While the official Grammy rankings are pending, The Fourth Estate has compiled our own rankings for the Record of the Year nominees. We evaluated each song based on four equally weighted criteria: production quality, lyrical depth, originality, and overall impact. By giving each category the same importance, we aimed to create a fair and balanced assessment.
The nominees are: “APT.” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, “The Subway” by Chappell Roan, “luther” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA, “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga, “Wildflower” by Billie Eilish, “Anxiety” by Doechii, “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter, and “DtMF” by Bad Bunny.
At No. 8 is “Anxiety” by Doechii. The song has a similar beat to “Somebody That I Used to Know,” which initially helped it gain traction on social media. However, its popularity has declined amid mixed reactions. While the song made an impact online, its almost no lyrical depth, unusual lyrics, and a beat that feels like a chaotic jumble of erratic, glitchy xylophone loops place it at the bottom of our list.
At No. 7 is “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga. It’s a decent song. It has lyrical depth, noticeable social media buzz, and the vocals are stellar. But the heavy electronic production, particularly the overpowering synth layers, competes with Gaga’s voice. While it offers more replay value than “Anxiety,” the production holds it back from ranking higher.
At No. 6 is “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter. It’s meant to be an upbeat, funky track poking fun at immature men, but at times the lyrics don’t fully sync with the rhythm. The song definitely made waves on social media, though not always positively. Still, the infectious bassline makes it catchy. It just falls short of the top five.
At No. 5 is “APT.” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars. It’s a very upbeat, catchy song with amazing vocals. ROSÉ’s verses are complemented by the bouncy piano riffs that weave seamlessly throughout the song.
At No. 4 is “DtMF” by Bad Bunny. Sung in Spanish, the song may challenge some listeners, but that doesn’t take away from its quality. The reverb-soaked percussion adds depth, and Bad Bunny’s voice makes the track feel immersive and real. It includes minor explicit language, but it absolutely earns its nomination and its spot here.
Breaking into the top 3 spot is “The Subway” by Chappell Roan. The song opens with a somber tone that pairs beautifully with her powerful vocals. Themes of heartbreak, vulnerability, and emotional conflict give the track depth. Its storytelling and vocal performance secure its place in the top three.
At No. 2 is “luther” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Their vocals overlap beautifully with each other and the beat, creating a layered and emotional sound. The song explores what someone would do for their partner if the world were theirs. It expands into life’s ups and downs and how emotions shape perspective, especially during vulnerable moments. The track gained strong social media traction in late 2024 and early 2025.
Taking the top spot is “Wildflower” by Billie Eilish. It starts off with a slow, almost steady beat, before Eilish opens with the lines, “Things fall apart and time breaks your heart. I wasn’t there, but I know. She was your girl, you showed her the world.” Immediately, she paints a picture of heartbreak and emotional fallout.
As the song continues, we learn she comforted a friend after a breakup, only to later start dating that friend’s ex. When her friend finds out and leaves without telling her, Eilish is left with overwhelming grief and vulnerability. The more you listen, the more layers you uncover.
The song captures guilt, sorrow, and emotional complexity in a way that feels real. It allows listeners to connect their own experiences to the story – which is why it earns the No. 1 spot.
