The Academy Awards of music ceremony is upon us, and on Feb. 21 we will know who the greatest artists of the year are. The Grammys’ nomination list was released in January. Compared with its award-show rival, the American Music Awards, the list of candidates is a little more diverse, some of the artists a little older, but the trends are the same. People still like catchy, fun music; creativity and originality are being rewarded, along with a little bit of controversy.
The 12,000 voting members of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences have spoken, and this year’s Album of the Year Award has everything from an aging baby boomer to a psychedelic gen x’er. Variety and going against the mainstream seem to be qualifying factors for this year’s nominations. Artists like Beck, Radiohead and Eminem make their careers around defying convention, and in years past would be overlooked by the NARAS. This year seems to be different.
The award show is celebrating its 43rd year. All previous years showcased mainstream music and shunned the rebels. However, with competition like MTV and the AMA awarding nonconformity and popular music, as well, it was only a matter of time before the flagship award show followed suit. Popular and diverse candidates like Dr. Dre, DMX, Toni Braxton, Sisqo, Faith Hill and Alan Jackson all received nods from the academy, and they were also nominees and winners in previous award shows this year.
The Grammys made a daring move this year by giving a nomination to Eminem for his Marshall Mathers LP. This received huge protests from feminist groups and from gay and lesbian anti-defamation leagues. Ever since the albums release, protest followed because of fiery lyrics talking of rape, homophobia and violence. The album received praise from the music community, not for its content but its brilliant wordplay and use of rhythm and rhyme. Protests, for the first time, are sure to be brought to the family-friendly award show, giving more attention to an already different year in music. It is not known whether Eminem will be singing at the show.
The rest of the nominations are not unexpected and extremely popular. For Record of the Year *N’sync’s, “Bye, Bye, Bye,” Destiny’s Child’s, “Say My Name” Macy Gray’s, “I Try,” Madonna’s, “Music,” and U2’s, “Beautiful Day” are all up for the honor. Since all of these songs received immense praise from their respective crowds, a front-runner will be tough to choose.
The Album of the Year candidates are Beck, Midnite Vultures, Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP, Paul Simon, You’re the One, Radiohead, Kid A, and Steely Dan, Two Against Nature. All of these albums have made strong showings this year, and this is not Paul Simon’s first time as a nominee. However, the popular, yet controversial pick of Eminem is the early favorite.
The Best Rap Album has DMX, And then there was X, Dr. Dre, Dr. Dre 2001, Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP, Jay-Z, Vol. 3.The Life and times of S. Carter, and St. Louis’ own Nelly, Country Grammar. Dr. Dre took this award at the AMA, and is a favorite here as well. He not only made this album, but also produced and performed with Eminem on Mathers. He is well-respected throughout NARAS.
The Song of the Year category is diverse as well and equally tough to pick a winner. Nominees are Destiny’s Child, “Say my Name,” Faith Hill, “Breathe,” Lee Ann Womack, “I Hope You Dance,” Macy Gray, “I Try,” and U2, “Beautiful Day.” In the Best New Artist Category, Brad Paisley, Jill Scott, Papa Roach, Shelby Lynne and Sisqo all received nods. Sisqo has been the front-runner since he is the most visible and rewarded new talent.
Other groups nominated for the 95 other categories include Creed, Limp Bizkit, Pearl Jam, Britney Spears, Lenny Kravitz, Matchbox Twenty and Jennifer Lopez, just to name a few. For a full list of nominees, visit www.grammy.com.
