Record of the Year Nominees:
- “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
- “Blank Space” – Taylor Swift
- “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
- “Really Love” – D’Angelo And The Vanguard
- “Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd
Who Should Win: “Blank Space” – Taylor Swift
If I were a Grammy voter, I would determine my vote for Record of the Year by looking at the production of the song, the performance, the message, and it’s impact in music and pop culture. I would see which song left it’s mark and would essentially be remembered in the future. Essentially which song was embraced the most by listeners (which is why “Shake it Off” should’ve won last year…anyway…).
This year is full of songs that each fulfill those qualities, but my vote goes to “Blank Space” because it has, I would say, the most unique production style and is structured perfectly to transcend the joke. Also, I think it has the most impact on pop culture because we still refer to it, it’s still on radio, and it’s music video still gets views on YouTube. Meanwhile, I don’t think I’ve heard “Uptown Funk” for over a year.
Who Will Win: “Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd.
Like I said before, this is a close category and I could see most of these nominees winning. “Can’t Feel My Face” is no different because it features a great bass lines and drum beats that sets it apart, plus I think The Weeknd’s lower register vocals grabs the listener in. Also, it just fits a pattern I kind of noticed over the past few winners, style wise.
I will say that “Uptown Funk” is a close second to “Can’t Feel My Face” in terms of likelihood of winning…but I felt I should put my money on one song…. I’m 60% “Can’t Feel My Face” and 40% “Uptown Funk.”
