Review: The albums that defined 2024

2024 was a year of genre-bending experimental albums within the music industry. 

With my credentials — over 100,000 minutes listened on Spotify in 2023 — here are my picks for the albums that defined 2024. 

The Cultural Movement: 'Brat'

Charli XCX has been experimenting with her idiosyncratic style since her 2013 Billboard's Top 100 debut for her feature in Icona Pop's “I Love It.” After a decade of ups and downs for Essex’s pop icon, Charli managed to reemerge in the mainstream as one of 2024's most influential artists. 

After the release of Charli’s 2022 EP “Crash” failed in the mainstream (an album that followed the blueprint of a typical pop album), she decided to no longer wrestle her qualms; if she was destined for pop stardom her authenticity would bring her there. 

Charli XCX begins “Brat” with her song "360" and the lyrics “I went my own way and I made it,” and she did just that. “Brat” is not just a collection of hyper-pop tracks — it's a cultural movement that not only redefined Charli XCX’s artistry, but changed everyday life, notably making its mark on Kamala Harris' political campaign in the 2024 election. 

“Brat” is a deeply autobiographical record that explores Charli XCX's unapologetic vulnerability marked with tinges of both narcissistic pride and gendered insecurity. She explores her inner-turmoil grappling with fame, youth culture and success, making it a relatable album that many have embraced with open arms.

"Brat" provided the "Club classic" anthems for those willing to embrace the unhinged. After all, what would 2024 have been without “Brat summer”?

My Personal Favorite: 'Hit Me Hard and Soft'

Billie Eilish’s third album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” shows her fully coming into her own as she explores her relationship with sexuality and individualism. The album serves as Eilish’s most experimental, personal and expressive body of work that reintroduces an artist of unexpected versatility. 

As someone who was never an Eilish stan, this album has completely captivated me (I know, I’m late!). On this record, Eilish steps out of her comfort zone with her smash hit “Birds of a Feather,” which showcases powerhouse vocals that the general public usually do not associate with Eilish. Between the haunting acoustics of “Wildflower” and the lo-fi electronic dubstep of “Chihiro,” this album truly has something for every listener. 

The album explores a wide-range of emotion, flowing seamlessly from heart-wrenching "SKINNY" to fun and sexy "LUNCH." The production of this album is beyond tasteful — the blend of Eilish's incredible vocals with her brother Finneas’ genius production is uniquely brilliant and places the duo in a category of artistry that they have made completely theirs.

Beyond the album itself is Eilish's self-portrait she has put out for the world: a master of contemporary pop and a woman unafraid to express her sexuality, making “Hit Me Hard and Soft” this year’s must-listen. 

The People’s Choice: 'Short n’ Sweet'

If 2024 was a year of anything, it was certainly the year of the pop princess. From Taylor Swift to Olivia Rodrigo and Gracie Abrams, the fandoms have spoken and they want more glitter-gel-pen-pop. Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet” epitomizes the pop-princess genre, delivering tracks that are fearlessly fun and feminine. 

Each song has a unique genre, yet the album flows naturally. “Slim Pickins” has a western Dolly Parton influence while “Bed Chem” has a clear R&B finish. Sabrina’s lyrics are funny and clever as she reports on the unfortunate circumstances of modern dating. 

Beyond the album itself, Sabrina’s effortless star power delivers the album flawlessly on stage during the “Short n' Sweet tour,” and her colorful outfits and fun choreography bring the album to life. 

Honorable Mentions

While these albums certainly defined 2024, there are a number of “honorable mentions” that would be a shame to leave out. 

Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” is impressive and hard-hitting, packed with charisma and memorable tracks. The Last Dinner Party’s debut album “Prelude to Ecstasy” is an ode to 80's new wave, and is cinematic, emotive and rich with layered musical textures. 

Ariana Grande’s newest album “Eternal Sunshine” is beautifully vulnerable and underscores Grande’s capabilities as a refined artist. Beabadoobee and Clairo delivered indie goldmines with their respective albums “This Is How Tomorrow Moves” and “Charm.” The María’s second EP “Submarine” delivers an immersive listening experience that is all at once emotional and mysterious, raising the bar for exploratory soundscapes in the music world. 

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