Monday, February 8, 2016

2016 Grammy Predictions: Rock and Alternative

Best Rock Album
Will Win - Muse "Drones"
Could Win - James Bay "Chaos and the Calm"
Should Win - James Bay "Chaos and the Calm"
Commentary - With no Foo Fighters, Elle King, and with Alabama Shakes moving to alternative, this race is kind of a crap shoot. I think it is between Best New Artist nominee James Bay, and old favorite Muse. Muse's Drones got some pretty mixed reviews, even making some "Worst of 2015" lists, but also has its admirers. I am not sure where to go, but I know that history at the Grammys matters, and Muse has won this award before.

Best Rock Performance
Will Win - Alabama Shakes 'Don't Wanna Fight"
Could Win - Foo Fighters "Something from Nothing"
Should Win - Alabama Shakes "Don't Wanna Fight"
Commentary - Alabama Shakes should win this award. It is the best of the bunch, and its Album of the Year nomination shows broad support. But don't discount the Foo Fighters. They are beloved among Grammy voters, and the fact that their album was almost completely shut out is a jaw-dropper. Their fans and fanatics might still want to reward them.

Best Rock Song
Will Win - Alabama Shakes "Don't Wanna Fight"
Could Win - James Bay "Hold Back the River" and Florence + The Machine "What Kind of Man"
Should Win - Alabama Shakes "Don't Wanna Fight"
Commentary -  James Bay is clearly popular, and Florence + The Machine are fantastic. But without the Foo Fighters here, I feel even more confident that Alabama Shakes will take this one.

Best Alternative Music Album
Will Win - Alabama Shakes "Sound & Color"
Could Win - Bjork "Vulnicura" or Wilco "Star Wars"
Should Win - Bjork has never won this award, and while there may be some sentiment, that Album of the Year nomination pretty much sealed the deal for Alabama Shakes, and what a worthy winner.

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