The Year So Far: Mid-2019 Grammys
I know September is a strange time to do some midyear rundowns, as we're in fact entering the final third of 2019. However, after an August that was filled with life changes rather than Couch content, we're ready to jump back in and treat September like our August! The timing of this is also somewhat awkward, given that the eligibility period for the 2020 Grammys actually ended with the month of August; but don't worry, this is not a placeholder for a bonafide Grammy nomination prediction piece, which will arrive in the coming weeks.
For now, enjoy a brief, only partially-informed take on the state of music thus far:
ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Assume Form, James Blake
In a year that has-- so far -- yielded a number of very good albeit not particularly memorable albums, chief among them is James Blake's 4th studio album. The British singer/producer's January release was the first album that piqued my interest this year, and it's remained at the top of my ranking ever since, with the caveat that I am yet to listen to some highly acclaimed album, including those from Beyoncé, Solange, and Tyler the Creator. Blake has always been brilliant at pairing melancholy chill with creative production, and Assume Form sees him at his peak in this regard. The increased energy and trap influence are what sets this record apart from his previous discography, and there's no real deadweight on this tracklist.
Honorable Mention: Heard It In A Past Life, Maggie Rogers
SONG OF THE YEAR: "Tell Me Lies", The Black Keys
2019 has seen many good individual tracks, but much like the albums of the year, none have really knocked me flat. There's still time, of course, but keep in mind that by this time last year, we had already heard Kacey Musgraves' "Slow Burn," Janelle Monae's "Screwed," Childish Gambino's "Feels Like Summer," and Travis Scott's "Sicko Mode." Still, all of this being said, my personal favorite from the year's first several months has to be the best offering from The Black Keys' much-welcomed return. The Ohio rock duo had been out of the public eye for what felt like an eternity (though in fact it was just over 5 years), and the punchy, bluesy, "Tell Me Lies" plays like something off of Brothers, their strongest album, in my humble opinion.
Honorable Mention: "Where's The Catch", James Blake feat. Andre 3000
RECORD OF THE YEAR: "Juice", Lizzo
I know the Grammys doesn't differentiate this way, but I always think of Song of the Year as "Best Song" and Record of the Year as "Best Radio Smash." And if I'm thinking radio smash in the year 2019, I'm thinking of one person: Lizzo. The R&B singer/rapper/flutist has taken America by storm with her up-tempo, joyous, addicting releases, and none capture her essence as well as "Juice." Though its time in the limelight was quickly eclipsed by follow-up bangers "Tempo" and "Truth Hurts," the self-confidence dance anthem is sure to get your body moving and leave a smile on your face.
Honorable Mention: "break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored", Ariana Grande
BEST NEW ARTIST: Billie Eilish
This is one area where, more so than previous years, I'm really looking forward to the nominee field. I'm not sure whether the aforementioned Lizzo will be eligible for the award, but if she is, you'd imagine she'd be a favorite. Other strong contenders would be young'uns Billie Eilish and Li'l Nas X, as well as Maggie Rogers, Ava Max, and Lewis Capaldi. Of the newcomers on the music scene, my pick would be the extremely talented 17-year old Eilish, who has completely changed the game on the pop landscape.
Honorable Mention: Lizzo
MISCELLANEOUS CATEGORIES THAT AREN'T ACTUALLY GRAMMY CATEGORIES
Best Comeback:
Jonas Brothers
Honorable Mention: Three-way tie between The Black Keys, Vampire Weekend, and Taylor Swift's credibility
Album I Don't Want to Listen To Because I'm Worried I Won't Like It:
The Big Day, Chance The Rapper
Honorable Mention: thank u, next, Ariana Grande
Album I Don't Want to Listen To Because I'm Worried I WILL Like It:
Lover, Taylor Swift
Honorable Mention: No.6 Collaborations Project, Ed Sheeran
Radio Hit That Is Far Too Overplayed:
"Someone You Loved", Lewis Capaldi
Honorable Mention: "Me!", Taylor Swift feat. Brendon Urie
Radio Hit That Was Not Played Nearly Enough:
"Nothing Breaks Like A Heart", Mark Ronson and Miley Cyrus
Honorable Mention: "Thunderclouds", LSD
Radio Hit That Is Played A Ton But I Really Don't Mind
"Sucker", Jonas Brothers
Honorable Mention: "Truth Hurts", Lizzo
Best "Old Town Road" Version
Remix #2, featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, Mason Ramsey, and Young Thug
Honorable Mention: Remix #1, featuring Billy Ray Cyrus