Euronews Culture has compiled its list of the top 20 albums of 2024, a year brimming with musical diversity and innovation. From established artists reinventing themselves to emerging talents making their mark, the music scene offered a vibrant tapestry of sounds and stories. The selection process, adhering to strict criteria excluding EPs, live albums, reissues, and soundtracks, resulted in a diverse array of genres, reflecting the dynamic musical landscape of the year. Before diving into the top 20, honorable mentions were given to artists like Kneecap, Doechii, Jamie xx, The Black Keys, Rachel Chinouriri, The Last Dinner Party, Los Bitchos, Ezra Collective, Kelly Moran, and Public Service Broadcasting, highlighting the depth and breadth of quality music released in 2024.
The countdown begins with Clairo’s ‘Charm’ at number 20, showcasing her evolution from lo-fi bedroom pop to a sun-soaked, nostalgic exploration of love and self-discovery. Adrianne Lenker’s ‘Bright Future’ follows at 19, a stripped-down, intimate collection of folk-infused reflections on life and relationships. L’Impératrice’s ‘Pulsar’ lands at 18, injecting a dose of groovy, danceable nu-disco into the mix. Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ comes in at 17, a bold reclamation of country music’s Black roots, blending classic country elements with Beyoncé’s signature powerful vocals and innovative production. Hinds’ ‘Viva Hinds’ takes the 16th spot, a testament to the band’s resilience in the face of adversity, delivering a swaggering, fun album that tackles themes of loss and heartache with infectious energy.
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds’ ‘Wild God’ secures the 15th position, a poignant exploration of grief and solace, marked by gospel-infused moments of euphoria. Laura Marling’s ‘Patterns in Repeat’ follows at 14, a quiet, introspective album reflecting on motherhood and the changing patterns of life. Nadine Shah’s ‘Filthy Underneath’ occupies the 13th spot, a darkly humorous and emotionally raw collection of songs that delve into themes of PTSD, heartbreak, and addiction. Beth Gibbons’ ‘Lives Outgrown’ comes in at 12, a mature and reflective album that explores existential themes with her signature captivating vocals. Father John Misty’s ‘Mahashmashana’ lands at 11, a psychedelically tinged exploration of absurdity and self-growth, wrestling with themes of love, religion, and identity.
A jazz double-bill featuring Shabaka Hutchings’ ‘Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace’ and Nala Sinephro’s ‘Endlessness’ occupies the 10th position, showcasing the vibrant and diverse landscape of the UK jazz scene. Tyler, the Creator’s ‘Chromakopia’ comes in at 9, a genre-bending exploration of ego and identity, reflecting on the artist’s personal journey and anxieties. Michael Kiwanuka’s ‘Small Changes’ secures the 8th spot, a meditative and soulful reflection on life’s transitions and the search for inner peace. Floating Points’ ‘Cascade’ takes the 7th position, a mind-bending electronic journey through a diverse range of genres and experimental sounds. Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’ lands at 6, solidifying his status as a hip-hop icon with a direct and impactful album that resonates with raw emotion and lyrical prowess.
Fabiana Palladino’s self-titled debut album takes the 5th spot, a sophisticated blend of 80s R&B and contemporary pop, exploring themes of love, self-doubt, and longing. The Cure’s ‘Songs Of A Lost World’ comes in at 4, a long-awaited return to their signature gothic rock sound, delving into themes of mortality and the passage of time. Fontaines D.C.’s ‘Romance’ secures the 3rd position, showcasing their continued evolution with a more anthemic and pop-infused sound while retaining their signature poetic edge. Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’ lands at 2, capturing the zeitgeist of 2024 with its infectious hyperpop anthems and unapologetically messy aesthetic. Finally, Hurray For The Riff Raff’s ‘The Past Is Still Alive’ claims the top spot, a poignant and beautifully crafted folk-country album that explores themes of loss, rebirth, and the enduring power of memory.
The list showcases a diverse range of genres, reflecting the dynamic musical landscape of 2024. From intimate folk reflections to explosive hip-hop anthems, the selected albums offer a rich and rewarding listening experience. The absence of some prominent artists like Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande from the list sparked discussion and debate among music fans, further highlighting the subjective nature of musical taste and the abundance of quality releases in 2024. The countdown concludes with an invitation for readers to share their own favorite albums of the year, emphasizing the ongoing conversation and the shared passion for music.
The Euronews Culture team’s selection criteria, excluding EPs, live albums, reissues, and soundtracks, focused on original studio albums released in 2024. This ensured that the list highlighted new creative works and reflected the current musical landscape. The diverse range of genres represented in the top 20 demonstrates the breadth and depth of musical talent and innovation in 2024. The inclusion of both established artists and emerging talents showcases the dynamic nature of the music industry and the continuous evolution of musical styles.
The list serves as a snapshot of the musical landscape of 2024, capturing the prevailing trends and highlighting the artists who made a significant impact on the year’s musical discourse. The ranking reflects the collective opinion of the Euronews Culture team, acknowledging the subjective nature of musical taste and inviting readers to engage in the ongoing conversation about the best albums of the year. The countdown is not just a list of albums but a celebration of music’s power to connect, inspire, and reflect the human experience. It encourages further exploration and discovery, prompting listeners to delve into the diverse sounds and stories that shaped the musical landscape of 2024.
The list spotlights artists who pushed creative boundaries, challenged conventional norms, and offered unique perspectives on the world. From Beyoncé’s bold reclamation of country music to Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical prowess, the selected artists demonstrate the power of music to spark dialogue and inspire change. The inclusion of introspective and emotionally raw albums like Nadine Shah’s ‘Filthy Underneath’ and Michael Kiwanuka’s ‘Small Changes’ highlights the importance of vulnerability and emotional expression in music. The list also celebrates artists who embraced nostalgia and reinvented classic sounds, such as Clairo’s ‘Charm’ and Fabiana Palladino’s self-titled debut.
The absence of some popular artists from the list sparked discussion among music fans, highlighting the subjective nature of musical taste and the abundance of quality releases in 2024. The Euronews Culture team acknowledged this by inviting readers to share their own favorite albums, emphasizing the ongoing conversation and the shared passion for music. The countdown serves as a starting point for further exploration and discovery, encouraging listeners to delve into the diverse sounds and stories that shaped the musical landscape of 2024. It is a celebration of music’s power to connect, inspire, and provide a soundtrack to our lives.
