Since the mid-'90s, the Recording Academy has partnered with the major labels to compile annual round-ups of Grammy Award nominees. Each volume has been released a few weeks ahead of the ceremony, enabling pop fans to catch up and obtain a snapshot of contemporary music. As with previous volumes, the selections for 2016 Grammy Nominees emphasize "the big four" categories; each nominee for Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist is represented. Additionally, all five nominees for Best Country Solo Performance are included, leaving only one selection (Best Pop Duo/Group Performance nominee "Sugar," by Maroon 5) that is not up for any of those five awards. Even with its high percentage of contemporary country numbers, this is among the broadest and strongest Grammy volumes of its decade, with Kendrick Lamar's "Alright," Taylor Swift's "Blank Space," D'Angelo's "Really Love," and Alabama Shakes' "Don't Wanna Fight" leading the way. ~ Andy Kellman
