In a year bursting with creativity, 2024 gave us albums that pushed boundaries, told unforgettable stories, and redefined what music can be. Across genres and styles, these 20 records stood out as masterpieces, each leaving an indelible mark on listeners and proving why music remains the most powerful art form. From groundbreaking debuts to career-defining releases, here are the 20 best albums of 2024—a celebration of the year’s finest sounds.

Honorable Mentions:

- My Light My Destroyer, Cassandra Jenkins

- Patterns in Repeat, Laura Marling

- What Now, Brittany Howard

- The Great American Bar Scene, Zach Bryan

- Here in the Pitch, Jessica Pratt

#20 This Could Be Texas, English Teacher

English Teacher’s debut album is a celebration of genre fusion and musical experimentation. Its sharp lyricism and dynamic sound make it a standout in modern indie rock.

#19 Manning Fireworks, MJ Lenderman

MJ Lenderman crafts a deeply personal and evocative album. Manning Fireworks feels like a heartfelt conversation wrapped in alt-country and indie rock.

#18 All Born Screaming, St. Vincent

Visceral and haunting record, blending raw emotion with signature avant-garde flair. It’s a piercing exploration of identity and chaos wrapped in a mesmerizing sonic landscape.

#17 Radical Optimism, Dua Lipa

An electrifying celebration of love and self-belief wrapped in vibrant, dancefloor-ready production. Say what you want, but only Dua Lipa could make this album.

#16 Charm, Clairo

A delicate yet profound collection of tracks that blend dreamy aesthetics with emotional resonance. Charm feels effortlessly personal and universally relatable.

#15 In Waves, Jamie xx

A hypnotic exploration of rhythm and texture, Jamie xx crafts an electronic album full of subtle emotional layers. It’s both a dancefloor-ready masterpiece and a deeply personal work.

#14 The Great Impersonator, Halsey

A bold and theatrical exploration of identity and reinvention. Halsey’s vivid storytelling and fearless experimentation shine throughout this transformative album.

#13 Songs of a Lost World, The Cure

A haunting return to form that channels classic gothic tones with modern sensibilities. The Cure delivers a deeply atmospheric and melancholic masterpiece.

#12 Plastic Death, Glass Beach

An explosive, genre-melting opus that’s as unpredictable as it is exhilarating. Plastic Death is a wild ride of creativity and raw emotion.

#11 Chromakopia, Tyler The Creator

A chaotic yet introspective journey through Tyler’s artistic psyche. Blending vulnerability with genre-defying production, it’s an album that both challenges and captivates.

#10 Prelude to Ecstasy, The Last Dinner Party

A theatrical and grandiose debut that merges art-rock with timeless elegance. With lush instrumentation and dramatic flair, it’s a record that leaves a lasting impression.

#9 Lives Outgrown, Beth Gibbons

An achingly beautiful record that delves into themes of loss and transformation. Gibbons’ haunting vocals and atmospheric arrangements create an emotionally profound experience.

#8 GNX, Kendrick Lamar

A bold and introspective work that blends Lamar’s lyrical genius with daring production choices. GNX is a powerful exploration of identity, culture, and resilience.

#7 No Name, Jack White

A masterclass in musical innovation, Jack White continues to push boundaries with this electrifying and unpredictable album. Raw, unfiltered, and endlessly captivating.

#6 Hit Me Hard And Soft, Billie Eilish

Eilish balances vulnerability and defiance in her most dynamic work yet. With lush production and razor-sharp lyrics, this album cements her status as a pop icon.

#5 Imaginal Disk, Magdalena Bay

An experimental pop triumph that feels otherworldly yet deeply personal. It’s a kaleidoscope of textures, melodies, and emotions that showcases the duo’s innovative artistry.

#4 Bright Future, Adrianne Lenker

Recorded straight to tape, this album feels like an intimate conversation. Its raw emotional depth and stunning storytelling make it an unforgettable experience.

#3 Romance, Fontaines D.C.

A refreshing evolution in the band’s sound, combining post-punk roots with accessible melodies and introspective lyrics. This is Fontaines D.C. at their most dynamic and emotionally resonant.

#2 Only God Was Above Us, Vampire Weekend

A stunning blend of lo-fi experimentation and classical influences, this album showcases the band’s growth and artistic maturity. With mind-blowing melodies and intricate instrumentals, it’s a sonic journey worth taking.

#1 BRAT, Charli xcx

A cultural phenomenon that captures the essence of Charli's boundary-breaking artistry. B.R.A.T. is bold, emotional, and unapologetically authentic—Charli at her very best.

Top 20 Best Albums Of 2024