The 22 best album of the year nominees that got robbed at the Grammys

Callie AhlgrimApr 4, 2022, 21:15 IST

Olivia Rodrigo in "Brutal."Olivia Rodrigo/YouTube

The most prestigious category at the Grammys is album of the year (AOTY).
But some of the best albums in history have lost the award to lesser nominees.

Note: This post has been updated since its original publish date.

Olivia Rodrigo's celebrated debut "Sour" was the defining album of 2021.

"Sour" was released on May 21, 2021.Geffin/Interscope Records

"Thank U, Next" is a perfect pop album that Ariana Grande managed to create in the midst of trauma and grief.

"Thank U, Next" was released on February 8, 2019.Republic Records

Lorde's "Melodrama" is an intimate, richly painted portrait of heartbreak and young adulthood.

"Melodrama" was released on June 16, 2017.@lordemusic/Instagram

Beyoncé's "Lemonade" was the product of an icon at her creative peak.

"Lemonade" was released on April 23, 2016.Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records

Kendrick Lamar's "To Pimp a Butterfly" is arguably the most masterful rap album in history.

"To Pimp a Butterfly" was released on March 15, 2015.Top Dawg/Aftermath

Beyoncé's self-titled album irrevocably changed the fabric of the music industry.

"Beyoncé" was released on December 13, 2013.Columbia

"Red" is Taylor Swift's magnum opus.

"Red" was released on October 22, 2012.Big Machine Records

Frank Ocean's debut album "Channel Orange" was an instant classic.

"Channel Orange" set the tone for Frank Ocean's success as an artist.Def Jam Recordings

"The Fame Monster" cemented Lady Gaga's reputation as an avant-garde pop genius.

"The Fame Monster" was released on November 18, 2009.UMG Recordings, Inc.

"Graduation" made Kanye West a legend.

"Graduation" was released on September 11, 2007.Roc-A-Fella Records/UMG Recordings, Inc.

Amy Winehouse won big for her hit song "Rehab," but its parent album "Back to Black" also deserved recognition.

"Back to Black" was released on October 27, 2006.Universal Island Records Ltd.

Justin Timberlake's "FutureSex/LoveSounds" is the perfect blend of catchy club bangers and experimental art.

"FutureSex/LoveSounds" was released on September 8, 2006.Zomba Recording LLC

"The Emancipation of Mimi" reasserted Mariah Carey as the ultimate and undefeatable pop diva.

"The Emancipation of Mimi" was released on April 12, 2005.Island Def Jam

"Acoustic Soul" by India.Arie is "an album of simple beauty from a singer with a sublime vocal talent."

"Acoustic Soul" was released on March 27, 2001.Universal Motown Records/UMG Recordings, Inc.

Radiohead's "Kid A" is widely considered one of the best — if not the best — album of the 2000s decade.

"Kid A" was released on October 2, 2000.XL Recordings Ltd.

Radiohead's "OK Computer" is easily one of the greatest albums of all time.

"OK Computer" was released on May 21, 1997.XL Recordings Ltd.

"Odelay" by Beck is a genre-bending rock masterpiece.

"Odelay" was released on June 18, 1996.DGC Records

"Sign o' the Times" is the most outstanding example of Prince's singular artistry.

"Sign o' the Times" was released on March 30, 1987.NPG Records, Inc.

It's hard to believe that "Purple Rain," Prince's most beloved album, could lose any award ever.

"Purple Rain" was released on June 25, 1984.NPG Records, Inc.

Pink Floyd's "The Wall" isn't just the most famous concept album of all time — it's the most significant and transformative.

"The Wall" was released on November 30, 1979.Pink Floyd Music Ltd/Sony

"Abbey Road" is the most iconic album from the most iconic band in history.

"Abbey Road" was released on September 26, 1969.Apple Records

For critics and Beatles fans alike, "Revolver" is second only to "Sgt. Pepper" as the band's greatest work.

"Revolver" was released on August 5, 1966.Parlophone Records

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