This year has felt long, like I've lived 3 different years in one, which makes it difficult to round up. At the beginning of the year, I set three goals: listen to more music, listen to more albums, and diversify my music. I accomplished what I set out to do. More minutes, more artists, and more albums front to back.
It was an excellent year for hip-hop. From the Vultures era to the Drake/Kendrick beef, many great albums came out to capitalize on the hype. Artists like Travis Scott, Metro Boomin, Kanye West, and Kendrick Lamar have shown why they are some of the best at what they do. If you love hip-hop, you ate good this year.
2024 laid to rest any doubt that pop divas are back in full force. There is something out there for everyone, and it’s refreshing how these artists maintain their unique personalities and simultaneously dominate the pop charts. While you won’t see Brat (although I am a massive fan of the remix album), Radical Optimism, or Short n’ Sweet on this list, Charlie XCX, Dua Lipa, and Sabrina Carpenter deserve their flowers.
Some of my favorite artists released albums this year; interestingly, some made this list while others did not. You might be surprised, but I will let you read on instead of spoiling it here.
Here are, in very particular order, my 20(24*) favorite albums of 2024:
(24*). Dune: Part 2 – Hans Zimmer
*The Academy has deemed this album illegible for my list due to its similarities to and reuse of themes from Dune: Part 1. Relax, this list wont all be movie scores. But in all seriousness, Hans killed it yet again—an intricate part of bringing the movie to life and blowing us away with his themes, creativity, and gravitas. I had the opportunity to see him live this year, one of the most incredible experiences ever.
23. Wall of Eyes – The Smile
I find it perplexing that this isn't just considered Radiohead. Perhaps it's because they're not all collaborating. I've had an insatiable craving for Radiohead lately, and The Smile's latest album, featuring expert songwriting and instrumentation, has been the perfect antidote. I can't help but feel something is still missing, but I wont complain, just be grateful for the music.
22. Chromakopia – Tyler the Creator
I can’t say I’ve ever been a fan of Tyler the Creator. Something about his personality, but I also wasn’t feeling Igor like everyone else. But, after going back and listening through Flower Boy, I was excited to see what Tyler brought with Chromakopia. I am a sucker for aesthetics, and this album rollout was quite creative. This album is more approachable as a hip-hop offering, and while some hardcore fans discount it, I found myself enjoying it.
21. Moon Music – Coldplay
This album barely slipped on here. The internal debate within Ballads to Bangers was relentless. Moon Music leans heavily into the atmospheric soundscapes and universal mantras synonymous with the new-era Coldplay. While many of these songs are quite good (and feel good), they sometimes fall into the forgettable category. I feel only time will tell how this album falls within their discography.
20. Funk Generation – Anitta
Brazilian Funk is about to take the world by storm, in small thanks to Anitta and her recent feature on The Weeknds latest hit song, “São Paulo.” Funk Generation is a high-energy album you will surely enjoy if reggaeton or similar genres are in your wheelhouse or you just want to have a good time. I really appreciate the back and forth of tracks in English and Portuguese.
(19*). Unreal Unearth: Unending – Hozier
*This is technically a deluxe album of the 2023 release with new songs from this year added on. The new songs, however, were so good they stand as testaments to his songwriting prowess and demanded a place on this countdown. Check out “Hymn to Virgil” for reference. Hozier casually dropped an all-timer at the end of the year with no actual album.
18. Timeless – Katranada
Timeless is the result of an ultra-talented beatmaker recruiting a ton of fantastic guests to create some great tracks. From Childish Gambino to Don Toliver and Anderson Paak, the diversity of the guest list allows Kaytranada to flex his producer muscles and deliver a slew of vibey tracks that get you moving. The beats are so creative and boast so many elements rather than your simple 808.
17. We don’t trust you – Future & Metro Boomin
Metro has become a hit machine in the hip-hop world. His penchant for big, bombastic beats and catchy hooks is next to none. This collab feels intentional with metro really leaning into Future's laid-back flow. This album also launched a generation rap beef with "Like That" featuring Kendrick. Out of the 2.5 albums released by this duo this year, We Don’t Trust You is undoubtedly the best.
16. 070 Shake – Petrichor
After appearing on several chart-topping rap songs, this album is a long time coming. It’s hard to nail down what kind of album this is, which makes it so great; every listen has you discovering something new. Listen to “Sin,” “In Your Garden,” and “What’s Wrong With Me,” tell me which one you like better, and then realize they’re all on the same album. You’re welcome for the introduction.
15. Why Lawd? – NxWorries
There’s been a spike in collab albums in hip-hop & R&B recently. This album comes courtesy of R&B star Anderson Paak & producer Knxwledge. The result is a vibey album full of sultry tracks. It has the masterful instrumentation and peak quality you would expect from an Anderson Paak album. Pay special attention to how they utilize the guitars on some of the tracks; it’s unique for an R&B album.
(14*). Days Before Rodeo – Travis Scott
*This album was technically released independently in 2014 but has never seen a physical release until its 10th anniversary. The fact that this album is so good and so well-produced at 10 years old says something about Scott’s commitment to excellence and honing his craft. In hindsight, I’m also willing to say that Utopia was a top 5 album from last year. Big 3?
13. Good Boy – Geoffroy
This is a rare Canadian content appearance on this year’s list! Geoffroy has officially settled into his chill era, trading upbeat alternative tracks for a laid-back groove that complements his ultrasmooth vocals. Good Boy reflects his growth as an artist, offering new sounds while maintaining the musical and vocal elements that make him unique. You keep reading about him here, yet aren't listening. Shame on you.
12. Beethoven Blues – Jon Baptiste
You may say I am a minute late, but I am coming to realize that Baptiste is a generational artist. He is an undeniable talent with the Midas touch. Watch American Symphony and certainly listen to everything he’s ever made. I may be biased for this album because I love Beethoven, but his interpretation/collaboration with these tracks is beautiful.
11. Ouch – Honne
Ouch is a significant departure from the comfort zone of Honne. This is not the vibey R&B sounds we are used to. This album gives indie alternative and makes them sound like a completely different band than Warm on a Cold Night. They might lose you with such a drastic change, but I appreciate the bold move and think their soft vocals and harmonies translate perfectly.
(10*). Sable – Bon Iver
*This is an EP with 3.2 songs. Long have I waited for new music from Bon Iver. While not getting a full album was a heartbreaker, all three songs on this EP are phenomenal. It’s almost a call back to the stripped-down sound and expert lyricism of his debut, For Emma, Forever Ago. Now, we sit and watch the livestream of Justin in the forest and pray there is more music around the corner.
9. Echoes of Resistance – Raz & Afla
Afla is a producer who loves electronic dance music, and Raz is a Ghanaian artist who thrives in the African rhythm genre. Their collaboration has produced something fresh and exciting, expertly combining new-world tribal sounds with traditional African rhythm. Echoes of Resistance is a true old meets new dance album and I dare you to sit still while listening to it.
8. Bad Cameo – James Blake & Lil Yachty
Despite being a huge James Blake fan, I was hesitant when this album was announced; I wasn’t sure how Yachty’s style would mesh. But with Blake’s extensive track record in producing hip-hop, I should have had faith. Bad Cameo is likely the title to take on this cynicism head-on. This album slays and blends their styles perfectly. Blake crafts ethereal 808s that compliment Yachty’s style and then swoops in with his angelic vocals. He don’t miss.
7. Diamante – Gordo
I am obsessed with Afrohouse. The drawback is that too often, with EDM, there are no actual albums to rank, just DJ sets and singles. Diamante is as close as I can get. After years of DJing and producing for Drake, Gordo is starting to make a name for himself. The album is eclectic, from club bangers to late-night drives. If you want to hear the Afrohouse influence, check out tracks “Sideways” and “Guard Down.” Hit me up for a playlist if you want more!
6. Grip – Serpent with Feet
You see a lot of queer representation in pop music right now. But it certainly seems to be missing in the R&B space. Serpent with Feet aims to change that. This album grooves hard and deftly oscillates between sultry and catchy; you could play these tracks in the bedroom or the club. It is hands down my favorite R&B album this year. The Tracks "Black Air Force" and "Damn Gloves" have no business being that good.
5. Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish
Some pop artists make their career singing about the same things repeatedly. It’s tiresome. Stop it. Billie constantly brings us along on her journey. There is a lot of growth, both personally and sonically, in her music. Hit me Hard and Soft is well-produced and her most cohesive project to date. The tracks hit you (hard and soft?) with a ton of hooks and emotion, and it’s an album I find myself returning to repeatedly.
3(&4*). Vultures 1 & 2 – Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign
*Two out of three ain't bad. After numerous features, it felt like a Ye and Ty collab was just a matter of time. While this was an arduous and tumultuous era, I loved the vibe, aura, and energy of Vultures. From listening parties to merch to the high-energy tracks, I can’t get enough. A few of these tracks were my most listened to for the year. Backstreet Boys need to clear the "Everybody" sample ASAP.
2. I Love You So F***ing Much – Glass Animals
This album took a minute to grow on me. Dreamland blew me away, and my expectations for a new release were sky-high. After a few listens and seeing them perform live, I have come to love it. Their energy and creativity are so engaging. I don’t feel the music fits most people’s vision of pop/rock, which may be why they’re not even bigger. But they should be.
1. From Zero – Linkin Park
This comeback has been percolating for a while. I have never been so nervous about an album in my life. I loved Linkin Park during my formative years. It's safe to say Mike and the gang have crushed their return. From zero is anthemic with rousing guitars and catchy choruses. They chose a great new lead in Emily and made an album that pulled from their sounds over the years. It honors Chester, where they’ve been, and sets the stage moving forward.
While you may have been able to predict some of these albums, I hope that my journey to discover new music can help you find some along the way too! As always, thanks for reading, and see you next year!
Love you all.
Say it back.
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