2024 has been an exceptional year for music, with incredible releases from both established icons and emerging talent. As we reflect on the year’s musical journey, we’re excited to share our top 10 favorite albums. Some of these have already been reviewed in-depth, and we’ve included links to those full reviews for anyone interested in a deeper dive.
1. Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft
The album is expertly produced, blending soft, tender sounds with a surprising depth of sonic interest. It strikes a perfect balance between dark, edgy aesthetics and playful, tongue-in-cheek moments. Notable tracks like “LUNCH,” “CHIHIRO,” and “WILDFLOWER” showcase a strong selection of solid tunes. Billie experiments with a variety of vocal techniques, offering a fresh take compared to her previous releases. The melodies are incredibly catchy and easy to remember, making them a hit with pop music fans. There isn’t a track we disliked; each one offers something enjoyable in its own way.
2. Sabrina Carpenter: Short n’ Sweet
If you’re a fan of girl pop albums, this one is definitely for you. Packed with catchy hooks and witty, cheeky songwriting, it offers a delightful mix of pop-rock, ’80s pop, country, and lo-fi dreamy pop. While it may not deliver much in terms of deep emotional connection or raw vulnerability, it’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for something fun and lighthearted. Check out our in-depth review.
3. Kylie Minogue: Tension II
Kylie’s sugary vocals reaffirm that you don’t need a powerhouse voice to create captivating, fun music. This album draws you in sonically from start to finish, offering a euphoric, polished, and innovative sound that feels both cohesive and fresh. Tension II is a stunning follow-up, capturing the essence of Kylie’s iconic pop style while pushing the sonic boundaries set by the first Tension. If you’re a fan of electro-pop, this album will definitely leave you craving more.
4. Charli xcx: Brat
We were hooked after the first listen, and it’s been on repeat ever since. This album doesn’t follow a traditional narrative or arc, nor does it feel like a series of separate stories. Instead, it flows like an unbroken stream of emotions that Charli wanted to convey through her songwriting. The catchy earworms are plentiful, and the production is top-notch from start to finish. The raw, occasionally awkward lyricism only adds to its charm, giving the album an authentic, unpolished feel that perfectly mirrors the insecurities Charli explores. “Brat” stands out as the perfect encapsulation of what fans have been craving over the past few years: a blend of late 2000s/early 2010s bubblegum and EDM pop, with the personal depth and relatability that today’s pop critics and listeners demand.
5. Charlotte Day Wilson: Cyan Blue
Charlotte Day Wilson’s latest album doesn’t drastically build on the foundation of her 2021 debut “Alpha,” nor does it diminish the praise that album received. However, it still serves its purpose well. The record blends a variety of experimental sounds to create a soft, emotive, and lush atmosphere that subtly envelops the listener. The tracklist spans melancholic singer-songwriter ballads, modern R&B, and avant-garde touches. Overall, it’s a comfort food kind of album.
6. Ariana Grande: Eternal Sunshine
This album is an incredibly polished and captivating first listen. The production is dreamy and lush, perfectly capturing the bittersweet emotions that come with the inner turmoil of deciding whether to stay in a complicated relationship. It’s undeniably one of the most meticulously crafted albums, beautifully navigating the stages of heartbreak with remarkable precision. Ariana blends R&B, dance, and pop into a sound that feels both inviting and irresistibly infectious. There’s also a noticeable shift in her vocal style; compared to her earlier work, her delivery is more relaxed and lighter, yet still strong and resonant.
7. Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus
“Opus” is a deeply personal collection of Sakamoto’s most cherished compositions, spread across two sides, each featuring 10 pieces. This hour-and-a-half-long recording of sparse piano, performed by Sakamoto, offers a reflective journey through his five-decade career. In these intimate moments, subtle yet profound, the album unveils its rawest and most powerful essence. “Opus” also features solo piano renditions of the iconic film scores that define Sakamoto’s legacy, including the majestic theme from Bernardo Bertolucci’s “The Last Emperor.”
8. Beabadoobee: This Is How Tomorrow Moves
Beabadoobee’s new album completely blew us away. It’s her best work yet and a true testament to how much she’s grown as an artist. It feels like stepping into a world where every note tells a story, and every beat has a life of its own. The production is stunning, and the depth of meaning in each song, along with the blending of genres, is nothing short of brilliant. The album’s diversity and quality are evident from the first listen, but it’s one of those records that really comes alive with repeated listens. Each play uncovers something new, making it all the more rewarding.
9. Fana Hues: MOTH
If you’re looking for a fresh take on R&B, “MOTH” by Fana Hues is a must-listen. On this album, she delves deep into the complexities of human emotion with a raw, authentic touch. Fana’s voice is effortlessly soothing, and the sonic landscape she creates throughout “MOTH” is both hypnotic and serene, pulling you into an emotionally immersive experience. Fana’s ability to blend genres is equally impressive. A standout moment is “Paper Tigers,” where the track starts with a smooth, vibey R&B groove and suddenly erupts into a high-energy, shouty rock-infused chorus. This fusion of styles makes “MOTH” a dynamic, unpredictable journey, showcasing Fana Hues as a versatile and bold artist.
10. Clairo: Charm
A breath of fresh air, Clairo’s sound is soulful, with grooves that perfectly complement her deeply personal, longing lyrics. She’s carved out her own space within the bedroom pop genre by crafting instrumentals that are truly standout. While some may criticize the whisper-singing style, Clairo does it so effortlessly and with such nuance that it feels natural, not forced. The album is packed with stunning instrumentation, with clear nods to ’70s influences, yet it never feels derivative. There are also some unexpected production choices, like tempo changes within songs, which keep things interesting and fresh. Overall, the album has a warm, fuzzy sound that’s both unique and comforting, a perfect soundtrack for a lazy afternoon.
Lastly, as this will be our last post for 2024, we would like to thank all of our readers, artists, and everyone who has supported us over the past six months. We strive to bring you the best music content and hope you’ll be onboard with us on our journey in 2025.