Way Too Early Grammy Nomination Predictions, 2018 | List 1.0

It’s way too early to be discussing Grammy nominations. Then again, is it ever way too early to be discussing Grammy nominations? No.

It’s already August 2017 – unbelievable.  2017 is progressing at a rapid pace.  As the year grows shorter, we get closer and closer to Grammy nominations. Sure, they are months away (as of publication), but before you know it, some very lucky musicians will be in contention for music’s most prestigious awards.  At this point, it is tough to get a read on who has a shot.  It’s that sort of year.  Examining only the big-four categories, here are my thoughts on who MIGHT be nominated for a Grammy.

Record of the Year 

Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”

Ed Sheeran, “Shape of You”

Kendrick Lamar, “Humble.”

Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber, “Despacito”

The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk, “Starboy”  

Other Possibilities

Childish Gambino, “Redbone”; Bruno Mars, “24K Magic”; DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil Wayne, “I’m the One”; Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert, “Bad and Boujee”; James Arthur, “Say You Won’t Let Go”; The Chainsmokers ft. Coldplay, “Something Just Like This”; Khalid, “Location”

Commentary: Hard to see Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, or Ed Sheeran miss a nod in the category.  Also, given its history-making run, “Despacito” seems like a lock.  The Weeknd has been in this position before, but, there’s a possibility the fifth spot goes to someone else.  Just look at the list of other possibilities.  Loaded category.

Album of the Year

Bruno Mars, 24K Magic

Chris Stapleton, From a Room: Vol. 1

Ed Sheeran, Divide

Kendrick Lamar, DAMN.

The Weeknd, Starboy

Other Possibilities

Childish Gambino, “Awaken, My Love!”; Father John Misty, Pure Comedy; Harry Styles, Harry Styles; Lorde, Melodrama; Jay-Z, 4:44; Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, The Nashville Sound; John Mayer, The Search for Everything; A Tribe Called Quest, We Got It From Here…Thank You 4 Your Service

Commentary: This award used to be the crème de la crème.  It’s still the chief amongst them, but it’s lost a bit of its luster, given the dominance of records and songs.  Still, as aforementioned, Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, and Ed Sheeran seem to be sitting pretty.  Chris Stapleton has a shot at scoring his second consecutive nod in this category, though Traveller had more buzz.  The Weeknd is also in a familiar spot, even if compared to the three juggernauts is a more underrated choice.  Even with this being a weakened award, there are numerous other albums on deck including projects from Childish Gambino, Lorde, and possibly an unexpected surprise, such as Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. 

Song of the Year 

Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”

Ed Sheeran, “Castle on the Hill”

Harry Styles, “Sign of the Times”

James Arthur, “Say You Won’t Let Go”

Kendrick Lamar, “Humble.”

Other Possibilities

Ed Sheeran, “Shape of You”; Father John Misty, “Pure Comedy”; still pondering…

Commentary: So, what’s the difference between record and song of the year again?  Lately, the lines have truly become blurred.  Song of the Year is a songwriter’s award, but examining the songs of late 2016 and 2017, how many truly great songs are there? Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, and Ed Sheeran continue to have chance in this category.  Of the three, Sheeran has the closest edge of a song should “Castle on the Hill” be nominated.  That said, “Shape of You” might be chosen, and that’s a stark difference.

Harry Styles has a case with “Sign of the Times,” which also has an argument in the Record of the Year Category.  The problem is, is “Sign of the Times” big enough? James Arthur had a hit with “Say You Won’t Let Go,” quietly ascending up the charts.  Again, this song has a case for record of the year, yet, compared to some of the field, it’s got more song qualities.  Song of the Year, hence, is a toss-up.

Best New Artist

Brett Young

James Arthur

Julia Michaels

Khalid

Migos

Other Possibilities:

Hailee Steinfeld, SZA; more to come?

Commentary: Hmm, tough. Migos have been around, yet Culture is their breakout project.  Could be pushing it.  Khalid had a big hit with “Location,” and has a terrific, distinct voice.  Brett Young has done very well for himself in country circles, landing a hit with the thoughtful “In Case You Didn’t Know.” Julia Michaels had a big hit with “Issues,” but the pop singer/songwriter is still elevating her profile.  James Arthur is also on the rise stateside, but is he big enough (yet) to win this award?

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