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AP writers predict Grammy winners
(AP)
Updated: 2006-02-02 11:33 Oh Grammy voters, why do you bewitch us so? ast
year, we just knew you were above doling out sentimental Grammys to so-so
projects. But then you gave a boatload of Grammys to Ray Charles' posthumous
"Genius Loves Company."
So it's tough to know which Grammy voters will hold sway this year — the ones
who will talk your ears off about the Arcade Fire, or the ones who don't know
the difference between Paul Wall and Pink Floyd's "The Wall."
But it's our job to guess, so here goes...
Record of the Year nominees: "We Belong Together," Mariah Carey; "Feel Good
Inc.," Gorillaz featuring De La Soul; "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," Green Day;
"Hollaback Girl," Gwen Stefani; "Gold Digger," Kanye West.
MOODY: You would think Ms. Mariah would have a lock on this — she had the
most popular song and the best-selling album of the year, capping her amazing
comeback. And Grammy voters love comebacks. But I think voters will be divided
between Carey's beautiful torch song and West's catchy "Gold Digger," leaving
the door open for an upset. That won't be accomplished by Stefani — how can you
give an award to a song that's basically nonsensical rhymes strung together
(though catchy). No, it will be between the Gorillaz and Green Day, and Green
Day's poignant "Boulevard" will take it.
BAUDER: Gorillaz is the only interloper here — it's a cartoon song by a
cartoon band. And what's the matter with nonsensical rhymes stuck together?
Doesn't that define half of popular music? Don't overthink this one, Nekesa. My
bet is that Mariah will pull through.
Album of the Year: "The Emancipation of Mimi," Mariah Carey; "Chaos and
Creation in the Backyard," Paul McCartney; "Love. Angel. Music. Baby.," Gwen
Stefani; "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb," U2; "Late Registration," Kanye West.
BAUDER: I can think of a lot of reasons why many of these nominees WON'T win.
Grammy voters may like a Carey or Stefani song or two, but think they're too
slight as artists for an award like this. Kanye? That crown of thorns magazine
cover wasn't a good career move. McCartney will certainly be a sentimental
choice but, frankly, the album was overrated and had little impact in the
market. That leaves your winner, U2.
MOODY: A slight artist? Mariah has a multi-octave voice, buddy! Still, that
won't help Mimi here. Yes McCartney's album was overrated, and yes, Kanye is the
hot wunderkind of them all. But this is probably the 63-year-old McCartney's
last shot at a best album trophy, and with everything he's accomplished, he's
never won this one. So I say Grammy voters get all reverential and give it to
Sir Paul just for old times sake — though Mimi, you know this should have been
yours.
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