ALBUM OF THE YEAR

"Tha Carter III", Lil Wayne
The best selling album of the year, but I'm kind of surprised to see it nominated here. "Tha Carter III" is a little more hardcore than the usual token rap albums that get nominated in this category("College Dropout", "Nellyville"). But good for him, I would have preferred to see "American Gangster" or "Paper Trail" in the mix but this is fine since none of them would win anyway.
Favorite Track: "Tie My Hands"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQhJ0wBkq4c

"Raising Sand", Alison Krause and Robert Plant
No surprise here. I listened to the album last week, pretty good, something different. It's worth a listen, is it worthy of a nomination? I say no but this will probably win so it doesn't really matter.
Favorite Track: "Fortune Teller"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7RLjMmY5Q8

"Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends", Coldplay
Great Album. Coldplay was snubbed by the Grammys in this category last album, so its nice to see they stepped their game up. I think this album could win, its close between it and "Raising Sand."
Favorite Track: "Lost!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72xVqMl32HA

"Year of the Gentleman", Ne-Yo
I love Ne-Yo. I'm shocked to see this nominated. I think the consensus was that Alicia Keys would represent R&B, but it was Ne-Yo. I thought the album was ok at best definately not Album of the Year material but good job for him.
Favorite Track: "Lie to Me"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4UfBrsrlmA

"In Rainbows", Radiohead
Great Album. It came out so long ago though, that I doubt it has a chance.
Favorite Track: "Jigsaw Falling Into Place"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoLJJRIWCLU

Snubs:
"As I Am", Alicia Keys
"Long Road Out of Eden", The Eagles
"American Gangster", Jay-Z
"Rock and Roll Jesus", Kid Rock