59th Annual Grammy Winners Reactions

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For the most part, the 59^th Annual Grammy award winners were predictable, save for a couple of surprises.

Another year, another Grammys has commenced. For the most part, the 59^th Annual Grammy Awards were predictable. In some respects, this was good considering some of the bizarre choices the Recording Academy has selected in the past. In other respects, there’s still a problem for black artists in the most coveted categories. Still, there was breakthrough as well. Here are our (mine) thoughts and reactions to the 59^th Annual Grammy Winners.

Record of the Year & Song of the Year:

Adele, “Hello”

Commentary: There was nothing remotely shocking about either result. Adele was a lock to win record and song of the year since the arrival of “Hello” in late 2015. Sure, the Recording Academy could’ve been more progressive in their choice selecting “Formation,” but this felt like a done deal.

Album of the Year:

Adele, 25

Commentary: We should’ve totally stuck with our original prediction. Did we really think the Recording Academy would “go against the grain”? Adele is a class act, and 25 was a fine album. Awarding Beyoncé (Lemonade) would’ve been a step in the right direction with the “black” problem the Grammys are having in major categories, but it’s tough to deny 25, particularly selling over three million albums its first week. Still, this felt like Mrs. Carter’s time.

Best New Artist:

Chance the Rapper

Commentary: I am so glad that I predicted this one wrong. That said, it is easy to see why. This is another tough category for black artists to be victorious in. Add hip-hop to that label and things grow even tougher. Honestly, it’s easier to list a host of awesome musicians who lost this award, as opposed those who won. Chance the Rapper was the most deserving of the five.

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:

Twenty One Pilots, “Stressed Out”

Commentary: This one was a surprise to an extent. “7 Years” or “Closer” seemed more likely to win this award. Then again, Twenty One Pilots have exploded over the last two years, and it makes total sense to award the fruits of their labor.

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album:

Willie Nelson, Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin

Commentary: This was shocking. Babs finally finds herself not nominated against the unbeatable Tony Bennett, and she still loses. Barbra Streisand hasn’t been victorious for a long, long time at the Grammys.

Best Dance Recording:

The Chainsmokers ft. Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”

Commentary: “Don’t Let Me Down” was a big record. The Chainsmokers were big throughout 2016, something likely to continue throughout 2017. Still, isn’t it a bit surprising that Daya is now a Grammy winner? We’ll leave it there.

Best Dance/Electronic Album:

Flume, Skin

Commentary: This felt like a lock.

Best Rock Performance & Best Rock Song:

David Bowie, “Blackstar”

Best Alternative Music Album

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical:

David Bowie, Blackstar

Commentary: David Bowie won four posthumous Grammys. All four were well deserved. It’s too bad Mr. Bowie wasn’t awarded more Grammys while he was alive.

Best Rock Album:

Cage the Elephant, Tell Me I’m Pretty

Commentary: This category was a true toss-up. No disrespect to the nominees, but it felt considerably weaker than past rock album categories.

Best R&B Performance:

Solange, “Cranes in the Sky”

Commentary: I applaud the Grammys for selecting truly the best R&B performance of the bunch. This could’ve been given to Rihanna – she’s the bigger star – but Solange dropped a classic with “Cranes in the Sky.”

Best R&B Song:

Maxwell, “Lake by the Ocean”

Commentary: blackSUMMERS’night didn’t perform well commercially, and received mixed reviews from some. Nonetheless, “Lake by the Ocean” was hot from the get-go. Of the five nominees, “Lake by the Ocean” is hands-down the best R&B song.

Best Urban Contemporary Album:

Beyoncé, Lemonade

Commentary: Even if Rihanna had won here for exceptional Anti, it would’ve been an upset. Beyoncé was a lock.

Best Rap Performance:

Chance the Rapper ft. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz, “No Problem”

Best Rap Album:

Chance the Rapper, Coloring Book

Commentary: Call it what it is – the coronation of Chance the Rapper. Applaud the Recording Academy for awarding the best performance once more. The same goes for Best Rap Album.

Best Country Solo Performance:

Maren Morris, “My Church”

Commentary: “Can I get a hallelujah?”

Best Country Album:

Sturgill Simpson, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth

Commentary: The only complaint – Simpson should’ve been awarded this during the main telecast.

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical:

Greg Kurstin

Commentary: Like, “Hello!”