Single of the Year
Closer, by Tegan and Sara. The alt-pop twins set out to write a radio-friendly ear-grabber, and they really nailed it. It’s an audience-widening breakthrough song – by far the biggest of their career – and a possible soundtrack to a future breath-freshener commercial. (Other nominees are Arcade Fire’s Reflektor, Classified’s Inner Ninja, Michael Bublé’s It’s a Beautiful Day and Serena Ryder’s What I Wouldn’t Do.)
Pop Album of the Year
Album of the Year
Nothing Was the Same, by Drake. An excellent hip-hop album, from a guy who did everything but get his
well-crafted mug on the cover of Rolling Stone this year. Just hold on, Rihanna, your boy is coming home with some
trophies this year. (Rounding out the list of contending discs are Arcade Fire’s
Reflektor, Celine Dion’s Loved Me Back to Life,
Michael Bublé’s To Be Loved and
Serena Ryder’s Harmony.)