The Best Albums Of 2024

Sabrina Carpenter - 'Short n’ Sweet'
Sabrina Carpenter's 'Short n’ Sweet' marks a bold step in her musical journey, showcasing her talent for crafting unapologetic pop anthems. Following the success of tracks like "Espresso" and "Please Please Please," this album captures her ability to turn romantic chaos into catchy, witty songs. With a mix of humor, sharpness, and unfiltered honesty, Carpenter blends self-roasting with bold commentary on love and life, making each track a reflection of her confident, no-holds-barred approach to pop music.

Beyoncé - 'Cowboy Carter'
'Cowboy Carter' is a meticulously crafted album, as complex and thorough as a college dissertation. The opening track “Ameriican Requiem” mixes gospel, Queen, and Buffalo Springfield, setting the stage for Beyoncé to explore her Southern roots. This album is less about proving herself and more a love letter to her country heritage, declaring her place within the genre with tracks like “Amen.” There’s no doubt: Beyoncé has always been country, and with every song, she confidently makes her case, defying the gatekeepers along the way.

Charli XCX - 'Brat'
Charli XCX’s 'Brat' isn’t just a pop album—it’s a journey through her evolving identity, blending hyperpop with raw introspection. While the album pulses with club beats and fast cars, Charli dives into deeper anxieties, questioning her success and readiness for motherhood. With bonus tracks and a remix album that redefines the originals, 'Brat' showcases a star embracing both the chaos of her career and the vulnerability of her personal life, proving the party is far from over.

MJ Lenderman - 'Manning Fireworks'
MJ Lenderman’s Manning Fireworks blends indie rock with a country twist, influenced by his Appalachian roots. His witty lyrics, like “Lightning McQueen / Blacked out at full speed,” mask a deeper loneliness, revealing his emotional depth. At 25, Lenderman stands out as one of Gen-Z’s sharpest songwriters.

Tyla - 'Tyla'
The debut album from Johannesburg native Tyla arrives at a pivotal moment for the global rise of South African amapiano. While her smash hit “Water” set the stage, it’s the deeper cuts on the album that truly stand out, with tracks like “Truth or Dare” putting the iconic log drum beats front and center. “No. 1,” a collaboration with Afrobeat sensation Tems, showcases Tyla’s versatility. As amapiano continues to capture the world’s attention, Tyla is proving to be its perfect ambassador, blending captivating rhythms with powerful vocals.

Billie Eilish - 'Hit Me Hard and Soft'
Billie Eilish's third album, 'Hit Me Hard and Soft,' is a deeply personal exploration of her evolution, blending vulnerability with empowerment. From the raw emotional depth of loneliness to the seductive electro-goth energy of “Lunch,” where she sings about a muse who's “a craving, not a crush,” Eilish transitions seamlessly through emotional highs and lows. This album reflects her growth both as an artist and a person, showing just how far she’s come while leaving us eager for the even greater music still to come.

St. Vincent - 'All Born Screaming'
St. Vincent’s All Born Screaming captures the raw intensity of our times, blending anger, urgency, and sensuality with her signature style. It’s aggressive, yet playful, and undoubtedly one of her strongest works yet.

Gracie Abrams - 'The Secret of Us'
Gracie Abrams leads the indie pop charge in 2024, and at just 24, she’s already a master of turning personal moments into relatable anthems. With 'The Secret of Us', she continues her tradition of crafting albums that feel like intimate chapters from her life. Tracks like “Risk” capture the raw emotion of unrequited love, reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s Fearless and Speak Now eras. The standout moment is “Close to You,” a long-awaited song that blends radio-ready appeal with heartfelt longing, showcasing Abrams’ knack for delivering both passion and vulnerability.

Jack White - 'No Name'
After five solo albums, Jack White's No Name delivers the straight-ahead, fiery rock 'n' roll fans have been waiting for. Channeling the energy of his White Stripes days without leaning into nostalgia, White brings a fresh yet familiar sound. While other bands like Idles are pushing boundaries, White keeps it raw and explosive with just his voice, a three-piece band, and timeless songs. No Name proves White can always return to rock's roots and remind us how it's done.

The Cure - 'Songs of Lost Years'
Sixteen years in the making, *Songs of Lost Years* is The Cure's 14th studio album, a deeply personal reflection of frontman Robert Smith’s grief after losing his mother, father, and brother. Dark yet fragile, the album captures the catharsis Smith found in escaping the "doom and gloom" he experienced.