The Grammys to me is like the Superbowl to those who actually enjoy watching football. While some root for sports teams, I cheer for quality music all year long and get genuinely upset when my picks don’t win the award I think they deserve. It is the 58th year of the ultimate awards show, with Kendrick Lamar, the Weeknd, and Taylor Swift as the most nominated artists. You’ll have to keep reading to see if I, self-proclaimed popular musical expert, chose them to receive a coveted golden trophy.
Take a look at the full list of categories and nominees! And here are my picks.
Record of the Year: “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars
This record brought an old-time, upbeat feel to 2015. “Uptown Funk” showed just how versatile Mars is as a musician. He can sing catchy pop tunes, ballads, and now this, whatever you choose to call it.
Album of the Year: "Traveller" by Chris Stapleton
Again, but in the country genre, the old-time feel was stronger than ever. He’s been writing for years and finally, at 37, came to bring his own songs to life in a huge way. If you still haven’t listened, listen. You’ll only regret the time you didn’t spend listening to his work.
Song of the Year: “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town
Everyone’s felt it, but no one knew how to say it. Little Big Town shed a new light on being jealous of the girl dating the guy you dream of. It’s a ballad that can appropriately be played at a party, and I would consider that an award in itself. “'Cause maybe then you’d want me just as much”—be right back, going to go cry in the corner.
Best New Artist: Sam Hunt AND Tori Kelly
I really can’t choose on this one. Sam Hunt combines country and, some may say, rap to create a super cool new element in country music, but you cannot deny the vocals behind Tori Kelly. I’ll be cringing the entire time this is being announced. Both are just so deserving of this award.
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth
“See You Again” was originally created for the latest "The Fast and the Furious" movie in honor of the late Paul Walker. It was super effective in that movie, but resonated with so many people outside of the film as well, and that’s what made it a hit. Charlie Puth really got his name out there with this one, and Wiz gained some moral accreditation—a win-win-win-win-win.
Best Dance Recording: “Where Are Ü Now” by Skrillex with Diplo and Justin Bieber
Not just because I have a bias towards anything Justin Bieber related, but because the combination of these talented individuals forces me to choose “Where Are Ü Now” as the best dance recording. There hasn’t been a time when this song was on that I haven’t danced, let's just say that.
Best R&B Song: “Coffee” by Miguel
The part of this song that hooks people in is the repetition of words from line to line. The last lyrics of one line are the first lyrics in the following, and it adds a rhythmic satisfaction no one can deny. The combination of this element, the lyrics, the instrumentation, the voice—I’m all in on this one.
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: “Only” by Nicki Minaj featuring Drake, Chris Brown, and Lil Wayne
Notice the combination of artists, and if you’re still asking why I chose “Only” as the winner, move on to the next article on your Facebook feed.
Best Country Album: "Pageant Material" by Kacey Musgraves
I saved the best for last. Since I purchased this album June of last year, it hasn’t left the CD slot in my rusty old car. The carefully crafted lyrics by Ms. Musgraves are what really pull me in, but every time I listen to the album I find a new element that I love. This will remain a classic album for years on end—I mean, have you heard “Biscuits”?
That’s all I got, folks. Obviously there are so many more categories to discuss, but my fingers got tired from typing so forgive me. Tune in February 15 for awards, gorgeous celebrities, performances, and—if you’re lucky—nip slips! (OK, that’s funny, you can laugh.)
