The Grammys. The most coveted award that can be bestowed upon an individual in the music industry. This past year has been a big one for the music business, with new records dropping from Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, and let us not forget the queen’s return, Adele of course. In between the winners trying to extend the 20 seconds they have been allotted to give thanks in their speech, the show will be filled with performances from some of these major players, including Taylor, Adele, Rihanna, Kendrick, and J Biebs. The show is sure to be 3 hours of entertainment, especially for those of us wanting to see the latest installment in the Kanye vs T. Swift award show saga. In preparation for this night of musical glory, this edition of the Weekly List highlights some of the artists nominated.
- “Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd
Up for Record of the Year, among other awards, The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face” is sure to bring home the gilded gramophone. The party anthem of the summer has kept its momentum going throughout the year, and you just can’t help but groove when this song is played.
- “Alright” – Kendrick Lamar
Also nominated for a slew of Grammys, Kendrick’s “Alright” is the smash hit from his most recent album To Pimp a Butterfly. But who needs a Grammy when the President of the United States declares you his favorite rapper and invites you into the Oval Office?
- “Hold Back the River” – James Bay
With his melodious voice and indie-folk vibes, James Bay has splashed onto the alternative music scene this year with “Hold Back the River,” earning himself a nod for Best New Artist. The British crooner is easy on the eyes and the ears, and keep a look out for his performance during the awards show.
- “Third Eye” – Florence and the Machine
Ah, my beloved Florence. Though her first album was filled to the brim with hits like “Dog Days Are Over,” her much-awaited new album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful has not disappointed, with “Ship to Wreck” and “What Kind of Man” receiving nominations. The hidden gem of this album is “Third Eye,” though, with the classic Florence sound that you can’t help but love.
- “Sound and Color” – Alabama Shakes
You just can’t beat the raspy, soulful sound of Alabama Shakes vocals, and that’s what you get on this track. Apparently, the Grammy nomination committee thinks so as well, as Sound and Color is up for Album of the Year.
- “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
One of his many noms this year, the love anthem “Thinking Out Loud” is up for Record of the Year. Fun fact: in addition to writing all of his own songs, Ed also had his hand in crafting tracks for The Weeknd’s most recent album.
- “Runaway(U & I)” – Galantis
Representing a crossover between EDM and pop, this Swedish duo’s staple track has earned itself a chance to grab Best Dance Recording. Hitting the sweet spot of serenity and trap, this track has exploded this past year, even with an appearance on the soundtrack for the film adaptation of John Green’s Paper Towns.
- “Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift
Can’t make a Grammys playlist without including T. Swift, though Spotify would tell you differently. Up for a total of 7 nominations this year for “Blank Space” and “Bad Blood,” Taylor’s transition to the Pop genre with 1989 has gone swimmingly.
