Revealed Wednesday, the key Grammy nominations featured few surprises, with obvious contenders like Frank Ocean, Mumford & Sons and fun. occupying top categories.
On the most marquee of metrics, fun. was the true winner Wednesday, locking up a nomination in each of the “big four” categories. The act, up for Best New Artist, has an album of the year contender in “Some Nights,” while “We are Young” grabbed a nod for Record and Song of the Year.
Contending with “We Are Young” for Song of the Year, which goes to the songwriter(s), are Ed Sheeran’s “The A Team,” Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” (which, despite owing so much of its success to the taut production, did not grab a Record of the Year nod), Miguel’s “Adorn” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger.”
Record of the Year challengers for fun. include Black Keys’ “Lonely Boy,” Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger,” Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know (featuring Kimbra),” Frank Ocean’s “Thinking About You” and Taylor Swift’s “We are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”
Ocean’s “Channel Orange” predictably scored a nod in Album of the Year, where it will face off fun. and other expected challengers like Mumford & Sons’ “Babel” and Black Keys’ “El Camino.” Jack White’s “Blunderbuss” is also fighting for that prize.
Hunter Hayes emerged as a dark horse in the Best New Artist race, joining predictable acts like Frank Ocean, fun. and the Lumineers, along with another mild surprise in Alabama Shakes.
The full nominee list is here – http://www.grammy.com/nominees
