Latin Grammy 2008 predictions

Juanes

Here’re my predictions of the winners at the 9th edition of the Latin Grammys, to be held Thursday in Houston and aired on Univision, starting at 8 p.m.
 
1. Record of the Year – Julieta Venegas’ “El presente” is a strong contender, as well as “Volver a comenzar” by Café Tacvba. But Juanes will be the winner with “Me enamora.”

2. Album of the Year – Another one for Juanes with “La vida es un ratico. ”

3. Song of the Year – If Juanes’ “Me enamora” is not honored here, then Venegas’ “El presente” will take its place.

4. Best New Artist – The competition here is between Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Kany García, and Mexican vocalist, composer Ximena Sariñana. Both are talented artists who have shown great artistic potential since launching their careers, but García has garnered more international exposure than her rival.

5. Best Female Pop Vocal Album – García has another chance to be honored here with “Cualquier día,” battling out against Rosario “Parte de mi.”

6. Best Male Pop Vocal Album – Gian Marco, Alejandro Lerner and Juanes are competing here, but the “poppest” album of all is Ricardo Arjona’s “Quién dijo ayer.”

7. Best Pop Vocal Album by Duo or Group – The now defunct group RBD (Empezar desde Cero) is surely a favorite, but Belanova’s “Fantasia Pop” is destined to win.

8. Best Urban Music Album – This will be a close call. Undoubtedly, Wisin y Yandel’s “Los Extraterrestres” is a chart-topping set loaded with hits. But remember, Tego Calderón is THE urban king, and he'll be tough to be defeated.

9. Best Urban Song – Calderon’s “Ni fu ni fa” is a great tune that merits to be honored. Yet Flex’s mega chart-topping hit “Te quiero” will be a knockout.

10.Best Rock Album by Duo or Group – Molotov’s “Eternamente” will battle it out here against Bersuit’s eponymous release, but the winner will be Bersuit.

11. Best Rock Song – “Carnaval de Brasil” by Andrés Calamaro and Cachorro López is a musical gem. If it loses against Café Tacvbas’ “Esta vez,” the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences should order a recount of votes.

12. Best Alternative Music Album – As much as I would like to see that Circo’s “Cursi” win here (not just because the band hails from Puerto Rico but also because I think it’s a really great album), the winner will be Manu Chao with “La radiolina.” He’s just way ahead of the alt-rock pack in terms of producing meaningful and socially-conscious albums mixed with a great, catchy sound.

13. Best Alternative Song – Café Tacvba’s “Volver a empezar".

14. Best Salsa Album – While Gilberto Santa Rosa’s “Contraste” has a chance to win, I think voters will go with Marc Anthony’s “El cantante,” due to the film's success and talent of the late salsa singer Héctor Lavoe, arguably the greatest sonero ever. Marc Anthony’s inspiring voice and stellar Lavoe performances only add to its appeal.

15. Best Contemporary Tropical Album – Voters may be inclined to pick here José Feliciano’s “Señor Bachata” as the winner, but you can’t forget about “La mujer de fuego,” Olga Tañón and her “Exitos en dos tiempos.”

16. Best Tropical Song – Popularity and clout may be the determining factors here to pick “Píntame de colores” by Emilio Estefan Jr. and Gloria Estefan as the winner. But Juan José Hernández’s “Conteo regresivo” is a superb composition that deserves some kind of recognition.

17. Best Singer-songwriter Album – The battle here is between two established and widely popular artists (Pablo Milanés and Fito Páez) and a newcomer (Tommy Torres).  All bets are in on Páez. If Milanés wins it would be a surprise. A victory by Torres, though, would be nice. He’s a truly multi-talented artist.

18. Best Instrumental Album – “Avatar” by Gonzálo Rubalcaba. A master Cuban Latin jazz pianist, Rubalcaba is an all-around performer and this sets shows him tickling the ivories at his best.

19. Best Folkloric Album – “Zamba Malató” by Perú Negro.

20. Best Latin Jazz Album – “Afro-Bop Alliance” by Caribbean Jazz Project. My top picks here, however, are David Sánchez’s “Cultural Survial” and Charlie Sepúlveda’s eponymous release – two great albums for any Latin jazz enthusiast.

 Check out my post Friday following the Latin Grammy show for an analysis of the event, and to see a complete list of the winners.