It seems like the nominations get more tense every year, but it’s once again that time. With the Grammy nominations coming in the morning, here are my predictions for Album of the Year.
“The Record” Boygenius
To knock off an easy contender, the girl groups record was a deep and intense album. The album has an indie-rock vibe and lyrics very real and intense. Some standouts on the record are “$20,” and “Anti-Curse”.
“End & Begins” Labyrinth
The British songwriter and producer created almost his entire album by himself. With incredible electronic beats, the album is bound to get you in your feels. With some secret features from artists like Zendaya and Billie Eilish, he really helped dominate the music industry this year with Ends & Begins.
“Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” Lana Del Ray
As a society, we don’t give Lana enough credit. Besides being one of the most genuine celebrities out there, she has a steller voice and made an incredible record. The indie record obviously has its soft beats, but some of its songs really put you into this world. The best track on the album has to go to A&W. The contrast between the soft vibe and the heavier vibe of the song make you forget it’s seven minutes long.
“Midnights” Taylor Swift
Honestly, it makes perfect sense that Taylor’s on top of the world right now. Since 2019, she has released eigh albums, the latest being Midnights. The album puts you in a dark pop-esk universe. You can really see her growth on this record. Jack Antanoff did a really great job on the production, especially on “Maroon” and “Labyrinth”. Midnights is about thirteen sleepless nights throughout Taylor’s life, and you can tell her and Jack had a blast making it.
“GUTS” Olivia Rodrigo
The sophomore album by Olivia Rodrigo dropped this September, and while it has its flaws, so does every project. However, the album as a whole is great. The transitions on the record are smooth and she really tells you a story on it. Her songwriting and storytelling has really improved since SOUR and songs like “Lacy” and “Teenage Dream” really show her growth which makes it a perfect contender for Album of the Year.
“Good Riddance” Gracie Abrams
Gracie Abrams’ much anticipated debut album finally dropped this year and it didn’t disappoint. You can tell she means what she sings. I got to see the singer-songwriter open up the Eras Tour, and seeing her vocals and the production on the live performance really make you wanna get up and dance, especially on “Where do we go now?” I think she could and should be much bigger than she is and Good Riddance is just the start of the takeover.
“Stick Season” Noah Kahan
One of the more unpopular and “incorrect” opinions I have is this album by Noah Kahan. I didn’t discover him until this project came out and it’s an incredible project. Listening to the title track alone can sell me for this award. He’s really good at having really depressing music and covering it with incredible production. He really has mastered indie music on this record and is an easy contender for Album of the Year.
“SOS” SZA
Is it possible to say this is a no-skip album? Yes. SZA’s much anticipated sophomore album hit us hard. She’s released bits of it through the years like Good Days, but when the whole album came out, we saw the full picture. You can tell she poured her heart and soul into this. Some standouts on the record include “Nobody Gets Me,” and “SOS”.
