The Halftime Report

Chances it'll be nominated for a Grammy: 10 percent. It's good while you're listening to it, but once you turn it off, this release is unfortunately easy to forget. It's also nearly two years old in Europe, and the delayed American release won't bode well for her when it's time for year-end lists.

Weezer

Weezer (Red)

What's the buzz? Weezer's been an oddball rock favorite for the past 15 years, and there's very little that this Los Angeles-based group hasn't accomplished. Its string of eponymous releases is always wildly popular with their fans and anticipation for the band's "red album" has scored its members a Spin cover story. 

Is it worth a damn? Rivers Cuomo doesn't really disappoint on this one. And, of the 10 songs included in this relatively short disc, most make you want to fall in love. Tunes like "Heart Songs" and "Pork and Beans" showcase how versatile the group is. Plus, it was produced by Rick Rubin. When's the last time he fully struck out? 

Chances it'll be nominated for a Grammy: 85 percent. The one thing Weezer hasn't accomplished yet is winning a Grammy, and if rock continues to have a down year creativity-wise, the red album will likely warrant Rivers and Co. a miniature gramophone.  

The Roots

Rising Down

What's the buzz? The Roots has been doing a ton of press in support of its new album, and with only two original members of the group left (Black Thought and ?uestlove), it's actually something of a mystery how Rising Down even manages to sound like the Roots.  

Is it worth a damn? Rising Down isn't the classic album that Things Fall Apart is, and if you expect this disc to sound like that disc, you'll be disappointed. But as far as raw honesty goes, this is the group's most in-your-face album to date. Plus, Black Thought raps like he's a can of Red Bull on "75 Bars."

Chances it'll be nominated for a Grammy: 70 percent. The group gets lots of respect within the industry, and that should help. But the album is dark, angry and unflinching, so don't be surprised if it gets passed over for a more commercial rap selection.