One of the most sought-after awards an artist can receive is the Grammy. Emerging musicians dream of the honor of receiving one of these prestigious awards and being recognized for their talent and dedication to the art. The decision of who earns the golden award that, true to its name, resembles a gramophone, rests on the shoulders of The Recording Academy, composed of musicians of every type. In total, there are 94 different categories that nominees are placed into, but some of the most anticipated goes to Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best New Artist.
Despite the confusion that surrounds it, Record and Song of the Year are considerably different. The Record of the Year goes to the best recording of a song and goes to the singer, producer, and team. Song of the Year goes to the writer of the song and is focused solely on composition. Both of these awards are highly revered despite their differences.
The Record and Song of the Year nominations are phenomenal this year, full of 2024-defining songs. The one that doesn’t quite seem to fit though, is the Beatles’ track Now and Then. This song was finished by AI which led to some controversial opinions on the ethics of music production. Even so, the song retains the recognizably nostalgic qualities of the Beatles music and is sure to be remembered in the same way. Sophomore James Canty says, “The Beatles are just so good, they’re one of the best bands in the world.”
Some of the top choices from students in Record and Song of the Year were Good Luck, Babe!, and Not Like Us. When looking back on 2024, Kendrick Lamar’s single will be remembered as one of the most defining songs- constantly being played on the radio. Good Luck, Babe! is so vocally and melodically different but just as defining, as Chappell introduced a unique style to the music world.
Senior Xavier Gaytan is fully confident in Die With a Smile’s win. He says, “Bruno Mars is in it and I love Bruno Mars. Every single song that has Bruno Mars is always going to be good. He’s just a really talented singer and I like his style, so I’m glad he’s back.”
The song’s release was easily the best thing to come out of The Joker movie this year. Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ vocals blend seamlessly to create a powerful and moving song that holds a satisfying build and quality. Aside from that, Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso and Please Please Please are also favorites of RHS Students, with their witty lyrics and catchy melodies that comes as no surprise.
2024 also saw so many outstanding new albums for every genre. The nominations for Album of the Year are each so deserving with creative and forward-thinking writing and production.
Senior Maria Mollicone is a swiftie and hopes for Taylor’s The Tortured Poets Department to secure the win for Album of the Year. She says, “It’s fantastic in quality and quantity.” Which is absolutely true. Haunting and raw lyrics give this album a heartbreakingly beautiful tone and there are more than enough songs between the Anthology and The Tortured Poets Department. Mollicone comments, “I’ll watch the Grammys for Taylor Swift.”
The ultra-pop album, Short N’ Sweet had a surge to the top with each song carefully written to be fun and original. Sabrina Carpenter’s artistry shines through this upbeat album. Sophomore James Canty says, “I really like it. I just love the music and songs.”
Sophomore Hubert Hebdzynski was torn between two of the albums this year. The first one being the Rise and Fall of the Midwest Princess. He says, “I feel like Chappell Roan is such a unique artist and she rolled up so quickly- in a world where we had very defined pop sounds, she chose to be original and isn’t afraid to speak her mind.”
He also loved Hit Me Hard and Soft, stating, “The production is just amazing.” The lovingly crafted album from Billie Eilish was so fresh and stunningly written. The progression of the album was unlike any others released this year.
One of the most exciting categories of the Grammys is Best New Artist. Which artist is going to become the next icon? Who’s music is going to play over and over on the radio in the future? Well, a lot can be told by these nominations and even more so, from its winner. Rochester Students, unsurprisingly, are hoping for Chappell Roan to win this award. Junior, Harper Miesch explains that the win should go to “Chappell Roan for sure. She’s taken over. She started out kind of small and has just taken over, she’s doing amazing.”
She may be up for some serious competition with artists like Raye and Benson Boone also lined up against her. Sabrina Carpenter is nominated once again in this category, but whoever comes out with the prize is sure to be deserving of it.
To receive a Grammy as a musician is the cherry on top of a successful career. The creativity and love poured into an artist’s work deserves recognition, and the Grammys have been providing it for 65 years. This award has promoted unity, giving people a reason to feel excited and inspired by seeing others succeed. Music’s ability to bring people together is powerful and encouraging. As humanity has seen the roots of music grow, we have been able to witness and find comfort in the sprouted branches that continue to extend with every new generation and innovative mind.
