Last week, the Recording Academy released the Grammy nominations for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. However, this year is a special one because the Academy recently let in over 3800 new voting members into its pool, with a majority being under 39 years old or people of color. As always, this award season is sure to spark debate, so this week we’re asking our writers: What’s your top pick for a grammy win this year?
Tomas Hinckley, Opinion Editor: “DtMF” by Bad Bunny is a generational song that I think deserves Record of the Year more than any of the others. The fact that he’s only ever won anything in the Musica Urbana and Latin categories at the Grammys is sad, however, this year they have an opportunity to rectify that. This is the best song off the best album he’s ever written (hot take) and none of the other songs up for the award are as distinct or culturally impactful as “DtMF.”
Patrick Minnerly, Associate Opinion Editor:
My top pick this year is Olivia Dean for Best New Artist. If you haven’t heard of her, go listen to her music right now. Every song of hers I’ve heard has immediately gone into my Liked Songs playlist on Spotify. I distinctly remember having her song “Man I Need” pop up on my phone as a recommended track, and I loved it right away. Jazz-inspired instrumentals and bossa nova rhythms? Sign me up! Sadly, Taylor Swift didn’t get nominated for any Grammys (because she didn’t release anything in the eligibility period). Does her newest album deserve a Grammy in the future? Well, that’s a question for another time, preferably when I have hours upon hours to argue.
Raegan Skelly, Contributor:
My top pick this year is very predictable if you’ve seen the articles I’ve written, but someone needs to fill the quintessential teenage girl belief of Sabrina Carpenter winning Album of the Year for “Man’s Best Friend.” I don’t think its lead single “Manchild” should win an individual award (Carpenter’s “My Man on Willpower” is far superior, as is Chappell Roan’s “The Subway”), but the album as a whole was such a moment in pop culture. Whether it’s the controversial album cover (seriously, who cares?) or the endless TikTok edits to “When Did You Get Hot?” I think it’s time for Carpenter to win a Big Four award.
Colin Hamilton, Staff Writer:
My top pick for this year’s Grammy award for Record of the Year is easily Chappell Roan’s “The Subway.” The song has many strengths, but is anything but “casual” with its lyrics — after all, who else but Chappell Roan would ever dare to rhyme “gone” with “Saskatchewan?” The Midwest Princess layers her breakup ballad with her signature synth sound with an unexpected classical flourish that includes both a violin and viola. This gives her track a catchy, quirky kind of grandeur, making it a chart topper worthy of a Grammy. To her: Good luck babe, Bring that second Grammy home.
Alexander Renzulli, Contributor: For a bit of a more niche category, I really do hope Mac Miller secures his first Grammy win with “Best Recording Package” for his posthumous album “Baloonerism.” An already lovely yet soul-destroying rap release, the late and great artist certainly deserves recognition for his contributions to the contemporary hip-hop scene. As someone who physically bought the album, it deserves ample attention, and it was a beautiful release by the rapper’s estate. One can tell by the packaging and music itself; the album was not made for greed or profit, but made for fans who truly miss Mac, and that alone makes it the most commendable option for the win.