\n<\/p>\n
\n\tThis year\u2019s Album of the Year<\/a> field isn\u2019t lacking for front-\u00adrunners: Any one of these eight LPs would be a worthy victor. But Lady Gaga<\/a>\u2019s Mayhem<\/em> is poised to overshadow the rest. The ever-evolving singer, songwriter, and performer has been nominated for the top-album prize before but never took home the gold. That should change on Feb. 1.<\/p>\n \n\tBad Bunny<\/a> \u2013 Deb\u00ed Tirar M\u00e1s Fotos \n\tWhile Lady Gaga has the mojo, Bad Bunny is one to watch as a spoiler, says John Stein, head of North America Editorial at Spotify. \u201cHe\u2019s never won outside a Latin category before, and it\u2019s overdue,\u201d Stein says. Benito\u2019s high-profile gig a week after the Grammys \u2014 headlining the Super Bowl LX halftime show \u2014 also helps his case and raises the Puerto Rican\u2019s profile among voters.<\/p>\n \n\tTyler, the Creator\u2019s Chromakopia<\/em> could also upset because of its \u201cvery strong message, and the aesthetic tied to it,\u201d according to Stein. The album reflects the best of Tyler\u2019s lush, layered production chops, as well as thematic growth. On \u201cHey Jane,\u201d he explores the permutations of having a baby, while on \u201cMother\u201d he juxtaposes his mother\u2019s lessons with the lack of insight from his father. \u201cTyler gives a dope blueprint, especially with this album, to still be yourself, but to grow the fuck up,\u201d says Genius VP of Music and Content Rob Markman.<\/p>\n \n\tKeep an eye on Sabrina Carpenter, too. Her Man\u2019s Best Friend<\/em> album showcases an artist who\u2019s unapologetically herself and provided the musical year with some of its catchiest hooks \u2014 \u201cManchild\u201d was so irresistible, in fact, that Carpenter wooed country fans with it when she performed the song at Nashville\u2019s Grand Ole Opry in October.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tLeon Thomas\u2019 Mutt<\/em> is also a strong contender. The New York singer, songwriter, and producer, who got his start singing on Broadway when he was just 10, is reviving R&B for a new generation, while also paying tribute to its past.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\t\tThe Nominees\t<\/h2>\n
<\/em>Justin Bieber<\/a> \u2013 Swag
<\/em>Sabrina Carpenter<\/a> \u2013 Man\u2019s Best Friend<\/em>
Clipse<\/a> \u2013 Let God Sort Em Out<\/em>
Lady Gaga \u2013 Mayhem<\/em>
Kendrick Lamar<\/a> \u2013 GNX<\/em>
Leon Thomas<\/a> \u2013 Mutt<\/em>
Tyler, the Creator \u2013 Chromakopia<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t\tThe Lowdown\t<\/h2>\n