The Grammys
DISCLAIMER: I’m not making any predictions. I’m just making MY picks for the artist or music I like the best in certain categories. Who wins and who’s the best don’t always match up, which is why the Grammys always frustrate me every year. But let’s get to it.
How is American television going to follow up to that unforgettable Super Bowl we saw this past Sunday? With the Grammys, of course.
Because I don’t really pay attention to certain categories (*cough* country music *cough*) I’m only going to talk about some of them. But don’t worry, I will deliver OPINIONS, which I’m sure is what you came here for.
Best Rap Song:
Candidates: “Anaconda” (Nicki Minaj), “Bound 2” (Kanye West), “i” (Kendrick Lamar), “We Dem Boyz” (Wiz Khalifa), “0 To 100/The Catch Up” (Drake)
I have a feeling this is going to be a battle between Kendrick and Nicki (or Drake. It’s just not even close to my favorite song of his), but I really gotta give it to “Bound 2” here. It’s not even my favorite song from Yeezus, but it still represents what made the album great: raw production that represents how Kanye doesn’t give a damn, yet it still works and people still belt it out at parties. You go, Kanye.
My Pick: “Bound 2” (Kanye West)
Best Alternative Music Album:
Candidates: This Is All Yours (Alt-J), Reflektor (Arcade Fire), Melophobia (Cage The Elephant), St. Vincent (St. Vincent), Lazaretto (Jack White)
Arcade Fire changed their style to more beat-oriented and disco-y in their 2013 album, and I gotta say, I really liked it when it first came out. But instead of growing on me, it, uh, receded on me (is that an expression? If not, I’d like to trademark it). St. Vincent’s album, however, might not be her best; in fact, I think it’s her worst, but it’s still adventurous. It has a flavor of Talking Heads frontman David Byrne. Even after a lot of listens, the album still fascinates me. There are great songs (“Rattlesnake,” “Birth In Reverse,” “Digital Witness”) that stay fresh after multiple listens, which ups the album’s lasting value.
My Pick: St. Vincent (St. Vincent)
Best New Artist
Candidates: Bastille, Iggy Azalea, Brandy Clark, Haim, Sam Smith
First off, I’d like to propose this category be called “Best New Popular Radio Artist.” The “New” part just seems misleading. Bastille debuted right before I got to college in June 2010. Last year, James Blake was nominated after his second full-length LP, Overgrown — and it’s not like his first one got zero publicity.
Anyway, if I were to base my decision on these artists’ discography, it’s Haim, easily. Days Are Gone is a really nice pop album with a hint of ’80s flavor. Take a listen to “Falling.” Great melody, classic Michael Jackson-esque guitar riff, great pop songwriting and not-too-shabby lyrics. You can’t ask for much more from a pop song.
They’re also BFFs with Taylor Swift. I guess that helps.
My Pick: Haim
Song of the Year
Candidates: “Chandelier” (Sia), “All About That Bass” (Meghan Trainor), “Shake It Off” (Taylor Swift), “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)” (Sam Smith), “Take Me To Church” (Hozier)
Ho-hum. I never really got into “All About That Bass.” I’m not crazy about the song’s attempt to recreate the 1960s’ sound. It’s catchy, but I guess I’m not a true ’50s kid ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. “Take Me To Church” and “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)” are two good pop songs, but “Chandelier” and “Shake It Off” are two of my favorites of 2014. It has to come down to those two.
The tiebreaker? Lyrics. Because lyrics are part of what makes it a song.
Here’s a portion of the lyrics from “Chandelier.”
And here’s one from “Shake It Off.”
OK, Taylor’s lyrics are easier to remember and the message is straightforward, but Sia’s lyrics make me feel as though I’m watching a drama. They’re more vivid and evoke emotion with ease.
In case that didn’t make my choice clear, my pick: “Chandelier” (Sia)
Album of the Year
Candidates: Morning Phase (Beck), Beyoncé (Beyoncé), X (Ed Sheeran), In the Lonely Hour (Sam Smith), Girl (Pharrell Williams)
Easy choice: All hail Queen Bey. Not only is this enjoyable to listen to overall, Beyoncé recognized forward-thinking producing talent Boots and used him to evolve from her previous sounds. Songwriting and production are just on point on this album.
My pick: Beyoncé (Beyoncé)
Now that I made my picks, I feel fully prepared to be disappointed! Give them a listen. You guys have a fun Sunday!
