With the 2019 Grammy nominees revealed, we break analyze some of the biggest categories in more depth, starting with the Record of the Year category.

Ah, the time has come to analyze and make some predictions regarding the 2019 Grammy Awards! After reacting to the nominations themselves, we break down some of the biggest, most prestigious categories, beginning with the highly-coveted Record of the Year.  Who are the true contenders (✓ = contenders) and who are the pretenders? In my eyes, the prize is a fight between Brandi Carlile (“The Joke”), Childish Gambino (“This is America”), Cardi B (“I Like It”), with a possible dark horse in Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper (“Shallow”).

✓ 1. Childish Gambino, “This is America”

This is America [Single] • RCA • 2018

Personally, “This is America” is the song to beat for Record of the Year.  It has been consistently ranked as my best song of 2018.  While Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) takes a simple lyrical approach, the socially-conscious message Glover makes is pitch-perfect – clearly relevant and perfectly tuned to the times. Throughout the course of the record, he references policing in America and gun violence, important issues in the black community, as well as focusing on excess as a distraction from those truly important matters.  A stark contrast from the throwback soul of “Awaken, My Love!”, Glover continues to show incredible giftedness and versatility as a musician.  Hopefully, The Academy voters see what everybody sees in this particular record.  

✓ 2.Brandi Carlile, “The Joke”

By the Way, I Forgive You • Elektra • 2018

Brandi Carlile missed out on the love of my year-end, year-in-review lists mainly because I didn’t review the By the Way, I Forgive You until December 31, 2018 – oops.  Regardless, “The Joke” made up a lot of ground in my eyes and could be the biggest challenger to Childish Gambino’s “This is America.” Why? This is a moving, political and socially-conscious record tailor-made for times like these.  Better yet, those older voters who may not see the same qualities from “This is America” could quite possibly be won over by this more traditional, heartfelt performance by Carlile. There’s no ‘joke’ about it – this is a serious contender.

✓ 3.Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin, “I Like It”

Invasion of Privacy • Atlantic • 2018

Cardi B exploded in 2017 with her number one hit single, “Bodak Yellow”.  In 2018, she scored a number one album with Invasion of Privacy, which turned out to be a well-rounded debut by all means. One of the highlights not named “Bodak Yellow” or “Bartier Cardi” is “I Like It,” a crowd-pleasing record that unsurprisingly earns a nomination for Record of the Year. “I Like It” brilliantly samples the Pete Rodriguez classic, “I Like It Like That” bringing some serious Latin vibes into Invasion of Privacy.  Amplifying the brilliance even more are appearances from Puerto Rican reggaetón (Latin trap soul) singer Bad Bunny and Colombian reggaetón singer J Balvin. Given how ubiquitous Cardi B was throughout 2017 and 2018, “I Like It” feels like it has the ability to win this category, even if “This is America” or “The Joke” are better equipped and more transcendent.

✓ 4.Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper, “Shallow”

A Star is Born • Interscope • 2018

Being honest, I’m not quite as high on “Shallow” as everybody else is or has been.  Yeah, I said it.  I like the original from A Star is Born co-written by Lady Gaga and Mark Ronson among others, but I’m not as taken with it as some are.  Still, what’s undeniable is that “Shallow” is another loaded contender that could shock the world… shock may be too strong given the overwhelming popularity and regard for this song. “Shallow” is another crowd-pleaser, but also has enough of those qualities that could earn it one of the most prestigious awards at the 2019 Grammys.  Bradley Cooper showcases a beautiful singing voice, while Lady Gaga absolutely soars, particularly towards the end.

5. Drake, “God’s Plan”

Scorpion • Cash Money • 2018

“God’s plan, God’s plan / I can’t do this on my own… / Someone watchin’ this shit close, yep, close…/ Might go down as G.O.D., yeah, wait / I go hard on Southside G / I make sure that north-side eat.” “God’s Plan” was one of the biggest songs of the year – understatement.  Perhaps had the Drake arrived later in the year, the buzz would be much more substantial.  Regardless, the record landed sixth on my year-end 100 Best Songs of 2018 list and has an argument to rank higher. On the melodic number one hit single, the rapper-singer seems to acknowledge God himself (“I can’t do this on my own”). Even so, he still references his share secular ideas. Notably, the accompanying music video finds Drake giving back in robust fashion. I personally don’t see it winning, but you never know.

6. Post Malone, “Rockstar”

Ft. 21 Savage

Beerbongs & Bentleys • Republic • 2018

Ah, another crowd-pleaser, and perhaps, I’m selling its chances short? “Rockstar”, the centerpiece of the Album of the Year-nominated beerbongs & bentleys, has its fair share of pros that could easily help launch Post Malone to a victory.  The production is strong, sporting moody vibes from the onset.  Post excels in his signature pop-rap style with agile rhymes, exhibiting a respectable flow. Transcendent? Nah, but enjoyable, and that counts for something.  21 Savage provides a nice contrast to Post’s more exuberant, emotional style opting for his normal, beloved deadpan approach.  Don’t count it out.

7.Kendrick Lamar & SZA, “All the Stars”

Black Panther the Anthem Music from and Inspired By • Interscope • 2018

“This may be the night that my dreams might let me know / All the stars are closer, all the stars are closer, all the stars are closer.” Hmm, it’s tough to know where to rank this record.  It’s a superb collaboration by Kendrick Lamar and SZA, two artists quite deserving of most Grammy nominations they receive.  In the case of SZA, it’s a travesty that she walked out empty-handed following her breakthrough debut album, Ctrl.  That said, one has to wonder if “All the Stars”, the Black Panther Music from and Inspired By centerpiece, has enough ‘juice’ to take down the records potentially ahead of it.  It’s definitely not out of the mix in quality, earning the ninth spot on my 100 Best Songs of 2018, behind fellow contenders “This is America” and “God’s Plan.”

8. Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey, “The Middle”

The Middle [Single] • Interscope • 2018

“Oh baby, why don’t you just meet me in the middle? / I’m losing my mind just a little / So why don’t you just meet me in the middle? / In the middle.” Ugh… Fans of “The Middle” will cry foul seeing the Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey collaboration at the bottom of this ranking. I did give “The Middle” a spot on my 100 Best Songs of 2018 (somewhat grudgingly), but it barely cracked the top-50 at no. 47.  Call me a hater if you wish.  The big thing that annoys me about this song is that it was vastly overplayed, not to mentioned overhyped.  Still, given just how big this dance record was, it’s understandable how it earned the nomination and there’s a pathway to victory…I just hope it doesn’t happen.

Final Thoughts

Should Win: Childish Gambino, “This Is America”

Will Win: Childish Gambino, “This is America,” Brandi Carlile, “The Joke,” or Cardi B, “I Like It” 

Dark Horse: Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper, “Shallow”

Photo Credits: Atlantic, Cash Money, Elektra, Interscope, RCA, Republic