Even though rock music may not impact the charts much anymore, there's no denying that the ever-evolving genre is as interesting as ever. Just look at the 2015 Grammys nominations for Best Rock Performance. Offerings from Ryan Adams, Arctic Monkeys, Beck, The Black Keys and Jack White make this category one of the most varied of the year.
In a year of stiff competition at the Grammys from pretty much every category, how to call who should win Best Rock Performance? By breaking it down, of course.
Nominees:
Ryan Adams, "Gimme Something Good"
Arctic Monkeys, "Do I Wanna Know?"
Beck, "Blue Moon"
The Black Keys, "Fever"
Jack White, "Lazaretto"
WHO SHOULD WIN: Jack White, "Lazaretto"
Surprisingly, 2014 was a solid year for rock. Though none of these songs impacted the mainstream or the charts all that much, each had its own thing to offer in the ever expanding landscape of what is and is not rock 'n' roll. What makes analyzing all of these singles and comparing them to each other is that they're so different. You have the stripped down straight rock from Ryan Adams, biting British alt-rock from Arctic Moneys, orchestral beauty from Beck, funky vintage rock from The Black Keys and Jack White holding it down for rootsy blues-infused rock.
So, how to pick?
When one thinks about the torch-bearer for rock in 2015, the award has to go to Jack White (if not the Foo Fighters). This guy can create a masterful piece of music like very few others out there, all while shredding on the guitar like a madman. What makes the title track from his also Grammy nominated album Lazaretto stand out from the pack is its experimentation.
"Lazaretto" brings out the best of White and kind of has everything: this song has a deep guitar grooving riff for the ages, ripping vocals from White and even a dose of fiddle at the end of the track. If this song isn't everything but the kitchen sink musically, I don't know what could be. But, of course, White pulls it off in stride, creating one of the most textured and interesting rock songs in recent memories, and that definitely deserves an award.
WHAT WILL WIN: The Black Keys, "Fever" (or Beck, "Blue Moon")
Though White was experimental and successful on "Lazaretto," that sound could maybe be a bit too much for the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, who have tended to favor more traditional rock songs and slow burners in this category.
That and the Academy's love of The Black Keys seems to make "Fever" a clear frontrunner for Best Rock Performance. The Black Keys have won this award before in 2013 for the very similar "Lonely Boy" and before the rock categories were merged into one, the Akron rockers took home Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Tighten Up," so there's precedent here. Add in the rock roots basis for "Fever," and this is a safe choice for the award.
On the other hand, Beck happens to be one of the most nominated artists of the 2015 Grammys, up for four awards, including Album of the Year. So, there's something to be said for the Academy's love of Beck too. Not like this song (or "Fever") are undeserving. The richness of "Blue Moon" makes this song one of Beck's most emotional offerings from the stunning Morning Phase, and the layers here are truly beautiful.
Though White was more experimental, Beck also went outside of his comfort zone for this song (and album) and that should be recognized at some point on Sunday night, so why not for Best Rock Performance? "Blue Moon" isn't traditional rock, but it's still an amazing song.
As for Adams and Arctic Monkeys, they seem like the real dark horses of the Grammys race. Despite both songs being interesting and catchy in their own rights, they just don't feel Grammy worthy, especially when compared to Beck or White.
