Best Albums of 2024
Twelve months of releases have passed, and it’s the perfect moment to reflect on what has been a remarkable year in music. From chart-topping anthems to hidden gems, the pop scene has flourished like never before, introducing us to fresh talent and redefining familiar sounds. New stars have emerged, claiming their space in our playlists, while established artists pushed creative boundaries to deliver unforgettable projects.
Compiling this list was quite the challenge. After immersing myself in countless albums and EPs, each deserving recognition for their artistry, impact, and innovation, cutting it down to just 20 standout releases of 2024 proved to be difficult. But this list isn’t just about celebrating what shaped the year, it’s also an invitation. I hope you’ll discover some new treasures among these picks or find yourself revisiting the tracks that defined your moments from this past year.
20) The Secret Of Us – Gracie Abrams
Gracie Abrams dives deeper into themes of girlhood, heartbreak, and the growing pains of your 20s with The Secret of Us. Her diary-style lyrics remain as relatable as ever, transitioning seamlessly between sad pop ballads and euphoric, bittersweet dance tracks. Abrams’ talent for balancing fun and introspection makes this record both sentimental and empowering.
Fave Song: Tough Love
19) Black Friday – Tom Odell
Black Friday sees Tom Odell laying his soul bare, offering an intimate and haunting record that delves into themes of self-doubt and life’s complexities. With melancholic melodies and confessional lyrics, it’s a striking start to the year and one of his most moving works.
Fave Song: Black Friday
18) Found Heaven – Conan Gray
Conan Gray reinvents himself with Found Heaven, a nostalgic journey about lost love infused with 80s-inspired production and vivid visuals. This era invites listeners to reflect on the past while embracing his creative growth. Seamlessly blending retro vibes with his unmistakable voice, Gray delivers an unforgettable album that marks a standout chapter in his career.
Fave Song: Alley Rose
17) Vertigo – Griff
Listening to Vertigo feels like being swept into the dizzying emotional whirlwind Griff so masterfully captures. With heartfelt storytelling and evocative production, she pulls you into her world, leaving you enthralled by this strikingly emotional record.
Fave Song: So Fast
16) This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyways – Lola Young
Lola Young created a record that is so blunt and unapologetic, that yes, it might not be meant for everyone. But that is exactly the point! Its raw honesty and messy yet empowering exploration of self-discovery make it unapologetically her own. Pairing her incredible raspy voice with fearless, honest lyrics, Young offers a refreshing vision of pop’s future.
Fave Song: Messy
15) Older – Lizzy McAlpine
A debut as meticulously crafted as With Lizzy McAlpine is kown for her quiet sounds, yet her storytelling is so loud that it is unforgettable. On Older, her vocal and lyrical brilliance shine as she explores relationships, mortality, and the passage of time, creating an album as introspective as it is breathtaking.
Fave Song: Vortex
14) Short n’ Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter
A debut as meticulously crafted as With Short n’ Sweet, Sabrina Carpenter finally receives the recognition her talent deserves. The album continues her signature blend of witty, flirty songwriting and a crystal-clear voice, delivering chart-topping pop anthems. It’s a record that cements her place among the year’s most memorable artists.
Fave Song: Bed Chem
13) Prelude To Ecstasy – The Last Dinner Party
A debut as thoroughly crafted as Prelude to Ecstasy is a rarity. The Last Dinner Party brings a distinct rococo-inspired aesthetic, opening their album with an orchestral overture that beams with extravagance. Their theatrical, ambitious production blends lavish instrumentation with raw expressions of female rage. Brimming with confidence, they create an experience that feels like a musical theater performance, setting a high bar for debut albums.
Fave Song: The Feminine Urge
12) GNX – Kendrick Lamar
Just when my album of the year list seemed complete, Kendrick Lamar dropped GNX, a flawless record that demanded inclusion. Rooted in his origins, the album showcases masterful flows and incredible collaborations, including standout tracks with SZA. Its relentless pace keeps you captivated from start to finish, solidifying Lamar’s unmatched artistry.
Fave Song: squabble up
11) Alligator Bites Never Heal – Doechii
At the close of 2024, Doechii’s Tiny Desk performance went viral, introducing her remarkable album to a broader audience who had yet to discover her immense talent. Her artistry takes center stage through unforgettable, expressive performances and razor-sharp storytelling, delivered with an effortless, breathless flow. A powerhouse of creativity, Doechii is undeniably poised for a breakout year in 2025.
Fave Song: DENIAL IS A RIVER
10) Midas – Wunderhorse
On their sophomore album, Wunderhorse returns with haunting screeches, roaring guitars, and raw, evocative lyrics. Midas hits with unapologetic vulnerability and masterful songwriting. It’s loud, brash, and brimming with potential—a thrilling new chapter that positions Wunderhorse for a bright future in music.
Fave Song: Superman
9) This Is How Tomorrow Moves – beabadoobee
Bea Kristi’s third album is a tender exploration of womanhood and coming of age, woven into acoustic soundscapes that feel both warm and introspective. This Is How Tomorrow Moves draws you into a cozy, self-aware world, creating a space where you can linger, reflect, and grow.
Fave Song: Take A Bite
8) THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT – Taylor Swift
What’s a year in music without a major Taylor Swift release? The Tortured Poets Department showcases some of her most vulnerable and exquisite songwriting to date. Expanding on themes hinted at in tracks like The Lakes from folklore, Taylor brings to life a poetic world full of heartbreak and simmering female rage. Her hyper-specific stories somehow remain profoundly relatable, connecting with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Fave Song: The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
7) The Great Impersonator – Halsey
The Great Impersonator, is a daring exploration of identity, mortality, and artistry, spanning decades of musical influence. Grappling with chronic illnesses, the 30-year-old artist approached this project as if it were her swan song. The result is a deeply moving and ambitious record, a sonic memoir that traverses decades, and is tied together by Halsey’s brutal honesty and poignant storytelling. REVIEW
Fave Song: Lonely is the Muse
6) No Way To Relax When You Are On Fire – Dora Jar
Dora Jar proves she’s an artist through and through with this eclectic, genre-defying album. No Way to Relax When You Are on Fire is brimming with quirks and wrapped in a comforting embrace of self-acceptance. It’s a record destined to be rediscovered in years to come, as Dora continues to rise as a singular voice in music.
Fave Song: Timelapse
5) TYLA – Tyla
Needed a dance break this year? Tyla’s self-titled debut album answered the call with an irresistible collection of Afropop hits. Packed with viral dances, international acclaim, and Grammy nominations, Tyla’s breakout year was nothing short of extraordinary. This album is a celebration of movement, joy, and an artist on the rise.
Fave Song: Breathe Me
4) HIT ME HARD AND SOFT – Billie Eilish
Another stunning addition to Billie Eilish’s impeccable discography, Hit Me Hard and Soft delivers hit after hit. This album unfolded throughout the year, showcasing her artistry and uniqueness. Billie’s music has an unparalleled ability to hit you straight in the emotions, pairing deeply personal lyrics with perfectly crafted production that no one else quite achieves.
Fave Song: CHIHIRO
3) Songs Of A Lost World – The Cure
Returning after a 16-year hiatus, The Cure exceeded all expectations with Songs of a Lost World. Themes of aging, mortality, and regret weave through the album, creating a cathartic experience. Their latest release reflects the wisdom of age, capturing life’s lessons in songs that balance sorrow with glimmers of hope and reassurance. REVIEW
Fave Song: Endsong
2) brat – Charli xcx
It’s safe to say that brat summer had most of us in a chokehold. After years of hard work, Charli xcx finally had her breakthrough with this record. brat blends danceable beats with raw, introspective lyrics, making it an intensely personal album. Its impact on pop culture is undeniable, cementing brat as one of the defining albums of 2024.
Fave Song: Girl, So Confusing
1) Romance – Fontaines D.C.
From the very first listen, this album was destined to top my year-end list. Romance stands out with its poetic lyrics, post-punk influences, and meticulously crafted atmospheres. The Irish band Fontaines D.C. has carved out a unique space with this record, creating a soundtrack that lets you carry the essence of romance wherever you go.
Fave Song: Starburster
Hopefully you enjoyed this recap of the best albums of 2024, stay tuned and check my page for posts about the best songs of 2024 and the most anticipated albums of 2025. Happy New Year!
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