Move over, Adele. The annual Grammy Awards is finally showcasing some alternative talent. Set to air at 6 p.m. on Sunday, the nominee lineup includes a strong indie rock presence in main categories, including Denver-based The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, fun. and Jack White, who will all perform Sunday night. Read on for nominations and expectations.
The 55th Annual Grammy Awards will air at 6 p.m. on Sunday. (Kai Casey/CU Independent)
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
The Black Keys, “El Camino”
fun., “Some Nights”
Mumford & Sons, “Babel”
Frank Ocean, “Channel Orange”
Jack White, “Blunderbuss”
Who will win?
Our bets are on fun.’s quirky, massive album, “Some Nights.” All three singles from the album, “We Are Young,” “Carry On” and the title track, have been playing non-stop on the radio the past year.
Who should win?
The Black Keys are going to be wrongfully brushed aside this year. The album, released in December of 2011, piqued interest when it first came out, but has since been forgotten. This two-man band packs a wallop of heavy, sexy and bluesy rock music that will probably not get the credit it deserves.
RECORD OF THE YEAR
The Black Keys, “Lonely Boy”
Kelly Clarkson, “Stronger”
fun. feat. Janelle Monae, “We Are Young”
Gotye feat. Kimbra, “Somebody That I Used To Know”
Frank Ocean, “Thinkin Bout You”
Taylor Swift, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”
Who will win?
All eyes are on Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know.” Having already won four ARIA awards for the song, Spotify announced that “Somebody” was much more popular than other contenders in the same category.
Who should win?
Gotye. C’mon. You love that song, deep down. “Somebody” is one of those odd tracks that popped up seemingly out of nowhere — the plinky xylophone, the male-and-female duet, the brutally honest lyrics — they all add up to a Grammy winner.
SONG OF THE YEAR
Ed Sheeran, “The A Team”
Miguel, “Adorn”
Carly Rae Jepsen, “Call Me Maybe”
Kelly Clarkson, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”
fun., “We Are Young”
Who Will Win?
This is going to be a good year for fun.. Their single, “We Are Young,” which features the immensely talented Janelle Monáe, became a summer anthem. This group of suspender-donning lads may act surprised by their multiple Grammy wins, but they’re not fooling anyone.
Who Should Win?
Few artists have created as big of a pop culture stir as the likes of Carly Rae Jepsen. Her sugary pop song, “Call Me Maybe,” reached unprecedented levels of internet mockery. If for no other reason than appreciation for the incredible memes based around the song’s refrain, Jepsen deserves this win.
BEST DANCE RECORDING
Avicii, “Levels”
Calvin Harris feat. Ne-Yo, “Let’s Go”
Skrillex feat. Sirah, “Bangarang”
Swedish House Mafia feat. John Martin, “Don’t You Worry Child”
Al Walser, “I Can’t Live Without You”
Who Will Win?
This category has been the highlight of Grammy criticism this season. While the top four nominees are big names, Al Walsler is a little-known DJ from Lichtenstein. The key-tar-toting DJ’s nominated song, “I Can’t Live Without You,” is laughable at best. Some have likened it to the infamous track “Friday,” by Rebecca Black.
We can only hope it will be Avicii taking home the Grammy for his smash party track, “Levels.”
Who Should Win?
Skrillex is at the top of his game with “Bangarang,” which features a few catchy rap verses from up-and-coming female rapper, Sirah. “Bangarang” brings the heat that “Levels” may have stuck on repeat.
Contact CU Independent Senior Staff Writer Sarah Elsea at Sarah.elsea@colorado.edu.
