Written by Devyn Tammons

2024 was one of the best years in music in recent memory. We had established artists reach new heights, new players on the scene see their breakthrough, and one of the best rap beefs in history that dominated the summer. I listened to over 120 total records this year, and can confidently say this was the hardest end of the year list I’ve made yet. As such, for the first time, I decided to include a list of honorable mentions that just missed the cut. I couldn’t fit everyone on the top 30, but these albums deserve some recognition and a listen as well.

Honorable Mentions:

• I Got Heaven x Mannequin Pussy
• Pinball x MIKE & Tony Seltzer
• Eternal Sunshine x Ariana Grande
• Ehhthan Ehhthang x Glorilla
• Glorious x Glorilla
• Radical Optimism x Dua Lipa
• Bug x Kacy Hill
• Poetry x Dehd
• #RICHAXXHATIAN x Mach Hommy
• Submarine x The Marias
• Timeless x KAYTRANADA
• No Name x Jack White
• Leon x Leon Bridges
• This Is How Tomorrow Moves x beabadoobee
• When A Thought Grows Wings x Luna Li
• Manning Fireworks x MJ Lenderman
• Plan A x Lil Tecca
• In Waves x Jamie xx
• Evergreen x Soccer Mommy
• BRAVADO + INTiMO x IDK
• Still Praying x Westside Gunn & DJ Drama
• Soul Burger x Ab-Soul
• You Only Die 1nce x Freddie Gibbs
• Maybe In Nirvana x Smino
• SOS Deluxe: Lana x SZA

30. We Don’t Trust You & We Still Don’t Trust You x Future and Metro Boomin

Released March 22nd and April 12th 2024

Overview: One of the best producers and one of the most consistent rappers in the game collabed for two mammoth projects.

Yes, this is technically two albums, but I’m considering them a double album for the purposes of this list, as they go together seamlessly. The two albums scream authenticity. One thing I respect about Future is he never pretends to be something he isn’t. He’s not some master lyricist, nor is he some world class storyteller. But he easily makes up for both of those with his ear for music. He crafts catchy hooks, memorable verses, and rides each beat like a gold medal Olympic surfer. And linking up with Metro Boomin for the two albums just makes sense. Just about all of their collaborations in the past have been absolute bangers, and it’s no different here. The two just match each other perfectly.

Added To The Playlist: Type Shit, Like That, Cinderella, Out Of My Hands, Nights Like This, One Big Family

29. HEAVY x SiR

Released March 22nd 2024

Overview: The fourth studio album from Top Dawg Entertainment’s R&B aficionado is true to it’s name.

Over the past few years, Sir has been through a lot. From drug and alcohol issues that led him to rehab multiple times, to infidelity to his wife, the California native had been to the brink. But Sir didn’t let that stop him, instead used his trials and tribulations as fuel for his art. HEAVY is Sir’s most personal work to date. On top of that, though, it’s also his smoothest and most cohesive. It’s a record for those who aren’t perfect, but strive to not let their past mistakes define them.

Added To The Playlist: KARMA, NO EVIL, POETRY IN MOTION

28. Madra x NewDad

Released January 26th 2024

Overview: The debut album from this Irish-based rock band made a splash.

One of the first albums I loved this year, and has only gotten better with each listen. It’s one of the albums I’ve revisited the most this year, and will continue to for years to come. It’s a moody, atmospheric record that engrosses you from the opening note and rarely lets you go. To see my full thoughts, check out my review for Madra here.

Added To The Playlist: Change My Mind, Let Go, Madra

27. Bando Stone and the New World x Childish Gambino

Released July 19th 2024

Overview: If this is the last album we get as “Childish Gambino”, then what a way to go out.

Donald Glover, a man of many hats, has been talking about retiring the stage name of Childish Gambino since at least 2017. But it appears that this may finally be the final album under that moniker. What this means for the future of Glover’s music is still yet to be seen; however, as the final act as Childish Gambino, Bando Stone is one hell of a swan song. It’s some of Glover’s best work as a whole since 2013’s Because The Internet. The production is top notch, the vocal performances are stellar, and the features all bring their A-Game. It tackles the trials of fatherhood, dealing with loneliness despite the fame, and finding and maintaining loving relationships through all the ups and downs.

Added To The Playlist: Lithonia, Steps Beach, Cruisin’

26. Wall of Eyes & Cutouts x The Smile

Released January 26th and October 4th 2024

Overview: Radiohead alums Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood along with Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner combine for their second and third studio albums this year.

The Smile is a musical project by veterans in the industry that have nothing left to prove, but still give their all both in the studio and on stage. That’s what makes these two records so impressive. It’s not very often you see musicians past their prime release records in the twilight of their careers that come anywhere close to their previous work. That’s not the case, though, with the guys of The Smile. They’re producing arguably some of the best music of their careers while also clearly having a ton of fun doing so.

Added To The Playlist: Read The Room, Bending Hectic, The Slip, No Words, Bodies Laughing

25. Bird’s Eye x Ravyn Lenae

Released August 9th 2024

Overview: The second studio album from Chicago singer-songwriter Ravyn Lenae sees her chart some bold new territory.

Ravyn Lenae is the perfect artist the R&B scene needs right now. She does an excellent job of blending older styles with something more contemporary. She’s soulful, yet has some pop crossover appeal as well. She has a soothing and angelic voice that pulls you in the more you listen to it. Her experimentation on Bird’s Eye and willingness to step out of her comfort zone is what gives her the edge amongst many of her peers.

Added To The Playlist: Love Me Not, 1 of 1, Days

24. Charm x Clairo

Released July 12th 2024

Overview: The 3rd studio album from the indie singer/songwriter shows a sonic growth and maturity.

I was cautiously optimistic for this album when I heard it was coming, as I wasn’t as in love with Clairo’s second album, Sling, as I desperately wanted to be. However, Clairo quelled all my doubts immediately after the first listen of Charm, which was a true return to form in my eyes, but also blazed a new and exciting direction for Clairo as an artist. To read my full thoughts, check out my review of Charm here.

Added To The Playlist: Sexy To Someone, Juna, Add Up My Love

23. Don’t Forget Me x Maggie Rogers

Released April 12th 2024

Overview: The 3rd studio album from the Harvard Divinity grad is a compilation of stories, some her own, and some not.

Don’t Forget Me is Rogers and her most intuitive. The way she’s able to craft situations with her lyricism that are deeply relatable is second to none. Everyone’s been through a breakup, everyone has periods of their life they wish they could go back to and do this or say that differently. Rogers’ ability to relate to the listener in this way is what makes her such a fan favorite in the indie-pop sphere. From beginning to end, the album is a masterclass on relatable and palpable music.

Added To The Playlist: So Sick Of Dreaming, If Now Was Then, Don’t Forget Me

22. Hit Me Hard and Soft x Billie Eilish

Released May 17th 2024

Overview: The 3rd studio album from the pop mega star is an odyssey of emotion.

I’ve been the biggest fan of Billie since I first heard “Ocean Eyes” back in 2017. I very much her debut When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go? in 2019. It was a great debut and felt like a natural progression from her earlier singles and EPs. However, I wasn’t as in love with her sophomore effort Happier Than Ever two years later as I wanted to be, despite the critical acclaim. So, when Hit Me Hard and Soft was announced, I was cautiously optimistic. Any doubts I might have had dissipated instantly on the opening track. Billie continues her personal journey of growth while maturing in the public eye. It’s a deeply personal record but one that will still resonate with many others despite this. It shows moments of restraint, but then suddenly hits you with an emotional tsunami. HMHAS is the perfect evolution of an artist who has clearly come into her own.

Added To The Playlist: CHIHIRO, BIRDS OF A FEATHER, WILDFLOWER

21. I LAY MY LIFE DOWN FOR YOU x JPEGMAFIA

Released August 1st 2024

Overview: One of the more sonically interesting rap projects of the year.

If it’s two things Peggy is gonna do, its have the most out of left field samples, and the most outlandish bars. But that’s what makes him standout and what’s amassed him his cult following all these years. What makes ILMLDFY so special though, is his ability to combine the absurd with vulnerability. One moment you’ll be making a face at a crazy punchline, the next you’ll be in your feelings over a personal moment of reflection. Pair that with his insane production, and you’ve got one of the best hip-hop projects of the year.

Added To The Playlist: New Black History, JPEGULTRA!, either on or off the drugs

20. ORQUIDEAS x Kali Uchis

Released January 12th 2024

Overview: Orquídeas is The second Spanish-language and fourth studio album from the Virginia born singer/songwriter.

Kali Uchis is quietly one of the most consistent R&B/Neo-soul artists working today. She’s not always in the spotlight, but still continues to release quality record after quality record. She wears her latin heritage on her sleeve, which has been a major strength of hers in her career, as she expertly combines both American and Latin music to create something beautiful each time. Though I’m not fluent in Spanish, she’s still able to convey emotion and feeling to a non-speaker like myself, which is both impressive and admirable.

Added To The Playlist: Me Pongo Loca, Pensamientos Intrusivos, Tu Corazon Es Mio

19.MUTT x Leon Thomas

Released September 27th 2024

Overview: The songwriter best known for his role as Andre on the Nickelodeon show “Victorious” makes a statement with his second studio album.

Since his time as a kid’s television star, Leon Thomas has quietly made a name for himself as a respected songwriter in the industry. He’s written for the likes of Ariana Grande, Drake, Post Malone, and SZA. However, over the few years, he’s decided to step back into the limelight and release tracks of his own. Thomas’ 2023 debut Electric Dust was just a taste of what we would see this year in his follow-up record. MUTT puts Leon Thomas’ writing chops on full display, while also showcasing the vocals that made him a fan favorite on “Victorious” all those years ago. With glossy production to boot, MUTT is a statement from an artist that has just entered their prime.

Added To The Playlist: HOW FAST, YES IT IS, MUTT [Remix]

18. Everyone’s Gone And I Know I’m The Cause x The Greeting Committee

Released June 21st 2024

Overview: Nearly eight years after receiving attention for their single “Hands Down”, the indie rock band from Kansas City releases arguably their best work to date.

It’s almost hard to believe this is the same band that released that song over eight years ago. In many ways, it’s not. Two of the founding members, Brandon Yangmi and Austin Fraser, have gone on to do other things. Vocalist Addie Sartino and Pierce Turcotte are the surviving founding members. That didn’t stop them though from releasing what I’d say is their best collection of songs yet. EGAIKITC is not just a maturation in subject matter, but also sound. The album sees the band dive fully in to musical tones that they only just stuck their feet in before. It tackles the complicated nature of losing relationships and picking up the pieces of yourself after the dust has settled. It’s a raw and visceral record, made to illicit emotions from the listener that are both personal, yet relatable. It’s a truly timeless record that will only get better as it ages.

Added To The Playlist: Tell Me I’m Wrong, Where’d All My Friends Go?, Honey Toast

17. Flood x Hippo Campus

Released September 20th 2024

Overview: The fourth studio album from the Minnesota based indie rock band is a culmination of the sound they’ve been working on the past few years.

I’ve been a fan of Hippo Campus since 2015. I’m around the same age as the guys in the band. I’ve watched their music evolve and grow over the past 9 years, and I feel like I’ve done the same right along with it. Flood feels like the logical next leap in the band’s evolution. It’s their most mature and emotional project to date. It’s incredibly vulnerable and I had multiple visceral reactions while listening the first few times. It combines elements of bluegrass and country with their signature indie rock sound beautifully to create such a comforting yet melancholy atmosphere throughout the entire album. It’s an album I relate to perhaps more than any other album this year, and see myself revisiting it again and again in the coming years.

Added To The Playlist: Prayer Man, Brand New, I Got Time

16. What Now x Brittany Howard

Released February 9th 2024

Overview: The second solo project from the Alabama Shakes leading woman might just be her most transformative sound to date.

It’s been apparent since she stepped on the scene as the leading lady of Alabama Shakes over a decade ago that Brittany Howard was a force. The booming voice and multiple Grammy nominations have proven that. But since venturing out on her own in 2016, she’s been working tirelessly to expand on that foundation she set with her band. If 2019’s Jamie was the lightning, then What Now is the booming thunder. It’s an album that charts new territory for Howard, but one that doesn’t compromise on who she is. Despite it’s many ventures into new territory, it retains it’s cohesion beautifully, which really speaks to Howard’s innate artistic nature.

Added To The Playlist: I Don’t, What Now, Prove It To You

15. Romance x Fontaines D.C.

Released August 23rd 2024

Overview: Post-punk is alive and thriving as long as this Dublin, Ireland based band continues to make music.

Romance writes the thesis on how to evolve while remaining true to your essence. It’s far enough removed from the sounds of their first album that if it weren’t for Grian Chatten’s unique vocals, you could almost mistake it for another band entirely. However, those changes aren’t a bad thing, as the quartet is pushing and challenging themselves in ways that are paying off tenfold. While arguably the most easily digestible Fontaines D.C. record to date, it’s hidden influences – from the Japanese anime film “Akira” to American grunge band Alice in Chains – provide ample replayability just to catch them all. In the end, Romance feels like a leap forward for a band who was already on the cusp of excellence.

Added To The Playlist: Starburster, Here’s The Thing, Favourite

14. King of the Mischievous South x Denzel Curry

Released July 19th/November 15th 2024

Overview: Denzel Curry released two versions of this record this year, and both are absolute bangers.

Denzel Curry is one of the best, yet underappreciated rappers working today. He’s well respected in most rap circles, but has yet to see that breakthrough mainstream success as some of his peers. That doesn’t stop him, though, from releasing excellent record after excellent record. This one is no different. King of the Mischievous South is true to it’s name, as it’s a triumph in the various sounds that define the many southern hip hop regions. From Memphis to Atlanta, from Florida to Texas, KOTMS has it all.

Added To The Playlist: ULTRA SHXT, SKED, COLE PIMP, ACT A DAMN FOOL, ANOTHA LATE NITE

13. Cowboy Carter x Beyoncé

Released March 29th 2024

Overview: It’s Beyoncé.

That’s it. What more needs to be said at this point that hasn’t already been said? But, if you want to read my full thoughts, check out my full review of Cowboy Carter here.

Added To The Playlist: PROTECTOR, II HANDS II HEAVEN, TYRANT

12. Why Lawd? x NxWorries

Released June 14th 2024

Overview: Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge combine for the second time for one of the smoothest records of the year.

On their own, the two artists have made some truly outstanding music. So it only makes sense that together, they’d create something special as well. And that’s exactly what they did. Knxwledge’s production on the record is top notch, and .Paak keeps up with him with punchy lyricism and silky vocals. The two took what they did in 2016 on Yes Lawd! and expanded on it, creating a follow-up truly worthy of it’s predecessor.

Added To The Playlist: 86Sentra, KeepHer, WalkOnBy

11. brat x Charli XCX

Released June 7th 2024

Overview: The sixth studio album from the English Pop Superstar was an absolute tour de force.

Did you hear or read the word “brat” more times than you can remember this year? Did you see neon green everywhere you looked? Did you have a “brat summer”? If so, you can thank Charli XCX for that. Brat was not just an album, it was a cultural phenomenon. It took the pop culture landscape by storm for a solid 4 or 5 months this past year, and still lingers today. None of that would have been possible, though, if the music itself wasn’t great as well. Charli and longtime producer A.G. Cook expertly crafted an infectious dance-pop record that was both mature and sophisticated, but also a lot of fun. It’s perhaps also Charli’s most raw and personal record to date as well, with strong emotional beats on songs like “Girl, so confusing” and “I think about it all the time”. All of this combined makes this easily the singer’s best album to date, and worth all of the praise it received this past year.

Added To The Playlist: 360, Von dutch, Everything is romantic

10. Shadowbox x MAVI

Released August 9th 2024

Overview: One of hip-hop’s best kept secrets, Mavi has started to quietly build himself an infallible discography.

Introspective, existential, pensive – all words I would use to describe Mavi’s third studio album Shadowbox. It delves into some deep, and often dark, material that can make it a heavy listen at times. But that’s what makes Mavi such an interesting artist. He’s not afraid to be vulnerable in his music. Sonically, it’s one of his most interesting projects yet, as even though thematically it’s all similar, he experiments with different sounds that make for such an engaging listen.

Added To The Playlist: open waters, the giver, too much to zelle

9. Memory of a Day x Phantogram

Released October 8th 2024

Overview: The fifth studio album from the New York electric-rock duo is a rollercoaster of emotions.

It’s undeniable that since the death of lead singer Sarah Barthel’s sister in 2016 to suicide, the trajectory of the band changed forever. She was not only very close with her sister, but also close with her sister’s bandmate Josh Carter. Since then, the band has released two albums, both of which tackle the grief of sudden loss. However, where Memory of a Day shines, is both the acknowledgement of that immense sadness, but the acceptance of it. The album is a beautiful ode to moving forward in the face of despair, and finding joy in the life that remains after. It’ll make you want to cry one moment, but then dance the next. It’s a stark reminder that though life has it’s lows, there is beauty in the highs as well.

Added To The Playlist: Attaway, Running Through Colors, Come Alive

8. CHROMAKOPIA x Tyler, The Creator

Released October 28th 2024

Overview: We need to start having a serious conversation about where Tyler, The Creator ranks among the 21st century hip-hop pantheon.

Tyler’s growth over the past 13+ years since his debut Goblin in 2011 cannot be understated. Through all the shock-value lyrics and other antics of his early career, his talent was always apparent. Over the past 4 albums, he’s realized that potential and then some. CHROMAKOPIA is no exception, as it can be argued he’s reached the absolute peak of his artistry. He may not be the “best” rapper on a technical level, but the way he’s able to craft an experience with his records is surpassed by exceedingly few. CHROMAKOPIA continues to give us a glimpse into the vulnerable side of Tyler, on tracks like “Hey Jane” and “Like Him”. And then you have the boastful and bombastic side of Tyler on tracks like “Ra Ta Ta” and “Sticky”. CHROMAKOPIA has it all, and we’re left to wonder, what can’t Tyler do?

Added To The Playlist: St. Chroma, Sticky, Balloon

7. Soft Power x Fazerdaze

Released November 15th 2024

Overview: The second studio album and first in over seven years from the New Zealand based Amelia Murray is a dreamy adventure.

What’s most impressive about Fazerdaze is her ability to convey feeling and emotion with her intimate and introspective lyricism, and her lush and alluring instrumentals and production. She makes some of the best dream-pop and shoegaze music out there, which has become a favorite genre of mine over the last few years. Soft Power fully embraces Murray’s femininity, while also conveying the difficult realities of adulthood and growing up. It’s a record at it’s best if you’re able to sit under the stars and drown out the rest of the world, or perhaps on a long dusk-lit drive.

Added To The Playlist: So Easy, Dancing Years, Cherry Pie

6. Alligator Bites Never Heal x Doechii

Released Augut 30th 2024

Overview: If you search up the team “breakout year” on Google, Doechii’s face will be plastered all over it.

And man is it deserved. The Tampa born and raised singer/rapper has been working since 2016, finally seeing a moderate amount of success in 2020 with her single “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake” that saw a moderate amount of virality on TikTok. She was featured on Isaiah Rashaad’s album The House Is Burning in 2021, performed at the BET Awards, and toured with SZA and Doja Cat. However, this was the year where she finally broke out into the mainstream with her mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal. While she has still technically yet to release a debut album, Alligator Bites serves as many people’s first introduction to Doechii, and what an introduction it was. She combines a tongue-in-cheek style of rapping with introspective lyricism to create her signature refreshing sound. She’s also one hell of a performer, with her appearances on Tiny Desk and Colbert garnering her praise and adulation. With three Grammy nominations to boot, it’s hard to find an artist who had a better year than Doechii.

Added To The Playlist: DEATH ROLL, HUH!, SLIDE

5. Dark Times x Vince Staples

Released May 24th 2024

Overview: One of the most consistent artists working today, it may actually be impossible for Vince Staples to release a bad record.

Vince Staples is one of the realest, most honest artists out right now. There’s no bullshit and no fluff with his music or his personality. This honesty is what makes his music shine so much. The way he’s able to put to wax exactly what he’s feeling on any given track, and the way he’s able to transport you to any story he’s telling are his biggest strengths. Six studio albums in, and it’s clear that Vince Staples is one of the most talented, though low-key, rappers in the game. Whatever he makes next, I’ll certainly be listening.

Added To The Playlist: Black&Blue, Children’s Song, Etouffee

4. Imaginal Disk x Magdalena Bay

Released August 23rd 2024

Overview: The second studio album from the alt-pop duo out of Miami, Florida hits like a hurricane.

The synergy that Micah Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin have is palpable. It makes sense, considering that they are a real-life couple. That chemistry oozes out of the headphones as Imaginal Disk takes you on a fantastical journey throughout it’s 53 minute runtime. The production is boisterous and crisp as Tenenbaum’s vocals soar through the entire record. It’s a record that’s cinematic and feels larger than life, while simultaneously grounding the listener in it’s relatable lyricism. This is my surprise of the year, and one I’ll be recommending to anyone who will listen.

Added To The Playlist: Image, Death & Romance, Cry For Me

3. All Born Screaming x St. Vincent

Released April 26th 2024

Overview: The seventh solo studio album from singer/songwriter Annie Clark might just be her most triumphant yet.

And that’s saying something. Hardly anyone in the alternative music space, male or female, has seen as much critical praise and acclaim as Clark since the turn of the century. She’s received eight Grammy nominations with 3 wins (4 pending) since her debut in 2007. She has an average Metacritic rating of 85 across her seven albums. She is an absolute force, and all her newest record, All Born Screaming, did was solidify that fact. It’s a commanding, imposing record from an artist who’s reached the peak of her own creativity. The only real downside of the album is is that it eventually ends. The read my full thoughts on All Born Screaming, check out my review here.

Added To The Playlist: Hell Is Near, Broken Man, Flea

2. Only God Was Above Us x Vampire Weekend

Released April 6th 2024

Overview: The third collaboration between the band and producer Ariel Rechtshaid and first as a trio instead of a quartet.

Vampire Weekend is one of those bands we’ll look back on 30-40 years from now and be able to truly appreciate just how much they defined the indie-rock era of today. They’re a band that isn’t always in the forefront, but when they release something, the whole scene takes notice. Only God Was Above Us feels like a timeless, yet fresh record, one where lead vocalist and primary songwriter Ezra Koenig has something to say. It has a laundry list of references and influences, but never feels like it’s preaching it’s message, but conveying it in a natural and seamless way. It’s Ezra at his most honest, and rewards the listener for digging deeper into the oft obtuse lyricism. The rest of the band is on top of their game as well, with some of the best piano work and drumming in their entire discography. For the longest time, it was my #1 album of the year, and if it weren’t for this next artist, it would’ve stayed that way.

Added To The Playlist: Classical, The Surfer, Hope

1. GNX x Kendrick Lamar

Released November 22nd 2024

Overview: That artist is none other than Kendrick Lamar.

I don’t think you can find an artist that had a better, more impactful year than Kendrick Lamar. You might be able to argue for someone like Sabrina Carpenter, who finally saw breakout success with her single “Espresso” and subsequent album Short and Sweet. Or maybe the Naija-Country star Shaboozey, who was one week away from breaking the all-time record for most consecutive weeks with a #1 single with his song “A Bar Song”. But when you take into account everything Kendrick did this year, from his legendary rap beef with Drake, to dominating the summer with his song “Not Like Us”, to being announced for the Super Bowl in February, Kendrick makes a better case than them all. And that all culminated with the ultimate crescendo right before Thanksgiving, when Kendrick surprise dropped his sixth studio album GNX, which is the first he’s released since departing from long-time record label Top Dawg Entertainment.

When Kendrick drops, the whole world stops. The album charted #1 with 319k units sold in the first week, which is doubly impressive considering there was zero roll-out. It became his 5th consecutive #1 album. All 12 songs also debuted on the hot 100, occupying the first 5 slots on the chart. None of this would matter though if the music wasn’t also exemplary. While GNX doesn’t necessarily have the overarching narrative or the grandiose plot of some of Kendrick’s earlier work, he makes up for it with sincerity, authenticity, and an unabashed appreciation for West Coast culture. It’s some of Kendrick’s best rapping to date, and he brings along with him many lesser-known West Coast artists and allows them to shine as well. There’s radio bangers “squabble up” & “tv off”, smooth ballads “luther”, and world class storytelling with vivid imagery in “heart pt. 6” & “gloria”. It’s Kendrick’s most diverse work yet, and shows off his range of skills perfectly. He’s the best rapper alive and this year he proved he’s also one of the best artists working, period.

Added To The Playlist: luther, dodger blue, peakaboo

To find all of my favorite songs of 2024, check out the playlist below:

https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/3N0On36FhRevRSqQbMJWmU?utm_source=generator