song of the year
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“Abcdefu” – GAYLE
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“About Fucking Time” – Lizzo
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“Too Good” (10 minute version) – Taylor Swift
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“As It Was” – Harry Styles
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“Bad Habit” – Steve Lacy
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“BREAK MY SOUL” – Beyoncé
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“Easy for Me” – Adele
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“GOD MADE” – DJ Khaled
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“The Heart, Part 5” – Kendrick Lamar
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“Just Like That” – Bonnie Raitt
An objectively bad Grammy error is seen here: what does “abcdefu” do on this list? It’s understandable that with the rise of TikTok and its connection to the music industry, some independent artists will explode, a la Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Conan Gray and D4vd. However, let’s not rush. This song doesn’t deserve this placement, and a whole host of other great songs from this year should have been here instead.
There are probably three nominees who should win this award. These include Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar and Adele. Even though Beyoncé will likely leave the Grammys with five or more awards, Adele or Kendrick should win this.
Best New Artist
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Anita
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Omar Apollo
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DOMi & JD Beck
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Muni long
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Samara Joy
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Latte
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Maneskin
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Tobe Nwigwe
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Molly Tuttle
Knowing the recording academy, they usually always give the most popular artist the award for best new artist, regardless of the music. There are a few exceptions, like Milli Vanilli and Alessia Cara, but usually the Grammys work that way. So basing this category on that knowledge, that award should pretty easily go to Omar Apollo, who recently released songs like “Evergreen” and “Invincible.” However, this award should go to the British Indie Wet Leg outfit, which have asserted themselves with quality music, while being both discreet and subtle with their rise.
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
Recording Academy, if you get a correct category, please let it be this one. DJ Dahi Needs to win this. His output can be found all over new records from Kendrick and Steve Lacy, in addition to Vince Staples’ incredibly capable new record, “Ramona Park Broke My Heart,” which was released earlier this year. Yes, we know you love Jack Antonoff and Taylor Swift, but it’s time for someone else to take center stage at the Grammys for once. Please do us this favor.
The Grammys’ oversight of the musical landscape over the past couple of years or so has been poor, but perhaps with the new year will come better judgment regarding the winners in each category. Or, knowing the Recording Academy, maybe not – there’s always next year. All we can do is watch and find out.