Update: As predicted, we were right on with Album of the Year and Song of the Year, but not with Record of the Year, which went to “Please Read the Letter” instead of  “Paper Planes.”

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
“Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends,” Coldplay
“Tha Carter III,” Lil Wayne
“Year of the Gentleman,” Ne-Yo
“Raising Sand,” Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
“In Rainbows,” Radiohead

We can’t deny the overwhelming popularity of acts like Coldplay, Lil Wayne, Ne-Yo or Radiohead, but if you’ve ever heard “Raising Sand,” you’ll understand why this is our number one pick for Album of the Year. Not only does this album combine the forces of music legends Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, but it also draws from the genres of folk, country, blues and americana. Not only does it work.. it rocks.

RECORD OF THE YEAR
“Chasing Pavements,” Adele
“Viva La Vida,” Coldplay
“Bleeding Love,” Leona Lewis
“Paper Planes,” M.I.A
“Please Read the Letter,” Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” has worked its way into our lives this past year, getting massive radio play, placement in commercials, movie trailers and (arguably) the years biggest movie, “Slumdog Millionaire.” It would be a shame if M.I.A. wasn’t rewarded. Besides, how can you not love a girl who loops The Clash over gunshot sound effects?

SONG OF THE YEAR
“American Boy,” (Estelle Featuring Kanye West) William Adams, Keith Harris, Josh Lopez, Caleb Speir, John Stephens, Estelle Swaray & Kanye West, songwriters
“Chasing Pavements” (Adele) Adele Adkins & Eg White, songwriters
“I’m Yours” (Jason Mraz) Jason Mraz, songwriter
“Love Song” (Sara Bareilles) Sara Bareilles, songwriter
“Viva La Vida” (Coldplay) Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion & Chris Martin, songwriters

While all of these songs were huge in 2008 and deserve to nominated, what has been more inspiring, uplifting, fun and classic than Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida.” The song is perfect for this award, not to mention that Coldplay always seems to do well during award-season.