Best Albums of 2024
In 2024, the pop music scene flourished with exceptional albums that captivated audiences worldwide. Among the standout releases was Charli XCX's "Brat," a banger-heavy electropop sensation that not only topped charts but also sparked the "Brat summer" cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion and social media trends throughout the summer of 2024. Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department" showcased her poetic reflections on tragic romances, earning her the title of Spotify's most-streamed artist globally for the second consecutive year. Beyoncé ventured into country music with "Cowboy Carter," delivering a genre-defying album that resonated with fans and critics alike. Billie Eilish's "Hit Me Hard and Soft" further solidified her unique place in the music industry.
In the rock domain, The Cure made a triumphant return with "Songs of a Lost World," their first album in 16 years and maybe their best since the early 90s. Jack White released a surprise album out of nowhere "No Name", as great as it was a viral marketing stunt; The Smile decided to release not one but TWO albums; b>Fontaines D.C. stepped into the realm of britpop-inspired post-punk on "Romance"; Nick Cave found the light again "Wild God"; Godspeed You! Black Emperor's post-rock opus, "NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD" stood out for its politically charged themes and expansive compositions; and Blood Incantation gave us their third consecutive prog-metal/synthesizer fusion masterpiece.
In hip-hop, Kendrick Lamar's surprise album "GNX" dominated the charts, while the indie scene saw the awesome return of Beth Gibbons and Vampire Weekend. And Adrianne Lenker cemented that she is a singular songwriting talent on her album "Bright Future".
The modern country music scene was enriched by several standout albums that resonated with both critics and fans. Zach Bryan's "The Great American Bar Scene" emerged as a 2024 standout further cementing Bryan's status as a modern country powerhouse. MJ Lenderman's "Manning Fireworks", was an alt-country highlight for music connoisseurs worldwide; Sturgill Simpson, under the alter ego Johnny Blue Skies, entered a new phase in his career, blending country, pop, and rock influences on "Passage du Desir"; and Sierra Ferrell got a major breakthrough with "Trail of flowers" after having been an underground neo-traditionalist country favorite for years.
You'll find these and many other Best of 2024 albums below!
![Cover for The Cure · Songs of a Lost World (LP) [US Black Vinyl edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/216/0602468089216.jpg?the-cure-2024-songs-of-a-lost-world-lp&class=scaled&v=1727597357)
![Cover for The Cure · Songs Of A Lost World (CD/Blu-ray) [Deluxe edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/791/0602475036791.jpg?the-cure-2024-songs-of-a-lost-world-cd-blu-ray&class=scaled&v=1727349349)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · The Tortured Poets Department - The Anthology (LP) [Translucent Marbled Vinyl edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/964/0602475021964.jpg?taylor-swift-2024-the-tortured-poets-department-the-anthology-lp&class=scaled&v=1732890100)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · The Tortured Poets Department (LP) [The Bolter edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/345/0602458933345.jpg?taylor-swift-2024-the-tortured-poets-department-lp&class=scaled&v=1713508129)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · The Tortured Poets Department (LP) [The Manuscript edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/314/0602458933314.jpg?taylor-swift-2024-the-tortured-poets-department-lp&class=scaled&v=1710755330)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · The Tortured Poets Department (LP) [The Albatross edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/338/0602458933338.jpg?taylor-swift-2024-the-tortured-poets-department-lp&class=scaled&v=1713508321)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · The Tortured Poets Department (CD) [The Black Dog edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/367/0602465081367.jpg?taylor-swift-2024-the-tortured-poets-department-cd&class=scaled&v=1713266882)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · The Tortured Poets Department (CD) [The Bolter edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/374/0602465081374.jpg?taylor-swift-2024-the-tortured-poets-department-cd&class=scaled&v=1713887022)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · The Tortured Poets Department (CD) [The Manuscript edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/343/0602465081343.jpg?taylor-swift-2024-the-tortured-poets-department-cd&class=scaled&v=1710764031)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · The Tortured Poets Department (CD) [The Albatross edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/350/0602465081350.jpg?taylor-swift-2024-the-tortured-poets-department-cd&class=scaled&v=1713886812)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · The Tortured Poets Department (LP) [Limited Phantom Clear edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/831/0602458940831.jpg?taylor-swift-2024-the-tortured-poets-department-lp&class=scaled&v=1714032861)
![Cover for Charli XCX · Brat (LP) [Transparent Black Ice Vinyl edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/674/0075678611674.jpg?charli-xcx-2024-brat-lp&class=scaled&v=1712228845)
![Cover for Charli XCX · Brat (LP) [Clear with Gray Marble edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/251/0075678609251.jpg?charli-xcx-2024-brat-lp&class=scaled&v=1718110687)
![Cover for Blood Incantation · Absolute Elsewhere (CD/Blu-ray) [Limited Deluxe edition] [Artbook] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/012/0196588530012.jpg?blood-incantation-2024-absolute-elsewhere-cd-blu-ray&class=scaled&v=1724837994)
![Cover for Blood Incantation · Absolute Elsewhere (LP) [Limited Sun Yellow Vinyl Incl. Poster edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/210/0198028724210.jpg?blood-incantation-2024-absolute-elsewhere-lp&class=scaled&v=1729851075)
![Cover for Kendrick Lamar · GNX (LP) [Limited Indie Dodgers Blue Vinyl edition] (2025)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/603/0602475687603.jpg?kendrick-lamar-2025-gnx-lp&class=scaled&v=1732609420)
![Cover for Beyonce · Cowboy Carter (LP) [Limited White Vinyl edition] ["Snake Face" Back Cover] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/016/0196588996016.jpg?beyonce-2024-cowboy-carter-lp&class=scaled&v=1716794165)
![Cover for Beyonce · Cowboy Carter (CD) [Back Cover #4 edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/528/0196588996528.jpg?beyonce-2024-cowboy-carter-cd&class=scaled&v=1711711411)
![Cover for Beyonce · Cowboy Carter Official Vinyl (LP) [Deluxe edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/210/0196588949210.jpg?beyonce-2024-cowboy-carter-official-vinyl-lp&class=scaled&v=1717147739)
![Cover for Beyonce · Cowboy Carter (LP) [Limited Blue Vinyl edition] ["Cowboy" Back Cover] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/214/0196588996214.jpg?beyonce-2024-cowboy-carter-lp&class=scaled&v=1716794218)
![Cover for Beyonce · Cowboy Carter (LP) [Limited Red Vinyl edition] ["Blonde" Back Cover] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/115/0196588996115.jpg?beyonce-2024-cowboy-carter-lp&class=scaled&v=1716794121)
![Cover for Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds · Wild God (LP) [Black Vinyl edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/906/5400863157906.jpg?nick-cave-the-bad-seeds-2024-wild-god-lp&class=scaled&v=1709744966)
![Cover for Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds · Wild God (LP) [Limited Clear Vinyl + Art Print edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/597/5400863162597.jpg?nick-cave-the-bad-seeds-2024-wild-god-lp&class=scaled&v=1710164004)
![Cover for Billie Eilish · Hit Me Hard and Soft (LP) [Yellow Vinyl edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/613/0602465364613.jpg?billie-eilish-2024-hit-me-hard-and-soft-lp&class=scaled&v=1716315292)
![Cover for Billie Eilish · Hit Me Hard And Soft (LP) [Recycled Black Vinyl edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/651/0602465223651.jpg?billie-eilish-2024-hit-me-hard-and-soft-lp&class=scaled&v=1712642912)
![Cover for The Smile · Cutouts (LP) [Limited White Vinyl edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/503/0191404144503.jpg?the-smile-2024-cutouts-lp&class=scaled&v=1724853979)
![Cover for The Smile · Wall of Eyes (LP) [Limited Sky Blue Vinyl edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/400/0191404139400.jpg?the-smile-2024-wall-of-eyes-lp&class=scaled&v=1699945914)
![Cover for Beth Gibbons · Lives Outgrown (LP) [Deluxe edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/733/0887828028733.jpg?beth-gibbons-2024-lives-outgrown-lp&class=scaled&v=1707378003)
![Cover for Beth Gibbons · Lives Outgrown (LP) [Deluxe Incl. Art Print edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/771/0887828028771.jpg?beth-gibbons-2024-lives-outgrown-lp&class=scaled&v=1707384053)
![Cover for Beth Gibbons · Lives Outgrown (CD) [Deluxe edition] [Casebound Book] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/702/0887828028702.jpg?beth-gibbons-2024-lives-outgrown-cd&class=scaled&v=1707378072)
![Cover for Vampire Weekend · Only God Was Above Us (LP) [Limited Alternative Cover edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/319/0196588808319.jpg?vampire-weekend-2024-only-god-was-above-us-lp&class=scaled&v=1707475950)
![Cover for Johnny Blue Skies · Passage Du Desir (LP) [Limited Metallic Gold Vinyl edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/235/0732388201235.jpg?johnny-blue-skies-2024-passage-du-desir-lp&class=scaled&v=1718012214)
![Cover for Thomas Helmig · Sortedam (CD) [Digipak] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/020/0198028082020.jpg?thomas-helmig-2024-sortedam-cd&class=scaled&v=1730363631)
![Cover for D-A-D · Speed of Darkness (LP) [iMusic Exclusive Sky Blue Vinyl Deluxe edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/659/5021732398659.jpg?d-a-d-2024-speed-of-darkness-lp&class=scaled&v=1717747853)
![Cover for D-A-D · Speed of Darkness (LP) [Limited White Vinyl edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/666/5021732398666.jpg?d-a-d-2024-speed-of-darkness-lp&class=scaled&v=1717754774)
![Cover for Ida Laurberg · Bænkevarmer (LP) [Rød vinyl edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/240/0602465641240.jpg?ida-laurberg-2024-baenkevarmer-lp&class=scaled&v=1714656116)
![Cover for Sabrina Carpenter · Short N' Sweet (LP) [Light Sky Blue edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/199/0602465835199.jpg?sabrina-carpenter-2024-short-n-sweet-lp&class=scaled&v=1717752184)
![Cover for Jamie Xx · In Waves (LP/12") [Limited Deluxe Black & White Vinyl edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/639/0889030035639.jpg?jamie-xx-2024-in-waves-lp-12-&class=scaled&v=1718172642)
![Cover for Jamie Xx · In Waves (LP) [Limited White Vinyl edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/608/0889030035608.jpg?jamie-xx-2024-in-waves-lp&class=scaled&v=1718172582)
![Cover for Ariana Grande · Eternal Sunshine (LP) [Translucent Ruby Red Coloured edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/337/0602465026337.jpg?ariana-grande-2024-eternal-sunshine-lp&class=scaled&v=1718090008)
![Cover for Ariana Grande · Eternal Sunshine (LP) [Red Vinyl edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/276/0602465026276.jpg?ariana-grande-2024-eternal-sunshine-lp&class=scaled&v=1705572332)
![Cover for The Last Dinner Party · Prelude To Ecstasy (with Bonus CD) (LP/CD) [Cream Coloured edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/068/0602458519068.jpg?the-last-dinner-party-2024-prelude-to-ecstasy-with-bonus-cd-lp-cd&class=scaled&v=1719488991)
![Cover for Chat Pile · Cool World (LP) [Limited Yellow Vinyl Indie edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/937/0657628445937.jpg?chat-pile-2024-cool-world-lp&class=scaled&v=1725606503)
