The Beat Report: Grammy predictions 101

By Kegan Zema

Posted on Feb. 05, 2009, at 12:00 a.m.

Every year, the music industry’s top artists, producers and songwriters gather at the Grammy Awards in hopes they will be bestowed with mainstream music’s highest honor. Plenty of deserving artists win, but just as many undeserving acts get handed a golden gramophone. In this first installment of my new column, I’ll look at some of the top awards and try to figure out who deserves them, and who, for better or worse, will probably win.

Record of the Year

Nominees: “Chasing Pavements” by Adele, “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay, “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis, “Paper Planes” by M.I.A., “Please Read The Letter” by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

Who Should Win: I’d love to see this award go to M.I.A. The popularity of that song was something phenomenal. For it to jump from primarily college radio to mainstream hip-hop and pop stations goes to show that, once in a while, uniqueness and originality are still rewarded.

Who Will Win: Most of these big time awards go to well established artists. Robert Plant and Alison Krauss will probably win. While they’re certainly deserving, it’s kind of a bummer these awards go to what our parents are listening to, not us.

Album of the Year

Nominees: “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends” by Coldplay, “Tha Carter III” by Lil Wayne, “Year Of The Gentleman” by Ne-Yo, “Raising Sand” by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, “In Rainbows” by Radiohead

Who Should Win: OK, now this one is particularly tough. For many, Lil Wayne is a clear choice. While I don’t deny he made an amazing album, I have to give the nod to Radiohead for “In Rainbows.” This disc pushed the limits of an already amazing band. It’s a musical force to be reckoned with and is easily on par with all of Radiohead’s other amazing works.

Who Will Win: This is where I get scared. The album of the year rarely goes to hip-hop artists – just ask Kanye West. If not for that fact, I’d say “Tha Carter III” would get it. I’m suspicious Coldplay will walk away with the award, which would be a complete travesty. I’m not about to completely hate on Coldplay, but their artistic achievements fail in comparison to Radiohead’s. And besides, Coldplay are just a more accessible version of Radiohead.

Song of the Year

Nominees: “American Boy” by Estelle feat. Kanye West, “Chasing Pavements” by Adele; “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz, “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles, “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay

Who Should Win: This is an award for songwriting, not performing, which differentiates it from Record of the Year. There are kind of slim pickings when it comes to who I think should win here. “American Boy” was certainly a catchy tune, and Kanye’s work only helped its case. With songwriting in mind, I could stand acoustic heartthrob Jason Mraz getting the award. Sure, his rapid-fire lyrics and overuse of scat solos doesn’t make his work the most artistically viable, but he’s got some class and gives hope to guys wanting to impress their girlfriends.

Who Will Win: I have a distinct feeling Coldplay will take the cake on this one, although a win by Adele is just as likely. Armed with an adorable English accent, girls crooning love songs have always been a sure bet for songwriting awards. Either way, one can’t help but feel there are many more deserving people who could have been nominated. Whatever, that’s the Grammys.

Best Rock Album

Nominees: “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends” by Coldplay, “Rock N Roll Jesus” by Kid Rock, “Only By The Night” by Kings Of Leon, “Death Magnetic” by Metallica, “Consolers Of The Lonely” by The Raconteurs

Who Should Win: This kind of goes against all that I’ve said, but I wouldn’t mind seeing Coldplay win this award. The problem lies in the competition. I hate Kid Rock with a passion; Metallica put out a solid album, but it can’t compare to their old stuff, and The Raconteurs take everything good about the White Stripes – one of my favorite bands – and make it horrible. That being said, Coldplay did make a good album that redefined their sound and certainly contained its share of musical ingenuity.

Who Will Win: Coldplay will definitely win this.

Best Rap Album

Nominees: “American Gangster” by Jay-Z, “Tha Carter III” by Lil Wayne, “The Cool” by Lupe Fiasco, “Nas” by Nas, “Paper Trail” by T.I.

Who Should Win: Honestly, I would be happy if any of these albums won. Each was an accomplishment in its own right and was a solid release in the catalogue of each artist. While “American Gangster” was Jay-Z’s best post-retirement release, no one can deny the strength of “Tha Carter III.” Its influence dominated the pop and hip-hop charts and put renewed faith in the rap industry for many. Wayne’s auto-tuned, wheezy, lyrical puns make his flow something special. It is clearly the direction in which rap is headed and, as an innovator, he is at the cutting edge.

Who Will Win: Lil Wayne should easily take this home.

The Grammys will take place Sunday, Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. on CBS.

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