Most of the time, the Grammys are more about who should have won the award than who did win: And as soon as tonight’s broadcast starts, the arguing will begin. Here are my picks.
Record of the year
Who will win: “Rehab,” Amy Winehouse. Everything about this track is undeniably great. The lyrics, that organ, the production — mmm.
Producer: Mark Ronson
Who should win: “Rehab,” Amy Winehouse , et al. Why? See above. It’s one of those rare cases where quality will be rewarded with a statuette.
Album of the year
Who will win: “Graduation,” Kanye West. This delightful record features West (and company) at his off-the-wall best.
Featured artists: Dwele, Lil Wayne, Mos Def & T-Pain; producers: Warryn “Baby Dubb” Campbell, Mike Dean, Eric Hudson, Brian “Allday” Miller, Nottz, Patrick “Plain Pat” Reynolds, Gee Roberson, Toomp & Kanye West
Who should win: “Graduation,” Kanye West, et al. It’s more than just “Stronger,” which was an incredible single. West’s third album builds on what came before it. It’s a triumph.
Song of the year
Who will win: “Umbrella.” This was one of the biggest songs the past year. Enough said.
Songwriters: Shawn Carter, Kuk Harrell, Terius “Dream” Nash and Christopher Stewart; performer: Rihanna featuring Jay-Z.
Who should win: “Rehab.” Winehouse lived it, and then she wrote it, and then she sang it. And we love her for it.
Songwriter/performer: Winehouse
Best new artist
Who will win: Amy Winehouse. Feist could give her a run for the money, but Winehouse got here without the help of an iTunes commercial.
Who should win: Amy Winehouse. She deserves it.
Best male pop vocal performance
Who will win: Justin Timberlake. Timberlake sells records and fuels FM radio with hits. And even if he’s not known for his vocal prowess, he might be rewarded for the millions of copies he’s sold.
Who should win: Michael Buble. An odd choice coming from this rock-loving critic, but Buble does have a tremendous voice.
Best female pop vocal performance
Who will win: Amy Winehouse. Her voice is her best attribute. Well, that and her nu-beehive.
Who should win: Amy Winehouse. And so it is said.
