Once upon a time, there was Idol Musings. Since February 2008, I have written faithfully on American Idol (and occasionally the other reality singing shows) with insight, snark humor and self-righteous candor. And Adam Lambert. I’ve written a lot about Adam Lambert. And within the blog’s 618 posts, I also wrote occasionally about music in... Continue Reading →
The jury votes that determine half of each country’s points have been cast. Here is how I think this year’s Grand Final is going to play out. When they reveal those jury votes, I expect that Australia and Finland will be well out in front of the 25 Finalists, and that Australia needs to be... Continue Reading →
“Cause now you’re in my head, my heart, my body parts.” Sure, these lyrics from Sweden’s Felicia in My System - an absolute banger of an electro-pop song - may not remind anybody of Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen. But in the Eurovision Song Contest, only two things matter: what will (supposedly) objective juries of... Continue Reading →
Despite being just past one-third of the way through 2026, we’ve already been graced with a full year’s worth of great music. Here’s what’s been keeping my ears busy lately. How do I describe Robyn’s and Jessie Ware’s new albums in a PG-13 way? The kids today would say they’re “thirsty.” If you’re not a... Continue Reading →
I've always said that all the proof I need that God exists is that there is such a thing as the female singing voice. In no particular order, here are a dozen international female musical artists I have long obsessed over. Liv Kristine Norway (ex-Leaves' Eyes). The voice of an angel. Charlotte Wessels The Netherlands... Continue Reading →
Here’s Part 2 of the most recent Current Obsessions. Let’s get caught up on some banger singles that I’ve had on repeat. Robyn The Swedish dance/pop queen has a new album, Sexistential, dropping on March 27. To keep us fed until then, she’s given us three hot and sexy singles. Here’s a taste. https://open.spotify.com/track/6rY4CO2ko4iWpSIm93fWJv?si=b7e6afa3926e4a94 Jessie... Continue Reading →
It’s been a minute since the last Current Obsessions. Let’s first get caught up on some very fine albums that I’ve had on repeat. The next post will offer up some hot singles. Beyond the Black Break the Silence This melodic metal album is eminently enjoyable from start to finish. It’s just what I want... Continue Reading →
magical | ˈmajəkəl | adjective beautiful or delightful in such a way as to seem removed from everyday life. For me, 2025 was a magical year for popular music. These are the 14 beautiful albums I delighted in the most. As usual, musically, they’re all over the map, representing my faves from the 8,425,594 genres... Continue Reading →
Ray's Musings 