It’s July, music lovers, and 2024 has already seen a wave of incredible releases. From genre-bending icons to rising stars, artists are pushing boundaries and crafting sonic masterpieces. But with so much great music out there, where do you even begin? Fear not, for we’ve curated a list of the top 10 albums (so far) that deserve a prominent spot on your playlist.
1. Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter: (Country) Queen Bey continues to surprise, venturing into the world of country music with a critically acclaimed album. “Cowboy Carter” blends her signature powerful vocals with twangy guitars and heartfelt storytelling.
2. Charli XCX – Brat: (Pop) The pop princess returns with a fierce and infectious collection of anthems. “Brat” is a sonic sugar rush, pulsating with electro beats and Charli’s signature in-your-face attitude.
3. Ariana Grande – Eternal Sunshine: (Pop) After a cryptic social media rollout, Ariana Grande returns with a celestial exploration on “Eternal Sunshine”. This album promises soaring vocals, ethereal soundscapes, and a fresh direction for the pop superstar.
4. Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: (Pop) The pop phenomenon returns with a hauntingly beautiful and introspective album. “Hit Me Hard and Soft” explores themes of vulnerability and growth, showcasing Eilish’s evolving musical palette.
5. Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department: (Alternative/Indie) The narrative queen, Taylor Swift, takes a lyrical turn on “The Tortured Poets Department”. This album delves into the lives and struggles of creative souls, drawing inspiration from literary titans and historical figures. Fans suspected each song was for a different ex-boyfriend and people who aren’t in her circle like Kim Kardashian.
6. Vince Staples – Dark Times: (Hip-Hop) West Coast rap icon Vince Staples delivers a powerful and socially conscious album with “Dark Times”. Hard-hitting beats and introspective lyrics paint a vivid picture of contemporary struggles, making for an essential listen.
7. Tems – Born in the Wild: (Afrobeats/R&B) Nigerian singer Tems takes the world by storm with her stunning blend of Afrobeat rhythms and soulful vocals on “Born in the Wild”. This album is an infectious celebration of her heritage and a powerful testament to her talent.
8. Vampire Weekend – Only God Was Above Us: (Indie Rock) The critically acclaimed indie rock band returns with a genre-bending masterpiece on “Only God Was Above Us”. Experimenting with electronic and global influences, Vampire Weekend delivers a fresh and exciting sound without losing their signature artistic vision.
9. Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood: (Indie Rock) Indie rock darling Waxahatchee delves into themes of self-discovery and personal growth on “Tigers Blood”. Her raw honesty and captivating melodies create an album that feels both intimate and universal.
10. StaJe – No Love: (R&B) R&B/Pop force StaJe pulls no punches on “No Love”, a collection of raw and emotionally charged songs. His soaring vocals and unflinchingly personal lyrics deliver a captivating and relatable experience that lays his soul bare.
Looking for More?
This list is just a glimpse into the incredible music released so far in 2024. Keep an eye out for our upcoming articles exploring rising stars, genre-specific recommendations, and hidden gems you might have missed.
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