Firebird’s Top 20 Albums of 2024.

The top 20 albums of 2024, as voted by Firebird’s staff.

Throughout December 2024, Firebird conducted its fourth annual Album of the Year poll. As we’ve done in years past, staff members drafted their personal top 10 albums of the year and then ranked them on a ballot. Results were then tabulated using a points-based system that assigned ten points to each voter’s first choice, nine points to their second choice, and so on. Because of the nature of the voting, the general results are inherently a popularity contest, so Firebird has given its members the opportunity to feature their individual lists in a separate article—this is filled with many other releases worth checking out.

2024 was an incredibly monumental year for music, with pop powerhouses and hip hop innovators leading the charge. With that being said, it only makes sense for us to begin our conversation with BRAT—the album that successfully brought Charli xcx into her first true moment of mainstream dominance. Fueled by a meticulously crafted marketing campaign and a neon green aesthetic that dominated the zeitgeist, BRAT became the summer’s certified party-girl soundtrack. While its infectious “Club classics” and irreverent attitude sparked viral TikTok trends and brand collaborations with Urban Outfitters and La Clochette, the album resonated with audiences far beyond the dance floor, cementing BRAT as a defining moment in 2024’s pop landscape. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift continued her reign as a cultural tour de force with THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT, released mid-Eras Tour. Though polarizing in some circles, Swift’s eleventh studio album delivered introspective lyricism with theatrical flair that resulted in an Earth-shattering 2.6 million first-week sales on the Billboard charts, solidifying Swift as the defining artist of the 21st century. Beyoncé, too, stirred both conversation and controversy with COWBOY CARTER, a genre-defying opus that reimagined country music through the lens of its roots in Black musical traditions. Seamlessly blending country with rock, gospel, soul, and hip-hop, the album challenged genre boundaries while telling deeply personal and generational stories, reinforcing Beyoncé’s ability to provoke critical cultural dialogue with every release.

2024 was also defined by a wave of rising stars and career-defining breakthroughs. Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet and Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess defined the summer with their infectious anthems “Espresso” and “HOT TO GO!,” cementing their statuses as pop’s new leading ladies. Billie Eilish also contributed one of the year’s most inescapable tracks with “BIRDS OF A FEATHER,” while Tyler, the Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA marked a career peak, successfully blending hip hop with neo-soul, progressive soul, and synth funk in a way only Tyler could deliver. On the other side of the spectrum, Kendrick Lamar owned the hip-hop scene with GNX, a West Coast love letter steeped in his signature lyricism and wordplay. Released after a spree of surprise drops—and amid publicized tensions with Drake—GNX reaffirmed Lamar’s place as a generational talent, and arguably, and the greatest rapper of our generation.

Reflecting on Firebird’s top projects of 2024, I’m struck by how albums continue to shape not just individual memories, but collective moments of joy, passion, and discovery. These records, spanning every corner of the musical spectrum, have the power to soundtrack our lives in ways both intimate and universal. As you dive into our Top 20 Albums of 2024, I hope you find a piece of yourself amongst our favorite “khias”—and perhaps even uncover your next great obsession.

— Joseph Mooney, Editor-in-Chief

20. The Cure – Songs Of A Lost World

***gothic rock, alternative rock, dream pop***

The Cure hasn’t released an album since 2008. On the controversial Shows of a Lost World tour after the pandemic, they performed new songs, but despite the promise of a new album, a couple years have passed with no release. Now, the much-anticipated Songs Of A Lost Word is out, and it’s even better than most fans could have ever hoped.

— Alexander Malm, Editor

19. JPEGMAFIA – I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU

***experimental hip hop, hardcore hip hop, rap rock***

JPEGMAFIA’s I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU stands out as one of the most experimental rap albums of the year, blending chaotic production, massive guitar riffs, and blistering drum fills into a uniquely visceral experience. The album’s wild fusion of rap and rock often positions JPEGMAFIA more as a punk frontman than a traditional rapper, fully embracing a role he’s long flirted with. Lyrically, he leans on his signature mix of internet culture references, sharp critiques of the alt-right, and jabs at his detractors—territory he’s explored before, but with enough poignant moments to keep it fresh. Whether splicing short vocal clips with thumping basslines or crafting reflective ballads like “I Recovered From This,” Peggy demonstrates his unparalleled knack for making the unlikely work. In a year of lackluster, rushed rap albums, this project cements his status as a true outsider who refuses to conform, even as his star continues to rise. No one in the game sounds like him, and this album proves no one else really could.

— Jake Harvey, Copy Editor

18. Kali Uchis – ORQUÍDEAS

***contemporary R&B, latin pop, reggaetón***

On her second Spanish-language album, Orquídeas, Kali Uchis invites listeners into a lush, dreamlike world. She describes the record as built on “juxtaposition,” referencing various styles of Latin music, from reggaeton on “Muñekita” to bolero on “Te Mata.” With Orquídeas, Uchis solidifies her ability to transcend language barriers, delivering music that is both rich and universally captivating.

— Neha Modak, Editor

17. KAYTRANADA – TIMELESS

***alternative R&B, deep house, neo-soul***

When I stopped to think of albums from 2024, I kept coming back to TIMELESS. Kaytranada's third studio album is just that: "classic, timeless." The record is 63 minutes of the producer at his best, seamlessly flowing from R&B to electronic to hip hop to pop and somehow having 15 featured artists all on one cohesive project. Cuts like "Weird" with Durand Bernarr and "Witchy" with Childish Gambino are fantastic additions to Kaytra's catalog, and "Snap My Finger" gave the people another dreamy PinkPantheress hit. Sure, this album was made for the summer, but it's one of the best of 2024 because it's always the right time to press play on a project as fresh as TIMELESS.

— Dawn Heatherly, Editor

16. The Marías – Submarine

With their sophomore album Submarine, The Marías takes us on a dive through lost love and the gloomy, dreamlike landscape of personal rediscovery. Submarine plays with contrast beautifully—moments of stillness shift into soft, rhythmic swells, blurring the boundaries of uncertainty and understanding in the search to find oneself after heartbreak. The LA-based band continues to explore new sounds as they traverse through dream pop. Longtime fans, however, will still relish in lead singer Maria Zardoya’s soothing vocals, expertly blended with undeniably catchy melodies. Begging to be experienced alone, it’s a record to get lost in, again and again. Put on your headphones and take the plunge—just don’t forget to come up for air.

— Aidan Burt, Editor

15. Mount Eerie – Night Palace

***slacker rock, avant-folk, post-rock***

Night Palace evokes the imagery of planting your bare feet in untouched soil. It’s Phil Elverum’s personal statement, a bare expression of an evolved psyche fully in tune with nature. Indie rock, meditative ambient and even moments of thrash metal all coalesce in this massive project to create a foundation upon which a cry for human decolonization is expressed. Night Palace is a uniquely monumental effort, the likes of which we will likely not see from another artist for years to come.

— Luca Bigler, Writer

14. MJ Lenderman – Manning Fireworks

***alt-country, slacker rock, singer-songwriter, americana***

When MJ Lenderman sang "Every catholic knows he could've been pope" to a crowd assembled in Thalia Hall this past October, a group of teenage boys began screaming, jumping along to the music as they started their own mini-mosh pit. Manning Fireworks is witty, deadpan, and maybe a little pathetic sometimes. Still, through all the lyrics about Lightning McQueen, Guitar Hero, and the "Himbo Dome," Lenderman remains sincere. Listen to this album when you're feeling like a loser but have a sense of humor about it.

— Evgenia Anastasakos, Writer

13. Doechii – Alligator Bites Never Heal

I was hesitant to listen to Alligator Bites Never Heal after “My name’s Doechii with two Is” took over TikTok. However, Doechii exceeded expectations; I might even call this one of the best debut albums that I’ve ever listened to. She overcomes trauma in such a powerful way, highlighting how even though things stick with us, they don’t have to define us. The production and thematic lyricism is diverse yet still cohesive. I doubt there’s anyone who cannot relate to or enjoy at least one track. Hopefully we can all go to Gucci in a bonnet and spend bands some time soon.

— Samuel Espinal Jr., Editor

12. Adrianne Lenker – Bright Future

***singer-songwriter, contemporary folk, americana***

An album where lyrical brilliance meets authentic emotion without one overshadowing the other is such a rare find, but Bright Future by Adrianne Lenker might as well be the blueprint. The intimate production and folky harmonies will make you feel this album in your bones, while its clever wordplay and vivid storytelling will remind you how every moment of it is so intentional—all without ever feeling contrived.

— Irmak Altinok, Writer

11. Clairo – Charm

I cannot think of an album more accurately described by its title than Charm, Clairo’s third studio album. It rivals her debut, Immunity, achieving what Sling’s convoluted lyricism could not. Charm is concise and woven together with an almost comical number of oohs, dum dums and hms making it impossible not to hum as you go about your day. But what I think what truly gives Charm its charm is how it captures the idea that our desires can be contradictory. How is it possible for a relationship to come so naturally, but still feel the need to have one foot out the door? Listening to “Slow Dance” and “Juna” probably left me with less of an answer than before, but I sure did enjoy the experience.

— Ece Tumer, Writer

10. Beyoncé – COWBOY CARTER

***country-pop, americana, contemporary R&B, contemporary folk***

I doubt the millions of people who vehemently reject the categorization of COWBOY CARTER as a country album realize that they’re ironically speaking to the album’s strengths rather than its weaknesses. True, only a handful of its songs are one-hundred-percent faithful to the genre of country. The rest dabble in classic rock, rhythm and blues, gospel, soul, funk, and even hip hop. But the product is neither aimless nor jarring as its critics would have you believe. All of these musical traditions are united by a common origin within the Black community, and Beyoncé samples them all to walk us through the story of her musical upbringing. COWBOY CARTER offers both sweeping ballads that narrate generational struggles and more intimate folk songs that speak to Beyonce’s personal experiences within those struggles. There are also dance tunes, romantic duets, a capella interludes, an opera solo, cameo appearances from country and rock icons, and so much more. COWBOY CARTER is a masterful, postmodern musical epic that uses country music as a medium for deconstructing and reorienting our understanding of American musical history.

— Justin Walgren, Editor

9. Gracie Abrams – The Secret of Us

***singer-songwriter, folk pop, alt-pop***

With a wistful voice, melancholic synths, soft strings, and subtle humor, Gracie Abrams draws her listeners into a dreamlike world of longing and introspection. No matter how polarizing Abrams may be, it’s hard to deny that The Secret of Us is an impressive feat of lyrical storytelling and a masterclass in folk-pop production. At the foreground of Aaron Dessner’s lush soundscapes, Abrams dives into catchy hooks, architects iconic bridges, and delivers a dynamic range of emotional performances. Whether you want to dance or cry, this collection has something for you. The Secret of Us is a stunning album and a promising breakthrough for Abrams’ future work. Until then, I’ll gladly listen on repeat.

— Campbell Conard, Editor

8. Ariana Grande – eternal sunshine

eternal sunshine is an album which permits not a single skip. Each song is captivating in its own right, demanding that you listen and give it your full attention…which is exactly what I did everyday for the four months following this release, making Ariana Grande my top artist of the year. Start to finish, eternal sunshine explores almost every emotion and thought one may have when falling in and out of love. I found her vulnerability incredibly heart-touching. She shares her stories of navigating love through a combination of upbeat pop tracks and gentler r&b songs, my favourites being “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” and “supernatural (with Troye Sivan).” eternal sunshine (slightly deluxe) offers collaborations with Troye Sivan and Mariah Carey with whom Ariana Grande’s voice complements wonderfully. Grande’s voice is just remarkable, and I think with eternal sunshine, she showed a slightly new side of it to us. The album, in one sitting, evokes forms of yearning, clarity and hope—is that not so powerful? Whether you’re singing your heart out or on the verge of tears, eternal sunshine is truly an album straight from the soul.

— Amishi Gupta, Editor

7. Taylor Swift – THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY

***synth-pop, singer-songwriter, pop rock***

Let me make myself clear—I do not think THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT is the album of the year, nor is it Taylor Swift’s best work...by any means. But in a year riddled with endless debate and discourse about its merit, Swift's eleventh studio album is a force of nature, formidable in power and impossible to ignore.

With release of TTPD in the middle of her larger-than-life Eras Tour, Swift has found herself, yet again, grappling with the double-edged sword of overexposure. But amidst the clamor, TTPD stands high and mighty, offering some of Swift’s most inventive and introspective work to date. I can’t help but buy into the theatrical flair and absurdity of tracks like “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?,” while the richly produced Jack Antonoff cuts (“Fresh Out the Slammer” and “The Black Dog,” among others) prove that the alchemy between Swift and Antonoff remains untouchable. Ultimately, TTPD’s finest moments occur as Swift broods and breaks down on “Guilty as Sin?”: a slow-burn that plunges listeners into the depths of the Blue Nile while shining through as a career-defining masterpiece.

Ultimately, the world is just a little bit tired of Swift, and honestly, I can’t blame them. Imagine feeling lukewarm about a musician, only to watch as she cements herself as the defining artist of the 21st century. So yes, a good chunk of TTPD’s criticism has been warranted (even a die-hard fan like myself can admit that we probably didn’t need 31 brand new songs). However, my Firebird comrades have, in many ways, fallen victim to the hate train fueled by overexposure, dismissing the album’s merits too quickly. And as Miss Swift’s most loyal soldier, I’m crowning TTPD as my album of the year—not because it’s perfect, but because it’s a testament to what Swift does best: making the personal feel universal.

— Joseph Mooney, Editor-in-Chief

6. Magdalena Bay – Imaginal Disk

***neo-psychedelia, synth-pop, chillwave, dance-pop***

Matt and Mica must have developed inter-dimensional travel since they tore up Harper Courtyard in 2023. How else can you explain this? Every song feels like a hit from two dimensions over, the mix so delicate that if you dropped your phone, the entire track might scatter into pieces. Somehow, they seem to have perfected the craft of songwriting—it feels as though they can now see every musical timeline. That would explain the astounding warmth they’ve created: every bass stabilizes, every string section sweeps, and every synth sails effortlessly above the clouds. On my first listen, I was convinced that each song was the best, only to be proven wrong with the next track. By the second listen, I was amazed at how many choruses I had already memorized. It’s a herculean feat of both songwriting and quality control that the eight track run from "Image" to "That's My Floor" even exists, and even more astounding that it can be accessed for free. The crystal cocoon of Magdalena has officially shattered and flowered into a sonic butterfly.

— Eric Harwood, Treasurer

5. Tyler, The Creator – CHROMAKOPIA

***west coast hip hop, neo-soul, progressive soul, synth funk***

2024 saw Tyler, the Creator make his long-awaited return to the music world with a brand new era. CHROMAKOPIA was sure to move needles, but even then, it surpassed sales projections and cultural expectations. Commercially and artistically, it was a new page turned for Tyler, now deep in his 30s, with all his scars and inhibitions laid bare on the album to prove it. The maturity of this fully-formed creator shines like never before on the masterful CHROMAKOPIA.

— Kevin McDermott, Writer

4. Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet

***dance-pop, contemporary R&B, pop rock***

I can’t say Short n’ Sweet was my introduction to Sabrina Carpenter, but it certainly made me an even bigger fan. It’s the perfect depiction of a situationship: Carpenter pens angry girl anthems, confident bops, and sad shower songs all at once. I even introduced my dad to the album and honestly, that 55-year-old man likes "Taste" more than I do. He told me that he grew up with male pop stars singing about sex in a carefree way, and he loved that Carpenter does it too. Even if I still cringe every time he sings along to "Juno," I will forever love this album.

— Melody Dias, Writer

3. Billie Eilish – HIT ME HARD AND SOFT

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT is simply a work of art. Eilish’s vulnerability is presented vividly in the opening track “SKINNY” and as she belts out “THE GREATEST.” Yet there’s a different brand of honesty in songs such as “LUNCH” and “THE DINER” as she uses bolder sounds to still create deeply personal messages. It’s this combination that makes HIT ME HARD AND SOFT feel so essentially Billie, and it all comes together in the finale “BLUE,” a work of lyrical genius that touches on many of the other tracks in the album. In 43 minutes, Eilish spans her insecurities, confidence, realities, and imagination as she opens her mind up to the listener.

— Julia Volpp, Writer

2. Kendrick Lamar – GNX

2024 was the year of Lamar. His spree of surprise releases during the first half of the year was yet again reinforced by the release of GNX in late November. Blending Lamar's signature lyricism and word play with infectious West Coast beats, GNX presents yet another evolution in the artistry of Lamar. Largely absent is the deeply vulnerable Lamar from 2022's Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers—save for a few reflective deep cuts like “man at the garden“ and “heart pt 6”—replaced by a man who is uncompromising in both his love for his culture and hatred for anyone who stands in his way. This project is a magnificent tribute to Southern Californian and West Coast hip hop.

— Noah Crutchfield, Writer

1. Charli xcx – BRAT

***electropop, dance-pop, hyperpop, electroclash***

Charli xcx has always been fascinated by the phenomenon that is pop stardom. A quick glance at her discography reveals an embrace of both left-field experimentation and the mainstream spotlight, a duality she has maintained for over a decade. Somewhere in between these two extremes, BRAT feels like a natural culmination of past projects, paying homage to the club scene where Charli got her start and capitalizing on the widespread nostalgia for early aughts party culture. As that conspicuously vivid shade of green grew increasingly impossible to avoid, it was clear that the record’s tremendous response stemmed from something deeper than simply soundtracking the certified party girl anthems of the summer. Rather, the candor and vulnerability of its lyrics—which swing from stunning displays of bravado in one moment to crushing self-doubt in the next, and which capture the conflicting relationship dynamics familiar to us all—renders an emotional complexity that touched a nerve in listeners everywhere. All things considered, the collective experience of BRAT was one of head-bopping body-rocking catharsis, cementing its place in music history and establishing Charli xcx as an iconic figure within the current cultural zeitgeist.

— Alia Smith, Managing Editor

edited by Joseph Mooney, Editor-in-Chief, & Kristen Wallace, Executive Editor.

collage by Will Vanman.

album artwork believed to belong to either the publisher of the work or the artist.