Discover the Musical Gems of 2024
Jem Aswad's Top 10
Charli XCX's "Brat"/ "Brat and It's Completely Different but Still Brat" showcases her as one of the most innovative and influential artists. Her music combines glitter and glitch into a new shape, with deeply personal lyrics and collaborations that add new narratives. "In Waves" by Jamie XX takes the template of his earlier work and turns it into something next level, with powerful beats and samples. Kendrick Lamar's "GNX" has a clarity of songcraft and densely loaded lyrics, featuring a dream team of collaborators. Tyler, the Creator's "Chromakopia" is musically innovative and gloriously weird, with memorable hooks. Childish Gambino's "Bando Stone and the New World" is a mind-blowingly diverse album with a combination of musical styles and guests. Empress Of's "For Your Consideration" contains multiple musical identities within one album. Idles' "Tangk" is a wild fusion of hardcore punk and experimental electronic skronk. Lucky Daye's "Algorithm" updates the classic R&B sound. Jack White's "No Name" is a fiery rock album that shows his mastery. Kali Uchis' "Orquídeas" is a sexy and plush album with a rapper's attitude.
Thania Garcia's Top 10
The Marias' "Submarine" is a labor of love, with tracks reflecting on a broken relationship and anchored in the theme of water. Kali Uchis' "Orquídeas" unlocks a new level of command, with silky vocals and a variety of genres. Sabrina Carpenter's "Short N' Sweet" asserts her place in pop history with humorous and fierce hooks. Judeline's "Bodhiria" is a Latin pop album with a unique sound and powerful lyrics. Charli XCX's "Brat" becomes a benchmark for an expertly marketed concept album. Omar Apollo's "God Said No" explores terminated relationships with purgative songwriting. Clairo's "Charm" is forward-looking with experimental instrumentation. Tyla's "Tyla" is a South African amapiano album with a pop-R&B twist. Young Miko's "Att." is an unapologetic debut with elements of hip-hop and reggaeton. Khruangbin's "A La Sala" builds on their psychedelic sound with Latin influences.
Steven J. Horowitz's Top 10
Ariana Grande's "Eternal Sunshine" reconciles pain and hope, with her usual vocal prowess. Jessica Pratt's "Here in the Pitch" embellishes her stripped sound with subtle texture. Charli XCX's "Brat" redefines world-building with a focused and year-defining album. Sabrina Carpenter's "Short n' Sweet" has a frothy and frank sound with variance across tracks. Kendrick Lamar's "GNX" continues his efforts to refocus on the west coast with a blend of styles. Doechii's "Alligator Bites Never Heal" fuses elements of hip-hop, R&B, and pop. Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" is a sprawling album that illuminates Black music. Gavin Turek's "Diva of the People" invokes the glamor of disco. Justice's "Hyperdrama" takes listeners on a dreamy dance journey. Jamie xx's "In Waves" caters to the conventions of house music.
Chris Willman's Top 10
Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology" continues her streak of A-level albums, with a unique personality and new thematic twists. Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" is a wild ride with multiple styles. Jack White's "No Name" is the raw power of peak Jack, keeping rock 'n' roll alive. Billie Eilish's "Hit Me Hard and Soft" takes audiences on quieter paths. Sierra Ferrell's "Trail of Flowers" cements her status as the new queen of roots music. Father John Misty's "Mahashmashana" is a feel-bad hit with elegant melodies. Kendrick Lamar's "GNX" is a sequel with a wealth of production values. Halsey's "The Great Impersonator" is confessional pop at its most ambitious. Aaron Lee Tasjan's "Stellar Evolution" shows a shiny stylistic range. Kacey Musgraves' "Deeper Well" paints a middle ground in love and life.
Scroll through to see where your favorites landed or, better yet, discover a new one.