Since its introduction in 2005, the Grammy Award for Best Immersive Audio Album (originally called Best Surround Sound Album) has celebrated excellence in multichannel sound, with landmark releases like Dire Straits' Brothers In Arms (2006), Donald Fagen's Morph The Cat (2007), and The Beatles' Love (2008) setting the standard for the format. The 2025 nominees continue this tradition of excellence while pushing the boundaries of what's possible in immersive audio.
These nominees represent a diverse range of approaches to immersive audio, from careful remixes of beloved classics to ground-breaking new recordings specifically designed for the format. The winner will be announced at the upcoming Grammy Awards ceremony in February 2025, but–regardless of who takes home the trophy–these recordings all demonstrate the continued evolution and artistic potential of immersive audio.
Editor's Note: We've been critical of the Grammy nomination process in past years (there often seems to be a bias towards recognizing contemporary classical and jazz albums over pop and rock titles), but these selections feel much more evenly-weighted in terms of genre and overall popularity in fan communities. That said: if you're disappointed with these choices, tune in next week and participate in the fifth edition of IAA's own Listener's Choice Awards!
Artist: Ray Charles
Title: Genius Loves Company (2004)
Format: Digital Download
Immersive Mix By: Eric Schilling, Michael Romanowski, and Herbert Waltl
The new 2024 Dolby Atmos remix of Ray Charles' final studio release demonstrates the continued evolution of immersive audio technology. Originally released with an award-winning 5.1 surround mix by the legendary Al Schmitt, this new immersive version created to celebrate the album's 20th anniversary takes full advantage of the format's extended capabilities.
The Atmos mix fully envelops listeners with thoughtfully-positioned elements, from rhythm guitars and keyboards anchored beside the listener to orchestration and background vocals coming from directly behind or above. Particularly notable is the treatment of Charles' voice, panned halfway to the left while his duet partners are anchored right-of-center, creating an intimate conversational space.
Read our full review of Genius Loves Company here!
Purchase Genius Loves Company in the IAA Shop!
Artist: Peter Gabriel
Title: i/o (In-Side Mix) (2023)
Format: Blu-Ray
Immersive Mix By: Hans-Martin Buff
Hans-Martin Buff's Dolby Atmos 'In-Side Mix' of Peter Gabriel's long-awaited latest album represents a groundbreaking new approach to immersive audio production. Rather than simply abiding by choices made in the stereo versions, Buff created a unique interpretation that includes additional instrumentation recorded specifically for the immersive format.
The Atmos mix demonstrates remarkable attention to detail, with tracks like "The Court" featuring harmonic percussion shifting around the room and backing vocals emerging from above and behind. The treatment of simpler songs like "Playing For Time" shows particular finesse, proving that immersive audio can enhance even sparse arrangements without resorting to gimmickry.
Read our full review of i/o (In-Side Mix) here!
Artist: Roxy Music
Title: Avalon (1982)
Format: Streaming
Immersive Mix By: Bob Clearmountain and Rhett Davies
Bob Clearmountain and Rhett Davies' brand-new Dolby Atmos remix of Roxy Music's 1982 swan song expands upon the strong foundation of their acclaimed 2003 5.1 surround mix. Using new high-resolution digital transfers of the original multitrack tapes, they've created an immersive mix that bathes listeners inside the album's ethereal soundscapes.
The duo made creative use of the expanded speaker array, spreading elements like Andy Mackay's saxophone and Phil Manzanera's guitar out into the side and rear surround channels while focusing the rhythm section and Bryan Ferry's lead vocals more deliberately in the center speakers. The instrumental "India," previously limited by technical constraints in 5.1, now shines as a full multitrack remix with synthesizers rotating gracefully through the height array.
Read our full review of Avalon here!
Artist: Morten Lindberg
Title: Pax
Format: Blu-Ray
Immersive Mix By: Morten Lindberg
This immersive recording of new works by Norwegian composers showcases Lindberg's expertise in capturing classical performances in three-dimensional space. The album was specifically composed and recorded for surround sound immersive playback, featuring Ensemble 96 and the Current Saxophone Quartet under conductor Nina T. Karlsen.
Available in multiple high-resolution formats including Auro-3D, Dolby Atmos, and 5.1 surround sound, the recording places listeners within the sacred space of the cathedral–allowing the music and architecture to interact in a unique spatial experience.
Artist: Morten Lindberg
Title: Henning Sommerro: Borders (2024)
Format: Blu-Ray
Immersive Mix By: Morten Lindberg
Another masterwork from Lindberg, this recording of the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra demonstrates the power of immersive audio in orchestral music. The album features composer Henning Sommerro's works exploring themes from myths and European history.
The recording takes full advantage of the immersive format to capture both the scale and intimacy of orchestral performance, from the delicate soloist passages to the full force of the orchestra. The careful microphone placement and mixing create a sense of being present in the performance space, with the complex layers of orchestration naturally distributed throughout the surround field.
