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Music Rewind 2024: Gracie Abrams' The Secret of Success

2024-12-15

Gracie Abrams, once lost in the muted tones of self-doubt and sorrow, has emerged in 2024 with a vibrant explosion of color. Her works, from the bright yellows and pinks of "The Secret of Us" to her dazzling tour sets, have captivated our eyes and hearts. This year, she has truly blossomed into a real pop star, and we are here to celebrate her success with a detailed recap.

Gracie Abrams' Journey from Insecurity to Pop Stardom

The Secret of Us

Gracie has undergone a remarkable transformation. No longer guided by insecurities like in "Good Riddance", she now gives herself answers and accepts the uncertainty of life. Her music, like diary entries, reveals her carefully articulated delusions. The release of "The Secret of Us" showcases her growth and evolution.This album is more than just extroverted fun. It is filled with regret, longing, and the duality of growing up. Gracie playfully explores different emotions, from a fantastical crush to the love for friends and the mourning of lost things. Through it all, she proves that she has mastered the art of conveying complex emotions.

The Secret of Us Tour

In September, Gracie kicked off her North American tour in Portland, Oregon. She has embraced the stage with a newfound love for performing. From bedroom shows to sharing the stage with Taylor Swift, she has never lost the personal element. After performing with Taylor in sold-out stadiums and featuring her on the title track, Gracie has earned the right to surprise her fans with special songs like "In Between" or "Rockland". Each show is a unique experience that keeps fans engaged.

The Secret of Us (Deluxe)

In October, Gracie released four deluxe tracks to wrap up this chapter of her musical life. "That's So True", a fan favorite, became a hit. But she doesn't hold back. She seamlessly transitions from the lighthearted gossip of "That's So True" to the uncertain reflection of "I Told You Things", leaving her feelings for us to unpack.This year has been a partnership between Gracie and her fans. From fun collabs to a Met Gala appearance and another Grammy nomination, it has been an unforgettable journey. We look forward to more adventures with Gracie in the future.Have a favorite Gracie Abrams memory from this year? Let's celebrate them together! Hit us up at @thehoneypop on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GRACIE ABRAMS:FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

Long before the recent buzz around Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album, a remarkable figure named Frankie Staton was quietly making waves. Frankie, a North Carolina native inspired by the likes of Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton, had been toiling in the shadows for decades. She recognized that she wasn't the only Black person facing such treatment and took it upon herself to book showcases aimed at highlighting Nashville's Black country music talent, which had been hidden in the mix.

The Grand Ole Opry Stage: A Milestone

Not long ago, Frankie finally achieved a significant milestone by stepping onto the stage at the Grand Ole Opry. This was a moment that had been long awaited and marked a turning point in her career. Her performance not only showcased her immense talent but also inspired a new generation of musicians. These young artists, inspired by Frankie's example, have not only shined a light on her work but have also carried it forward, ensuring that the legacy of Black country music in Nashville continues to thrive.

The Journey Through the Shadows

For decades, Frankie Staton faced numerous challenges as a Black country music artist in Nashville. She had to work hard to make her voice heard and her talent recognized. Despite the obstacles, she remained committed to her craft and continued to create beautiful music. Her perseverance and dedication serve as an inspiration to others, showing that with determination, one can overcome even the toughest of circumstances.

The Impact on a New Generation

The emergence of a new generation of musicians inspired by Frankie Staton is truly remarkable. These young artists are bringing a fresh perspective to Black country music and are helping to expand its reach. They are using their platforms to promote diversity and inclusion in the music industry and are making a significant impact. Frankie's influence can be seen in their work, as they carry on her legacy and continue to break down barriers.

The Importance of Local Journalism

Local journalism plays a crucial role in a functional democracy. The Nashville Banner, for example, provides context and clarity needed to understand the present and future of our city. Stories like the one about Frankie Staton take hours of staff time to report, write, edit, and publish. This free journalism is expensive to produce, but it is essential for the well-being of our community. Your contribution is crucial in ensuring that we can continue to bring you such important stories.

In 2024, the TV landscape underwent significant changes. The industry, still recovering from the writers' strike, witnessed a shift as streaming networks cut back and consolidated. This led to fewer risks and a general reduction in the number of shows, yet there were still a considerable number to keep track of. Uncertainty loomed over every channel, with the medium seemingly in a state of retreat.

Navigating the Uncertainty of 2024 in TV

Streaming Networks' Cutbacks and Consolidation

In the aftermath of the strike, streaming networks took a more cautious approach. They focused on reducing risks and optimizing their resources. This resulted in a decrease in the number of new shows being produced. However, despite the cutbacks, there were still a plethora of options available for viewers. For example, HBO's "True Detective" made a comeback, along with other familiar franchises. This shows how even in a time of uncertainty, some shows managed to thrive.

Moreover, the trend of cutting back extended to the production of original content. Instead, there was a rise in remakes, re-adaptations, and brand extensions. This indicates a shift in the industry's focus towards more familiar and safe bets. While this may provide some stability, it also raises questions about the future of original programming.

Prequel Stories and Reimagined Films

2024 was a year when viewers could delve into prequel stories for beloved worlds. Shows like "Dune," "The Lord of the Rings," and even "Sexy Beast" received prequel treatments. Films that were once iconic in their own right, such as "Time Bandits," "Cruel Intentions," "Presumed Innocent," and "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," were reconceived for series length. This demonstrates the industry's attempt to breathe new life into existing properties.

For instance, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" continued to perform well as a cartoon, leading to the creation of a live-action series. This shows that there is still a demand for these familiar stories, but in different formats. It also highlights the potential for these reimagined shows to attract new audiences and generate interest.

Television's Dependence on Recognition

The TV industry is increasingly powered by the recognition of familiar names and brands. As services scramble to introduce ads in an effort to make back some of their losses, they are drawn to safer bets. A recognizable name is seen as the safest and most visible thing a series can have in a highly competitive landscape.

For example, FX's "Shōgun" may not be an original show, but its connection to the 1980 miniseries gave it an initial advantage. This shows how the legacy of past successes can influence the creation of new shows. However, it also raises questions about the originality and creativity of these shows.

Original Shows Amidst the Uncertainty

Despite the prevalence of remakes and re-adaptations, there were also some original shows that stood out. My own top 10 list for the year included shows like "Shōgun," which was a marvelous piece of television. It demonstrated that original programming could still thrive in a climate of uncertainty.

Other original shows, such as "English Teacher" and "Evil," also showed promise. These shows offered unique perspectives and storylines that set them apart from the crowd. They proved that there is still a demand for original content and that talented creators can find ways to make their mark.

The Future of TV

Looking forward to 2025, there is hope for the future of TV. Shows like "Baby Reindeer" proved that name recognition is not the only way to reach a large audience. Even on Netflix, original and unique shows can find success.

And then there is "Andor," a "Star Wars" spin-off that I am most excited about. It combines elements of moral hardship and psychological toll with the familiar world of "Star Wars." This shows that there is still room for innovation and creativity within established franchises.

TOP 10 LIST:ShōgunRipleyFantasmasEnglish TeacherEvilSmiling FriendsFalloutDelicious in DungeonMr. and Mrs. SmithWe Are Lady Parts