2018 GRAMMYs Predictions: Record of the Year

Now that the eligibility period for the 2018 Grammy Awards has officially ended, it’s time to discuss potential nominees. In this 8 part series we will discuss our predictions for the General field, the pop, rock, and rap categories, and one random group of categories.

RECORD OF THE YEAR

One of the most coveted awards in the music industry, Record of the Year, is awarded to the performers of the track. Recent winners Adele ("Hello"), Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars ("Uptown Funk!"), and Sam Smith ("Stay With Me") suggest the Academy favors big records with critical acclaim, here we go!

Locks

As previously discussed in our Song of the Year predictions article, Ed Sheeran's "Shape Of You," and Kendrick Lamar's, "HUMBLE.,"  are locks for Record of the Year nominations. For reference, both songs are #1 multiplatinum hits. Ed was nominated for this award in 2016 for "Thinking Out Loud," and this would be Kendrick's first nomination in this category. "Despacito," a moment in pop culture and a song that recently tied the record for longest running #1 single of all time, is a surefire nomination... if the remix is submitted. If Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee choose to submit the original version, I think it will get snubbed. If the remix does get submitted, it will be nominated, and it would be the first nomination in the category for all of the credited performers.

Near Locks

Bruno Mars' #1 platinum hit, "That's What I Like," is the closest to a lock out of this bunch. The song is a modern twist on the g-funk era and Bruno has had a massive year. Bruno is also a four-time nominee and previous winner of this category. He won in 2016 for "Uptown Funk!" and he was nominated in 2011 for "Nothin' On You," in 2012 for "Grenade," and in 2014 for "Locked Out of Heaven." Also on the urban/R&B side, we have Childish Gambino's "Redbone," a triple platinum top fifteen hit, that could surely get nominated. This would be Childish Gambino's first nomination in this category and his third nomination ever. We also have DJ Khaled's "Wild Thoughts (feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller)," a massive hit with tons of star power. Rihanna has been nominated for this award three times before: in 2008 for "Umbrella (feat. JAY-Z)," 2011 for "Love The Way You Lie," and last year for "Work (feat. Drake)." The production of "Wild Thoughts" is slick and it samples a Grammy darling in Santana, watch out for it. Finally, Sam Hunt's "Body Like A Backroad," is definitely country's best shot at a showing in this category. We've discussed how big this song was and its hip production could set it over the edge.

On The Fence

Taylor Swift could sneak in based on her name alone with "Look What You Made Me Do," but I wouldn't count on it. She is a four-time nominee in this category for 2010’s “You Belong With Me,” 2013's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," 2015's "Shake It Off," and 2016's "Blank Space." Cardi B's "Bodak Yellow," and Migos' "Bad And Boujee," have considerably better chances. Both records launched and cemented rap at the top of the singles charts, and it's unadulterated hip-hop, not pop-rap like previous nominees Macklemore and Iggy Azalea. This would be the first Grammy nomination for all credited performers. Portugal. The Man's, "Feel It Still," is shaping up to be a hit at the perfect time for voters, they could get in as the token indie spot, but they're chances are slim. This would be their first Grammy nomination. Also, The Chainsmokers and Coldplay's smash, "Something Just Like This," could pop up here. The Chainsmokers were nominated here last year for "Closer (feat. Halsey)" and Coldplay won here for "Clocks" in 2002. Finally, Imagine Dragons' "Believer," has a decent shot. The song is a multi-platinum top five hit and Imagine Dragons are former nominees here for 2014's "Radioactive." If they are honored anywhere in the General Field, it will be here.

Long Shots

Rae Sremmurd's "Black Beatles," has a small chance, but the song hit #1 back in January so it may not be fresh in voters' minds; it doesn't help that they failed to generate and follow up hit in the meantime. Lorde's "Green Light," could sneak in, if her critical acclaim carries her that far, although I don't see her breaking outside of the pop field this year. Charlie Puth could earn his fourth career Grammy nomination if "Attention" sneaks in, but it just wasn't big enough to carry him to the final five. Lana Del Rey's "Love," would be a nice surprise; it is one of the best-produced singles of the year and it would be her first nomination since 2014. Lastly, The Weeknd and Daft Punk's "I Feel It Coming," could just barely making it in, but I'm betting against The Weeknd showing up in the General Field at all this year. For reference, Daft Punk won this award in 2014 for "Get Lucky," while The Weeknd was nominated here in 2016 for "Can't Feel My Face."

Final Predictions

Ed Sheeran - "Shape of You"

Kendrick Lamar - "HUMBLE."

Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee - "Despacito (feat. Justin Bieber)"

DJ Khaled - "Wild Thoughts (feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller)"

Bruno Mars - "That's What I Like"

ALT: Childish Gambino - "Redbone," Cardi B - "Bodak Yellow," Imagine Dragons - "Believer"