“How many opps you really got? I mean, it’s too many options” sang rap-artist Kendrick Lamar in one of the most iconic songs of 2024, “They Not Like Us,” which spent nearly 20 weeks ranked as No. 1 rap song in the U.S.
Aside from witty lyrics and catchy beats, 2024 was defined by an increase in fusion music, which melded different genres together, like pop, rock and jazz.
Both seasoned artists and rising sensations released groundbreaking albums, which are still changing the face of music. Artists pushed their vocals to the next level and brought a nuance to lyricism which hadn’t been seen before.
As an avid Spotify streamer, I’ve spent the year exploring different music, from hip-hop to pop music. After countless hours of listening, here are my favorite albums of the year:
Released in June, Charlie XCX’s hit single “Apple” dominated social media and the radio alike, defining 2024 as one of the most iconic years for pop music yet. Like “Apple,” the rest of the album boasts a driving beat, layered with bold lyrics that make the album entirely unforgettable.
Billie Eilish’s mix of lush lyrical pieces and playful pop songs marks a new era for the young artist. With songs like “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” and “LUNCH,” Eilish showcases an entirely new side to her writing, making the album a completely new experience from her previous albums. “WILDFLOWER,” my favorite song, layers ethereal vocals over a soft acoustic guitar, to create a powerful piece that never fails to give me the chills.
Siblings William Gao and Olivia Hardy released their second EP, Isotope, in August. Both siblings were classically trained, and the album features numerous piano melodies, enhancing the harmonious landscape of their voices. The album is marked by a heavenly blend of jazz and pop, lending it a unique sound. I particularly enjoyed this album for the story it weaves, with each song building upon the other to create an entire world in their music.
Tyler, the Creator’s eighth studio album spans a broad range of music styles, from “Sticky” to “Darling I,” showcasing not only his bold writing but also offering a gritty glimpse into his life. While some of the songs follow his trademark witty lyrics and fast beats, others explore more nuanced aspects of his culture and identity. In Track 9, “Take off Your Mask,” Tyler exposes the masks people wear to hide their true feelings from the world and eventually reveals the masks he wears in public.
In her third studio album, Clairo manages to strike a delicate balance between smooth rock and gentle vocals which give the album a dreamy, almost-celestial feeling, as if you’re floating into another universe. In particular, I enjoyed the sense of unreality this album provides, making it the perfect background for studying, sleeping or just lounging on the couch.
Rise and Fall of Midwest Princess
Rising from undiscovered talent to worldwide sensation in less than six months, Chappel Roan’s meteoric rise into success is nothing short of astounding. Her debut album, which was released nearly six months before reaching the Billboard top 200, boasts record-breaking tracks like “Good Luck Babe,” and “HOT TO GO!” Roan was even recognized as the Top New Artist of 2024 at the MTV Awards.
With the hit song “Espresso,” coined the “song of the summer,” Sabrina Carpenter’s latest album skyrocketed to the top of the billboard charts. Aside from “Espresso,” the album also had songs like “Please Please Please,” and “Taste,” which were massive hits in their own right. My playlist over the summer was dominated by her music, and with their catchy rhythms and sarcastic lyrics, the songs perfectly captured the energy of summer.
Playlist by Tanvee Tirthapura
All the best tracks from the different albums combined into one playlist.
