Possible Grammy Nominees for Album of the Year?

Using a rumored submission list that leaked to the internet, here are some guesses as to what the Album of the Year Grammy nominees will be.

Arcade Fire – The Suburbs

The BBC called it “a complex, captivating work”, NME described it as “.., pretty much perfect”, Rolling Stone said it was “fantastic“, and I’m telling you it’s going to get nominated.

Eminem – Recovery

It wasn’t just one of the most successful albums of the year; it also garnered critical praise for its raw, emotionally revealing lyrics. I would honestly be surprised if it didn’t get nominated here.

Lady Gaga – The Fame Monster

It was released so long ago that a single from it was performed at last year’s ceremony, but its number of notable singles has practically turned it into a greatest hits album by now.

Jerry Lee Lewis – Mean Old Man

Lewis is in the Academy’s Hall of Fame and has received a spoken-word award, but his music has only gotten honorary Grammys. Perhaps this all-star guest-filled album will change that.

Rihanna – Rated R

This dark, emotionally complex collection was a vast departure from her very successful brand of party-ready pop, and critics praised her for the effort.

Big Boi – Sir Lucious Left Foot… The Son of Chico Dusty

A lot of positive buzz surrounded this album, which became praised for its uniqueness amongst a sea of club-obsessed hip-hop.

Alicia Keys – The Element of Freedom

After being nominated 24 times and winning 12 Grammys, I can’t imagine her not being a nominee. Other than the R&B categories, this would be her most likely nomination.

John Mayer – Battle Studies

Another Grammy darling, but his odds might not be that good this year due to the mixed reaction critics gave his album.

Kenny Chesney – Hemingway’s Whiskey

When was the last time you heard about a country star releasing a double album? This unusual concept album might garner some attention from the Academy. However, Taylor Swift’s Fearless won the award last year, so voters might be reluctant to honor country music twice in a row.

Gorillaz – Plastic Beach

Rumors abound that this will be their last album, so maybe the Academy will choose to give them the nod this time around.

Brandon Flowers – Flamingo

The former frontman of the Killers impressed critics with this serious but melodic disc, drawing comparisons to early Bruce Springsteen.