FUSE TV - 25 Songs You Need to Hear Before the GRAMMYs

We know. You want to be the smartest guy in the office when someone brings up the GRAMMYs, but getting up to speed on pop, rock, dance, hip-hop, R&B and country takes valuable time you don’t have. We got you. With the awards show less than two weeks away, we’ve put together the 25 songs you need to hear to get ready for the big night. Check out the video above to see our friendly hosts give the basics for each track. Want the details? Keep reading to become an instant expert.

And check out our GRAMMY Essentials Playlist on Spotify, featuring all 25 highlighted songs for your listening enjoyment!  

Kanye West, 
“All of the Lights” "Jesus Walks” came close, but no song captures ‘Ye’s zeppelin-sized ego like this uber-decadent single from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. He enlisted 14 guest vocalists, including Elton John, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, John Legend, The-Dream, Elly Jackson (aka La Roux), Fergie and Kid Cudi, plus an army of horns, flutes and strings. The result is a grand production worthy of three GRAMMY nods, including Song of the Year and Best Rap Song.

Katy Perry, “Firework” 
No one should suffer self-image issues as long as Katy Perry’s explosive (zing!) hit “Firework” exists. Admittedly, this glistening pop jam (nominated in two categories, including Record of the Year) should have you singing aloud with all the fun-lovin’ fearlessness of a six year old. It’s positively uplifting: ‘You are sooooo f**king awesome and nothing can dull your beautiful colors,’ Perry sings (well, more or less…). And, look, Perry knows hardship, too. She had acne in high school, okay? But she perseveres.

Jay-Z & Kanye West, "Otis"
For budget-conscious consumers curious about the latest five-figure watch or which Gulfstream jet is currently the best, Jay-Z and Kanye West deliver this restrained paean to the plight and struggles of the average man. Keeds! They like money. Jay and Kanye flip Otis Redding's "Try A Little Tenderness" to shout out things you can't afford and dominate the hip-hop categories.

Foo Fighters, “Walk” 
It’s Dave Grohl doing what Dave Grohl does best: flexing his rock muscle while also flaunting his stargazing, soft-guy side. He’s a sensitive soul with a pickup truck and a gun rack—and neither girls nor guys can resist. On “Walk,” from the band’s ass-kicking new Butch Vig-produced LP Wasting Light, he takes his winning formula to the radio waves and charts, and nabs nominations for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance.

Skrillex, “Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites” 
Dance music made a big comeback in 2011 and this former emo rocker led the pack with his blitzkrieg of dub step madness. His breakout hit “Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites” nabbed a nod for Best Electronica/Dance Album and ruled mainstream fests like Coachella and Lollapalooza. Even Skrillex’s personal style—black combat boots, thick-framed glasses, and long black hair, shaved on both sides—was a much-mimicked trend. Ladies and gentleman, meet the leader of the new rave generation.

Check out all the latest coverage now on FUSE's GRAMMY page.