horns that evoke a Black college brass band. Beyoncé’s formidable voice floats above the song’s sublime musical arrangement, effortlessly transitioning from mesmerizing rap passages to serpentine vocalizing reminiscent of West African apala music. The single captured four nominations, including Song Of The Year, Record Of The Year, Best R&B Song, and Best R&B Performance. With 24 GRAMMY wins to date, Beyoncé earned nine total nominations this year, making her the most-nominated female artist in GRAMMY history. — Bruce Britt
BLACK PUMAS Resplendent with blue skies, gray clouds and brown leaves, “Colors” by Black Pumas is a celebration of life’s multihued beauty, with a subtext of empowerment that glances back at the Black is beautiful aesthetic of the ’60s and ’70s. The throwback sound is also redolent of classic soul music from that same period. But there’s something in the immediacy of frontman Eric Burton’s gospel-inflected vocals and guitarist Adrian Quesada’s crisp yet warm production that makes this a song for our time. “Colors” is just one highlight from Black Pumas (Deluxe Edition), which adds 11 new tracks to the group’s self-titled 2019 debut album. With new originals, live versions of beloved songs, and inspired covers ranging from the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” to Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City,” the album showcases the duo’s masterful command of music’s broad, multicolored spectrum.— Alan di Perna
18 - 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards
PARKWOOD ENTERTAINMENT
RECORD OF THE YEAR
RECORD OF THE YEAR ALBUM OF THE YEAR
LYZE RENEE
BEYONCÉ
