Our Grammy Nominations

by The Music Team

Photo Courtesy of Consequence of Sound

For the return of the monthly playlist, the music team picked our personal Grammy nominations for the category of record of the year. With a mixed opinion on the nominees, here are our top picks for songs that should have been considered for record of the year. What do you think will win?

“Hello” by Adele

Adele transforms your world through her powerful voice. The message of her music connects to audiences worldwide. I tend to gravitate not only to Adele's infectious voice, but her personality. As her comeback song, “Hello” makes me never want her to say goodbye again. –Nicki Hymowitz

“7 Years” by Lukas Graham

Prior to Graham’s breakthrough song, no one knew who he was. Hearing the power in his voice as well as the lyrics made me constantly listen to the song on replay. The lyrics are relatable to all ages as we all grow up and hope for what we can achieve in the future. When it comes to music, I gravitate to a song that is catchy, but also gets me feeling emotional in some way, and this song does just that. –Nicki Hymowitz

“Way Down We Go” by Kaleo

Although written by a mostly unknown band, this song has managed to be played in more than ten different TV shows in 2016. It can be heard in Grey’s Anatomy, Suits and Supergirl, making it one of the most used songs on TV, formerly No. 1 in Billboard Alternative Songs and currently No. 85 in the Billboard Top 100. Starting with a soft piano, the song builds up to include a set of drums, two guitars and a bass while keeping the lead man’s soulful and raspy voice the main focus. –Daniela Rivera

“La Bicicleta” by Carlos Vives and Shakira

This duet has proven to be one of the most successful and catchy Spanish songs of this year, leading it to be No. 1 in the Billboard Latin Airplay chart. Mixing the Vallenato style of Vives and the Latin Pop of Shakira creates the perfect song for dancing and singing even if one does not understand the lyrics. –Daniela Rivera

“Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1” by Kanye West

I would nominate this track because it represents the innovative approach Kanye took in his album The Life of Pablo. He manages to recreate his unique sound with every album, and “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1” is a good example of his sound because of its use of choral singing in parts of the song to accompany the energizing hip hop and simple rhymes. –Georgia Kotsinis “One Dance” by Drake

Drake produced a track that combined his own rapping and singing while featuring not only a British singer, but also a Nigerian artist that infuses African sound into the song. The beat does nothing short of making the listener dance. This is what made it the hit that, in my opinion, outshines the work of “Work” by Rihanna featuring Drake. –Georgia Kotsinis

“Pick Up the Phone” by Travis Scott & Young Thug ft. Quavo

These 3 artists represent the rather polarizing style of hip-hop most young artists have adopted at its best. The deliveries and cadences flow bouncing from and into the hook, coupled with the trendy yet refreshing tropical beat make up what I thought to be the most fun you could have with a hip-hop banger this year. –Alberto Orive

“Starboy” by The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk

This song is a more realistic nomination choice as it is a popular song; it is one of the most infectious singles Abel has come out with. He has managed to keep to his own braggadocious, drug-infused style while transitioning into pop superstardom. –Alberto Orive

"Cheap Thrills" by Sia ft. Sean Paul

Featuring an infectious beat and powerhouse vocals, it’s impossible to ignore "Cheap Thrills" when considering the record of the year. The arguable anthem of the summer, which enjoyed budding popularity prior to the warm months and rode out its success until the dead of winter, embodied the mentality of the young, wild and free. Sia's hit single is unique in the sense that it never gets boring. The longer it plays, the louder you want to sing, dance and find yourself a cheap thrill. –Taleen Simonian

“Famous" by Kanye West ft. Rihanna

Arguably the most controversial record of the year, “Famous" succeeded in pioneering the cult-like following of Kanye West's album, The Life Of Pablo. The song itself is an absolute hit; the rambunctious vibe and West's cleverly penned lyrics create the perfect anthem. In addition, "Famous" has a rich backstory that adds to the intensity of the song. "Famous" will be a song that goes down in history not only for its quality, but also for the real-world baggage that came along with it. –Taleen Simonian

“Water Under the Bridge” by Adele

This, in my opinion, was the best song from Adele’s recent album. A powerful chorus with equally startling verses, this was less dramatic than “Hello” but still packed the punch Adele is known for in her lyrics and melody. It’s clear that Adele should get a Grammy, but I’d love for it to go to this song. –Emma Parkinson

“Toothbrush” by DNCE

In a world where second singles could be nominated for a Grammy, this would be my pick. DNCE mixed up the pop scene with a spunky sound, and although hit single “Cake by the Ocean” was fun and full of summer, “Toothbrush” was catchy and better suited for radio. –Emma Parkinson

"Dark Necessities" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

RHCP have not released anything since 2011 and the band has one of the most distinctive sounds in terms of alternative rock. The lead singer is describing his own personal issues with drugs and darker moments of his life. There are no gimmick-y sounds to it. It is essentially the lead singer with a strong bass line all the way through. –Karissa Perry

"Runaway" by Aurora

Aurora is originally from Norway, which you can hear through her unique orchestration combined with pop and alternative elements, resulting in something catchy and addictive. The lyrics of "Runaway" read like a fairytale or folklore story. This song and Aurora's overall sound is extremely new and different from what is out there, so I think that it deserves more recognition. –Karissa Perry

“Your Best American Girl” by Mitski

No song this year better dismantled race and privilege better than Mitski did on her single from her record Puberty 2. The blaring guitars highlight Mitski’s frustration and her lyrics read as empathetic rather than preachy as some more political-leaning tunes did this year. Even the old, white, male establishment of the Grammys must feel something when Mitski belts that she finally comes to terms with the way her mother raised her. “Your Best American Girl” is a woke rocker with enough righteous energy to endure for years. –Ben Bonadies

“Good House” by Deakin

Deakin’s “Good House” is a modern prayer. Its droning, melodic instrumentation and Deakin’s choir-boy vocals wash over you as he runs down all the trappings of modern life that have been getting him down. Just take it slow for a while, breathe deeply, eat some bread and take stock of the little things in life that you’re thankful for. –Ben Bonadies