A recap of the 2022 GRAMMYs.
64th Annual GRAMMY Awards Photoshoot, April 2022.
Every January or February, music enthusiasts across the globe collectively tune into CBS to watch the annual Grammy Award ceremony. Although the Grammys have experienced mountains of scrutiny over the past five years, the ceremony never fails to bring in millions of viewers every year. In spite of the controversy, we all still long for the day when our favorite musician wins a gilded gramophone. The 2023 Grammy ceremony, scheduled for February 5th, is fast approaching, and so as UChicago’s premier student-run music publication, it only makes sense for us to sort through last year’s pile of winners, discuss our personal picks, and even mention some snubs!
Album of the Year
We Are, Jon Batiste
Love for Sale, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
Justice (Triple Chucks Deluxe), Justin Bieber
Planet Her (Deluxe), Doja Cat
Happier Than Ever, Billie Eilish
Back of My Mind, H.E.R.
Montero, Lil Nas X
Sour, Olivia Rodrigo
evermore, Taylor Swift
Donda, Kanye West
Who won: We Are, Jon Batiste
Album of the Year (AOTY) is often considered to be the most prestigious award category at the Grammys. On most occasions, AOTY is awarded to projects that are well-received by the general public and critics alike (e.g. 2016’s 24K Magic, 2019’s When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, 2020’s folklore, etc.). Because of this, Rodrigo’s Sour, Doja Cat’s Planet Her, or Eilish’s Happier Than Ever would have all been easy picks for AOTY last year. However, every five or so years, the Grammys will throw us all a curveball, awarding the category to a random, obscure artist that no one would have expected (Mumford & Sons’ Babel in 2013 and Beck’s Morning Phase in 2015, to name a few). Since most day-to-day music listeners had never heard of Jon Batiste before last year’s ceremony, it seems that 2022 was yet another instance of the Grammys notoriously awarding the underdog; nonetheless, Batiste’s win was still deserved. We Are is an extremely solid body of work, and more importantly, Batiste was the first Black artist to take home this prize in over fourteen years. Batiste’s surprising victory was harmless in the grand scheme of things (and, in my opinion, anything was better than a win for Bieber).
Who should’ve won: evermore, Taylor Swift
Although Swift’s odds of winning AOTY were slim-to-none (given folklore’s record-breaking AOTY win in 2021), evermore is a highly deserving, well-crafted body of cottagecore-inspired indie/folk-pop. Evermore is the second-most acclaimed project of the nominees (only behind Billie Eilish’s Happier Than Ever on Metacritic), and it was also Billboard’s fourth best-selling album of 2021 (only behind Rodrigo’s Sour of the nominees). Evermore had enough acclaim and popularity to win AOTY last year, and if the Grammys were looking at quality alone, they would’ve easily granted Swift with her fourth AOTY title (listen to "tolerate it," "gold rush," and "cowboy like me," and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about).
Not even nominated: Call Me if You Get Lost, Tyler, the Creator; Heaux Tales, Jazmine Sullivan
Although Igor was a more likely bet for an AOTY nod in 2019, Tyler, the Creator has been long overdue for a nomination in one of the "Big Four" Grammy categories. Donda was obviously the rap/hip-hop pick for last year’s bunch of nominees, but Call Me if You Get Lost would arguably have been a more deserving choice. It would have also been refreshing to see Jazmine Sullivan’s Heaux Tales in the mix, due to Sullivan’s status as a seasoned R&B veteran.
Song of the Year
"Bad Habits," Ed Sheeran
"A Beautiful Noise," Alicia Keys featuring Brandi Carlile
"drivers license," Olivia Rodrigo
"Fight For You," H.E.R.
"Happier Than Ever," Billie Eilish
"Kiss Me More," Doja Cat featuring SZA
"Leave The Door Open," Silk Sonic
"Montero (Call Me By Your Name)," Lil Nas X
"Peaches," Justin Bieber featuring Daniel Caesar & Giveon
"Right On Time," Brandi Carlile
Who won: "Leave The Door Open," Silk Sonic
Song of the Year (SOTY) is a category that is often confused with Record of the Year (ROTY). While ROTY “is awarded to the entire team involved in producing [a] song,” SOTY is a songwriter’s prize, “awarded for the lyrical beauty” of a particular track. For that reason, Silk Sonic’s "Leave The Door Open" would have never been my personal bet for SOTY; however, given Bruno Mars’s impressive winning streak since 2016 (13 wins and 0 losses), Silk Sonic’s win was a lot less surprising in hindsight.
Who should’ve won: "drivers license," Olivia Rodrigo
Rodrigo’s "drivers license" exploded into the mainstream for its heartfelt teenage sentiment and its nostalgic lyrical content. The chantability of the song’s bridge alone was enough to justify a win for Rodrigo in this category. Given the virality of "drivers license” (along with Rodrigo’s branding as a young female singer-songwriter), it seems fair to declare "drivers license" as the true song of 2021.
Not even nominated: "Good Days," SZA
Although the Grammys used "Kiss Me More" as their token SZA nomination, "Good Days" was a more seasoned track (at least from a songwriting point of view). Also, the outro of this song is pure aural magic (thanks to the magnificent Jacob Collier, of course).
Record of the Year
"I Still Have Faith In You," ABBA
"Freedom," Jon Batiste
"I Get A Kick Out Of You," Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
"Peaches," Justin Bieber featuring Daniel Caesar & Giveon
"Right On Time," Brandi Carlile
"Kiss Me More," Doja Cat featuring SZA
"Happier Than Ever," Billie Eilish
“Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” Lil Nas X
"drivers license," Olivia Rodrigo
"Leave The Door Open," Silk Sonic
Who won: "Leave The Door Open," Silk Sonic
Since 2010, the winner of SOTY has also gone on to win ROTY six times. With a win in SOTY for "Leave The Door Open," Silk Sonic’s victory in ROTY was also not a big shocker.
shot by John Esparza/Getty Images.
Who should’ve won: "Happier Than Ever," Billie Eilish; "Leave The Door Open," Silk Sonic
Out of Eilish’s three nominations in this category, "Happier Than Ever" would have been her most justified win. Although tracks like "Kiss Me More" and "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" were some of the best-produced pop songs of the year, Eilish blew us all away with her hybrid pop-rock ballad. Silk Sonic, however, was also quite deserving of their win. The 70s-inspired soul production of "Leave The Door Open" was near-flawless, and in the end, the groovy track was easily one of the biggest, most-heard songs of the year.
Not even nominated: "Essence," Wizkid featuring Tems
Although seeing "Essence" in a “General Field” category was always a long shot, it would have been extremely exciting to see the Nigerian singer and his breakout hit in ROTY. "Essence" is, by far, one of the most addicting songs to come out of 2021, and before Justin Bieber had the nerve to white-wash this already perfect track, it was extremely refreshing to see a song like this in the mainstream.
Best New Artist
Arooj Aftab
Jimmie Allen
Baby Keem
FINNEAS
Glass Animals
Japanese Breakfast
The Kid Laroi
Arlo Parks
Olivia Rodrigo
Saweetie
Who won: Olivia Rodrigo
"drivers license" alone was enough to win her the award. Next!
Who should’ve won: Olivia Rodrigo
C’mon? Arlo Parks and Japanese Breakfast are fantastic, but Rodrigo reigned supreme last year. Rodrigo was always a no-brainer for the Best New Artist award.
Not even nominated: Polo G
Although the list of Best New Artist nominees was quite extensive last year, Polo G did have his breakthrough in 2021. It seems kind of pointless (since the award does and always did belong to Rodrigo), but I guess Polo G could have been thrown in the mix.
And now, here are some rapid-fire comments on who won and who should’ve won in some of the remaining categories.
Best Pop Solo Performance
"Anyone," Justin Bieber
"Right on Time," Brandi Carlile
"Happier Than Ever," Billie Eilish
"Positions," Ariana Grande
"drivers license," Olivia Rodrigo
Who won: "drivers license," Olivia Rodrigo
Again, no need for an explanation.
Who should’ve won: "Positions,” Ariana Grande
"Positions" is still one of Grande’s catchiest pop songs to date. It would have been nice to see her take home this Grammy!
Not even nominated: "willow," Taylor Swift; "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)," Lil Nas X
Best Pop Duo or Group Performance
"I Get a Kick Out of You," Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
"Lonely," Justin Bieber & benny blanco
"Butter," BTS
"Higher Power," Coldplay
"Kiss Me More," Doja Cat featuring SZA
Who won: "Kiss Me More," Doja Cat featuring SZA
Who should’ve won: "Kiss Me More," Doja Cat featuring SZA
Doja Cat and SZA easily deserved their first Grammy wins with this groovy summer smash. Their joint acceptance speech, along with Doja Cat’s iconic sprint from the bathroom as the award was being announced, were also some of the most memorable moments of the night. Bravo to the Grammys for getting this one right!
shot by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy.
Not even nominated: "Save Your Tears," The Weeknd and Ariana Grande
The Weeknd is still in his Grammy-boycott era, but the "Save Your Tears" remix was such an excellent collaboration. The Weeknd was nominated in all of our hearts.
Best Pop Vocal Album
Justice (Triple Chucks Deluxe), Justin Bieber
Planet Her (Deluxe), Doja Cat
Happier Than Ever, Billie Eilish
Positions, Ariana Grande
Sour, Olivia Rodrigo
Who won: Sour, Olivia Rodrigo
Who should’ve won: Sour, Olivia Rodrigo; Happier Than Ever, Billie Eilish; Planet Her (Deluxe), Doja Cat
It was honestly a three-way tie between the 2021 pop queens for me. Each of these three artists could have easily taken home the award.
Not even nominated: evermore, Taylor Swift; Plastic Hearts, Miley Cyrus
Cyrus is another pop veteran who has been unduly snubbed by the Grammys far too many times (especially with Plastic Hearts, which may very well be her magnum opus). I also (clearly) have a soft spot for all things Taylor Swift, so I would have loved to have seen evermore in this category, as well.
The following commentary was done by Sha Frasier, our Editor-in-Chief!
Best Alternative Music Album
Shore, Fleet Foxes
If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, Halsey
Jubilee, Japanese Breakfast
Collapsed In Sunbeams, Arlo Parks
Daddy’s Home, St. Vincent
Who won: Daddy’s Home, St. Vincent
Who should’ve won: Jubilee, Japanese Breakfast
Daddy’s Home is a great record, but Jubilee is Japanese Breakfast’s best release yet, packing a surprising amount of stylistic variety into its 37 minute runtime and fully embodying the feeling of joy after a time of personal suffering.
Not even nominated: HEY WHAT, Low; The Turning Wheel, Spellling
2021 had a plethora of incredible indie and alternative albums that could’ve been nominated, but special attention goes to Low’s hair-raising, hauntingly beautiful HEY WHAT and Spellling’s bewitching The Turning Wheel.
Best R&B Performance
"Lost You," Snoh Aalegra
"Peaches," Justin Bieber featuring Daniel Caesar & Giveon
"Damage," H.E.R.
"Leave The Door Open," Silk Sonic
"Pick Up Your Feelings," Jazmine Sullivan
Who won: "Leave The Door Open," Silk Sonic; "Pick Up Your Feelings," Jazmine Sullivan (TIE)
Who should’ve won: "Pick Up Your Feelings," Jazmine Sullivan
While Sullivan still technically won this category in a tie with Silk Sonic, her stunning vocal performance here meant she truly deserved the win.
Not even nominated: "Mystery Lady," Masego featuring Don Toliver
Masego and Don Toliver’s vocals swirl around this song while still coming together in an incredible way—Masego definitely deserved a nomination for this fantastic track.
Best R&B Song
"Damage," H.E.R.
"Good Days," SZA
"Heartbreak Anniversary," Giveon
"Leave The Door Open," Silk Sonic
"Pick Up Your Feelings," Jazmine Sullivan
Who won: "Leave The Door Open," Silk Sonic
Who should’ve won: "Good Days," SZA
"Good Days" is perhaps SZA’s greatest song, and one of the best songs of the entire year. There’s no other right choice here.
Not even nominated: "Wild Side," Normani featuring Cardi B
The R&B song category was actually quite comprehensive last year, but Normani deserved a mention for this minimalist yet hard-hitting and sultry slow burner.
Best R&B Album
Temporary Highs In The Violet Skies, Snoh Aalegra
We Are, Jon Batiste
Gold-Diggers Sound, Leon Bridges
Back Of My Mind, H.E.R.
Heaux Tales, Jazmine Sullivan
Who won: Heaux Tales, Jazmine Sullivan
Who should’ve won: Heaux Tales, Jazmine Sullivan
For Sullivan’s impressive execution of an ambitious and unique concept and flawless vocal performance, Heaux Tales is the easy winner here.
shot by Rich Fury/Getty Images for the Recording Academy.
Not even nominated: Dawn, Yebba
Yebba’s debut album surprised me for its stylistic diversity, wonderful production, and her soaring vocals, and I hope the Grammys begin to recognize her.
Best Rap Performance
"Family Ties," Baby Keem, Kendrick Lamar
"Up," Cardi B
"MY . L I F E," J. Cole, 21 Savage & Morray
"Thot Shit," Megan Thee Stallion
Who won: "Family Ties," Baby Keem, Kendrick Lamar
Who should’ve won: "Family Ties," Baby Keem, Kendrick Lamar
Megan’s rapping on “Thot Shit” is some of the best of the year, but the combination of Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar each delivering incredible and technically masterful verses is hard to beat.
Not even nominated: "Off The Grid," Kanye West featuring Playboi Carti & Fivio Foreign
Kanye got nominated in the other three major hip-hop categories, but if there’s one that he deserved the most, it’s this one. "Off The Grid" features one of his best verses in years, and Fivio Foreign’s impressively lengthy verse was a breakout moment for him and a standout moment in hip-hop culture.
Best Melodic Rap Performance
"P R I D E . I S . T H E . D E V I L," J. Cole featuring Lil Baby
"Need To Know," Doja Cat
"Industry Baby," Lil Nas X featuring Jack Harlow
"Wusyaname," Tyler, The Creator featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again & Ty Dolla $ign
"Hurricane," Kanye West featuring The Weeknd & Lil Baby
Who won: "Hurricane," Kanye West featuring The Weeknd & Lil Baby
Who should’ve won: "Wusyaname," Tyler, The Creator featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again & Ty Dolla $ign
"Hurricane" had enormous star power and a long-coveted leak attached to its name, but the summery "Wusyaname" should’ve been recognized for its memorable bars, multiple endlessly catchy melodies, and a career-best performance out of NBA YoungBoy.
Not even nominated: "RAPSTAR," Polo G
As far as melodic hip hop goes, Polo G was at the top of the game in 2021 thanks largely to this Billboard Hot 100 #1, which is a great example of his ability to fit his stream-of-consciousness bars to an earworm melody and a simple, yet effective beat.
Best Rap Song
"Bath Salts," DMX, Jay-Z, Nas
"Best Friend," Saweetie, Doja Cat
"Family Ties," Baby Keem, Kendrick Lamar
"Jail," Kanye West, Jay-Z
"My Life," J. Cole, 21 Savage & Morray
Who won: "Jail," Kanye West, Jay-Z
Who should’ve won: "Family Ties," Baby Keem, Kendrick Lamar
While the long-awaited reunion of Kanye and Jay-Z on record was certainly a huge moment in hip-hop culture, the songwriting on "Family Ties" blows these other tracks out of the water. With beats and flows that switch at a breakneck pace, trunk-rattling production, and the first new verse from Kendrick Lamar in many years, "Family Ties" was certainly the rap song of the year.
Not even nominated: "Lumberjack," Tyler, The Creator
"Lumberjack" hits you like a ton of bricks, and Tyler’s clever wordplay and playfully aggressive production should have ensured this song a nomination.
Best Rap Album
The Off-Season, J. Cole
King's Disease 2, Nas
Call Me If You Get Lost, Tyler, the Creator
Donda, Kanye West
Who won: Call Me If You Get Lost, Tyler, the Creator
Who should’ve won: Call Me If You Get Lost, Tyler, the Creator
Out of the four options here, Call Me If You Get Lost is the clear winner. Tyler’s latest album is an expansive travelogue with luxurious, flashy production, incredible features, and some of his best rapping to date.
Not even nominated: Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, Little Simz
Failing to nominate Little Simz for her Mercury Prize-winning magnum opus feels like a grave oversight on the part of the Grammys, and they need to do a lot more to start recognizing independent hip hop artists.
edited by Sha Frasier, Editor-in-Chief.
album artwork believed to belong to either the publisher of the work or the artist.
