The Nominees

“Cardigan” - Taylor Swift

”Don’t Start Now” - Dua Lipa

”everything i wanted” - Billie Eilish

”Say So” - Doja Cat

”Watermelon Sugar” - Harry Styles

”Yummy” - Justin Bieber

“Say So” is a perfect showcase for Doja Cat. She sings, she raps, she’s contemporary, she’s redolent — it’s the dexterity with which she uses her instrument that really won me over in this group. Her signature assertive wit also fits perfectly into the bubblegum-disco soundscape of the track. The track is produced by controversial producer Dr. Luke (under the pseudonym Tyson Trax) but this is Doja’s show through and through. A win here would allow the Recording Academy to recognize the best part of one of the year’s biggest hits.

The Nominees

“Dynamite” - BTS

”Exile” - Taylor Swift ft. Bon Iver

”Intentions” - Justin Bieber ft. Quavo

”Rain on Me” - Lady Gaga w/ Ariana Grande

”Un Dia (One Day)” - J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny & Tainy

The performance that really hits all the boxes for me in this category is “Dynamite” by BTS — the first all English-language track by this K-pop group. This energizing track is pure, grade-a, traditional, cookie-cutter POP and the groups falsettos and harmonies are pretty perfect (maybe a little too perfect for some) but for me, it was just enough sugar-coated funk to satisfy my sweet tooth.

The Nominees

Changes - Justin Bieber

Chromatica - Lady Gaga

Fine Line - Harry Styles

folklore - Taylor Swift

Future Nostalgia - Dua Lipa

Maybe you can blame my fondness for “manly men” but I really fell for Harry Styles on his sophomore solo album Fine Line. The album exudes a steely sensuality, that lures you into Styles’ skillfully crafted tracks — each one a calculated display of vulnerability, stopping the listener (and perhaps himself) from falling too deep into his self-pity. Styles lets you into his thoughts just enough to make you want to stay to hear the secrets.

The Nominees

American Standard - James Taylor

Blue Umbrella - Daniel Tashian (& Burt Bacharach)

Judy - Renée Zellweger

True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter - Harry Connick Jr.

Unfollow the Rules - Rufus Wainwright

My vote would go to the five-track EP Blue Umbrella by Daniel Tashian, with the legendary Burt Bacharach on piano. Tashian & Bacharach use jazzy, nostalgic tones that evoke “the before times” when you could sit by the window and people-watch. And though I wish there was more to this collection, its brevity adds to the graceful resolve that really makes this album stand out in this field of household names.

The Nominees

“10%” - Kaytranada ft. Kali Uchis /
Kaytranada (producer) & Neal H. Pogue (mixer)

“Both of Us” - Jayda G /
Fred Again.. & Jayda G (producers & mixers)

“The Difference” - Flume ft. Toro y Moi /
Flume (producer) / Eric J Dubowsky (mixer)

“My High” - Disclosure ft. Aminé & Slowthai /
Disclosure [as Guy Lawrence & Howard Lawrence] (producers) /
Guy Lawrence (mixer)

“On My Mind” - Diplo & SIDEPIECE /
Diplo & SIDEPIECE (producers) /
Luca Pretolesi (mixer)

This category is usually filled with bops, and I find it all really depends on the type of dancefloor you’re looking to cut a rug on. Personally, I really grooved with “10%” by Kaytranada ft. Kali Uchis. Kaytranda does a solid job with a disco-flavored beat, but it’s really Uchis swagger in bringing her demands to the dancefloor that does it for me. The laid-back party vibes of the track also really appealed to my current sensibilities as someone in his (gasps) 30s!!!

The Nominees

Bubba - Kaytradada

Energy - Disclosure

Good Faith - Madeon

KICK I - Arca

Planet’s Mad - Baauer

Even though it might not be the most adventurous of the group, my vote would have to go to the most consistent project here: Madeon’s Good Faith. The other nominees are all solid (and as a historian, I really feel like Arca is on the brink of a masterpiece project) but I found the electric-gospel ride that Madeon takes the listener on the most satisfying of this group.

The Nominees

“Do You Ever (Rac Mix)” - Rac

“Imaginary Friends” - Morgan Page

“Praying For You (Louie Vega Main Remix)” - Louie Vega

“Roses (Imanbek Remix)” - Imanbek Zeikenov

”Young & Alive (Bazzi vs. Haywyre Remix)” - Haywyre

From his bedroom in Kazakhstan, a now-20 year old Imanbek remixed a track he found online, posted it to social media, and the rest is: $$$$$. But most importantly: it’s a bop.

The Nominees

Form//Less - Superposition

Meditations - Cory Wong & Jon Batiste

More Guitar Stories - Jim "Kimo" West

Periphery - Priya Darshini

Songs From The Bardo - Laurie Anderson, Tenzin Choegyal & Jesse Paris Smith

This is a really strong category and my vote is for Priya Darshini’s Periphery. On this album length exploration of the theme of ‘home’ Darshini displays an elegantly complex sound. The album has a searching...wandering feel to it, with my favorite moments being the smooth transitions into more melancholy tones — almost like slipping into pockets of memories.

The Nominees

Got to Be Tough - Toots & The Maytals

Higher Place - Skip Marley

It All Comes Back to Love - Maxi Priest

One World - The Wailers

Upside Down 2020 - Buju Banton

My pick is Skip Marley (the grandson of the legendary Bob Marley) with his debut EP Higher Place. For me, out of all the nominees this was the most cohesive and the production was really stellar. In exploring the happier, “higher” moments in life, he fuses & transpose Reggae & R&B sounds, into a blend that accomplishes its goal. Marley is already showing a knack for collaboration on this project, with those tracks being a highlight for me, including his collaboration with H.E.R. that received a nomination in the R&B Field.

The Nominees

Agora - Bebel Gilberto

Amadjar - Tinariwen

Fu Chronicles - Antibalas

Love Letters - Anoushka Shankar

Twice As Tall - Burna Boy

This is another strong category and I really was blown away by the Brooklyn-based, Afrobeat group Antibalas and their Kun-fu tinged Fu Chronicles. Inspired by lead singer Duke Amayo’s own life-long kung-fu training, the musical vocabulary blends seamlessly into the afrobeat instrumentation — and at times evokes some 70s cinema, which I can dig. But the heart and SOUL of this album is Amayo. He leads Antibalas with a virtuous focus on each track, making for a really compelling project.

The Nominees

23 Hours to Kill - Jerry Seinfeld

Black Mitzvah - Tiffany Haddish

I Love Everything - Patton Oswalt

The Pale Tourist - Jim Gaffigan

Paper Tiger - Bill Bull

This year, this category is filled with five comics who are all (arguably) at the top of their game. BUT, the only one I could listen to over and over again, is Tiffany Haddish’s Black Mitzvah. It’s hard not to feel like you’re at the best party in town when Haddish is the one making you laugh.

The Nominees

Acid for the Children: A Memoir - Flea

Alex Trebek - The Answer Is… - Ken Jennings

Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia, and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth - Rachel Maddow

Catch and Kill - Ronan Farrow

Charlotte’s Web - Meryl Streep

Just like with her program on MSNBC, on the audiobook to her best-selling, book-length report Blowout, Rachel Maddow showcases a knack for making even the most complex news story understandable. The assured clarity with which she delivers her reporting and the crisp production on this project, give the whole audiobook a polished quality, that made it a very compelling journey for me.

The Nominees

All the Ladies - Joanie Leeds

Wild Life - Justin Roberts

Yes, there are only two Nominees in this category! There were originally five Nominees, but three of the Nominees declined their Nominations because the category only included white artists. (And Joanie Leeds as the sole woman, in the mix.) I actually made my pick before those artists pulled out, and even with them out of the mix, my winner doesn’t change: All the Ladies by Joanie Leeds. There’s nothing not to like on this album: the music is fun, the lessons aren’t condescending & the guests Leeds brings on give the album a nice variety. But most importantly: it’s the one album from the original mix that I would want to have my kid to listen to the most.

The Nominees

Adore You - Harry Styles

Dave Meyers (video director) / Nathan Scherrer (video producer)

BROWN SKIN GIRL - Beyoncé, Blue Ivy & WizKid

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter & Jenn Nkiru (video directors) / Astrid Edwards, Aya Kaida, Jean Mougin, Nathan Scherrer & Erinn Williams (video producers)

Goliath - Woodkid

Yoann Lemoine (video director) / Horace de Gunzbourg (video producer)

Life Is Good - Future ft. Drake

Julien Christian Lutz (video director) / Harv Glazer (video producer)

Lockdown - Anderson . Paak

Dave Meyers (video director) / Nathan Scherrer (video producer)

It’s sometimes hard to believe just how amazing one person can be…Beyoncé never ceases to prove that she is worthy of her living-icon status. She is always raising the bar with a limitless vision that is referential, confident & graceful. “BROWN SKIN GIRL” is just as culturally aware and visually stunning as any other Beyoncé project — and that’s why it’s in a league of it’s own.

The Nominees

Beastie Boys Story - Beastie Boys

Spike Jonze (video director) / Amanda Adelson, Jason Baum & Spike Jonze (video producers)

Black Is King - Beyoncé

Emmanuel Adjei, Blitz Bazawule, Beyonce Knowles-Carter & Kwasi Fordjour (video directors) / Lauren Baker, Akin Omotoso, Nathan Scherrer, Jeremy Sullivan & Erinn Williams (video producers)

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice - Linda Ronstadt

Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman (video directors) / Michele Farinola & James Keach (video producers)

That Little Ol’ Band from Texas - ZZ Top

Sam Dunn (video director) / Scot McFadyen (video producer)

We Are Freestyle Love Supreme - Freestyle Love Supreme

Andrew Fried (video director) / Andrew Fried, Jill Furman, Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sarina Roma, Jenny Steingart & Jon Steingart (video producers)

As a historian, I can confirm: Beyoncé’s Black Is King is a masterwork, that will one day be remembered as a defining cultural touchstone. [But frankly: some of yall might be losing track of how many of these she has racked up!]

In the same breathe, she has confirmed her mastery, not just of music, but of fashion, fine art, choreography, artistic activism, cultural diplomacy, EPIC film making — there is thought behind EVERY. SINGLE. choice, and I couldn’t help but be in awe, of every single one of them.

The Nominees

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood - (Various Artists)

Nate Heller (compilation producer) / Howard Paar (music supervisor)

Bill & Ted Face the Music - (Various Artists)

Jonathan Leahy (compilation producer)

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga - (Various Artists)

Savan Kotecha (compilation producer) / Becky Bentham (music supervisor)

Frozen 2 - (Various Artists)

Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Tom MacDougall & Dave Metzger (compilation producers)

Joio Rabbit - (Various Artists)

Taika Waititi (compilation producer)

This category caught me a bit off guard. It was perhaps for that reason that the Eurovision Song Contest soundtrack SLAPPED. The tracks are like a patchwork of stadium ready songs, that will make you laugh or leave you in awe. I was left thinking “what the fuck WAS THAT???!?!” — in the BEST way possible.

The Nominees

1917 - Thomas Newman

Ad Astra - Max Richter

Becoming - Kamasi Washington

Joker - Hildur Guðnadóttir

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker - John Williams

In a field that is usually filled with EPIC ORCHESTRAS, the jazzy score to the Michelle Obama documentary Becoming, by Kamasi Washington is the winner for me here. This intimate composition feels just as self-assured, dignified & familiar as it’s inspiration. Despite it’s brevity (or maybe because of it) Washington’s melodies stayed with me for much longer than the orchestra backed soundtracks that fill out this category.

The Nominees

“Beautiful Ghosts” - (from Cats)

Andrew Lloyd Webber & Taylor Swift

“Carried Me with You” - (from Onward)

Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth & Tim Hanseroth

“Into the Unknown” - (from Frozen 2)

Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez

“No Time to Die” - (from No Time to Die)

Billie Eilish O'Connell & Finneas Baird O'Connell

“Stand Up” - (from Harriet)

Joshuah Brian Campbell & Cynthia Erivo

This is not one of the strongest years for this category, which made the complexity of “Stand Up” from the movie Harriet that much more memorable. It’s probably the most cinematic of the songs here, with a cautious build that evokes a vast unknown — one that holds dangers, but also holds possibilities.

The Nominees

“Baby Jack” - Arturo O'Farrill

“Be Water II” - Christian Sands

“Plumfield” - Alexandre Desplat

“Sputnik” - Maria Schneider

“Strata” - Remy Le Boeuf

My pick for this category is “Baby Jack” by Arturo O’Farrill. The momentum building layers of sound create what feels like a metropolis growing all around, pivoting just as the concrete gets too close (almost as if the sun is setting) only to reveal the more sultry, maybe even dangerous parts of this cityscape. Only to pick right back up, to thrust you back into that invigorating hustle & bustle of the every day…IF ONLY the real “every day” was this exciting.

The Nominees

“Bathroom Dance” - Hildur Guðnadóttir

“Donna Lee” - John Beasley

“Honeymooners” - Remy Le Boeuf

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” - Alvin Chea & Jarrett Johnson

“Uranus: The Magician” - Jeremy Levy

The most exciting arrangements in this category has got to be Jeremy Levy’s arrangements for “Uranus: The Magician.” It definitely evokes a spacey vastness but (perhaps in capturing some feeling of a lift-off) it also has a certain pageantry that really elevated the track for me. The little blasts of Jetson-like horns were particularly winning.

The Nominees

“Asas Fechadas” - John Beasley & Maria Mendes

“Desert Song” - Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johnaye Kendrick & Amanda Taylo

“From This Place” - Alan Broadbent & Pat Metheny

“He Won’t Hold You” - Jacob Collier

“Slow Burn” - Talia Billig, Nic Hard & Becca Stevens

And for this category, my pick would have to be Quincy Jones-mentee and new music wizkid on the block: Jacob Collier, for his song “He Won’t Hold You” — featuring a spoken word cameo by Rhapsody. There is an omnipresent vibe to this track — just like when you make a choice, only to realize it may have been the wrong one, and it stays top of mind for longer than it should.

In burrowing himself into the subconscious of the listener, Collier slowly envelopes the listener with hauntingly, attractive melodies. He actually draws you in with familiar sounds that can’t quite be placed (wind chimes?) creating a dizzying soundscape that is mesmerizing to get sucked in. But right when you start to get used to him, the song ends with a cocky open ended-ness that feels like some set-up to have this all start all over again. — Damn it…did I fall for it…?

The Nominees

Americana - Grégoire Maret, Romain Collin & Bill Frisell

Axiom - Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah

Chronology of a Dream: Live at the Village Vanguard - Jon Batiste

Live at the Royal Albert Hall - Snarky Puppy

Take the Stairs - Black Violin

I have to go with the live album Axiom by the newly crowned Cheiftain and Idi of the Xodokan Nation of New Orleans Black Masking Nations: Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah. (YES: he is actual American royalty.)

Of all the nominees, this is the one that lived rent free in my head LONG after I stopped listening. Even in the more pensive moments on the album, there is a lushness of sound that just feels so gratifying to swept up in.

The Nominees

“All Blues” - Chick Corea - from Trilogy 2 (Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade)

”Celia” - Gerald Clayton - from Happening: Live at the Village Vanguard

”Guinnevere” - Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah - from Axiom

”Moe Honk” - Joshua Redman - from RoundAgain (Redman Mehldau McBride Blade)

”Pachamama” - Regina Carter - from Ona (Thana Alexa)

In this category, I think the biggest stand out was Regina Carter’s marvelous featured solo on Thana Alexa’s “Pachamama.” There is a bluntness in Alexa’s lyrics, that Carter manages to echo but also balance out, eventually taking over & ramping it up, into a hypnotic display of skill.

The Nominees

Holy Room: Live at Alte Oper - Somi w/ Frankfurt Radio Big Band, Conducted by John Beasley

Modern Ancestors - Carmen Lundy

Ona - Thana Alexa

Secrets Are the Best Stories - Kurt Elling ft. Danilo Pérez

What’s the Hurry - Kenny Washington

This one was a really close one for me. But in the end, I was blown away by Somi’s Holy Room: Live at Alte Oper with the hr-Bigband. She gives a thunderous performance, with wit and gusto, transforming her instrument like a vocal chameleon. But the parts that REALLY won me over, were the moments where she did (what I think is) throat singing. It was so unexpected, but fit so well into the big band vocabulary she explores on this live album.

I will also take this time to give an honorable mention to Carmen Lundy. She does more on the first three tracks of Modern Ancestors than some of the artists nominated in the Album of the Year category do on their nominated albums. The fact that she is not more widely known, is a shame for the music industry, and a bigger loss for the public.

The Nominees

Happening: Live at the Village Vanguard - Gerald Clayton

On the Tender Spot of Every Calloused Moment - Ambrose Akinmusire

RoundAgain - Redman Mehldau McBride Blade

Trilogy 2 - Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade

Waiting Game - Terri Lyne Carrington + Social Science

I will admittedly say that this was not one of my favorite years for this category. None of these albums was “bad” per se but I do think that Gerald Clayton gave the most consistent performance on his Happening: Live at the Village Vanguard. Though at times it was a bit too pensive, a little too much concentration, for me, the moments when the band joins in and encourages Clayton to loosen up are the most fun.

The Nominees

Data Lords - Maria Schneider Orchestra

Dialogues on Race - Gregg August

The Intangible Between - Orrin Evans & The Captain Black Big Band

MONK’estra Plays John Beasley - John Beasley’s MONK’estra

Songs You Like A Lot - John Hollenbeck w/ Theo Bleckmann, Kate McGarry, Gary Versace & The Frankfurt Radio Big Band

In this category, the project that wowed me throughout, was MONK’estra Plays John Beasley. This Thelonious Monk-inspired orchestra (get it? Monk + Orchestra) plays mostly bandleader John Beasley’s compositions on this two-disc project. Beasley expertly guides his orchestra through an exciting musical terrain. I could gladly explain the picturesque scenes the music paints or the swingy tumbao of the band; but, frankly: it was just the most fun out of these nominees for me.

The Nominees

City of Dreams - Chico Pinheiro

Four Questions - Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra

Tradiciones - Afro-Peruvian Jazz Orchestra

Trane’s Delights - Poncho Sanchez

Viento y Tiempo - Live at Blue Note Tokyo - Gonzalo Rubalcaba & Aymée Nuviola

This category was another difficult one for me, but in the end, I went with the exquisite album Viento y Tiempo by Gonzalo Rubalcaba & Aymée Nuviola. In this love letter to Cuba, this pair gives a master class in chemistry and pacing, with Rubalcaba’s fingers keeping up with the vociferous Nuviola. This is one of those albums where every track is a good one.

The Nominees

Everyday Life - (Coldplay) - Pilar Zeta

Funeral - (Lil Wayne) - Kyle Goen & Alex Kalatschinow

Healer -(Grouplove) - Julian Gross & Hannah Hooper

On Circles (Caspian) - Jordan Butcher

Vols. 11 & 12 - (Desert Sessions) - Doug Cunningham & Jason Noto

My pick in this category is the Desert Sessions Vols. 11 & 12 - “the longest running supergroup, mix tape.” These two covers are pure sex, drugs & (most importantly) rock-n-roll — don’t be fooled by the pretty colors.

The Nominees

Flaming Pie (Collector’s Edition) - (Paul McCartney) - Linn Wie Andersen, Simon Earith, Paul McCartney & James Musgrave

Giants Stadium 1987, 1989, 1991 - (Grateful Dead) - Lisa Glines & Doran Tyson

Mode - (Grouplove) - Jeff Schulz & Paul A. Taylor

Ode to Joy - (Wilco) - Lawrence Azerrad & Jeff Tweedy

The Story of Ghostly International - (Various) - Michael Cina & Molly Smith

So for the Package Field, these banners of covers do not do the work justice, particularly here, where the packages are excellent examples of 3D cases. My choice here is Paul McCartney and his team for the collector’s edition of Flaming Pie. In chronicling his career, McCartney not only supplies never before heard cuts & remasters BUT a time capsule with photos, newspapers, even “hand written” lyrics.

All this “stuff” feels very personal, even for a project from someone so well known. And (for me) that’s always what made the Beatles so special: their ability to make everything feel so personal. And this box set proves that McCartney has still got it.

The Nominees

25 Trips - (Sierra Hull) -

Shani Gandhi & Gary Paczosa (engineers) / Adam Grover (mastering engineer)

Black Hole Rainbow - (Devon Gilfillian) -

Shawn Everett & Ivan Wayman (engineers) / Bob Ludwig (mastering engineer)

Expectations - (Katie Pruitt) -

Gary Paczosa & Mike Robinson (engineers) / Paul Blakemore (mastering engineer)

Hyperspace - (Beck) -

Drew Brown, Julian Burg, Andrew Coleman, Paul Epworth, Shawn Everett, Serban Ghenea, David Greenbaum, John Hanes, Beck Hansen, Jaycen Joshua, Greg Kurstin, Mike Larson, Cole M.G.N., Alex Pasco & Matt Wiggins (engineers) / Randy Merrill (mastering engineer)

Jaime - (Brittany Howard)

Shawn Everett (engineer & mastering engineer)

Unfortunately, my winner in this category is a reluctant choice: Sierra Hull’s 25 Trips. Musically, this album was the least exciting, but it’s the engineering I’m listening to here. The album has an easy, breezy crispness to its ride, and even when Hull is joined by a gaggle of instrumentalists, I could hear every note, every instrument…it just wasn’t really that interesting.

The Nominees

“All I Need” - Jacob Collier ft. Mahalia & Ty Dolla $ign

”Black Parade” -Beyoncé

”Goat Head” - Brittany Howard

”Lightning & Thunder” - Jhené Aiko ft. John Legend

”See Me” - Emily King

I’m going with Jacob Collier, Mahalia & Ty Dolla $ign for “All I Need.” Collier brings his usual whimsy into a track that so generously captures the high-flying feeling of falling in love. With a heartbeat like intro, Collier is soon joined by the angelic Mahlia and the perfectly-tuned Ty Dolla $ign to create a sort-of “coming off the ground” feeling. Kind of when you start getting all those feels on your crush. And as if the trio is accepting their own synthy, challenge to “let your love shine,” the track explodes with an overwhelming swell of joy. — Did we…blast off? Did we go to space? Because it sure feels like we’re floating amongst the stars, on this track. And I don’t hate it.

The Nominees

“Anything For You” - Ledisi

”Distance” - Yebba

”Let Me Go” - Mykal Kilgore

”Sit On Down” - The Baylor Project ft. Jean Baylor & Marcus Baylor

”Wonder What She Thinks of Me” - Chloe X Halle

This is a very strong field this year. But I’m going with the sister duo of Chloe X Halle for”Wonder What She Thinks of Me.” This track is HIGH soap opera. The kind you read about in tabloids!!! And Chloe X Halle make sure you are craving the next issue. The two deliver what amount to mini-monologues, with so many plot twists that the writers of this scene have no choice but to crescendo into a deus-ex-machina-like gospel choir…and honestly…I’m glad someone brought G-d into this.

I will also give an honorable mention to Broadway veteran Mykal Kilgore on EARNING his well deserved nomination. He fundraised and produced his debut album by himself, building his own damn table, and proving that he is a STAR, ready to headline a Broadway production. Sadly, history tells me that the Great White Way’s gatekeepers will drop the ball again, and lose another great talent that they helped foster. But hey: PROVE. ME. WRONG. BROADWAY. I DARE YOU!

The Nominees

Chilombo - Jhené Aiko

Free Nationals - Free Nationals

F*** Yo Feelings - Robert Glasper

It Is What It Is - Thundercat

Ungodly Hour - Chloe X Halle

My choice here is Jhené Aiko Chilombo. Before recording this ambitious 20-track project, Aiko did a deep investigation of sound healing techniques, and in sharing her research, she has us become as intimately knowledgeable as she is: PLUNGING the listener from feelings of being loved, to being scared, to being transformed, to coming out the other side stronger…

But it’s Aiko’s clear skill as a storyteller that strings this roller coaster ride of emotions into (mostly) consumable vignettes…even if you might not feel ready for it, you let Aiko take you there.

And like…I can’t really explain it; but, this album made me… want to be a better man.

Anyone else?

The Nominees

All Rise - Gregory Porter

Bigger Love - John Legend

Happy 2 Be Here - Ant Clemons

Take Time - Giveon

To Feel Love/d - Luke James

Sometimes there is an artist you hear for the first time and the entire rest of your day changes. That’s what happened with my pick here: Take Time by Giveon.

From the FIRST. NOTE, I was weak in the knees. Straight through his 8-track, part-love letter, part-confessional, Giveon manages to make you feel every which type of wayyyyyyyyy.

Even when you know you’re getting into trouble, you let yourself become complicit in your own demise, here, because Giveon is right there, looking into your eyes — your soul…saying “we both know it’s wrong / but you’re still coming over.” And… I mean…what’s one more time? Right?

To be CLEAR: This is GROWN folks music. Do with that information what you will. That’s your business.

The Nominees

Fetch The Bolt Cutters - Fiona Apple

Hyperspace - Beck

Jaime - Brittany Howard

Punisher - Phoebe Bridgers

The Slow Rush - Tame Impala

I’m going with former-Alabama Shakes frontwoman, Brittany Howard for her debut solo album Jaime. This album is exciting, funny, complex — sometimes even shocking in its imagery. With Howard maintaining a presence that feels authentic, energized & momentous. For me, the musical IQ of this project is ahead of its time, and I think it’ll be years before many in the industry wrap their heads around it.

The Nominees

”Daylight” - Grace Potter

”Kyoto” - Phoebe Bridgers

”Not” - Big Thief

”Shameika” - Fiona Apple

”Stay High” - Brittany Howard

”The Steps” - Haim

I’m going with Brittany Howard’s performance on “Stay High,” here. In exploring the happier moments in life, Howard envelopes the listener with a blanket of pure bliss. In reaching the most joyous moments of this track, she forces us to be in that moment of bliss with her. Just being present. It’s intimate. It’s human.

The Nominees

”BLOODMONEY” - Poppy

”Bum-Rush” - Body Count

”Executioner’s Tax (Swin of the Axe) - Live” - Power Trip

”The In-Between” - In This Moment

”Underneath” - Code Orange

Metal isn’t really my thing, but I really did enjoy this category this year. And the performance I enjoyed the most was “The In-Between” by California based In This Moment. This track hits REAL hard, which made the band’s ability to find different “levels” of rage that much more compelling. There is a cold (almost sterile) feeling to the production that gives the screeching vocals a sharp quality that I especially liked. And for what it’s worth, I appreciated the self-awareness that comes through in this track. Made me feel like I was listening to an adult go through this morality crisis, and not some “hard rock” twerp.

The Nominees

”Kyoto” - (Phoebe Bridgers) - Phoebe Bridgers, Morgan Nagler & Marshall Vore

”Lost In Yesterday” - (Tame Impala) - Kevin Parker

”Not” - (Big Thief) - Adrianne Lenker

”Shameika” - (Fiona Apple) - Fiona Apple

”Stay High” - (Brittany Howard) - Brittany Howard

I’m going with Brittany Howard AGAIN for “Stay High.” In creating this “roadway of joy,” Howard not only invites us on this journey, but she takes our hand, guides us down the path, and tucks us in after. She gives herself some impressive terrain to showcase her vocal abilities and if nothing else, it just makes you feel cozy. Satisfied, even. In my opinion, this song is pretty perfect.

The Nominees

Daylight - Grace Potter

A Hero’s Death - Fontaines D.C.

Kiwanuka - Michael Kiwanuka

The New Abnormal - The Strokes

Sound & Fury - Sturgill Simpson

With no Brittany Howard here, it leaves room for my first tie: I picked both Daylight by Grace Potter & Kiwanuka by Michael Kiwanuka.

It was actually the album by The Strokes that had my favorite tracks in this bunch, but Potter & Kiwanuka delivered (what I think) are much more consistent projects. There was actually not a bad track between them, even if I didn’t love all of them.

The Nominees

”The Bigger Picture” - Lil Baby

”Bop” - Dababy

”Deep Reverence” - Big Sean ft. Nipsey Hussle

”Dior” - Pop Smoke

”Savage” - Megan Thee Stallion Ft. Beyoncé

”What's Poppin” - Jack Harlow

Out of these set of nominees, I’m going with Megan Thee Stallion & Beyoncé for their flow on “Savage.” In the hands of less skilled entertainers, this track could have easily been a forgotten b-side. Thankfully, it is tackled here by two of the most exciting performers in the game, giving us an anthem of confidence that has (frankly) helped the whole world get through this pandemic. (And does Beyoncé key change on EVERY verse???)

The Nominees

”The Box” - Roddy Ricch

”Highest in the Room” - Travis Scott

”Laugh Now Cry Later” - Drake ft. Lil Durk

”Lockdown” - Anderson .Paak

”Rockstar” - DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch

I forget how much I really enjoy Roddy Ricch’s voice, and even though I really liked his performance on “The Box,” my pick in this category is actually for him and DaBabby on 2020’s Song of the Summer: “Rockstar.” The way he actually slides into this song, for his cameo is actually a musical moment I can’t get out of my head. [It was stealthy!] And I think DaBaby gives the most consistent performance in this category, with his wiser swagger giving a nice contrast to Ricch’s…youthful energy.

The Nominees

Alfredo - Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist

The Allegory - Royce Da 5’9”

Black Habits - D Smoke

King’s Disease - Nas

A Written Testimony - Jay Electronica

I’m going with the collaboration album Alfredo by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist. In exploring mafioso iconography, Gibbs brings a contemplative swagger to some familiar imagery. But for me, it’s what he does with that swagger on the more introspective, self-humbling moments that are especially absorbing. With The Alchemist expertly filling in the gaps on each track, this duo delivers what I think is the most polished project out of the nominated albums.

The Nominees

3:33 - Debi Nova

Mesa Para Dos - Kany García

Pausa - Ricky Martin

Por Primera Ves - Camilo

YHLQMDLG - Bad Bunny

My pick in this category is Bad Bunny for his album YHLQMDLG — which roughly stands for ‘I do what I want.” You can feel his presence at every moment of this album, without feeling constrained. Bad Bunny knows how to build a song and he strings together a confident tracklist that exudes “big stick” energy.

The Nominees

Aura - Bajofondo

La Conquista Del Espacio - Fito Paez

Miss Colombia - Lido Pimienta

Monstruo - Cami

Sobrevolando - Cultura Profética

My pick in this category is Lida Pimienta and her album Miss Colombia. On this album she explores traditional cumbia sounds with a millennial curiosity that makes your ears perk up and listen. Even at the orchestral peaks, Pimienta’s voice cuts through all the hustle and bustle of each track, and speaks directly to you soul. By far, she is the nominee doing the most interesting work in this category.

The Nominees

Ayayay! - Christian Nodal

Bailando Sones Y Huapangos Con... - Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez

Hecho en México - Alejandro Fernández

La Serenata - Lupita Infante

Un Canto Por México, Vol. 1 - Natalia Lafourcade

I’m going with the Latin Grammy’s chosen Album of the Year: Natalia Lafourcade’s Un Canto Por México, Vol. 1. In this love letter to Mexico, Lafourcade really shows her ability to a craft a multi-layered, musical landscape. And even when her craftsmanship gets a bit overwhelming, her voice provides a comforting, almost healing presence that ties the whole album together.

The Nominees

40 - Grupo Niche

Infinito - Edwin Bonilla

Memorias De Navidad - Víctor Manuelle

Mi Tumbao - José Alberto "El Ruiseñor"

Sigo Cantando Al Amor (Deluxe) - Jorge Celedon & Sergio Luis

I’ve run out of ways to open these blurbs, so my pick here is: Sigo Cantando Al Amor (Deluxe) by Jorge Celedon & Sergio Luis. This vallenato album is the most consistent of the nominees for me, and I do love an accordion. And Celedon & Luis manage to create some valiant harmonies, with just enough synthy variety to keep you hooked through this quick moving collection.

The Nominees

”Black Like Me” - Mickey Guyton

”Bluebird” - Miranda Lambert

”Stick That In Your Country Song” - Eric Church

”When My Amy Prays” - Vince Gill

”Who You Thought I Was” - Brandy Clark

My pick in this category is the newest one from this bunch to hop onto the country scene: Mickey Guyton for “Black Like Me.” Guyton’s vocals provide a resolute gravitas to what really is a bare bones song. She showcases a gripping vocal agility, that forces you to listen to what she is saying. Her twang has a millennial quality to it, that I really appreciated, and I hope I hear more of it in this genre.

The Nominees

”10,000 Hours” - Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber

”All Night” - Brothers Osborne

”Ocean” - Lady A**

”Some People Do” - Old Dominion

”Sugar Coat” - Little Big Town

I don’t think this is one of the strongest years for this category. Frankly, I think these tracks will be forgotten in these groups’ catalogs. But from these nominees, the one that would get my vote is “Some People Do” by Old Dominion. The Nashville group reaches an emotional peak on this record, giving us one of the most sincere tracks to come from them. I hope they take the hint the Recording Academy is giving them and that they explore more material with this same spirit. A win, might just drive the message home, though.

The Nominees

Lady Like - Ingrid Andress

Never Will - Ashley McBryde

Nightfall - Little Big Town

Wildcard - Miranda Lambert

Your Life is a Record - Brandy Clark

It’s Miranda Lambert again for me, this time for her album Wildcard. This isn’t one of Lambert’s more bombastic albums, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s quiet rumble is just enough to showcase some gorgeous realizations.

Throughout this project, Lambert possesses a heathen’s independence, that even when she is at her most self-pitying, makes you think that everything is going to work out for her. Even if she doesn’t believe it herself.

The Nominees

”Colors” - Black Pumas

”Deep In Love” - Bonny Light Horseman

”I Remember Everything” - John Prine

”I'll Be Gone” - Norah Jones & Mavis Staples

”Short And Sweet” - Brittany Howard

My pick in this category is the breakout Grammy hit “Colors” by Black Pumas. There is a psychedelic sizzle in this track’s build, with frontman Eric Burton’s vocals exploding into soulful pleas that just pulls your soul deeper into the track.

The Nominees

“Cabin” - (The Secret Sisters) -

Laura Rogers & Lydia Rogers

“Ceiling to the Floor” - (Sierra Hull) -

Sierra Hull & Kai Welch

“Hometown” - (Sarah Jarosz) -

Sarah Jarosz

“I Remember Everything” - (John Prine) -

Pat McLaughlin & John Prine

“Man Without a Soul” - (Lucinda Williams) -

Tom Overby & Lucinda Williams

I’m going with John Prine’s final song before passing “I Remember Everything.” The lyrics are simple while still implying a finality that feels so gut wrenching. The melody is also deceptively unadorned, towards the end, almost speeding away from the lyrics, giving an even clearer picture of how formidable Prine was, up until the very end.

The Nominees

El Dorado - Marcus King

Good Souls Better Angels - Lucinda Williams

Old Flowers - Courtney Marie Andrews

Terms of Surrender - Hiss Golden Messenger

World on the Ground - Sarah Jarosz

This is a respectable lineup, this year; but, it was Marcus King’s soulful El Dorado that stood out from the bunch. It’s a tender collection of songs, that borrows and evokes so many different genres, so many different times — there is something for everyone to fall in love with here. But what really holds this project together is King’s shy confidence that I just found sincere and charming.

The Nominees

Home - Billy Strings

The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project, Vol. 1 - (Various Artists) - Matt Combs & Katie Harford Hogue (producers)

Man on Fire - Danny Barnes

North Carolina Songbook - Steep Canyon Rangers

To Live in Two Worlds, Vol. 1 - Thomm Jutz

Terms of Surrender - Hiss Golden Messenger

In this category, I’m going with Billy Strings’ Home. The whole album has an admirable resolve that feels really endearing. Each track feels like a well planned journey, with skillful arrangements that help build and move each scene Strings creates. This is another one that doesn’t have a bad track to be found.

The Nominees

All My Dues Are Paid - Frank Bey

Cypress Grove - Jimmy “Duck” Holmes

Rawer than Raw - Bobby Rush

That’s What I Heard - Robert Cray Band

You Make Me Feel - Don Bryant

It’s Don Bryant for his FIRST nomination for me. As an architect of the soul sound of the 60s, 70, 80s AND 90s, he knows these classic tunes personally. His voice possess an emotional elasticity that you’d expect from a younger singer, but he brings to it a knowing resiliency. Listening his tap into that, fighting to be heard, to be loved…that’s where he connects with your soul. When you hear people say someone “left it all on that record” THIS is what they mean.

The Nominees

Blackbirds - Bettye LeVette

Have You Lost Your Mind Yet? - Fantastic Negrito

The Juice - G. Love

Live at the Paramount - Ruthie Foster Big Band

Up and Rolling - North Mississippi Allstars

This one was pretty easy for me: Fantastic Negrito for Have You Lost Your Mind Yet? Fantastic Negrito has a genre blurring sensibility that really lends itself to the cerebral themes he explores on this album. Jumping from one style and emotion to another, even in the same moment. But it’s his ability to take such chances with thoughtfulness and FUNK that really put his style in a category of its own. This album also fits nicely into an already impressive catalog.

The Nominees

All The Good Times - Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

Bonny Light Horseman - Bonny Light Horseman

Saturn Return - The Secret Sisters

Song For Our Daughter - Laura Marling

Thanks For The Dance - Leonard Cohen

From this group, my choice would be Saturn Return by The Secret Sisters. The whole album has an ethereal feeling that makes great use of the sisters’ heavenly harmonies. The production and arrangements are also top-notch, in accentuating the boldness of their voices. The times the pair steps into mystical tones and imagery, is especially riveting.

I will also mention that this category gets the dubious honor of featuring one of the worst things I’ve ever heard, and my vote for the worst thing nominated this year: Leonard Cohen’s Thanks For The Dance. This album was released after Cohen’s death, and frankly I think it should’ve stayed forgotten. The project feels like a collection of first drafts and lacks much charm or wit. Actually, after a while, I started getting the heebbey jeebbies.

The Nominees

Atmosphere - New Orleans Nightcrawlers

Cameron Dupuy & The Cajun Troubadours - Cameron Dupuy & The Cajun Troubadours

Lovely Sunrise - Nā Wai ʽEhā

My Relatives - 'Nikso'Kowaiks - Black Lodge Singers

A Tribute to Al Berard - Sweet Cecilia

I had a clear favorite in this category: Lovely Sunrise, the sophomore album from Nā Wai ʽEhā — a band made up of two sets of brothers from the Maui, perfectly evoking the island vibes of Hawaii, almost instantly transporting you there. (Brian Wilson who?)

Their harmonies are pure butter…and the album never fails to capture the respect, love and freshness of these artists at the very BEGINNING of their careers. I have no doubt that we are witnessing master musicians in the making, here.

The Nominees

“Come Together” - Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins Present: The Good News

Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins & Jazz Nixon (producers) / Lashawn Daniels, Rodney Jerkins, Lecrae Moore & Jazz Nixon (songwriters)

“Movin’ On” - Jonathan McReynolds & Mali Music -

Darryl L. Howell, Jonathan Caleb McReynolds, Kortney Jamaal Pollard & Terrell Demetrius Wilson (songwriters)

“Release (Live)” - Ricky Dillard ft. Tiff Joy -

David Frazier (songwriter)

“Wonderful Is Your Name” - Melvin Crispell III

“Won’t Let Go” - Travis Greene

Travis Greene (songrwriter)

I’m choosing the live version of “Release” by Ricky Dillard & Tiff Joy. This album was filled with gorgeous examples of the genre, and “Release” is one of the best from the album. Though it’s Dr. Dillard inspired guidance of his choir that grounds this album, it is Joy who finds herself leading this track, setting the tone and building into a righteous beseech of His glory.

The Nominees

2econd Wind: Ready - Anthony Brown & group therAPy

Choirmaster - Ricky Dillard

Gospel Accorsing to PJ - PJ Morton

Kierra - Kierra Sheard

My Tribute - Myron Butler

Out of this group of nominees, my pick is Ricky Dillard and his album Choirmaster — a title he easily lives up to. But even more than than, Choirmaster showcases a skill at being a multi-platform, producing impresario. Choirmaster is not just a phenomenal album, it is a gospel documentary, a television concert, a live EXPERIENCE. God truly is in the details. And you can’t help but feel Dr. Dillard in those details, too.

The Nominees

All Of My Best Friends - Hillsong Young & Free

Citizen of Heaven - Tauren Wells

Holy Water - We The Kingdom

Jesus Is King - Kanye West

Run to the Father - Cody Carnes

By far, the nominee doing the most exciting work in this category is Kanye West on Jesus Is King. West explores the darker tones of his devotion on this album — at times even using apocalyptic imagery. But throughout, there is a vulnerability that even us lay people can relate to. One that might drag us down at times, but that we work through and learn from…keeping the faith (or at least trying to) as we figure it all out. Much like West seems to be trying to do on this album, except he seems to be trying to figure it ALL out — On this one project. I’m not sure if he got any real answers; but, if nothing else, the questions he’s asking are really exciting to listen to.

The Nominees

20/20 - The Crabb Family

Beautiful Day - Mark Bishop

Celebrating Fisk! (The 150th Anniversary Album) - Fisk Jubilee Singers

Something Beautiful - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

What Christmas Really Means - The Erwins

It’s the Fisk Jubilee Singers on their 150th anniversary project, for me. Where all the other nominees in this category “sent” me to a different place, the Fisk Singers BROUGHT CHURCH TO ME…and I’m a heathen!

The stellar featured soloists (also a slate of world famous gospel stars) give the choir some variety in their exploration of a glorious catalog, with the choir rising to the occasion each time. It’s hard to believe that these vocalists are in still in college!

The Nominees

Ingrid Andress

Phoebe Bridgers

Chika

Noah Cyrus

D Smoke

Doja Cat

Kaytranada

Megan Thee Stallion

Everyone sort of has their own way of judging this category. The Academy actually can’t even decide on what constitutes “New,” let alone “Best.” Some judge based on the artist’s accomplishments from the past year. Others will judge based on the heights of where they think the career of the artist will take them. Either way, I find it hard not to pick Megan Thee Stallion. She has burst through like very few other Black women in this industry have. She’s already charted 12 songs on Billboard, 7 peaking in the top 100, and already one #1 with “WAP.” THAT single pushing the envelope and influencing the cultural conversation in ways that I am just…in awe of. In particular, even using her platform to speak her truth and empower others who have dealt with domestic violence. She is inspiring. She is electric. She is THEE moment. And with her bassy, assertive rap flow, she builds on the unacknowledged shoulders of the earliest female rappers who paved the way. It’s hard to imagine her stride slowing down any time soon. So I can only imagine the innumerable paths she will pave for the next Best New Artists to come.