With awards season in full swing, the music world is once again under the Grammy microscope. While Hollywood battles it out at the Oscars, the spotlight is quickly shifting toward the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, airing this Sunday, February 1.
The past year has delivered one of the most exciting musical landscapes of the decade so far. From blockbuster pop releases and long-awaited returns to culture-shifting hip-hop records and genre-bending debuts, the Album of the Year category feels unusually stacked — and unusually unpredictable.
Eight albums. Eight wildly different artistic visions. One trophy.
Below, we rank every 2026 Grammy Album of the Year nominee, starting with the least convincing contender and ending with the album that feels destined for Grammy history.
8. SWAG — Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber’s SWAG opens with promise and closes with ambition — but struggles to maintain momentum in between.
Tracks like “ALL I CAN TAKE,” “DAISIES,” and “YUKON” hint at a more mature, stripped-down Bieber, leaning into lo-fi textures and soulful rhythms rather than chart-ready pop hooks. The closing stretch, particularly “TOO LONG” and “ZUMA HOUSE,” reinforces that artistic intention.
Unfortunately, much of the album’s core feels underdeveloped. Experimental interludes interrupt the flow, and a few misguided creative choices distract from what should have been a vocal-forward project. Bieber’s voice remains exceptional, but SWAG often forgets to center it — leaving an album that feels more like a concept sketch than a fully realized statement.
7. Man’s Best Friend — Sabrina Carpenter
Coming off the massive success of Short n’ Sweet, Sabrina Carpenter’s follow-up album faced sky-high expectations.
While Man’s Best Friend is undeniably polished and commercially successful, it leans heavily on familiar pop formulas. Singles like “Manchild” and “Tears” are fun and radio-friendly, but lack the instant memorability of earlier hits like “Espresso.”
There are bright spots — “Don’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry” stands out — and longtime fans will find plenty to enjoy. Still, when stacked against the rest of this year’s Album of the Year lineup, the album feels safe rather than daring.
6. GNX — Kendrick Lamar
Few artists command attention like Kendrick Lamar, and GNX proves that even his “lesser” efforts remain miles ahead of the field.
Boosted by cultural moments and viral singles, tracks like “tv off” became instant fixtures in pop culture, while collaborations with SZA and AZ Chike added texture and reach. There are no outright misfires here — just fewer career-defining moments than fans have come to expect.
GNX may not redefine Lamar’s legacy, but it reinforces his consistency and lyrical authority in an increasingly crowded hip-hop landscape.
5. Let God Sort Em Out — Clipse
After a 17-year hiatus, Clipse returned with an album that proves chemistry doesn’t expire.
Let God Sort Em Out balances razor-sharp lyricism with elite production, opening powerfully with “The Birds Don’t Sing.” High-profile features — including Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, The Creator — enhance rather than overshadow the duo’s presence.
While a few quieter moments slow the pace, the album’s strongest tracks hit with undeniable force. It’s a triumphant comeback that feels earned, even if not flawless.
4. DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS — Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny’s global dominance continues, and DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS showcases exactly why.
The album thrives on energy, rhythm, and emotional immediacy — even for listeners who don’t fully understand the lyrics. Across 17 tracks, Bad Bunny delivers an impressively consistent experience with zero filler, fueled by vibrant production and magnetic delivery.
Songs like “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” and “TURiSTA” grow stronger with each listen, making this one of the year’s most replayable albums — and a cultural event in its own right.
3. MUTT — Leon Thomas
Leon Thomas’ debut album didn’t just arrive — it announced him.
MUTT is a masterclass in soulful hooks, emotional vulnerability, and confident songwriting. Standouts like “FEELINGS ON SILENT,” “VIBES DON’T LIE,” and the title track showcase Thomas’ ability to blend R&B tradition with modern polish.
The fact that MUTT is the only debut album nominated this year speaks volumes. Whether or not it takes Album of the Year, it firmly positions Leon Thomas as one of music’s most exciting new voices.
2. CHROMAKOPIA — Tyler, The Creator
No artist bends genres quite like Tyler, The Creator — and CHROMAKOPIA might be his boldest experiment yet.
Chaotic, playful, introspective, and emotionally layered, the album jumps effortlessly between styles, moods, and themes. From whimsical pop moments to gospel-tinged introspection, every listen reveals something new.
It’s ambitious without being indulgent — a rare balance that makes CHROMAKOPIA one of the most artistically daring albums in this year’s race.
1. MAYHEM — Lady Gaga
With MAYHEM, Lady Gaga doesn’t reinvent herself — she reminds the world why reinvention was never required.
The album blends timeless pop craftsmanship with modern edge, delivering hit after hit without sacrificing vocal excellence. Songs like “Abracadabra,” “Garden of Eden,” and “Die With a Smile” feel instantly classic, while deeper cuts showcase her emotional and technical range.
In a year full of strong contenders, MAYHEM stands apart — confident, cohesive, and unmistakably Gaga. It’s not just the best album of this Grammy slate; it’s a defining moment in her already legendary career.
With one of the strongest Album of the Year lineups in recent memory, the 2026 Grammy Awards are shaping up to be anything but predictable. Whether the Recording Academy rewards cultural impact, artistic risk, or pure pop excellence, this year’s nominees prove that modern music is as diverse — and exciting — as ever.
Photo: Agustina Arán, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons