Radio LBB: Best Original Song Nominations and Predictions for the Oscars 2023

As the Oscars are fast approaching, the team at A-MNEMONIC share their list of predictions and picks for Best Original Song. 

Listen to the playlist here, and read more about Rob Dunham's predictions below! 

Giveon – ‘Time’ (Amsterdam)

A timeless and simple song from Giveon.  Although I do have to admit, it does sound a little like ‘My Way’. 6/10

The Weeknd – ‘Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength)’ (Avatar: The Way of Water)

The voice of perfection we’re used to from The Weeknd.  On its own as a song, I’m not sure it’s something I’d listen to or even recall.  I imagine as part of the film it makes more sense.  6/10

Rihanna – ‘Lift Me Up’ (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)

Yes, Rihanna is back, her first song in 6 years.  It’s not what I’d have expected as her comeback.  A simple ballad with minimal instrumentation.  6/10

Son Lux, Mitski, and David Byrne – ‘This Is A Life’ (Everything Everywhere All at Once)

I’m not sure what to think of this track.  I imagine in the context of the film it makes more sense, but unfortunately, it didn’t really do anything for me. 3/10

Gregory Mann – ‘Ciao Papa’ (Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio)

I’m not a huge fan of songs with kids singing, kind of brings me out in hives, sorry not a fan! 2/10

Rita Wilson – ‘Til You’re Home’ (A Man Called Otto)

This one’s a bit sappy for me, it’s not terrible, just a little cheesy.  A simple duet, and gets a bit better towards the end, maybe not ground-breaking, like I said, not terrible! 5/10

Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava – ‘Naatu Naatu’ (RRR)

OK, if you hadn’t already fallen asleep from the previous six songs, then this song will DEFINITELY wake you up!  It’s a lively upbeat song, really uplifting, and completely mad. Love it.  10/10

Selena Gomez – ‘My Mind & Me’ (Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me)

A heartfelt ballad, with great vocals.  I don’t know anything about this film, but I imagine it helps bring a lot of emotion to the visuals. 7/10

Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell – ‘Good Afternoon’ (Spirited)

Hang on…  Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell singing?  Yep, you heard that right.  A song from their 2022 Christmas musical. Fun, and definitely a song from a musical, but I had to turn it off half the way through. 4.5/10

Sofia Carlson and Diane Warren – ‘Applause’ (Tell It Like a Woman)

Another nomination, another ballad.  Meh. 5/10

Jazmine Sullivan – ‘Stand Up’ (Till)

Sounds like a track from the ’90s, feel like I’ve heard it all before. Didn’t really do much for me. 4/10

Lady Gaga – ‘Hold My Hand’ (Top Gun: Maverick)

Another belter from Lady Gaga, I like it, not massively different than some of her other songs, but a really very good song.  Definite goosebumps with this one.  9/10

Norah Jones and J. Ralph – ‘Dust & Ash’ (The Voice of Dust and Ash)

I struggled to find this track on Spotify, so you can listen to it here.

Quite a simple yet chilling track with dark lyrics.  A great performance from both artists. 7.5/10

Taylor Swift – ‘Carolina’ (Where the Crawdads Sing)

Not being a Taylor Swift fan, I didn’t have any expectations about this song.  However, I quite liked it.  It has great vocals and good storytelling lyrics.  A bit like a Lana Del Ray song to be fair, not a style I’ve heard her sing before but really works. 8/10

LCD Soundsystem – ‘New Body Rhumba‘ from (White Noise)

I’ve heard this track a lot and really like it.  I had no idea it was from a film.  An upbeat song with an infectious rhythm and melody. 9/10

My prediction for the best original song would be…..

Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava – ‘Naatu Naatu’ from the film RRR.

Find out on Monday 12th March 2023!