Grammy predictions 2013: Our critic's picks

This is one of those Grammy years when there are plenty of strong candidates, but no real front-runner.

The winners will likely end up picked based on how well the campaigns were run and voters will likely spread the wealth.

Here's a look at how the top categories will likely (and should) shake out:

The Black Keys, "Lonely Boy"

fun., featuring Janelle Monae, "We Are Young"

Frank Ocean, "Thinkin' 'Bout You"

The Black Keys, "El Camino"

fun., "Some Nights"

Frank Ocean, "Channel Orange"

Ed Sheeran, "The A Team"

Miguel, "Adorn"

Carly Rae Jepsen, "Call Me Maybe"

fun., featuring Janelle Monae, "We Are Young"

Alabama Shakes

fun.

Hunter Hayes

The Lumineers

Frank Ocean

fun., "Some Nights"

Steve Aoki, "Wonderland"

Chemical Brothers, "Don't Think"

Deadmau5, ">Album Title Goes Here<"

Kaskade, "Fire & Ice"

The Black Keys, "El Camino"

Coldplay, "Mylo Xyloto"

Muse, "The 2nd Law"

Bruce Springsteen, "Wrecking Ball"

Björk, "Biophilia"

M83, "Hurry Up, We're Dreaming"

Lupe Fiasco, "Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album, Part 1"

Nas, "Life Is Good"

The Roots, "Undun"

Rick Ross, "God Forgives, I Don't"

2 Chainz, "Based on a T.R.U. Story"

Zac Brown Band, "Uncaged"

Hunter Hayes, "Hunter Hayes"

Jamey Johnson, "Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran"

Time Jumpers, "The Time Jumpers"