ALBUM OF THE YEAR
I'm amazed that this category still exists in this age of downloading music. People don't really trouble themselves listening to entire album...because they don't bother buying CDs anymore.
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, Foo Fighters The fighters of foo have always been amazing. I support whatever album they put out there.
These Days, Vince Gill Who is this?
River: The Joni Letters, Herbie Hancock What the heck are the joni letters?
Graduation, Kanye West Ah..Kanye West...brownie points for having cohesive, thematic album titles. I think he's had more hits off of this than the fighters of foo have had this year..but that doesn't necessarily mean it's better.
Back To Black, Amy Winehouse I own this. She has a handful of gems on this album which have translated to hits. However, I say that her previous album is better.
Personal Pick: Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, Foo Fighters
Probable Winner: Back to Black, Amy Winehouse
RECORD OF THE YEAR
Ok..let's see what we got here...
''Irreplaceable,'' Beyoncé No..absolutely not..how could a song this weak make it on here?
''The Pretender,'' Foo Fighters This song is the main reason why I continue to support the fighters of foo.
''Umbrella,'' Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z This record was everywhere...and it even inspired other mainstreams artists to cover it, Mandy Moore, Plain White T's just to name a couple
''What Goes Around…Comes Around,'' Justin Timberlake Off of future..sex.. love songs. This was a decent record. I wouldn't say that it stood out more than some of the other hits on here.
''Rehab,'' Amy Winehouse The only record on here that stands a chance against Rihanna's "Umbrella." Also seems to be the anthem of many artists who live dangerously a la britney, lindsay, paris, amy winehouse herself and many others.
Personal Pick: Umbrella, Rihanna
Probable Winner: Rehab, Amy Winehouse
SONG OF THE YEAR:
Okay..how is this different from 'record' of the year? I guess this category is more about song quality as opposed to successful song production.
''Before He Cheats,'' Josh Kear & Chris Tompkins, songwriters (Carrie Underwood) Fun to sing along to in the car..not that I would attempt that...and you know I love chick power..However this song seems like it only fits Carrie Underwood.
''Hey There Delilah,'' Tom Higgenson, songwriter (Plain White T's) Lovely song...that was overplayed to high heaven..still, a very sweet song.
''Like A Star,'' Corinne Bailey Rae, songwriter (Corinne Bailey Rae) Speaking of sweet songs...this one is definitely easy on the ears
''Rehab,'' Amy Winehouse, songwriter (Amy Winehouse) Okay, amy winehouse...song and record of the year? why did you get nominated for both? anyway, this song has a good chance to win...
''Umbrella,'' Shawn Carter, Kuk Harrell, Terius "Dream" Nash & Christopher Stewart, songwriters (Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z) And Umbrella also got nominated for bothrecord and song of the year...shows how strong Umbrella and Rehab are..
I have no clue why there's Record of the year and Song of the year....and why there's overlap as far as nominations go...Anyway,
Personal Pick: Hey there Delilah, Plain White T's
Probable Winner: Rehab, Amy Winehouse
NEW ARTIST
Usually, I take issue with the word "new" when it comes to this category...Sometimes they toss that word around without meaning it..
Feist I'm sure this lady has been around for a while, but I would consider her "new" to the mainstream media. And I like her a lot.
Ledisi Who the heck is this?
Paramore I love Paramore...or atleast their one song 'Misery Business.' A genuinely great chick rock band. ..and not the Lilith Fair kind either.
Taylor Swift She's okay I guess. Nothing about her stands out to me.
Amy Winehouse She definitely has emerged as a new artist in quiet a meteoric fashion. I think she's the most well-known new artist of the bunch.
Personal Pick: Feist
Probable Winner: Amy Winehouse
POP VOCAL ALBUM:
Let's see how many sell-outs we have here...jk ;).
Lost Highway, Bon Jovi "Pop"? I guess.
The Reminder, Feist Again.."pop"? I suppose..
It Won't Be Soon Before Long, Maroon 5 Definitely "pop."
Memory Almost Full, Paul McCartney Paul McCartney made a new "pop" album? Right.
Back To Black, Amy Winehouse Dammmn, amy winehouse again.
Personal Pick: It Won't Be Soon Before Long, Maroon 5
Probable Winner: Back to Black, Amy Winehouse
CONTEMPORARY R&B ALBUM
So if you're black, you can't have a 'Pop' Album?
Konvicted, Akon After the first 500 times you've listened to his vocodered up voice, Akon is super annoying, but I'd say he's had a pretty successful year. By the way, isn't the title clever?
Just Like You, Keyshisa Cole I'd say they spelled this lady's name incorrectly..it's Keyshia, right? Maybe I'm wrong about that.
Fantasia, Fantasia Isn't this the album she came out with a few years ago? What's going on here?
East Side Story, Emily King Sorry, but I have no idea who this is.
Because Of You, Ne-Yo The fact that this shares namesake with one of Kelly Clarkson's songs is really weird.
Personal Pick: Just Like You, Keyshia Cole
Probable Winner: Konvicted, Akon
RAP ALBUM
These are the hard core black people.
Finding Forever, Common Not a fan. Sorry, Common. Come up with a less lame title, like 'Uncommon' or "Commonvicted."
Kingdom Come, Jay-Z I like Jay-Z. Haven't listened to this album, but best of luck!
Hip Hop Is Dead, Nas Hip Hop is Dead? Wow, that's a real statement. Definitely wins 'best rap album title' award. I'm not even being sarcastic about that. That is striking.
T.I. vs T.I.P., T.I. Now I look at this title and I have no idea what is going on at all. who is T.I.P? How mysterious.
Graduation, Kanye West I think this belongs in the 'pop' category, but what do I know?
Probable Winner: Graduation, Kanye West
COUNTRY ALBUM
Country! The most lucrative genre for artists nowadays! (People actually buy these records)
Long Trip Alone, Dierks Bentley Don't know who this is. Sounds like a good album to listen to while driving.
These Days, Vince Gill I think I've heard of this dude. His album title could not be any more generic if it tried...
Let It Go, Tim McGraw Sounds very cathartic (it's apparent that I don't listen to much country at all).
5th Gear, Brad Paisley Heard of this guy too...5th gear?! whoa.
It Just Comes Natural, George Strait Well, this is kind of a sexy title. I wonder if this album is any good.
Based on titles alone:
Personal Pick: It Just Come Natural, George Strait
Probable Winner: Long Trip Alone, Dierks Bentley
ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM
Here's some music that I should be more familiar with...
Alright, Still..., Lily Allen I think Lily Allen is positively brilliant.
Neon Bible, Arcade Fire Um...what are these guys about? How bizarre.
Volta, Björk Love me some Bjork any day of the week.
Wincing The Night Away, The Shins Not familiar with this album unfortunately, but I do love the shins.
Icky Thump, The White Stripes Simplistic but good music. Why not?
Personal Pick: Alright, Still..., Lily Allen
Probable Winner: Icky Thump, The White Stripes
MALE POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE
These performance categories don't make too much sense to me...what performance are we judging? Their work in the studio? How good they sound live? Overall? I dunno but I 'll go along with it.
''Everything,'' Michael Bublé I really love Buble..however, I really hate this particular song. It's so formulaic, cheesy and boring. Buble can do a lot better than this.
''Belief,'' John Mayer I don't remember this song on his latest album, but I'd know if it I heard it. I've heard John Mayer live before, and I'm sure it's great.
''Dance Tonight,'' Paul McCartney Just get Paul McCartney outta here. He's done.
''Amazing,'' Seal Haven't had the chance to listen to this one unfortunately, but I'm sure it's all the easy listening/adult contemporary rock that it's cracked up to be.
''What Goes Around...Comes Around,'' Justin Timberlake I don't care what anyone says but I really enjoy this record...on CD. But whenever I see Justin Timberlake perform nowadays, he's too busy over-re-arranging his music, creeping everyone out with his camera close-ups, drinking, and stage debauchery with his back up dancers. So much distraction=weak core performance.
Personal Pick: Belief, John Mayer
Probable Winner: "What Goes Around...Comes Around" Justin Timberland..I mean, Timberlake
See above comments re: rewarding 'performance.'
''Candyman,'' Christina Aguilera Aguilera always performs her ass off. And she does a great job.
''1234,'' Feist Feist is just so much fun.
''Big Girls Don't Cry,'' Fergie Yuck. No offense, Fergie. (I have your album and am waiting for more of your other, better songs to be released)
''Say It Right,'' Nelly Furtado This song is really cool..but it doesn't require a virtuoso performance at all.
''Rehab,'' Amy Winehouse Every time I see videos of Amy Crackhouse performing this live, I feel bad for her..and her audience.
Personal Pick: Candyman, Christina Aguilera
Probable Winner: Rehab, Amy Winehouse
POP PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCAL
Um..what the?...okay, pop performance not by a 'soloist' What a weirdly specific category.
''(You Want To) Make A Memory,'' Bon Jovi This song irks me. I don't want to hear a performance at all.
''Home,'' Daughtry Overplayed. Good performance.
''Makes Me Wonder,'' Maroon 5 Also, overplayed but fun.
''Hey There Delilah,'' Plain White T's 'Tis good
''Window In The Skies,'' U2 What is this? Is this off of Vertigo? Don't remember it. (Vertigo wasn't even that great to be honest)
Personal Pick: Hey There Delilah, Plain White T's (least hate-able)
SOLO ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE
Oh, I guess there is a solo category. Too bad these guys have bands that tour and perform with them consistently, just like everybody else.
''Timebomb,'' Beck Ok, what is the deal? Am I that out of touch with music nowadays? I have never heard this.
''Only Mama Knows,'' Paul McCartney Only mama knows why Paul McCartney is still recording music
''Our Country,'' John Mellencamp Is this the song that's in those car commercials? "This is our country.." (Probably not)
''Radio Nowhere,'' Bruce Springsteen Bruce Springsteen can go to purgatory as far as I'm concerned. He's BORING.
''Come On,'' Lucinda Williams No clue.
Personal Pick: Our Country, John Mellencamp
ROCK PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCAL
Again, suuuper specific. wtf.
''It's Not Over,'' Daughtry This dreaded song is not over. Overly formulaic rock. Low repeat listenability.
''Working Class Hero,'' Green Day I like this song. It's a little folksy, anti-anthem for me and could be a little on the 'low key' side for most people, but I do like the melody, au general.
''If Everyone Cared,'' Nickelback This song is hell.
''Instant Karma,'' U2 Had no idea U2 is still going.
''Icky Thump,'' The White Stripes I guess this was an album title and a song. Probably sounds like all other White Stripes songs (which I enjoy for their simplicity, like-ableness and dance-ability.
Personal Pick: Working Class Hero, Green Day
HARD ROCK PERFORMANCE
These are the hard core white guys (and girl).
''Sweet Sacrifice,'' Evanescence Okay-ish.
''The Pretender,'' Foo Fighters My favoritist 'hard rock' song all year. I continue my support of the fighters of foo.
''I Don't Wanna Stop,'' Ozzy Osbourne Please do.
''Sick, Sick, Sick,'' Queens Of The Stone Age Don't remember this one at all.
''The Pot,'' Tool Funny title. I didn't know Tool was still around. They were great back in the day.
Personal Pick: The Pretender, Foo Fighters
ROCK SONG
This would be a hard core song...probably by a white guy.
''Come On,'' Lucinda Williams, songwriter (Lucinda Williams) I completely missed "Come On" and I regret it. I'm sure Lucinda Williams did a great job.
''Icky Thump,'' Jack White, songwriter (The White Stripes) I'm sure this is great to listen to, but not particularly 'great' overall.
''It's Not Over,'' Chris Daughtry, Gregg Wattenberg, Mark Wilkerson & Brett Young, songwriters Please no. Die, song, die.
''The Pretender,'' Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel & Chris Shiflett, songwriters (Foo Fighters) I'm biased, I know.
''Radio Nowhere,'' Bruce Springsteen, songwriter (Bruce Springsteen) Somewhere, Bruce Springsteen is taking viagra, having his prostate examined, wearing a tight, 'weathered look' shirt, boring people to death with his predictable guitar riffs and Americana lyrics.
Personal Pick: The Pretender, Foo Fighters
FEMALE R&B VOCAL PERFORMANCE
Chicks with soul.
''Just Fine,'' Mary J. Blige There is no song on the planet that I could enjoy any less. The video for this features horrendous, unflattering outfits, disconnected, cheesy dancing, and blonde wigs..oh wait, that's mary's normal hair.
''When I See You,'' Fantasia Never saw this one all year.
''No One,'' Alicia Keys Saw this and heard this over and over again. I didn't like this song at first because I feel like it's not really in Alicia Keys' comfortable singing range. She always sounds like she's crying to me. It's hard to explain. Anyway, I can still manage to dig this performance.
''If I Have My Way,'' Chrisette Michele No clue.
''Hate On Me,'' Jill Scott This song is just asking me to hate on it. Most songs are not that bold. I respect that.
Personal Pick: No One, Alicia Keys
MALE R&B VOCAL PERFORMANCE
The black guys with soul and the occasional cheesy white guys.
''Woman,'' Raheem DeVaughn I know 'woman' by wolfmother, but not this. *shrug*
''B.U.D.D.Y.,'' Musiq Soulchild No clue.
''Because of You,'' Ne-Yo *Thumbs down*
''Future Baby Mama,'' Prince Sounds like fun. What do expect? It's Prince.
''Please Don't Go,'' Tank Okay, I won't.
Personal Pick: Future Baby Mama, Prince
Probable Winner: Because of You, Ne-Yo
R&B PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS
Here we go. We are equal opportunity around here, when it comes to super specific categories.
''Same Girl,'' R. Kelly Featuring Usher This is just terrible. Usher, I'm ashamed of you. R. Kelly, I fully expect this of you but please do not go infecting great performers like Usher with your brand of surrealistic trash.
''Disrespectful,'' Chaka Khan Featuring Mary J. Blige Chaka Khan is kind of a fool (have you seen her on political incorrect?) and Mary J. Blige is way overrated.
''Hate That I Love You,'' Rihanna Featuring Ne-Yo I'd be fine with this tune, as long as I didn't have to watch the video on VH1 and see Rihanna's boobs all over it.
''Baby,'' Angie Stone Featuring Betty Wright Huh? Are these real artists?
''Bartender,'' T-Pain Featuring Akon The lyrics to this song are horrible. As T-Painful it gets.
Personal Pick: Baby, Angie Stone Feat. Betty White (why not?)
Probable Winner: Bartender, T-Pain
R&B SONG
Let's see what people consider R&B nowadays.
''Beautiful Flower,'' India.Arie I like India.Arie but I did not get the chance to hear this at all anywhere. Thanks a lot, top 40 music culture.
''Hate That I Love You,'' Rihanna Featuring Ne-Yo Again, the video has too much boobs in it. Other than that, this song is okay (at best).
''No One,'' Alicia Keys I'm biased towards this one.
''Teachme,'' Musiq Soulchild Dunno this one.
''When I See U,'' Fantasia Dunno this one either. Sorry, Fantusia.
Personal Pick: No One, Alicia Keys
Probable Winner: No One, Alicia Keys
RAP SOLO PERFORMANCE
We're getting closer to the end here. Sigh.
''The People,'' Common Eh?
''I Get Money,'' 50 Cent Sounds stupid.
''Show Me What You Got,'' Jay-Z Sounds like it would have a lot of 'fighting words,' sirens and drama in general.
''Big Things Poppin' (Do It),'' T.I. TI is a moron when it comes to titles. (including his own name)
''Stronger,'' Kanye West Oh wow, I actually know what this. Catchy, but is it strong enough?
Personal Pick: Stronger, Kanye West
Probable Winner: Stronger, Kanye West
RAP PEFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP
Too many categories. The Grammy's are gonna be long..unless they dont' make a big deal out of these more specific cat's.
''Southside,'' Common Featuring Kanye West Common and Kanye West? I think the TV screen will explode.
''Make It Rain,'' Fat Joe Featuring Lil Wayne Fat Joe= *two corpulent thumbs down* Who adds an unflattering adjective to their name anyway? Any guy who adds 'fat' or 'lil' to this name is not doing himself any favors.
''Party Like A Rockstar,'' Shop Boyz Ah yes, the over repetitive party like a rockstar. Note guitars in the background. Shop Boyz, this may be the peak of your careers.
''Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You),'' UGK Featuring Outkast Sounds interesting but I did not catch this tune this year.
''Better Than I've Ever Been,'' Kanye West, Nas & KRS-One Sounds like a good collaboration that I also did not catch.
Personal Pick: Party Like a Rockstar, Shop Boyz
Probable Winner: Party Like a Rockstar, Shop Boyz
RAP SONG
Ok, now this is a real category.
''Ayo Technology,'' 50 Cent Featuring Justin Timberlake & Timbaland This is pop. I'm sorry. It's fun though.
''Big Things Poppin' (Do It),'' T.I. I'm glad the things poppin' are big and that we should dedicate a song to them.
''Can't Tell Me Nothing,'' Kanye West I was too busy hearing Stronger all over the place that I never laid ears on this one.
''Crank That (Soulja Boy),'' Soulja Boy Tell'Em Utterly classic and awesomely bad. Loved it.
''Good Life,'' Kanye West Featuring T-Pain Overall an enjoyable tune. I'm surprised, T-Pain, very surprised.
Personal Pick: Crank That (Soulja Boy)
Probable Winner: Crank That (Soulja Boy)
FEMALE COUNTRY VOCAL PERFORMANCE
Alright, we're definitely getting close to the end. My ignorance of country music is pretty vast, so this shouldn't take too long.
''Simple Love,'' Alison Krauss Never heard it.
''Famous In A Small Town,'' Miranda Lambert Never heard it but I've heard her and she's absolutely a great singer.
''Nothin' Better To Do,'' LeAnn Rimes Heard of her, never heard of this. She never impressed me that much.
''Before He Cheats,'' Carrie Underwood Heard this because of its popularity. I like it.
''Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love,'' Trisha Yearwood I know she's good too but I've also never heard of this.
Personal Pick: Famous in a Small Town, Miranda Lambert
Probable Winner: Before He Cheats, Carrie Underwood
MALE COUNTRY VOCAL PERFORMANCE Three more country cat's to go.
''Long Trip Alone,'' Dierks Bentley Oh this guy again. *Shrug*
''A Woman's Love,'' Alan Jackson Heard of this guy. Don't know the song.
''If You're Reading This,'' Tim McGraw See above.
''Give It Away,'' George Strait See above.
''Stupid Boy,'' Keith Urban See above.
Personal Pick: Um...Long Trip Alone, Dierks Bentley
Probable Winner: Um...total guess here...Stupid Boy, Keith Urban
COUNTRY PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS
Two more country cat's.
''Proud Of The House We Built,'' Brooks & Dunn No Clue.
''How Long,'' Eagles Oh wow! I've heard this one and I like it. Go Eagles. Make a comeback!
''Moments,'' Emerson Drive No Clue.
''Lucky Man,'' Montgomery Gentry No Clue.
''Sweet Memories,'' The Time Jumpers No Clue.
Personal Pick: How Long, Eagles
Probable Winner: How Long, Eagles
COUNTRY SONG
Last country cat. Yippee Skippee. Oh look we have boys and girls in this cat.
''Before He Cheats,'' Carrie Underwood This has got to win at least one award.
''Give It Away,'' George Strait No Clue.
''I Need You,'' Tim McGraw & Faith Hill These guys have been writing way too many songs about each other in the bedroom over the past several years.
''If You're Reading This,'' Tim McGraw Again, no clue.
''Long Trip Alone,'' Dierks Bentley This guy keeps showing up. *Shrug*
Personal Pick: Before He Cheats
Probable Winner: Before He Cheats
COMPILATION SOUNDTRACK ALBUM FOR A MOTION PICTURE, TELEVISION, OR OTHER VISUAL MEDIA
Okay, now I know we're near the end here. This is actually a fun category!
Across The Universe, Various Artists B+
Dreamgirls, Various Artists B
Hairspray, Various Arists B
Love, The Beatles ?
Once, Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová ???
Personal Pick: Across The Universe
Probable Winner: Across The Universe
SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO
YEs! made it to the end!
''God's Gonna Cut You Down,'' Johnny Cash Johnny Cash is in pre-death mode and he's really inspired. I can respect that.
''1234,'' Feist This video is just fun!
''Gone Daddy Gone,'' Gnarls Barkley Love the song. Never seen the video. Come on, MTV2, you're letting me down.
''D.A.N.C.E,'' Justice Eh??
''Typical,'' Mute Math Double Eh????
Personal Pick: 1234, Feist
Probable Winner: 1234, Feist
That's all folks! Please forgive my lack of knowledge and lack of exposure to many of these artists/songs/genres. Also, please forgive me if I said anything horrible about an artist you may love. As for the politically incorrect comments, just deal with it. We'll see what happens on Feb 10th!
For a full list of nominees, check out the official Grammys website.
1 comment:
I enjoyed reading your picks...especially about how the rap category is for hardcore black people and, apparently pop = white and r&b= black (I guess urban would've been too forceful).
If i'm not mistaken, the difference between record and song of the year is that "record" factors in the production of a song, while "Song" is a songwriting award.
Also, did you mean to dis T-Pain when you dissed Akon for using a vocoder...because I really can't stand T-Pain right now (whereas Akon just mildly annoys me)
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