It seems like only yesterday we were giving away a handful of Grammys to the one and only Adele. Music's biggest night is just around the corner and in honor of tomorrow's nominations announcement, here are some of my picks for this year's best. Let's see if any of these will be Grammy nominated.
Record of the Year:
"Titanium" - David Guetta featuring Sia.
I don't know if David Guetta or his record company submitted this song for contention in this category but here's hoping someone did. There wasn't a more universal or groundbreaking song out there this year. It would be a great toast to the EDM community if David were nominated here and, thanks to Sia's impeccable and haunting vocals, I really think it would have a great shot at winning. Aside from that, Fun. ("We Are Young" w/ Janelle Monáe) and Gotye (Somebody That I Used to Know w/ Kimbra) had tremendous success with their hit songs, too. So, if they get nominated for Record of the Year, I won't be mad. Of course, there's a ton of speculation regarding Carly Rae Epson's "Call Me Maybe" being nominated. While the song is fun and fantastic, I think that chick ought to thank her lucky stars awards pundits even know her name. Yes, the song is arguably 2012's biggest hit. But, it doesn't merit a Record of the Year nomination. Keep in mind, this is a category big commercial hits have often been snubbed. If Britney Spears, LMFAO, and Ke$ha--to name a few--have been overlooked here for their much bigger hits, Carly better not expect a shout out. If there has to be one pop-princess-type nominated in this category this year, then I think Demi Lavato's "Skyscraper" or Katy Perry's "Part of Me" is it.
Honorable Mention: "Set Fire to the Rain" by Adele.
Song of the Year:
"Thinkin Bout You" - Christopher Breaux & Shea Taylor.
The words slay. If your heart doesn't skip a beat, read the lyrics slowly. Check your pulse. Drink some water. Have an orange. Chrisopher Breaux (AKA Frank Ocean) released one of the heaviest songs to shock the R&B airwaves in a very long time. The song is beautiful and although he hasn't had as much commercial success as those who hardly deserve an ounce of the love that they do get--Justin Bieber--I'm so happy that he's gotten any attention at all. It says a lot about the state of America today. Frank would not have been respected years ago. This song is a gem and I'm sure this will be nominated for Record of the Year, too. But, for me, it's 2012's song of the year.
Best New Artist:
Frank Ocean.
We'll see a country act nominated. There will be a rock group and perhaps even a boy band, too. But in the end, the best new artist will be Frank Ocean. He certainly is my new favorite.
Honorable Mention: The Lumineers
Album of the Year:
"Channel ORANGE" - Frank Ocean.
So, I'm kind of anticipating a Frank Ocean Grammy sweep if you haven't noticed. I was moved, I cried, I was inspired, and I slow danced in my bedroom all by myself without a care or worry in the world that first time I listened to Channel ORANGE. It's that rare classic R&B album that seems to come around every few years, à la The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Back to Black, and Come Away with Me, to name a few. It's my favorite album of the year and I hope it's every Grammy voter's favorite also.
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance:
"Rumor Has It" - Adele.
Sing it, girl.
Honorable Mention: "Part of Me" - Katy Perry.
Best R&B Album:
"Channel ORANGE" - Frank Ocean.
Best Urban Contemporary Album:
"Talk That Talk" - Rihanna.
Rihanna's last three albums have been full-on knockouts. She's a rockstar. This album is epic.
Best Dance Recording:
"Titanium" - David Guetta featuring Sia.
Honorable Mentions: "We Found Love" - Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris and "Timebomb" - Kylie Minogue.
Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal:
"Somebody That I Used to Know" - Gotye featuring Kimbra.
Best Female Country Vocal Performance:
"Over You" - Miranda Lambert
