Los Angeles Times critics predict the Grammy Awards, these two by Robert Hilburn.
Album of the year
Ray Charles and Various Artists: “Genius Loves Company”
Green Day: “American Idiot”
Alicia Keys: “The Diary of Alicia Keys”
Usher: “Confessions”
Kanye West: “The College Dropout”Even a habitual gambler is probably going to sit out this race because there are so many intangibles involved. West’s album is far and away the most acclaimed work, but the late soul genius Charles could benefit from the sympathy/respect vote, and rockers Green Day might step to the podium if all the R&B entries split the vote. Here’s hoping justice reigns and West captures the Grammy.
Record of the year
Black Eyed Peas: “Let’s Get Started”
Ray Charles & Norah Jones: “Here We Go Again”
Green Day: “American Idiot”
Los Lonely Boys: “Heaven”
Usher: “Yeah!”It’s a wonder how records as ordinary as “Let’s Get Started” and “Heaven” made it past the blue ribbon screening. “American Idiot” has a strong point of view, but is far from memorable. That leaves a tough choice between the wonderful vocal teaming of Charles and Jones and the great ambition and dance-floor zaniness of “Yeah!” I’d vote for Usher.