As someone who generally doesn’t engage in the pop music scene, I haven’t always felt very enthusiastic about the Grammy Awards. My favorite bands always seem to come up short when faced with more mainstream contenders, and most of the performances simply aren’t my cup of tea. But after watching the 2013 Grammy Awards last Sunday night, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.
There was definitely a bigger presence this year from rock and alternative artists. Performances by The Black Keys, Mumford & Sons and Jack White offered a refreshing contrast to the usual pop artists.
But what impressed me the most about the show this year were the performances from two new up-and-coming bands, The Lumineers and the Alabama Shakes.
I remember feeling amazed when I heard Mumford & Sons perform their song “The Cave” on last year’s Grammy Awards show, when the band was still somewhat new. Their Grammy debut was followed by explosive success, and Mumford & Sons won the Grammy for this year’s Album of the Year.
Meanwhile, a band called The Lumineers hit the Grammy stage for the first time Sunday and left me wondering if they’ll follow the same path as Mumford & Sons.
By now almost everyone has heard “Ho Hey,” which The Lumineers performed on the show. But while “Ho Hey” is catchy and cute, the rest of the band’s self-titled debut album is filled with stirring lyrics and engaging instrumentals. Nominated for Best New Artist and Best Americana Album, The Lumineers have a folk-like sound with a discernible element of indie rock. I only wish they would have performed what is in my opinion their standout track “Stubborn