By Danielle Rehor
For starters, let’s just say, Taylor Swift is overrated. The chances of her winning every award are likely, and that embarrasses me. So she shall not be included in this Grammy preview. With that said, let’s get down to the nitty gritty of the country grammy nominations.
Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, and Blake Shelton are all tied with three nominations, including Best Country Album. Kenny Chesney with Grace Potter, and newcomers Thompson Square are tied with two.
Best Country Album
Will Win: Own The Night Lady Antebellum
Lady Antebellum’s transition from hearty country to pop country crossovers have won them a whole new fanbase, and in turn caused their music to be played on every station from here to Japan. Currently ranked number fourteen on itunes, this twelve song album, Own the Night, continues in a way that pop-country fans adore.
Should Win: My Kinda Party Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean has been in the music business since 2005, has been known since 2009, and playing guitar since age 15. Up until this album he has won, one major award. He wont Top New Male Vocalist by Academy of Country Music. But his current album has won him eight major awards. His collaboration with season one American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay” qualifies as one of his best songs to date and “Dirt Road Anthem” brings the first rap country song. This transition brings a whole new side of country music and it was done with much finesse. this album as a whole embodies his rock infused sound and country music as a whole, hell-raising and everyday blessings included.
Dark Horse: Red River Blue Blake Shelton
This album should be a shoe-in for the best country album award. Blake Shelton has had a year like no other and this album shows it. Every song brings something that represents Shelton, as well as chart topping country music. But the fandom of Lady A over shines this six album, three EP musical masterpiece.
Best Country Song
Will Win: “God Gave Me You“ Blake Shelton
I don’t know if it’s Blake Shelton or Miranda Lambert, but one of them is a good luck charm. Both artists won top entertainer of the year at the Country Music Awards, and their most recent albums continue to blow the compeitition out of the park. Blake Shelton’s ballad to his new wife shows his love and dedication to her in a truly heartfelt, if cheesy way.
Should Win: “You and Tequila” Kenny Chesney with Grace Potter
This song is perfection…not quite. Kenny Chesney’s songs tend to revolve around beaches and hot women, and I tend to believe they all sound remarkably similar, but this one is different. Maybe it’s because he is singing about alcohol or, the more likely of the two, because he has folk rocker, Grace Potter singing with him. Her soft vocals add more to the performance than any amount of beach lyrics.
Dark Horse: “Threaten me with Heaven” Vince Gill
Having won this exact award both in 1992, and in 1995, Vince Gill may seem like a washed-up artist, but with eighteen albums ranging from bluegrass to country pop, to christian music, Gill is incredible. He has 27 Grammies as well, so maybe he isn’t such a dark horse…
Best Country Duo/Group Performance
Will Win: “You and Tequila” Kenny Chesney with Grace Potter
Kenny Chesney’s decision to bring rocker Grace Potter on to this song was a life changer. When asked, Potter didn’t even know who Chesney was, but this collaboration brings a new side to Chesney and his music.
Should Win: “Don’t You Wanna Stay” Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson
The passionate chemistry that “Don’t You Wanna Stay” brings, is unlike any other song of Jason Aldean’s. This song brings a sort of revival for Kelly Clarkson as well. She has done well for herself, but this hit pairs their vocals amazingly well and shows chops I didn’t even know the hard rocker Aldean posessed.
Dark Horse: “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” Thompson Square
The lyrics do leave a bit to be desired, but this first song for Thompson Square shows the true chemistry between real life couple Keifer and Shawna Thompson.
Best Country Solo Performance
Will Win: “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” By Martina McBride
Having been nominated for 13 Grammys up to this point, the chances of Marina McBride winning this award are high. More than just experience, McBride’s song talks of strength and courage even through the toughest times, exemplified through developing breast cancer.
Should Win: “Honey Bee” Blake Shelton
Further showing great affection to his wife, Miranda Lambert, this song is a classic country song and is found relatable to most country fans.
Dark Horse: “Mama’s Song” Carrie Underwood
This song possesses some great lyrics and shows the importance Carrie Underwood places on family, but because this song wasn’t a single, or played on the radio, so the chances of it winning are slim.