1. Beyonce ‘Cowboy Carter’
Cowboy Carter is a masterfully crafted album, blending rich research with meticulous artistry. The opening track, “Ameriican Requiem,” weaves together gospel, Queen, and Buffalo Springfield influences, establishing Beyoncé’s deep connection to her Southern roots. Far from a simple country romp, the album unfolds as a heartfelt tribute to her lineage and identity. By the time she reaches the soaring “Amen,” her point is undeniable: she embodies country music, challenging any gatekeepers who might doubt her authenticity. Each track reinforces this bold declaration with style and conviction.
2. Sabrina Carpenter, ‘Short n’ Sweet’
With Espresso and Please Please Please, Sabrina Carpenter delivered two undeniable summer anthems. Now, she solidifies her pop royalty status with Short n’ Sweet, an album that turns heartbreak into witty, irreverent hits. Her signature style blends sharp humor with self-awareness, effortlessly balancing playful jabs at others and herself. Tracks brim with cheeky confidence, as she playfully quips, “I can make a shitshow look a whole lot like forever.” It’s Carpenter at her boldest, transforming personal chaos into unapologetically catchy, brilliant pop.
3. Billie Eilish, ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft
“You don’t wanna know how alone I’ve been,” Billie Eilish confesses on Hit Me Hard and Soft, a transformative third album that marks her coming-of-age and coming-out journey. The record is a whirlwind of emotional highs and lows, shifting seamlessly from themes of isolation and despair to the sultry, electro-goth energy of “Lunch,” where she describes a muse as “a craving, not a crush.” It’s a bold testament to her growth as an artist, hinting at even greater creative horizons ahead.
4. Tyla, ‘Tyla’
The highly anticipated debut album from 22-year-old Johannesburg native Tyla lands at a pivotal moment as South African amapiano surges onto the global stage. While her viral hit “Water” showcases her undeniable appeal, it’s the deeper cuts that truly captivate. Tracks like “Truth or Dare” highlight infectious log drum beats, with soaring vocal choruses that take the genre to new heights. The same can be said for “No. 1,” her electrifying collaboration with Afrobeat star Tems. Tyla emerges as a dynamic, global ambassador for amapiano’s vibrant sound.
5. Future and Metro Boomin, ‘We Don’t Trust You’
We Don’t Trust You, the groundbreaking collaboration between Future and Metro Boomin, will be remembered as the spark behind hip-hop’s 2024 vibe shift. In a landscape starved for hits, the duo delivers in abundance, kicking off with “Like That,” featuring a game-changing Kendrick Lamar verse. Future’s signature style shines on tracks like “Fried” and “Type Shit,” with Playboi Carti bringing heat. Metro’s production anchors the album in classic Atlanta sound, rekindling hip-hop’s energy and cementing their legacy as genre trailblazers.
6. Ariana Grande, ‘Eternal Sunshine’
Ariana Grande’s seventh album is a beautifully raw exploration of heartbreak, marking a powerful journey through the stages of grief. With a blend of vulnerability and strength, she navigates the end of a relationship while crafting some of her most honest, genre-defying music yet. From the introspective opening track to moments of resilience and hope, the album shifts seamlessly between influences from Robyn, Diana Ross, and Aaliyah, capturing both the pain and possibility of a new beginning.
7. Doechii, ‘Alligator Bites Never Heal’
With her debut album Alligator Bites Never Heal, Doechii establishes herself as a formidable artist, blending technical skill with remarkable versatility. The album fluidly transitions between boom-bap, electronic, Miami jook, and soulful ballads, showcasing her unique style and sharp lyricism. Drawing comparisons to Kendrick Lamar, A Tribe Called Quest, Missy Elliott, and Nicki Minaj, Doechii’s distinct voice and dynamic beats ultimately make her sound undeniably like herself, solidifying her place in the music world as a creative force.
8. Rema, ‘Heis’
Rema has coined his own style of Afrobeats as “Afro-rave,” setting himself apart from the broader genre. His sound effortlessly blends hip-hop, house, R&B, and dancehall, creating a vibrant and exhilarating atmosphere that stands out in the mainstream. This fresh approach pulses with energy, combining rave-like intensity with the smoothness of his previous hits. The result is an electrifying sound that captures the feeling of a wild, sweat-drenched rave, a bold departure from anything else being made today.
9. Kendrick Lamar, ‘GNX’
In 2024, Kendrick Lamar dominated the rap scene, landing two Number One singles, one with Future & Metro Boomin on “Like That,” and another solo hit, “Not Like Us.” His album GNX showcases his complex duality, blending spirituality with sharp critiques of his critics. In “Reincarnated,” Lamar wrestles with his inner conflict, channeling 2Pac’s voice in a conversation with his God voice, questioning war and peace. Lamar’s introspective lyrical exploration reveals his ongoing journey of self-reflection amidst his rise.
10. Taylor Swift, ‘The Tortured Poets Department’
Taylor Swift, the self-declared “Chairman of the Tortured Poets Department,” takes her songwriting to new heights with Tortured Poets. Combining the intimate vibes of Folklore and Evermore with the synth-pop sheen of Midnights, she crafts deeply personal songs that serve as emotional exorcisms. These tracks abandon fictional characters for raw, real introspection, showcasing Swift’s unmatched ability to pour her heart into every lyric while maintaining her signature, detailed storytelling.
