Predicting the Grammy Album of the Year 2018: Who Deserves the Win?

The 2018 Grammy Awards will soon crown its Album of the Year, a prestigious title that many artists and critics eagerly await. Which album will claim the top honor? Let’s take a closer look at the nominees and analyze their chances.

Album of the Year Nominees:

The "Correct" Choice:

DAMN. - Kendrick Lamar
It seems that the Grammys have a tendency to award hip-hop albums in this category, making the selection of Kendrick Lamar a likely contender for the award. This choice wouldn’t be the first time, as previous Hip-Hop winners like Lauryn Hill with The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and Outkast with Speakerboxx/The Love Below have paved the way.

DAMN. not only stands out as the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed album in the list, but it is also the most creative and artsy. The album has received widespread critical acclaim and is a testament to Lamar's artistic vision.

Could Win:

Melodrama - Lorde
Lorde’s second album, Melodrama, is a powerhouse that redefines the boundaries of pop music. Her ability to blend unconventional themes with compelling melodies makes it one of the standout albums of 2017. The album’s involvement in both vocals and production suggests that Lorde is a multi-talented artist who might catch the selectors' attention.

Despite its strong critical reception, Melodrama may fall short due to its modest sales. The Grammys tend to favor commercial success, which could be a significant hurdle for Lorde.

The Safest Pick:

24K Magic - Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars, a multifaceted superstar, has delivered a solid project with 24K Magic. The album evokes a sense of nostalgia with its retro soul and new jack swing influences, creating a musical journey that is both engaging and enjoyable. Mars's charismatic energy and the album's success should provide it with a strong candidacy for the award.

While 24K Magic may not be as critically acclaimed as the other entries, its commercial success and Mars's personal appeal are undeniable. This combination makes it a strong candidate, if not the safest pick, for the Album of the Year award.

Should Win:

4:44 - Jay Z
Jay Z, with 8 nominations, seems to be the main face of the 2018 Grammy Awards, especially since the show is set in his hometown of New York. 4:44 is a deeply personal and mature album that showcases his growth as an artist. The album's weight serves as a potential victory, given the array of nominations he holds. However, the Grammys' avoidance of controversial content could serve as a hurdle for this album.

Considering the content of the album, including Jay Z's defense of Jewish people in America, his past relationships, and empowering messages on black culture, there are concerns that these elements could be viewed unfavorably by more conservative selectors. Despite these challenges, 4:44 still has a solid chance of winning.

Probably Won't Win:

Awaken My Love! - Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino's Awaken My Love! is an experimental album that is both the least commercially successful and the least conventional of the nominees. Its sporadic quality and experimental nature, while commendable, may not align with the Grammys' preference for commercially viable and well-received albums.

Though Gambino's involvement in performing, writing, and producing the album could work in his favor, the unconventional nature and modest sales of the album make it unlikely to win the prestigious award.

In conclusion, while the Grammy Album of the Year is rich with outstanding choices, Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. seems to have the strongest chance, backed by commercial success and critical acclaim. However, the Grammys’ decisions can be unpredictable, and many factors can influence the outcome. Stay tuned for the results and let us know your thoughts on the potential winners!