Last year's Grammy Award for Best Pop/Duo Group Performance went to Daft Punk and Pharrell Williams for their retro hit single "Get Lucky." This was an obvious choice, despite the strong competition. The contenders this year are less obvious. In terms of music, 2014 has been dominated by one song and one song only: "Fancy" by Iggy Azalea. It's a great tune, but it doesn't come close to last year's hits, all of which dominated at the Grammy nominations. Remember "Royals"? "Roar"? "Just Give Me a Reason"? 2013 was a great year in music, characterized by exceptional hit after exceptional hit. The hits this year haven't lived up to last year's standards. Additionally, so far, no great, landmark albums have been released in 2014. Not to worry, though, there was a slew of great releases in late 2013 that will contend, and there will be the expected rushed releases right before the end of the Grammys eligibility period at the end of September.
I know that nominations aren't announced until December. But I'm starting now, highlighting a few of the contenders for the Grammy for Best Pop/Duo Group Performance. More contenders for this category will be discussed in future blogs, which will also focus on the four major categories (Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist) and the main categories of the Pop field (Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album).
"Fancy" is the obvious choice for Best Pop/Duo Group Performance. It could, however, be moved to the Rap field. It's very ambiguous what the Grammys will do. In the past, it hasn't been clear if a duo/collaboration that features rap is under the Pop or Rap field. "California Gurls" by Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg was placed in Pop, "My Humps" was placed in Pop, yet "Talk That Talk" by Rihanna featuring Jay-Z was placed in Rap. "Fancy" is mostly rap, however it has a mass pop appeal with a pop chorus and bridge. If it goes to the Rap category, its chances are significantly lowered. If it ends up in Pop, it is the obvious song to beat.
Interesting enough, "Problem"--another song with Iggy Azalea, this time as newcomer Ariana Grande's partner in crime--was a huge hit, yet its teeny-bopper feel may alienate a few Grammy voters. Ariana Grande is still new to the scene, and while this song was extremely successful, we aren't sure if voters have taken her seriously yet. However, her vocals impress time and time again, and her debut album, though it wasn't nominated this past year, was critically acclaimed. Plus, Grande seems to be quite the likable celebrity, and the rising star among her pop peers. Thus, it is quite possible that we'll see "Problem" as a Grammy nominee in December.
"Talk Dirty" by Jason Derulo was an undeniable dance floor hit, but I'm not sure if Grammy voters will take Derulo seriously either. He will have better luck in the Rap field. All in all, however, out of all of the hits of the year, this one has possibly the lowest amount of quality. Another low-quality, yet popular dance floor hit was "Timber" by Pitbull featuring Kesha. Pitbull is mediocre at best, but I like Kesha. The song isn't terrible--in fact Kesha shows off her admirable range and ditches the auto tune--but it isn't Grammy worthy. Perhaps in a year of few candidates, the voters will just have to pick it. But I don't see it coming to that.
One song which I would love to see nominated in this category is Neon Trees' "Sleeping With a Friend." The indie band from Utah hasn't received any love from the Grammys despite 2010's brilliantly catchy "Animal" and a 1980's-inspired, exceptionally written second album in 2012. They have yet to garner much traction nationally either, though they appear to have a strong fan base. It may not be enough to secure a Grammy nomination, but it would be great if their talent was finally recognized.
There are more contenders in this category to be sure, but I am leaving some of the best for last. As of now, out of this bunch, "Fancy" is the one that stands out the most. But the Recording Academy always likes surprising us and switching things up. We'll just have to wait and see.
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