As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the music that defined the year—a time shaped by unforgettable comebacks, groundbreaking collaborations, and bold artistic directions. Across genres, artists pushed boundaries, redefined expectations, and delivered albums that became the soundtracks to our lives.
From long-awaited returns by Shawn Mendes, Dua Lipa, and Clairo to surprises from Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter, 2024 proved that music remains a powerful force for connection, self-expression, and cultural impact. This year, pop stars experimented with genres, rock bands reached new audiences, and hip-hop artists shattered records while sharing deeply personal stories. Through thought-provoking lyrics, innovative production, and unforgettable melodies, these albums resonated with listeners worldwide, sparking conversations and leaving an indelible mark on music history.
In this roundup, we celebrate the 20 best albums of 2024—projects that left a lasting impression, shaped cultural moments, and defined the soundtrack of the year.
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Shawn – Shawn Mendes
On November 15th, Shawn Mendes released his fifth album, Shawn—his first since 2020’s Wonder. The album marks the singer’s most personal and introspective work to date, as he reflects on his identity and healing journey through mental health struggles. The LP was supported by four singles, including standout tracks “Why Why Why” and “Heart of Gold.” Commercially, Shawn debuted at No. 26 on the Billboard 200 and No. 22 on the UK Albums Chart.
Vultures 1 – ¥$ (Kanye West & Ty Dolla Sign)
Two music industry heavyweights, Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign, joined forces to form the hip-hop superduo ¥$. Their debut album, Vultures 1, was a massive success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and moving 148,000 units in just five days. Its sequel, Vultures 2, arrived a few months later, with the third installment already scheduled for a future release.
Charm – Clairo
Clairo brought some Charm to our playlists with her third album. Marking her first independent release, the LP draws heavy inspiration from 1970s genres, blending elements of jazz, psychedelic folk, and soul. The seventh track, “Juna,” gained significant traction on social media, especially TikTok. Charm debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, earning Clairo her first top 10 entry. Additionally, the album has garnered Clairo her first Grammy nomination, competing for Best Alternative Music Album.
Deeper Well – Kacey Musgraves
Country music star Kacey Musgraves unleashed her sixth album, Deeper Well, in March. Hailed as one of her best works to date, the album marked Kacey’s highest entries on several charts, including the Billboard 200, where it peaked at No. 2, and the UK Albums Chart, where it reached No. 3. Deeper Well was supported by four singles, with the final track, “The Architect,” earning two Grammy nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance.
Hardstone Psycho – Don Toliver
Don Toliver delivered one of the most compelling rap albums of 2024 with his fourth studio album, Hardstone Psycho. In this release, he seamlessly merges elements of hip-hop and rock, continuing his exploration of new soundscapes. The album features standout tracks like “New Drop” and “Kryptonite,” as well as guest appearances from Travis Scott, Metro Boomin, and Future. Commercially, Hardstone Psycho debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, selling over 76,000 units.
Radical Optimism – Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa made her highly anticipated comeback in May with her third album, Radical Optimism. While the record showcases her signature dance-pop style, it also incorporates elements of neo-psychedelia and electro-pop. Exploring the theme of a “confidently optimistic” outlook, Dua captures the essence of youth, freedom, and fun with tracks like “Training Season,” “These Walls,” and “Falling Forever.” The album debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart, marking the largest opening week for a British woman since 2021. In the US, Radical Optimism became Dua’s highest-charting album, peaking at No. 2, one spot above Future Nostalgia.
The Great Impersonator – Halsey
Arguably one of the most underrated albums of 2024, Halsey’s The Great Impersonator is a true masterpiece. With raw honesty and heartfelt songs, the 30-year-old singer poured herself entirely into this project, delving deeper into her health struggles. The concept of the album is simply genius, exploring how Halsey’s music might have sounded if she had emerged in earlier decades. The record weaves together a variety of musical influences and styles from those eras. In the lead-up to the release, Halsey impersonated several music icons, from Dolly Parton to David Bowie.
The Death of Slim Shady (Coupe De Grâce) – Eminem
In The Death of Slim Shady (Coupe De Grâce), Eminem delves into the internal conflict between himself and his iconic alter ego, Slim Shady. The legendary rapper once again showcases his technical prowess while delivering one of his most introspective projects to date. For example, “Somebody Save Me” reflects a quest for redemption, as Eminem seeks to retire the controversial persona that has served as both a creative outlet and a source of criticism throughout his career. Commercially, the LP was a massive success, debuting atop the Billboard 200 with 281,000 units sold.
F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
Post Malone took a definitive step in his career with F-1 Trillion, marking his first foray into country music. The album delivers a blend of heartfelt storytelling and catchy melodies, resulting in a string of hits, including the smash single “I Had Some Help,” alongside “Pour Me a Drink” and “What Don’t Belong to Me.” At the 2025 Grammy Awards, F-1 Trillion earned Post Malone two nominations: Best Country Album and Best Recording Package.
C,XOXO – Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello delivered one of the genre-defining albums of the year with C,XOXO, a bold exploration of new sonic horizons. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant Miami vibe, Camila crafted an experimental blend of genres, including hip-hop, hyperpop, and reggaeton. To achieve this unique sound, the 27-year-old singer collaborated with producers like El Guincho and Jasper Harris and teamed up with artists Playboi Carti (“I Luv It”) and Lil Nas X (“He Knows”). While C,XOXO represents a complete departure from her earlier work, it stands as one of the most intriguing projects of 2024.
Chromakopia – Tyler, The Creator
Released on a Monday at the end of October, CHROMAKOPIA stands as another genre-blending milestone in Tyler, The Creator’s career. The album features an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Daniel Caesar, Lil Wayne, Childish Gambino, GloRilla, and Sexyy Red. Upon its release, CHROMAKOPIA debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, moving nearly 300,000 units in its first week.
We Don’t Trust You – Future & Metro Boomin
Future and Metro Boomin joined forces twice this year, starting with the release of We Don’t Trust You. The project is defined by its ominous beats and atmospheric soundscapes, perfectly complementing Future’s melodic flows. The album produced three hit singles—“Type Shit,” “Young Metro,” and the chart-topping “Like That”—and features guest appearances from The Weeknd, Travis Scott, and Kendrick Lamar. We Don’t Trust You and its singles earned three nominations at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
The Secret of Us – Gracie Abrams
Gracie Abrams showcased her continued artistic growth with her sophomore album, The Secret of Us. Her gentle vocals guide listeners through 13 heartfelt tracks, including hits like “I Love You, I’m Sorry” and “Risk.” The LP debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, marking her highest-charting entry to date. Recently, Gracie expanded the album with a deluxe edition, which includes the UK No. 1 single “That’s So True.”
GNX – Kendrick Lamar
In an unexpected move, Kendrick Lamar surprised fans with the release of his sixth album, GNX. This must-listen project sees the rapper departing from his signature conscious hip-hop style to embrace a more West Coast-inspired sound. The album was supported by three singles: “Squabble Up,” “TV Off,” and a new collaboration with SZA titled “Luther.” Commercially, GNX debuted with over 44 million streams on its first day on Spotify and claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200, earning the biggest opening week of 2024 for a rap album.
Short n’ Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter dominated the year with her brightest album to date. Produced by Jack Antonoff, Short n’ Sweet is a collection of hits, from the summer anthem “Espresso” to tracks like “Taste,” “Juno,” and “Please Please Please.” The album topped charts in 18 countries, sold over 1 million units, and earned three Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year. The “hot older sister” to Emails I Can’t Send, Short n’ Sweet is an album that will forever shine in Sabrina’s discography.
Eternal Sunshine – Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande treated fans to her powerful vocals on every track of Eternal Sunshine. Arriving four years after Positions, the album stands as one of her best works to date. Primarily a pop and R&B project, Eternal Sunshine spawned several hit singles, including the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1s “Yes, And?” and “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love).” The album and its singles secured three Grammy nominations, but it was unfortunately snubbed in the major categories.
Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
Queen Bey ventured into Country and Americana with her eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, the second installment of a trilogy that includes Renaissance. In true Beyoncé fashion, Cowboy Carter is a concept album, with each track serving as a sequel to the one before it. The LP draws inspiration from her own experience in the country music scene. Back in 2016, her performance of “Daddy Lessons” at the Country Music Association Awards faced backlash, which led her to craft a country record that delves deeper into the Black origins of country music and Western culture. Throughout Cowboy Carter, the pop icon pays tribute to several country music trailblazers such as Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. Additionally, she recruited rising Black country artists, including Shaboozey and Brittney Spencer. Commercially, Cowboy Carter broke numerous records. On Spotify, it earned the biggest debut ever for any album by a Black woman. In the U.S., it topped the Billboard 200, selling over 400,000 units in its opening week. Furthermore, Cowboy Carter is nominated for Album of the Year and Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
The Tortured Poets Department – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift made history with her eleventh album, The Tortured Poets Department. The complete edition features an impressive 31 tracks, each one a standout. Two singles supported the album: “Fortnight” and “I Can Do It with A Broken Heart.” The former, which features Post Malone, proves that every time Taylor collaborates, she never misses. The accompanying music video, written and directed by Taylor herself, perfectly complements the narrative of this iconic song. The album broke numerous records, including becoming the first and only album in history to amass over 1 billion streams in its first week on Spotify. The Tortured Poets Department is nominated for six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, making Taylor the first artist in history to be nominated seven times in this category. The album is also the best-selling album of 2024 in the US, with six million certified units.
Brat – Charli XCX
Charli XCX had a sensational year with Brat. The album quickly became a cultural phenomenon, from its minimal cover art to the neon green color that came to define an era of music synonymous with partying and womanhood. With tracks like “Apple” and “Von Dutch” gaining significant traction on social media, the 32-year-old singer dominated the hottest months of the year with the so-called “brat summer.” The album’s impact was further amplified after the release of the remixed version, Brat and It’s Completely Different But Also Still Brat, which features duets with Billie Eilish (“Guess”) and Ariana Grande (“Sympathy Is A Knife”), among others. Brat received widespread acclaim and praise from both critics and fans alike, leading to two Billboard Music Awards and three Grammy nominations.
Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish
With Hit Me Hard and Soft, Billie Eilish gave us another opportunity to admire her rare talent. The 10-track album perfectly balances production, songwriting, vocals, and themes. From the opening track, “Skinny,” to the closing “Blue,” each song shines like a star in a sky full of stars. “Birds of a Feather,” which thankfully wasn’t cut from the final tracklist, is one of the biggest songs of 2024. Billie’s vocals masterfully capture both the romance and melancholy of deep love, as well as the fear of losing a significant other. Hit Me Hard and Soft topped numerous charts and earned seven Grammy nominations, three of which are in major categories. Given the album’s quality and undeniable impact, we crown Hit Me Hard and Soft as InMusic’s Best Album of 2024.
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