Albums to Adore: 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards Predictions

Posted on February 11, 2016

by April S

Guest blog post by Benji Katz.

The 2016 GRAMMY Awards are right around the corner, so here’s a look at who may be taking home the golden gramophones on Monday night (February 15th).

Record of the Year

“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars – track from the album “Uptown Special“

Uptown Special by Mark RonsonThe Hook that Grabbed the GRAMMY: In a category that features hit singles by some of radio’s most famous residence in artists Taylor Swift and The Weeknd, it may surprise some people that Mark Ronson walks away with the award. However, one can find the British Producer/DJ’s name next to any number of chart climbing songs by artists ranging from Paul McCartney to Lil’ Wayne. With his most successful song to date featuring vocalist, Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk” is a retro funk anthem with ear catching horn melodies and an iconic bass line that allowed the song to remain at the summit of the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 consecutive weeks. Check out the tune, Uptown Funk, via Hoopla.

Song of the Year

“Blank Space” by Taylor Swift – track from the album “1989“

1989 by Taylor Swift

The Hook that Grabbed the GRAMMY: There is no possible way that pop sensation Taylor Swift goes home empty handed on award night, no matter what Kanye West has to say about it. With “Blank Space” Swift once again proves her longevity on the Billboard Hot 100, displaying an uncanny ability to craft pop melodies that a generation of teenagers and even adults will hum along to for years to come. Check out the tune, Blank Space, via Hoopla.

Album of the Year

“Sound & Color” by Alabama Shakes

Sound and Color by Alabama ShakesThe Hook that Grabbed the GRAMMY: The sassy southern rockers, Alabama Shakes are no strangers to award season, having earned 3 GRAMMY nominations for their debut album, Boys & Girls. With their second studio album, Sound & Color, the band ascends to new heights with an edgier and more ambient sound. In the past, they have been acclaimed for hearkening back to the soulful sounds of Janis Joplin and Lynyrd Skynyrd. While they still maintain the same nostalgic roots rock grit in their approach, the band’s willingness to experiment and innovate gets them the nod for Album of the Year in a close race over Taylor Swift’s 1989 and Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly. Check out the album, Sound & Color, via Hoopla.

For a complete list of the 2016 GRAMMY Awards nominees, visit GRAMMY.com/nominees.

If your musical hunger isn’t satisfied by the winner’s circle … explore Hoopla to feed your need for new music, then be on the lookout for the artists featured below on GRAMMY night. If you like what you hear, check out the album from your local Library.

2016 Grammy nominees [music CD]
Black messiah [music CD] / D'Angelo and The Vanguard
The waterfall [music CD] / My Morning Jacket
X [music CD] / Ed Sheeran
How big, how blue, how beautiful [music CD] / Florence + the Machine
Beauty behind the madness [music CD] / The Weeknd (explicit lyrics - parental advisory)

About Benji Katz:

Benji is a senior at Bowling Green State University, pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. He enjoys reading poetry, studying history as well as listening to and playing music in genres ranging from Jazz to Rap to Rock n’ Roll.

Did you like this blog post? Keep up to date with all of our posts by subscribing to the Library’s newsletters!

Keep your reading list updated with our book lists. Our staff love to read and they’ll give you the scoop on new tv-series inspired titles, hobbies, educational resources, pop culture, current events, and more!

Looking for more great titles? Get personalized recommendations from our librarians with this simple form.