SPECIAL – Grammy® Album of the Year Predictions
Reflecting on the past winners of the Grammy’s Album of the Year provides valuable insights into the evolving musical landscape and helps shape predictions for future contenders. From Billie Eilish’s groundbreaking debut in 2020 to Taylor Swift’s introspective “Midnights” in 2024, each album not only captures the zeitgeist of its respective era but also sets a benchmark for artistic achievement. These masterpieces, varying from Eilish’s dark pop sounds to Swift’s lyrical narratives, illustrate the diverse qualities that the Grammy’s tend to favor.
Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” emerged as the Album of the Year at the 2024 Grammy Awards, marking yet another milestone in Swift’s illustrious career. This win added to her previous victories, including her 2021 triumph with “Folklore,” and solidified her status as a defining voice in contemporary music. “Midnights” was celebrated for its introspective lyrics and lush production, encapsulating the sleepless nights and vivid introspections of Swift’s experiences. It followed Harry Styles’ “Harry’s House,” which won in 2023, praised for its eclectic sounds and personal storytelling. Jon Batiste’s “We Are” took the honor in 2022, recognized for its vibrant fusion of jazz, R&B, and gospel elements, representing a dynamic celebration of cultural heritage. Swift’s earlier win with “Folklore” in 2021 showcased her storytelling ability, wrapped in a folkloric tapestry that diverged from her typical pop soundscapes. In 2020, Billie Eilish’s debut, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” captured the award, noted for its innovative sound and profound lyrical depth, heralding a new era in pop music. Each of these albums not only defined their release years but also reflected the evolving landscapes of music and cultural expression.
✦ COWBOY CARTER — BEYONCÉ
This project, a country-infused deviation from Bey’s expected style, really has a chance at taking home this year’s AOTY Grammy. Beyoncé is one of the two most nominated artists in Grammy history, tied only with her husband, Jay-Z. Out of her 88 nominations, she has been nominated for 4 AOTY awards (I Am…Sasha Fierce - 2009, Beyoncé - 2014, Lemonade - 2017, Renaissance - 2023), but she lost every time. Is this her year?
✦ ETERNAL SUNSHINE — ARIANA GRANDE
Arguably one of my favorite albums released this year, Ariana Grande has the potential to earn another AOTY nomination. She was nominated for Thank U, Next in 2020 and Planet Her (Doja Cat) in 2022. Eternal Sunshine is a collection of emotional love songs intertwined with a bit of dance and a bit of 90s influence. You have to listen to it (maybe a few times)!
✦ SHORT N’ SWEET — SABRINA CARPENTER
Sabrina released Short n’ Sweet just in time to be considered for this year’s Grammy Awards. Sabrina Carpenter has had one of the biggest years in pop music. I think people forget this is her 6th studio album, and an incredible one at that. As the title suggests, the album is short n’ sweet but really packs a punch. Could this album land her first AOTY nomination?
✦ THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT — TAYLOR SWIFT
Since 2010, Taylor has had 6 albums nominated for AOTY and won 4 (Fearless - 2010, 1989 - 2016, Folklore - 2021, Midnights - 2024). TTPD is an incredibly well-written, well-produced record. This album was announced less than a year ago, while she was on stage accepting the Grammy for AOTY. She currently holds the record for most AOTY wins. Can she do it again?
✦ PARADISE STATE OF MIND — FOSTER THE PEOPLE
Foster the People is an artist you don’t think about for AOTY and, truthfully, don’t think about often when thinking about the Grammys, considering their only nominations came in 2012 & 2013. However, their latest project puts them in the running. While the music on this project isn’t anything new, I think where this album could earn its nomination is in its production — creating synthpop that’s engaging to listen to is definitely a feat, and they nailed it in that area. Definitely worth the listen if you haven’t.
✦ F-1 TRILLION — POST MALONE
Post has entered his country era. Since his appearance on Cowboy Carter earlier this year, I’ve loved this version of Post Malone. “WHEN I TURN 30 I’M BECOMING A COUNTRY/FOLK SINGER” was a direct tweet from Post Malone in 2015, and here we are. The album, while heavy on features, is a collection of really well-written records that evoke emotion at every turn. Country lover or not, this album is a must-listen.
✦ HIT ME HARD AND SOFT — BILLIE EILISH
This project from Billie was the most unexpected for me. This album feels different, not only in the musicality—dropping more pop-infused alternative tracks—but also in maturity and as a real winner. Billie said, “This is the most ‘me’ thing I’ve ever made,” while speaking with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, and this is, I think, what I love most about this album. Billie showed us parts of herself that she hadn’t in previous projects. With a total of 25 nominations, 2 for AOTY and one AOTY win, can she land another nomination and perhaps another win?
✦ THE RISE AND FALL OF A MIDWEST PRINCESS — CHAPPELL ROAN
No doubt that Chappell Roan had an incredibly fast rise to fame in the last year. This record came out right at the beginning of this year’s Grammy eligibility cycle, which makes it hard to be memorable a year later, but she excelled in this department. With major hits like Femininomenon, HOT TO GO!, and Pink Pony Club, this album was already a success for her. Can it earn her an AOTY nomination?
