The Grammys are one of the most prestigious award shows in the music industry, and the Album Of The Year award is largely considered to be one of the most important honors given that night. The Grammys will be recognizing the music and artists of 2024 on Sunday, February 2, 2025. In preparation for this exciting night, here is a quick recap of the albums nominated for this award, as well as my personal top picks.
While the year 2024 was filled with many memorable moments in popular culture, the music industry took center stage as one of the most prominent aspects of 2024. With many iconic tours, long standing icons releasing music, and new faces experiencing breakthrough moments, this year will certainly be one to remember. Music thrived across all different genres and generations with artists providing a variety of sounds to enjoy. Female artists in particular had an incredible year as their names dominated most conversations, including the Grammys Album Of The Year list. The Grammys are one of the most prestigious award shows in the music industry, and the Album Of The Year award is largely considered to be one of the most important honors given that night. The Grammys will be recognizing the music and artists of 2024 on Sunday, February 2, 2025. In preparation for this exciting night, here is a quick recap of the albums nominated for this award, as well as my personal top picks.
New Blue Sun– André 3000
New Blue Sun is a musical masterpiece, a lyricless album crafted by the sounds of André’s flute. Preceding this album, André had created music within the rap genre, but with no musical training he has shifted his focus to a new style. This impressive switch, as well as the emotions and beauty this album contains, makes it an excellent contender for the Album Of The Year award. André has previously won seven Grammys, six of which were with the group Outkast.
Cowboy Carter– Beyoncé
Beyoncé quickly captured public interest for an upcoming album with a vague commercial which teased new art and debuted during the Superbowl. With its late March release, Cowboy Carter became a completely new area of music from Beyoncé. The country album broke barriers and clearly displayed Beyoncé’s incredible versatility and creativity. This album opened larger social conversations about the influence of Black artists on American country music and provided nuance to more modern discussions about the stereotypes surrounding the country music space. If Cowboy Carter wins, it would become Beyoncé’s first ever Album Of The Year win, although she has dominated other Grammys categories, holding the current record of most wins in Grammy history with thirty two.
Short n’ Sweet– Sabrina Carpenter
Although 2024 is far from Sabrina Carpenter’s entrance into the music industry, her 2024 album, Short n’ Sweet, catapulted her to completely new levels of success. The former Disney star, most known for her role on Girl Meets World, had released two EPs and five studio albums before 2024. The release of her single, Espresso, followed by a captivating Coachella performance and the release of her second single, Please Please Please, heightened the anticipation for the album release. With a pop sound and fun lyrics, Short n’ Sweet encapsulates Sabrina Carpenter as an artist and helped grow her fanbase. The nominations for Short n’ Sweet are her first Grammy recognitions.
Brat– Charli xcx
Charli xcx’s sixth studio album, Brat, perfectly captures her personality and tone as an artist. This honest and fun album defined pop culture. With the popular phrase, “Brat summer” and the Apple dance’s popularity, it is safe to say that the general public loved the brat aesthetic. Collaborations with iconic artists such as Ariana Grande, Lorde, Billie Eilish, and others, display Brat’s very large cultural significance. While Brat’s nominations are not Charli xcx’s first, any win would be her first Grammy.
Djesse Vol. 4– Jacob Collier
In a work of contemporary jazz, Jacob Collier’s four album project dates back to 2018. This fourth addition is a daring piece of work, with a variety of sounds, from audience choirs to heavy metal. Collier’s experimentation led to around 150,000 different voices contributing to this album. Collier will look to add to his five previous Grammy wins in February.
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT- Billie Eilish
Having entered the music industry at a young age, Billie Eilish is no stranger to new levels of success, and HIT ME HARD AND SOFT only continues to build on her incredible career. This album features cohesive sounds and incredibly vulnerable and emotional lyrics. Eilish tackles topics like body image, the downsides of fame, and heartbreak throughout her music on this album. With breathtaking vocals and powerful lyrics it is no surprise this album is being recognized by the Grammys. Eilish has nine previous Grammy Awards, with one Album Of The Year win in 2020.
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess– Chappell Roan
While Chappell Roan was not a household name at the beginning of 2024, it certainly became one. Chappell Roan was catapulted to unseen levels of fame with her opening on Olivia Rodrigo’s tour and impressive Coachella, Governors Ball, and Lollapalooza performances. Additionally, the success of songs such as Casual, HOTTOGO, Pink Pony Club, and Femininomenon from her first studio album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, exposed her to brand new audiences. With playful and upbeat sounds, Roan discusses authenticity, heartbreak, and the importance of self-acceptance within her lyrics. Roan’s newfound fame, as well as her creative art, prove to be convincing evidence for her first Grammy nominations.
The Tortured Poets Department– Taylor Swift
Fresh off an Album Of TheYear win at the 2024 Grammys, Taylor Swift continues to write the story of success into her legendary career. Following its announcement at the Grammys, Swift’s eleventh studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, was released in April, breaking records left and right. With an impressive thirty one tracks, the album highlights Swift’s skills as a writer as she displays heartbreak, the effects of fame, and the hopeful beginnings of something new. With an incredible seventeen weeks at number one on the Billboard 200, The Tortured Poets Department hopes to join Swift’s four other Album Of The Year wins, making her the artist with the most wins in that category.
My Personal Picks-
While other fans and I would love to have seen artists such as Ariana Grande and Kasey Musgraves recognized on this list, the options are incredible. The decision of picking a winner is not an easy one, especially trying to view without bias. In my opinion, the 2025 Album Of The Year award should go to Billie Elish’s HIT ME HARD AND SOFT or Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department. Both albums contain deep and meaningful lyrics, on top of incredible production. Additionally, both of these albums have become a defining moment in Eilish and Swift’s impressive careers. Regardless of the outcome, I will be overjoyed for the winner. Here’s to the music of 2024!
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