Tue Dec 03 20:20:00 UTC 2024: ## 2024: A Year of Musical Abundance
**New York, NY** – 2024 proved to be a banner year for music, overflowing with exceptional albums across genres. From established superstars to groundbreaking newcomers, the sheer volume of high-quality releases was staggering, making it a truly remarkable period for music lovers.
NPR Music compiled a list of 50 of the year’s best albums, highlighting a diverse range of artists and styles. While presented chronologically and unranked, a “baker’s dozen” of particularly outstanding albums were singled out for special recognition.
The year kicked off with Kali Uchis’s Spanish-language album *Orquídeas*, showcasing her vocal prowess and a blend of pop and Latin rhythms. Vijay Iyer, Linda May Han Oh, and Tyshawn Sorey’s *Compassion* offered a powerfully perceptive piano trio album exploring themes of loss and resilience. Emerging artist Mk.gee surprised with his debut *Two Star & The Dream Police*, solidifying his status as a guitar virtuoso. Madi Diaz’s *Weird Faith* tackled uncertainty and new love with poignant lyricism.
Other notable early releases included Hurray for the Riff Raff’s socially conscious *The Past Is Still Alive*, ScHoolboy Q’s psychedelic gangsta-rap opus *Blue Lips*, and the rediscovery of mid-20th century Black American composers Julia Perry and Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson on *American Counterpoints*. Kim Gordon’s *The Collective* showcased her experimental and artistic side, while Waxahatchee’s *Tigers Blood* demonstrated Katie Crutchfield’s growth and control. Tyla’s self-titled debut cemented her status as a rising African pop star, and Rosie Tucker’s *UTOPIA NOW!* delivered sharp social commentary and playful experimentation. Amaia Miranda’s *Mientras vivas brillas* captivated with its quiet beauty.
Beyoncé’s *Act II: Cowboy Carter* was a profound exploration of country music’s Black roots, while Fabiana Palladino’s debut self-titled album offered sophisticated, richly textured pop. Terry Riley’s *In C* received a unique and hypnotic reinterpretation by cellist Lea Beiser. Ekko Astral’s debut *pink balloons* announced a bold new punk band, and claire rousay’s *sentiment* showcased her introspective songwriting. Luiza Brina’s *Prece* combined Brazilian musical traditions with modern sounds, and Jessica Pratt’s *Here in the Pitch* demonstrated ambitious musicianship. Beth Gibbons’ solo debut *Lives Outgrown* revealed a new sonic world, and Angélica Garcia’s *Gemelo* explored duality and cultural identity.
June 7th saw a remarkable confluence of releases, including Kaytranada’s *TIMELESS*, Charli XCX’s chaotic *brat*, Tems’ debut *Born in the Wild*, and Gabriela Ortiz’s Grammy-nominated *Revolución Diamantina*. Rema’s *HEIS* showcased his Afrobeats roots, while Cassandra Jenkins’ *My Light, My Destroyer* offered surreal and intimate synth-kissed reveries. Remi Wolf’s *Big Ideas* developed her sound and tackled themes of fame and desire. JPEGMAFIA’s *I Lay Down My Life For You* showed a surprising depth and maturity, and Meshell Ndegeocello’s *No More Water* explored themes of oppression and resistance.
Rae Khalil’s *CRYBABY* showcased her seamless transition between rapping and singing, and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings’ *Woodland* offered a poignant reflection on impermanence. Sabrina Carpenter’s *Short n’ Sweet* embraced empowerment, and Doechii’s *Alligator Bites Never Heal* was a genre-bending triumph. Emily D’Angelo’s *Freezing* showcased her versatility, and Patricia Brennan Septet’s *Breaking Stretch* pushed boundaries in contemporary chamber music. Nala Sinephro’s *Endlessness* created a hypnotic ambient experience. MJ Lenderman’s *Manning Fireworks* captured the awkward realities of life, and Nilüfer Yanya’s *My Method Actor* delved into the nature of performance. Mustafa’s *Dunya* offered quietly awe-inspiring elegies, and Yasmin Williams’ *Acadia* showcased her impressive guitar skills with a large ensemble. Blood Incantation’s *Absolute Elsewhere* was a death metal masterpiece. Immanuel Wilkins’ *Blues Blood* explored familial bonds and Black history, and BigXthaPlug’s *Take Care* presented a unique blend of Southern hip-hop and soul. GloRilla’s *GLORIOUS* was a triumph of self-love and confidence. Roy Hargrove’s posthumous release *Grand-Terre* offered a vibrant celebration of Afro-Cuban music. Latin Mafia’s *Todos los días todo el día* explored the duality of emotion, and Tyler, the Creator’s *CHROMAKOPIA* showcased his growth and maturity. The Cure’s *Songs of a Lost World* marked a triumphant return after a long hiatus. Finally, Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album *GNX* concluded the year with a powerful and mysterious statement.
This list, while not exhaustive, provides a snapshot of the rich tapestry of music released in 2024 – a year that will undoubtedly be remembered for its incredible musical output.
First Piper 