Paul McCartney is one of the most-awarded musicians in Grammy history, with 18 trophies out of over 80 nominations. The former Beatles superstar has clinched prizes in nearly every category possible…at least so far. At the upcoming Grammy ceremony, the Recording Academy has introduced a handful of new categories, and McCartney already finds himself eligible for the inaugural roundup for one of them.
For the 2024 Grammys, several new categories have been introduced, one of which is the Best Pop Dance Recording. The category aims to honor tracks and singles featuring “up-tempo, danceable music with a pop arrangements.” The award emphasizes “strong rhythmic beats, significant electronic-based instruments, and the vocal performance, melody, and hooks.” While this description might not seem aligned with McCartney’s usual output, he has one song that could potentially fit the bill.
In March 2023, electronic producer Kygo released a new single titled “Say Say Say.” Fans of McCartney will recognize the title as a song he released decades earlier. Kygo’s reworking of it has transformed the track into something entirely distinct from the original, bringing it to a new audience.
The updated “Say Say Say” is credited as a collaboration between Kygo, McCartney and Michael Jackson. The original version, released in 1983, was a hit for both McCartney and Jackson. Although this updated rendition may not have been a massive commercial success, it did make its mark on several of Billboard’s electronic and dance-only charts.
While “Say Say Say” may not have been a colossal commercial hit, which often aids a tune’s Grammy chances, there are other compelling reasons why voters might choose to honor the track. Kygo has never been nominated in the past, and some feel he deserves at least a nod…but that may not be the sole motivation for Recording Academy members to select it.
Throughout Grammy history, voters have consistently shown an interest in recognizing legends whenever the opportunity arises. Esteemed artists like McCartney are regularly nominated for new work, even if it doesn’t necessarily rank among their best. The inclusion of Jackson in this collaboration makes the tune even more enticing to voters, as posthumous nods are not uncommon at music’s most prominent event.
The nominees for all Grammy categories, including the newly-instituted Best Pop Dance Recording, will be announced in mid-November. Eligibility closed in mid-September, meaning that no additional recordings or albums will be considered for this year’s ceremony. McCartney’s potential entry into the Best Pop Dance Recording category is exciting to consider, and it shows that even after decades in the music industry, he is still trying new things and working in new sounds.
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