Each year the holy BBC puts together a list of their music predictions for the upcoming year. This list is based on a range of musical knowing people from critics, broadcasters, reviewers and other people with ears. Past results have suggested that the predictions are pretty spot on as Adele, Ellie Goulding and Keane are all previous winners (even if Jessie J did win it last year).
This year I can say that I am thoroughly impressed and pleased with the top three results this year; Azealia Banks, Frank Ocean and winner Michael Kiwanuka.
3. Azealia Banks
Azealia Banks blew up and she blew up with one song, 212. As soon as I heard the song I loved it and everything about. Rhyming obscenities whilst wearing a Mickey Mouse jumper is quite a way to get attention. Team that up with a great beat (that she stole from Lady Jay - Lady Jay was not happy about this), some chicken dancing and a whole lot of attitude and you've got a hell of a tune. With other songs, such as Liquorice and team up with the Scissor Sisters, she's proving that she is definitely not a one hit wonder. If she stays true to her roots, there could be one hell of an album here.
2. Frank Ocean
Now people have big first years, and then people have a year like Frank Ocean. His group, Odd Future, exploded onto the scene in a big old ball of hype and some individuals of the group, most notably Tyler The Creator and Frank Ocean showed the world their solo work. Not only did Frank have one of the most critically acclaimed albums, Nostalgia Ultra, of the year that he gave away for free, he featured on possibly one of the biggest albums of the year, Watch The Throne. You know, the one with Kanye West and Jay-Z. Yeah, that one. Imagine getting that call.
Despite this year, he still comes across as humble and intelligent, and this is reflected in his song writing. He, along with The Weeknd, made me like R&B. Yep. The guy not only writes great lyrics, but also produces great beats and puts together some amazing videos, namely in the form of Novacane and Swim Good. A serious, serious talent.
Michael Kiwanuka
The first time I heard Michael Kiwanuka was on Jools Holland and was instantly taken by his voice. Admittedly, I've listen to his less than the others but I still love his voice. It's smooth, soulful and he clearly knows his way around a guitar. Like Ocean, he comes across as humble and hardworking, and also like Ocean, he has received a phone call from Jay-Z. It looks like Hov still knows his talent. Not only from his say-so, but also from Michael's music you can tell that there is a variety of influences in, which makes it all the more interesting to listen to that a standard singer-songwriter. It should make the album a interesting and complete listen, can't wait.
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