The Grammys have never exactly advocated for revolution. Back in 1959 at the first Grammy Awards, when the rock ‘n’ roll revolution was in full bloom, the most nominated acts included Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and David Seville and the Chipmunks. But it’s downright odd how tame and expected most of the 2026 nominees are.

But when the Recording Academy hands out those golden gramophones on Sunday, Feb. 1, between the fun fluff and inconsequential acts, there will be a few underrated and important nominees that just may (but probably won’t) squeeze out a win. Here’s who to watch for:

“Anxiety,” Doechii

Yes, I named this a leading Song of the Summer candidate. Yes, I also named this a Top 5 Song of 2025. And it still deserves more spins and more praise. Floating on a “Somebody That I Used to Know” sample, the tough-and-smooth bars look at police brutality with warranted anxiety. Thankfully, there’s a lot of agreement around the tune being a landmark banger — it’s nominated for Record and Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video.

“Hard Headed Woman,” Margo Price

Margo Price has become a quintessential modern outlaw country artist. And “We played the jukebox while democracy fell,” from her tune “Close to You,” has become a quintessential modern outlaw country lyric. Her album “Hard Headed Woman” is filled with little gems, heartbreakers, digs, and whoops as she reminds the world what country sounded like before it was run by a billion dollar machine. The Grammys got that this year. Price is up for two awards including a nod for “Hard Headed Woman” for Best Traditional Country Album. (For another nominee making aces country, check out Charley Crockett and his LP “Dollar a Day.”)

“We Insist 2025!,” Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell

Jazz drummer Max Roach recorded his classic protest album “We Insist” in 1960 ahead of Kennedy’s election. Jazz drummer (and Berklee professor) Terri Lyne Carrington and singer Christie Dashiell teamed up to reinterpret the LP ahead of another historic election. The fresh arrangements (a dash of funk and a dose of Afro Latin jazz) and Dashiell’s unique vocals move the music forward while championing the sadly evergreen civil rights themes. This one should be a shoe in for Best Vocal Jazz Album.

“Godspeed,” Mavis Staples

Mavis Staples’ cover of Frank Ocean’s “Godspeed” is up for Best Americana Performance. It could easily be up for prizes in the jazz, soul, gospel, and roots categories (her tune “Beautiful Strangers” is already competing for Best American Roots Performance). In under three minutes, “Godspeed” manages to be a song of loss and kindness, infinitely sad and beautiful. Naturally it fits right into her new album “Sad and Beautiful World,” the 86-year-old’s sublime celebration of life and condemnation of hate.