16 classic albums the Grammys didn’t nominate for Album of the Year

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Awards season is officially here, and the Grammys are coming up next on February 1st. This year’s show features an impressive 95 categories, all filled with talented nominees. Throughout the years, the Grammys have consistently recognized both incredible winners and strong contenders.

Over the past 67 years, the awards have seen many memorable moments, but Album of the Year consistently stands out. It’s a highly prestigious award that receives a lot of attention, and many incredible albums by renowned artists have won it.

We’ve been surprised to find that some now-classic albums, considered perfect by many, were overlooked by the awards. In some cases, they didn’t even receive a nomination for the main album prize. Let’s take a look back through the years, starting with the 1960s.

16 Classic albums without a Grammy Album of the Year nomination 

Bob Dylan — Highway 61 Revisited (Released 1965)

Okay, so Bob Dylan really shook things up when he went electric, and this album was the statement. It’s got some seriously iconic tracks, like “Like a Rolling Stone” – that song still gives me chills, honestly. Even now, it’s a total classic, and you can still hear its influence everywhere. It just doesn’t get old.

The Beach Boys — Pet Sounds (1966)

This album is considered incredibly influential, changing the landscape of music for many. Paul McCartney has said it directly inspired The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper. And The Beach Boys, in turn, drew inspiration from The Beatles’ Rubber Soul when creating Pet Sounds. While initial reactions were mixed, it has since become a highly respected and enduring work.

Classic albums from the 1970s

The 1970s were a fantastic time for music, with a wide variety of popular genres and many artists releasing successful albums. Looking back, it’s clear it was a truly golden age. Despite all the great music, some deserving albums didn’t win the Grammy for Album of the Year. Here are two examples.

Led Zeppelin — Physical Graffiti (1975)

This highly acclaimed album further cemented Led Zeppelin’s reputation as one of the world’s greatest bands. Packed with incredible songs, this double album features timeless tracks that still sound fantastic today. It’s a creatively rich blend of blues and solid rock, with hints of eastern musical styles, making it an essential listen for any fan.

Dire Straits — Dire Straits (1978)

This album might have been overlooked because it was the band’s first release. It took Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler time to gain recognition, but this album is truly exceptional and deserving of any award. It also marked the beginning of a fantastic career for them both.

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Three top albums from the 1980s without the top album Grammy

The 1980s saw a continuation of great albums being overlooked, even ones we now consider classics. The decade also brought new musical genres and exciting new artists. These three examples illustrate that diversity, but surprisingly, none of them won Album of the Year at the Grammys.

The Smiths — The Queen Is Dead (1986)

With time, this album has become highly regarded, and many consider it The Smiths’ finest work, though personal preference always plays a role. It’s a remarkably consistent album that perfectly captures the essence of the band and each of its members. While it may not have been mainstream enough to win a Grammy, it certainly deserved consideration.

Joy Division — Closer (1980)

Joy Division’s second album is a dark, haunting, and incredibly powerful work. While already bleak in tone, it’s made even more poignant knowing that singer Ian Curtis tragically passed away just months after its release. Despite this sadness, it remains a true masterpiece.

Prince — Sign o’ the Times (1987) 

While Prince’s album didn’t win in every category, it was nominated for several awards and received many others. It definitely wasn’t overlooked, and many fans consider it one of the highlights of his all-too-brief career.

The 1990s and Britpop misses out

R.E.M. — Automatic for the People (1992)

R.E.M. was a well-known band, but this particular album never won a Grammy. It’s a fantastic record from beginning to end, really capturing the band’s signature sound. Every song feels meaningful and fits perfectly, and the album still sounds great today.

Oasis — Definitely Maybe (1994) and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)

Oasis, a leading band of the 1990s Britpop scene, surprisingly never received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year, despite their significant impact.

The band’s reunion last summer brought back a lot of great memories of their classic songs from their first albums. Their debut album, Definitely Maybe, was fantastic, and their second album, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, was even more impressive – some would say it was even better than their first.

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The 2000s saw more unlisted Grammy classics

The Strokes — Is This It (2001)

The Strokes stood out from the crowded music scene with a raw, energetic rock and roll sound. Their debut album channeled the energy of late 70s and early 80s music, presenting a stripped-down and honest approach.

Okay, so maybe everyone built this band up too much, and that actually hurt their chances at winning awards. But honestly, the album still holds up – it was a huge deal back then and still influences rock music today. It’s just a shame it didn’t even get nominated for a Grammy, you know?

Funeral — Arcade Fire (2004)

Arcade Fire made a huge splash with their first album, Funeral, released in 2004. It’s a powerful blend of art rock and uplifting, emotional music, dealing with themes of grief and life. The album features smart songwriting, a rich sound built around piano and orchestral arrangements, and a knack for building songs from quiet beginnings to soaring, dramatic finishes.

Although the album was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album, it didn’t win the Grammy for Album of the Year.

Albums from the 2010s that missed the top album Grammy

Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)  

It’s crazy looking back at Kanye West now, considering how things have changed. But back in 2010, everyone mostly appreciated his music, you know? So when I listen to this album from that year, I’m still shocked it didn’t even get a Grammy nomination – it felt like a real contender for Album of the Year!

He revolutionized hip-hop with his innovative production, incorporating orchestral elements and rock samples into a groundbreaking album. While he did win a Grammy for Best Rap Album, many felt his move towards a more accessible sound deserved even greater recognition.

Frank Ocean – Blonde (2016)  

People have had different reactions to this album – some call it typical, others strange. But that’s actually a strength! It definitely takes a unique path, which makes Blonde really stand out. The sound is understated, and it features some fantastic collaborations with artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar. You might expect those big names to be more prominent, but Frank Ocean chose a more subtle approach.

He also decided not to submit his album for Grammy consideration, so the reason it didn’t win is clear. Whether it could have won is anyone’s guess, but the album continues to be praised for its thoughtful and reflective qualities.

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More recent album releases from the 2020s

Although these two albums haven’t yet reached the classic status of many older releases—likely because they’re relatively new—they have the potential to become more highly regarded over time. Both albums offer a fresh and innovative sound, and while they weren’t massive commercial successes, they were critically acclaimed. Many people were surprised that neither album received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year.

Fiona Apple – Fetch the Bolt Cutters (2020)

Let’s continue with that unique vibe by talking about Fiona Apple’s album, Fetch the Bolt Cutters. It’s a really creative record with a lot of interesting sounds, particularly when it comes to the rhythms and percussion.

Apple’s fifth album received Grammy recognition, even winning Best Alternative Music Album. The hit single “Shameika” also won a Grammy for Best Rock Performance. While Apple will be pleased with these two awards, many critics felt the album deserved a nomination for the more prestigious Album of the Year award.

Black Country, New Road – Ants From Up There (2022)

Black Country, New Road, a band from Cambridge, UK, blends indie rock, art rock, and experimental sounds on their second album, Ants From Up There. While the music is innovative, it’s also surprisingly easy to listen to and enjoy.

This album is deeply moving and powerful, successfully blending the band’s sound into a cohesive and impressive work – and the positive reviews are well-deserved. It builds on their first album by incorporating gentler sounds and more memorable melodies while staying true to their original style.

The music shares some similarities with Arcade Fire, particularly in how the arrangements and song structures develop, though it’s not immediately apparent. Interestingly, both artists have been overlooked for a Grammy Award despite creating critically acclaimed albums.

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2026-01-19 14:01