Album Of The Year 2019 Nominees: Who Will Win?

Hey guys! Let's dive into the amazing albums that were nominated for Album of the Year in 2019. It was a fantastic year for music, and the Recording Academy sure had a tough job picking the nominees. We’re going to break down each album, talk about what made them special, and maybe even predict who actually took home the gold. Ready? Let's get started!

The Nominees

Alright, so here’s the lowdown on the stellar albums that made the cut in 2019. Each one brought something totally unique to the table, and they collectively represent a diverse snapshot of the music scene at the time. We'll go through each one, giving you a little refresher (or introduction!) to these awesome pieces of art. Let's get into it!

Golden Hour - Kacey Musgraves

Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves is an absolute masterpiece that effortlessly blends country, pop, and even a touch of electronic elements. This album isn’t just a collection of songs; it's a sonic journey through love, introspection, and the beauty of simple moments. Musgraves' songwriting shines with its honesty and vulnerability, creating a deeply personal connection with listeners. Tracks like "Butterflies" and "Space Cowboy" showcase her ability to craft catchy melodies with profound lyrical depth. The album's production is impeccable, creating a warm and dreamy atmosphere that perfectly complements Musgraves' vocals. Golden Hour resonated with both critics and fans, earning widespread acclaim for its innovative sound and heartfelt themes. It felt like a breath of fresh air in the country music landscape, proving that the genre could evolve while still staying true to its roots. The success of Golden Hour is a testament to Musgraves' artistry and her willingness to push boundaries, making it a standout album of the year and a well-deserved nominee for Album of the Year.

H.E.R. - H.E.R.

H.E.R.'s self-titled album, H.E.R., is a mesmerizing collection of R&B tracks that highlight her incredible talent as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. This album is a mood, guys! It's smooth, soulful, and packed with raw emotion. H.E.R. (whose real name is Gabriella Wilson) delivers a sound that feels both timeless and contemporary, drawing influences from classic R&B while incorporating modern production techniques. The album explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery with a refreshing honesty that resonates with listeners of all ages. Tracks like "Best Part" (featuring Daniel Caesar) and "Focus" became instant hits, showcasing her ability to create intimate and relatable songs. H.E.R. is more than just an album; it's an experience that invites you to immerse yourself in her world. Her evocative lyrics and captivating vocals create a powerful connection, making it a standout release in the R&B genre. The album's critical acclaim and commercial success solidified H.E.R.'s place as one of the most promising artists of her generation, making her a deserving nominee for Album of the Year.

Beerbongs & Bentleys - Post Malone

Beerbongs & Bentleys by Post Malone is a genre-bending album that perfectly captures the zeitgeist of contemporary pop and hip-hop. This album is a wild ride, blending elements of rap, rock, and even country into a cohesive and unapologetically catchy sound. Post Malone's signature blend of melodic vocals and introspective lyrics creates a unique and compelling listening experience. Tracks like "Rockstar" (featuring 21 Savage) and "Psycho" (featuring Ty Dolla $ign) became massive hits, dominating the charts and solidifying Post Malone's status as a global superstar. But beyond the catchy hooks, Beerbongs & Bentleys also delves into themes of fame, excess, and the struggles of navigating the music industry. The album's production is slick and polished, creating a larger-than-life sound that's perfect for both headphones and stadiums. While it might not be for everyone, Beerbongs & Bentleys undeniably left a huge impact on the music landscape, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. Its commercial success and cultural influence made it a noteworthy release of the year and a controversial, yet deserving, nominee for Album of the Year.

Dirty Computer - Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer is not just an album; it’s a bold and visionary statement about identity, sexuality, and freedom. This album is a vibrant explosion of funk, R&B, pop, and hip-hop, all woven together with Monáe's signature Afrofuturistic style. Dirty Computer tells the story of Jane 57821, a citizen living in a dystopian future where individuality is suppressed. Through her music and accompanying visuals, Monáe explores themes of love, resistance, and the power of embracing one's true self. Tracks like "Make Me Feel" and "Pynk" became anthems of self-acceptance and empowerment, celebrating diversity and challenging societal norms. The album's production is lush and inventive, creating a sonic landscape that's both futuristic and timeless. Dirty Computer is a groundbreaking work of art that transcends genres and speaks to the importance of individuality and expression. Its critical acclaim and cultural impact solidified Monáe's status as a visionary artist and a powerful voice for marginalized communities, making her a well-deserved nominee for Album of the Year.

Black Panther: The Album, Music From and Inspired By - Various Artists

Black Panther: The Album is more than just a soundtrack; it's a cultural phenomenon that captures the spirit and energy of the groundbreaking Marvel film. Curated by Kendrick Lamar, this album brings together a diverse array of artists from the hip-hop, R&B, and African music scenes, creating a cohesive and powerful listening experience. The album explores themes of identity, heritage, and social justice, reflecting the film's exploration of African culture and its relevance to the modern world. Tracks like "All the Stars" (Kendrick Lamar & SZA) and "King's Dead" (Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Future & James Blake) became instant hits, showcasing the album's blend of catchy melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. Black Panther: The Album is a celebration of black excellence and a testament to the power of music to inspire and unite. Its critical acclaim and commercial success solidified its place as a cultural milestone, making it a significant and deserving nominee for Album of the Year. The album's impact extended beyond the music charts, sparking conversations about representation, identity, and the importance of diverse voices in popular culture.

By the Way, I Forgive You - Brandi Carlile

By the Way, I Forgive You by Brandi Carlile is a powerful and emotionally resonant album that showcases her incredible songwriting and vocal abilities. This album is a deeply personal journey through love, loss, and forgiveness, exploring themes of family, identity, and the human experience. Carlile's raw and honest lyrics, combined with her soaring vocals, create a captivating and cathartic listening experience. Tracks like "The Joke" and "The Mother" became instant classics, resonating with listeners for their emotional depth and universality. The album's production is lush and dynamic, creating a sonic landscape that perfectly complements Carlile's powerful voice. By the Way, I Forgive You is a testament to the power of music to heal and connect, offering a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Its critical acclaim and commercial success solidified Carlile's place as one of the most important voices in contemporary folk and Americana music, making her a well-deserved nominee for Album of the Year.

Scorpion - Drake

Scorpion by Drake is a massive and ambitious album that showcases his versatility as a rapper, singer, and songwriter. This album is a sprawling collection of tracks that explores themes of fame, relationships, and the challenges of maintaining success in the music industry. Scorpion is divided into two sides, one primarily focused on rap and the other on R&B, highlighting Drake's ability to seamlessly blend genres. Tracks like "God's Plan" and "Nice for What" became global anthems, dominating the charts and solidifying Drake's status as one of the biggest artists in the world. However, Scorpion also delves into more personal territory, with Drake addressing rumors about his personal life and reflecting on his journey to the top. The album's production is slick and polished, creating a sound that's both contemporary and timeless. While Scorpion may have been divisive among critics, its undeniable commercial success and cultural impact made it a noteworthy release of the year and a controversial, yet deserving, nominee for Album of the Year. The album's sheer scale and ambition cemented Drake's position as a dominant force in popular music.

And the Winner Is...

So, who actually won Album of the Year in 2019? Drumroll, please… It was Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves! And honestly, guys, it was a well-deserved win. Golden Hour was a critical darling and a commercial success, and it really did push the boundaries of country music. Plus, it's just a beautiful album from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of who won, all of these albums were incredible achievements in their own right. They each brought something unique and special to the music landscape, and they all deserved to be recognized. It just goes to show how much amazing talent there is out there. Keep listening, keep supporting your favorite artists, and keep discovering new music. Peace out!