Too Much Music Talk?

Awards season has officially kicked off, and even though the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences released the list of nominees almost a week ago, both the media and music fans can’t stop talking about the Grammy Awards, which takes place February 10. Perhaps the obsession surrounding this year’s nominations is in part due to the surprises, which we have narrowed down to two who made it and two who missed it.

Who made it:

Let’s face it, when MTV doesn’t know of an artist—their credibility should be called into question (even if the “music television” network plays more of Snooki in her slippers than they do actual music). So, don’t feel bad if you don’t know who Al Walser is or had to look up his Grammy nominated song, “I Can’t Live Without You.” While several critics and fans were up in albums after receiving news that this unknown artist got the nod (consequently leaving artists like Afrojack and David Guetta off the list), the Academy stuck to their decision and will not strip Walser of his honor.

Carly Rae Jepsen… for song of the year? Don’t get me wrong, I too feel inclined to scream along the lyrics, “hey I just met you, and this is crazy…” but a Grammy nomination, uncalled for, maybe? Since when did catchy pop vocal artists rule the Grammys?

Who missed it:

Well, maybe everyone wasn’t surprise when Justin Bieber didn’t get a nod (after all, this is not the first time he’s been snuffed by the Academy), but when Carly Rae Jepsen gets the nod, shouldn’t Bieber (whose music is maturing—admit it)also get some recognition?

She might have gotten three nods, but not for Country Album of the Year. Despite Red’s commercial success, Taylor Swift’s country album missed the ticket. Quite possibly, everyone has finally realized that since “Teardrops on My Guitar,” Swift’s music is more pop than country– but I don’t think this minor snuff has Taylor “red.” If she is upset, don’t worry fans, she’ll probably write a song about it. Possibly they didn’t nominate her to avoid the awkward, “pull Kanye off stage” scenario, “he’s screaming about Hunter Hayes having the best country album of all time again.”

So it just goes to show you, the Grammy Awards (like most of the prestigious award shows) are like horse races… you can’t predict them all, but when the one you’re rooting for wins, you feel pretty accomplished yourself. Unfortunately, the same is true for the other outcome. But, for this award season, let’s let music do what it does best: bring people together, soothe the soul and, well, rock.

Cover Photo Source: Supernino via Wikimedia Commons

Cassandra is a Content Manager and Developer at SJG. She earned her BA from Fontbonne University in 2011. Outside the office, she enjoys an active, healthy and well-rounded lifestyle including reading, writing, running, golfing, watching films, listening to music, taking photographs, and consuming media and social media.