Artist: Various

Title: 2012 Grammy Nominees

Label: Universal Republic

Chances are, if you're already a big music fan, most of the tracks from the annual Grammy compilation have probably already taken up permanent residence on your iPod. 

But if you've been hiding under the proverbial rock or just haven't had a chance to download last year's most popular tracks, well, 2012 Grammy Nominees, is a pretty thorough snapshot of what you've missed—if you're mostly into pop music, anyway.

For anyone who enjoys music a little more off the beaten path, however, the album probably won't be all that satisfying. Yes, aside from a track from multiple nominees Mumford & Sons, Foo Fighters, Foster the People, The Black Keys and Bon Iver, the bulk of what's featured here are the artists in Top-40 radio's regular rotation.

Not surprisingly, everyone from Adele to Katy Perry to Maroon 5 to Nicki Minaj to Rhianna has prime placement, along with country crossovers like Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry and Jason Aldean. One of Amy Winehouse's final recordings, a duet with Tony Bennett, is also featured, but considering it was Shelton who sang before her, it sort of feels out of place. If anything, it would've been great to have it next to a few selections from the jazz and classical categories.

Even though we're the iPod generation where varying genres happily co-exist, 2012 Grammy Nominees still sticks with music's tried and true artists. As a time capsule of the past year, though, it mostly succeeds in delivering the material the masses enjoyed hearing the most. And as a primer for the upcoming Grammy's it showcases some of the industry's biggest talent.  

*This article first published January 31, 2012

**Listen to this album on Spotify