On February 2, 2025, the 67th Annual Grammy Awards was held, and Beyoncé took home the Album of the Year prize for the very first time with her album Cowboy Carter. The critically acclaimed and commercially successful album was also crowned Best Country Album, making Beyoncé the first Black woman to win the prestigious award.
Despite the undeniable quality of the album and the hard work the Texas Hold ‘Em singer put into creating it, I still believe there were other albums more deserving of the Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammys.
After weeks of carefully listening to various albums released during the 67th Grammy eligibility period (September 16, 2023 – August 30, 2024), I have shortlisted five albums that I believe are more worthy of the title of Album of the Year. This list includes both albums that were nominated in the category and some that were overlooked entirely. The selection criteria were based on general album quality, cultural significance, critical acclaim, chart success, hit songs, and replay value.
Five albums that should have won the Grammy for Album of the Year more than Cowboy Carter
In no particular order, here are 5 albums that should have won Album of the Year over Cowboy Carter:
Short n’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter’s sixth studio album, Short n' Sweet, took the world by storm, debuting atop the Billboard 200. Although Sabrina may have been referring to herself when she christened the album, the phrase could just as easily apply to its songs, which sounded like honey to the ears—if honey had a sound—despite their relatively short duration.
Right from the opening track, Taste, the Pennsylvania-born pop star captured the attention of all lovers of good music, with my personal favorite track being Please Please Please. Sabrina doesn't force anything in the album; her signature playful and humorous nature reflects in most of the songs while she still manages to infuse the lyrics with deep meaning.
Similarly, her soothing vocals make you eager for the next track, and the accompanying production is consistently on point. The album’s nomination for Album of the Year wasn't enough, as it truly deserved the win. Though Sabrina took home Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album for “Espresso” and “Short n' Sweet,” respectively, these awards were just the icing on the grand cake that could've been hers.
Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan
As a super graphic, ultra-modern girl, Chappell Roan's Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess delivers a fresh, modern sound while embracing her own unique style of good ol' pop. Despite the album’s initial commercial struggle upon its release in September 2023, it later gained the recognition it deserved, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
Chappell’s extensive musical talent is evident throughout the album, with different songs highlighting her versatility. Kaleidoscope showcases her wide vocal range, while Naked in Manhattan and Guilty Pleasure reveal her sensual side. Meanwhile, Hot to Go and Pink Pony Club are playful, sing-along-worthy club anthems, and Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl exudes an eccentric, modern vibe.
Like Short n' Sweet, Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess was nominated for Album of the Year but walked away empty-handed. However, Chappell earned well-deserved recognition, taking home the 2025 Best New Artist award.
The Secret of Us by Gracie Abrams
It's shocking that Gracie Abrams' sophomore studio album, The Secret of Us, was completely overlooked by the Recording Academy despite its commercial success and critical acclaim. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and topped the charts in various countries, including the UK.
Although one might have expected Gracie to pursue a career in Hollywood—given her father J.J Abrams’ reputation as a terrific filmmaker—she has successfully carved out her own niche in the music industry.
The Secret of Us is essentially Gracie telling her love story with introspective poetic lyrics, soothing melodies, and propulsive choruses. She perfectly blends country and pop to create something that would surely impress her friend and role model, Taylor Swift.
Although she was nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance alongside Taylor Swift for her song Us at the 2025 Grammys, the album itself was completely snubbed.
Coming Home by Usher
Interestingly, Usher is the only male artist on this list, and he totally deserves his spot. In February 2024, he released Coming Home, his ninth studio album. As the title suggests, he conjured two Afrobeats songs to spice up the project. The opening track, Coming Home, featured Grammy award-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy, while my personal favorite, Ruin, features another Nigerian sensation, Pheelz. Despite stepping into a different genre, Usher, as usual, delivers effortlessly.
The rest of the album is baked from Usher's special RnB and pop dough, garnished with hip-hop elements, and served with his powerful yet mellifluous vocals. Meanwhile, he sampled Billy Joel's Uptown Girl, in the song A-Town Girl, giving it a pop-rock feel.
Usher's ability to craft an outstanding 20-track album, flirting with new sounds while still staying true to his core style, isn't praised enough. The album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. If all this isn't enough for it to be at least nominated for Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammys, I wonder what is.
Alligator Bites Never Heal by Doechii
With a masterful blend of traditional rap flows and modern hip-hop rhythm—seamlessly switching between the two. Doechii is hip-hop's latest wonder. Alligator Bites Never Heal is a powerful testament to this rare ability.
Although some listeners may not appreciate Doechii's rawness and caustic bars, her lyrics suggest that she's simply staying true to herself—and that's exactly what the album is about. That's what true rap is all about.
Throughout the album, Doechii reflects on her journey of personal growth, self-awareness, and self-confidence, as well as those who once doubted her but now seek to share in her success. She also tackles complex topics like sexuality, colorism, and recreational substance use in the simplest way possible.
Alligator Bites Never Heal went on to win Best Rap Album at the 2025 Grammys, making Doechii only the third woman to claim the award. Given its depth and artistic quality, the album was more than worthy of the title of Album of the Year.