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As a goodbye to all the good music that came out in 2024, each member of our station had the opportunity to name their Top 10 picks, which were then added up all together to create a compiled list. Here are UIC Radio's Top Albums of 2024!
#25. Absolute Elsewhere - Blood Incantation
I added Absolute Elsewhere to my list because I believe it gives an endless lifespan to heavy music. Oftentimes, heavier, louder music gets obscured or forced into niche positions because it's generally less accessible due to the faster tempos, louder tones, and aggressive moods. Absolute Elsewhere both expounds on those examples and subverts them by incorporating the pleasant and complex moods of 80s progressive rock into their death metal sound, using elements of the past to usher in the future. Blending metal with other genres is nothing new, but to do it so deftly and uniquely is a main reason I had Absolute Elsewhere on my list. Blood Incantation proves that heavy music doesn't need to live in the shadows and can progress and grow just as anything else can (and oftentimes, more than the average genre).
- Wilder Mouton, Cropped Out
#24. The New Sound - Gordie Greep
The New Sound by Gordie Greep is so phenomenally alive and very refreshing to hear. I think plenty of Black Midi fans also have an appreciation for his solo work, and it was great that he released something so bright. The songs on the album are Jazz-heavy and use a lot of instrument work. The song "The New Sound," which the album was named after, is a lyric-less upbeat melody. It boasts a great background for taking the train or anything that reminds you of the endless lives of the people around you. - Dani Greg, Elephant's Graveyard, and Iva Peric, do you hear that?
#23. From Zero - Linkin Park
I picked From Zero as my favorite album this year because Linkin Park has not had an album since 2017, and I have been a fan of their music for many years. I wasn't sure if they would ever return, but now that they have, I couldn't be happier about it. This album has ten songs that are great, and many of them are from multiple different genres of music, which is why Linkin Park is my favorite band to this day, as they always find a way to make them good no matter what genre they are tapping into. Overall, the album captures a lot of what made Linkin Park a great band in the beginning, and this makes me really excited for the future of their music. - Jimmy Matonis, Jimmy's Jams
#22. Cowboy Carter - Beyonce
I really loved Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album because it highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of Black country artists. It started important conversations about how we define music and who gets to be seen within different genres. By blending country with her unique style, Beyoncé challenged the idea that certain types of music belong to one group or another. It made people question why some genres are so segregated and helped showcase the diversity that's been there all along. The album was a powerful reminder that music should be about expression, not labels. - Tion Houston, OH Toodles
#21. This Is How Tomorrow Moves - beebadoobie
This Is How Tomorrow Moves, released at the end of 2024's music-packed summer, is Filipino-British artist beabadoobee's third studio album. Before the album had even been released, beabadoobee took advantage of the increasingly popular strategy of sharing clips of her unreleased songs (namely "Take A Bite") to TikTok and other platforms, garnering millions of views and ramping up hype for the album's debut. The album serves as a proper summation of bea's core styles: rock ("Beaches"), pop ("Take A Bite"), and ballad ("Girl Song"). This album boasts songs to match any mood, giving listeners the option to sit back and enjoy the sound or take a magnifying glass to observe the intricacies of the lyrics. The album's finale, "This Is How It Went," perfectly cements the album's themes of growth and acceptance, reflecting on bea's experiences with love and referencing multiple previously released songs ("Talk" and "the way things go"). There is nothing more human than our capacity for growth and the acceptance of others'--and our own--flaws, making This Is How Tomorrow Moves one of the most irrefutably riveting and fulfilling albums of 2024. - Ollie Reynolds, Hysteria Stereo
#20. Here in the Pitch - Jessica Pratt
Jessica Pratt’s soft, ethereal folk has always carried with it a dreamlike, interstitial type of feeling. Like being in an elevator, but not knowing what building you’re in. But, from the opening drums of “Life Is,” it’s clear that Jessica Pratt was going for something a little different with Here in the Pitch. It is more grandiose and musically varied than her previous work– at the same time though, it feels as though it were transmitted from an even deeper place in the artist’s mind. For all her nostalgic, sixties-folk aesthetics, Ms. Pratt has made something incredibly personal, incredibly intimate. If you’ve ever forgotten a dream upon waking and wanted desperately to recall what it was all about, maybe Here in the Pitch will jog your memory. - Nathan Weakley, Dream Journal
#19. Where we’ve been, where we go from here - Friko
Evanston-native alternative rock band Friko came out swinging with an unbelievable debut album that is as beautiful and mature as it is raw and explosive. There isn’t a moment on the album that doesn’t feel like an important turn on the emotional ride the music takes you through. This can be because of the tone of the instrumentals, as well as the vocals and lyrics. Niko Kapetan’s vocals are always great, not just because they sound good, but because he has an ability to express such emotion with every line he sings. Every song sounds cinematic on its own, like a soundtrack to its own movie, while the album as a whole takes you on its own cinematic journey from start to finish with perfectly placed ups and downs throughout. The album balances quiet, somber, intense, and chaotic moments so naturally at the right times, not only between songs, but within them as well. It is so unique to hear roaring and screeching guitars, like on "Crashing Through," fit so perfectly on an album with such melodic moments such as "For Ella" with its piano and swelling string section. The melodies on this album are so infectious as if they already existed in everyone’s mind, they can make any songwriter think “I wish I thought of that.” I think that almost no other drummer would have been able to make the impact on this album like Bailey Minzenberger did. The drum parts are always unique and nuanced, staying interesting throughout the album as if you were hearing live instrumentation. But Bailey has the rare talent of being able to do this while always perfectly fitting the song, never clashing with the rest of the sounds, and always being more reserved when the song calls for it. Friko’s chemistry through this album is clear and undeniable. They really already know what they’re doing, and it is hard not to love it. - Gavin Bohan, Primordial Radio
#18. Orquideas - Kali Uchis
Kali gave us a complete-sounding album with very few skips throughout; it felt new, but still hit a nostalgic sound, which fans old and new can both admire. The album starts off with three hits off the bat that make you want to dance. I love Kali Uchis' music because of her use of Spanglish- the switching between the two languages is almost always seamless. Kali Uchis’ sound is very versatile, and this album highlights this more giving us a more upbeat mix. With features from other Latin artists, it really opens up for more exploration into reggaeton, merengue, salsa, and other Latin genres. My favorites include: ¿Cómo Así?, Dame Beso// Muévete, Te Mata, Muñekita (with El Alfa & JT) and Me Pongo Loca. - Crysalis Ruiz, musica muñeca
#17. Two Star and the Dream Police - Mk.gee
It’s hard to give a name or label to what Mk.gee’s sound really is. Is it 80’s Pop, 70’s R&B, Bedroom Music, Ambient Rock, or Leftfield Psychedlia? Two Star & The Dream Police doesn’t fit neatly into a singular mold. He manages to take elements and pieces from a range of different genres and musicians to create a deeply original and eclectic sound that’s truly unique to him. Front to back, every song is crafted with an unparalleled level of detail and intention. From the distorted and reverbed guitar riffs, vintage synths, and unique mixing choices, Mk.gee has managed to curate an atmosphere that's incredibly raw, yet intricate and ethereal in every way. His songwriting and moody vocal inflections match perfectly with these tracks, adding to the feel and ambiance of the record. The results are some of the most unapologetic and infectious songs I've ever heard. It’s an album that has been with me through tough school days, late-night drives, and long walks, and it’s shaped my year greatly. Mk.gee is an artist whose philosophy for music remains very pure, and someone who’s not afraid to experiment and put himself out there. Having been compared to the likes of Prince by Eric Clapton and being an acclaimed artist’s favorite artist, he’s proved himself as a music prodigy and a figure I wholeheartedly believe will inspire the sound of musicians for decades to come. In his 2024 Dazed Interview, he says this: “I’m not really scared to try stuff. Everything I’ve ever done is already out there, and I didn’t know how to do anything when I started. Because of that, I have no fear going forward. All my cards are out on the table.” - Smaran Kapa, Eternity's Gate
#16. Alligator Bites Never Heal - Doechii
A sold-out tour and three Grammy nominations isn’t enough to communicate the perfection of Doechii’s third album. Alligator Bites Never Heal is masterfully crafted from the music to the aesthetic, pointing out and answering common critiques of what rap should sound like from women artists while maintaining her unique sound and storytelling. When "NISSAN ALTIMA" was released as a single, I was hooked - I stayed for everything else when "ABNH" dropped in August. This album is getting Doechii her long-awaited flowers, and I personally could not be happier and more excited to see what she does next (LIKE HER "DENIAL IS A RIVER" SHOW PREMIERING JAN. 2 2025 :D) - Sam Snyder, Check-In Desk
#15. Bright Future - Adrienne Lenker
Bright Future by Adrienne Lenker was one of my most anticipated albums of this past year. Lenker’s simplistic and beautiful songwriting shines through tracks such as “Fool” and “Already Lost,” which are my personal favorites. There’s a sense of hopeful melancholy that she is able to express so perfectly. This album soundtracked my spring season, with her acoustic guitar-driven, folk instrumentals perfectly complimenting the budding leaves and return of the sunshine. For these reasons, this album certainly deserves a spot on this list of top albums of the year. - Sean Juarez, Fruit Basket Radio
#15. Cosa Nuestra - Raúw Alejandro
Cosa Nuestra brings a mix of artists, genres, and talents to a long-awaited album. With its unique intro song titled “Cosa Nuestra” that features percussion and brass instruments it gives you a small glimpse of what to expect from the album. With features from icons such as Bad Bunny, Pharrell Williams, Feid, Romeo Santos, and more, this album has something for everyone. He covers Laura Pausini's hit song “Se Fue,” but manages to put his own spin on it. One of my favorite tracks is “Mil Mujeres,” which has a sort of techno vibe to it. Personally the album shows how diverse Rauw Alejandro can be and how talented he is. - Diana Morales, On the Grid
#14. GNX - Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar had one of the most exciting years any rapper has had in a while in 2024, and he ended it with a bang on his surprise 6th album. On this record, Kendrick shows more sides of himself than ever. He can be confident yet playful ("squabble up," "hey now"), fiery and determined ("reincarnated," "tv off"), or calm and introspective ("heart pt. 6," "gloria") and excel no matter what. With lyricism and songwriting as sharp as ever, he reminds us why he’s as respected as he is yet again. All this while also being a love letter to his home region, with many West Coast sounds being represented and giving air time to some under-the-radar California artists like Dody6 or Wallie the Sensei. Kendrick is not only making mainstream hip-hop exciting again, but he’s striving to bring the West Coast to the forefront again in a big way - John Baronello, Midwestern Minutes
#13. Hardstone Psycho - Don Toliver
The first time I heard "KRYPTONITE" was in a humid courthouse basement in the middle of June. It wasn't the most fitting setting, but I went upstairs where I had service, downloaded the album, and listened to the whole album top to bottom multiple times during my summer 9-5. It's very easy to start with a few favorite songs and later realize they're all good and not be able to narrow it down. Hardstone Psycho was one of the albums of the summer with its mix of rock beats and more mellow songs like "DEEP IN THE WATER." Definitely give it a listen if you haven't; even one song will stick with you even if none of the others do. - Sam Snyder, Check-In Desk
It took 5 years for Schoolboy Q to release Blue Lips, his follow-up album to 2019's CrasH Talk, and upon first listen, it's clear those years were not spent wasted. The album constantly swings from pole to pole- from luscious, contemplative, and melancholic jazz-rap to some of the most sinister, hard-hitting bangers of 2024 seamlessly, often within the same song. Besides exquisite moments like Az Chike's perfect West Coast feature on "Movie," Rico Nasty's ever-abrasive refrain on "Pop," and Q's abundance of unique and punchy flows across the project, the real star of the album lies in its production. With standout production by the likes of TaeBeast, The Alchemist, CardoGotWings, and Childish Major, Blue Lips' production features incredibly dense soundscapes that can't help but immerse you in Q's often eerie inner workings. The album feels like a fine wine, with every visit leaving you with whiffs of tasteful, intricate details you've previously failed to notice. Truly a stand-out album for anyone interested in introspective hip-hop, straight rap bangers, or masterful production work from some of the industry's best. - Aaron Langhill, NEET Radio
#12 Bando Stone and the New World - Childish Gambino
Bando Stone and the New World Order by Childish Gambino marked the artist’s supposedly last album under the moniker of Childish Gambino. This project is one of Gambino’s more experimental records, mixing and blending pop, hip-hop, R&B, and more. Being able to do all that and still create a cohesive work that not only tells a story, but does so while also being genuinely fun to listen to is no easy feat, yet he has done just that. Songs like “Lithonia” and “Talk My Sh** (featuring Amaarae and Flo Milli)" are must-listens and are amazing in their respective ways. If you’re looking for something to refresh your listening habits, this project is one you shouldn’t miss.
- Jack Loftus, Press Play
#12. I Lay Down My Life For You - JPEGMAFIA
JPEGmafia continues to shake up the rap game with his 2024 release “I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU”. His signature style is clear, masterfully mixing hip-hop, rock, and electronic elements, expanding on his unique sound. The intro track, “I scream this in the mirror before I interact with anyone” perfectly introduces this sound and themes present in the album, with witty commentary on politics and pop culture. Two of my favorite tracks are “New Black History” and “JPEGULTRA!”, including features from Vince Staples and Denzel Curry respectively. This album feels much more accessible than his previous works, creating an excellent listening experience for new and old fans alike. - Sean Juarez, Fruit Basket Radio
#11. Imaginal Disk - Magdalena Bay
Toward the end of 2021, Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Levin, together as synthpop duo Magdalena Bay, released their debut album Mercurial World. Sparkling and hypnotic, with a techno-vintage flair, the album was an excellent display of the group’s ability to blend styles new and old. It was almost like they had gotten dance music down to a science. Mag Bay’s latest release, Imaginal Disk is, in my view, the fullest realization of their eclectic musical style, giving the listener whiplash as it bounces between moments of intimacy and grandiosity. Their adeptness at combining so many disparate ideas coincides with widespread fragmented attention borne from an era of algorithmically spoon-fed entertainment. Despite having a runtime of almost an hour, Imaginal Disk remains a breezy listen throughout, speaking to just how well-constructed the album is. - Lucas Del Rosario, Forget I Ever Said Anything
#11. Songs of a Lost World - The Cure
You go into Songs of a Lost World with tempered expectations, much like when the internet praises a new Weezer or Judas Priest record. “It’s cool that they’re still around and releasing decent music” you say, with the same polite condescension you feel when your grandpa tries to help you move furniture. It seems The Cure were totally cognizant of that characterization, and it was the one notion they made sure erase. Songs of a Lost World has all the standard marks of what makes The Cure so special; a delicate and haunting atmosphere, beautiful arrangements and Robert Smith’s signature ghostly wail-song. But beyond all that, they still have it, that special secret ingredient that makes a record feel fresh and necessary. Songs of a Lost World is replete with stunning balladry throughout, but the highlight is without a doubt the 10 minute epic closer "Endsong," building up to an epic crescendo and enshrining the album as easily one of the most excellent releases of 2024. - Faisal Hussain, Deep State Radio
#10. Tortured Poet's Department - Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, can only be described as a melancholic masterpiece. With the 2 AM release of The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology, the album has 31 tracks and has a total runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. The album opens with “Fortnight (feat. Post Malone),” the lead single. The track itself is reminiscent and paints a vague picture of what could’ve been, referring to her past relationships. The lyrics, “I love you, it’s ruining my life,” are repeated throughout the song and highlight the album’s overall feel, as most of the songs discuss the downfall of Swift’s last relationship and how her once great love turned into something that was slowly killing her. This album was released on April 19, 2024, at an extremely pivotal time in Swift’s life, following the end of a six-year relationship. Every track five in Swift’s discography is known for being the most personal and most vulnerable track, but “So Long, London,” the infamous track five of this album, is arguably the most gutwrenching songs she has ever written. “So Long, London” describes the crumbling of Swift’s relationship and highlights emotional infidelity, mental health, and lack of commitment as some reasons why the relationship ended. In the third verse, she says, “You swore that you loved me, but where were the clues? I died at the altar waiting for the proof.” The theme of marriage, or lack thereof, is prevalent throughout this entire album, and this song is no different. Some of my favorite tracks include “I Hate It Here” and “How Did It End?” Both songs perfectly encapsulate her emotions and provide a better understanding of what she means when she describes being “tortured.” While most of the songs on the album are emotional ballads, Swift also includes some upbeat love songs, likely representing the healing she has done since she stepped into a new, healthy relationship. Personally, I believe this album features some of the best production, as well as some of the most powerful lyrics she has ever written. If you are searching for powerful ballads that convey a number of different complex emotions, this may be the perfect album for you. - Mari Crews, Check-In Desk
#9. Saviors - Green Day
Green Day makes a ecstatic return to delinquent anthems, social commentary and politics with polished pop punk, sentimental ballads, and killer riffs on their album Saviors, released January 19th. When Saviors was released, I listened to the full album every day for a week and a half to fully grasp every facet of it. On Saviors, Green Day gives in to fun delinquent anthems like "1981" and "Look Ma, No Brains," the latter which felt much more relatable when I watched Green Day perform it closer than my ticket indicated. Pandemic boredom echoes on "Bobby Sox" and "Coma City," which for an album focusing on modern commentary for the '20s, references to the '80s, the '70s "Suzie Chapstick" commercials, and the pandemic feel out of place. There's so much to say about the present, I could do without Green Day immortalizing the pandemic in lyrics, despite it being in the recent past. Saviors leaves room for other subjects, including Armstrong's heartfelt tribute to his sons in "Father to a Son," the Godfather-type rager "One Eyed Bastard," and my favorite track "Dilemma" about falling in love and trouble and alcohol. The quieter tracks, "Suzie Chapstick" and "Fancy Sauce" prove Green Day can still bring their audience to tears. Green Day expertly highlights the negative aspects of the modern era with "The American Dream is Killing Me," "Strange Days Are Here to Stay," "Suzie Chapstick," and "Living in the 20s," including themes of addiction, social isolation, stupid politics, and mass violence, but with violent recent events of 2024 including assassination attempts (some successful), wars, and other things, I wonder: if Green Day had another six months to release Saviors, would they change any of the lyrics? While at times Billie Joe Armstrong hits you over the head about current American issues with lyrics like, "Grandma's on the fentanyl," and "Gen Z killing baby boomers," he declares one thing unlikely to change about the times we live in, "Strange days are here to stay." - Scary Fingers, Punktones
#9. We Don't Trust You - Metro Boomin and Future
Out of all the hip-hop collaborations I have heard of, this album is unique to its own. The iconic duo continues to impress with Metro’s production, setting the perfect vibe for Future’s flow. Their chemistry has always been on point since their first collaborations, and this album, We Don't Trust You, proves it once again. The producer tag "if Young Metro don’t trust you, I’m gon’ shoot you" by Future is a perfect example of how their connection has become iconic in hip-hop. With songs like "Ice Attack," "Type Sh*t," "Cinderella," and "Like That," this is a huge win for the community. If you haven’t listened yet, this album is definitely one to add to your playlist. - Brenda Leyva, The Scorpio Experience
#8. Manning Fireworks - MJ Letterman
Manning Fireworks by MJ Lenderman was a surprising winner for 2024 albums of the year. This alternative country/ rock album found a way to encapsulate the holiday Fourth of July into an incredible passionate expression of the feelings of grief following the end of a relationship. While I would argue the entire album is perfect, "Bark at the Moon" stood out the most as particularly powerful with its 3 minutes of a catchy melody followed by 6 minutes of experimental noise, it is unlike any other song I’ve heard before. I also cannot give enough praise to "She’s Leaving You," which is one I simply can’t get enough of even after listening to it for months. This album plays on nostalgic sounds found in early 2000’s rock, with an ever present MJ Lederman spin. I could tell you more wonderful things about this album but, you should listen and find out for yourself. - Tess Wyniemko, twofaced radio
#7. Submarine - The Marias
The Marías' long awaited second studio album took the internet by storm this year with viral songs "No One Noticed" and "Run Your Mouth." Similar to their first album, Submarine is cohesive and the perfect blend of indie and jazz. Each track encompasses the dreamy, underwater vibes of the album’s cover. My favorite tracks on the album are "Sienna" and "Lejos de Ti" because of how personal and intentional they feel. "Sienna" captures the solemn feelings of mourning what could have been after heartbreak, while "Lejos de Ti" represents dependency and isolation in a relationship. As a whole, Submarine emphasizes the highs and lows of self-acceptance through love and heartbreak. I’m excited to see what new sounds their future albums bring to their discography.
- Hiba Awais, late night thoughts
#6. TIMELESS - Kaytranada
TIMELESS lives up to its name. Reflecting a spectrum of influences from '70s funk, '80s Chicago House, '90s Drum and Bass, 2000s Daft Punk, 2010s R&B, and much more, it sounds equally reminiscent and groundbreaking. Tracks like "Dance, Dance, Dance" sound straight from a post-Homework club floor, while "Do 2 Me" blends a funk shuffle with contemporary R&B (as Anderson Paak does best). Serving almost as a contemporary spiritual successor to Donna Summer's 1977 record I Remember Yesterday, Kaytranada seamlessly blends the sounds of the past and future to create a love letter to music itself. - Matt Sauer, Rap Attack
#5. Eternal Sunshine - Ariana Grande
After a three-year hiatus from making albums, Ariana Grande released Eternal Sunshine. I added Eternal Sunshine by Ariana Grande to my list because of its unique blend of dreamy production and emotional depth. The track creates an ethereal atmosphere that draws you in from the first song, capturing a sense of nostalgia and vulnerability. Ariana’s voice, as always, is stunning and adds layers of emotion that elevate the music even further. I also appreciate how the song explores complex themes of love and heartbreak while maintaining a sense of hopefulness. It really helped me through a difficult time in my own experience with love, as Ariana made it to my top artist on Spotify in 2024. Eternal Sunshine perfectly balances her signature style and something fresh, making it a standout in her discography. It was the comeback that was needed. - Paulina Borowski, The Cool Cat Chronicles
#4. HIT ME HARD AND SOFT - Billie Eilish
As a long time Billie fan, I can wholeheartedly say that HIT ME HARD AND SOFT is possibly her best album. Every single piece of art she puts out always manages to top the next. She’s always had a beautiful way of conveying her thoughts that manage to connect with many in complex ways. In the album, she expressed the feelings of being an artist and the pressure to be perfect, as well as exploring themes in her life such as her sexuality and romantic relationships. One of the most popular songs has been "BIRDS OF A FEATHER," which has surpassed 1.1 billion streams on Spotify as of the month of September 2024 since its release in May 2024. Personally, some of my personal favorites have come from this album such as "THE GREATEST" and "BITTERSUITE." For me to say an album is a no-skip is a huge accomplishment and HIT ME HARD AND SOFT is one of the few that hold that honor. Seeing this live also changed the listening experience for me because I got immersed into the album when I experienced it how the artist intended for us to listen to it. I’m excited to see what else Billie has in store for her upcoming music as her work always gets better without fail. - Estrella Estrada, Party of 2
#3. Charm - Clairo
“Third time’s a charm” couldn’t be truer when describing Clairo’s third studio album Charm. The album, released on July 12, 2024 is an enchanting and warm listen from start to finish, with a blend of old and new sounds that feel gorgeously lush and consuming. With only eleven tracks, it’s apparent of the time and effort Clairo has devoted to crafting a flawless record, each song adorned with personalized lyrics and rich instrumentation. Standout tracks like “Sexy to Someone” and “Juna” have become beloved favorites from the masses for their gorgeous jazzy rhythms and swaying beat that makes you want to dance and sing along. Yet, after countless listens throughout the year, I have grown to appreciate every track of this album with their nostalgic 70s sounds and modern twists. Garnering critical acclaim, even a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album, Charm is more than deserving of its spot among the top ten albums of 2024 and I highly recommend you give it a listen if you haven’t already! - Dierdre Gonoude, Midday Meltdown
#3. Short n' Sweet - Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter released her sixth studio album Short n' Sweet on August 23, 2024. "Espresso" and "Please Please Please," singles that ended up becoming songs of the summer, set the scene for Carpenter's much-anticipated album after she skyrocketed to popularity, and she definitely delivered. This bubbly pop album incorporates elements of country, rock, and R&B to create the feeling of a late summer celebration filled with good times and romance. Some of my favorite songs are the sweet-sounding but candid "Good Graces," witty seductive "Bed Chem," iconic yet silly "Juno," and the vibey closer "Don't Smile." Short n' Sweet gives off a perfect flirty vibe, complete with Carpenter's suggestive and brutally honest lyrics, feathery vocals, and catchy melodies. Carpenter cements herself as one of the "pop girlies" with hit after hit. - Grace Stevens, Grace's Blog
#2. Chromakopia - Tyler, The Creator
I remember waking up at 5 AM on a Monday, breaking his biyearly album drop trend, to listen to one of the most unexpected but warmly welcomed albums of 2024. Tyler, the Creator has always been one of my most respected artists, starting his career off by making us laugh by creating Vines and Loiter Squad content with Odd Future, producing brash and unhinged albums such as Bastard and Goblin, then honing his craft through trial and error to produce Grammy Award-winning albums IGOR and Call Me if You Get Lost. Each of his characters is more entertaining than the last, so I was shocked when Tyler killed all of them in his “SORRY NOT SORRY" music video, presumably finally taking off the masks to show us his “true self” with his next project, Chromakopia. From instant club classics such as "Sticky" to the raw emotions felt in "Like Him," Tyler revealed a side of himself that we have never seen before, an honest lyrical clarity unprecedented in his previous works. The album presents the challenges of aging, particularly the concept of a midlife crisis, with Tyler unintentionally falling in love and almost having a kid, confronting his childhood issues with his mom and dad, and finally resting on finding his roots and being proud of who he is. He weaves all of this into his gorgeous production, having found his signature style from experimenting with synths, pianos, winds, and drums. There are countless reasons why Chromakopia is #2 on our list, so if you haven’t listened yet, give it a go! - Nish Sadangi, Echoes and Origins
#1. Brat - Charli XCX
Brat was one my favorite albums this year because of it’s simplicity and overall vibe. The songs were all catchy and were all great examples of how simple pop music can still be so good without complex songwriting. The production also reminded me of music I grew up listening to, but also sometimes shifted to a more experimental sound at times. This made the overall sound of this album really fun to listen to over and over again and kept me invested from the time "Von Dutch" released, all the way until the remix album dropped. I also think that brat had the best and most memorable era out of any other project this year, with 'brat summer' coming out of nowhere and taking the world by storm. The music videos and public appearances Charli made during the album rollout just added more and more depth to this album that some would consider pretty surface-level and somehow made the music even more addictive as the weeks went on. That's why it's my favorite from this year, because it just got better and better, which is something I haven't really felt from any other album. - Joey Gilbertson, Joey's Blog
We can't wait to see what 2025 has in store! ♫ ♥
Love,
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