This is a Reflector Community post. To pitch a post of your own, click here.

Normani is in a lane of her own in the world of pop music. The former Fifth Harmony singer continues to prove that she is ahead of her peers and is ready to become the next princess of pop. 

Since releasing her first solo single “Motivation” in August, accompanied by a music video that currently has 53 million views on Youtube, it was evident that Normani was meant for stardom. With only a handful of songs under her belt and no album, Normani has accumulated more than 1.3 billion streams on Spotify since starting her solo career. The Motivation singer also has two number one singles at pop radio, won a VMA this year for her song “Waves” with 6LACK and has gained praise from artists such as Beyonce, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj. 

Not long after Camila Cabello left Fifth Harmony to begin her solo career, the quintet turned quartet released one final album before announcing their plans for an indefinite hiatus to pursue solo careers in March of 2018. 

A month prior to the news of the band’s separation, Normani had released “Love Lies” with singer Khalid for the “Love, Simon” soundtrack. Debuting at number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song introduced the world to Normani as a solo artist.

“Love Lies” began to find success after the pair performed at the Billboard Music Awards in May. Normani captivated the stage the moment her silhouette first appeared, outshining her duet partner as she twirled across the stage, accompanied by two backup dancers. If the world didn’t know Normani was a star, they knew after that night. “Love Lies” went on to peak at number nine on Billboard and went number one at pop radio, making Normani and Khalid the first black artists to do so since Flo Rida’s “My House” in 2016. 

Finishing the year by releasing collaborations with the likes of Calvin Harris, Jessie Reyez and Quavo, each song highlighted Normani’s raspy vocals and adaptability to different genres of music. There is no point of putting Normani in a box when it comes to music style because she continues to prove herself as the ultimate music connoisseur. 

Before releasing her Top 40 hit “Motivation,” Normani joined forces with Sam Smith on the sultry track “Dancing With a Stranger.” Once again, Normani found herself at the top of the charts, peaking at number seven on Billboard, and number one at pop radio.

Thanks to the success of Love Lies, Dancing With a Stranger and now Motivation, Normani has not left the Billboard Hot 100 since debuting as a solo artist in 2018. This year also saw Normani open for Ariana Grande, who co-wrote Motivation, on her Sweetener World Tour. Every night, a new video of Normani seemed to go viral. From her Beyonce-esque dance breaks to her intimate Rihanna medley, all eyes were on Normani.

From the Sweetener World Tour to the VMA stage, Normani is bringing back what it means to be a pop star. Pop stars don’t dance anymore. Today, artists just sing at a mic stand with a pretty background behind them. If we’re lucky, they’ll walk across the stage and interact with the audience. The era of performers was seemingly dead until Normani stepped onto the scene. 

Taking inspiration from artists like Britney Spears, Janet Jackson and Jennifer Lopez, Normani has made award shows, and the music scene in general, interesting again. Normani is cementing herself as a pop culture breakout and a major force to be reckoned with. When it came to Fifth Harmony, the “Beyonce” of the group was believed to be Havana singer Camila Cabello, when it was, in fact, Normani all along. 

Whether you’ve followed Normani from her days on The X Factor with Fifth Harmony or recently discovered her as a solo artist, it is exciting to watch her gain success and watch her shine all by herself. She is an artist that the pop scene has desperately needed. Seeing an artist that looks like her make a name for herself in pop music is important not only for her, but also for other artists that look like her as well.

There aren’t many dark-skinned artists in pop, as black artists are often categorized as hip hop or RnB, no matter what their music sounds like. But Normani, along with artists like Lizzo and Lil Nas X, are breaking that barrier. 

Currently working on her debut album and expected to be released in 2020, Normani has already proved that she is already a chart topper and a hit maker. The sky’s the limit for Normani, as she continues to raise the raise the bar and set a new standard for what it means to be a pop star. As we enter a new decade, get ready to see a lot of Normani because she is here to stay, and she has a lot to offer.

This is a Reflector Community post. To pitch a post of your own, click here.

Taking the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for a record breaking 19 weeks, Lil Nas X’s country hit “Old Town Road” should be considered the song of the summer, right? Well, with its short time stamp and questionable lyrical integrity, that is certainly up for debate. Songs like Truth Hurts by Lizzo, originally released in 2017, could also take the coveted crown, along with fiery duet Senorita by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello. While all of these songs received major radio spins and streams over the summer, there are also some songs that didn’t get the same attention, or are just now gaining traction, that deserve a chance at song of the summer.

“Hot Girl Summer” by Megan Thee Stallion ft. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign

After filing to trademark the term “Hot Girl Summer” back in June, rapper Megan Thee Stallion enlisted Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign on the energetic track of the same name. The term “hot girl summer” went viral thanks to Houston born rapper. After a chance encounter on Instagram Live, Megan was able to get Minaj on the song that has since debuted at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Produced by super producer Juicy J and sampling the hit “Act Up” by City Girls, the trio successfully proclaim that it is, in fact, a hot girl summer. 

“Motivation” by Normani

 Before releasing her solo debut single, former Fifth Harmony member Normani has managed to score two number one singles on pop radio thanks to her collaborations “Love Lies” with Khalid and “Dancing with a Stranger” with Sam Smith. Last week, the singer released her fiery single “Motivation” accompanied by a dance-filled video. The song has since been listed as one of the best songs of 2019 by GQ Magazine, and the video has garnered praise from the likes of Bella Hadid, Kylie Jenner, Kelly Rowland and many more. Although “Motivation” was released at the end of summer, it seems to outshine most of the songs we’ve been jamming to all summer, making it worthy of the title.

“Doin Time” by Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey covering Sublime is probably one of the best things to happen in music this summer. Del Rey’s rendition of the sleeper hit almost makes you forget about the original as soon as you hear her sing “summertime, and the livin’s easy.” The cover was released back in May to coincide with the premiere of a documentary on the punk band, but Del Rey’s cover seemingly stole the show–and the summer.

“All The Time” by Zara Larsson

After releasing two lackluster singles earlier this year, Zara Larsson finally got it right with the pop perfection that is “All The Time.” The Swedish songstress seemingly channels her inner Daft Punk with this electronic banger as she reminisces about a past romance. Larsson, who is most known for her duet with MNEK “Never Forget You”, released the single back in June, and it deserves to be bigger than it is, as it is perfectly formulated to be a summer hit.

“Ritual” by Tiesto, Jonas Blue & Rita Ora

Although Rita Ora is a major pop star across the pond, she is criminally underrated in the United States. “Ritual,” a collaboration with DJs Tiesto and Jonas Blue, is yet another song by Ora that has been overlooked by the masses. This club banger sounds like a song that would be all over the radio if it had The Chainsmokers attached to it with Hailee Steinfeld vocals. The trio seemingly made the song specifically for the summer, but it did not get the recognition it deserves.

In the band’s fourth studio, Florence Welch and the gang reverted from their more abrasive, electric sound of their previous anthology. By reverting from the electric and more heavy-hitting style, listeners were able to once again fall in love with Welch’s raw vocal talent as well as commanding backup harmonies. Florence + the Machine perfectly compiled these ten works of art in an order and a flow that satisfies ears in a melodic fusion of beauty.

The leading track, “June,” opens the album with 10 second of silence, a sigh and then the strong chorus comes in almighty, with the haunting backup vocals keeping the beat and subtlety of the piece there. In her interview with Radio X, Welch described the chorus as a “maternal cry,” which is a dual description of the collective heartbreak and chaos surrounding June 2016.

The song that went mainstream off the album is “Hunger,” and its upbeat message for positivity to reach your goals. While it doesn’t fit with the tone of the rest of the album, the track does have the happiest sound on the album. It’s abrupt end flows seamlessly into the third track of the work, “South London Forever”, which is the throw-away song of the album. It’s boring and doesn’t showcase Welch’s vocal range or any powerful instruments. The violin chorus is a pleasant redeemer though.

Finally, we have “Big God.” So much symbolism, power and structure. This is one of the deepest songs they band has produced and the music video adds a whole other level of depth to the song. It starts of slow, but builds and builds until it hits it peak and has to recover.

“Sky Full of Song” comes in like a Chili’s Molten Chocolate Cake comes after the crispy honey-chipotle chicken crispers – perfectly. This track is the best on the album and is a majestic contrast to “Big God” and is such an incredible orchestra of sound. It begins with Florence belting her feelings and then she softens up to allow the harmonies to seep in slowly, but so surely. The song continues with a resounding chorus and fighting itself with beautiful contrasting pitches. A masterpiece.

And then “Grace” comes in and clears the palate with a slow, but still booming song. The chorus booms and the bridge resorts back to the calming melodies that the audience has grown accustomed to. It even drops an “f-bomb” for a little Florence flare.

The rest of the album is just a classic b-side to a Florence album with the exception to the next to last track, “The End of Love.” The song begins with a minute-long symphony and then comes in with a tragic soundtrack that perfectly encompasses what Florence + the Machine accomplished with this album.

High as Hope is an album that you can drive to, cry to, party to and just enjoy at any time of the day or night.

Many people can relate to Kesha’s fearless, bubbly take on relationships and having fun. Here are ten of Kesha’s songs that will take you back to some great times you’ve had.

1. Tik Tok

   via GIPHY

“It’s the first song I heard by Kesha. I just liked the beat. It’s very upbeat, and that’s the kind of music I like,” said Lauren Wilkins, a sophomore marketing major.

2. Grow A Pear

   via GIPHY

This is for all the people that are searching for someone who is both independent and fun to be around.

3. Take It Off

   via GIPHY

All of us have that one place where we can just be ourselves, and have a good time with friends.

4. Blah Blah Blah

   via GIPHY

“It brings back a lot of memories from whenever I was in middle school. I used to listen to that song all the time with my friends. We used to listen to it at middle school dances,” said Mallory Hein, a freshman pre-veterinary major.

5. Die Young

   via GIPHY

Make the most of your break from classes with this Kesha song that is all about living in the moment!

6. We R Who We R

   via GIPHY

“It’s very inspiring. You feel like you can be whoever you want to be,” said Alexis Williams, a fashion merchandising and history major.

7. Your Love Is My Drug

   via GIPHY

Kesha speaks to those who have been head-over-heels for another person with this song.

8. Kiss N Tell

   via GIPHY

“Kiss N Tell” offers a playful perspective on the consequences of revealing one’s relationship mistakes.

9. The Harold Song

   via GIPHY

This hidden jewel takes an honest look at heartbreak. The vivid lyrics and stripped-down nature of the song make it a worthy complement to Kesha’s more upbeat songs.

10. Blow

    via GIPHY

“Blow” is all about having a good time, no matter what. Here are too some crazy memories!

Feature photo courtesy of Vevo

Record of the Year

Jeff:

“Blank Space” – Taylor Swift

As much as I would like to think that anything is possible at this year’s award show, I have a feeling tonight is going to be the T-Swift show. This song is hilarious and the way she performs this tune is intoxicating. It makes us all channel our crazy-ex-lover and we can’t deny how much we love it.

Yasmeen:

“Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd

It hurts to put this in text, but I can’t deny how well this song was produced and presented. Overall, it rocked everyone’s socks off and showed that The Weeknd has come a long way since “Wicked Games” and he has the potential to make some upbeat music in addition to seductive R&B.

Album of the year

Jeff:

1989 – Taylor Swift

Again, I wish I wasn’t on the Taylor Swift train, but this album is stacked with supremely catchy songs and the writing on them isn’t that bad either. There’s decent variety in pop styles and the album is simply addicting.

Yasmeen:

Sound & Color – Alabama Shakes

I have this eerie feeling that despite how much Alabama Shakes DESERVES it, Taylor Swift might swoop in and grab this award as always. But anyways, Sound & Color literally defines a good album. Alabama Shakes is always changing the game and I dig that this album brought out every emotion in the book. With songs like Dunes, Future People, Gimme All Your Love, and Don’t Wanna Fight; the vibes were electrifying. The feels were contagious. THIS IS WHAT GOOD MUSIC SOUNDS LIKE.

Song of the Year

Jeff:

“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran

As grossly overplayed as this song was, it’s a beauty. Also, I think it has nice mass appeal without being overly robotic pop music.

Yasmeen:

“Blank Space” – Taylor Swift

When someone so intently devoted to not jumping on the Taylor Swift bandwagon falls victim to the catchiness of Swift’s hit song, it is obvious that it deserves an award. I hate to admit it, but this sassy song is an anthem for doing whatever the hell you want when it comes to lust and screwing people’s expectations and assumptions.

Best New Artist

Jeff:

Tori Kelly

We have all been sleeping on Tori Kelly for too damn long. Her VMA performance was ICONIC and her voice is stunning. I think she has the vocals and just enough following to earn it. No, Tori Kelly deserves it.

Yasmeen:

Courtney Barnett

It is about time the GRAMMYs acknowledge someone with a distinct sound that doesn’t contribute to the overrated pop genre that pleases people WAY too easily. Barnett’s dry, seemingly effortless vocals mixed with hints of blues in the music makes for several satisfying tracks. Her first album is refreshing amongst the shallowness of most new artists.

Best Pop Solo Performance

Jeff:

“Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd

If I had a dollar for every time I TTFU to this song in the car, I would be able to buy all of the tickets to The Weeknd’s next concert. It’s contagious. It’s fun. It’s everything your pregame could have ever wanted.

Yasmeen:

“Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd

I bet this song is being played by a million different people in hundreds of different places every minute. It’s catchy, relatable, and a party starter. Its also overplayed, “but I love it, but I love it, oh!”

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

Jeff:

“Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift Featuring Kendrick Lamar

Maybe it was just the star-studded music video, but this song (exclusively the version with Kendrick) is absolutely fire. Their performance of this song is stellar.

Yasmeen:

“Ship To Wreck” – Florence + The Machine

Yes, yes, yes! This song is just a celebration of all things good so it needs to be celebrated with an award.

Best Dance/ Electronic Album

Jeff:

In Colour – Jamie xx

I think I may be biased in this selection, but The xx are one of my favorite groups of all time. I got nervous when I heard Jamie running off on his own, but “Loud Places” is at least three of my Spotify playlists.

Yasmeen:

Skrillex & Diplo Present Jack Ü

This is a hard one. I loved Jamie xx’s album, In Colour, but Skrillex & Diplo Present Jack Ü was a smart move for the constantly evolving EDM scene. This magical collab gave birth to an album that defied ordinary with new sounds across the electronic spectrum. These tracks brought people together, both on and off the dance floor.

Best Rock Performance

Jeff:

“Don’t Wanna Fight” – Alabama Shakes

When I think about Best ______  Performance, I try to consider what invokes the most emotion. Alabama Shakes’ performance of this track is not only emotional, but it’s the closest thing to catching the spirit I have ever experienced.

Yasmeen:

“Don’t Wanna Fight” – Alabama Shakes

I agree with Jeff on the emotion statement. I saw this performed live and it is no doubt, an incredible jam. Not to mention, the aesthetic of this performance is FLAWLESS. There is something to be said about a badass chick with a powerful voice wearing a prom dress and a fur coat and jamming out on a blue electric guitar.

Best Rock Song

Jeff:

“Ex’s & Oh’s” – Elle King

Elle King really ended up with a masterpiece on this one. Seriously, if my roommates haven’t gotten this song stuck in their heads from me singing it in the shower, they will after she wins this GRAMMY.

Yasmeen:

“Don’t Wanna Fight” – Alabama Shakes

Can Alabama Shakes please just win everything tonight?! Alright, simply put, without blues there wouldn’t be rock. And Brittany Howard’s fiery vocals are the essence of that emotional, blues-charged sound Alabama Shakes is all about. And “Don’t Wanna Fight” is the perfect example of that.

Best Rap Performance

Jeff:

“Trap Queen” – Fetty Wap

Now, whether or not “Trap Queen” is a work of art is not up for debate here. The fact is, Fetty Wap had everybody singing, “hey, what’s up, hello” for weeks on end. Seriously, the song is still in my head as I write this.

Yasmeen:

“Trap Queen” – Fetty Wap

Every year, there is “that song”, you know, that song that is referenced in EVERYTHING. This year that song was “Trap Queen”. We pregamed to it. We played it to get pumped up before class. DJs across America loved to play with it and mix it up. Celebrities released videos dancing to it. Even my friends changed their phone passwords to “1738.” Needless to say, Fetty Wap deserves this reward.

Best Alternative Music Album

Jeff:

Sound & Color – Alabama Shakes

This album is diverse and solid. There truly aren’t any bad songs, so I think it’s definitely a competitor.

Yasmeen:

The Waterfall – My Morning Jacket

It’s no surprise that My Morning Jacket killed it again with this album. Somehow, their progressive yet mellow-ish sound is always effectively intense. There are really no artists similar to MMJ. Every song on this album was a success and no two songs were alike. Not only that, but there is a certain depth in this album’s songs that captivates me. My favorites are “Compound Fracture”, “In Its Infancy (The Waterfall)”, and “Believe (Nobody Knows).”

Best R&B Performance

Jeff:

“Earned It (Fifty Shades Of Grey)”– The Weeknd

Sex. This song is pure SEX. If you don’t feel ~something~ when you’re listening to this song, no matter what your preference is, you might need to get checked out. The Weeknd’s performance is beautiful and dreamy. Don’t let the Fifty Shades of Grey connection confuse you. This is romance at its finest.

Yasmeen:

“Planes” – Jeremih ft J. Cole

“Baby-makin’ music” typically isn’t my thing, but this was my jam! With a clean, subtle sound, “Planes” was tasteful and catchy without being too much. Jerimih’s voice was just perfect, not to mention J. Cole’s bangin’ rap solo to pull it all together. “You nasty, oh, oh, you nasty” is forever stuck in my head.

Best Rap Album

Jeff:

To Pimp a Butterfly – Kendrick Lamar

I’m not an expert in this category, so I’m just going to retweet what Yasmeen goes with.

Yasmeen:

To Pimp a Butterfly- Kendrick Lamar

For too long, the world needed an intellectual West Coast rapper and now we have him and couldn’t imagine the rap genre void of his style and depth. There comes a time in every popular rapper’s career when he/she decides to experiment with some groundbreaking sound, either succeeding immensely or failing miserably. For Kanye, it was 808 & Heartbreak. For Weezy, it was Rebirth. For Kendrick, it is To Pimp a Butterfly. With this album, he did something no current rapper has done. He dove into the realms of jazz and it was EPIC. Kendrick Lamar really pushed boundaries with this album and creates art in doing so. It may not be the rap album you turn up to, but it’s worth a listen nonetheless.

Best Dance Recording

Jeff:

“Runaway (U&I)”

Like I said, music should invoke some serious emotion. When I listen to this song, I feel the need to open all of the windows of my car and blare it driving down I-16. Brb, I’m going to Savannah.

Yasmeen:

“Runaway (U & I)”

I’m with Jeff on this one. When this song comes on, I want to runaway (to the club) with a stranger and never come back. If you have ever turned down the volume when this song is on, you are not invited to any dance party of mine!

Feature photo courtesy of Grammy.com

Jeff Licciardello

Jeff is a junior Public Relations major from Kennesaw, Ga. As a cringey millennial, he spends his free time in Starbucks arguing how Britney Spears can’t have a comeback if she never left and exclusively communicates through the phrases ‘retweet’ and ‘can you not.’ He is the Editor-in-Chief. You can find him whining about the cloudy future on Twitter @jeff_licciard.

Yasmeen Waliaga

Yasmeen is a junior Journalism major and Photography minor from Alpharetta, Georgia. She spends her days celebrating tiny victories, freely making reckless decisions, creating playlists for every occasion, and impulsively purchasing funky platforms. With the assistance of cheap champagne and markers, she writes to share her thoughts no matter how obscure or inappropriate. She is the Reflector Online Editor. Keep up with her escapades and opinions on Twitter @yasmeenwallee

Everyone knows the stories that are told in the Bible, of how God created the world and the angels. But you’ve never seen it told like this. Where God has a cherry picker and all of the actors are simple workmen. There’s dancing, singing and a live rock band.

The mysteries retails parts of the Holy Bible. The part that is being put to production here at Georgia Southern, is the Creation. This encompasses all the high points from the very creation of the world all the way down to the birth of Jesus and his flee from Bethlehem.

I asked the director, Lisa Abbot, why she chose this play to do. “Because I don’t think we have many opportunities to enjoy medieval theatre. I believe this is also a source for all. It’s a modern adaptation and allows the students to use a form they haven’t done before. Also it’s gonna be fun.”

I also got to talk to some of the cast members about what they think about the play:

“This play is fabulous and the people are fabulous and I’m so happy to join the Georgia Southern crew and to make such great art,” Lexi Prine, junior multimedia marketing major said. 

“This play is like a giant milkshake, there are lots of ingredients, you blend it all together to make it sweet and I hope it brings all the boys to the yard,” P. Zac Sadler, senior bio chemistry major said. 

“It’s admittedly more fun than reading the actual bible,” Dani McGee, senior theatre major said.

“This play is visually enticing,” V. Akil Jackson, senior multimedia marketing major said.

About playing Mary: “Every time I play a character it becomes an exploratory process. I had to learn to be really soft. It’s really different playing Mary than Aphrodite. It’s like hmm . . . how do I do that,” Kathryn M. Burrell, sophomore theatre major said.

About playing King Herod: “Herod’s my favorite character. It’s nice to play a dark character. It’s a big refresher from playing Adam. When playing characters like God and Herod, it’s really hard not to let the ego get to your head,” Ethan McKinnon, sophomore theatre major said.

If these quote aren’t enough to get you excited about the play, I don’t know what is. There’s going to be lots of interaction between actors, crew, and audience. It’ll be a sight to see.

I, myself, am part of the crew that’s running this production and I can promise you that it is worth it. We put together a mock showing on Tuesday, Nov. 10th, and we got a lot of promises that people would come back and pay to see it.

The show started Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015 and it will run through tomorrow, Nov. 18, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. There is also a showing tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Black Box Theater!

If I were you, I would get those tickets fast because this show has been big!

About Samantha:

I’m Samantha Harvey, senior writing and linguistics major with a minor in theatre. I love to write and I love musical theatre, or even theatre in general. There isn’t a musical out there that I don’t like. I’m studying to be a novelist, although I don’t mind play writing either. I just want to share my writing with the world.

Each and every student at Georgia Southern has an open-ended opportunity to be a part of the RC and get their conversation started. The mission is simple: to ensure that your voice may be shared and your opinions heard. If talking about the rights of humans versus the rights of animals is your passion–let it be heard, if you’d like to explain why it’s acceptable to wear slip-ons and athletic shorts every single day–let it be heard, from video game crazes to thoughts on marriage equality, here in the Reflector Community, each opinion is invaluable.

As GSU students, and more importantly, thinking and active members of the world community it is imperative that our conversations be heard by those who are willing to listen. Let this not be your personal diary, let it be an informed and opinionated blog to share your experiences and ideas with the community around you. As a generation of progressive-minded adults it is our responsibility to unite and reflect on life’s many opportunities; however, it is our moral responsibility to also discuss the hard stuff.

What you have to say matters, so let’s start the conversation.

Macy Holloway,

Reflector Community Editor