A Grammy-díj az év albumáért egy zenei Grammy-díj kategória, mellyel a minőségi zenei albumokat ismerik el. A díj a művészi teljesítményt és technikai professzionalizmust ismeri el, és nem eladási adatok vagy listahelyezések alapján rangsorol. Ez a legrangosabb Grammy-kategória, melyet 1959 óta adnak át. Kezdetben csak az előadóművész kapta, napjainkra már az együttműködő énekesek, a producerek, egyéb közreműködők is kaphatják.
1962-ben a díj neve az év albuma (nem klasszikus zene) formában volt, 1965-től újra a rövidebb kategórianevet alkalmazták. 2012-től a klasszikus albumok ismét ebbe a kategóriába kerültek, mivel a Grammy-díj a legjobb klasszikus zenei albumnak kategória megszűnt.
Díjazottak
Év Díjazott Nemzetiség Díjazott album Jelöltek Forrás1959Henry ManciniThe Music from Peter GunnCome Fly with Me – Frank Sinatra Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Irving Berlin Songbook – Ella Fitzgerald Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely – Frank Sinatra Tchaikovsky: Concerto No. 1 in B Flat Minor, Op. 23 – Van Cliburn 1960Frank SinatraCome Dance with Me! Belafonte at Carnegie Hall – Harry Belafonte More Music From Peter Gunn – Henry Mancini Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 – Van Cliburn Victory at Sea, Vol. 1 – Robert Russell Bennett 1961Bob NewhartThe Button-Down Mind of Bob NewhartBelafonte Returns to Carnegie Hall – Harry Belafonte Brahms: Concert No. 2 in B-Flat – Sviatoslav Richter Nice 'n' Easy – Frank Sinatra Puccini: Turandot – Erich Leinsdorf Wild Is Love – Nat King Cole 1962Judy GarlandJudy at Carnegie Hall Álom luxuskivitelben filmzene – Henry Mancini Genius+Soul=Jazz – Ray Charles Great Band with Great Voices – Si Zentner & the Johnny Mann Singers The Nat King Cole Story – Nat King Cole West Side Story filmzene – több előadó 1963Vaughn MeaderThe First FamilyI Left My Heart in San Francisco – Tony Bennett Jazz Samba – Stan Getz & Charlie Byrd Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music – Ray Charles My Son, the Folk Singer – Allan Sherman 1964Barbra StreisandThe Barbra Streisand AlbumBach's Greatest Hits – The Swingle Singers Days of Wine and Roses and Other TV Requests – Andy Williams Honey in the Horn – Al Hirt The Singing Nun – The Singing Nun 1965Stan Getz & João GilbertoGetz/Gilberto Cotton Candy – Al Hirt Funny Girl: Original Broadway Cast – több előadó People – Barbra Streisand The Pink Panther – Henry Mancini 1966Frank Sinatraproducer: Sonny BurkeSeptember of My YearsHelp! – The Beatles My Name Is Barbra – Barbra Streisand My World – Eddy Arnold A muzsika hangja filmzene – több előadó1967Frank Sinatraproducer: Sonny BurkeA Man and His MusicColor Me Barbra – Barbra Streisand Doktor Zsivágó filmzene – Maurice Jarre Revolver – The Beatles What Now My Love – Herb Alpert és a Tijuana Brass1968The Beatlesproducer: George MartinSgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim – Frank Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim It Must Be Him – Vikki Carr My Cup Runneth Over – Ed Ames Ode to Billie Joe – Bobbie Gentry 1969Glen Campbell producer: Al De LoryBy the Time I Get to PhoenixBookends – Simon and Garfunkel Feliciano! – José Feliciano Magical Mystery Tour – The Beatles A Tramp Shining – Richard Harris1970Blood, Sweat & Tearsproducer: James William GuercioBlood, Sweat & TearsAbbey Road – The Beatles The Age of Aquarius – The 5th Dimension Crosby, Stills & Nash – Crosby, Stills & Nash (and Young) At San Quentin – Johnny Cash 1971Simon and Garfunkelproducer: Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon & Roy HaleeBridge over Troubled WaterChicago – Chicago Close to You – The Carpenters Déjà Vu – Crosby, Stills & Nash (and Young) Elton John – Elton John Sweet Baby James – James Taylor 1972Carole Kingproducer: Lou AdlerTapestryAll Things Must Pass – George Harrison Carpenters – The Carpenters Jesus Christ Superstar – több előadó Shaft – Isaac Hayes 1973 George Harrison és barátai (Ravi Shankar, Bob Dylan, Leon Russell, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Eric Clapton & Klaus Voormann)producer: George Harrison & Phil SpectorThe Concert for BangladeshAmerican Pie – Don McLean Jesus Christ Superstar – több előadó Moods – Neil Diamond Nilsson Schmilsson – Harry Nilsson 1974Stevie Wonderproducer: Stevie WonderInnervisionsBehind Closed Doors – Charlie Rich The Divine Miss M – Bette Midler Killing Me Softly – Roberta Flack There Goes Rhymin’ Simon – Paul Simon 1975Stevie Wonderproducer: Stevie WonderFulfillingness’ First FinaleBack Home Again – John Denver Band on the Run – Paul McCartney & Wings Caribou – Elton John Court and Spark – Joni Mitchell1976Paul Simonproducer: Paul Simon & Phil RamoneStill Crazy After All These YearsBetween the Lines – Janis Ian Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy – Elton John Heart Like a Wheel – Linda Ronstadt One of These Nights – Eagles 1977Stevie Wonderproducer: Stevie WonderSongs in the Key of LifeBreezin' – George Benson Chicago X – Chicago Frampton Comes Alive! – Peter Frampton Silk Degrees – Boz Scaggs 1978Fleetwood Macproducer: Fleetwood Mac, Ken Caillat & Richard DashutRumours Aja – Steely Dan Hotel California – Eagles JT – James Taylor Csillagok háborúja IV: Új remény filmzene – John Williams és a Londoni Szimfonikus Zenekar 1979Bee Gees és több előadó Saturday Night FeverEven Now – Barry Manilow Grease filmzene – több előadó Running on Empty – Jackson Browne Some Girls – The Rolling Stones1980Billy Joelproducer: Phil Ramone52nd StreetMinute by Minute – The Doobie Brothers The Gambler – Kenny Rogers Bad Girls – Donna Summer Breakfast in America – Supertramp1981Christopher Crossproducer: Michael OmartianChristopher CrossGlass Houses – Billy Joel The Wall – Pink Floyd Trilogy: Past Present Future – Frank Sinatra Guilty – Barbra Streisand1982John Lennon & Yoko Onoproducer: Jack Douglas, John Lennon & Yoko OnoDouble FantasyMistaken Identity – Kim Carnes Breakin' Away – Al Jarreau The Dude – Quincy Jones Gaucho – Steely Dan1983Totoproducer: TotoToto IVAmerican Fool – John Mellencamp The Nightfly – Donald Fagen The Nylon Curtain – Billy Joel Tug of War – Paul McCartney1984Michael Jacksonproducer: Michael Jackson & Quincy JonesThrillerLet's Dance – David Bowie An Innocent Man – Billy Joel Synchronicity – The Police Flashdance filmzene – több előadó 1985Lionel Richieproducer: James Anthony Carmichel & Lionel RichieCan’t Slow DownShe's So Unusual – Cyndi Lauper Purple Rain – Prince & The Revolution Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen Private Dancer – Tina Turner1986Phil Collinsproducer: Hugh Padgham & Phil CollinsNo Jacket Required Brothers in Arms – Dire Straits Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston The Dream of the Blue Turtles – Sting We Are the World – USA for Africa1987Paul Simonproducer: Roy Halee & Paul SimonGracelandSo – Peter Gabriel Control – Janet Jackson The Broadway Album – Barbra Streisand Back in the High Life – Steve Winwood1988U2producer: Brian Eno & Daniel LanoisThe Joshua TreeWhitney – Whitney Houston Bad – Michael Jackson Trio – Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, & Emmylou Harris Sign o’ the Times – Prince1989George Michaelproducer: George MichaelFaith Tracy Chapman – Tracy Chapman Simple Pleasures – Bobby McFerrin ...Nothing Like the Sun – Sting Roll with It – Steve Winwood1990Bonnie Raittproducer: Don WasNick of Time The End of the Innocence – Don Henley The Raw and the Cooked – Fine Young Cannibals Full Moon Fever – Tom Petty Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 – Traveling Wilburys1991Quincy Jones és másokproducer: Quincy JonesBack on the BlockMariah Carey – Mariah Carey …But Seriously – Phil Collins Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em – MC Hammer Wilson Phillips – Wilson Phillips1992Natalie Coleproducer: Andre Fischer, David Foster & Tommy LiPumaUnforgettable... with Love Heart in Motion – Amy Grant Luck of the Draw – Bonnie Raitt Out of Time – R.E.M. The Rhythm of the Saints – Paul Simon1993Eric Claptonproducer: Russ TitelmanUnplugged Ingenue – k.d. lang Diva – Annie Lennox Achtung Baby – U2 A Szépség és a Szörnyeteg filmzene – több előadó1994Whitney Houstonproducer: Babyface, BeBe Winans, David Cole, David Foster, L.A. Reid, Narada Michael Walden & Robert ClivillesTöbb mint testőr filmzeneKamakiriad – Donald Fagen River of Dreams – Billy Joel Automatic for the People – R.E.M. Ten Summoner’s Tales – Sting1995Tony Bennettproducer: David KahneMTV Unplugged: Tony Bennett The Three Tenors in Concert 1994 – José Carreras, Plácido Domingo & Luciano Pavarotti with Zubin Mehta From the Cradle – Eric Clapton Longing in Their Hearts – Bonnie Raitt Seal – Seal1996Alanis Morissetteproducer: Glen BallardJagged Little Pill Daydream – Mariah Carey HIStory: Past, Present and Future – Michael Jackson Relish – Joan Osborne Vitalogy – Pearl Jam1997Céline Dionproducer: Aldo Nova, Billy Steinberg, Dan Hill, David Foster, Humberto Gatica, Jean-Jacques Goldman, Jeff Bova, Jim Steinman, John Jones, Ric Wake, Rick Hahn, Rick Nowels, Roy Bittan & Steven RinkoffFalling into YouOdelay – Beck The Score – The Fugees Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness – The Smashing Pumpkins Az igazira várva filmzene – több előadó1998Bob Dylanproducer: Daniel LanoisTime out of Mind The Day – Babyface This Fire – Paula Cole Flaming Pie – Paul McCartney OK Computer – Radiohead1999Lauryn Hillhangmérnökök/keverés: Chris Theis, Commissioner Gordon, Johnny Wydrycz, Ken Johnston, Matt Howe, Storm Jefferson, Tony Prendatt & Warren Rikerproducer: Lauryn HillThe Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Ray of Light – Madonna The Globe Sessions – Sheryl Crow Version 2.0 – Garbage Come on Over – Shania Twain2000Santanahangmérnökök/keverés: Alvaro Villagra, Andy Grassi, Anton Pukshansky, Benny Faccone, Chris Theis, Commissioner Gordon, David Frazer, David Thoener, Glenn Kolotkin, Jeff Poe, Jim Gaines, Jim Scott, John Gamble, John Karpowich, John Seymour, Matty Spindel, Mike Couzzi, Steve Farrone, Steve Fontano, T-Ray, Tom Lord-Alge, Tony Prendatt & Warren Rikerproducer: Alex Gonzales, Art Hodge, Charles Goodan, Clive Davis, Dante Ross, Dust Brothers, Fher Olvera, Jerry ’Wonder’ Duplessis, K. C. Porter, Lauryn Hill, Matt Serletic, Stephen M. Harris & Wyclef JeanSupernatural Millennium – Backstreet Boys Fly – Dixie Chicks When I Look in Your Eyes – Diana Krall FanMail – TLC2001Steely Danhangmérnökök/keverés: Dave Russell, Elliot Scheiner, Phil Burnett & Roger Nicholsproducer: Donald Fagen & Walter BeckerTwo Against NatureMidnite Vultures – Beck The Marshall Mathers LP – Eminem Kid A – Radiohead You’re the One – Paul Simon2002Több előadó Ó, testvér, merre visz az utad? filmzene Acoustic Soul – India.Arie "Love and Theft" – Bob Dylan Stankonia – OutKast All That You Can’t Leave Behind – U22003Norah Joneshangmérnökök/keverés: Jay Newland & S. Husky Höskuldsmaster engineered: Ted Jensenproducer: Arif Mardin, Craig Street, Jay Newland & Norah JonesCome Away with MeHome – Dixie Chicks The Eminem Show – Eminem Nellyville – Nelly The Rising – Bruce Springsteen2004OutKasthangmérnökök/keverés: Brian Paturalski, Chris Carmouche, Darrell Thorp, Dexter Simmons, John Frye, Kevin Davis, Matt Still, Moka Nagatani, Neal H. Pogue, Padraic Kernin, Pete Novak, Reggie Dozier, Robert Hannon, Terrence Cash & Vincent Alexander master engineered: Bernie Grundman & Brian Gardnerproducer: André 3000, Big Boi & Carl MoSpeakerboxxx/The Love BelowUnder Construction – Missy Elliott Fallen – Evanescence Justified – Justin Timberlake Elephant – The White Stripes2005Ray Charles és másokhangmérnökök/keverés: Al Schmitt, Ed Thacker, Joel W. Moss, John Harris, Mark Fleming, Pete Karam, Robert Fernandez, Seth Presant & Terry Howardmaster engineered: Doug Sax & Robert Hadleyproducer: Don Mizell, Herbert Waltl, John R. Burk, Phil Ramone & Terry HowardGenius Loves CompanyAmerican Idiot – Green Day The Diary of Alicia Keys – Alicia Keys Confessions – Usher