Our predictions by genre

Of the numerous pop and rock categories, these should attract the most interest.

Best Pop Vocal Album: Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me,” which features marvelous interpretations of original songs and such standards as Hank Williams’ “Cold Cold Heart,” will win and deserves to win over Lavigne’s “Let Go,” No Doubt’s “Rock Steady,” Pink’s “Missundaztood” and Britney Spears’ “Britney.”

Best Rock Album: Bruce Springsteen’s daring “The Rising” will win and deserves to win over Elvis Costello’s “When I Was Cruel,” Sheryl Crow’s “C’mon, C’mon,” Robert Plant’s “Dreamland” and Tonic’s “Head on Straight.”

Best Alternative Music Album: Beck’s melancholy “Sea Change” is the most compelling album in this category and he’s a Grammy favorite (with seven past nominations), but Coldplay is a red-hot band with lots of promise and the momentum could lead to an upset victory here for the British group’s “A Rush of Blood to the Head.” Also nominated: Clinic’s “Walking With Thee,” Elvis Costello & the Imposters’ “Cruel Smile” and the Soundtrack of Our Lives’ “Behind the Music.”

--Robert Hilburn