The 20 best albums of 2024

The 20 best albums of 2024

As someone who has spent the better part of my years immersed in the world of music, I must say that this year’s musical landscape was nothing short of extraordinary. The diversity and creativity showcased by these artists are truly a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit.

Twenty years on from when experts predicted that digital downloads would break apart the traditional full-length LP, artists remain just as keen on accumulating and expanding their work – sometimes even tightening it up – as they’ve always been. Here are my top 20 albums that I adored for the space they each occupied this year.

1. Sabrina Carpenter, “Short n’ Sweet”
[This is a joke about an album being the whole package.]

Taylor Swift, “The Departure of Tormented Poets

3. Mk.gee’s “Two Star & the Dream Police” – A unique sonic realm that left fellow musicians in awe and buzz.

The 20 best albums of 2024

Music

Initially, Laci Kaye Booth believed she’d achieved success after signing with Taylor Swift’s former record label, but little did she know that her journey in country music still held unexpected challenges ahead.

4. Laci Kaye Booth, “The Loneliest Girl in the World”
“Dusty in Memphis” meets “Tango in the Night.”

5. Ernest, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, presents a grand display of traditional country expertise, crafted by a significant contributor to contemporary Nashville’s distinctive style, leaving classic country enthusiasts in awe. (Note: Similar to the energetic roughness exhibited in Hardy’s “Quit!!”)

6. Tems, “Born in the Rhythm”

The 20 best albums of 2024 ×

7. Ariana Grande, “Eternal Sunshine”
Grande’s Elphaba to “Wicked’s” Glinda.

8. LL Cool J, “The Force”

9. Charli XCX, “Brat”
The louder you play it, the more honest it gets.

10. Billie Eilish, “Strike Me Gently and Forcefully”, reflects the moments when she bares her soul the most through her powerful vocal performances. (Of course.)

The 20 best albums of 2024

Music

For musically gifted siblings, their professions and familial ties have always been closely connected. This is evident in their most personal album, ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft,’ which stands as a significant nominee for the 67th Grammy Awards.

11. Beyoncé, “Cowboy Carter
Thoroughly researched, meticulously assembled, genuinely bizarre.

As a music enthusiast, let me tell you about one of my favorite finds – an album that takes me back to the groovy ’70s. It’s “One Hand Clapping” by Paul McCartney & Wings, recorded right here at Abbey Road Studios more than 4 decades ago! For years, it was just a bootleg among hardcore fans of good ol’ Macca, but now we can all enjoy this fantastic album. This is Wings at their best – a harmonious blend of carefree energy and precision. If you’re a fan of Fleetwood Mac, you’ll love “Mirage Tour ’82,” another classic double-LP that captures two electrifying performances from the Forum in 1982. These albums take me back to the good old days of rock!

This year, the tunes reminiscent of the late ’70s Doobie Brothers and early 2000s “TRL” era seemed to fill the atmosphere – a unique blend that could only be found here, with Tori Kelly’s music.

The 20 best albums of 2024 ×

14. The song “GNX” by Kendrick Lamar isn’t just about overcoming Drake, it’s also an educational piece that delves into history, geography, and the craft of composing songs about the Los Angeles Dodgers. The triumph depicted in this track is a complex one, encompassing various layers of meaning.

15. The Cure, “Songs of a Lost World”
Guitars!

16. Diiv, “Frog in Boiling Water”
No, really.

The 20 best albums of 2024

Music

Prior to their performance at the Wiltern, the members of Los Angeles’ band Diiv discuss their latest album titled ‘Frog in Boiling Water’, as well as a recent popular conversation on social media.

17. In a laid-back, genuine manner with a touch of wit: Clairo’s third album resembles the finest selection you could find from a vintage ’70s singer-songwriter record bin that’s been forgotten about.

18. In “Hardstone Psyco”, it’s as if teenagers from the year 1984 are giving virtual high fives to their counterparts from the year 2024.

19. The Hard Quartet, “The Hard Quartet”
Dudes rock.

20. In a time of turmoil, Kacey Musgraves might have underestimated the listener’s craving for an album filled with psychedelic country-folk tunes that speak of ultimate tranquility – making her effort even more charming.

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2024-12-11 14:31

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