And the nominees are:
“Before My Time” from ‘Chasing Ice‘ – Music and Lyric by J. Ralph
“Everybody Needs A Best Friend” from ‘Ted‘ – Music by Walter Murphy; Lyric by Seth MacFarlane
“Pi’s Lullaby” from ‘Life of Pi‘ – Music by Mychael Danna; Lyric by Bombay Jayashri
“Suddenly” from ‘Les Misérables‘ – Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg; Lyric by Herbert Kretzmer and Alain Boublil
“Skyfall” from ‘Skyfall‘ – Music and Lyric by Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth
Ranging from documentaries to features, both comedic and dramatic, the nominees sound very good and reflect the mood of each movie. “Before My Time”, sung by Scarlett Johansson, is a slow and beautiful ballad that sets the tone for the reflection after watching the nearing of the end of the world. Whether it be on the radio or with the credits and beautiful pictures of 
glaciers, this has caused quite a stir. On a different note, “Everybody Needs A Best Friend” has a happy tune with an overall light feeling to the song. Though Norah Jones has a beautiful voice, I feel the song deserves the dynamic tone of someone like Frank Sanatra or Michael Buble. A clear reflection of the culture and feel of the movie, “Pi’s Lullaby” has beautiful layers that envelope the mind, so as to comfort and soothe, while offering something more; something gentle and soft to really support the themes of the story.
As heartbreaking as it is for me to pass judgement on the singing abilities of a great actor like Hugh Jackman, “Suddenly” just seems awkward with his voice. Not epic, nor moving enough to touch me. I realized that I don’t like his voice singing. The song, in itself is beautiful, but Jackman’s voice just disappoints when listening without seeing him in context on the big screen. At last, who doesn’t melt when hearing Adele sing? For Skyfall, featuring such an epic artist with an unforgettable voice, Adele’s song outshines the movie. Following the themes of James Bond, the sultry voice, exotic and full ensemble music, just brings the audience into such a hypnotically diluted state of mind. Oh, Adele, how beautiful her voice is to the song.
Personal Preference: Mychael Danna for “Pi’s Lullaby”
Prediction: Adele for “Skyfall”
Snubbed:
Anthony Hamilton for “Freedom”
Florence + The Machine for “Breath of Life”
Patrick Doyle for “Touch the Sky”
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4 Comments
Pi’s Lullaby is especially appropriate for the film when you consider the lyrics (which i got from a website, and only trust to be accurately translated):
are you the peacock or the plumage of the peacock?
are you the cuckoo or the cry of the cuckoo?
are you the moon or the light of the moon?
are you the eyelashes, or the dream?
the song itself raises the question of whether something is real or only the colorful exterior, the shadow and impression of truth, which is the central question of the entire film.
slater(Quote) (Reply)
I really wish John Legend’s song from “Django Unchained” had been nominated. I actually slightly prefer that to the “Skyfall” theme, and I really like that one as well. But Who Did That To You is not only a great song, but it has perfect placement in the film and helps drive the narrative and emotions. Alas, it’s not here. I think this award is quite handily going to Adele and Paul Epworth.
Josh P.(Quote) (Reply)
Skyfall is my pick for the year. I think if anything was snubbed, it’s “Yo No Se” from Casa de mi Padre.
Steve(Quote) (Reply)
“Skyfall” should win this. I’m not an Adele devotee (I am a Bond devotee, however), and even I think this should get it. “Everybody Needs a Best Friend” might upset, if they want MacFarlane to win while hosting.
Snubbed: “Strange Love” from Frankenweenie
“Mecca” from Cosmopolis would be a snub, but since the lyrics originated in the novel, it’s most likely ineligible.
JamDenTel(Quote) (Reply)