Grammy Award Predictions 2014- Record Of The Year

Awards season is upon us! 2013 had to have been one of the greatest years in music in my honest opinion, with so many diverse artists coming out with some fantastic songs that really took the world by storm and put some of them on the map for the first time (Lorde) and on it again (Justin Timberlake).  Now with the Grammy Awards rapidly approaching in February and nominations being announced in shortly a month, now is the time to look at who are the most viable choices to be nominated.  Here is a good list of six contenders looking to take the top prize at the 2014 Grammy Awards-

Justin Timberlake- “Mirrors”

I personally think he has the Album Of The Year category on lock, but needless to say this has been the year of J Tim.  After taking a near seven year break from the music industry to focus on his acting career, he roared back into the music scene with not one but two records.  After releasing the first track of “The 20/20 Experience” called “Suit & Tie” with Jay-Z, many critics felt as if that track in particular wasn’t a strong enough showing especially coming from his other two efforts, “Like I Love You” off of “Justified” and “SexyBack” from “Future Sex Love Sounds”.  Although that song was a top ten hit, it failed to make a huge impression on fans as well.  Then “Mirrors” was released, and all was forgotten.  The song made it all the way to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, selling three million units and ultimately winning a prize that has alluded him at the Video Music Awards- Video Of The Year.  A strong contender indeed to win this.

Daft Punk Featuring Pharrell Williams- “Get Lucky”

Adored by fans worldwide, millions of them were eagerly awaiting the release of “Random Access Memories” which was the first release from the group since they made the soundtrack to the uber successful film “Tron: Legacy”.  The lead off single featured the man of the summer Pharrell Williams, who was also featured on another little track called “Blurred Lines”.  With his smooth vocals mixed with Daft Punk’s gymnastic type rhythms, the song became one of the three biggest tracks of the summer, and scored a number 2 slot on the Billboard Hot 100.  Having Nile Rogers appear on the track isn’t too shabby as well.  They could be a top contender for this as well, but I do feel like they will win all of the EDM awards.  Yet, I do wonder how they would accept this award with those helmets on.  Interesting!

Taylor Swift- “I Knew You Were Trouble”

This is not a personal choice, so please don’t jump down my throats for this.  The Grammy’s love Taylor.  They love her so much that they gave her album of the year award back in 2009 for “Fearless” over some insanely strong competition (DMB, Beyonce, Gaga & Black Eyed Peas).  The former Best New Artist contender should definitely expect at least one nomination in the main categories as her “Red” album was released too late in 2012 to be considered for last year’s award.  My personal favorite track off this album is either the title one or “Everything Has Changed” with Ed Sheeran, but this song was huge for Taylor and really brought her more into the pop-rock mainstream than ever before.  A much better effort than last year’s ROTY nominee, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”, Taylor will be a sure fire lock for this song to at least be nominated in the pop categories as she has in a way ditched the country ones a long time ago.

Lorde- “Royals”

Said this in the last article, but she truly defines the whole late in the game thing.  The fresh faced 16 year old from New Zealand quietly made her U.S. debut with this song which was played on heavy rotation on MTV Hits and a couple other channels.  When airplay got ahold of it, it brought the track to another level and put her on the market as an artist to watch.  A true shoo in to be nominated for Best New Artist, this talented songstress will be the perennial Alternative track nominee, unless Imagine Dragons come in with “Radioactive”.  Still I am pulling for this girl 100 percent for at least this nod.

Robin Thicke Featuring Pharrell Williams & T.I.- “Blurred Lines”

Ah yes, Robin Thicke.  Jesus you couldn’t escape this song and to be honest you really didn’t want to.  This song came to life back in late May of 2013 when they all performed it on “Ellen”.  The song itself was a true hit but it also was accompanied by a very racy video which included semi naked models parading around a set.  Robin has earned quite some notoriety for this song, in particular his Beetle Juice inspired outfit at the 2013 Video Music Awards with the foam finger loving Miley Cyrus, to which they both performed this song.  Needless to say, after being in the industry for multiple years with only one big song to his name before this (“Lost Without You”) this is the true time for Robin and his silky vocals to get his recognition.

Bruno Mars- “Locked Outta Heaven”

Here is the thing with Bruno Mars, you either love his music or you can’t stand it.  Just like Taylor, Bruno is loved by the Grammy’s.  The first song off of his album “Unorthodox Jukebox” was received very well both by fans and radio alike.  He took a dirtier approach to this album, as his first album tended to be more about love and adoration for love for women.  This track in particular talks frankly about what it feels like to be locked outta sex (Keep it real) as well as other songs of his like “Gorilla”.  2014 should be a huge year for him as he has been tapped to be the halftime show at the upcoming SuperBowl being held at Giants Stadium in New Jersey.  Strong contender indeed to win this category.

Honorable Mentions (And possible contenders)-

Pink & Nate Ruess- “Just Give Me A Reason”

Imagine Dragons- “Radioactive”

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Mary Lambert- “Same Love”

Drake- Hold On We’re Going Home”

Who do you think will be nominated? Check out The Grammy’s official website for more information.