Four songs that should have won Record of the Year at the Grammys

1981 Grammy Record Of The Year Nominations 

• “Lady” by Kenny Rogers
• “The Rose” by Bette Milder
• “Theme From New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra
• “Woman In Love” by Barbra Streisand
• “Sailing” by Christopher Cross 

It was quite a surprise on the actual night when the Grammy went to “Sailing” by Christopher Cross. In fact, he won five Grammy’s that year, one for ”Sailing” and another for Best New Artist. His record label Warner Bros was not expecting any of that,  they hadn’t even arranged an after-show party for him.  It's an ok song if you don’t mind some soft AOR from a yacht rock pioneer.

Then there's “New York, New York”, it’s big, brash, bold, and loud. And so is the song! Right from the instantly recognisable horns on the introduction to its grandstand end, the record has your attention. It's Frank Sinatra and his voice in powerful and top form. Over the years it's become an end-of-party anthem and shown its longevity. The judges wouldn't have known that point at the time, but this great record surely deserved the Record Of The Year Grammy all the same.