What Happened!

So last night, March 2nd 2024. It was the Brit Awards, for many the biggest night in British music. For countless years, it's been night where legends are rewarded, newcomers are given a spotlight and controversy is never far away. From Adele's middle finger to Alex Turner's rock n roll rant. It's been an event that's for sure. 

Last night however felt different. For me anyway it didn't have the same spark as it once used to. I tuned in because some of the artists and bands I really like were up for multiple awards. Jungle, Young Fathers and Blur were all up for awards. Having enjoyed the musical input from these over the last 12 months I tuned in. 

Young Fathers released one of the best albums of last year and were nominated in that category as well as being nominated for best British group and alternative/rock act. 

Blur were also nominated in these three categories and after a successful reunion and two sell-out nights at London’s Wembley stadium many expected them to pick up an award. They didn't. 

Jungle following the release of ‘Volcanoes’ and the brilliant song ‘Back on 74’ took home the award for Best British Group. Winning their first Brit Award. 

Alternative/Rock act was not won by Young Fathers or Blur instead given to Bring Me the Horizon another group winning their first Brit Award. A great win for them, and a celebration of rock music in general.

Now what I'm going to say in the rest of this post may come across as a bit controversial. However I'm simply expressing my opinion and perhaps confusion.

Last night saw the award for most Brit Awards won in a single evening be broken. The previous record was 4 awards and was shared by Blur (1995), Adele (2016) and Harry Styles (2023) last night this record was broken with 6 awards being handed to Raye. 

I class myself as a big music fan, and although I'm not always in the world of the charts and Radio 1, I know who the pop stars are. Until last night I'd never heard of Raye. It confused me how she managed to win that many. Winning both Song and Album of the Year. In the process 

In a year where she was competing against huge stars across the board from Dave to Lewis Capaldi, through to Blur and Young Fathers. I was shocked to see her wipe the floor.

A former pupil of the Brits School, and without a Number One album it seemed a little strange to me that she won 6 in one night and now has more Brit Awards than The Beatles, Elton John and the Spice Girls. 

Congratulations to her. It just seemed like the Raye show last night. Clearly, people must like her music enough to vote for her in drove. Am I the out-of-touch one. Who knows?