Grammy Predictions

Okay, I admit I’ve been spending a lot of time talking and analyzing the Oscar race… so for this post I’m going to dive into some unfamiliar waters and post my predictions for the upcomming Grammy Awards.  Again, like I’ve mentioned before, I do not know how the Grammy’s are decided, or what they look for… nor do I really care.  It seems to me that these awards go to the bands and artists who are the most popular… I mean, why else would Paramore get a Grammy nomination?  And why else would “Umbrella” by Rihanna be here as well?  Sure, they get huge radio-play… but other than that, are these artists that good?  Where are the bands with the raving reviews from music critics across the country?  The Field?  Arcade Fire?  Sufjan Stevens?  But anyway… here are my predictions…
Album of the Year – Amy Winehouse
Record of the Year – Rihanna “Umbrella”
Best New Artist – Amy Winehouse
Song of the Year – “Before He Cheats” Carrie Underwood
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance – Feist or Christina Aguilera
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance – Justin Timberlake
Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance – Paul McCartney
Best Rock Album – Bruce Springsteen “Magic”
Best Rock Song – Bruce Springsteen “Radio Nowhere”
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration – “Umbrella” Rihanna and Jay-Z
Best Rap Song – “Crank That” Soulja Boy
Best Rap Album – Kanye West “Graduation”
Best Pop Vocal Album – Amy Winehouse “Back to Black”

There you have it… but another thing I want to touch on… what’s up with these categories?  Best Rap/Sung Collaboration?  Best Male Pop Vocal Performance?  I don’t even know what those mean.  Nonetheless, I’ll surely watch the Grammy’s because it’s usually a pretty good show. 

I don’t usually pick up new albums when they’re released, and I definitely haven’t listened to a lot of 2007 releases…. but the albums that stand out in my mind the most from 2007 are “In Rainbows” by Radiohead and “Neon Bible” by The Arcade Fire.  Those two albums stunned me in their unique ways.  Those are definitely my two favorite albums from the past year.