2024 proved to be a groundbreaking year for music, with artists across genres pushing boundaries, embracing experimentation, and delivering some of the most memorable work of their careers. From Charli XCX’s rebellious pop-punk fusion to The Smile’s hauntingly intricate soundscapes, this year’s standout albums captured the full spectrum of human emotion and sonic innovation.
This list celebrates the records that not only defined the year but also challenged our expectations, inspired conversations, and soundtracked our lives. Whether it was IDLES’ raw intensity, Cindy Lee’s avant-garde beauty, or Kaytranada’s genre-bending mastery, each album here reflects the boldness and creativity that made 2024 a truly unforgettable year for music.
Dive into our picks for the best albums of 2024 below and rediscover the sounds that shaped the year.
Charli XCX – ‘brat’
Charli XCX’s brat cemented her status as a pop innovator, blending hyperpop elements with punk influences to create a rebellious, emotionally raw masterpiece. The album’s sharp lyrics and fearless production broke genre boundaries, showcasing Charli’s knack for staying ahead of the curve.
The Smile – ‘Wall of Eyes’
The Smile’s Wall of Eyes is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of tension and release, with Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood delivering intricate soundscapes and poetic lyricism. This album solidified their side project as more than just a Radiohead spin-off—it’s a vital, standalone artistic statement.
Mannequin Pussy – ‘I Got Heaven’
Mannequin Pussy’s I Got Heaven is a fiery, cathartic punk record that balances raw intensity with moments of melodic vulnerability. The band’s fearless approach to themes of rage, love, and loss made this album a standout in 2024’s music landscape.
IDLES – ‘Tangk’
With Tangk, IDLES pushed their sound into uncharted territory, blending experimental noise rock with their signature raw intensity. Tackling themes of societal decay and personal redemption, the album’s brutal honesty and sonic creativity earned widespread acclaim.
Cindy Lee – ‘Diamond Jubilee’
Cindy Lee’s Diamond Jubilee is an avant-garde gem, blending lo-fi aesthetics with eerie beauty. The album’s ghostly melodies and haunting vocals captured the fragility and darkness of the human experience, making it a standout for fans of experimental music. This album was not released to any streaming platforms but check it out on YouTube below:
Being Dead – ‘Eels’
Being Dead’s Eels is a quirky, genre-defying collection that fuses indie rock, folk, and experimental pop into a playful yet deeply introspective journey. Its unorthodox charm and inventive storytelling secured its place as one of the year’s most unique albums.
Lutalo – ‘The Academy’
Lutalo’s The Academy is a soulful, genre-blurring debut that blends R&B, folk, and indie rock. Its intimate lyrics and lush instrumentation explore themes of self-discovery and resilience, making it an unforgettable addition to 2024’s best albums.
Dummy – ‘Free Energy’
Dummy’s Free Energy is a shoegaze marvel, drenched in dreamy textures and hypnotic rhythms. The album’s immersive soundscapes and thoughtful lyrics made it a critical favorite and a testament to the enduring power of shoegaze.
Jack White – ‘No Name’
Jack White’s No Name is a return to his roots, capturing the raw energy of his early days while embracing experimental flourishes. Recorded live, the album’s unfiltered sound and innovative songwriting reaffirmed White as a creative force.
Clairo – ‘Charm’
Clairo’s Charm is an intimate, heartfelt exploration of love, identity, and vulnerability. With lush production and emotionally resonant lyrics, the album showcases Clairo’s growth as an artist and solidifies her place in indie-pop royalty.
Kaytranada – ‘Timeless’
Kaytranada’s Timeless lives up to its name, offering a masterclass in genre fusion with infectious beats, soulful collaborations, and unparalleled production. It’s a dance album with emotional depth, highlighting Kaytranada’s unmatched ability to innovate.
Of Montreal – ‘Lady on the Cusp’
Of Montreal’s Lady on the Cusp is a psychedelic journey through themes of transformation and surrealism. With its bold production and Kevin Barnes’ signature eclecticism, the album is a dazzling addition to their discography and one of the year’s most imaginative works.