By: Jordan Sarver-Bontrager
Media Writer
2024 was a fantastic year for music. The music released in the past year has been culture-defining and poignant. I’ve narrowed my list down to the 10 very best albums released this year, measured by their lyricism, musicianship, sound and impact in their genre.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor: “No Title As of 13 February 2024 28,340 Dead”
Album Cover // Constellation
In their latest album, instrumental rock group Godspeed You! Black Emperor paints a dark, eerie image of the tragedy and devastation in the Gaza Strip in Occupied Palestine. The soundscapes on the album mimic the sounds heard every single day in the Gaza Strip. I think this album is one of the most important albums ever released, as it focuses on one of the darkest chapters in world history.
Charli XCX: “brat”
Album Cover // Atlantic
This is the album that defined the culture in 2024. It was everywhere: you couldn’t scroll social media without seeing a lime green square. Big-name brands and even Kamala Harris HQ took advantage of the “brat”-sthetic. It became an adjective to describe the summer we should aspire to have. This album spawned some of the catchiest and most iconic pop tunes of the decade so far and is a benchmark for pop music.
Kendrick Lamar: “GNX”
Album Cover // PGLang, Interscope
Nobody had a better year musically than Kendrick Lamar. The beef with a certain Canadian rapper that ended with a massive cultural victory for Kendrick kicked off his 2024 run. In November he released “GNX”, a brief (for Kendrick) but memorable album with some of his most melodic songs and a few more experimental, casual tracks. This album feels like a victory lap for Kendrick in a lot of ways and has secured a comfortable spot in his iconic discography.
Adrianne Lenker: “Bright Future”
Album Cover // 4AD
Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief is one of the best songwriters in the folk scene today. This album is bittersweet, wispy and an overall joy to listen to. Lenker’s unique, haunting voice atop her guitar is always a beautiful mix, and I love every project she does. “Bright Future” is some of her best work yet, Big Thief records included.
Mount Eerie: “Night Palace”
Album Cover // P.W. Elvrum & Sun
Phil Elvrum’s Mount Eerie project has produced some of the best albums of the 2000s and 2010s. This album is a quintessential indie rock record. A lot of the instrumentals sound like a Jack White deep cut. This project also implements elements of other genres like pop, folk and even drone. It’s one of the most creative albums of the year.
Tyler, the Creator: “CHROMAKOPIA”
Album Cover // Columbia
This album is reflective, the beats are catchy and the lyricism is excellent. This album is one of Tyler, the Creator’s best, most creative albums.
Magdalena Bay: “Imaginal Disk”
Album Cover // Mom + Pop
This hyperpop album had some of the most creative and interesting soundscapes of the year. It’s a dreamlike listen.
Jack White: “No Name”
Album Cover // Third Man
Jack White’s consistent quality output continues on this record, one of the best rock albums of 2024. This album is filled with White’s signature blown-out guitars and pitchy vocals.
Billie Eilish: “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT”
Album Cover // Darkroom, Interscope
This album is my favorite so far from Billie, a gorgeous project with sweet sounds up and down the record and some of the most widely loved pop songs of 2024. Released in May, it provided a softer, more melodious alternative to a “brat” summer.
Zach Bryan: “The Great American Bar Scene”
Album Cover // Belting Bronco, Warner
This record is one of the best country/folk albums of the year with Zach Bryan’s defining sad and reflective lyrics that fit perfectly into his melancholy voice. Certainly one of the prettiest-sounding albums of 2024.