From groundbreaking country-pop upstarts to anthemic club albums, the Album of the Year nominees at this year’s Grammy Awards are stacked. The criteria for this category is straightforward: consider the quality and artistry of the collection of songs as a whole. However, this year’s lineup is admittedly hard to predict. It consists of the toughest lineup of albums in recent memory.
Let’s take a look at every single Album of the Year nominee and analyze their likelihood of nabbing the coveted trophy for the 67th Grammy Awards, from least likely to win to ones with the best odds at winning.
Jacob Collier, ‘Djesse Vol. 4’
Let’s be honest: Jacob Collier is a disgustingly talented musician to the point where, over time, his music theory prowess becomes increasingly absurd. Collier’s willingness to bend and break these rules is partly perplexing but mostly valid, which is why the Recording Academy has rightfully recognized his talent. Moreover, this album stands out as a balanced and ambitious entry in this year’s category.
Collier is a superhuman, showcasing constant harmonizing gymnastics, crowd manipulation tactics, and an excessive number of backing musicians, making it seem like he has built an empire of Music with a capital “M.” While Djesse Vol. 4 being nominated for Album of the Year makes sense, winning is another thing altogether.
Despite its technical brilliance, the album’s niche appeal and overwhelming complexity make it less likely to resonate with the broader voting body.
Andre 3000, ‘New Blue Sun’
One half of Outkast — one of Atlanta’s most celebrated rap duos — have suddenly turned a new leaf. Andre 3000 decided to throw a curveball towards longtime fans and welcomes ambient and classical music fans in his much anticipated debut solo album. New Blue Sun turned a lot of heads, including the Recording Academy enough to include it in the Album of the Year category.
The album is, soundscape-wise, more atmospherically dense and compositionally rich in terms of its instrumentation compared to most of the nominees in the category. However, being experimental doesn’t necessarily mean it will increase your chances of winning. His debut effort is far from winning at a competition that’s brimming with so much pop talent that even an ethereal, progressive ambient album will be seen as the outlier for better or for worse.
Seeing the day that the album actually wins will definitely make things all the more controversial, especially for the pop stans watching.
Taylor Swift, ‘The Tortured Poets Department’
After winning her fourth Grammy Award for Album of the Year for Midnights, Taylor Swift did the unthinkable by announcing a brand new album once she received her Grammy on stage. The album in question: The Tortured Poets Department. It’s an album defined by Swift’s challenges in songwriting but not representative of her entire discography. Her latest album was wrought with unnecessary marketing tactics and ridiculous demo releases every quarter.
Although, Swift’s ability to turn any talking point into a chorus — a diary entry into a melody — is unmatched. Her status as one of the most powerful figures in the music industry today continues to put her on the charts and be nominated every awards season. However, this singer-songwriter flex may not be enough to topple groundbreaking artists who are changing the status quo, rather than just elevating the craft within their comfort zones in their albums.
Sabrina Carpenter, ‘Short n’ Sweet’
Sabrina Carpenter may appear to be just another generic pop star to some, but for those who have taken the time to listen to her latest album, there’s a newfound star power in her music that wasn’t as evident in her earlier work. With Short n’ Sweet, Carpenter delivers flirtatious verses, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and impeccable comedic timing. It’s a testament to her growth as a singer-songwriter who has learned not to take herself too seriously. After years of trial and error, she has finally earned her first Grammy nomination this year.
Compared to her earlier releases, Carpenter’s current artistry feels like night and day. It’s clear she’s in the midst of a redemption arc. While she still has a long way to go, her innate likability makes it easy to root for her. Beyond the coveted Album of the Year award, it would be exciting to see her take home either Best New Artist or Song of the Year, which would further solidify her place in the music industry.
Chappell Roan, ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’
At first glance, it might seem unusual for an album released in 2023 to be nominated at a ceremony held in 2025. However, once you listen to The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan, it becomes clear why the Recording Academy decided to include it in their shortlist. The album is undeniably good — infectious in a country pop star way, representing the queer community, and it is impossible to ignore. It fully deserves the hype.
Roan is the epitome of a breakthrough artist, a diamond in the rough who has earned recognition despite being a late bloomer. Her momentum is undeniable, and this Grammy nomination is a testament to her staying power and a potential win will further extend her artistic longevity.
Billie Eilish, ‘HIT ME HARD AND SOFT’
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT is Billie Eilish’s most emotionally charged record to date. Transitioning from an alt-pop mainstay to a refined pop artist, she has consistently surpassed her own achievements, now more confidently than ever. The album also features one of her biggest sleeper hits, “Birds of a Feather,” which, by the way, is my top contender for Song of the Year. However, there’s far more to this album than just one standout single.
The record showcases notable highs and lows, yet it strikes a perfect balance in Eilish’s vocal tones, production and songwriting. She continues to collaborate seamlessly with her lifelong creative partner and sibling, Finneas O’Connell, resulting in a performance that feels both polished and deeply personal. Given the album’s exceptional production, strategic marketing, and enduring impact on music fans worldwide, a Grammy win for Album of the Year seems well within Eilish’s reach.
Charli XCX, ‘brat’
brat isn’t just a color on a wall or an album cover — it’s a status symbol. It represents being cool, ready to party, and wanting to have fun. With her innate talent for crafting pop music, a skill she’s honed since the beginning of her career, it feels like Charli XCX’s moment to see that iconic lime green flash brightly at the Grammy Awards has been a long time coming.
Winning Album of the Year almost feels secondary. Charli has already achieved her primary goal with brat: to be a cultural phenomenon. The album has solidified her place in the pop landscape, resonating deeply with fans and critics alike. Earning the golden gramophone, now drenched in her signature lime green, would be the next logical triumph. And given the album’s impact and Charli’s undeniable influence, the odds seem to be in her favor.
Beyonce, ‘Cowboy Carter’
It’s not just a country album. It’s a Beyoncé album. It’s Cowboy Carter. And if she wins the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, it would be a monumental moment for Queen B, especially during a time of social upheaval and political turmoil. Beyoncé’s three-decade reign in the music industry has solidified her legacy, and this album could further cement her status as a true legend.
The album’s legendary status doesn’t hinge solely on a potential Grammy win — it began months ago. On November 21, Cowboy Carter was notably snubbed, failing to receive a single nomination at the Country Music Awards, a decision that left casual music listeners baffled. However, if Beyoncé takes home the biggest prize of the night, she would become the first Black woman in 25 years to win Album of the Year, following Lauryn Hill’s iconic debut, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
A win for Cowboy Carter would signal a seismic shift in the music industry. It would send a powerful message: No matter your background or upbringing, pushing the boundaries of music is essential to opening new creative avenues and fostering inclusivity. Beyoncé’s triumph would not only celebrate her artistry but also inspire a new generation of artists to challenge norms and redefine genres.
