After a postponement due to COVID-19 concerns, the 64th Annual Grammy Awards were finally held on April 3 in Las Vegas. Although they didn’t bring as much drama as the Oscars the week before, Twitter and group chats were still rife with discussion about nominees and performances — Jon Batiste and Lil Nas X in particular brought a palpable energy to the stage. If you fell behind on listening this year, you’re in luck — this week’s issue of the Mess includes a playlist of the best from the nominees. While you listen, here’s who won (and my picks for who should have won) some of the major categories.
Record of the Year
Won: “Leave the Door Open” by Silk Sonic
Should have won: “Leave the Door Open” by Silk Sonic
Silk Sonic is an absolute delight; Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak were the duo we didn’t know we needed. The production on “An Evening With Silk Sonic” is gorgeous, and its lead single “Leave the Door Open” was the perfect introduction to Silk Sonic’s world.
Album of the Year
Won: “We Are” by Jon Batiste
Should have won: “We Are” by Jon Batiste
The dark horse. Nobody saw this win coming, but in retrospect, it is a fantastic choice for album of the year; Batiste’s music is so passionately crafted that he even featured his high school’s marching band on the title track.
Song of the Year
Won: “Leave the Door Open” by Silk Sonic
Should have won: “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” by Lil Nas X
Even with a debut album featuring the likes of Elton John and Miley Cyrus, Lil Nas X generated the most buzz for “Montero.” Not only is it a good song, but its music video sparked discussion surrounding religious imagery and LGBTQ+ stories. As far as pop culture goes, this song had the most impact over the last year.
Best New Artist
Won: Olivia Rodrigo
Should have won: Arlo Parks
I’m a huge Japanese Breakfast and Glass Animals fan, but they’re not new artists by any means. Arlo Parks, on the other hand, released an insane debut album last year, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.
Best Alternative Music Album
Won: “Daddy’s Home” by St. Vincent
Should have won: “Jubilee” by Japanese Breakfast
I would have been happy with any of the nominees in this category winning, but “Jubilee” in particular edges out the rest due to Michelle Zauner’s writing being at its best. The heartbreakingly euphoric guitar solo in “Posing for Cars” deserved its own award.
