Grammy win is no mean feat for Harry Styles
There were records set. Beyoncé broke the record for the most number of wins at the Grammys. With four this year, she now has 32. Actor Viola Davis became an EGOT with a Best Audio Book Grammy for the spoken word version of her book Finding Me. But as I made no secret about it, I am happy that Harry Styles won Album of the Year for his absolutely engaging Harry’s House at the 2023 Grammy Awards.
No mean feat really and quite a surprise with that line-up of nominees. Just take a look at who Styles is up against for Record of the Year. Don’t Shut Me Down, ABBA; Easy on Me, Adele; Break My Soul, Beyoncé ; Good Morning Gorgeous, Mary J. Blige; You and Me on the Rock, Brandi Carlile; Woman, Doja Cat; Bad Habit, Steve Lacy; The Heart Part 5, Kendrick Lamar; and About Damn Time, Lizzo. All worthy winners.
But I think of his single As It Was and album Harry’s House as excellent productions that took his music to a higher level. Both are also No. 1 sellers and are still in the top slots in the hit lists after several months. To his credit, he did get nominations in the major categories: Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Pop Solo Performance, which he also won as well as the Best Engineered Album Grammy. Honestly, too, I think it helped that he seems to be a really likeable chap.
Styles aside, the Grammy winners show what a great year 2022 had been for recorded music. It was varied, innovative, affecting, just plain wonderful to listen to. And to think that most of those nominated were recorded when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its worst. Artistry, if it exists, picks no time to reveal itself. It just is.
And artistry was all there at the Grammys which was the most unpredictable in a long time. No one made a big sweep. The most was four wins which went to Beyoncé . Instead the trophies in the main categories went to different acts. Country diva Bonnie Raitt, R&B star Lizzo, jazz newcomer Samara Joy, one for Adele, Sam Smith and his transwoman singing partner Petras, theater legend Lin Manuel Miranda and even veteran Michael Buble. Styles himself seemed surprised he got the top plum. It could have really gone to anybody.
Take a look at the top winners of the 2023 Grammy Awards which was held last Feb. 5 at the Crypto Com Arena in Los Angeles. Here are some of the winners: Album of the Year: Harry’s House, Harry Styles.
Record of the Year: About Damn Time, Lizzo.
Song of The Year: Just Like That, Bonnie Raitt. Best New Artist: Samara Joy. Pop Solo Performance: Easy on Me, Adele. Pop Duo/Group Performance: Unholy, Sam Smith and Kim Petras.
Traditional Pop Album: Higher, Michael Buble.
Pop Vocal Album: Harry’s House, Harry Styles.
Dance Electronic Recording: Break My Soul.
Dance/Electronic Album: Renaissance, Beyoncé .
Rock Performance: Broken Horses, Brandi Carlile.
Rock Song: Broken Horses, Brandi Carlile.
Rock Album: Patient Number 9, Ozzy Osbourne.
R&B Performance: Hrs & Hrs, Muni Long. R&B Song: CUFF IT, Beyoncé . Traditional R&B Recording: Plastic Off the Sofa, Beyoncé .
R&B Album: Black Radio III, Robert Glasper.
Rap Performance: The Heart Part 5, Kendrick Lamar.
Melodic Rap Performance: WAIT FOR U, Future ft. Drake & Tems.
Rap Song: The Heart, Part 5, Kendrick Lamar.
Rap Album: Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, Kendrick Lamar.
Music Video: All Too Well: The Short Film, Taylor Swift.
Score Soundtrack for Visual Media: Encanto.
Do check out the Grammy website for the rest of the winners.