Hipness test
It’s the music industry’s big night, the one time all year when the Billboard-scanning corporate insiders try and show the real world that they’re much hipper than we might think.
Tonight’s 47th annual Grammy Awards include nominees in 107 categories, but each year there’s a handful of major categories to keep an eye on, just to see how much the industry has moved forward.
It took the Grammy folks years to figure out the difference between metal and rock. And it took them years to finally acknowledge the huge role that rap and hip-hop were playing, not just in urban America, but across every segment of the heartland.
It’s certainly refreshing to see that this year rapper/producer Kanye West leads the list of all nominees. He’s up for 10 awards, although how many he’ll actually come home with remains to be seen.
Other rap, hip-hop and R&B kings – including the Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Jay-Z and veteran group the Beastie Boys – have a chance of having a big night.
So, too, do revitalized punk rockers Green Day, who’ve received seven Grammy nominations – not bad for a band generally viewed as nearly washed up a few years ago, before the incredible success of the politically charged “American Idiot” album.
But the Grammys have always had a sentimental side, so don’t be surprised to see the late, great Ray Charles score posthumously. His final recordings may not have been his best, but they’ll give Grammy voters a chance to pay homage to the soul/R&B legend, who’s also received a lot of attention lately as a result of the Oscar-nominated film “Ray” and the incredible performance by Jamie Foxx in the title role.
Tonight’s broadcast promises a strong lineup of stars, including performances from West, Green Day, U2, Alicia Keys, Tim McGraw (leading a Southern rock jam) and hot new country singer Gretchen Wilson.
Ultra-hot couple Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony are slated to perform together on TV for the first time during the show, which is also expected to feature a star-studded supergroup including Norah Jones, McGraw, Stevie Wonder, Keys and U2’s Bono singing the Beatles’ “Across the Universe.” Look for that performance to then be offered as a benefit for tsunami relief through iTunes.
While you’re watching the stars, keep a scorecard nearby with an eye on these eight categories that are likely to attract the most attention:
Record of the Year
“Let’s Get It Started,” Black Eyed Peas; “Here We Go Again,” Ray Charles & Norah Jones; “American Idiot,” Green Day; “Heaven,” Los Lonely Boys; “Yeah!,” Usher Featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris
What will win: “Here We Go Again” – A chance for Grammy voters to pay tribute to Charles while also once again rewarding one of their proven faves, sultry-singing sensation Jones.
What should win: “Let’s Get It Started” – Yes, it’s been overplayed to death, but it’s still the most infectious song released during the past year.
Album of the Year
“Genius Loves Company,” Ray Charles & various artists; “American Idiot,” Green Day; “The Diary of Alicia Keys,” Alicia Keys; “Confessions,” Usher; “The College Dropout,” Kanye West
What will win: “Genius Loves Company” – With Usher and West potentially splitting the vote, look for Charles to slide ahead of the pack with a disc that certainly wasn’t his best, but nevertheless deserves recognition.
What should win: “American Idiot” – The year’s most unlikely success story, an incredible comeback, a major musical statement and a roaring blast from a band that stuck to its punk roots before, during and after it was fashionable.
Song of the Year
“Daughters,” John Mayer, songwriter (performed by Mayer); “If I Ain’t Got You,” Alicia Keys (Keys); “Jesus Walks,” C. Smith & Kanye West (West); “Live Like You Were Dying,” Tim Nichols & Craig Wiseman (Tim McGraw); “The Reason,” Daniel Estrin & Douglas Robb (Hoobastank)
What will win: “Daughters” – The category is pretty weak this year, but Mayer’s got the right mix of commercial appeal and a quieter side that tends to appeal to Grammy voters.
What should win: “Live Like You Were Dying” – One of the most passionate songs McGraw has ever sung, with a story that definitely relates to his own life and his father’s battle with cancer.
Best New Artist
Los Lonely Boys; Maroon 5; Joss Stone; Kanye West; Gretchen Wilson
Who will win: Kanye West – There’s a reason why West was nominated in 10 categories, and this is one where his extraordinary commercial success is likely to take him over the top. However, look for strong competition from Maroon 5.
Who should win: West – He’s still not as musically interesting as John Legend, who helped him with this album and could score some Grammy success of his own in 2006, but he’s definitely impressed enough to win this category.
Best Rock Album
“The Delivery Man,” Elvis Costello & the Imposters; “American Idiot,” Green Day; “The Reason,” Hoobastank; “Hot Fuss,” The Killers; “Contraband,” Velvet Revolver
What will win: “American Idiot” – A pretty weak field here. If Green Day doesn’t win this, I’ll be stunned.
What should win: “The Delivery Man” – Costello’s been too prolific and tried on too many styles through the years, and that will hurt him with Grammy voters. But “The Delivery Man” was one of his best albums in ages, and if you’re going to crown latter-day punk kings in Green Day, why not go with one of the original rebels?
Best Alternative Music Album
“Medulla,” Bjork; “Franz Ferdinand,” Franz Ferdinand; “Uh Huh Her,” PJ Harvey; “Good News for People Who Love Bad News,” Modest Mouse; “A Ghost Is Born,” Wilco
What will win: “A Ghost Is Born” – Not Wilco’s best album, but since Grammy voters are typically a year or two behind those things anyway, they may give the nod to the understated wonder of this magnificent band.
What should win: “Good News for People Who Love Bad News” – This should have been nominated in about 10 categories but it made it here. A phenomenal album and the best by anybody in any category this year.
Best Rap Album
“To the 5 Boroughs,” Beastie Boys; “The Black Album,” Jay-Z; “The Definition,” LL Cool J; “Suit,” Nelly; “The College Dropout,” Kanye West
What will win: “The College Dropout” – Grammy has a new fave and his name is Kanye West. He won’t win all the 10 categories that he’s nominated in, but he won’t go home empty-handed either. Look for him to pick up some Grammy gold in this category.
What should win: “The Black Album” – Supposedly Jay-Z’s swan song from recording, “The Black Album” was a massive commercial success and a Grammy nod here would be a most appropriate salute to one of the genre’s major innovators during the past decade.
Best Country Album
“Van Lear Rose,” Loretta Lynn; “Live Like You Were Dying,” Tim McGraw; “Tambourine,” Tift Merritt; “Be Here,” Keith Urban; “Here for the Party,” Gretchen Wilson
What will win: “Van Lear Rose” – Another extraordinary comeback that found country queen Lynn collaborating with the ever-cool Jack White of the White Stripes for one of the most refreshing and unexpected musical delights of the year. She’s got to be a heavy favorite in this category, though Wilson could rock the boat.
What should win: “Van Lear Rose” – Lynn’s a heavy favorite because she deserves it. . Merritt also released a brilliant album in “Tambourine,” but her day will come.