“Remember 24?” This year was great for music all around, so let’s look back at some of the best album releases of 2024. 

“Prelude To Ecstasy” by The Last Dinner Party

Best Track: “Nothing Matters”

    The gothic, romantic girl band of your dreams had one of the most impressive music debuts possibly ever with “Prelude to Ecstasy.” Hailing from London and formed in 2021, their debut album, released on February 2, features dramatic vocals and heavy but completely unique production. They’ve also created cinematic masterpieces out of their music videos, which can be found on Youtube. 

“The Tortured Poets Department” by Taylor Swift

Best Track: “Fortnight”

“The Tortured Poets Department,” nominated for album of the year at the Grammys, and its sister “The Anthology,” are 31 songs with high replay value and typical master storytelling by Taylor Swift. Every track is a brilliant display of the talents Swift has developed over her many years in the music industry. While the relationships that inspired the album are often under high scrutiny, Swift manages to make the album personal to the listener.

“Bleachers” by Bleachers

Best Track: “Tiny Moves”

    Three time Grammy producer-of-the-year winner Jack Antonoff released his fourth album with his band, Bleachers, on March 8 of 2024. The self-titled record explores grief, a common theme in Antonoff’s personal work, and love through lyrics that could have been pulled out of a diary and production that’s indie alt rock in persuasion. Close listeners can recognize familiar backing vocals from artists such as Clairo and Lana Del Rey. 

“BRAT” by Charli XCX

Best Track: “360”

    If you were anywhere on the internet this summer, certainly you saw the “brat” sensation. Charli XCX took over the world with her hit album of club classics (no pun intended). “BRAT” is incredibly catchy and full of great songs such as “Apple,” “Sympathy is a knife,” and “Girl, so confusing featuring lorde.” Charli XCX manages to be open and vulnerable while not sacrificing her signature high-energy sound. 

“The Secret of Us” by Gracie Abrams

Best Track: “I Love You, I’m Sorry”

    From a sold out national tour, to trending on multiple social media platforms, Gracie Abrams has had quite a year with her sophomore album “The Secret of Us.” Though she leans more into pop music with it, she includes her typical masterful lyricism in lines like “Far enough away from all the baggage you’ve been carrying / up another hill to all the girls who’ll help you bury it” (Blowing Smoke). 

“This is How Tomorrow Moves” by Beabadoobee 

Best Track: “Beaches”

British singer-songwriter Beabadoobee has grown from an indie sensation to a well-known name in music, in part due to this year’s album, “This is How Tomorrow Moves.” She combines beautiful vocals with well-written and candid lyrics about her experiences in love and life. The album was her first to peak on the UK album charts, and she has continuously been labeled a rising star and breakthrough act by music critics and fans alikes.

“Escaper” by Sarah Kinsley 

Best Track: “Knights”

    In the author’s humble opinion, Sarah Kinsley had the best record of the year with “Escaper,” her first studio album. Everything from the synth production, to the honest lyrics, to the overall vibe was absolutely perfect. Kinsley weaves a world full of whimsy in tracks such as “Last Time We Never Meet Again” and “Knights,” the latter being an absolute standout. If you have a free forty minutes, don’t hesitate to pick up “Escaper” and get lost for a while.