The year 2024 has been a monumental year for music. Artists from across genres have been breaking down boundaries, redefining their sound, and elevating their creativity to new levels. From Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical mastery to Charli XCX’s bold pop experiments, here are some standout albums that shaped the soundtrack of this year.
Alligator Bites Never Heal– Doechii
Tampa-native rapper Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, better known as Doechii, defends her title as one of hip-hop’s most promising new voices with her first album and latest mixtape. This showcase of her witty lyricism and flawless production highlights her ability to create a sound that is uniquely her own, and highly enjoyable. With each track, Doechii tells a rich story and proves that she is not just a rising star, but an artist destined to leave a mark on the genre.
Standout Tracks:
“BOILED PEANUTS”
“DENIAL IS A RIVER”
“CATFISH”
Rating: 8.5/10
Short n’ Sweet- Sabrina Carpenter
Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter delivers a punch with her cheeky, vibrant fourth album. Each track provides a candid look into Carpenter’s life, as well as a whole lot of fun. This album’s clever lyrics and infectious melodies demonstrate her growth as both a songwriter and a vocalist. Short n’ Sweet is a confident declaration that Carpenter is a star of the pop scene and that she is here to stay.
Standout Tracks:
“Coincidence”
“Bed Chem”
“Slim Pickins”
Rating: 8/10
The Great American Bar Scene- Zach Bryan
With The Great American Bar Scene, Zach Bryan delivers a heartfelt collection of stories rooted in small-town beauty and passionate connections. This album displays the power of modern country and folk, blending vulnerable lyrics with gorgeous acoustic melodies. What Bryan lacks in vocal talent, he makes up for in emotional authenticity, crafting tracks that feel like snapshots into his life. This album solidifies his place as not only a defining artist of this generation of country but of the music industry as a whole.
Standout Tracks:
“Mechanical Bull”
“28”
“Bass Boat”
Rating: 7/10
CHROMAKOPIA- Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator strikes again with a fusion of his signature eccentricity and bold new sounds. This album is a wild journey through jazz, hip-hop, and just about everything in between, mixed with the typical wit and introspection that fans have come to expect from every one of Tyler’s releases. Tyler continues to push the boundaries of genre while creating a deeply personal exploration of love and identity. This album delivers chaos in the best way possible, as well as a plethora of fantastic features. Tyler, The Creator’s career has been a non-stop display of the sheer creative genius that he possesses, and this album is no exception.
Standout Tracks:
“St. Chroma (feat. Daniel Ceasar)”
“Sticky (feat. GloRilla, Sexxy Red, & Lil Wayne)”
“Like Him (feat. Lola Young)”
Rating: 9/10
THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT- Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s newest release showcases her signature lyrical skill and gift for storytelling, offering an album rich with poetry and emotion. However, while undeniably beautiful, this album feels weighed down by a lack of dynamic shifts, which could’ve added much more excitement to the listening experience. Despite this, Taylor’s talent for capturing universal emotions through her deeply vulnerable songs makes this a strong, yet slightly subdued, addition to her discography.
Standout Tracks:
“So Long, London”
“Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine)”
“I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”
Rating: 6/10
Bright Future- Adrianne Lenker
Adrienne Lenker’s Bright Future is a masterpiece of indie-folk introspection and sheer emotion. Her ability to craft evocative imagery through her lyrics is on full display, drawing listeners into narratives that feel fiercely personal, yet wholly universal. Lenker blends intricate acoustics with relentless passion on each track to create a deeply immersive experience. This album is proof that music doesn’t need grandeur to be powerful, with Lenker’s storytelling reaffirming her place as one of the most compelling artists in modern indie folk.
Standout Tracks:
“Sadness As A Gift”
“Fool”
“Already Lost”
Rating: 9/10
Charm- Clairo
Clairo’s latest release feels individual and refined, blending her indie roots with a newfound maturity. The album is tenderhearted and intimate, mixing stories of love, change, and self-reflection into its catchy melodies. While the lack of intensity might leave some listeners craving more, Clairo’s ability to craft honest, relatable tracks makes Charm a compelling listen. It is a thoughtful collection of songs showcasing her growth from the juvenile bedroom-pop sound that defined her early work.
Standout Tracks:
“Sexy to Someone”
“Thank You”
“Pier 4”
Rating: 7/10
GNX- Kendrick Lamar
GNX is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and generational trauma. Lamar’s intricate wordplay and flawless production help create this album’s deeply personal reflection and social commentary. Like all of Lamar’s albums, GNX rewards listeners who take the time to unpack its sheer depth and vulnerability. This album once again proves that Kendrick Lamar is not just the GOAT of hip-hop, but the GOAT of modern music as a whole.
Standout Tracks:
“heart pt. 6”
“reincarnated”
“tv off (feat. lefty gunplay)”
Rating: 9/10
Brat- Charli XCX
With Brat, Charli XCX doubles down on her reputation as one of the most unique artists in modern pop. The album is unapologetically experimental, blending hyperpop, punk, and electronic sounds that are truly singular to Charli XCX herself. While this album is not everyone’s cup of tea, Brat stands out because of its defiance of expectations, delivering a bold listening experience that is fascinating and unpredictable. Charli XCX’s cultural impact has not gone unnoticed, and this album has only furthered her impact on the music industry.
Standout Tracks:
“360”
“Von dutch”
“Mean girls”
Rating: 7/10
Hit Me Hard and Soft- Billie Eilish
Eilish’s newest release sees her balancing her signature moody sound with a newfound confidence and punch. The album bounces between chilling ballads and catchy anthems, displaying Eilish’s sheer diversity as a vocalist and storyteller. The album’s emotional range and layered production make it a fantastic listen for fans of any genre. This release once again proves that Eilish is able to capture vulnerability in a way few other artists can.
Standout Tracks:
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER”
“WILDFLOWER”
“THE GREATEST”
Rating: 8/10
Overall, 2024 was a significant year for music and the albums from the year will be played for generations to come.
