2024 began on a somber note for music with the closure of Pitchfork as an independent publication. As one of the most influential voices in 21st-century music journalism, its loss stung—especially for us as a fellow music publication.

As we celebrate our 4th annual Year in Review, it’s clear that despite the bad omen, 2024 turned out to be a pretty good year for music.

At the 66th Grammys, Miley Cyrus finally won her first award, and Killer Mike took home Best Rap Album—though he was escorted out in handcuffs. Tracy Chapman made a triumphant return alongside Luke Combs, and Joni Mitchell made her Grammy debut, performing “Both Sides Now” 54 years after winning her first award.

Women dominated the charts! Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande claimed the top four spots on Billboard’s year-end Global Artists chart—a historic first. Swift’s record-breaking streak continued as she occupied the top 14 spots on the Hot 100 simultaneously and held the top two spots on Billboard’s year-end album chart. Her Eras Tour finally came to a close, grossing over $2 billion. Rising stars like Chappell Roan and Gracie Abrams emerged, while Charli xcx shed her “cult favorite” status with her “Brat Summer.”

Country music saw an unexpected surge with the help of Post Malone and Beyoncé, whose Cowboy Carter made her the first Black woman to top the country album charts—though it was notably snubbed by the CMAs. Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” tied “Old Town Road” for the longest No. 1 streak on the Hot 100, fueling a revival of stomp-and-holler music. Meanwhile, Zach Bryan’s continued rise propelled Americana into the mainstream.

Rap staged a dramatic comeback after years of decline, led by the explosive Kendrick Lamar–Drake feud. Kendrick emerged victorious, cementing his dominance with a Juneteenth concert where he performed “Not Like Us” six times in a row. A surprise album, four Grammy nominations, BET’s Rapper of the Year title, and the announcement of his Super Bowl halftime performance capped an extraordinary year.

Yet, the year was not without its losses. Icons like Kris Kristofferson, Quincy Jones, Duane Eddy, and Steve Albini passed away. Liam Payne’s tragic death brought One Direction together for the first time since their breakup. Meanwhile, REO Speedwagon and Hall & Oates called it quits.

On the comeback front, No Doubt reunited at Coachella, and Oasis announced a reunion tour. Not all returns succeeded—Jane’s Addiction imploded when Perry Farrell punched Dave Navarro onstage.

On the legal front, Young Thug returned home two and a half years after his initial RICO indictment. Meanwhile, Diddy faces a sweeping sex trafficking investigation involving over 100 alleged victims, and Lil Durk now faces a potential life sentence for a murder-for-hire plot targeting Quando Rondo.

In personal news, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco got engaged, Lana Del Rey married a Louisiana airboat captain, and Cardi B filed for divorce from Offset—for the second time.

On screen, Wicked revived the movie musical genre after Lady Gaga’s Joker: Folie à Deux flopped. Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown is now in theaters.

And in celebrating greatness, N.W.A. and Donna Summer received Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards, the Grateful Dead and Bonnie Raitt were honored at the Kennedy Center, and the Rock Hall welcomed a class that included Cher, Ozzy Osbourne, Dionne Warwick, Mary J. Blige, and A Tribe Called Quest.

We’ve reviewed countless songs and albums this year, and in this week’s newsletter, we’ll rank the best of them. Take a look at some of our reviews below.

100 Best Songs of 2024 🔥

From Kendrick Lamar's triumphant diss track to Billie Eilish's groovy bedroom pop, from Chappell Roan's 80s-inspired queer anthem to Zach Bryan's masterclass in storytelling, we've compiled the 100 best songs of 2024. We'll countdown the top 25 here, but you can find the full list on Spotify.

25. St. Vincent, Broken Man (Alternative Rock)

“Fueled by renewed feelings of anger, St. Vincent launches her album rollout with ‘Broken Man,’ a scorching industrial rock cacophony. Imagine a sonic explosion of clanging percussion, thunderous drums, and soaring harmonies, all punctuated by crushing riffs akin to PJ Harvey or Nine Inch Nails.” – March 5

24. Zach Bryan, Watchhouse, Pink Skies (Americana)

“‘Pink Skies’ tackles the grief of grown children returning to their childhood home after a family member's passing. The seemingly mundane act of cleaning the house becomes a poignant exploration of family history. A masterclass in emotional storytelling, the song packs a novel's worth of memories into a few short lines.” – July 8

23. Chat Pile, Masc (Alternative Metal)

“On their latest album, Chat Pile reveal a horror of a different kind. Take ‘Masc,’ undoubtedly the grooviest track on Cool World, which explores the psychic pain men can inflict on each other over perceived differences in manliness.” – October 14

22. Tyler, The Creator, Noid (Experimental Hip Hop)

“‘Noid,’ particularly the first half, offers a style we haven’t seen before as Tyler raps over synths and a Ngozi Family guitar riff. The combination of all the elements is almost overwhelming but somehow goes together so well, showcasing Tyler’s aptitude as a producer.” – October 28

21. Ethel Cain, Punish (Ethereal Wave)

“Ethel Cain has never sounded more harrowing, describing child sexual abuse in thinly veiled metaphor. Her ghostly vocal delivery on these passages intensifies just how unsettling the words she sings are. While certainly not for everyone, ‘Punish’ is proof that Cain has never been more boundary-pushing.” – November 4

20. Jane Remover, Flash in the Pan (Alternative R&B)

19. Porter Robinson, Cheerleader (Indietronica)

“Porter Robinson has always had a knack for crafting irresistible melodies, but the sudden shift towards pop on ‘Cheerleader’ caught us off guard. It's like an emo-infused synthpop anthem straight out of the early 2000s. With a monstrous synth line and a chorus that begs to be belted out, ‘Cheerleader’ epitomizes the essence of pop maximalism.” – April 1

18. MJ Lenderman, She’s Leaving You (Alt-Country)

“For an artist who has only been writing songs for five years, MJ Lenderman’s storytelling and lyrical work are exceptional. Manning Fireworks, as evidenced by ‘She’s Leaving You,’ feels more like a post-midlife crisis divorce album than the sort of breakup record one might expect from someone so young.” – September 9

17. Maruja, The Invisible Man (Post-Punk)

16. Sampha, Little Simz, Satellite Business 2.0 (Alternative R&B)

“On a new reimagining of the track ‘Satellite Business,’ Sampha employs Little Simz to provide her perspective on existence, life, and infinity. Dealing with life's unyielding ambiguity is no easy task, but Sampha and Little Simz are two artists unafraid to ask the hard questions—even if the answers never reveal themselves.” – July 23

15. Father John Misty, Mahashmashana (Art Rock)

“Replete with all the grandiosity and thoughtful sensitivity that makes Father John Misty such a unique artist, ‘Mahashmashana’ is a perfect introduction for those unfamiliar with his work.” – November 25

14. Godspeed You! Black Emperor, BABYS IN A THUNDERCLOUD (Post-Rock)

“As ‘Babys in a Thundercloud’ progresses, it intertwines a sense of impending doom with moments of fleeting beauty. By the time it ends, it’s impossible not to feel a profound sense of life and vitality—but also the stark awareness that not everyone in the world is currently afforded the same privilege of feeling alive in such a way.” – October 7

13. The Cure, Endsong (Gothic Rock)

“The aptly named, 10-minute ‘Endsong’ captures the fleeting nature of life. A poignant end to an album centered on life’s transience, ‘Endsong’ feels as though it could serve as The Cure’s swan song.” – November 4

12. Billie Eilish, BIRDS OF A FEATHER (Alt-Pop)

“Taking a page out of Clairo’s book of indie bedroom pop, ‘Birds Of A Feather’ is a joyous declaration of Billie Eilish’s undying love for someone close to her. Finneas’ drum-forward production gives it an undeniable groove and makes its message of indomitable, all-consuming love even more effective.” – May 28

11. Fontaines D.C., Starbuster (Post-Punk)

“Diverging from their earlier guitar-driven anthems, Fontaines D.C. push the guitar into the background on ‘Starbuster’ in favor of decidedly hip-hop percussions. This bold sonic shift demonstrates exactly why they caught the eye of XL Recordings, a label renowned for nurturing cutting-edge creativity.” – April 29

10. Kamasi Washington, Prologue (Spiritual Jazz)

“An eight-and-a-half-minute jazz fusion odyssey, ‘Prologue’ pulsates with energy from start to finish. Even in the absence of lyrics, Kamasi Washington's saxophone communicates volumes. The track is exhilarating. It’s nasty. It’s transcendent.” – March 18

9. Adrianne Lenker, Sadness As A Gift (Americana)

8. Mount Eerie, I Walk (Slacker Rock)

“After a five-year silence under the Mount Eerie banner, the wait has finally ended, and Phil Elverum has made it worthwhile with his new single, ‘I Walk.’ It’s an indie-rock masterwork that takes listeners on an immersive, emotional journey in its all-too-brief five-minute span.” – September 9

7. FKA twigs, Eusexua (Art Pop)

“The euphoric pursuit of unabashed pleasure drives FKA twig’s ‘Eusexua.’ Despite its otherworldliness, there’s a certain humanity in Twig’s music that chronicles the human body, ever keeping the score, in search for something greater.” – November 18

6. Armand Hammer, Benjamin Booker, Doves (Experimental)

“‘Doves’ is a sprawling and devastating song. Clocking in at nearly nine minutes, it makes every second count.” – December 16

5. Charli xcx, Lorde, Girl, so confusing featuring lorde (Electropop)

“While ‘Girl, so confusing featuring lorde” likely doesn’t indicate Lorde’s future sonic direction, she seamlessly adapts to the song’s style, even experimenting with auto-tuned vocals. The track showcases the excellent pairing of Charli xcx and Lorde as the pair’s voices blend like harmonies crafted in heaven. ” – June 24

4. Geordie Greep, Holy, Holy (Jazz-Rock)

“‘Holy, Holy’ is as imposing as Greep’s work with Black Midi but slightly less jarring. With a stronger focus on harmony, it’s like hearing a Black Midi pop song if Donald Fagen of Steely Dan had joined the band. After this, there’s no doubt who the real mastermind behind Black Midi was.” – September 2

3. Magdalena Bay, Death & Romance (Neo-Psychedelia)

“Magdalena Bay is renowned for their unique fusion of retro and futuristic pop sounds, and with ‘Death and Romance,’ they incorporate hints of music’s past: psychedelia, space rock, and most prominently, baggy. With this track as a harbinger, Magdalena Bay has dispelled any concerns of a sophomore slump.” – June 11

2. Kendrick Lamar, Not Like Us (West Coast Hip Hop)

“On ‘Not Like Us’ you can practically hear the triumph in Kendrick's voice, as he revels in the glory of what feels like a victory lap. During the next few months, the song will be inescapable. Picture it: fans in clubs everywhere chanting ‘OV-hoe.’ Drake's unwittingly become the punchline of the summer.” – May 15

1. Chappell Roan, Good Luck, Babe! (Synthpop)

“Likely autobiographical, ‘Good Luck, Babe!’ narrates the challenges of dating a women struggling to come to terms with their feelings for other women. It’s a pure 80s throwback, brimming with synths reminiscent of that era. Channeling influences like Kate Bush and Cyndi Lauper, Chappell Roan’s powerful falsetto cuts through the infectious chorus. Get used to hearing her name.” – April 15

25 Best Albums of 2024 💿

25. MJ Lenderman, Manning Fireworks (Alt-Country)

“MJ Lenderman’s new effort, Manning Fireworks, shows that the buzz around him is more than just noise—Lenderman is worth the hype. The album is a captivating ode to slackers, losers and jerks, exploring themes of loneliness, heartbreak and masculinity.” – September 9

24. St. Vincent, All Born Screaming (Art Rock)

“Despite its clear influences, All Born Screaming maintains a starkly modern sound, characterized by highly thoughtful production, impeccable sequencing, and a consistent mood throughout. It sounds like a compilation of some of St. Vincent’s best work rather than a brand new album.” – April 29

23. Zach Bryan, The Great American Bar Scene (Americana)

“On The Great American Bar Scene, Zach Bryan delves deeper than just the bar itself. He focuses on the stories exchanged within those walls. He prioritizes the memories formed, the people encountered, and the tales swapped, rather than the physical location. Bryan remains a leading figure in shaping the future of country music.” – July 8

22. Porter Robinson, SMILE! :D (Indietronica)

“SMILE! :D reveals a new side of Porter Robinson, far removed from his EDM roots. The artist who once dominated festival stages has evolved into a nuanced creator of indie pop. In his attempt to create vapid pop music, he crafted his most heartfelt work to date, demonstrating that sincerity and fun can coexist.” – August 5

21. Tyler, The Creator, CHROMAKOPIA (West Coast Hip Hop)

20. Laura Marling, Patters in Repeat (Chamber Folk)

“On Patterns in Repeat, Laura Marling fully immerses us in her new reality as a mother, reflecting on the repetitive, often mundane nature of daily living. That domestic quality comes through in every aspect of the album, particularly in its intimate, homemade recording quality.” – October 28

19. Ulcerate, Cutting the Throat of God (Death Metal)

“Death metal becomes much more palatable when bands remember that silence is golden. When they give you a breather between the sonic assaults, stretch out their songs, and relish the spaces between the notes, that's when the magic happens. This is exactly what we're getting with Ulcerate's latest offering, Cutting the Throat of God.” – June 24

18. Ka, The Thief Next to Jesus (Abstract Hip Hop)

“Weeks before his death, Ka released The Thief Next to Jesus whose central metaphor reflects on the repentant thief crucified next to Jesus, who, despite his sins, found salvation in his final moments. Eerily prophetic, the album encapsulates Ka’s meditations on spirituality and mortality, as though he unknowingly received his own redemption in his final moments.” – December 16

17. Xiu Xiu, 13" Frank Beltrame Italian Stiletto with Bison Horn Grips (Experimental Rock)

“Xiu Xiu have created one of their most emotional, turbulent, and hopeful records to date. On 13” Frank Beltrame Italian Stiletto with Bison Horn Grips, the band’s commitment to their artistic vision gives them the freedom to ponder life’s many contradictions as loudly, boldly, and powerfully as they have.” – September 30

16. Quadeca, SCRAPYARD (Art Pop)

“On his latest mixtape SCRAPYARD, Quadeca offers a blend of tracks that didn't quite fit his last album. While they may not seamlessly connect, the range of songs spans from great to perfect. Even in his throwaways, Quadeca manages to deliver a compelling musical experience.” – February 20

15. Father John Misty, Mahashmashana (Baroque Pop)

14. Kendrick Lamar, GNX (West Coast Hip Hop)

“GNX serves as a resounding reminder of why Kendrick is still the best rapper alive. The album feels like a homecoming, unabashedly drenched in a West Coast vibe. Unlike Kendrick’s past albums, GNX isn’t some grand conceptual masterpiece. It’s simply good, fun music.” – November 25

13. Knocked Loose, You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To (Metalcore)

“Instead of softening their attack on You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To, Knocked Loose intensify their signature style, resulting in their most ferocious and unsettling offering yet. Every track pummels the listener with sonic brutality, leaving no room for reprieve. Just when you think it can't get any heavier, it does.” – May 15

12. Godspeed You! Black Emperor, “NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD” (Post-Rock)

“‘NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD’ is a harrowing, intense listen that confronts the violence and suffering of our time with the same uncompromising force GY!BE has always brought to their music. A requiem for the present moment, the album reflects a world on the brink.” – October 7

11. Vampire Weekend, Only God Was Above Us (Indie Rock)

“Only God Was Above Us serves as Vampire Weekend's quasi-return to form. On the album, the band reminds us why they're masters at blending accessible pop with experimental sounds, all while adding their distinctive Ivy League wit to the mix.” – April 15

10. Chat Pile, Cool World (Noise Rock)

“Chat Pile broadens their lyrical horizons on Cool World to depict suffering wrought on the world by power-hungry men, perfecting the gritty noise-metal sound that characterized their debut.” – October 14

9. Cindy Lee, Diamond Jubilee (Psychedelic Pop)

8. Beth Gibbons, Lives Outgrown (Chamber Folk)

“Nearly 30 years after Portishead invigorated the trip hop scene, Beth Gibbons has finally released her debut solo album, Lives Outgrown. Gibbons eschews instant gratification, prioritizing a more introspective and evolving soundscape. It is a calculated, dynamic experience that is worth sinking your teeth into.” – May 28

7. Kamasi Washington, Fearless Movement (Jazz Fusion)

6. Adrianne Lenker, Bright Future (Contemporary Folk)

“Imperfections like creaking floorboards and studio chatter enhance the authenticity of Adrianne Lenker’s Bright Future. The studio practically comes alive, every sound adding to the album's charm. It's an album best experienced in solitude, where its melodies can render the listener powerless.” – April 1

5. Charli xcx, BRAT (Electropop)

“It’s an exciting time to be a Charli fan. She has just released what could very well become her magnum opus.” – June 24

4. The Cure, Songs Of A Lost World (Gothic Rock)

“This may be The Cure’s darkest album since Disintegration. The songs echo that slow-burn era, transporting listeners back in time. On Disintegration, Robert Smith’s dread of turning 30 fueled the record. Nearly 40 years later, he faces a far heavier existential crisis. While mortality casts a long shadow, there’s a newfound ember within the darkness.” – November 4

3. Mount Eerie, Night Palace (Slacker Rock)

2. Geordie Greep, The New Sound (Jazz-Rock)

“For Black Midi fans disheartened by the band’s breakup, Geordie Greep’s solo debut, The New Sound, will feel right at home. Greep has expanded upon his former band’s sound, creating an album that is so cohesive and theatrical it feels like a film. Though we miss Black Midi, Greep has filled that void with ease.” – October 7

1. Magdalena Bay, Imaginal Disk (Synthpop)

“Magdalena Bay blends their prog rock roots with a dreamy pop landscape, creating a tracklist free of weak links. Imaginal Disk ends with an unresolved crescendo leaving listeners hanging on every note, craving more. It leaves us eagerly awaiting the duo's next adventure, desperate for another dose of their distinctive sound. Until then, Imaginal Disk will keep us spinning in its orbit.” – September 2

15 Best Music Videos of 2024 🎥

15. Sabrina Carpenter, Taste (Dir. by Dave Meyers)

14. Tyler, The Creator, NOID (Dir. by Tyler, The Creator)

13. Addison Rae, Diet Pepsi (Dir. by Sean Price Williams)

12. Megan Thee Stallion, HISS (Dir. by Douglas Bernardt)

11. Childish Gambino, Lithonia (Dir. by Jack Begert)

10. tsubi club, laced up (Dir. by tsubi club, Chris Rey Basalo & Stu Robinson)

9. aespa, Supernova (Dir. by Hattrick)

8. JADE, Angel Of My Dreams (Dir. by Aube Perrie)

7. Porter Robinson, Cheerleader (Dir. by Hugh Mulhern)

6. Magdalena Bay, Image (Dir. by Amanda Kramer)

5. Charli xcx, Von dutch (Dir. by Torso)

4. A$AP Rocky, Tailor Swif (Dir. by Vania Heymann & Gal Muggia)

3. Kendrick Lamar, Not Like Us (Dir. by Kendrick Lamar & Dave Free)

2. FKA twigs, Eusexua (Dir. by Jordan Hemingway)

1. LISA, Rosalía, NEW WOMAN (Dir. by Dave Meyers)

10 Worst Songs of 2024 🗑️

10. ¥$, North West, Chicago West, Yuno Miles, BOMB (Jersey Club)

9. Cash Cobain, J. Cole, Grippy (New York Drill)

8. Tom MacDonald, Ben Shapiro, Facts (Political Hip Hop)

7. Lil Dicky, No Fruits Or Vegetables (Comedy Rap)

6. Katy Perry, WOMAN'S WORLD (Dance Pop)

“Things aren't looking great for Katy Perry's career right now. There was an opportunity to rekindle her status as a pop superstar in 2024. However, it appears that Perry has squandered any chance of that with what may be the biggest flop of the year.” – July 23

5. Nicki Minaj, Big Foot (Trap)

“‘Big Foot’ may go down as one of the most embarrassing diss tracks in rap history. Nicki's threatening five more tracks? Spare us the agony. We've suffered enough. Nicki’s reign is over. It’s time to crown Megan Thee Stallion the current ‘Queen of Rap’ and call it a day.” – February 7

4. Snowd4y, Drake, Wah Gwan Delilah (Folk Pop)

3. KSI, Trippie Redd, Thick Of It (Pop Rap)

2. Benson Boone, Beautiful Things (Pop Rock)

“Unfortunately, not every hit of 2024 was memorable for the right reasons. One painful memory is Benson Boone’s ear-piercing vocals on ‘Beautiful Things,’ easily one of the worst songs of the year, lingering like a fly in an apartment that just won’t die. There are many reasons why this was a great year for music, but Benson Boone was not one of them.“ – December 16

1. JoJo Siwa, Karma (Electropop)