This list features our staff’s picks for the best albums of 2024 released between January and June. The selections span several genres, including country, psychedelic rock, and reggaeton. It was tough to narrow this list down to just ten, so before we get to the main list here are a few albums that almost made it: Hyperdrama by Justice, Narrow Stairs by Crowded House, What a Devastating Turn of Events by Rachel Chinouriri, Name Your Sorrow by Pillow Queens, What Now by Brittany Howard, and Tigers Blood by Waxahatchee.
Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter
Beyoncé once again proves her indisputable talent and iconography with Cowboy Carter. The country and Americana album is an ambitious blend of past and present as the singer honors overlooked musical and cultural Black pioneers in history. Infusing the album with a mix of genres from R&B and blues to bluegrass and opera, the production hones in on everything that makes her a superstar. Her vocals have, arguably, never been better as she unleashes the full power of her range. From beat-driven bops such as “Bodyguard” and “Ya Ya” to the surprisingly emotive “II Most Wanted” with Miley Cyrus and the epic, bombastic opener “American Requiem,” there’s a reason why she’s unrivaled. – Allyson Johnson
Charli XCX – Brat
On Brat, Charli XCX fearlessly champions self-expression, mirroring the album’s theme of embracing authenticity over societal norms. Infusing a bold mix of 2000s nostalgia and forward-thinking production, Charli XCX invites listeners on a journey of unapologetic individuality. Her lyrics delve into the pressures of expectation and the empowerment found in defying them. Collaborating with visionary producers like A.G. Cook and Cirkut, she crafts a sound that is both electrifying and intimate. Tracks such as “I Might Say Something Stupid” exemplify her evolution, pushing creative boundaries while staying true to her unique style. Brat isn’t just an album—it’s a manifesto, showcasing Charli XCX’s artistry and her knack for captivating audiences with every beat and lyric. As we reach the midway point of 2024, Brat stands as a defining and essential testament to embracing oneself in a world that demands uniformity. – Alyshia Kelly
Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft
Billie Eilish’s 2024 album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, continues her exploration of love, fame, and young adulthood with a more subtle and minimalistic production style. Reviving the edgy musical choices from her debut, Eilish’s latest work balances traditional pop tracks like “SKINNY” and “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” with experimental pieces such as the sapphic love exploration “LUNCH” and the eerie “THE DINER.” Featuring only 10 tracks, this entry in her discography threads complex themes that resonate with Gen-Z with a Eilish’s confident and innovative approach, that, at the end of the day, leaves a lingering tension and a sense of incompleteness that underscores the challenges of growing up while also proving to be a profound artistic statement. – Pedro Graterol
Ducks Ltd. – Harm’s Way
Ducks Ltd. don’t reinvent the jangle pop wheel on Harm’s Way. The Canadian band deliver nine songs, each based around a riff and a catch chorus. Sometimes, that’s all you need out of a record full of chiming guitars and oblique lyrics. The album feels like it’s always chugging along at pace, both on faster songs like “Train Full of Gasoline” and nominally mid-tempo cuts like like the superb “Cathedral City”. Every song on Harm’s Way has an ’80s college rock bounces, and fans of older bands like The Go-Betweens and the Cranberries and newer groups like Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever and Alvvays will find a lot to love here. – Ryan Gibbs
Knocked Loose – You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To
Knocked Loose is back and better than ever. You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To has received praise from almost every reviewer out there — and for good reason. For their fourth album, Knocked Loose channeled their sound and improved upon what they excelled at. Instead of trying to find a new sound, they concentrate on what they’re good at.
Songs such as “Don’t Reach For Me” and “Suffocate” have such intense breakdowns that bring you into the music in the best way possible. The cover for the album is also eyecatching for anyone. For anyone who grew up in the Midwest, crosses like this aren’t hard to come by and it’s a nice reminder of where the band comes from. You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To is another in a long line of albums from Knocked Loose that will change the metal genre in years to come. Their ability to combine heavy riffs with interesting vocals makes this album especially – Kayla Chu
Mannequin P***y – I Got Heaven
It is always a thrill to see a band that has been consistent since day one finally hit their stride. Mannequin P***y’s newest release, I Got Heaven, sees the Philadelphia punk band at both their heaviest and most melodic – sometimes on the same song, like the scathing title track and the brooding Loud Bite. Others such as “Nothing Like” and “Ok?Ok!Ok?Ok!” would be comfortably at home on a dream pop and hardcore record, showing a band comfortable with flexing their sound in new directions while still maintaining their core.sound. With vocals best described as snarled and songwriting fueled by righteous fury, I’ve Got Heaven is the most fleshed out and replayable punk album in a year already flush with great options. – Quinn Parulis
Mdou Moctar – Funeral for Justice
The Taureg guitarist from Saharan Africa and his same-name band returned this year with Funeral for Justice, the followup to their international breakthrough Afrique Victime. Like its predecessor, Funeral for Justice is a collection that critiques the situation in Moctar’s home country and the control that France still holds over the area. These scathing lyrics on songs like the title track, delivered in Moctar’s native language of Tamasheq, are combined with his spellbinding, pyrotechnic, psychedelic guitar playing that channels his feelings as strongly as his own words. The result is one of 2024’s best rock & roll records, delivered by one of the planet’s best guitarists. If you want to hear guitar solos this year, Moctar has some of the best all over this new record. – Ryan Gibbs
Kacey Musgraves – Deeper Well
“Deeper Well” feels like the beginning of spring. There’s hope and gentleness woven into the way Kacey Musgraves sings of separation (“Deeper Well”), of falling in love (“Anime Eyes”), and of trusting your heart in the hands of another (“Too Good To Be True”). It is a delight to listen to the journey she takes through the album, of making choice after choice to hold on or let go despite being punctated with worries through it all. And the final song is hard-earned courage. After having chosen over and over to open herself to love, she’s finally in a position to coax another to do the same, and tell them that, really, there’s nothing to be scared of. – Neha Nandakumar
Peso Pluma – Éxodo
Peso Pluma continues to expand his artistic horizons with Éxodo, a captivating fusion of 24 tracks that span the Latin music spectrum. The album features 16 classic corridos tumbados, delving into the gritty realities of the drug trade, complemented by eight dynamic songs infused with hip-hop and reggaetón influences. Collaborations with Cardi B, Quavo, Anitta, Rich the Kid, and his long-time collaborator Junior H enrich the album, juxtaposing narratives of everyday struggles with the allure and complexities of newfound celebrity.
Éxodo transcends mere musical boundaries; it serves as a testament to Peso Pluma’s adeptness in intertwining diverse musical genres into a cohesive narrative. Tracks such as “La Durango” and “Rompe La Dompe” highlight his prowess in blending traditional Latin rhythms with modern production techniques, resulting in a rich tapestry of sound. Peso Pluma’s emotive vocals delve into themes of displacement, identity, and resilience, resonating deeply within the listener.
As 2024 unfolds, Éxodo stands as a powerful symbol of cultural significance and artistic innovation, offering a profound exploration of universal themes through the medium of music. – Alyshia Kelly
Kali Uchis – Orquídeas
Orquídeas was recorded at the same time as Uchis’ last album Red Moon In Venus, and, just like that album, Kali Uchis’ latest work is a clear statement of her misty, lush, and futuristic musical language. As per usual, it features lush electronic instruments, airy vocals, and lyrics in both Spanish and English. However, Orquídeas follows the trend of contemporary Latin music of moving away from reggaeton and turning inward in search of more traditional genres. While there’s plenty of reggaeton, there are tracks like “Te Mata” where Uchis deploys a fantastic bolero. In addition, she partners with dembow stars El Alfa and JT for the party anthem “Muñekita,” which features the fast-paced rapping that characterizes this genre. To cap the album off, there’s a merengue, solidifying Uchis’ ability to blend the past and the future with a unique twist. – Pedro Graterol
Album covers courtesy of Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records, MCA Nashville/Interscope, Matador Records, Atlantic Records, and Darkroom/Interscope.
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