The 2000s saw more unlisted Grammy classics
The Strokes — Is This It (2001)
The Strokes cut through a lot of noise and genre labels, nu this, post that, with some downright raw rock and roll. They had a sound that barked back to the late 1970s or early 1980s and laid it all bare on this debut album.
Perhaps they were overhyped as a band somewhat, and that worked against them in terms of awards. That apart, the album remains strong; it was, and still is, highly influential in rock music. But it didn't get that Grammy album attention at all.
Funeral — Arcade Fire (2004)
Here is yet another immensely strong debut album. Arcade Fire launched themselves with Funeral in 2004. It mixes up some art rock and joyous song climaxes, with grief, feelings, and emotions. Clever lyrics, a brilliant sound with piano and orchestration to the fore, and so many songs starting softly and each building to a climactic crescendo.
It did pick up a nomination for Best Alternative Music Album, but missed out on the top album Grammy recognition.
Albums from the 2010s that missed the top album Grammy
Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)
Ok, so public opinion on Kanye West has shifted dramatically in recent years. Back in 2010, though, he was tolerated and recognised for his music. So, looking at this album from that year, it’s still a surprise that it didn't get a nomination for that much bigger album Grammy.
At the time, he took hip-hop to new places, brought huge production, orchestral sounds, and rock samples to his work, and delivered what was then a superb album. He did collect the Grammy for Best Rap Album, but having brought a more mainstream approach, more may have been expected.
Frank Ocean – Blonde (2016)
Some have described this album as usual or odd. But that can be a good thing. It’s certainly a different approach, and that helps Blonde to stand out from the crowd. It’s low-key in sound and even plus down some great collaboration from the likes of Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar. You’d have thought they'd have been dialled up more, but Ocean decided otherwise.
He also chose not to enter his album in the Grammy process. So any question mark over the lack of an award there is easily answered. Would it have been recognised? Who knows? Its thoughtful and introspective style remains highly rated.
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