Today is the day everyone from all corners of the music industry congregate together. That's right, today is the 58th annual Grammy Awards. While I feel it's definitely way too typical to have Taylor Swift open for the Grammys, I think the night will be full of surprises. It was a great past year in music, and it'll be exciting to see who receives an award this year. Here are a few of my predictions I seriously hope come true:
1. Best Alternative Music Album
Hopeful for: Tame Impala
Practically thinking: Wilco
It's a solid round of nominees this year. I think Tame Impala definitely deserves the pick-up on this one. Their third album, "Currents," is probably their most experimental and proved very successful upon its release. The use of synthesizers truly tie the whole album together, into one big masterpiece. But, if I am to be fair, I think practically, Wilco will win this one for "Star Wars." Just because of their status and seniority. But who knows, anything is possible -- Björk might even come in for the steal.
2. Best New Artist
Hopeful for: Courtney Barnett
Practically thinking: James Bay
"Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit" is probably one of the most unique albums I have ever listened to. Barnett is an insane lyricist and I think she 100 percent deserves this award. However, I think James Bay will pick it up for the following reasons: He's one of the performers at the Grammys this year, and his breakthrough album has put him on the map. I view these two artists as underground vs. capitalistic, because really, Bay has been greatly marketed. Nothing wrong with that at all, I think both are well deserving artists, but I think Barnett is so unconventional from the rest, and it's really quite refreshing.
3. Best R&B Album
Hopeful for: Leon Bridges
Practically thinking: D'Angelo
Leon Bridges' debut album, "Coming Home," is absolutely perfect and totally deserves this nomination. The album sounds so much like music from the 1950s and '60s, but with modern technology producing it, it sounds even better. However, I think D'Angelo will be winning this one, just because, why wouldn't he? D'Angelo is amazing. In a perfect world, both win.
4. Best R&B Performance
Hopeful for: Hiatus Kaiyote
Practically thinking: The Weeknd.
Hiatus is nominated for "Breathing Underwater." The funky song is so beautiful and beautifully executed. But, I think with the lack of popularity, they won't win this one. The Weeknd probably will win for "Earned It." Which kind of sucks. The Weeknd is great, but the context of the song sucks. "Earned It" is a popular and fantastic song, but I think "Breathing Underwater" is a little more honorable and captures the essence of R&B.
5. Best Rock Song
Hopeful for: James Bay, "Hold Back the River"
Practically thinking: Florence and the Machine, "What Kind of Man"
Wildcard: Alabama Shakes, "Don't Wanna Fight"
Listen, I'd be OK with any of them winning. Lyrically, all three of these songs are solid. It's honestly a win-win if one of these artists wins.
What a time to be alive, during a period of such great music!
