Oh, the Grammys.
Grammy season gets me ornery because for as much music is out there, you’d swear the committee just opened up the pages of Rolling Stone and started picking nominees at random. I suppose that’s fine if the way you get new music is through iTunes Ping, but for some of us that’s simply not enough. The Grammys are not representative of people taking real artistic risks, of really putting forth exemplary work in the art of recorded music. Too bad it’s a popularity contest, because it could be so much more.
Given that this is an unfair system, here are my Grammy picks this year, who will win and who SHOULD win. Hopefully next year, we’ll see a more interesting pool of nominees.
Album of the Year
Who Will Win: Eminem- Recovery
Who Should Win: Arcade Fire- The Suburbs
The Fame Mons†er is simply not the juggernaut Lady GaGa produced with The Fame. I think this effectively pulls Gags out of the running, leaving Eminem and Arcade Fire to duke it out. The Grammy voters will probably pick Em’s record because of the so-called redemption he went through in making it, completely ignoring the fact that Relapse was a stronger (if not more vulgar) piece of hip-hop. While The Suburbs was far from the best album this year, its dense arrangements and compelling concept make it the most interesting record out of the pool.
Record of the Year
Who Will Win: Eminem (Feat. Rihanna)- “Love The Way You Lie”
Who Should Win: Cee Lo Green- “F--- You”
“Love The Way You Lie” is EVERYWHERE. No way it loses record of the year. As soon as Recovery dropped, the song shot up the charts and has kept radio in its vice grip ever since. Normally, I’d say Jay-Z and Alicia Keys have a shot, but “Empire State Of Mind” never felt like a smash in the way some of these others do. Honestly, though, Cee Lo should take it. His song is ballsy, subversive, and tailor made for radio, even if it’s filthy.
Best New Artist
Who Will Win: Justin Bieber
Who Should Win: Florence + The Machine
Two words: Bieber Fever. It’s like the bubonic plague, except 15 years old. We haven’t seen a pop star like Bieber since Kelly Clarkson, and it stands to reason that this is just the beginning of the House Bieber Built. Sadly, though, Florence + The Machine’s actual talent and compelling debut will miss out. Lungs takes some actual sonic risks, marrying richly layered instrumentation with surprisingly modern keyboards, all to showcase Florence Welch’s powerful vocals. Maybe the voting pool will get that Bieber vaccine next year.
Song of the Year
Who Will Win: Eminem (Feat. Rihanna)- “Love The Way You Lie”
Who Should Win: Cee Lo Green- “F--- You”
See: Record of the Year
Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals
Who Will Win: Glee Cast - "Don't Stop Believin' (Regionals Version)"
Who Should Win: Paramore- “The Only Exception”
Fact: People love those Glee kids. They’re totally goo-goo ga-ga for over compressed vocals, slick studio shine, and lifeless covers. That’s why they’ll win, but that’s not a great reason to win. Sadly, Maroon 5 didn’t write a cross-over radio jam this year, even if “Misery” is a delightfully playful romp. Really, Paramore’s nomination presents a viable option instead of the Glee cast’s abortion. “The Only Exception” is aggressive, dynamic, and allows the world to see just how big a set of pipes Hayley Williams actually has. Maybe Grammy voters made an exception to the trends here.
Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals
Who Will Win: Lady GaGa (Feat. Beyoncé)- “Telephone”
Who Should Win: Toss Up
Honestly, there is fairly stiff competition in this category. “Telephone” is the large standout, mainly because of the splashy Kill Bill-like video that accompanied it. Still, don’t count out Katy Perry and Snoop D-O Double G, nor the surprising popularity of B.o.B’s collaboration with Eminem and Hayley Williams. If there’s an upset here, it’ll either be because the voters felt they needed some of Perry’s sweetness, or that Eminem needed more Grammys.
Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals
Who Will Win: Arcade Fire - "Ready to Start"
Who Should Win: The Black Keys - "Tighten Up"
Sadly, the most interesting parts of the Arcade Fire’s new album were when they were stock piling their songs with bizarre string arrangements, or thick synthesizers, not when they tried to make the indie version of Sam’s Town. Still, critics LOVED The Suburbs, so it’ll get the W. The Black Keys really have the better performance here, and it’ll be a shame to see them lose. “Tighten Up” strikes a balance between soulfulness and restraint, while giving the audience just enough twists to keep it from being stock. Still, slow and safe wins the Grammy.
Best Hard Rock Performance
Who Will Win: Them Crooked Vultures- “New Fang”
Who Should Win: Them Crooked Vultures- “New Fang”
I think the committee will get this one right, though not for the right reasons. They’ll grant Them Crooked Vultures the Grammy because John Paul Jones handles the four string duties, but they should award them the award because Josh Homme and Dave Grohl helped him write a real barnburner. “New Fang” is a strange cocktail of funky rhythms, spastic drums, and rapid-fire vocals that injects some life into this pool. Every other nominee is too stodgy or conservative to really merit the award.
Best Rock Song
Who Will Win: Kings Of Leon- “Radioactive”
Who Should Win: The Black Keys “Tighten Up”
While Muse wrote a stellar song with “Resistance,” I think the general public didn’t take to it like “Starlight.” Taking into consideration that it’s a bit on the long side, and that Kings Of Leon are the more accessible band, the Grammy will probably go to “Radioactive.” Again, The Black Keys will get shafted, which is a darn shame because it’s the most immediate and interesting song in the bunch. I hope Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney stay home on awards night.
Best Alternative Music Album
Who Will Win: Arcade Fire- The Suburbs
Who Should Win: The Black Keys- Brothers
The Suburbs functions as a great art experiment, but an impossible album to cherish. It has one speed, big and elaborate, never allowing its listeners a level of intimacy that’s required for a classic album. Therefore, it’s safe to assume Arcade Fire will win through sheer force of grandeur. However, Brothers is really the better album. It’s raucous, it’s subtle, and it’s naturally immersive. The Black Keys created a diverse album that still sounds like the work of a band, rather than an album engineered for maximum critical praise.
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Who Will Win: Eminem (Feat. Rihanna)- “Love The Way You Lie”
Who Should Win: Jay-Z (Feat. Alicia Keys)- "Empire State of Mind"
While I think Jay-Z and Alicia Keys created something accessible without being patronizing, I think the wonder twin power of Eminem and Riahnna puts the nail in the coffin of any nominee group. “Love The Way You Lie” is the kind of collaboration that people obsess over for years, something irresistible. By contrast, “Empire State of Mind” is the kind of song you’d hear at a Yankee game, one that makes you smile but one that’s unable to incite the same level of hysteria.
Best Rap Song
Who Will Win: Eminem (Feat. Rihanna)- “Love The Way You Lie”
Who Should Win: Jay-Z (Feat. Alicia Keys)- "Empire State of Mind"
See: Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (Especially since “On To The Next One” is such a weak offering from Jay-Z and too narrow in its appeal.)
Best Rap Album
Who Will Win: Eminem- Recovery
Who Should Win: The Roots- How I Got Over
It’s a shame that Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is illegible, because it would crush the rap categories. However, it’s clear that Recovery was the biggest rap album of the year and it would be surprising to see it lose. Both Drake and B.o.B.’s nerd appeal isn’t enough to topple Slim Shady, and The Blueprint 3 wasn’t enough of a smash to get the voters interested. Sadly, The Roots came up with one of the most consistent rap albums of the year, and their achievement will go unnoticed. Just goes to show you that the Grammys are all about impact rather than conscious music.
So there you have it guys, The 2011 Grammys. Agree? Disagree? Feel free to discuss below!
Given that this is an unfair system, here are my Grammy picks this year, who will win and who SHOULD win. Hopefully next year, we’ll see a more interesting pool of nominees.
Album of the Year
Who Will Win: Eminem- Recovery
Who Should Win: Arcade Fire- The Suburbs
The Fame Mons†er is simply not the juggernaut Lady GaGa produced with The Fame. I think this effectively pulls Gags out of the running, leaving Eminem and Arcade Fire to duke it out. The Grammy voters will probably pick Em’s record because of the so-called redemption he went through in making it, completely ignoring the fact that Relapse was a stronger (if not more vulgar) piece of hip-hop. While The Suburbs was far from the best album this year, its dense arrangements and compelling concept make it the most interesting record out of the pool.
Record of the Year
Who Will Win: Eminem (Feat. Rihanna)- “Love The Way You Lie”
Who Should Win: Cee Lo Green- “F--- You”
“Love The Way You Lie” is EVERYWHERE. No way it loses record of the year. As soon as Recovery dropped, the song shot up the charts and has kept radio in its vice grip ever since. Normally, I’d say Jay-Z and Alicia Keys have a shot, but “Empire State Of Mind” never felt like a smash in the way some of these others do. Honestly, though, Cee Lo should take it. His song is ballsy, subversive, and tailor made for radio, even if it’s filthy.
Best New Artist
Who Will Win: Justin Bieber
Who Should Win: Florence + The Machine
Two words: Bieber Fever. It’s like the bubonic plague, except 15 years old. We haven’t seen a pop star like Bieber since Kelly Clarkson, and it stands to reason that this is just the beginning of the House Bieber Built. Sadly, though, Florence + The Machine’s actual talent and compelling debut will miss out. Lungs takes some actual sonic risks, marrying richly layered instrumentation with surprisingly modern keyboards, all to showcase Florence Welch’s powerful vocals. Maybe the voting pool will get that Bieber vaccine next year.
Song of the Year
Who Will Win: Eminem (Feat. Rihanna)- “Love The Way You Lie”
Who Should Win: Cee Lo Green- “F--- You”
See: Record of the Year
Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals
Who Will Win: Glee Cast - "Don't Stop Believin' (Regionals Version)"
Who Should Win: Paramore- “The Only Exception”
Fact: People love those Glee kids. They’re totally goo-goo ga-ga for over compressed vocals, slick studio shine, and lifeless covers. That’s why they’ll win, but that’s not a great reason to win. Sadly, Maroon 5 didn’t write a cross-over radio jam this year, even if “Misery” is a delightfully playful romp. Really, Paramore’s nomination presents a viable option instead of the Glee cast’s abortion. “The Only Exception” is aggressive, dynamic, and allows the world to see just how big a set of pipes Hayley Williams actually has. Maybe Grammy voters made an exception to the trends here.
Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals
Who Will Win: Lady GaGa (Feat. Beyoncé)- “Telephone”
Who Should Win: Toss Up
Honestly, there is fairly stiff competition in this category. “Telephone” is the large standout, mainly because of the splashy Kill Bill-like video that accompanied it. Still, don’t count out Katy Perry and Snoop D-O Double G, nor the surprising popularity of B.o.B’s collaboration with Eminem and Hayley Williams. If there’s an upset here, it’ll either be because the voters felt they needed some of Perry’s sweetness, or that Eminem needed more Grammys.
Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals
Who Will Win: Arcade Fire - "Ready to Start"
Who Should Win: The Black Keys - "Tighten Up"
Sadly, the most interesting parts of the Arcade Fire’s new album were when they were stock piling their songs with bizarre string arrangements, or thick synthesizers, not when they tried to make the indie version of Sam’s Town. Still, critics LOVED The Suburbs, so it’ll get the W. The Black Keys really have the better performance here, and it’ll be a shame to see them lose. “Tighten Up” strikes a balance between soulfulness and restraint, while giving the audience just enough twists to keep it from being stock. Still, slow and safe wins the Grammy.
Best Hard Rock Performance
Who Will Win: Them Crooked Vultures- “New Fang”
Who Should Win: Them Crooked Vultures- “New Fang”
I think the committee will get this one right, though not for the right reasons. They’ll grant Them Crooked Vultures the Grammy because John Paul Jones handles the four string duties, but they should award them the award because Josh Homme and Dave Grohl helped him write a real barnburner. “New Fang” is a strange cocktail of funky rhythms, spastic drums, and rapid-fire vocals that injects some life into this pool. Every other nominee is too stodgy or conservative to really merit the award.
Best Rock Song
Who Will Win: Kings Of Leon- “Radioactive”
Who Should Win: The Black Keys “Tighten Up”
While Muse wrote a stellar song with “Resistance,” I think the general public didn’t take to it like “Starlight.” Taking into consideration that it’s a bit on the long side, and that Kings Of Leon are the more accessible band, the Grammy will probably go to “Radioactive.” Again, The Black Keys will get shafted, which is a darn shame because it’s the most immediate and interesting song in the bunch. I hope Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney stay home on awards night.
Best Alternative Music Album
Who Will Win: Arcade Fire- The Suburbs
Who Should Win: The Black Keys- Brothers
The Suburbs functions as a great art experiment, but an impossible album to cherish. It has one speed, big and elaborate, never allowing its listeners a level of intimacy that’s required for a classic album. Therefore, it’s safe to assume Arcade Fire will win through sheer force of grandeur. However, Brothers is really the better album. It’s raucous, it’s subtle, and it’s naturally immersive. The Black Keys created a diverse album that still sounds like the work of a band, rather than an album engineered for maximum critical praise.
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Who Will Win: Eminem (Feat. Rihanna)- “Love The Way You Lie”
Who Should Win: Jay-Z (Feat. Alicia Keys)- "Empire State of Mind"
While I think Jay-Z and Alicia Keys created something accessible without being patronizing, I think the wonder twin power of Eminem and Riahnna puts the nail in the coffin of any nominee group. “Love The Way You Lie” is the kind of collaboration that people obsess over for years, something irresistible. By contrast, “Empire State of Mind” is the kind of song you’d hear at a Yankee game, one that makes you smile but one that’s unable to incite the same level of hysteria.
Best Rap Song
Who Will Win: Eminem (Feat. Rihanna)- “Love The Way You Lie”
Who Should Win: Jay-Z (Feat. Alicia Keys)- "Empire State of Mind"
See: Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (Especially since “On To The Next One” is such a weak offering from Jay-Z and too narrow in its appeal.)
Best Rap Album
Who Will Win: Eminem- Recovery
Who Should Win: The Roots- How I Got Over
It’s a shame that Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is illegible, because it would crush the rap categories. However, it’s clear that Recovery was the biggest rap album of the year and it would be surprising to see it lose. Both Drake and B.o.B.’s nerd appeal isn’t enough to topple Slim Shady, and The Blueprint 3 wasn’t enough of a smash to get the voters interested. Sadly, The Roots came up with one of the most consistent rap albums of the year, and their achievement will go unnoticed. Just goes to show you that the Grammys are all about impact rather than conscious music.
So there you have it guys, The 2011 Grammys. Agree? Disagree? Feel free to discuss below!
6 comments:
Every year I say the same thing...so I don't know why I bother watching or caring....
When the hell will music awards reflect music that is actually good and not just what did the best in the charts? It's funny because TV and Movie awards seem to reward artistic merit, why not use the same formula with music?
I am totally with you on the Glee thing. Plus, I don't think a cast of a TV show singing covers should be eligible to win Grammies.
discuss? no. but laughing i am. eager to see how spot on you are with your predictions mr.
Maybe it's douchey to hand-pick, but I can only really add to the rap genre of things.
First some additions...
Best Rap Solo Performance
Should and will be: "Power" by Kanye
The song is everywhere, everyone loves it. That says nothing to the artistic merit of the track, which is excellent, but in this case I don't think it would matter.
Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group
Should be: On to the Next One (Jay Z and Swizz Beatz)
Will be: My Chick Bad (Ludacris and Nicki Minaj)
Simply put, Nicki Minaj blew up. Voters won't feel too bad about giving this one to Luda and Nicki M because Jay will get love in bigger categories.
Now on to the next one...
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Should be: Empire State of Mind
Will be: Nothin' On You
I think one of our disagreements is going to be the impact of Em's album. It was critically panned and garnered radio play probably due to some sort of corporate deal. I think even for Grammy voters (who really suck, generally), will recognize that it doesn't deserve awards.
I think the relative newcomers in B.o.B. and Bruno Mars will be able to "pop" this one into the win column, not because Empire didn't get enough play or exposure, but because Nothin' got more.
Best Rap Song
Should be: On to the Next One
Will be: On to the Next One
Huge divergence here. I think there's precedent for this song to take it and I think it's good enough to do it. Look at Lil' Wayne's "A Milli," the song that won Best Rap Song last year. Repeated sample, an all-rap track, low radio exposure...basically what On to the Next One showcases this year. On its own, I think the lyrics break ground into the "future" of rap and what comes after the "ho and dope" game. If anything, this becomes a landmark that shows where Jay is and where he's going.
Best Rap Album
Should and will be: The Blueprint 3
This album is a monster masterpiece. I think Jay hits a lot of material and established himself as still the best (if not one of the best) here. It's not tired, it doesn't back down from being cocky, and it shows where the genre should go. It's grown-up rap that you want to grow into.
@Allison: Keep this in perspective: The Grammy voting pool is made up of industry insiders: People that work in promotions, as producers, and as managers for labels. These people decide Grammys, and it's easy to see why they vote the way they do: They want you to buy a ton of fucking copies of the Kings Of Leon. Personally, I think they need new blood in there, but these things have a way of resisting change, especially if that somehow affects the status quo.
Also I don't have an issue with cover songs per say, I just think the Glee kids aren't as talented as everyone says they are.
@Teddi: Fun fact, I was 100% two years ago about the Oscars. I like my odds a lot better with music awards. ;)
@Pat: I was thinking about adding a third category "Who Should have REALLY Won," but if i did that, it would have taken me too long to write. Also, keep in mind that anything that came out post-Septemeber is illegible because all the voting is finish before Oct. That said, I want to address some of your picks:
-Spot on with "Power." Not only was it a smash, but I feel its social commentary really rings true. It's, shocker, actually relevant to the current zeitgiest. I'm surprised at the snub.
-On Best Rap Duo/Group, I actually can't stand that song personally, haha. I think there are stronger cuts, but I can see wanting to give Swizz some love since he's a great producer. I haven't heard that Ludacris song, but if it features Nicki like she was on Monster, I'm sold. I like the rationale about holding off on Jay and Alicia though.
-I think we do disagree on your collaboration vote. Em's Recovery got rave reviews in mainstream publications (I remember 4/5 in RS specifically). It's hardest detractors were A) hardcore fans, B) Pitchfork Media. I also think it sold the most units of any album this year, but I'd have to check that.
Admittedly, I have no problem with B.o.B. and Bruno winning, but I think their they have a big battle against some heavy hitters. I definitely need to give Mars more of a listen though.
-Best Rap Song: You bring up some valid points about Lil Wayne's win and what that could mean for this category. I can't argue about that. What bothers me personally about the song is the hook. I think it's repetitive and dull. The lyrics may be interesting, but the music itself doesn't do anything for me. I kinda wish a song like The Roots "Dear God 2.0" would take it, or something like "Power."
-Best Rap Album: I wouldn't have an issue with Jay-Z taking it, but I'm not sure he will. I love BP3, but it does have weak moments (Venus V Mars) and didn't move too many units. My money is still on Em, but for me, the 2 best hip-hop albums this year were The Roots and Kanye. I think while BP3 represents the future of where hip-hop could go (Sonically and lyrically), How I Got Over represents the soul of what hip-hop will always be, and expresses it through more organic means. I'll say this though, If Jay upset Em, I'd be fine with it.
There's not much else that can be said at this point (it's nice to see some discussion on this topic) but here are my few points:
1) I'm really looking forward to the best alternative award. I feel it's got strong competition and is the only one I was an avid listener to all year
2) I totally understand the "award for artistic quality" vs the "award for radio play." Because Love the Way you Lie would win, but honestly, I don't really like that song. Even though we disagreed about Recovery, as I thought the album was pretty good, that was one of the first songs I started skipping. So I hate that it's going to win, when a song like Empire State of Mind is probably going to go down as a classic.
3) As good of a band that I think the Kings of Leon are, I don't really see how "Radioactive" got a Grammy nod. Come Around Sundown I can understand at least a nomination, but "Radioactive," while a good song, is just not that great of a song in my opinion.
4) "Brothers" by The Black Keys was a game changer for me personally and has probably been my most played album this year. So while I have some personal reasons, I think it would be a shame if that album didn't win every award it was nominated for.
@Matt: I agree with nearly all your points. Of the songs on Recovery that I think really work, "Love The Way You Lie" is nowhere near the top. I think it's pretty terrible actually, same with "Not Afraid." And while I'm not a huge Kings Of Leon fan, I respect the place they hold in radio rock. Sadly, I just think that "Resistance" isn't hooky enough to grab votes, nor is "Tighten Up." As for the Black Keys in general, I hope they clean house and surprise us, but I think that's a big long shot.
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