Original photos attributed to Ralph_PH & Justin Higuchi via Wikimedia Commons
Artist of the year
Prediction: Sabrina Carpenter
All of these artists are incredibly talented, but the spotlight this year was on Sabrina Carpenter. Her previous releases had varying successes, but her newest album, “Short n’ Sweet,” went viral. You’ve probably heard “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” more than a few times. I think that just due to her sheer popularity, she’ll take home the award.
Popularity: 5/5
It’s a wild understatement to say that Carpenter blew up this year. “Short n’ Sweet” had over twice the amount of streams than her previous album, around 5.4 billion. It was her first Platinum album and her first #1 on the US Billboard 200.
Discography: 3/5
The downside of “Short n’ Sweet” going absolutely viral is the fact that it overshadows almost all of her previous projects, which are pretty good. If you’ve discovered her through “Short n’ Sweet,” I highly recommend you go back and listen to “emails i can’t send fwd:.”
Stage presence: 4/5
Carpenter has a captivating stage presence. Her performances draw tens of thousands of fans and the recordings reach insane amounts of views on YouTube.
Record of the year
Prediction: “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
“Espresso” is the lead single from “Short n’ Sweet.” It’s a bright, upbeat pop song that has been living rent-free in the heads of many. If I’m being honest, I think The Beatles deserve this one, but “Espresso” spread so rapidly that it’ll be impossible for the judges to ignore.
Production: 3/5
The production is solid, the song sounds upbeat and groovy, giving a “song-of-the-summer” vibe. Sabrina’s vocals seem to “glow” against the instrumentals as if her words are floating above the clouds.
Lyrics: 3/5
Sabrina sings about a guy being obsessed with her to the point where he can’t sleep. The lyrics are playful and flirtatious, reminiscent of old Mariah Carey. If you’ve ever heard someone say “That’s that me espresso,” this song is what they’re referencing.
Virality: 5/5
As the most streamed song from “Short n’ Sweet” with 1.8 billion streams, “Espresso” has cemented itself in so many peoples’ heads.
Album of the year
Prediction: “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” by Billie Eilish
Each song on “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” represents a stage of a relationship that Billie recognizes is toxic but desperately clings to. I’ll admit, the first time I listened to this album, I didn’t like it all that much, but “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” grew on me. Maybe give it another listen?
Production: 5/5
Eilish’s vocals are mixed beautifully to the point where she sounds almost angelic, and it’s complemented by instrumentals that blow you away. The transitions between songs are seamless and it makes for a satisfying experience.
Lyrics: 4/5
At face value, the lyrics seem like they could be from any other Billie song. If you keep your ears open, you’ll hear some of the most deep and nuanced lyrics Eilish has ever written, and it makes the whole album so much more powerful
Virality: 4/5
Snippets from the album invaded platforms like TikTok. There’s a good chance you’ve seen at least one video with “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” or “WILDFLOWER” playing in the background. However, it didn’t do quite as well as other albums this year.
Song of the year
Prediction: “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” is undeniably one of the best songs on “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT.” It’s a love song about finding someone for eternity. For me, it’s a bit nostalgic and bittersweet. Billie’s vocals break through the almost-sorrowful instrumentals. It’s a brilliant contrast that makes this song so good.
Production: 5/5
The beat is really catchy, but it also feels melancholic, like you’re deep underwater. However, the vocals are straight-up ethereal. They clash with each other in a good way, and that clash is a huge part of what makes the song so satisfying to listen to. The refrains take everything up a notch and hit you hard.
Lyrics: 4/5
The lyrics of the song are mostly joyful, but rather dark and morbid for a love song like this. “Love you ‘til the day that I die” sounds sweet, but there’s also “til I’m in the casket you carried.”
Vocals: 5/5
Billie’s high and airy voice takes center stage in “BIRDS OF A FEATHER.” In the last chorus, she belted out the highest note she’s ever sung, and it just blows you away when you hear it.
