Part one of this feature looked at the upcoming Grammy Awards by predicting the winners in seven major categories. The 55th annual ceremony takes place this Sunday, Feb. 10, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. It will be televised on CBS (locally on CBS 3) beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern time, so we’ll all know soon enough whether I can crow, or have to eat crow.
Here’s a look at the nominees in six of the major Rock, Rap, and R&B categories (courtesy of Grammy.com), as well as predictions for who will win, as well as who, in this writer’s humble opinion, should win.
Best Rock Song
Nominees:
“Hold On” by Alabama Shakes
“Lonely Boy” by The Black Keys
“Charlie Brown” by Coldplay
“I Will Wait” by Mumford & Sons
“We Take Care Of Our Own” by Bruce Springsteen
None of the nominees have Springsteen’s stature and history. “Lonely Boy” would be my pick, but I think the Academy goes with the Boss.
Will win: “We Take Care Of Our Own” by Bruce Springsteen
Should win: “Lonely Boy” by The Black Keys
Best Rock Album
Nominees:
"El Camino" by The Black Keys
"Mylo Xyloto" by Coldplay
"The 2nd Law" by Muse
"Wrecking Ball" by Bruce Springsteen
"Blunderbuss" by Jack White
"Blunderbuss" and "El Camino" are also both up for Album of the Year. There’s a chance they cancel each other out and the old guard (Springsteen) pulls this one off. But I’ll go out on a limb and say Jack White holds off the competition in a tough category.
Will win: "Blunderbuss" by Jack White
Should win: "Blunderbuss" by Jack White
Best Alternative Music Album
Nominees:
"The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do" by Fiona Apple
"Biophilia" by Björk"
"Making Mirrors" by Gotye
"Hurry Up, We're Dreaming." by M83
"Bad As Me" by Tom Waits
Apple’s album was an almost universal critical favorite, and so I’d be shocked if she didn’t win easily in this category.
Will win: "The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do" by Fiona Apple
Should win: "Making Mirrors" by Gotye
Best R&B Album
Nominees:
"Black Radio" by Robert Glasper Experiment
"Back To Love" by Anthony Hamilton
"Write Me Back" by R. Kelly
"Beautiful Surprise" by Tamia
"Open Invitation" by Tyrese
Chris Brown won in this category last year, proving that the Academy doesn’t necessarily vote against artists who exhibit bad or illegal behavior. For that reason, R. Kelly will walk away with this Grammy.
Will win: "Write Me Back" by R. Kelly
Should win: "Back To Love" by Anthony Hamilton
Best Rap Song
Nominees:
“Daughters” by Nas
“Lotus Flower Bomb” by Wale Featuring Miguel
“Mercy” by Kanye West Featuring Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz
“The Motto” by Drake Featuring Lil' Wayne
“N****s In Paris” by Jay-Z & Kanye West
“Young, Wild & Free” by Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa Featuring Bruno Mars
As a side-note, it will be interesting to see how the unfortunate presenter handles announcing the title of the Jay-Z and Kanye West song. That aside, that duo will be tough to beat, but Nas has a strong chance with his rap-from-the-heart tune “Daughters.”
Will win: “Daughters” by Nas
Should win: “Daughters” by Nas
Best Rap Album
Nominees:
"Take Care" by Drake
"Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album, Pt. 1" by Lupe Fiasco
"Life Is Good" by Nas
"Undun" by The Roots
"God Forgives, I Don't" by Rick Ross
"Based On A T.R.U. Story" by 2 Chainz
The Roots and Nas had the “deepest” albums among these nominees. If they cancel each other out, Drake might win. But my guess and hope is that Philly’s finest brings home this award.
Will win: "Undun" by The Roots
Should win: "Undun" by The Roots
Best Country Song
Nominees:
“Blown Away” by Carrie Underwood
“Cost Of Livin’” by Ronnie Dunn
“Even If It Breaks Your Heart” by Eli Young Band
“So You Don't Have To Love Me Anymore” by Alan Jackson
“Springsteen” by Eric Church
Look for old school country artist Alan Jackson to bring home this award over strong competition by Carrie Underwood.
Will win: “So You Don't Have To Love Me Anymore” by Alan Jackson
Should win: “So You Don't Have To Love Me Anymore” by Alan Jackson
Best Country Album
Nominees:
"Uncaged" by Zac Brown Band
"Hunter Hayes" by Hunter Hayes
"Living For A Song: A Tribute To Hank Cochran" by Jamey Johnson
"Four The Record" by Miranda Lambert
"The Time Jumpers" by The Time Jumpers
Newcomer Hunter Hayes and long-time favorites Zac Brown Band will be tough competition, but Miranda Lambert deserves to take home this award.
Will win: "Four The Record" by Miranda Lambert
Should win: "Four The Record" by Miranda Lambert
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