The 2024 David Music Poll Results
Charli XCX, Brat (36 votes)
Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter (34)
Taylor Swift, The Tortured Poets Department (25)
Billie Eilish, Hit Me Hard and Soft (16)
Sabrina Carpenter, Short and Sweet (15)
Vampire Weekend, Only God Was Above Us (13)
Kacey Musgraves, Deeper Well (11)
Doechii, Alligator Bites Never Heal (10)
Waxahatchee, Tigers Blood (8)
Kenrick Lamar, GNX (7)
Adrianne Lenker, Bright Future (7)
The Cure, Songs of a Lost World (7)
Notes: We had 74 respondents this year, and what I thought would be a three-way race ended up being a super close two way race as Charli XCX edges out Beyoncé for a win. It’s important (as much as these things are important) to note that I counted variations of an album as the same album – so Brat got the tally for all Brat-related votes, and TPD got votes whether or not the Anthology side was mentioned. Female artists continue to dominate, and the debut of the year goes to Doechii (even though Sabrina Carpenter’s album is techinically a debut, it feels like she’s been with us for a while now).
Amazingly, this is Charli XCX’s first time hitting the music poll top ten. This is Beyoncé’s fourth placement, having won our AOTY twice before. Taylor Swift now leads her buds The National with the most top ten placements since the poll started (seven), while Billie Eilish (three for three) and Vampire Weekend (five for five) continue to have perfect scores when it comes to all their albums hitting the top ten. Kendrick Lamar hits for his third time, Kacey Musgraves for his second, and Adrianne Lenker for her first (either solo or in Big Thief). And while I suspect if this were the 46th annual music poll instead of the 26th, The Cure would have racked up a few top tens already, because we didn’t start ‘til 1999, this is their top-ten debut.
Now, on to the individual lists…
My list
Although my picks below are all new to the year, I am finding myself trying to get back some old-school habits – making CD mixes, listening to old CDs and cassettes, relying on music magazines and music blogs to cue me in to music instead of the iTunes algorithm. (With due respect, I won’t go anywhere near Spotify.) Basically, I fear the internet has broken how I listen to music, and has fragmented my old enjoyment. But, bringing it back around, luckily the music itself doesn’t disappoint, and there are a whole lot of exciting singers and bands to rally around. And with that . . . my top picks.
Lauren Mayberry, Vicious Creatures
This year, I decided to listen to every song on my phone in alphabetical order, and one of the revelations was that CHVRCHES had not only the most songs on there, but every time one came on, I was immediately in its zone. That said, I wasn’t expecting Mayberry’s solo album to be a CHVRCHES album, and in many ways, I feel it’s even better, because it feels (as a solo album should) more personal and direct. It also has a whole lot of amazing pop songs on it.
Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter
I don’t listen to it all the time, but I respect the hell out of it. When you have a platform as big as she does, this is a model in how to use it. Great songs, excellent collaborations with lesser known talents, and a statement not only on American music but America itself. Who else tried that this year on such a scale?
Maggie Rogers, Don’t Forget Me
A slow bloomer for me – good Lord, that spoken-word part (oofs) – but months later, I can’t stop listening to it, and seeing her live only made me like the songs more.
Vampire Weekend, Only God Was Above Us
It’s Vampire Weekend being Vampire Weekend, and I’m totally okay with that.
Billie Eilish, Hit Me Hard and Soft
Did not have “sapphic sexy” on the Bingo card of where I thought her career would go, but damned if it doesn’t work. It’s exciting to see someone so talented doing what she wants to do.
Lucinda Williams, Lucinda Williams Sings the Beatles From Abbey Road
The surprise entry on my list, since I didn’t know it existed until late December. But once I took a listen – woo-eee. How does she take songs you’ve heard a million times and make them rollick in a new, raw-and-ready direction? Oh year. Because she’s Lucinda F-ing Williams. A total blast.
Taylor Swift, The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology (David’s Version)
I am tortured, indeed. Here’s the thing: After I listened to the whole 31-song megapolis of an album a few (okay, more than a few) times, I honed it down to the 10 songs I really loved. I have listened to those 10 songs more than any other album listed here, and they’re even stronger now than they were at the start. But any time I try to listen to the other 21 songs, I find myself groaning. And not with pleasure. So . . . it makes the list, but not the top of the list. (For the record: “Fortnite”, “TPD”, “But Daddy…”, “I Can Do it with a Broken Heart”, “Clara Bow”, “The Black Dog”, “So High School”, “Peter”, “Robin”, “The Manuscript”)
Some favorite songs (limiting it to one per artist)
Beyoncé, “Texas Hold ‘Em”
Billie Eilish, “LUNCH”
Charli XCX & Lorde, “Girl, so confusing”
The Decemberists, “All I Want Is You”
Devon Again, “Cherry Cola” (pure pop pleasure)
Lauren Mayberry, “Something in the Air”
London Grammar, “House”
Maggie Rogers, “In the Living Room”
Orla Gartland, “Little Chaos”
Taylor Swift, today I’ll say “Clara Bow” but on another day it would be “Robin”
New or new-to-me bands/artists I liked and look forward to more from: Hana Vu, MJ Lenderman, NewDad
Anna Q Speaks for a Lot of People When She Says:
I’m going to have nothing for you this time around, since I basically spent the entire year listening to Chappell Roan.
[Editor’s note: Chappell came in at #7 in the 2023 poll; there is no doubt had it been a 2024 release, she would have placed higher, and probably won the damn thing. Such is the life of a calendar-driven poll.]
Maggie T-H does not deny this Alligator
1) Doechii --Alligator Bites Never Heal!
-denial is a river
-nissan altima
2) Kendrick Lamar-- Not Like Us
3) Sabrina Carpenter: Short and Sweet
-please please please
-taste
4) Charlie XCX-- Brat
-Apple
Jess S lets it Bey
1. Beyonce, Cowboy Carter
2. Taylor Swift, The Tortured Poets Department
3. Sabrina Carpenter, Short n' Sweet
Add me to the chorus of those who became a little obsessed with Chappell Roan this year! I'd listened to her album a few times last year, enough to recommend it here, but we saw her in Richmond in May and it was such an amazing show. Lots of queer joy!
Tiffany C takes Swift action
Taylor Swift, The Tortured Poets Department
Sabrina Carpenter, Short & Sweet
Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter
Billie Eillish, Hit Me Hard and Soft
Mike R finds rides the Utopia parkway
Yard Act, Where’s My Utopia?
Sturgill Simpson, Passage Du Desir
Vampire Weekend, Only God Was Above Us
Charly Bliss, Forever
Elbow, Audio Vertigo
Magdalena Bay, Imaginal Disk
Allie X, Girl With No Face
Billie Eilish, Hit Me Hard and Soft
Stephen Schwartz, Wicked: The Soundtrack
Charli XCX, BRAT
Justice, Hyperdrama
Hurray for the Riff Raff, The Past Is Still Alive
Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter
Kacey Musgraves, Deeper Well
Confidence Man, 3 AM (LA LA LA)
Kendrick Lamar, GNX
Billy Strings, Highway Prayers
Jack White, No Name
AURORA, What Happened To The Heart
Fontaines DC, Romance
Dua Lipa, Radical Optimism
Mdou Moctar, Funeral for Justice
Usher, Coming Home
Ducks Ltd., Harm’s Way
Taylor Swift, The Tortured Poets Department
Anica R’s picks Loom large
I'm sure my picks match everyone else's, but why not increase the margins?
1. Jeff Snyder, Loom (a riveting experimental dance album by my favorite composer and instrument designer--this album was years in the making, and the attention to detail is exquisite)
2. Morgan Harris, Alone Will Tell (traditional tunes reinvented by a ridiculously-talented old-time guitarist I love--her first solo album under her new name)
3. Lainie Fefferman, Here I Am (a soaring oratorio scored for a group of solo and ensemble female voices accompanied by a chamber rock band, this masterwork from one of my favorite humans explores, engages, and grapples with ancient texts from the Hebrew Bible)
4. Juri Seo and Jinjoo Cho, Toy Store (this collaboration between violinist Jinjoo Cho and composer/pianist Juri Seo, who plays electronics on the album, is as surprising, fun, and outrageous as the album's cover art)
5. Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Woodland (duh)
Michael T: CC+CXCX =
1. Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter (tie)
1. Charli XCX, Brat (tie)
2. Adrianne Lenker, Bright Future
Bryant P shops Local
Most Essential Album of 2024:
Local Natives, But I’ll Wait for You
Also Essential:
Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter
Vampire Weekend, Only God Was Above Us
Charli XCX, brat
Roberto R loves Bites
Hands down:
Doechii, Alligator Bites Never Heal
Scott H’s greatest Hit
Album of the year for me:
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft
Song of the year:
Billie Eilish - Wildflower
Phil B’s president, Carter
Let's keep it real simple this year:
Beyonce, Cowboy Carter
Daniel H respects the Process
Gerald Cleaver - The Process
Chime School - The Boy Who Ran The Paisley Hotel
Letting Up Despite Great Faults - Reverie
Alan Sparhawk - White Roses, My God
Zach F Salas forth
In attempted remembered order of total plays, my favorite albums of last year were...
Khruangbin, A La Sala
Four Tet, Three
Vampire Weekend, Only God Was Above Us
Floating Points, Cascade
Arusha Jain, Delight
Ezra Collective, Dance, No One’s Watching
Nala Sinephro, Endlessness
Jon Hopkins, Ritual
Aaron W boards the Bratmobile
Charli XCX, Brat
Uncontested.
Sarah L’s one-room Department
Taylor Swift, Tortured Poets Department
My number 1 - 10000 this year.
Hillary B finds the Cure
Great year for old goths!
1. The Cure, Songs of a Lost World
2. Kendrick Lamar, gnx
3. Various Artists, Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense
4. DIIV, Frog in Boiling Water
5. Pedro the Lion, Santa Cruz
Melissa W endorses the latest Era
2024: So essential I flew to London to hear it live:
Taylor Swift, Tortured Poets Department
Late discovery: You called it, I found this one just this year:
Chappell Roan, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
For Jeramey K, X marks the spot
Most Essential Album:
Allie X - Girl With No Face
Also in heavy rotation:
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Justice - Hyperdrama
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross - Challengers (Original Score)
Mustafa - Dunya
St. Vincent - Hell is Near
Charli XCX - Brat
Emma L makes her Moves
Bad Moves, Wearing Out The Refrain.
For Emily H, XCX marks the spot
It was a challenged musical year for me, but I’ve gotten through it especially with (sorry not sorry):
Charli XCX, Brat
Scott T, here comes the Sunn
I'm revising my thinking for your poll. I used to have a much higher standard for "essential" but at this point of the streaming era , if I'm willing to buy the CD/digital version of an album (which I still do), I feel it's already essential as opposed to the stuff I leave for streaming only. As in the past few years, my tastes have drifted to dark wave and Berlin school, so not much chance of overlap with the general group here, but you never know.
Most Essential in 2024 - Ultra Sunn, US (bonus points for also releasing in 2024 an equally excellent EP collection Keep Your Eyes Peeled)
Other Essential
Still Corners, Dream Talk
Clan of Xymox, Exodus
Vanderson, Into the Unknown
Leathers, Ultraviolet
Top Songs of 2024
Clan of Xymox, The Blood of Christ
Cold Cave, She Reigns Down
Heijmat/MRYN, Where Will It Take Us
Kat Von D, Dead
R. Missing, Sleep Will Darken It
Gabriella Raelyn, As We Kiss, Consume
Liz Mann, Heartbreak Disco
Anna Marx, Bruises
Luca Vasta, Santa Maria
Lazerpunk, Toxic
Brian M’s Malice in wonderland
I admit that I didn't listen to a ton of '24 releases (I think I'm officially old). That said, there are some albums that I loved.
Most Essential:
Malice K, Avanti
Other essentials:
Cindy Lee, Diamond Jubilee
Billie Eilish, Hit Me Hard and Soft
Jack White, No Name
Sivert Hoyem, On An Island
Fontaines DC, Romance
Chelsea Wolfe, She Reachers Out to She Reaches Out to She
Harry Mack, The Singles
Taylor Swift, Tortured Poets Department
Sam Morton, Daffodils & Dirt
For Sara F, it’s X’s that mark the spot
I feel like my new music listening isn’t much as now my number on song is Rikki Don’t Lose that Number (which means I am indeed officially 40). But here are some albums/songs I liked.
Albums:
1) X’s -Cigarettes After Sex
2) Radical Optimism - Dua Lipa
3) Songs of a Lost World -The Cure
Songs:
1) sexy to someone- Clairo
2) not like us - Kendrick Lamar
3) lunch- Billie eilish
4) young lion -Sade
Shelly R’s lassos a Cowboy
Top Album of 2024:
Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter
Listen, Renaissance is a work of art but Cowboy Carter showcased how Beyoncé is not an artist that can be confined to one genre. As Linda Martell's interlude introduces YA YA, "This particular tune stretches across a range of genres and that's what makes it a unique listening experience..." just like Beyoncé's career!
Honorable Mentions:
Bring Me The Horizon, POST HUMAN: NeX GEn
Wicked Movie Cast, Wicked: The Soundtrack
Kendrick Lamar, GNX
Top 10 Songs Released in 2024 (in no order):
1. "Defying Gravity" – Wicked Movie Cast
2. "Nepo Baby" – Flyana Boss
3. "The Algorithm" – Puscifer
4. "BOA" – Megan Thee Stallion
5. "AmEN!" – Bring Me The Horizon feat. Lil Uzi Vert & Daryl Palumbo of Glassjaw
6. "Alibi" – Sevdaliza with Pabllo Vittar & Yseult
7. "Malala Made Me Do It" – Lady Parts (Anjana Vasan, Sarah Kameela Impey, Faith Omole, Juliette Motamed)
8. "TYG" – Megan Thee Stallion feat. Spiritbox
9. "squabble up" – Kendrick Lamar
10. "Disease" – Lady Gaga
Melissa S is a Cowboy junkie
My most essential album(s) of the year:
Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter
Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter
Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter
Towa Bird, American Hero
Bea and Her Business, Me vs. Me (do EPs count?)
FLETCHER, In Search of the Antidote
Peach PRC, Manic Dream Pixie (Deluxe)
Big discoveries from past years:
Tracy Chapman, Tracy Chapman (Fast Car has changed my life??)
Shaboozey, Cowboys Live Forever, Outlaws Never Die
Nick E, New Dad who loves NewDad
A few albums this year that I think will be in my rotation for years to come...
1. NewDad, MADRA
2. The Decemberists, As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again
3. Sabrina Carpenter, Short n' Sweet
My most-played album of the year, according to Spotify, was a 2023 album: Ghosts by Hania Rani. Entirely because it was my go-to listen for middle-of-the-night rocking chair sessions, of which there were many...
Chris K, Battle ready
Album of the Year: Tyr, Battle Ballads
2. Chelsea Wolfe, She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She
3. Leather Lung, Graveside Grin
4. Light of the Morning Star, Wings in the Night Sky EP
5. Demiser, Slave to the Scythe
6. Ghoul, Noxious Concoctions EP
7. Slimelord, Chitridiomycosis Relinquished
8. Gatecreeper, Dark Superstition
9. The Crown, Crown of Thorns
10. Dissimulator, Lower Form Resistance
11. Spiter, Enter the Gates of Fucking Hell
12. Unto Other, Never, Neverland
13. Knoll, As Spoken
Brant R crash-tests Dummy
My Essential Albums of 2024:
Dummy, Free Energy
Being Dead, Eels
Camera Obscura, Look to the East, Look to the West
Nourished by Time, Catching Chickens [EP]
Dehd, Poetry
Doris, Ultimate Love Songs Collection
Elder Albums I Found Essential in 2024:
Floyd Cramer, The Essential Floyd Cramer [1960-1965]
Jules and the Polar Bears, Got No Breeding [1978]
k.d. lang, Shadowland [1988]
Lotion, Full Isaac [1994]
Johnny Mathis, Johnny’s Greatest Hits [1956-1958]
John Mellencamp, Human Wheels [1993]
Chappell Roan, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess [2023]
Randy VanWarmer, Beat of Love [1981]
Roger Williams, Greatest Hits [1984]
Bill Withers, Live at Carnegie Hall [1972]
Elizabeth is a Poet and knows it
Essential
Taylor Swift, The Tortured Poets Department
Other Essentials--it was all about the ladies for me!
Sabrina Carpenter, Short 'n Sweet
Beyonce, Cowboy Carter
Charli XCX, Brat
Billie Eilish, Hit Me Hard and Soft
Ryan Y holds ‘em
My cup ranneth over in 2024 in terms of new music, so this essentials list is more competitive than in previous years!
1. Beyoncé, COWBOY CARTER
2. Maggie Rogers, Don't Forget Me
3. Griff, Vertigo
4. Charli xcx, Brat and it's completely different but also still brat
5. Wicked Movie Cast, Wicked: The Soundtrack
6. Post Malone, F-1 Trillion: Long Bed
8. Kacey Musgraves, Deeper Well
8. Ariana Grande, eternal sunshine
For Collin R, Brat is far from the wurst
TOP ALBUM
Charli XCX, BRAT
Honorable Mentions
Beyoncé, COWBOY CARTER
Remi Wolf, Big Ideas
Compilation, I Saw the TV Glow (Original Soundtrack)
Doechii, Alligator Bites Never Heal
Red Hot Org, TRANSA
Medium Build, Country
Waxahatchee, Tigers Blood
TOP SONGS
Charli XCX, Von dutch
Caroline Polachek, Starburned and Unkissed
Lady Gaga, Disease
Doechii, DENIAL IS A RIVER
Charli XCX, bb trickz, Club Classics featuring bb trickz
Charli XCX, Lorde, Girl, so confusing featuring Lorde
Ethel Cain, Punish
Yaeji, booboo
Medium Build, In My Room
Chappell Roan, Good Luck, Babe!
Jinny W riddles the Sphinx
1. Sphinx Virtuosi, Songs for Our Times: Music by Jessie Montgomery ("Divided"), Valerie Coleman ("Tracing Visions"), Florence Price and others. Sphinx began in 1998; its Virtuosi is a self-conducted ensemble of 18 string players. Deutsche Grammophon.
2. Jeffrey Biegel, pianist, with the London Symphony Orchestra, Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue by Peter Boyer. A reflection of and tribute to the centennial of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue (1924). Naxos
3. Anthony McGill, clarinetist, and the Pacifica Quartet, American Stories by composers Richard Danielpour, James Lee III, Valerie Coleman, and Ben Shirley. 2024 Grammy Nominee. Cedille Records.
Cleo W slips in a Disk
1. Magdalena Bay, Imaginal Disk
2. Charli xcx, Brat
3. Fontaines D.C., Romance
4. Adrienne Lenker, Bright Future
5. Rachel Chinouriri, What A Devastating Turn of Events
Jake S pulls a 360
Essential Album: Charli XCX, The Brat Trilogy
Beyoncé, COWBOY CARTER
Ariana Grande, eternal sunshine
Orla Gartland, Everybody Needs a Hero
Kacey Musgraves, Deeper Well
Sabrina Carpenter, Short n’ Sweet
Katie Lynne Sharbaugh, Upstaged!
Victoria Monèt, JAGUAR II: Deluxe
Jacob Collier, Djesse, Vol. 4
Sarah Jarosz, Polaroid Lovers
Maggie Rogers, Don’t Forget Me
Doechii, Alligator Bites Never Heal
Underscores, Wallsocket (Director’s Cut)
Frank Turner, Undefeated
Green Day, Saviors
Katie Gavin, What A Relief
Special Mention:
Wicked // Hadestown: Live From London
David A has seen the Future, and it’s Bright
FAVORITE ALBUM:
Adrianne Lenker, Bright Future
Gianfranco L, Radical fairy
I’m gay.
1. Dua Lipa, Radical Optimism
2. Charli xcx, BRAT
3. And every single version of “The Ballad of the Witches’ Road” from “Agatha All Along” that dropped last year
Josh L says, way to go, Tigers
Waxahatchee, Tigers Blood
Honorable mentions:
Adrianne Lenker, Bright Future
Bad Moves, Wearing Out the Refrain
Hurray for the Riff Raff, The Past is Still Alive
Not an amazing year, since these other great albums had too many duds mixed in with great songs. But Waxy, following up the greatest album of the last twenty years not to even be the album of the year (because of Punisher) had the best song of the whole year plus an album of smart songs with no duds. She's good. Adrianne Lenker is the poet of her generation, you know, but she's taking the Neil Young route of ornery experimentation and dud-daring, rather than standing still or accepting polish...
Matt U is not shocked by Toxic
It’s my favorite email of the year! Always eager to see what you and others have discovered this year. Also, I feel like 2025 is already starting out to be a strong year for new music with Sharon Van Etten already on my list for 2025 and a very franz-ferdinandy Franz Ferdinand release. And I just listened to Ethel Cain’s Perverts and would very much like someone to do a wellness check on her… But for 2024, here we go, I didn’t have any actual super stand-out but might as well go with this rough order:
Most essential albums
1. The Airborne Toxic Event, Glory
2. Vampire Weekend, Only God Was Above Us
3. Father John Misty, Mahashmashana
4. Fred Again.., ten days
5. Billie Eilish, Hit Me Hard and Soft
6. Shaboozey, Where I’ve Been Isn’t Where I’m Going
7. Bonny Light Horseman, Keep Me on Your Mind / See You Free
8. M. J. Lenderman, Manning Fireworks
9. Waxahatchee, Tigers Blood
10. Hurray for the Riff Raff, The Past Is Still Alive
There were also decent albums by Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, and by Phospohescent, but they didn’t really stick in my mind. I would have included Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter, which will no doubt make the list, but for me the good songs were marred by some of the corniness, all the spoken parts, and a truly terrible rendition of Jolene—like I found myself replaying songs but never wanting to replay the album.
Favorite songs:
Father John Misty, I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of All of Us
Vampire Weekend, Connect
The Airborne Toxic Event, Glory and Note to Self
Sharon Van Etten, Southern Life (can I count this late 2024 release from her 2025 full album?)
Billie Eilish, Chihiro and Wildflower
Hozier, Too Sweet
M J Lenderman, Joker Lips
Beyonce, 16 Carriages
Matt Maeson, That’s My Cue (live)
Moby & Lady Blackbird, Dark Days
And discoveries from prior years: I’ve been enjoying the songs Nathan Nicholson has been providing vocals to for all kinds of groups, Sofi Tukker’s delightful mix of dance and Brazilian rhythms, and some moodier stuff by Elderbrook, Wolfie’s Just Fine, Josiah and the Bonnevilles, and Reuben and the Dark.
Hopefully, 2025 will send good music our way since everything else seems pretty apocalyptic…
Aimee F brings her own Bodyguard
In keeping with tradition, here are my favorite pop singles of 2024:
Beyoncé, Bodyguard (best single of the year, imo)
Beyoncé, Texas Hold ‘Em
Noah Kahan, You're Gonna Go Far
Sabrina Carpenter, Espresso
Addison Rae, Diet Pepsi
Chappell Roan, Good Luck, Babe!
Kelly Clarkson's cover of Red Wine Supernova :) (since the original came out in 2023!)
Charli XCX, Apple
Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande, Defying Gravity
Andrea R’s Taylor-made list
Here are my picks for 2024:
Taylor Swift: The Tortured Poets Department
Charli XCX: Brat
Billie Eilish: Hit Me Soft and Hard
Tyler the Creator: Chromakopia
Danielle P chairs the Dept
Taylor Swift, Tortured Poets Dept.
Matt R takes the Lo road
Here's my mini-list of the main new things I've listened to this year (since Prince albums from the 80s aren't eligible).
Lo Moon- I Wish You More Than Luck
Bleachers- Bleachers
(Does Chappell Roan count here since it was released at the end of 2023?)
(Ed. note: No.)
Alex K-N Sticks to a new version of an old favorite
BEST ALBUMS OF 2024
Stick Season (Forever) by Noah Kahan
Deeper Well: Deeper Into the Well by Kacey Musgraves
Cowboy Carter by Beyonce
brat and it's completely different but also still brat by Charli XCX
For the Dreamers by Ingrid Michaelson
Don't Forget Me by Maggie Rogers
Ooh La La by Guster
eternal sunshine (slightly deluxe and also live) by Ariana Grande
The Forest Is The Path by Snow Patrol
Weird Faith (Deluxe) by Madi Diaz
Access All Areas: Unlocked by FLO
Revenge by Muni Long
This Wasn't Meant For You Anyway by Lola Young
Vicious Creature by Lauren Mayberry
OBSERVATIONS FROM A CROWDED ROOM by Joy Oladokun
Short n' Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter
Saviors by Green Day
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish
Verbathim by Nemahsis
Wildewoman (The New Recordings) (Deluxe) by Lucius
BEST SONGS OF 2024
"Deeper Well" by Kacey Musgraves
"Good Luck, Babe!" by Chappell Roan
"Everything Almost" by Madi Diaz
"You're Gonna Go Far" by Noah Kahan & Brandi Carlile
"Too Sweet" by Hozier
"Massachusetts" by Jensen McRae
"II Most Wanted" by Beyonce & Miley Cyrus
"Messy" by Lola Young
"Don't Forget Me" by Maggie Rogers
"Only You" by Ingrid Michaelson & Ariza
"We Can't Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)" by Ariana Grande
"Girl, so confusing" by Charli XCX & Lorde
"Happy Customers" by Two Door Cinema Club
"Ruined Me" by Muni Long
"The Beginning" by Snow Patrol
"Maybe We're Alright" by Guster
"I'D MISS THE BIRDS" by Joy Oladokun
"Forbidden Road" by Robbie Williams
"Happy World" by Debbii Dawson
"Please Please Please" by Sabrina Carpenter
"Birds of a Feather" by Billie Eilish
"Angel of My Dreams" by JADE
"Get It Till I'm Gone" by FLO
"Leash" by Sky Ferreira
"Saturn" by SZA
Jackie D stands up for some oldies but goodies
As usual I just listen to whatever musical threads I end up following, usually to match the books I’m working on, and they rarely came out in the past year, but these are my albums of the year.
Jethro Tull, Stand Up
Gloria Mundi, The Word is Out
Gloria Mundi, I, Individual
Fanny, Live at Beat Club ’71-‘72
Harry Nilsson, Nilsson Schmilsson
PJ Harvey, To Bring You My Love
Stevie Wonder, Fulfillingness’ First Finale
Greta Van Fleet, Starcatcher
What now, Jonas R?
Brittany Howard, What Now
Vampire Weekend, Only God Was Above Us
Khruangbin, A La Sala
Hardy, Quit!
Father John Misty, Mahashmashana
Juniore, Trois, Deux, Un
The Linda Lindas, No Obligation
The Last Dinner Party, Prelude to Ecstasy
MJ Lenderman, She's Leaving You
Emilia Pérez Soundtrack
Lucas K gets Real
As usual these days, my album listening wasn't terribly deep and my overall music stats include a lot of stuff for the kids (Otto insists on listening to the Years and Years/Elton John cover of "It's a Sin" every morning before school (which I like too, but am a *little* tired of)).
But here's what I liked best out of what I was able to listen to! Looking forward to the full rankings. 😎👍
Real Estate, Daniel
Soccer Mommy, Evergreen
Waxahatchee, Tigers Blood
Washed Out, Notes from a Quiet Life
Coldplay, Moon Music
Kacey Musgraves, Deeper Well
Vampire Weekend, Only God Was Above Us
Camera Obscura, Look to the East, Look to the West
Kyle R likes this Carpenter’s work
My top albums of the year.....
1) Sabrina Carpenter - Short 'n' Sweet
2) Linkin Park - From Zero
3) Billie Eilish - HIT ME HARD AND SOFT
4) Charli XCX - Brat and it's completely different but also still brat
5) Charlie XCX - BRAT
6) Ariana Grande - eternal sunshine
7) Kylie Minogue - Tension II
8) John Summit - Comfort in Chaos
9) SZA - SOS Deluxe: LANA
10) Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us
This year was tough for me, musically - I found myself far more drawn to past works than anything released in 2024. I found myself revisiting lots of old video game soundtracks (specifically, Final Fantasy and Nobuo Uematsu, as well as Masayoshi Soken) - culminating in an orchestra concert for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth at Carnegie Hall earlier this month that I had been counting the days for during the entirety of 2024. I had the absolute pleasure of having the incredibly talented Loren Allred ("Never Enough" from the Greatest Showman) sing the theme song to the game live! What an experience.
I've been trying to keep up with music trends via YouTube and Reddit, but I'm definitely falling behind. I see myself disconnecting from the direction of pop music overall. It wasn't until this winter that I gave Brat the chance it rightfully deserved over the summer! And poor Chappell missing out on what would absolutely be the number 1 spot on this list (but she made it last year!! <3) I know, I know, shameful. Am I getting old? Shaking my fist ignorantly at the TikTok dances and viral slowed songs? Am I being snooty? Probably, but all is forgiven as Brat will get the flowers it deserves whether I vote for it or not. I'll still count it in my list!
For me, Sabrina just barely eked out the number 1 spot over Charli's dominance (am I cheating by giving her two spots? No, I couldn't be....). I felt her music provided me with the most delicious bubblegum pop of the year. I couldn't help but notice some strong resemblance to the vibes I felt listening to Rilo Kiley's "Under the Blacklight" album while enjoying Short 'n' Sweet. I would love for Sabrina to explore that guitar-oriented, pop-leaning light rock with just a hint of country.
Charli XCX's domination during 2024 was undeniable. At first, I had only heard snippets of "Apple" on the radio and was incredibly turned off by its sound. I held out for the longest time until the remix randomly came on my spotify earlier this month, and it was then that I dove into the remix album and back to the original brat. Both are entirely worthy of their spots on this list. My ONLY gripe is that a good portion of the original brat album has this "emptiness" in the songs, almost like there should be another instrument to help fill the space the song creates (felt this most especially on Apple, but 360 and 365 both need something else to up the punch). I can respect the direction, though - nothing wrong with honoring Robyn. <3 Honestly, the features on the remix album are the reason it scores higher. It just elevates the whole experience.
Linkin Park was the most surprising to me this year. I was never really a fan of theirs during Chester's tenure with the band, really only enjoying the singles they released and the mashup album with Jay-Z. But there was something special about Emily's voice that I connected to. The Emptiness Machine really spoke to me, and ever since, I've been playing the band's new album regularly.
I have a sneaking suspicion that I will be the only person voting for John Summit's album this year - typically your top album lists don't lean into electronic music, but there was just something so special about "Where You Are" and "Shiver," and the fact that both tracks ended up in my Top 10 most played songs of the year on Spotify, that I'd be remiss not to include him.
Nico M, a Brat with specificity
Charli XCX, brat and it’s completely different but also still brat
(yes, the remix album technically includes the original album too and I’m obsessed with it too so it’s still brat)
bumpin that, bumpin that, bumpin that…
Jeffrey L sits on the (listening) dock of the Bey
I've continued really to work over the past few years to resist the natural calcification that I think comes with aging, i.e. people commonly being less open to new music and new sounds. I wish it didn't take so much darn intentionality, but it does.
I think last year was a heck of a good one for music -- I can't wait to see what hits for your poll this year that I've not yet caught wind of. It's something I continue to look forward to and participating every year really delights me!
Confession -- I was kind of torn about how to order the top four. I think they could have gone any which way.
I really really love The Cure's album, but I think that may be attributable to my probably higher than average appreciation for older artists making art exploring their mortality (Johnny Cash's or Neil Diamond's late in life Rick Rubin recordings, or the one Loretta Lynn did with Jack White, or the [I'm not that old!] Tanya Tucker album that Brandi Carlisle produced, which I loved), and for older bands suddenly showing up again with A-game material (omg that 2022 Tears for Fears album which I continue to listen to regularly).
But the Beyonce album is maybe the first in a very long time that makes me almost drive off the road from the exuberance of singing along to it. It's music that makes me feel like I can sing even though not so much. Not long after getting it, I was in Texas for several days around the time of the solar eclipse. On the freeway between San Antonio and Austin, I drove past a truck with a "Don't tread on me" bumper sticker. And then not 5 minutes later I drove past a car with a bumper sticker that read "Honey, no one's treading on you." I think Beyonce captures this thorny Texasness well.
I knew Cassandra Jenkins must have had some kind of a Rhode Island connection when I heard the song "Clams Casino." And low, she went to RISD.
1. Beyonce, Cowboy Carter
2. The Cure, Songs of a Lost World
3. Cassandra Jenkins, My Light, My Destroyer
4. The Last Dinner Party, Prelude to Ecstasy
5. Clairo, Charm
6. Sabrina Carpenter, Short n' Sweet
7. Jessica Pratt, Here in the Pitch
8. Lainey Wilson, Whirlwind
9. Tyla, Tyla
10. Kacey Musgraves, Deeper Well
The other thing I listened to on heavy rotation this past year was a track from the late-in-the-year 2023 "surprise" album drop (Laugh Track) from The National. The song featuring Rosanne Cash is haunting and I frequently have it on repeat when I get in a mood. I'm almost getting not so shabby at detecting when John Levanthal is in the production room when something is recorded.
Brent G plays Fortnite
1. Taylor Swift - TTPD
2. Doechii - Alligator Bites never heal
3. Lizzie McAlpine - Older
4. Knocked Loose - You won't go before you're supposed to
5. Kendrick Lamar - GNX
6. Childish Gambino - Bando Stone & the New World
7. Clairo - Charm
8. Tyler the Creator - Chromokopia
9. Billie Eillish - hit me hard and soft
10. Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well
Carrie N wishes Well
Kacey Musgraves, DEEPER WELL
Beyonce, COWBOY CARTER
Billie Eilish, HIT ME HARD & SOFT
Ariana Grande, ETERNAL SUNSHINE
Sabrina Carpenter, SHORT N’ SWEET
Charli XCX, BRAT
Tiernan B-E, so not confused
My top 10 albums! In order.
1. Charli xcx, BRAT
2. Katie Gavin, What a Relief
3. The Softies, The Bed I Made
4. Beyonce, Cowboy Carter
5. Hurray for the Riff Raff, The Past is Still Alive
6. Adrianne Lenker, Bright Future
7. Lauren Mayberry, Vicious Creature
8. Gracie Abrams, The Secret of Us
9. Nilufer Yanya, My Method Actor
10. Taylor Swift, The Tortured Poets Department
And single of the year goes to Chappell Roan's Good Luck, Babe! Obviously.
Blake A, XCX-rated
AsOTY: brat (all three), Charli XCX - undisputedly culture-defining, essential, cunty, etc.
Honorable Mentions:
(2024 releases only, in no particular order)
eternal sunshine, Ariana Grande
Club Shy, Shygirl
MEGAN: ACT II, Megan Thee Stallion
HEATWAVE, BRONZE AVERY
Deeper Well: Deeper into the Well, Kacey Musgraves
HEAT, Tove Lo + SG Lewis
COWBOY CARTER, Beyoncé
What Happens Now?, Dasha
Quantum Baby, Tinashe
Britpop, A.G. Cook
Short n’ Sweet, Sabrina Carpenter
God Said No, Omar Apollo
Am I Okay?, Megan Moroney
Imaginal Disk, Magdalena Bay
Sugar Water, Maude Latour
Charm, Clairo
Alligator Bites Never Heal, Doechii
Diva of the People, Gavin Turek
Submarine, The Marias
Model, Wallows
House of LION BABE, LION BABE
Tender the Spark, Cecile Believe
Wicked: The Soundtrack
Matthue R’s deep Dive
Most essential:
Twice, Dive
I really should be writing, Twice, Beyond the Horizon, the first song on the album, which I've definitely listened to more than every other song on the LP combined ("Peach Soda" is a distant runner up), possibly more than any other song in 2024, except perhaps Chappell Roan, Good Luck, Babe, which might be my most essential if we're counting songs, not albums, although I really do identify with the extended journey of a sequence of 10 or 13 or 24 songs in a specific sequence. (Good Luck, Babe is really, truly fantastic, not just in a subversive way of queer relationships lashing out at heteronormative and societo-normative, but also in the way that it's a fierce, righteously angry, melancholy eulogy for a relationship in a way that wouldn't be out of place on soft-rock radio.) And Dive really is worthy of being an album collection: it really rides the metaphor of marine exploration through several songs, not just in that traditional crush/relationship arc that K-pop is so good at, but also in reflecting and defining one's own self in the terms of one's lust and romance. Some of the free-association English connects us with raw emotions in a way that normative grammatical structure just can't: "I give myself on my own first wave" is so perfect, and the line that begins "3 A.M.," and swerves into a Korean reflection that I don't understand the words of, but I really think I get in some fundamental, unsaid but most definitely heard, way.
Also essential:
Orville Peck, Stampede
Bronco, Peck's last album, was such a tsunami of emotion and feelings uncaged. This is a lot more just Orville having fun, and using his newfound quasi-celebrity to rub elbows with famous people and musical underdogs. I'm having a lot of trouble with his cover of "Papa Was a Rodeo," which feels like he sucked the gay out of it and doesn't quite play to his strengths of baritone sadness in the way that the original might have, but geez, "How Far Will We Take It" is so heartbreakingly gorgeous.
Doechii, Alligator Bites Never Heal
Holy shiitake, her energy comes so hard. Doechii's storytelling is on point, and she's not afraid to, like, collapse into a verse that's half just staccato breathing. It's telling that she did a version of "Denial Is a River" with Issa Rae, and even Issa can't quite manage her levels of dry wryness.
Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter
Each song on this is more surprising than the last.
RM, Right Place, Wrong Person
RM is a member of BTS, but you'd never believe it from this album. It's just so weird! Alt-hip-hop and experimental sound. Listening to it is really creatively freeing, and kind of affirms all your weirdest artistic impulses.
Kevin K gives his truth to The Dare
This year was loaded with great music. Much better than 2023. Of you have yet to watch the Tiny Desk Concert with Doechii, it was AMAZING. Be sure to listen to my 90 minute playlist of my favorite songs from 2024.
1. The Dare - What’s Wrong with New York
2. Nada Surf - Moon Mirror
3. M.J. Lenderman - Manning Fireworks
4. Doechii - Alligator Bites Never Heal
5. Pom Pom Squad - Mirror Starts Moving Without Me
6. Charli xcx - BRAT
7. Amyl and The Sniffers - Cartoon Darkness
8. Los Campesinos! - All Hell
9. Christian Lee Hutson - Paradise Pop. 10
10. McCoy Tyner/Joe Henderson - Forces of Nature: Live at Skugs’
Kevin’s Top Songs of 2024 Playlist!
Jacqueline Q’s Cure-all
1. The Cure, Songs of a Lost World
2. Vampire Weekend, Only God Was Above Us
3. Billie Eilish, Hit Me Hard and Soft
That's about it for me but you are right, if Midwest Princess had come out in 2024, Chappell would be on my list this year!.
To note: As a die hard Cure fan for over 30 years, it's been even longer since I've loved a release of theirs. So much anticipation for Songs of the Lost World made me ill at times, fearing it would be another disaster. I was, and am, still so incredibly in love with the album and it has felt like a monumental moment for me to be able to experience this joy as an adult since their last good release I loved was during my tween years!
Will W, so high school
(I also am late to Cindy Lee and suspect Cindy belongs here somewhere, maybe even at the top.)
1. Taylor, The Tortured Poets Department
2. Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter
3. MJ Lenderman, Manning Fireworks
4. Charli, brat and it's completely different but still brat
5. Gracie Abrams, The Secret of Us
6. Waxahatchee, Tigers Blood
7. Brigitte Calls Me Baby, The Future Is Our Way Out
8. Bon Iver, SABLE,
9. Kacey, Deeper Well
10. Ari, Eternal Sunshine
11. Dua, Radical Optimism (Extended)
BUT, my favorite song this year (and most played, evidently)
was Caroline Polachek's "Starburned & Unkissed" from the TV Glow soundtrack!
Cassandra P, Cowboy cheerleader
Most Essential:
Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter
Other Essentials:
Billie Eilish, Hit Me Hard and Soft
Kendrick Lamar, GNX
Charli XCX, Brat
Tyler, The Creator, Chromakopia
Eminem, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)
Childish Gambino, Bando Stone and The New World
Sabrina Carpenter, Short n’ Sweet
Infinity Song, Metamorphosis Complete
Teri Y found Heaven
Conan Gray, Found Heaven
Shawn Mendes, Shawn
Morgxn, Beacon
Short and sweet this year.
Billy M’s ray of LANA
Sza - sos deluxe: LANA
RAYE: Live at Montreux Jazz festival
The Smile: Cutouts
Kari L gives Blackbird some wings
Albums
1. Lady Blackbird, Slang Spirituals
2. Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter”
3. The Bellrays, Heavy Steady Go!
4. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Wild God
5. The Cure, Songs Of A Lost World
6. Leon Bridges, Leon
7. Jack White, No Name
8. Vampire Weekend, Only God Was Above Us
Songs
Willow, Big Feelings
Sleater-Kinney, Untidy Creature
Ezra Collective, God Gave Me Feet for Dancing
Vampire Weekend, Connect
Brittany Howard, What Now
Cindy Lee, All I Want is You
Billie Eilish, Birds of a Feather
Kim Deal, Nobody Loves You More
Random
I listened to a lot of records this year, older stuff on repeat:
Mingus, Ah Um
Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers with Monk
Lee Fields, Let’s Talk It Over
Sly and the Family Stone, Fresh
Coltrane, Blue Train
Stan Getz Quartet featuring Asrud Gilberto, Getz Au Go Go
Jimmy Smith, Groovin’ at Small’s Paradise
Lots of Morning Becomes Eclectic on KCRW and The Brazilian Beat and the SoulFul Strut on KMHD.
May 2025 be filled with music!
Eugene K, spoiled by Brat
1. Charli XCX - Brat and it’s completely different but also still Brat
2. Tyla - Tyla
3. Arya Starr - The Year I Turned 21
4. Tems - Born in the Wild
5. Etelin - Patio User Manual
Timothy D speaks up for the Tortured
2024... #somehowworsethan2020
Dealing with a life filled with micro and macro darkness since April, I followed my nieces' advice and listened to what became my album of the year:
Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department
... though I continue to believe all her albums sound the same, so I only need to enjoy this one... sorry Tay Tay.
My most played:
Lauren Mayberry - Vicious Creature
Duran Duran - Rio
Pale Waves - Smitten
The Decemberists - I'll Be Your Girl
The Last Dinner Party - Prelude to Ecstasy
The Police - Synchronicity
... now to discover some very angry/motivating music for 2025.
Dash G’s Gee whiz
1) Mk Gee, “Two Star & the Dream Police”
2) JPEGMAFIA, “I Lay Down My Life For You”
3) Fontaines D.C., “Romance”
4) Clairo, “Charm”
5) Anderson Paak. + Knxledge, “Why Lawd?”6) Adrianne Lenker, “Bright Future”
7) Spirit of the Beehive, “YOU’LL HAVE TO LOSE SOMETHING”
8) Magdalena Bay, “Imaginal Disk”
9) Amyl and The Sniffers, “Cartoon Darkness”10) Thee Oh Sees, “SORCS 80”
Dan P’s show of Faith
Madi Diaz, Weird Faith
Bleachers, A Stranger Desired
Waxahatchee, Tigers Blood
Vampire Weekend, Only God Was Above Us
Maggie Rogers, Don’t Forget Me
Soccer Mommy, Evergreen
Sarah D’s musical Jpeg
Gary Clark Jr - Jpeg Raw
Very close runner up: Maggie Rogers Don’t Forget Me
MGMT - loss of Life
Bleachers - Bleachers
EDM artist to watch: Sarah De Warren, who hails from West Dorset, UK, where I lived in the 90’s. I met her as a little baby!
Gabriel D’s Swift-ly tilting planet
1. Taylor Swift, The Tortured Poets Department (I can't not ... I'm sorry)
2. Lola Young, This Wasn't Meant For You Anyway (I listened to Messy obsessively in the summer)
3. Camila Cabello, C,XOXO (I mean, I was weirdly invested in this and I loved the first singles and really believed in her vision!)
4. Ariana Grande, eternal sunshine (mainly for We Can't Be Friends; the whole album is growing with me and I think the Wicked press tour has been immaculate for Ariana's future)
5. Amyl and The Sniffers, Cartoon Darkness (mainly because I listened to Big Dreams and Chewing Gum obsessively)
Giles G finds true Romance
1. Fontaines D.C. - Romance
2. Clairo - Charm
3. MJ Lenderman - Manning Fireworks
4. Jessica Pratt - Here in the Pitch
5. Nilufer Yanya - My Method Actor
6. Waxahatchee: Tigers Blood
7. Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft
8. Remi Wolf - Big Ideas
9. Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us
10. Kim Gordon - The Collective
Amyl and the Sniffers – Cartoon Darkness
Madi Diaz - Weird Faith
Mk.gee - Two Star & The Dream Police
Nia Archives - Silence is Loud
Mabe Fratti - Sentir Que No Sabes
Illuminati Hotties - Power
The Smile - Wall of Eyes
Sabrina Carpenter - Short n' Sweet
Beth Gibbons - Lives Outgrown
Cindy Lee - Diamond Jubilee
Kendrick Lamar - GNX
Jonathan V, in A La mode
MY TOP 3 ALBUMS FROM 2024
1. Khruangbin, A LA SALA
Careful, listening to it counts as vacation on your timesheet. I heard it for the first time on a boat way out in the middle of the ocean--or maybe it just gave me that sensation?
2. Lane 8, CHILDISH
Gorgeous, contemplative electronica that will make your regrets get up and dance.
3. Future Islands, PEOPLE WHO AREN'T THERE ANYMORE
Another volume in their growing collection of solid synth delights.
MY TOP 6 "DISCOVERIES"
1. Sonic Youth, DAYDREAM NATION
Somehow I missed (until now) this extraordinary Sonic Youth treasure from their "noisy AF" era. Amazing on vinyl.
2. Tourist, MEMORY MORNING
Fantastic abstract electronica, half-heard voices and half-formed words. Another feather in their cap.
3. Wire, 154
They're English, but these post-punk pioneers have "dirty New York" written all over them.
4. Mark Lanegan, BUBBLEGUM
A work friend introduced me to the late, great Lanegan. It was like finding a fleet of pirate ships, filled prow to stern with treasure.
5. Big Thief, DRAGON NEW WARM MOUNTAIN I BELIEVE IN YOU
For anyone's who's ever wished the Indigo Girls tried acid just once.
6. Clinic, FANTASY ISLAND
A mischievous excursion from the stalwarts of neo-psychedelia.
INESCAPABLE TRACKS
Baxter Dury, I'M NOT YOUR DOG
This guy's tracks are not quite songs, but calling them "spoken word" doesn't do justice to the melodies--or to his extremely debauched "life of the party who may kill you" persona.
Sabrina Carpenter, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
It blew ESPRESSO out of the water, FIGHT ME.
Jake Wesley Rogers, JACOB FROM THE BIBLE
Anytime I wanted to be really sad instantaneously, I got with this track.
Chappell Roan, GOOD LUCK BABE!
So addictive. I listened to it on repeat for two solid days--and I wasn't even playing the song!
HNNY, MELODY ELECTRONICS
So relaxing and hypnotic, you could use it in lieu of anesthesia. (Just don't pilfer kidneys, that's cruel!)
Barbara Streisand and Barry Gibb, GUILTY
I dare you.
FAVORITE RE-DISCOVERY
Discovery, LP
Playful blip rock that is (way) better than it may have intended to be. I just wish it wasn't a one-off, because it certainly wasn't a gimmick.
Matthew B likes a room with a Vu
1) Hana Vu, Romanticism
OTHERS:
Remi Wolf, Big Ideas
Charli XCX, Brat
Glass Animals, I Love You So Fucking Much
Maya does cartwheels for Carter
Beyoncé, COWBOY CARTER
Kristin E makes up for last year
I continue to hear good new music, thanks especially to B. D. Rumble and W. D. Rumble. But this year my clearest takeaway is that I most definitely should have included these two at the top of my list last year:
1 boy genius, the record
2 Chappell Roan, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
My apologies for the oversight, particularly as I am myself a fallen Midwesterner of sorts.
David G gives Chappell Roan the final word in this poll
IN THIS PARTICULAR ORDER:
Charli XCX, Brat and it's completely different but also still brat (Yes, I preferred this one)
Beyonce, Cowboy Carter
Laura Marling, Patterns in Repeat
Lo Moon, I Wish You Way More Than Luck
Sabrina Carpenter, Short n' Sweet
Vampire Weekend, Only God Was Above Us
Lauren Mayberry, Vicious Creature
Adrianne Lenker, Bright Future
Magdalena Bay, Imaginal Disk
I do think that a lot of my 2024 life was defined by:
Chappell Roan, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (2023)
