By: Jalena Noakes
Image via Billboard.com by Dale Edwin Murray
I had to follow in the footsteps of Delaney and input my Grammy picks! Let it be known that these next few artists would definitely win if I had any say in this matter. Of course, I'm sure that reality will prove that we don't all get what we want, but I'll share my thoughts anyways! A serious congratulations is due to each and every artist/writer/producer/engineer that was nominated for this year's Grammy's, that's an insane feat. :)
Album of the Year: 25- Adele
One week into its release, 25 became the year’s top selling album in the U.S. If you really want to understand how successful this album was, 25 sold 335 copies a minute (in the US alone) within its first week of being on sale. That’s crazy. I hate to admit this, but Adele sold more albums in her first week of 25, than Taylor Swift’s 1989 sold in an entire year. Adele's iconic tone and attention-grabbing lyrics set her above the rest. Adele did something right and deserves recognition for that.
Best New Artist: Chance the Rapper
Chance the Rapper. Where do I begin? He’s completely taken over the music industry as an independent artist- denying the help from a record label. The fact that he has even been nominated for a Grammy is astonishing. He takes honesty to a whole new level in this album and ties a spiritual element into every one of his songs. He defies hip-hop norms and challenges every other rapper out there to stop following intangible rules. He made music out of conversations with God and people listened.
Song of the Year: Love Yourself- Justin Bieber
To be quite honest, I really started to appreciate Justin Bieber after this release. It was nice to hear a somewhat stripped-down song coming from a heavily produced pop artist. Credit is given to Ed Sheeran who contributed a considerable amount to the lyrical success of this song. Bieber appeared on just about every major news station and radio station across the country to sing this song live, and he did quite an amazing job. “Hello” might possibly win for this category, but I would like to see Bieber take the Grammy for this one.
Best Alternative Album: 22, A Million- Bon Iver
Definitely wasn’t expecting the sound of this album. I’m intrigued to know exactly what is going through Justin Vernon’s mind when he gets a creative idea flowing. The thing I can appreciate about Bon Iver is that there is no formula to the music he creates. In this album, he empowers fears and evokes emotions we are unable to put words to. With this album especially, it is so obvious that his music is straight from the heart and has no limits what so ever. This is by far the most original and creative album nominated for this year’s Grammys.