The Grammys are far from my favorite award show, largely because the fans and sales have no say but since the board has put the nominees out there, we might as well throw our opinions out there too!
This year’s nominees are a bit surprising with quite a few snubs, a few random entries, and, to be honest, a whole lot of songs that came out so long ago that I totally didn’t even realize they were from this past year. Taylor Swift, of course, monopolized the nominations (deservedly) but we’ll see if she’ll be able to take home the prizes.
Without further ado, let us talk about the big nominations and a few other special nominees (or neglected folks).
Record of the Year
Nominees: “Really Love,” D’Angelo and the Vanguard, “Uptown Funk,” Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars, “”Thinking Out Loud,” Ed Sheeran, “Blank Space,” Taylor Swift, “Can’t Feel My Face,” The Weeknd.
Reaction: With the exception of “Really Love” and no “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon, these songs were pretty much expected. Taylor Swift up against Ed Sheeran is always a good battle; The Weeknd has dominated music as of late and no one could stop singing “Uptown Funk.” It’s one heck of a list but I don’t see anyone taking down Taylor Swift. Much like last year, she is the queen of music and anyone who has to compete with her is fighting a losing battle.
Album of the Year
Nominees: Sound & Color by Alabama Shakes, To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar, Traveller by Chris Stapleton, 1989 by Taylor Swift and Beauty Behind the Madness by The Weeknd.
Reaction: Kendrick Lamar and Chris Stapleton are my two surprises here. I just didn’t see either of them getting a nod for Album of the Year! With that being said, no one beats Taylor Swift though I’d love to see an Alabama Shakes upset.
Song of the Year
Nominees: ‘Alright’ by Kendrick Duckworth, ‘Blank Space’ by Max Martin, Shellback and Taylor Swift, ‘Girl Crush’ by Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose, ‘See You Again’ by Andrew Cedar, Justin Franks, Charles Puth and Cameron Thomaz, and ‘Thinking Out Loud’ by Ed Sheeran and Amy Wadge
Reaction:Well Max Martin has more Grammy nominations for writing pop hits than any man should. He is a musical genius when it comes to mainstream hits and “Blank Space” hits the mark BUT “Girl Crush” has been so controversial from day one and the power of the song shut down the naysayers and got this song spinning all year long. “Thinking Out Loud” was one of my favorite songs of the year and “See You Again” has so many deep emotional connotations and the song is beautifully written. I don’t know how anyone can pick a winner from this bunch. I personally hope it goes to “See You Again” or “Girl Crush.”.
Best New Artist
Nominees: James Bay, Sam Hunt, Tori Kelly, Meghan Trainor
Reaction: Sam Hunt, country musician who likes to talk too much in his songs is on this list. That boggles my mind and I am a country music fan! Meghan Trainor has had such successful hits with “All About That Bass,” “Lips are Movin” and “Marvin Gaye.” In my opinion she deserves this one.
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Nominees: ‘Ship to Wreck’ Florence + the Machine, ‘Sugar’ Maroon 5, ‘Uptown Funk’ Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars, ‘Bad Blood’ Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar, ‘See You Again’ Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
Reaction: This is an interesting category because some of these are great collaborations, others are, well, bands within themselves so it’s almost cheating to compare them all. If this were earlier in the year I would be yelling for ‘See You Again’ but I can’t say any of these stand above the rest for me. They are quality performances and I just can’t see Taylor Swift not sweeping the Grammys.
Best Pop Vocal Album
Nominees: Piece by Piece Kelly Clarkson, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful Florence + the Machine, Uptown Special Mark Ronson, 1989 Taylor Swift.
Reaction: Taylor Swift is everywhere and it’s just not fair. This has to go to her. I’m not even sure what Kelly Clarkson is doing in this category.
Best Rock Album
Nominees: Chaos and the Calm James Bay, Kintsugi Death Cab for Cutie, Mister Asylum Highly Suspect, Drones Muse, .5: The Gray Chapter Slipknot
Reaction: This category is lacking some serious rock albums. Where is Halestorm’s new record? I am a rock music person and this is just not my favorite year for nominees. I guess I’ll go with I hope Muse gets it but overall, such a let down category.
Best Country Album
Nominees: Montevallo Sam Hunt, Pain Killer Little Big Town, The Blade Ashley Monroe, Pageant Material Kasey Musgraves, Traveller Chris Stapleton
Reaction: Where in the HELL is Luke Bryan’s album? That man deserves this award more so than anyone in this category. I think this will go to Chris Stapleton but in the country music world there were some big names missing. My choice from these would be Pain Killer but for some reason the powers that be seem to love Kasey Musgraves and Chris Stapleton. The nominees for this category are exactly why I cannot stand that the people don’t get to choose who receives these awards.
Best Rap Album
Nominees: 2014 Forest Hills Drive J Cole, Compton Dr. Dre, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late Drake, To Pimp a Butterfly Kendrick Lamar, The Pinkprint Nicki Minaj
Reaction: I like that Kendrick Lamar got this nod and it seems as though Drake got snubbed a lot across the board this year. Dre is no stranger to success but I’d like this one to go to Kendrick Lamar.
