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Back to Hip-Hop and R&B Albums: Grammy Wins vs. Losses

2009: Best R&B Album

Amazon.com

Won: 'Jennifer Hudson,' Jennifer Hudson

Should've Won: 'Lay It Down,' Al Green

Jennifer Hudson might have hit some notes that Beyonce can't reach on her self-titled debut, but Al Green's 'Lay It Down' hits the sweet spot and leaves you saying 'Mmm' after each song's refrain. Arguably the minister-soul man's best album in 30-plus years, 'Lay It Down' brought back Green's '70's swagger after decades spent toying with gospel music and pop-infused production. Songs on 'Lay It Down' shimmer with horns and his token exaggerated croon make you question what decade exactly this album was recorded in -- a major feat in today's over-produced world of rap and R&B. Sadly, 'Lay It Down,' which was produced by Questlove and James Poyser of The Roots, came up short at the 2009 Grammys.