Grammys midway Part 3: An early look at the albums of the year

This is not a true midyear Top 10 list. The Grammy Awards, as noted last week, is ending its year a little early, with the eligibility period for next year's awards coming to a close on Sept. 30.

What follows is a look at some of the more notable releases of late 2007 and the first half of 2008, and how they may fare come Grammy time. Some are major efforts from established artists, and others, while Grammy long shots, are simply albums deserving of more recognition.

Five albums are discussed in this post, and five more will be discussed later in the week. Any favorites you want to highlight? Please share in the comments below.

And click here for a look at some of the notable new artists of 2008 ... thus far. It should be noted that some of the newcomers, such as Duffy, may also figure into the album-of-the-year discussion, but in the interest of spreading the wealth, repeats from last week will not be discussed here.

Gnarls Barkley, "The Odd Couple": Sophomore effort from the duo of Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo, and the follow-up to the album-of-the-year-nominated "St. Elsewhere."

Grammy potential: Any act that's already released one album-of-the-year-nominated album would certainly figure into the Grammy conversation. However, "St. Elsewhere" was a bit of a phenomena, and was driven largely by the success of crossover smash "Crazy."  "St. Elsewhere" has lacked such a hit, and while certainly a success -- the album is still in the top 200 of the U.S. pop chart more than two months after its release -- "The Odd Couple" is an album that showcases Gnarls Barkley's weirdness ahead of its mainstream appeal.

Grammy deserving: Without "Crazy," "St. Elsewhere" was a spooked, R&B-flavored psychedelic headtrip. "The Odd Couple" is even more out there, filtering '70s soul through an assortment of out-of-this-world effects, and coming off like a gleefully cartoonish nightmare. But it's also a wonderful showcase for Cee-Lo, and his growth as a soul vocalist (Check out the scorching album-opener "Who's Gonna Save My Soul"). It's one of the finest albums released this year.

Lupe Fiasco, "The Cool": The nerdy Kanye West protoge (Lupe was seen opening on Kanye's Glow in the Dark tour) trades skateboarding anthems for a concept record about fame, capitalism, corporate hip-hop and a fast-food culture.

Grammy potential: Grammy voters are definitely aware of Lupe Fiasco -- his song "Daydreaming" featuring Jill Scott won best alternative/urban performance this year, and in 2007, his "Food & Liquor" was nominated for best rap album. "The Cool" would seem to be a lock in the rap field, and has been a steady seller, if not a blockbuster success ("The Cool" was at No. 192 on the U.S. pop chart 27 weeks after its release). But he may be too heady of an artist for Grammy voters to recognize as an album-of-the-year candidate, especially with a Jay-Z album in contention, and the recent breakout success of Lil Wayne.

Grammy deserving: "The Cool" is as good as hip-hop in 2008 gets, and while a critically-adored album, its late December release prevented it from scoring a slew of year-end accolades. But Lupe's breezy delivery allows him to deftly hop around his weighty subject matter with an almost jazz-like finesse, and the occasional references to cartoon characters lighten the mood.

Sheryl Crow, "Detours": The latest from the Grammy-adored singer/songwriter debuted at No. 2 when it was released early this year.

Grammy potential: Crow doesn't release an album without winning the attention of Grammy voters. The former Grammy best new artist winner is most undoubtedly a lock for a best pop vocal or best rock album nomination, and she's been in the album-of-the-year field before -- 1998's "The Globe Sessions." This time around, Crow has released a more personal, socially-aware album, and one that's quite tuneful. Crow's knack for a melody, and ability to weave in some current events -- check the groovy, "Mad Max"-like nightmare of "Gasoline" -- should be the right mix of big ideas and mainstream appeal.

Grammy deserving: Actually, yes. "Gasoline" is certainly one of the album's high-points, as Crow dives into politics, and does so without losing her ability to compose some sing-along, bar-room hooks. "Detours" was a terrific rebound from 2005's bland "Wildflowers," even when she's not being political -- see the spacious bluesy adult rock of "Diamond Ring."

Alicia Keys, "As I Am." The mega-selling R&B star already has a sizable Grammy collection.

Grammy potential: Of course. Grammy loves all things Keys (and Crow, and John Mayer, the latter of whom makes an appearance on the album, meaning there's probably not enough Grammy categories to go around for "As I Am"). "As I Am," released late in 2007, traded Christmas sales for eligibility at the 2008 ceremony, and will do well in 2009. The only question is how well. With Keys' No. 1 cheerleader in Clive Davis out at J Records, will the label put its support behind its piano-playing superstar, or the TV-made newcomer Leona Lewis?

Grammy deserving: Not really, but it doesn't matter. "As I Am" is one of Keys' stronger efforts, but it still wasn't one of 2007's best albums, as it tried too hard to hit all the mainstream selling points, pin-balling its singer around pop, R&B and hip-hop. And when Keys is away from the piano, she falls flat.

Radiohead, "In Rainbows." Released so long ago, it's hard to believe it's actually up for a Grammy this year.

Grammy potential: Radiohead has racked up a pair of album-of-the-year nominations before -- for "Kid A" and "OK Computer" -- and "In Rainbows" should be no different. In fact, not nominating "In Rainbows" would be an embarrassing omission -- not that the Grammys haven't had plenty -- as few albums have such a mix of commercial success, critical acclaim and industry importance (the whole pay-what-you-want tiered release model). Being released in early October -- just after the 2007 eligibility period closed -- shouldn't hurt the band, as the actual CD edition is selling well (the album is No. 100 on the U.S. pop chart), and the band's summer tour will keep Radiohead in the headlines.

Grammy deserving: Absolutely, as "In Rainbows" was widely hailed as one of 2007's best albums. The Grammys will certainly be behind the times when they finally get around to nominating the album in December, but that's a discussion for another time.

Photos (from left): Radiohead (Getty Images); Alicia Keys (Associated Press); Lupe Fiasco (Los Angeles Times)

Comments

[memo]

Let's not forget about Robyn's self titled release. It was an amazing collection of catchy, intelligent pop. It's a shame she's too ahead of the curve to be considered mainstream.

[Todd Martens]

Hi Memo,

I agree, Robyn released a good record. I don't know if it will get any Grammy recognition, though. She might fare OK, depending on how she's submitted. Electronic/dance? There will be a lot of competition for Robyn in the pop and female pop vocal categories, what with Mariah and Madonna and Leona, etc.

[Neo]

You left out E=MC2 by Mariah Carey. This is one of the best albums of the year. In my opinion, better than Emamcipation of Mimi. I'm sure we will see Mariah winning a couple of Grammies especialy in the R&B categories though.

[Mike]

It has to be Radiohead. They didn't give the best album to "OK Computer" or "Kid A." Though they were two genius records but "In Rainbows" is probably one of Radiohead's most accessible catalog of songs.

[Rob]

Beck comes out next week, and the album sounds incredible. It's up there with In Rainbows, imo. And I haven't heard a Beck album before this one.

[Tyrone]

Definetely Alicia Keys. That is a great album. Everyone I know that's heard it thinks it great. This might finally be her year.