From innovative alternative rock albums to deeply personal pop and hip-hop albums, 2024 gave us some of the best music of the decade. As always, some albums stood out above the rest, showcasing the artist’s creativity in an innovative or interesting way and creating a beautiful atmosphere.
Starting off the top three best albums of the year in third place is HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, the third full-length release from singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, released in May.
Produced entirely by her and her brother Finneas, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT seems as though Eilish has fully matured into her art and challenged the idea that she is limited to only making “sad-girl” pop.
Eilish’s vocals are as strong as ever, and the instrumentals seem to float around the listener. Best moments on the album include the enchanting synths on “CHIHIRO” and “L’AMOUR DE MA VIE” and the emotional chorus of “THE GREATEST.”
In second place falls the best hip-hop release of the year: Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia.
Expectations were high for Tyler, and he did not disappoint. In Chromakopia, Tyler seems to fuse the soulful pop aspects of Igor with the brassy hip-hop of Call Me if You Get Lost.
Chromakopia, however, sets itself apart from the rest of Tyler’s discography in its intimacy. He speaks of suppressing oneself on “Take Your Mask Off,” and, in the centerpiece of the album titled “Like Him,” Tyler sings about his absent father, wondering, “Do I look like him?”
Finally, at the top of the list is none other than BRAT, the eighth album from UK artist Charli XCX.
None of Charli’s previous projects have come close to the popularity and critical acclaim of BRAT. Charli draws inspiration from the mid-2000s club scene, including it loud dance music and neon lights. She also ventures into personal experiences such as concerns about potential motherhood (“I think about it all the time”).
All the while, Charli keeps the album loud and energetic with brash synths, bold drums, and an unexpected piano break (“Mean girls”). With BRAT, Charli managed to create an album that is as intimate and contemplative as it is exciting and abrasive.
