2018 Album of the Year: Let's Dive into That Grammy Controversy (and Some Amazing Music)
Hey music lovers! Let’s journey back to 2018 and unpack the whirlwind surrounding the 2018 album of the year Grammy. I don't know about you, but this seems to spark more passionate opinions than when talking politics in social settings. I remember being glued to Twitter waiting to see who won Album of the Year 2018!
Before you start checking the online lists because it completely vanished from your memory (It has, from some!) let’s cut the small talk because let’s face it; this wasn’t a good thing to begin with, for an awards show; an industry known and full of controversy.
It all went to Bruno Mars for 24K Magic. Now, I still hear people complaining that something completely different was deserving for 2018 Album of the Year and not to be honest, while Mars's album is super catchy and produced extremely well – yes, this is what this album represents; there’s certainly more in there other than the usual controversy – there were also really important events at the time, like the Black Panther soundtrack; how that has to be ranked number 1 for that whole year. And it makes sense; Kendrick Lamar won a Pulitzer for his work with this same record! There also doesn't seem to be the same degree of buzz around his record compared to what the Academy had picked! Yet they ended up receiving multiple awards, especially including soundtrack music; this does show clearly an acknowledgement that this has managed to do something rather than stay at number 1 without receiving anything beyond a simple nomination.
In an attempt to remain unbiased on such sensitive subjects, let’s go back; looking into hindsight, this kind of discussion always happens, regardless. 2018, of all years – well let's be fair there is much happening then besides Bruno Mars – yet many conversations at the time still somehow kept drifting back to what happens within music as this award went towards 24K Magic, his previous album! Remember when we've all heard those tracks being used non stop on radio shows?
2018 Album of the Year Nominees and My Own Personal Faves
So, it can be quite challenging to truly make unbiased calls – even though a Pulitzer winning title isn't there.
This makes clear why, while the title officially did go for 24k Magic; we need to take into consideration how people rank a given title depending on all different variables related to awards for their given work.
Let’s discuss the 2018 Album of the Year award by showing its lineup in nominations – keeping in mind what each is about.
- Awaken, My Love! by Childish Gambino: This groundbreaking blend of funk, soul, and R&B certainly got lots of attention!
- DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar: While missing from the final official award ceremony and its result, it does represent so much. Let’s keep clear: receiving a Pulitzer was not for nothing. Also worth mentioning how multiple titles – like Black Panther The Album did appear in the lineup.
- 4:44 by Jay-Z: One of the most nominated that year – it seemed obvious this would end up winning something; but well… that doesn't seem to matter all that much!
- Melodrama by Lorde: No mention in either of the nominations was this completely written off?
Look, let's put our internet complaints about results and official picks, because ultimately they make so much for how they help raise attention through awards; because awards ceremonies like Grammy awards generate as much buzz over how bad these do as for its wins! Honestly. Let’s give a moment’s thoughts over to Bruno’s award! He deserves recognition! While other, arguably better nominations were out there for 2018 album of the year, and we’re being entirely honest about the way 24K magic was nominated for this specific award!
Why We're Still Talking About the 2018 Grammys
It wasn't simply what happened that night that still holds some discussions around who won album of the year 2018 but really how that helps shape the perception that an entire generation has toward a music awards event.
2018’s official wins still resonate today by defining the kind of albums a generation likes! Awards serve their purpose by reflecting the public's perceptions on which albums make the best sounds for them! But for artists? Some are complaining how award events give as little weight to music and sounds as they give weight to technical aspects related to it! Even beyond that, discussions now concern how awards appear more important to the business itself; and if an event such as this will keep the focus and popularity amongst viewers due to changing how its public perceives this award, in following years.
So whether you agree with the Grammys’ decisions (Who cares if not even a Pulitzer prize win matters! – not my thoughts there. For a moment I honestly felt compelled to start one myself!) it is a clear signal concerning a shift and change in musicality.
