2024 has been a great year for albums thus far, with monumental releases shaking up the airwaves. With a quick runaround on the internet these days, it’s not uncommon for some of the best albums to go viral for multiple songs. Almost every mainstream musician has put out something new in 2024, and there’s no doubt that more are bound to come. Here are some of the best of the year so far:
Fireworks & Rollerblades by Benson Boone
Breakaway Tracks: “Beautiful Things,” “Slow It Down,” “Cry”
With both his first album release and inclusion on the Twisters soundtrack, it’s a big year for Benson Boone. Blowing up on TikTok and taking on a life of it’s own, signature track “Beautiful Things” has amassed over a billion streams since it’s release. With rock infused pop vocals, Fireworks & Rollerblades skirts both genres of indie pop and alternative rock to create a an unforgettably catchy fusion.
Girl With No Face by Allie X
Breakaway Tracks: “Black Eye,” “Off With Her Tits,” “Girl With No Face”
No stranger to electro pop, Allie X’s newest record perfectly blends electronic dance pop with hints of indie rock and synth darkwave. Located somewhere in the middle ground between Poppy’s Am I A Girl and Phoebe Bridgers’ Punisher, Girl With No Face is a mystical, sometimes operatic, exploration within genre.
Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé
Breakaway Tracks: “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” “JOLENE,” “BODYGUARD”
Long awaited and surpassing expectations, Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter took the airwaves by storm in March. Going viral online, TEXAS HOLD ‘EM quickly skyrocketed into the most popular song off the album with over 490 million streams so far. An experimental step into country for Beyonce, the risk absolutely paid off. Cowboy Cater is able to reference classic country stars like Dolly Parton while creating something enjoyable for a contemporary audience.
Found Heaven by Conan Gray
Breakaway Tracks: “Never Ending Story,” “Lonely Dancers,” “Bougeoisieses”
A new direction for Conan Gray, this album draws heavy inspiration from the artistic experimental pop of the 80’s. While drawing on multiple sources, the albums never feels too dependent on its gimmick and is able to provide a whole new spin on old school synth pop. In comparison to Gray’s pervious work, this album shows both a new sound and direction for the artist. Gray take an exciting step out of the indie scene and into mainstream pop.
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by billie eilish
Breakaway Tracks: “ONE,” “TWO,” “THREE”
As always, Billie Eilish delivers an unforgettable performance on HIT ME HARD AND SOFT. On this album, Eilish once again tightropes the line between emotional ballads and pop hits with a practiced and careful balance. As with the majority of her releases, multiple tracks off of the new album have already ended up going viral on TikTok. “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” especially has inspired the wholesome trend of people posting their gratitude towards their friends and partners.
Brat by Charlie XCX
Breakaway Tracks: “360,” “Apple,” “365”
Growing so popular as to create the phenomenon of “brat summer” on TikTok, Charlie XCX’s new dance pop album came just in time for summer. Credited as saving pop music by users online, Brat has reintroduced club and dance music into the mainstream. Each song off the album has it’s own cult following of fans willing to defend it as the best off the album. Recently, “Apple” has gone viral with a dance created by TikTok user Kelley Heyer.
Charm by Clairo
Breakaway Tracks: Nomad, Juna, Sexy to Someone
A pioneer of the new wave of folk rock, Clairo continues to charm on her July album. With a thru line of hopeless romance and looking for love in the faces of those who don’t reciprocate, this album has it’s own unique tone. From Nomad to Pier 4, the mix of soft lofi and upbeat heartbreak is truly some of Clairo’s best work to date.
Honorable Mentions:
Model by Wallows
A standalone album in it’s own right, Model is a culmination of Wallows best work all on one album. Model has left fans online wish for more and looking forward to more from Wallows.
Chaos Angel by Maya Hawke
Reminiscent of the 2010’s youtube pop era, Hawke’s third album is just as heartfelt and filled with emotion as her previous two. Experimental tracks like “Better” and “Missing Out” allow Hawke to step out of her comfort zone and try new things.
What are your favorite albums of 2024 so far?
