Violet Roots

2017 Grammy Nominees

Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way first. Yes, award shows are notorious for nominating the same names year after year and the 2017 Grammy Nominees are no different. I’m not sure when or if, that will ever change. Still, I do think the Grammys are an important part of the music industry and our musical traditions as a whole. 

Do I wish I saw more fresh faces each year? Of course, I do! It would go a long way to prove that real talent over hype or fame are what truly matter in the industry. 

Will that day ever happen? Hopefully, it will soon. The music industry seems to be changing more and more with every year. I think that with time the list of Grammy nominees will evolve with it. Until then, let’s get straight to this year’s nominees!

Last year I just did a roundup of artists that I enjoyed who were also nominated. This year I thought I’d try my hand at predicting some of the winners! We’ll have to wait until Sunday, February 12th to see if I’m right but in the meantime head over to Spotify to get your music fix! 

NOTE: Eligible nominees must have been released from October 1st, 2015 – September, 30th 2016. 

 

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Record of the Year

I really didn’t know which way to turn for this one. I mean, “Hello” knocked everyone all the way out, “Formation” was basically a new female anthem, “Work” never left the airwaves and “Stressed Out” rose up like a groundswell. Let’s not also forget the earworm that is “7 Years!”

When it came down to it I just picked the song that left the biggest impression on me, personally, when I first heard it. The production alone of this tune is enough to get you off your feet still, pretty much any of these songs can win this particular award and it would be hard to argue against it.

 

 

 

Album of the Year

This was easy. I could have told you what the album of the year would be last Spring. If this post about a visual album, or my takes on the best singles and albums of 2016 didn’t indicate my pick for the win then you may not have been paying attention. This album is perfect from root to stem and I wouldn’t change a thing about it! Still, don’t know which one I picked and why? It’s okay, that’s what the archives are for!

 

 

 

Song of the Year

Now you might be asking yourself, what is the difference between song of the year and record of the year? They sound pretty similar and there are a few repeat offenders in this category. It’s easy to get the two confused but just remember this – song of the year recognizes the songwriter as where record gives credit to the artist, producer, engineer etc.

My pick or the win is known for her touching lyrics and gut-wrenching songs. I wouldn’t feel comfortable settling on anyone else for this category.

 

 

 

Best New Artist

This category kind of irritates me. Not to sound like a brat but, the so-called “New Artists” are never “new.” They’ve been on the scene for quite some time and to call them new just seems wholly inaccurate. It would personally ease my mind if they changed the name to “Best Breakout Artist” or something to that effect. I mean, that’s what this category is about anyways. It acknowledges those artists that have had a particularly good year and really made a name for themselves. Ok, end of rant. Hah.

 

 

 

 

Best Rap Album

This one is kind of a draw for me. My fave rap albums aren’t nominated so I’m kind of shooting in the dark here. Although there were songs that I enjoyed on Coloring Book, Pablo, Major Key and Views I would probably pick something else if I could to take the gold. History would say that the Recording Academy will either go with the new buzz kid on the block – Chance or they’ll go with buzz veterans like Kanye or Drake. I’d be surprised if they went old school with De la Soul or if they go a bit more untraditional with DJ Khaled.

 

 

 

Best Rap Song

All hits but none catchier than the song that launched 1,000 memes and ugly Christmas sweaters. If you can think of a song in recent memory that never left the airwaves and yet didn’t annoy the heck out of you – besides this one – I’m all ears! I’ll wait but I think you’ll be hard pressed to find one.

 

 

 

Best dance electronic album

In the past, this category has been tough for me to pick a winner but this year the answer was so clear to me. This artist is someone that I absolutely LOVED seeing live and have decided that when it comes to the groove he legit can do no wrong.

 

 

 

 

Best Dance recording

What makes a good dance tune? Like everything else that’s quite subjective. I think this category is pretty well stacked. I like all the songs except for one and although Flume and The Chainsmokers are regularly on rotation my ears are pulling me in a different direction this time.
 

 

 

Best Rock Album

This is another category that I think has gone through an identity crisis. I mean Weezer, Panic! etc. are all great acts. However, would I classify any of them as “rock” music? I don’t think so. Alternative, sure? Just straight up rock n’ roll? I don’t know about that one. 

Hey, maybe they’re just using rock as an umbrella term that covers all the sub-genres. Probably not though since there is a category for Alternative records. Whatever, I’ll roll with it, ignore the genre and just pick my favorite album of the bunch.

 

 

 

Best Urban Contemporary Album

Anti and Ology were gold but Lemonade was Lemonade and I find it hard to argue against that.

 

 

 

 

Best R&B Song

I know for a fact that I played the first three songs A LOT last year. Still when I have to choose there really is only one choice.
 

 

 

Best Pop Vocal Album

I didn’t dislike Purpose but I find it hard to compare Beiber to vocal powerhouses like Sia, Ariana Grande, Adele, and Demi. Was it a good album? Sure, I mean “Sorry” and “What Do You Mean?” were mega hits! Still, for the most part, I feel like controversial headlines from his tour ended up overshadowing his work. For that reason alone I’m going to take him out of the running and give it yet again to my favorite Brit.

 

 

 

Best Song Written for Visual Media

When you first look at a songwriting credit it can be a bit dizzying. There can be so many names attached to a single song but since we only see one guy singing it at the end it can be hard to remember that. For this category, I took into account the number of contributors, my personal taste and how well I thought the song fit the visual media it was in. 

 

 

 

Best Music Video

Just a note that this category is about the video, not necessarily the song it’s about. I’ve witnessed plenty of killer videos for songs I can’t stand as well as plenty of lackluster ones for songs I love. You may love a particular song that’s been nominated, but if the video isn’t up to snuff then it doesn’t deserve to take home the “W” at this year’s award ceremony.

If you’ve gotten this far into my predictions then the answer is probably obvious. Still, OK Go are known for their creative and one of a kind music videos. I’ve been a fan of theirs since their first record back in 2002 (memories!) but this time they just missed the cut.

 

 

 

What do you think of the 2017 Grammy nominees? Who do you hope wins?

Watch the Grammys and find out who wins on Sunday, February 12th!