This past year, a variety of artists released new albums. Here are our top picks for 2024! To start in the country genre, Beyoncé released her eighth studio album called “Cowboy Carter” which took many fans by surprise, considering she is not a country artist. Collaborating with artists such as Miley Cyrus, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, this album reached outside her usual fanbase. “I loved this album, it was a blend of country elements and Beyoncé’s flair,” said Senior Cassidy Davis. Next, Zach Bryan released another album this year called “The Great American Bar Scene.” This album is similar to his other works, receiving similar ratings as his other albums. The album’s title is credited to its highly patriotic theme and songs about connections between people who would meet at a bar. Lastly, “Am I Okay?” was released by Megan Moroney in early July. She released this album in perfect time for the summer, and as her second album it captured her candid and emotional country style. She also released her deluxe version, “Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine)” in early October which featured three new songs as part of the album.
This year was a big year for pop, changing the genre as classic pop artists released new albums. Sabrina Carpenter released her album, “Short n’ Sweet,” in August and it rapidly gained popularity in time for her tour, which started in September and has sold out stadiums. She will still be touring until March of 2025. So far, fans are loving her shows and outfits. Next, Taylor Swift’s eighth studio album “The Tortured Poets Department” was released in mid-april. Announced at the 2024 Grammys, the album had major success following its release. “The album is my favorite of hers. My favorite song is “loml,” even though it is well-known I think it is one of the best on the album.” said junior Bella Goings. The poetry, the production and the sultry aesthetic tied the album together which gained its excellent reviews. The album was nominated for six Grammys including Album of the Year and Pop Vocal Album. The album of the summer “BRAT” was released by Charli XCX this year as well. This 15 track album has truly shown the success and hits Charli can make. By using auto tune to her advantage, she creates the perfect sounds she desires to make her songs better. In our opinion, “BRAT” serves the best tracks to hype you up, like in “365” while some songs explore the excellent writing in tracks like “I might say something stupid.” Last month, Charli released the remix album “Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat” reproducing each of her songs expressing her full creative talent. On this record, she featured artists such as Lorde, Billie Eilish, the 1975, and Ariana Grande. “BRAT is perfect. From highs to lows, I will always be listening no matter the time” said freshman Sarah Logan. Ariana Grande also released a new album in March, called “Eternal Sunshine.” This is Grande’s seventh studio album. Although it did not receive amazing reviews, we thought it deserved a spot in the article. The title references the 2004 film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and focuses on coming out of her former relationship in its first few songs. This album continues Grande’s unmatched pop reputation and has a great visual aesthetic as well.
In the rap category, Metro Boomin and Future’s collaborative album, “We Don’t Trust You” was one of the biggest releases in the genre. This album is interesting in the context of Future’s feud with Drake, which involved other large artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, set in the usual rap style of Future’s other albums. A month later, the two also released a second album called “We Still Don’t Trust You” as a continuation of the first one. Kanye West’s “Vultures” was also one of our top picks this year. The album explores themes around relationships, fame, and social expectations. With excellent production, this album serves as Kanye West’s amazing music making capabilities. “My top pick for sure. It was just so well produced,” said Sophomore Ansley Vincent.
In the Latin category, Kali Uchis serves as our top pick for her album “ORQUÍDEAS.” Featuring artists such as Peso Pluma and Karol G, the record already has so many familiar voices playing around with Kali Uchis style. Her fourth album showed everyone that she knows how to write hits and make a well produced album. In August of 2024, Uchis released her deluxe album “ORQUÍDEAS PARTE 2.” I personally love Kali Uchis all the way from her first EP “Por Vida” and it has been incredible to see her grow as an artist.
Many artists advanced the alternative genre this year. To start, “Charm” by Clairo was released in mid-july and faced many positive reviews. The soft-rock record comes in at around 38 minutes with well-tied poetry in the lyrics. Scoring a 7.5 on Pitchfork, critics name this as one of Clairo’s best works in our opinion. “This album was my favorite record of the year” said junior Kate Leach. Next, Billie Eilish had a huge year transforming the way that she writes and produces songs. “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” is Eilish’s third studio album and maintains the reputation all of her previous successful records have had. This 10 track album begins with heartfelt tracks like “SKINNY” and follows to our personal favorite “BITTERSUITE.” Produced with her brother, Finneas, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” dives into soft and smooth melodies while also having a pop flare like the song, “LUNCH.” “This album truly was so special to me as I have loved her ever since Ocean Eyes. When I saw her on her tour, it was magical,” said Senior Elsa Nagle.
