Country Music: Albums of the Year

Country Music: Albums of the Year

Since 1967, both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association have handed out awards for Album of the Year. The Grammys gave a country album award in 1965 and 1966, but then discontinued it until 1995. The American Music Awards have given out a Country Album of the Year award since 1974. Billboard magazine has acknowledged the country album of the year since 1990. Finally, Dave’s Music Database has acknowledged the best country album of the year since 1965. This page will show which albums won for any of the four awards each year. Check out other album of the year awards here.

2024: DMDB: Beyoncé Cowboy Carter Grammy: Beyoncé Cowboy Carter 2023: ACM: Chris Stapleton Higher CMA: Cody Johnson Leather DMDB: Morgan Wallen One Thing at a Time Grammy: Lainey Wilson Bell Bottom Country 2022: ACM: Lainey Wilson Bell Bottom Country AMA: Taylor Swift Red (Taylor’s Version) Billboard: Taylor Swift Red (Taylor’s Version) CMA: Lainey Wilson Bell Bottom Country DMDB: Zach Bryan American Heartbreak Grammy: Willie Nelson A Beautiful Time 2021: ACM: Morgan Wallen Dangerous: The Double Album AMA: Gabby Barrett Goldmine Billboard: Morgan Wallen Dangerous: The Double Album CMA: Luke Combs Growin’ Up DMDB: Morgan Wallen Dangerous: The Double Album Grammy: Chris Stapleton Starting Over 2020: ACM: Chris Stapleton Starting Over AMA: Blake Shelton Fully Loaded: God’s Country Billboard: Luke Combs What You See Is What You Get CMA: Chris Stapleton Starting Over DMDB: Chris Stapleton Starting Over Grammy: Miranda Lambert Wildcard 2019: ACM: Luke Combs What You See Is What You Get AMA: Carrie Underwood Cry Pretty Billboard: Luke Combs This One’s for You CMA: Maren Morris Girl DMDB: Various Artists Country Music (box set: 1928-2002) Grammy: Tanya Tucker While I’m Living 2018: ACM: Kacey Musgraves Golden Hour AMA: Kane Brown Kane Brown Billboard: Chris Stapleton From a Room: Volume 1 CMA: Kacey Musgraves Golden Hour DMDB: Kacey Musgraves Golden Hour Grammy: Kacey Musgraves Golden Hour 2017: ACM: Chris Stapleton From a Room: Volume 1 AMA: Keith Urban Ripcord Billboard: Chris Stapleton Traveller CMA: Chris Stapleton From a Room: Volume 1 DMDB: Luke Combs This One’s for You Grammy: Chris Stapleton From a Room: Volume 1 2016: ACM: Miranda Lambert The Weight of These Wings AMA: Carrie Underwood Storyteller Billboard: Chris Stapleton Traveller CMA: Eric Church Mr. Misunderstood DMDB: Sturgill Simpson A Sailor’s Guide to Earth Grammy: Sturgill Simpson A Sailor’s Guide to Earth 2015: ACM: Chris Stapleton Traveller AMA: Florida Georgia Line Anything Goes Billboard: Jason Aldean Old Boots, New Dirt CMA: Chris Stapleton Traveller DMDB: Chris Stapleton Traveller Grammy: Chris Stapleton Traveller 2014: ACM: Miranda Lambert Platinum AMA: Brantley Gilbert Just As I Am Billboard: Luke Bryan Crash My Party CMA: Miranda Lambert Platinum DMDB: Miranda Lambert Platinum Grammy: Miranda Lambert Platinum 2013: ACM: Kacey Musgraves Same Trailer, Different Park AMA: Taylor Swift Red Billboard: Taylor Swift Red CMA: Blake Shelton Based on a True Story DMDB: Kacey Musgraves Same Trailer, Different Park Grammy: Kacey Musgraves Same Trailer, Different Park 2012: ACM: Eric Church Chief AMA: Carrie Underwood Blown Away Billboard: Jason Aldean My Kinda Party CMA: Eric Church Chief DMDB: Taylor Swift Red Grammy: Zac Brown Band Uncaged 2011: ACM: Miranda Lambert For the Record AMA: Taylor Swift Speak Now Billboard: Taylor Swift Speak Now CMA: Jason Aldean My Kind of Party DMDB: Jason Aldean My Kind of Party Grammy: Lady Antebellum Own the Night 2010: ACM: Lady Antebellum Need You Now AMA: Carrie Underwood Play On CMA: Miranda Lambert Revolution DMDB: Taylor Swift Speak Now Grammy: Lady Antebellum Need You Now 2009: ACM: Miranda Lambert Revolution AMA: Taylor Swift Fearless CMA: Taylor Swift Fearless DMDB: Miranda Lambert Revolution Grammy: Taylor Swift Fearless 2008: ACM: Taylor Swift Fearless AMA: Carrie Underwood Carnival Ride CMA: George Strait Troubadour DMDB: Taylor Swift Fearless Grammy: George Strait Troubadour 2007: ACM: Miranda Lambert Crazy Ex-Girlfriend AMA: Carrie Underwood Some Hearts CMA: George Strait It Just Comes Natural DMDB: Miranda Lambert Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Grammy: Vince Gill These Days 2006: ACM: Carrie Underwood Some Hearts AMA: Tim McGraw Greatest Hits Vol. 2: Reflected Billboard: Carrie Underwood Some Hearts CMA: Brad Paisley Time Well Wasted DMDB: Dixie Chicks Taking the Long Way Grammy: Dixie Chicks Taking the Long Way 2005: ACM: Brad Paisey Time Well Wasted AMA: Tim McGraw Live Like You Were Dying CMA: Lee Ann Womack There’s More Where That Came From DMDB: Carrie Underwood Some Hearts Grammy: Alison Krauss & Union Station Lonely Runs Both Ways 2004: ACM: Keith Urban Be Here AMA: Toby Keith Shock’n Y’All CMA: Kenny Chesney When the Sun Goes Down DMDB: Loretta Lynn Van Lear Rose Grammy: Loretta Lynn Van Lear Rose 2003: ACM: Toby Keith Shock’n Y’All AMA: Dixie Chicks Home AMA: Toby Keith Unleashed Billboard: Shania Twain Up! CMA: Johnny Cash American IV: The Man Comes Around DMDB: Toby Keith Shock’n Y’All Grammy: Various Artists Livin', Lovin', Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers 2002: ACM: Alan Jackson Drive AMA: Tim McGraw Set This Circus Down CMA: Alan Jackson Drive DMDB: Dixie Chicks Home Grammy: Dixie Chicks Home 2001: ACM: O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack AMA: Faith Hill Breathe Billboard: Tim McGraw Greatest Hits CMA: O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack DMDB: Garth Brooks Scarecrow Grammy: Various Artists Timeless: Hank Williams Tribute 2000: ACM: Toby Keith How Do You Like Me Now?! AMA: Garth Brooks Double Live (live, 1998) Billboard: Dixie Chicks Fly CMA: Dixie Chicks Fly DMDB: O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack Grammy: Faith Hill Breathe 1999: ACM: Dixie Chicks Fly AMA: Garth Brooks Sevens CMA: Tim McGraw A Place in the Sun DMDB: Dixie Chicks Fly Grammy: Dixie Chicks Fly 1998: ACM: Dixie Chicks Wide Open Spaces AMA: George Strait Carrying Your Love with Me Billboard: Garth Brooks Sevens CMA: Tim McGraw Everywhere DMDB: Dixie Chicks Wide Open Spaces Grammy: Dixie Chicks Wide Open Spaces 1997: ACM: George Strait Carrying Your Love with Me AMA: George Strait Blue Clear Sky CMA: George Strait Carrying Your Love with Me DMDB: Shania Twain Come on Over Grammy: Johnny Cash American II: Unchained 1996: ACM: George Strait Blue Clear Sky AMA: Garth Brooks The Hits CMA: George Strait Blue Clear Sky DMDB: LeAnn Rimes Blue Grammy: Lyle Lovett The Road to Ensenada 1995: ACM: Shania Twain The Woman in Me AMA: Reba McEntire Read My Mind Billboard: Garth Brooks The Hits CMA: Patty Loveless When Fallen Angels Fly DMDB: Shania Twain The Woman in Me Grammy: Shania Twain The Woman in Me 1994: ACM: Tim McGraw Not a Moment Too Soon AMA: Alan Jackson A Lot About Livin’ and a Little ‘Bout Love CMA: Various Artists Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles DMDB: Johnny Cash American Recordings Grammy: Mary Chapin Carpenter Stones in the Road 1993: ACM: Alan Jackson A Lot About Livin’ and a Little ‘Bout Love AMA: Reba McEntire For My Broken Heart CMA: Vince Gill I Still Believe in You DMDB: Garth Brooks In Pieces 1992: ACM: Brooks & Dunn Brand New Man AMA: Garth Brooks No Fences Billboard: Garth Brooks Ropin’ the Wind CMA: Garth Brooks Ropin’ the Wind DMDB: Billy Ray Cyrus Some Gave All 1991: ACM: Alan Jackson Don’t Rock the Jukebox AMA: Reba McEntire Reba Live (live) Billboard: Garth Brooks No Fences CMA: Garth Brooks No Fences DMDB: Garth Brooks Ropin’ the Wind 1990: ACM: Garth Brooks No Fences AMA: Randy Travis Old 8 x 10 Billboard: Clint Black Killin’ Time CMA: Kentucky Headhunters Pickin’ on Nashville DMDB: Garth Brooks No Fences 1989: ACM: Clint Black Killin’ Time AMA: Randy Travis Always and Forever CMA: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Will the Circle Be Unbroken Vol. 2 DMDB: Clint Black Killin’ Time 1988: ACM: K.T. Oslin This Woman AMA: Randy Travis Always and Forever CMA: Hank Williams Jr. Born to Boogie DMDB: Lyle Lovett Pontiac 1987: ACM: Dolly Parton with Linda Ronstadt & Emmylou Harris Trio AMA: Alabama Greatest Hits (compilation: 1980-86, released 1986) CMA: Randy Travis Always and Forever DMDB: Randy Travis Always and Forever 1986: ACM: Randy Travis Storms of Life AMA: Alabama 40 Hour Week CMA: Ronnie Milsap Lost in the Fifties Tonight DMDB: Steve Earle Guitar Town 1985: ACM: George Strait Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind? AMA: Kenny Rogers Eyes That See in the Dark CMA: George Strait Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind? DMDB: Alabama 40 Hour Week 1984: ACM: Alabama Roll On AMA: Alabama The Closer You Get CMA: Anne Murray A Little Good News DMDB: Alabama Roll On 1983: ACM: Alabama The Closer You Get AMA: Willie Nelson Always on My Mind CMA: Alabama The Closer You Get DMDB: Alabama The Closer You Get 1982: ACM: Willie Nelson Always on My Mind AMA: Kenny Rogers Greatest Hits (compilation: 1977-80, released 1980) CMA: Willie Nelson Always on My Mind DMDB: Willie Nelson Always on My Mind 1981: ACM: Alabama Feels So Right AMA: Kenny Rogers The Gambler CMA: Don Williams I Believe in You DMDB: Alabama Feels So Right 1980: ACM: Urban Cowboy soundtrack AMA: Kenny Rogers The Gambler CMA: Loretta Lynn Coal Miner’s Daughter soundtrack DMDB: Loretta Lynn Coal Miner’s Daughter soundtrack 1979: ACM: Larry Gatlin Straight Ahead AMA: Kenny Rogers Ten Years of Gold (compilation: 1967-77, released 1978) CMA: Kenny Rogers The Gambler DMDB: Kenny Rogers Kenny 1978: ACM: The Oak Ridge Boys Y’All Come Back Saloon AMA: Dolly Parton New Harvest…First Gathering CMA: Ronnie Milsap It Was Almost Like a Song DMDB: Kenny Rogers The Gambler 1977: ACM: Kenny Rogers Kenny Rogers AMA: Glen Campbell Rhinestone Cowboy CMA: Ronnie Milsap Live DMDB: Elvis Presley Moody Blue 1976: ACM: Mickey Gilley Gilley’s Smoking AMA: John Denver Back Home Again CMA: Waylon Jennings with Willie Nelson, Tompall Glaser, & Jessi Colter Wanted! The Outlaws DMDB: Waylon Jennings with Willie Nelson, Tompall Glaser, & Jessi Colter Wanted! The Outlaws 1975: ACM: Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn Feelins’ AMA: Olivia Newton-John Let Me Be There CMA: Ronnie Milsap A Legend in My Time DMDB: Willie Nelson Red-Headed Stranger 1974: ACM: John Denver Back Home Again AMA: Charley Pride A Sunshiny Day with Charley Pride CMA: Charlie Rich Very Special Love Songs DMDB: Gram Parsons Grievous Angel 1973: ACM: Charlie Rich Behind Closed Doors CMA: Charlie Rich Behind Closed Doors DMDB: Gram Parsons G.P. 1972: ACM: Donna Fargo The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A. CMA: Merle Haggard Let Me Tell You About a Song DMDB: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Will the Circle Be Unbroken 1971: ACM: Freddie Hart Easy Loving CMA: Ray Price I Won’t Mention It Again DMDB: Dolly Parton Coat of Many Colors 1970: ACM: Ray Price For the Good Times CMA: Merle Haggard Okie from Muskogee DMDB: Kris Kristofferson Kristofferson (aka “Me and Bobby McGee”) 1969: ACM: Merle Haggard Okie from Muskogee CMA: Johnny Cash At San Quentin DMDB: Johnny Cash At San Quentin 1968: ACM: Bobbie Gentry & Glen Campbell Bobbie Gentry & Glen Campbell CMA: Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison DMDB: Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison 1967: ACM: Glen Campbell Gentle on My Mind CMA: Jack Greene There Goes My Everything DMDB: Glen Campbell By the Time I Get to Phoenix 1966: DMDB: Buck Owens Carnegie Hall Concert Grammy: Roger Miller The Return of Roger Miller 1965: DMDB: Eddy Arnold My World Grammy: Roger Miller Dang Me/Chug-A-Lug Resources and Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: other annual picks for album of the year Dave’s Music Database: “Top 100 Country Albums of All Time” Dave’s Music Database: “Other Year-End Album Awards” Academy of Country Music Wikipedia: American Music Award for Favorite Country Album Academy of Country Music Billboard: Country Album of the Year Country Music Association Grammy.com Wikipedia: “Grammy Award for Best Country Album” First posted 9/16/2020; last updated 2/2/2025.

Rap Albums of the Year

Rap: Albums of the Year

This page consolidates the Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year awards as given by the American Music Awards (1989-1992, 2002-present), Billboard magazine (2006, 2011-present), the Grammys (1996-present), and Soul Train (1989-1996). Also included is the album each year from 1984 to present which rates highest in Dave’s Music Database. Check out other album of the year awards here.

2024: Billboard: Drake For All the Dogs DMDB: Kendrick Lamar GNX Grammy: Doechii Alligator Bites Never Heal 2023: Billboard: Drake and 21 Savage Her Loss DMDB: Travis Scott Utopia Grammy: Killer Mike Michael 2022: AMA: Kendrick Lamar Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers Billboard: Drake Certified Lover Boy DMDB: Kendrick Lamar Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers Grammy: Tyler, the Creator Call Me if You Get Lost 2021: AMA: Megan Thee Stallion Good News Billboard: Pop Smoke Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon DMDB: Lil Nas X Montero Grammy: Nas King’s Disease 2020: AMA: Roddy Ricch Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial Billboard: Post Malone Hollywood’s Bleeding DMDB: Pop Smoke Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon Grammy: Tyler, the Creator Igor 2019: AMA: Post Malone Hollywood’s Bleeding Billboard: Drake Scorpion DMDB: Post Malone Hollywood’s Bleeding Grammy: Cardi B Invasion of Privacy 2018: AMA: Post Malone Beerbongs & Bentleys Billboard: Kendrick Lamar Damn. DMDB: Drake Scorpion Grammy: Kendrick Lamar Damn. 2017: AMA: Kendrick Lamar Damn. Billboard: Drake Views DMDB: Kendrick Lamar Damn. Grammy: Chance the Rapper Coloring Book 2016: AMA: Drake Views Billboard: Meek Mill Dreams Worth More Than Money DMDB: Drake Views Grammy: Kendrick Lamar To Pimp a Butterfly 2015: AMA: Nicki Minaj The Pinkprint Billboard: J. Cole 2014 Forest Hills Drive DMDB: Kendrick Lamar To Pimp a Butterfly Grammy: Eminem The Marshall Mathers LP 2 2014: AMA: Iggy Azalea The New Classic Billboard: Eminem The Marshall Mathers LP 2 DMDB: Run the Jewels Run the Jewels 2 (aka “RTJ2”) Grammy: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis The Heist 2013: AMA: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis The Heist Billboard: Nicki Minaj Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded DMDB: Kanye West Yeezus Grammy: Drake Take Care 2012: AMA: Nicki Minaj Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded Billboard: Lil Wayne Tha Carter IV DMDB: Kendrick Lamar Kendrick Lamar Good Kid m.A.A.d. City Grammy: Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy 2011: AMA: Nicki Minaj Pink Friday Billboard: Eminem Recovery DMDB: Drake Take Care Grammy: Eminem Recovery 2010: AMA: Eminem Recovery DMDB: Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Grammy: Eminem Relapse 2009: AMA: Jay-Z The Blueprint 3 DMDB: Relapse Grammy: Lil Wayne Tha Carter III 2008: AMA: Kanye West Graduation DMDB: Lil Wayne Tha Carter III Grammy: Kanye West Graduation 2007: AMA: T.I. T.I. vs. T.I.P. DMDB: Kanye West Graduation Grammy: Ludacris Release Therapy 2006: AMA: Black Eyed Peas Monkey Business Billboard: T.I. King DMDB: J. Dilla Donuts Grammy: Kanye West Late Registration 2005: AMA: 50 Cent The Massacre DMDB: Kanye West Late Registration Grammy: Kanye West The College Dropout 2004: AMA: OutKast Speakerboxxx/The Love Below DMDB: Kanye West The College Dropout Grammy: OutKast Speakerboxxx/The Love Below 2003: AMA: 50 Cent Get Rich or Die Tryin’ DMDB: OutKast Speakerboxxx/The Love Below Grammy: Eminem The Eminem Show 2002: AMA: Eminem The Eminem Show DMDB: Eminem The Eminem Show Grammy: Stankonia 2001: DMDB: Jay-Z The Blueprint Grammy: Eminem The Marshall Mathers LP 2000: DMDB: Eminem The Marshall Mathers LP Grammy: Eminem The Slim Shady LP 1999: DMDB: Eminem The Slim Shady LP Grammy: Jay-Z Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life 1998: DMDB: Lauryn Hill The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Grammy: Puff Daddy & the Family No Way Out 1997: DMDB: The Notorious B.I.G. Life after Death Grammy: Fugees The Score 1996: DMDB: Fugees The Score Grammy: Naughty by Nature Poverty’s Paradise Soul Train: Tupac (2pac) Shakur Me Against the World 1995: DMDB: Tupac (2pac) Shakur Me Against the World Soul Train: Snoop Dogg Doggystyle 1994: DMDB: Nas Illmatic Soul Train: Onyx Bacdafucup 1993: DMDB: Wu-Tang Clan Enter the Wu-Tang Clan (36 Chambers) Soul Train: Arrested Development 3 Years, 5 Months, & 2 Days in the Life of… 1992: AMA: DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince Homebase DMDB: Dr. Dre The Chronic Soul Train: Public Enemy Apocalypse ’91…The Empire Strikes Black 1991: AMA: MC Hammer Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em DMDB: A Tribe Called Quest The Low End Theory Soul Train: MC Hammer Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em 1990: AMA: MC Hammer Let’s Get It Started DMDB: MC Hammer Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em Soul Train: Heavy D & the Boyz Big Tyme 1989: AMA: DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper DMDB: N.W.A. Straight Outta Compton Soul Train: DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper 1988: DMDB: Public Enemy It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back 1987: DMDB: Eric B. & Rakim Paid in Full 1986: DMDB: Beastie Boys Licensed to Ill 1985: DMDB: LL Cool J Radio 1984: DMDB: Run-D.M.C. Run-D.M.C. Resources and Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: “The Top 100 Rap Albums of All Time” Dave’s Music Database: “Other Year-End Album Awards” American Music Awards (official site) American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Album Billboard: Rap Album of the Year Grammys (official site) Grammy Award for Best Rap Album Soul Train Awards (official site @ BET.com) Soul Train Award for Best Rap Album First posted 4/18/2022; last updated 2/2/2025.

Rock Albums of the Year

Rock/Alternative: Albums of the Year, 1990-2023

This page lists those albums which have won: Billboard Music Award for Top Rock Album (2006, 2011-2021) Grammys for Rock Album of the Year (1995-2022) Alternative Rock Album of the Year (1991-2022) The years for the Grammys below indicate the year of eligibility rather than the year awarded. Check out other album of the year awards here.

2023: Billboard: Zach Bryan American Heartbreak Grammy – Rock: Paramore This Is Why Grammy – Alternative: Boygenius The Record 2022: Billboard: Twenty One Pilots Scaled and Icy Grammy – Rock: Ozzy Osbourne Patient Number Nine Grammy – Alternative: Wet Leg Wet Leg 2021: Billboard: Machine Gun Kelly Tickets to My Downfall Grammy – Rock: Foo Fighters Medicine at Midnight Grammy – Alternative: St. Vincent Daddy’s Home 2020: Billboard: Tool Fear Inoculum Grammy – Rock: The Strokes The New Abnormal Grammy – Alternative: Fiona Apple Fetch the Bolt Cutters 2019: Billboard: Panic! At the Disco Pray for the Wicked Grammy – Rock: Cage the Elephant Social Cues Grammy – Alternative: Vampire Weekend Father of the Bride 2018: Billboard: Imagine Dragons Evolve Grammy – Rock: Greta Van Fleet From the Fires Grammy – Alternative: Beck Colors 2017: Billboard: Metallica Hardwired…to Self Destruct Grammy – Rock: The War on Drugs A Deeper Understanding Grammy – Alternative: The National Sleep Well Beast 2016: Billboard: Twenty One Pilots Blurryface Grammy – Rock: Cage the Elephant Tell Me I’m Pretty Grammy – Alternative: David Bowie Blackstar 2015: Billboard: Coldplay Ghost Stories Grammy – Rock: Muse Drones Grammy – Alternative: Alabama Shakes Sound & Color 2014: Billboard: Imagine Dragons Night Visions Grammy – Rock: Beck Morning Phase Grammy – Alternative: St. Vincent St. Vincent 2013: Billboard: Mumford & Sons Babel Grammy – Rock: Led Zeppelin Celebration Day Grammy – Alternative: Vampire Weekend Modern Vampires of the City 2012: Billboard: Coldplay Mylo Xyloto Grammy – Rock: The Black Keys El Camino Grammy – Alternative: Gotye Making Mirrors 2011: Billboard: Mumford & Sons Sigh No More Grammy – Rock: Foo Fighters Wasting Light Grammy – Alternative: Bon Iver Bon Iver 2010: Grammy – Rock: Muse The Resistance Grammy – Alternative: The Black Keys Brothers 2009: Grammy – Rock: Green Day 21st Century Breakdown Grammy – Alternative: Phoenix Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix 2008: Grammy – Rock: Coldplay Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends Grammy – Alternative: Radiohead In Rainbows 2007: Grammy – Rock: Foo Fighters Echoes, Silence, Patience, & Grace Grammy – Alternative: The White Stripes Icky Thump 2006: Billboard: Nickelback All the Right Reasons Grammy – Rock: Red Hot Chili Peppers Stadium Arcadium Grammy – Alternative: Gnarls Barkley St. Elsewhere 2005: Grammy – Rock: U2 How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb Grammy – Alternative: The White Stripes Get Behind Me Satan 2004: Grammy – Rock: Green Day American Idiot Grammy – Alternative: Wilco A Ghost Is Born 2003: Grammy – Rock: Foo Fighters One by One Grammy – Alternative: The White Stripes Elephant 2002: Grammy – Rock: Bruce Springsteen The Rising Grammy – Alternative: Coldplay A Rush of Blood to the Head 2001: Grammy – Rock: U2 All That You Can’t Leave Behind Grammy – Alternative: Coldplay Parachutes 2000: Grammy – Rock: Foo Fighters There Is Nothing Left to Lose Grammy – Alternative: Radiohead Kid A 1999: Grammy – Rock: Santana Supernatural Grammy – Alternative: Beck Mutations 1998: Grammy – Rock: Sheryl Crow The Globe Sessions Grammy – Alternative: Beastie Boys Hello Nasty 1997: Grammy – Rock: John Fogerty Blue Moon Swamp Grammy – Alternative: Radiohead OK Computer 1996: Grammy – Rock: Sheryl Crow Sheryl Crow Grammy – Alternative: Beck Odelay 1995: Grammy – Rock: Alanis Morissette Jagged Little Pill Grammy – Alternative: Nirvana MTV Unplugged in New York 1994: Grammy – Rock: The Rolling Stones Voodoo Lounge Grammy – Alternative: Green Day Dookie 1993: Grammy – Alternative: U2 Zooropa 1992: Grammy – Alternative: Tom Waits Bone Machine 1991: Grammy – Alternative: R.E.M. Out of Time 1990: Grammy – Alternative: Sinéad O’Connor I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got Resources and Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: “Other Year-End Album Awards” Dave’s Music Database: “Adult Alternative Albums: The Top 100” Dave’s Music Database: “Alternative Rock Albums: The Top 100” Dave’s Music Database: “Classic Rock Albums: The Top 100” Dave’s Music Database: “Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Albums: The Top 50” Dave’s Music Database: “Progressive Rock Albums: The Top 50” Dave’s Music Database: “Psychedelic Rock Albums: The Top 50” Dave’s Music Database: “Punk Rock Albums: The Top 50” Billboard Music Award for Top Rock Album Grammys (official site) Grammy: Best Rock Album Grammy: Alternative Rock Album First posted 5/1/2022; last updated 2/4/2024.

R&B: Albums of the Year

R&B: Albums of the Year

This page consolidates the R&B Album of the Year awards as given by the American Music Awards (1974-present), Billboard (1990-present with some years where award wasn’t given), the Grammys (1995-present), and Soul Train (1997-2004, 2009-present). The Grammys also had a Best Contemporary R&B Album category (2003-2011) and Best Progressive R&B Award (2013-present). Also included is the album each year from 1967 to present which rates highest in Dave’s Music Database. Check out other album of the year awards here.

2024: Grammy: Victoria Monét Jaguar II 2023: Billboard: SZA SOS Grammy: Robert Glasper Black Radio III Soul Train: SZA SOS 2022: AMA: Beyoncé Renaissance Billboard: The Weeknd The Highlights DMDB: Beyoncé Renaissance Grammy: Jazmine Sullivan Heaux Tales Soul Train: Beyoncé Renaissance 2021: AMA: Doja Cat Planet Her Billboard: Doja Cat Planet Her DMDB: Doja Cat Planet Her Grammy: John Legend Bigger Love Soul Train: Jazmine Sullivan Heaux Tales 2020: AMA: The Weeknd After Hours Billboard: The Weeknd After Hours DMDB: The Weeknd After Hours Grammy: Anderson.Paak Ventura Grammy – Progressive: Lizzo Cuz I Love You Soul Train: Summer Walker Over It 2019: AMA: Khalid Free Spirit Billboard: Khalid Free Spirit DMDB: Lizzo Cuz I Love You Grammy: H.E.R. H.E.R. Grammy – Progressive: The Carters (Jay-Z & Beyoncé) Everything Is Love Soul Train: Lizzo Cuz I Love You 2018: AMA: XXXTentacion 17 Billboard: XXXTentacion 17 DMDB: Janelle Monáe Dirty Computer Grammy: Bruno Mars 24K Magic Grammy – Progressive: The Weeknd Starboy Soul Train: H.E.R. H.E.R. 2017: AMA: Bruno Mars 24K Magic Billboard: Bruno Mars 24K Magic DMDB: Kendrick Lamar Damn. Grammy: Lalah Hathaway Lalah Hathaway Live Grammy – Progressive: Beyoncé Lemonade Soul Train: Bruno Mars 24K Magic 2016: AMA: Rihanna Anti Billboard: Beyoncé Lemonade DMDB: Beyoncé Lemonade Grammy: D’Angelo & the Vanguard Black Messiah Grammy – Progressive: The Weeknd Beauty Behind the Madness Soul Train: Beyoncé Lemonade 2015: AMA: The Weeknd Beauty Behind the Madness Billboard: The Weeknd Beauty Behind the Madness DMDB: Kendrick Lamar To Pimp a Butterfly Grammy: Toni Braxton & Babyface Love, Marriage & Divorce Grammy – Progressive: Pharrell Williams GIRL Soul Train: The Weeknd Beauty Behind the Madness 2014: AMA: Beyoncé Beyoncé Billboard: Pharrell Williams Girl DMDB: D’Angelo & the Vanguard Black Messiah Grammy: Alicia Keys Girl on Fire Grammy – Progressive: Rihanna Unapologetic Soul Train: Beyoncé Beyoncé 2013: AMA: Justin Timberlake The 20/20 Experience Billboard: Justin Timberlake The 20/20 Experience DMDB: Beyoncé Beyoncé Grammy: Robert Glasper Experiment Black Radio Grammy – Progressive: Frank Ocean Channel Orange Soul Train: Kendrick Lamar Good Kid m.A.A.d. City 2012: AMA: Rihanna Talk That Talk Billboard: Rihanna Unapologetic DMDB: Frank Ocean Channel Orange Grammy: Chris Brown F.A.M.E. Soul Train: Frank Ocean Channel Orange 2011: AMA: Rihanna Loud Billboard: Beyoncé 4 DMDB: Beyoncé 4 Grammy: John Legend & the Roots Wake Up! Grammy – Contemporary: Usher Raymond v. Raymond Soul Train: Chris Brown F.A.M.E. 2010: AMA: Usher Raymond v. Raymond Billboard: Usher Raymond v. Raymond DMDB: Bruno Mars Doo Wops & Hooligans Grammy: Maxwell Black Summer’s Night Grammy – Contemporary: Beyoncé I Am…Sasha Fierce Soul Train: Usher Raymond v. Raymond 2009: AMA: Michael Jackson Number Ones DMDB: Maxwell Black Summer’s Night Grammy: Jennifer Hudson Jennifer Hudson Grammy – Contemporary: Mary J. Blige Growing Pains Soul Train: Beyoncé I Am…Sasha Fierce 2008: AMA: Alicia Keys As I Am DMDB: Beyoncé I Am…Sasha Fierce Grammy: Chaka Khan Funk This Grammy – Contemporary: Ne-Yo Because of You 2007: AMA: Justin Timberlake FutureSex/LoveSounds DMDB: Rihanna Good Girl Gone Bad Grammy: Mary J. Blige The Breakthrough Grammy – Contemporary: Beyoncé B’Day 2006: AMA: Mary J. Blige The Breakthrough DMDB: Justin Timberlake FutureSex/LoveSounds AMA: Mary J. Blige The Breakthrough Grammy: John Legend Get Lifted Grammy – Contemporary: Mariah Carey The Emancipation of Mimi 2005: AMA: Destiny’s Child Destiny Fulfilled DMDB: Mariah Carey The Emancipation of Mimi Grammy: Alicia Keys The Diary of… Grammy – Contemporary: Usher Confessions 2004: AMA: Usher Confessions Billboard: Usher Confessions DMDB: Usher Confessions Grammy: Luther Vandross Dance with My Father Grammy – Contemporary: Beyoncé Dangerously in Love Soul Train: OutKast Speakerboxxx/The Love Below 2003: AMA: Luther Vandross Dance with My Father / Eminem The Eminem Show DMDB: Beyoncé Dangerously in Love Grammy: India.Arie Voyage to India Grammy – Contemporary: Ashanti Ashanti Soul Train: Nelly Nellyville 2002: AMA: Aaliyah Aaliyah (aka “Blackground”) Billboard: Eminem The Eminem Show DMDB: Justin Timberlake Justified Grammy: Alicia Keys Songs in A Minor Soul Train: Jay-Z The Blueprint 2001: AMA: Toni Braxton The Heat Billboard: R.Kelly TP-2.com DMDB: Alicia Keys Songs in A Minor Grammy: D’Angelo Voodoo Soul Train: Dr. Dre 2001 2000: AMA: Lauryn Hill The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill DMDB: D’Angelo Voodoo Grammy: TLC Fan Mail Soul Train: R. Kelly R. 1999: AMA: Will Smith Big Willie Style Juvenile 400 Degreez DMDB: Destiny’s Child The Writing’s on the Wall Grammy: Lauryn Hill The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Soul Train: Lauryn Hill The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 1998: AMA: Mary J. Blige Share My World Billboard: Lauryn Hill The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill DMDB: Lauryn Hill The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Grammy: Erykah Badu Baduizm Soul Train: Erykah Badu Baduizm 1997: AMA: Toni Braxton Secrets DMDB: Mariah Carey Butterfly Grammy: Tony Rich Project Words Soul Train: Tupac Shakur (2pac) All Eyez on Me 1996: AMA: Boyz II Men II DMDB: Toni Braxton Secrets Grammy: TLC Crazy Sexy Cool 1995: AMA: Toni Braxton Toni Braxton DMDB: Michael Jackson HIStory: Past, Present, and Future Book 1 Grammy: Boyz II Men II 1994: AMA: Various Artists (Whitney Houston et al) The Bodyguard (soundtrack) DMDB: Boyz II Men II 1993: AMA: En Vogue Funky Divas DMDB: Mariah Carey Music Box 1992: AMA: Luther Vandross Power of Love Billboard: Various Artists (Whitney Houston et al) The Bodyguard (soundtrack) DMDB: Various Artists (Whitney Houston et al) The Bodyguard (soundtrack) 1991: AMA: MC Hammer Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em Billboard: Jodeci Forever My Lady DMDB: Michael Jackson Dangerous 1990: AMA: Bobby Brown Don’t Be Cruel Billboard: Whitney Houston I’m Your Baby Tonight DMDB: Mariah Carey Mariah Carey 1989: AMA: George Michael Faith Billboard: Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation 1814 DMDB: Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation 1814 1988: AMA: Anita Baker Rapture DMDB: Bobby Brown Don’t Be Cruel 1987: AMA: Whitney Houston Whitney Houston DMDB: Prince Sign ‘O’ the Times 1986: AMA: Kool & the Gang Emergency DMDB: Janet Jackson Control 1985: AMA: Prince & the Revolution Purple Rain (soundtrack) DMDB: Whitney Houston Whitney Houston 1984: AMA: Michael Jackson Thriller DMDB: Prince & the Revolution Purple Rain (soundtrack) 1983: AMA: Aretha Franklin Jump to It DMDB: Lionel Richie Can’t Slow Down 1982: AMA: Rick James Street Songs DMDB: Michael Jackson Thriller 1981: AMA: Michael Jackson Off the Wall DMDB: Prince Controversy 1980: AMA: Michael Jackson Off the Wall DMDB: Stevie Wonder Hotter Than July 1979: AMA: Various Artists (Bee Gees et al) Saturday Night Fever (soundtrack) DMDB: Michael Jackson Off the Wall 1978: AMA: Stevie Wonder Songs in the Key of Life DMDB: Funkadelic One Nation Under a Groove 1977: AMA: Stevie Wonder Songs in the Key of Life DMDB: Various Artists (Bee Gees et al) Saturday Night Fever (soundtrack) 1976: AMA: The Temptations A Song for You DMDB: Stevie Wonder Songs in the Key of Life 1975: AMA: Gladys Knight & the Pips Imagination DMDB: Parliament Mothership Connection 1974: AMA: Al Green I’m Still in Love with You DMDB: Stevie Wonder Fulfillingness’ First Finale 1973: DMDB: Stevie Wonder Innervisions 1972: DMDB: Stevie Wonder Talking Book 1971: DMDB: Marvin Gaye What’s Going On 1970: DMDB: James Brown Sex Machine 1969: DMDB: Sly & the Family Stone Stand! 1968: DMDB: Aretha Franklin Lady Soul 1967: DMDB: Aretha Franklin I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You Resources and Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: other annual picks for album of the year Dave’s Music Database: Top 100 R&B/Soul Albums Dave’s Music Database: “Other Year-End Album Awards” American Music Awards (official site) American Music Award: Favorite Soul/R&B Album Billboard: R&B Album of the Year Grammys (official site) Grammy: Best R&B Album Grammy: Best Contemporary R&B Album Grammy: Best Progressive R&B Album Soul Train Awards (official site @ BET.com) Soul Train: Album of the Year First posted 11/30/2020; last updated 2/4/2024.

Grammys: Albums of the Year Ranked

This page has been consolidated with the DMDB post on the Grammy Winners by Year. Check it out here.

Adele’s “Hello” debuted at #1

Hello Adele

Writer(s): Adele Adkins, Greg Kurstin (see lyrics here) Released: October 23, 2015 First Charted: November 7, 2015 Peak: 110 US, 14 RR, 111 BA, 17 DG, 17 ST, 116 AC, 17 A40, 14 AA, 10a RB, 13 UK, 17 CN, 16 AU, 13 DF (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): 7.0 US, 1.86 UK, 15.24 world (includes US + UK) Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 2910.90 video, 1524.84 streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: Adele’s second album, 21, made her a superstar – and set the expectations high for her follow-up album, 25. She introduced new material via a commercial in the United Kingdom on The X Factor on October 18, 2015. Vanity Fair’s Josh Duboff said “the internet collectively lost its mind” after the thirty-second broadcast of “Hello.” WK The single was released five days later. It debuted at #1 in 20 countries, including the United States’ Billboard Hot 100 where it stayed for 10 weeks. It was her fourth #1 in the United States and her second in the U.K. It became the first song to sell more than a million digital copies in a week WK and set a record for 7.32 million streams in its first week. WK The video also set a record with more than 27.7 million views in a 24-hour span, beating the previous record of 20.1 million views by Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood.” WK It set the Vevo record for the fastest video to reach 100 million views in five days. WK The video also became the quickest to reach one billion views on YouTube – 88 days. WK MTV named it Video of the Year at its 2016 Video Music Awards. WK The song won Grammys for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance. 25 won for Album of the Year and Pop Vocal Album, giving Adele five Grammys for the night. She became the first artist in history to win the three general field awards in the same ceremony twice. WK The “piano ballad with soul influences” WK was marked by lyrics focused on “themes of nostalgia and regret and plays out like a conversation.” WK The song took six months to write – her co-writer, Greg Kurstin, said he wondered “if Adele was ever going to come back and finish it.” WK Kurstin ended up playing bass, guitar, drums, piano, and keyboards on the song. WK The result was what The Guardian’s Alex Petridis described as “precisely the kind of lovelorn epic ballad that made Adele one of the biggest stars in the world.” WK Resources: WK Wikipedia Related Links: Last updated 3/31/2024.