Music in 2024 wasn’t just a soundtrack to our lives—it was a cultural phenomenon that inspired, challenged, and got us dancing in the kitchen, on our treadmills, in our cars… or in some cases, our home offices. This year, artists across genres pushed boundaries, redefined their sounds, and dropped unforgettable albums that demanded replay after replay.
From Sabrina Carpenter’s chart-topping brilliance to Tyler, the Creator’s sonic exploration, these albums made the year one to remember. Here are Reel 360’s top 10 albums of 2024.
10. Ariana Grande – Eternal Sunshine
Ariana Grande returned with Eternal Sunshine, her first album in over three years, delivering a blend of pop and R&B with influences of dance and synth-pop. Inspired by Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the album explored themes of vulnerability and resilience.
Tracks like We Can’t Be Friends and Bye showcased Grande’s vocal control and emotional depth, earning her three Grammy nominations.
9. Tyler, the Creator – Chromakopia
Tyler, the Creator took listeners on a cinematic journey with Chromakopia. The album fused the lush G-funk of his previous work with a raw, introspective energy that tackled themes of parenthood, self-worth, and forgiveness.
Highlights like Darling I and Sticky combined metal samples, soulful jams, and Tyler’s trademark swagger. Chromakopia was a testament to his growth as both an artist and a storyteller, making it one of the year’s most magnetic records.
8. Tyla – Tyla
South African pop sensation Tyla gave us an album that demanded to be danced to. Tying together elements of Afropop, amapiano, and R&B, Tyla was a celebration of rhythm and sensuality. From the serpentine melodies of Jump to the soulful resolve of No 1, the album’s versatility and depth made it an instant classic.
7. Doechii – Alligator Bites Never Heal
Doechii redefined hip-hop with Alligator Bites Never Heal, a mixtape that showcased her technical brilliance and fearless creativity. From the incredible wordplay on Nissan Altima to the introspective Denial Is a River, Doechii’s lyrical dexterity and emotional range were unparalleled.
The album’s ability to oscillate between boom-bap grit and experimental beats made it a standout, cementing Doechii as one of the most innovative artists of the year.
6. Kendrick Lamar – GNX
Kendrick Lamar’s surprise release, GNX, was a tour de force that combined incisive lyricism with rich, textured production. Featuring collaborations with SZA, Roddy Ricch, and Kamasi Washington, the album tackled themes of legacy and reconciliation. Tracks like TV Off and Luther were instant classics, and the announcement of the Grand National Tour has fans eagerly awaiting more.
5. Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter
Beyoncé brought the heat with Cowboy Carter, an audacious album that celebrated the Black roots of country music. With reimagined classics like Jolene and fresh originals like American Requiem, Beyoncé’s vocals and vision delivered a powerful statement.
Cameos from Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson added playful moments, but the album’s soul lay in its tribute to often-overlooked Black country pioneers.
4. Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft
Billie Eilish returned with an album that was as emotionally complex as its title suggests. Hit Me Hard and Soft explored themes of desire, heartbreak, and vulnerability with raw candor. Tracks like Birds of a Feather combined an incredible beat with vulnerable lyrics and introspection, while the sweeping The Greatest delivered a gut-wrenching finale.
Produced alongside her brother FINNEAS, the album leaned into minimalist beats and orchestral arrangements, proving once again why Eilish is a generational voice.
3. Charli XCX – Brat
Charli XCX continued her reign as the queen of hyper-pop with Brat, an album that embraced early-2000s club sounds while turning insecurities into anthems. Tracks like Von Dutch and Glowstick Blues fused aggressive beats with confessional lyrics, creating a bold, brash, and unforgettable listening experience. With Brat, Charli proved that pop can be both deeply personal and utterly chaotic.
2. Cindy Lee – Diamond Jubilee
Cindy Lee’s Diamond Jubilee felt like a message from a parallel dimension. Blending elements of doo-wop, glam, psych-rock, and ambient music, the album was hauntingly beautiful. Tracks like Flesh and Blood, Diamond Jubilee and Stone Faces were steeped in lo-fi charm, transporting listeners to a world that felt both nostalgic and otherworldly at the same time.
1. Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
Sabrina Carpenter had us swooning, laughing, and crying on her way to pop superstardom with Short n’ Sweet. A daring blend of cheeky lyrics, sultry melodies, and impeccable production, the album is a masterclass in reinvention.
From the playful bop Taste to the disco-tinged anthem Espresso, Carpenter owned every genre she touched. Her ability to channel humor, heartbreak, and empowerment into tightly crafted songs cemented her as the queen of 2024.
Whether she was serenading your caffeine addiction or playfully roasting a lover, Carpenter proved she’s not just the girl of your dreams—she’s your worst nightmare, and she knows it.
In a year brimming with bold artistry, these albums didn’t just dominate playlists—they shaped the cultural conversation. From Sabrina Carpenter’s pop perfection to Beyoncé’s genre-bending ambition, 2024 was a banner year for music.
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