Rank It: 2025 Grammys AOTY nominations

Award season is here once again, with the 67th Annual Grammys airing on Feb. 2, 2025. The Grammy Awards honors the best artists, recordings and compositions from the past year, chosen by the Recording Academy.

8. “Djesse Vol. 4” - Jacob Collier

This is genuinely such a terrible album that has no place being nominated alongside the rest of the candidates. While there is amazing sound design, Jacob Collier establishes too many ideas without following through on any of them.

The switches between genres give you whiplash, which is why this project gets last place.

7. “The Tortured Poets Department” - Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department” falls flat sonically, but provides vulnerable and creative lyricism.

Themes revolve around grief, loss and heartbreak while talking about the nuances of a complicated relationship. Swift continues to prove her talent for storytelling, however, the project falls short in comparison to the other nominees.

6. “New Blue Sun” - André 3000

For his first album in 17 years, André 3000 switched genres entirely and created an instrumental flute album. It does not have any lyrics but transports the audience into an ambient jazz environment.

His approach to creating soft tones across woodwind soundscapes evokes an otherworldly sound. With flutes, synths and organic elements it promotes a soothing and spiritual listening experience.

5. “Short n’ Sweet” - Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter is Gen-Z’s Barbie pop star, with her soulful, unique singing range in her most recent album, “Short n’ Sweet.”

Her lyricism is comedic and deeply evoking, and she brings country influence to the classic pop genre. Additionally, on this record the production improved significantly, making each of the tracks sound unique under the main theme.

Nearly all of the songs have gone viral on social media, such as “Please, Please, Please” and the song of the summer “Espresso.”

Carpenter found her perfect sound and aesthetic, making her a top contender for Album of the Year.

4. “Cowboy Carter” - Beyoncé

The second act to Beyoncé’s album “Renaissance,” was released early last year and has pushed the boundary between genre and vocal range.

“Cowboy Carter” is a concept album, focusing on the Black musicians who helped build country music to what it is today, and how their overlooked contributions defined cultural history.

This project has impressive storytelling and pacing, all while keeping the listener immersed in the world. The multi-faceted album proves to be incredibly culturally and politically relevant today.

3. “Hit Me Hard and Soft” - Billie Eilish

Through this album, Billie Eilish has solidified herself as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. “Hit Me Hard and Soft” is her third studio album, produced by none other than her brother Finneas.

From song to song, the album transitions seamlessly with flawless vocals and innovative production. The method in which she layers her melodies produces an ethereal sound, putting listeners in a dreamy, immersive atmosphere.

She challenges the norms of pop music by creating a full body of work with no filler while pushing her personal artistic boundaries.

Her lyrics are more emotional and gut-wrenching than ever before, and the genre shifts to a submerged dance electronic flow that is sure to turn some critics’ heads.

2. “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” - Chappell Roan

Since the release of Chappell Roan’s latest album, she has made her way into mainstream media, garnering widespread attention for her 80s-style pop music.

She highlights themes of embracing sexuality, self-discovery and femininity in her music while telling her story of growing up in the Midwest.

Many have compared her vocals to a modern-day Madonna or Lady Gaga because she takes a lot of influence from drag culture in her aesthetics.

“The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” promotes empowerment and advocacy for the queer community, combining unique elements of storytelling with experimental production that challenges the traditional pop genre.

1. “Brat” - Charli XCX

I could say without a doubt that 2024 was the year of “Brat.” Charli XCX is on another level when it comes to her new album.

She created a well-rounded album that is unapologetically unique and personal to her, with vulnerability and cockiness all wrapped in one package.

The lyrics are blunt and direct, and the production ranges from grimy club bass to shimmery synth-pop that my ears eat up. Furthermore, the themes she talks about vary from complicated relationships to insecurities as a woman in the music industry.

The hyperpop electronic beast of a project that “Brat” is, deserves not only album of the year, but a place in history as a genre-defining masterpiece.

Allison Curley is a second-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email amc9204@psu.edu.