This year’s Album of the Year field isn’t lacking for front-­runners: Any one of these eight LPs would be a worthy victor. But Lady Gaga ’s Mayhem 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.

The Nominees

Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos

Justin Bieber – Swag

Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend

Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out

Lady Gaga – Mayhem

Kendrick Lamar – GNX

Leon Thomas – Mutt

Tyler, the Creator – Chromakopia

The Lowdown

While Lady Gaga has the mojo, Bad Bunny is one to watch as a spoiler, says John Stein, head of North America Editorial at Spotify. “He’s never won outside a Latin category before, and it’s

See Full Page