Unlike most Grammy trivia questions, these have no real answers. It’s just that after engaging with the 2024 edition—as in all 94 awards, nine of which were presented on air—I couldn’t help but ruminate.
Can a simple pop song really be Song of the Year?
These competing songs were produced by the same person?
All these nominees have collaborated with each other?
If I listened to other styles of music as much as I listen to pop, would I like them just as much?
If so, what’s stopping me?
Me?
My intellectual laziness?
Or other forces?
The radio?
AI algorithms?
Can the winningest artist of all time still be a victim?
Rock, rap, alternative, and metal, all presented off the air—am I old?
Or just out of touch?
How can an artist who has worked at their craft for over a decade be considered Best New Artist?
There’s a Grammy for Spoken Word Poetry?
Everyone loves a good jazz fest—why not the recordings?
If the recorded product is better than the live product, is that cheating?
Best Contemporary Instrumental Album—why are we so obsessed with lyrics?
Does the Best Musical Theater Album always have to be so cheesy?
If country is getting this much love, why not bluegrass?
Shouldn’t American Roots be Native American?
How about folk?
What does Americana even mean anymore?
Why is gospel music so good?!
Christian music? You’ll be hearing from MAGA when you get rid of that category.
Why does the Latin music they push have such loud bass?
Isn’t there way better stuff in Spanish?
Global Music? So like 80% of the world gets two categories (three if you include the African category)?
Why are only two of the 54 African countries represented in the African Music category?
And why are those songs mostly in English?
Should I listen to classical music more? Or less?
What do all these categories mean?
Why doesn’t the media talk about them more?
Am I just celebrating the best marketing?
Why am I asking these pointless Grammy trivia questions?
2 Responses
Just enjoy the music, not the dog and pony show!
I agree!