The soundtrack for Mockingjay: Part 1, this weekend’s blockbuster offering based on the third Hunger Games novel, was put together by New Zealand’s biggest musical export since Split Enz, and she celebrated by performing her claustrophobic single Yellow Flicker Beat from that album. Here’s a biased look at the night’s five best and worst aspects. The three-hour telecast, hosted by the dapper Miami-based entertainer Pitbull, went by at a fairly quick clip, although part of that might have been because of the synergy between the performances and the ads – Fergie and Imagine Dragons were among the artists who double-dipped between commercial placements and live run-throughs of their new singles. Accordingly, this year’s winners included One Direction, the Simon Cowell-crafted British boy band, who nabbed the artist of the year award and two other trophies Iggy Azalea, the statuesque Australian MC who cleaned up in the hip-hop categories and Katy Perry, whose stomping Dark Horse took home single of the year and who won trophies in the pop/rock and adult contemporary categories. Nominees are limited to three per category, and the winners are given the honor of “favourite,” not “best”. In contrast to that sometimes-stuffy celebration of all things musical, the American Music Awards are all about the popular and the current(-ish). This song’s little boost makes you wonder what Smith would do if he was pushed a notch or two further.Last night occasioned the 42nd running of the American Music Awards, the “of the people” awards show that Dick Clark launched in 1973 because ABC lost its rights to air the Grammys. “Baby You Make Me Crazy” This has some potent swagger. The doo-wop style backing vocals are also a nice touch. “Midnight Train” Radiohead comparisons aside, this song has some real momentum, showcasing Smith at his most vocally butter-soaked. “Too Good at Goodbyes” Smith’s songs often seem at first a tad innocuous but on repeat listens they begin to pack power. “The Thrill of it All,” while a fitting showcase for Smith’s skill, lacks an extra spark. This feels like a sequel to his first record almost in a retreading kind of way. He should stretch beyond the ballads, as he's capable of more.
Each of the songs on its own is decent, but you get the feeling once you finish with the closer (and second single) “Pray,” that Smith is taking the easy route. This record feels more lived-in and fully realized than his debut. He duets successfully with up-and-coming singer Yebba on “No Peace,” and hits a sweet spot with the slow-burning “Palace.” However, he can somehow slightly irritate and entertain simultaneously. Smith gets more righteous on “HIM” and gets softly groovy on “Baby, You Make Me Crazy.” Sometimes Smith’s higher register can be a tad grating.
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