The 2015 Grammy Awards are just around the corner, and besides the many, confusing performances that are scheduled, the world is preparing their social feeds for the evening’s many moments of satisfaction and disappointment, courtesy of The Recording Academy. Sam Smith, Beyoncé and Pharrell Williams are entering the night with six nominations each, but Sunday will decide who wins the most trophies. Here are our predictions of who will win the bigger categories, as well as who we believe should win.
Album of the Year
“Morning Phase” by Beck
“Beyoncé” by Beyoncé
“x” by Ed Sheeran
“In the Lonely Hour” by Sam Smith
“Girl” by Pharrell Williams
Who Should Win: “Beyoncé” by Beyoncé
It took less than a week for Beyoncé’s self-titled LP to cross 1 million sales. “Beyoncé” is filled with hit after hit, and after her successful secret release, everyone has been talking about other artists trying to pull a “Beyoncé.”
Who Will Win: “Beyoncé” by Beyoncé
Seriously, it’s Beyoncé.
Record of the Year
“Fancy” by Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX
“Chandelier” by Sia
“Stay With Me” (Darkchild Version) by Sam Smith
“Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
“All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor
Who Should Win: “Chandelier” by Sia
There are very few songs that have this kind of emotional charge seeping through every moment.
Who Will Win: “Stay With Me” (Darkchild version) by Sam Smith
Let’s be honest, we all spent at least one day locked in our rooms, listening to “Stay With Me” on repeat and crying for absolutely no reason.
Song of the Year
“All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor
“Chandelier” by Sia
“Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
“Stay With Me” (Darkchild version) by Sam Smith
“Take Me To Church” by Hozier
Who Should Win: “Chandelier” by Sia
“Chandelier’s” chorus is unparalleled vocally in both its size and difficulty.
Who Will Win: “Chandelier” by Sia
Really, have you tried to sing along? You can’t.
Best New Artist
Iggy Azalea
Bastille
Brandy Clark
Haim
Sam Smith
Who Should Win: Haim
Haim kicks so much ass and they deserve to be far more popular than they are at this point. “Days Are Gone” has harmonies for days, and its sun-drenched demeanor is perfect for every occasion.
Who Will Win: Sam Smith
Sam Smith was 2014’s darling, and with that sexy voice, who can argue?
Best Rap Album
“The Marshall Mathers LP 2″ by Eminem
“The New Classic” by Iggy Azalea
“Because The Internet” by Childish Gambino
“Nobody’s Smiling” by Common
“Oxymoron” by Schoolboy Q
“Black Hollywood” by Wiz Khalifa
Who Should Win: “Nobody’s Smiling” by Common OR “Oxymoron” by Schoolboy Q
Common is one of hip hop’s best and “Nobody’s Smiling” was consistently great the whole way through. Q’s long-awaited “Oxymoron” may not have the same fluidity, but it produced some memorable bangers that deserve a trophy.
Who Will Win: “The New Classic” by Iggy Azalea
Even after last year, surely none of the voters have learned their lesson.
Best Rock Album
“Ryan Adams” by Ryan Adams
“Morning Phase” by Beck
“Turn Blue” by The Black Keys
“Hypnotic Eye” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
“Songs of Innocence” by U2
Who Should Win: “Morning Phase” by Beck
“Morning Phase” isn’t just one of Beck’s finest crafts; it was one of the best 2014 had to offer.
Who Will Win: “Songs of Innocence” by U2
When there’s a bunch of old, white dudes voting for a rock album, you shouldn’t bet against Bono.
Best Alternative Music Album
“This Is All Yours” by Alt-J
“Reflektor” by Arcade Fire
“Melophobia” by Cage The Elephant
“St. Vincent” by St. Vincent
“Lazaretto” by Jack White
Who Should Win: “St. Vincent” by St. Vincent
Looking at the cover of St. Vincent’s self-titled album, it’s clear she is an alien queen here to enslave humanity with her all-too-fun hooks.
Who Will Win: “Reflektor” by Arcade Fire
It may seem silly to argue against Jack White, but “Reflektor” was pretty freakin’ great.
