Grammy Voter #1’s Blind Ballot: An Ear for Craft

Voter 1 is a young composer and producer.

Album of the Year

MUTT – Leon Thomas

For Voter 1, MUTT wasn’t simply the strongest album of the year; it was the most complete. They described it as “a fully realized body of work: sonically cohesive, emotionally grounded, and artistically confident,” emphasizing how rare it is to hear an album that feels intentional from start to finish.

What stands out most in their comments is authorship. Voter 1 points to Thomas “stepping into his own voice as both a creator and producer,” framing MUTT as a moment of arrival rather than experimentation. In an era of playlist-first releases, the album’s cohesion becomes its quiet defiance—and its strength.

Record of the Year

“Anxiety” – Doechii

If MUTT represents control and maturity, “Anxiety” represents urgency. Voter 1 calls it “a standout recording that captures urgency and emotional clarity,” noting how performance and production are inseparable from the song’s impact.

What resonates most here is the sense of timing. The record “feels both current and culturally resonant,” not because it chases trends, but because it articulates something listeners already feel. For Voter 1, Record of the Year isn’t about polish alone; it’s about relevance that lands with precision.

Song of the Year

“APT.”

Simplicity, when done right, is never simple. Voter 1 praises “APT.” as “a highly effective and memorable piece of songwriting.” As they note, “The song is immediately catchy, with a melodic and lyrical structure that stays with you long after the first listen.” That immediacy and structure are central to the song’s impact; it’s “the kind of song you find yourself naturally singing; an indicator of strong craft, accessibility, and lasting appeal.” For this voter, that instinctive response is the ultimate litmus test. Catchy isn’t a compromise; it’s evidence of craft, accessibility, and durability.

Best New Artist

Leon Thomas

Leon Thomas appears again, this time as Best New Artist—a choice that reinforces the ballot’s internal logic. Voter 1 frames him as emblematic of “a new generation of artists who balance musicianship, songwriting, and production with authenticity.”

What seals the vote is foresight. Thomas’s work doesn’t just impress now; it “signals longevity and a clear artistic trajectory.” Voter 1 indicated that they did not vote in the Pop Categories this year.

Stay tuned for more in our Grammy's blind ballots series.