JPEGMAFIA – I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU
Peggy Gou – I Hear You
Clairo – Charm
Magdalena Bay – Imaginal Disk
Amber Mark – Loosies [EP]
FLO – Access All Areas
GloRilla – GLORIOUS
Rema – HEIS
Alemeda – FK IT [EP]
Rachel Chinouriri – What A Devastating Turn of Events
Qendresa – Londra
The Last Dinner Party – Prelude to Ecstacy
Toro y Moi – Hole Erth
Normani – DOPAMINE
Tinashe – Quantum Baby
CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso – BAÑO MARÍA
Talibah Safiya – Black Magic
ScHoolboy Q – BLUE LIPS
Honorable Mentions
- Alesis
- Are You Looking Up
- Candy
- How many miles
My Standouts:
Mk.gee’s Two Star & The Dream Police is a hypnotic blend of indie rock and electronic haze, wrapped in a sound that feels both intimate and otherworldly. The album moves with a dreamlike quality; melodies twist and morph, production feels effortless yet intentional, and each song pulls you deeper into its world. Mk.gee’s guitar work weaves through the album like a second voice, drifting from melancholy to clarity.
It’s the kind of record that reveals more with every listen. It brings out emotions in a way that’s incredibly cathartic. This album has helped me process so many feelings, offering both comfort and release through its deeply personal moments.
It’s the kind of record that reveals more with every listen. It brings out emotions in a way that’s incredibly cathartic. This album has helped me process so many feelings, offering both comfort and release through its deeply personal moments.
Mk.gee – Two Star & The Dream Police
- Miami Blue (feat. Big K.R.I.T. & Buddah Bless)
- Bigger in Texas
- HISS
- Accent (feat. GloRilla)
- Otaku Hot Girl
- Bourbon
- TYG (feat. Spiritbox)
My Standouts:
Megan Thee Stallion is easily one of — if not THEE — best rapper in the game right now. Her self-titled 2-act album MEGAN and MEGAN: ACT II only further prove why she reigns supreme. Both albums are so authentically Southern rap, with a level of confidence, energy, and vulnerability that only Meg can deliver.
These albums especially showcase Meg’s versatility. She has her classic hip-hop hits of course (“HISS,” “Miami Blue,” “Accent,” “Bourbon”), but she also includes more melodic mid-tempo songs than usual (“Bigger in Texas,” “Down Stairs DJ,” “Spin”), and even taps into some K-Pop (“Mamushi”) and rock/metal (“TYG,” “Cobra”).
“HISS” made history and is lowkey the mother to Kendrick’s “Not Like Us.” She’s constantly shaping the conversation in pop culture and rap, and these albums are no exception.
These albums especially showcase Meg’s versatility. She has her classic hip-hop hits of course (“HISS,” “Miami Blue,” “Accent,” “Bourbon”), but she also includes more melodic mid-tempo songs than usual (“Bigger in Texas,” “Down Stairs DJ,” “Spin”), and even taps into some K-Pop (“Mamushi”) and rock/metal (“TYG,” “Cobra”).
“HISS” made history and is lowkey the mother to Kendrick’s “Not Like Us.” She’s constantly shaping the conversation in pop culture and rap, and these albums are no exception.
Megan Thee Stallion – MEGAN /
MEGAN: ACT II
Megan Thee Stallion – MEGAN /MEGAN: ACT II
- Hot Honey
- Mama Wanna Dance
- Freekish
- Take A Break
- Out Of This World
My Standouts:
LION BABE has been a powerhouse in electronic R&B for years, but with House of LION BABE, they showcase their ability to master house, electronic, and dance music. The album is pure joy from start to finish. Every track feels like an invitation to the dancefloor, and it’s the kind of album that never fails to lift my mood. I absolutely need to hear it live, whether at a show or club.
The duo behind LION BABE is just as vibrant as their music. Singer Jillian Hervey and producer Astro Raw (who are also a married couple) have such unique chemistry, giving their music a depth and authenticity that’s hard to match. Their partnership both in and out of the studio adds another layer to the energy of House of LION BABE, making it a celebration of love, creativity, and good vibes.
The duo behind LION BABE is just as vibrant as their music. Singer Jillian Hervey and producer Astro Raw (who are also a married couple) have such unique chemistry, giving their music a depth and authenticity that’s hard to match. Their partnership both in and out of the studio adds another layer to the energy of House of LION BABE, making it a celebration of love, creativity, and good vibes.
LION BABE – House of LION BABE
- false self
- symptom of life
- run!
- down
- b i g f e e l i n g s
My Standouts:
empathogen is WILLOW’s magnum opus. While <COPINGMECHANISM> solidified her as a powerful force in rock/grunge, empathogen takes her to another level, showcasing her mastery of genre blending. She brilliantly combines rock with jazz and blues, creating a sound that’s both raw and refined. The way she navigates these styles feels incredibly natural, showing off her versatility as an artist while pushing musical boundaries.
I am absolutely obsessed with this album. Every track draws me in and makes me feel things in a way that’s hard to put into words. It’s emotionally complex, yet accessible, and it’s one of those albums that stays with me long after it ends. And the album cover?? Absolutely gorgeous. WILLOW is at the top of her game here.
I am absolutely obsessed with this album. Every track draws me in and makes me feel things in a way that’s hard to put into words. It’s emotionally complex, yet accessible, and it’s one of those albums that stays with me long after it ends. And the album cover?? Absolutely gorgeous. WILLOW is at the top of her game here.
WILLOW – empathogen
- Ambulance
- 754 (Alternate)
- Romeo
- Team Cece
- Exitin
My Standouts:
Read the full Album Review here.
My #1 pop artist to watch is Cece Natalie. Her album Miss Behaves has instantly become one of my favorite pop records.
Cece has masterfully found the balance between nostalgia and originality. I’m teleported back to 2010, listening on my iPod with wired headphones on the school bus at 7am. While on one hand it sounds like it was made on the first iMac with GarageBand, it also sounds incredibly fresh and original. She takes the classic EDM pop sound from the 2010’s and adds her own futuristic twist.
Cece is here to stay, and I can’t wait to see where she goes. If you’re a fan of Charli xcx, early Lady Gaga, Ayesha Erotica, Kim Petras, Heidi Montag, and PinkPantheress, then she’s for you.
Cece has masterfully found the balance between nostalgia and originality. I’m teleported back to 2010, listening on my iPod with wired headphones on the school bus at 7am. While on one hand it sounds like it was made on the first iMac with GarageBand, it also sounds incredibly fresh and original. She takes the classic EDM pop sound from the 2010’s and adds her own futuristic twist.
Cece is here to stay, and I can’t wait to see where she goes. If you’re a fan of Charli xcx, early Lady Gaga, Ayesha Erotica, Kim Petras, Heidi Montag, and PinkPantheress, then she’s for you.
Cece Natalie – Miss Behaves
- Love Me Jeje
- Hold On
- Me & U
- Turn Me Up
- Ready
My Standouts:
This album healed me. Born in the Wild is a tender fusion of Soul, R&B, and Afrobeats wrapped in soothing production that feels like a spiritual balm. Tems has one of the most captivating voices in music right now. Every note she hits feels incredibly intentional and sincere, and Born in the Wild showcases that power in full force. There’s something deeply calming and powerful about the way Tems pours love, faith, and resilience into her music.
Tems led the production herself, teaming up with Ghanaian DJ/producer GuiltyBeatz. Together, they crafted tender ballads, jazzy R&B tracks with echoes of Sade, Afro-dance hits, and even some hip-hop (her rap verse on “T-Unit” is a standout moment).
I also have to mention how amazing these music videos are. Specifically, “Love Me Jeje” might be my favorite music video of all time (here). Each time I watch it, I tear up. It’s a rare thing to find a song and video that so perfectly captures the feeling of community, and Tems does it effortlessly.
Tems led the production herself, teaming up with Ghanaian DJ/producer GuiltyBeatz. Together, they crafted tender ballads, jazzy R&B tracks with echoes of Sade, Afro-dance hits, and even some hip-hop (her rap verse on “T-Unit” is a standout moment).
I also have to mention how amazing these music videos are. Specifically, “Love Me Jeje” might be my favorite music video of all time (here). Each time I watch it, I tear up. It’s a rare thing to find a song and video that so perfectly captures the feeling of community, and Tems does it effortlessly.
Tems – Born in the Wild
- NISSAN ALTIMA
- CATFISH
- GTFO
- SKIPP
- DENIAL IS A RIVER
My Standouts:
Doechii absolutely deserved that Grammy, no question. She already has such a solid discography it’s kind of insane, but Alligator Bites Never Heal took her to a whole new level. This mixtape is a masterclass in artistry, infusing hard-hitting bars with undeniable creativity and versatility. She has such a unique ability to experiment with different sounds and flows, all while staying true to her distinctive style.
I can’t wait to see where she goes next because she’s truly a once-in-a-generation talent. Each track on this project feels like a step forward for her, showcasing her growth while cementing her place as one of the most exciting artists right now. The future is hers, and I’m beyond excited to watch it unfold.
I can’t wait to see where she goes next because she’s truly a once-in-a-generation talent. Each track on this project feels like a step forward for her, showcasing her growth while cementing her place as one of the most exciting artists right now. The future is hers, and I’m beyond excited to watch it unfold.
Doechii – Alligator Bites Never Heal
- Snap My Finger (feat. PinkPantheress)
- Drip Sweat (feat. Channel Tres)
- Spit It Out (feat. Rochelle Jordan)
- Feel A Way (feat. Don Tolliver)
- Witchy (feat. Donald Glover)
My Standouts:
KAYTRANADA never misses, and TIMELESS is no exception. This album sounds like summer; it’s full of warmth, groove, and energy that make me want to dance in the sun. Each track brings that signature KAYTRANADA vibe, blending groovy beats with infectious rhythms that get under my skin and make me move.
I had the pleasure of attending his TIMELESS tour, and it changed my life. Honestly, it was the best concert I’ve ever been to. There’s something special about KAYTRANADA’s live shows; they’re not just concerts, they’re dance parties. While I love a performance-driven show, there’s an undeniable magic in an intimate space where everyone is just there to dance. It’s pure, unfiltered joy. Immaculate vibes all around.
I had the pleasure of attending his TIMELESS tour, and it changed my life. Honestly, it was the best concert I’ve ever been to. There’s something special about KAYTRANADA’s live shows; they’re not just concerts, they’re dance parties. While I love a performance-driven show, there’s an undeniable magic in an intimate space where everyone is just there to dance. It’s pure, unfiltered joy. Immaculate vibes all around.
KAYTRANADA – TIMELESS
- Run Your Mouth
- Ay No Puedo
- Sienna
- Lejos de Ti
- No One Noticed
My Standouts:
Submarine was my introduction to The Marías. It’s ethereal and dreamy, with a sound that makes me levitate, like all my worries melt away the moment it starts playing. The combination of lush instrumentation, smooth vocals, and atmospheric production makes it feel like a sonic escape into another world.
I picked up the vinyl with water in the sleeve, and it’s one of the coolest things I own (here). There’s something so fitting about it, considering how Submarine sounds like water itself: fluid, calming, and captivating. The way the album flows, every track feels like it’s drifting along, effortlessly capturing the essence of water in sound. It’s one of those records that’s as much about the experience of listening as it is about the music itself.
I picked up the vinyl with water in the sleeve, and it’s one of the coolest things I own (here). There’s something so fitting about it, considering how Submarine sounds like water itself: fluid, calming, and captivating. The way the album flows, every track feels like it’s drifting along, effortlessly capturing the essence of water in sound. It’s one of those records that’s as much about the experience of listening as it is about the music itself.
The Marías – Submarine
- we can’t be friends (wait for your love)
- ordinary things (feat. Nonna)
- supernatural
- eternal sunshine
- the boy is mine
My Standouts:
Ariana Grande’s eternal sunshine is arguably her best album, but without question her most emotionally mature. Through intimate storytelling, Ariana explores the nuances of self-love, self-discovery, heartbreak, forgiveness, and the peace that comes from embracing imperfection. You can tell she’s gone through her Saturn Return; the clarity and emotional weight of this project makes that transformation feel tangible. [My Saturn Return just started, and I know this album will hit even harder soon.]
Vocally, eternal sunshine is one of her most dynamic releases. While she’s famous for her whistle notes and signature soprano, this album lets her lower register shine, especially on tracks like “imperfect for you” and “eternal sunshine.” There’s something incredibly soothing about her deeper tone, and it adds warmth and intimacy to every line.
Ariana has delivered yet another masterpiece. She’s proven time and time again that she is one of the greatest pop stars of all time.
Vocally, eternal sunshine is one of her most dynamic releases. While she’s famous for her whistle notes and signature soprano, this album lets her lower register shine, especially on tracks like “imperfect for you” and “eternal sunshine.” There’s something incredibly soothing about her deeper tone, and it adds warmth and intimacy to every line.
Ariana has delivered yet another masterpiece. She’s proven time and time again that she is one of the greatest pop stars of all time.
Ariana Grande – eternal sunshine
- Scorsese Baby Daddy
- Another Life
- Kitchen
- 30 For 30 (with Kendrick Lamar)
- Chill Baby
My Standouts:
SZA’s LANA is her most stripped-down and vocal-focused project yet. The production is simple and warm, built around mostly guitar and synths, which leaves room for her voice to take up space. And she uses that space beautifully. Her vocal performance on the outro of “Another Life” might be the best she’s ever given.
It did feel odd to see LANA packaged as a deluxe with SOS. I get the connection of two albums — like the sun and moon, two parts of the same journey, etc. But combining them made LANA feel less distinct and honestly took away from its impact [especially when the combined tracklist is 42 songs long...]. Regardless, LANA is a separate album to me.
One of the things I love most about SZA is her pen. She’s one of the best lyricists working today, not just because of what she says but how she says it. Her songs are full of surprising rhythms, often placing words where you don’t expect them. You can tell she freestyles a lot of her music (interview). It has a looseness that reminds me of rap. Her background in dance comes through too; there’s movement in how she writes and sings.
SZA is just so real. She addresses so many themes in LANA that speak to me heavy. About doing the most and wanting to be loved for it. About letting go of the past and moving forward. About facing your shit and still finding some peace in the mess. Her music is so vulnerable and relatable. Sometimes that vulnerability leads to weird online criticism (source). But as she said on “Diamond Boy,” “Gotta pop my shit, made fifty mil’ off of my feelings.”
It did feel odd to see LANA packaged as a deluxe with SOS. I get the connection of two albums — like the sun and moon, two parts of the same journey, etc. But combining them made LANA feel less distinct and honestly took away from its impact [especially when the combined tracklist is 42 songs long...]. Regardless, LANA is a separate album to me.
One of the things I love most about SZA is her pen. She’s one of the best lyricists working today, not just because of what she says but how she says it. Her songs are full of surprising rhythms, often placing words where you don’t expect them. You can tell she freestyles a lot of her music (interview). It has a looseness that reminds me of rap. Her background in dance comes through too; there’s movement in how she writes and sings.
SZA is just so real. She addresses so many themes in LANA that speak to me heavy. About doing the most and wanting to be loved for it. About letting go of the past and moving forward. About facing your shit and still finding some peace in the mess. Her music is so vulnerable and relatable. Sometimes that vulnerability leads to weird online criticism (source). But as she said on “Diamond Boy,” “Gotta pop my shit, made fifty mil’ off of my feelings.”
SZA – Lana
- Love Me Not
- Days
- Dream Girl
- Genius
- Love Is Blind
My Standouts:
Ravyn Lenae has been one of my favorites since “Sticky” in 2017, but with Bird’s Eye, she’s completely outdone herself. This album has quickly become my most played vinyl of the year [I know my record player is sick of me]. It just has this magic that uplifts my mood every time I press play. The smooth melodies, the intricate production, and Ravyn’s voice — it’s all so beautiful and immersive.
Bird’s Eye is a masterclass in modern R&B, and honestly, Ravyn is top 3 in the game right now. Her ability to craft emotionally resonant songs with such subtlety and depth is unmatched. Every track feels personal yet relatable, making it the kind of album you can get lost in over and over again.
Bird’s Eye is a masterclass in modern R&B, and honestly, Ravyn is top 3 in the game right now. Her ability to craft emotionally resonant songs with such subtlety and depth is unmatched. Every track feels personal yet relatable, making it the kind of album you can get lost in over and over again.
Ravyn Lenae – Bird's Eye
- luther (with sza)
- squabble up
- reincarnated
- dodger blue (feat. wallie the sensei, siete7x, roddy ricch)
- man at the garden
My Standouts:
Kendrick Lamar’s songwriting, rapping, and storytelling is as sharp as ever on GNX. Anchored in homage to West Coast hip-hop, this album is full of classic Kendrick moments: bangers, introspective storytelling, and technical showcases, all of which have solidified him as one of the most influential artists in modern music.
GNX might be his most concise album, a tight, focused project that wastes no time. And you can hear how much fun he’s having throughout. The tracklist flows effortlessly, and the runtime feels perfectly tailored to the album’s pace and energy. It feels like a return to form. Challenging, fun, and impossible to ignore.
GNX might be his most concise album, a tight, focused project that wastes no time. And you can hear how much fun he’s having throughout. The tracklist flows effortlessly, and the runtime feels perfectly tailored to the album’s pace and energy. It feels like a return to form. Challenging, fun, and impossible to ignore.
Kendrick Lamar – GNX
- Club classics featuring bb trickz
- Sympathy is a knife featuring ariana grande
- B2b featuring tinashe
- Girl, so confusing featuring lorde
- Talk talk featuring troye sivan
My Standouts:
2024 was the year of the remix album. From Kelela’s RAVE:N, The Remixes to Charli xcx’s Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat, we’ve been spoiled with fresh takes on some exciting projects. Charli’s remix album gives BRAT (2024) completely new life. It’s still undeniably BRAT, but these remixes infuse the songs with new energy that feels both experimental and familiar. While I loved BRAT, the remix album enhanced every single track. BRAT had a couple skips for me (sorry), but now those very same songs have transformed into some of my favorites.
Each song on BRAT was written before she fully stepped into the mainstream spotlight. The remixes, however, show us her reaction to that sudden shift in public perception. Take “Sympathy is a knife” for example. In the original, she grapples with the insecurities that come with fame, feeling overshadowed by more popular or successful artists. But in the remix with Ariana Grande, the perspective shifts. Now on equal footing with the same artists who made her feel inadequate, Charli confronts the pressures of public scrutiny from a new vantage point.
Charli xcx is ITTTTT. I adore her artistry and ability to reinvent her sound while staying true to her identity. I was so happy to see her perform in NYC. Her energy is absolutely electric.
Each song on BRAT was written before she fully stepped into the mainstream spotlight. The remixes, however, show us her reaction to that sudden shift in public perception. Take “Sympathy is a knife” for example. In the original, she grapples with the insecurities that come with fame, feeling overshadowed by more popular or successful artists. But in the remix with Ariana Grande, the perspective shifts. Now on equal footing with the same artists who made her feel inadequate, Charli confronts the pressures of public scrutiny from a new vantage point.
Charli xcx is ITTTTT. I adore her artistry and ability to reinvent her sound while staying true to her identity. I was so happy to see her perform in NYC. Her energy is absolutely electric.
Charli xcx – Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat
[WINNER]
- HOT ONE (with TiaCorine & A$AP Ferg)
- BLACK FLAG FREESTYLE (with That Mexican OT)
- STILL IN THE PAINT (with LAZER DIM 700 & Bktherula)
- ACT A DAMN FOOL (with Duke Deuce & Slim Guerilla)
- G’Z UP (with 2 Chainz & Mike Dimes)
- SKED (with Kenny Mason & Project Pat)
My Standouts:
Denzel Curry’s KING OF THE MISCHIEVOUS SOUTH is a thrilling celebration of Southern hip-hop, packed with explosive production and electric performances. It’s an album that radiates pride and precision, channeling the influence of legends while making the sound unmistakably his own.
Curry fully leans into the sound of his region, calling on some of the South’s most exciting voices: Project Pat & Duke Deuce (Memphis), 2 Chainz (Atlanta), Maxo Kream (Houston), just to name a few. The production is maximalist and immersive, the hooks are unforgettable, and the entire project feels like a love letter to an era of rap reimagined through Curry’s creative lens. Southern hip-hop is deeply regional and stylistically varied, shaped by the distinct sounds of cities like Memphis, Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans, and Curry’s own hometown of Miami Gardens, Florida.
Curry enlisted Kingpin Skinny Pimp to host the album, a choice that firmly grounds the project in Memphis rap history. Skinny Pimp (along with many others like DJ Squeeky, Juicy J, DJ Paul, Project Pat) defined the sound Memphis is still known for today (interview). Since hearing KING OF THE MISCHIEVOUS SOUTH, I’ve really enjoyed diving into Skinny Pimp’s discography [I especially love King of da Playaz Ball]. As someone living in Memphis, this felt long overdue.
By intentionally assembling artists from across the Southern spectrum, Curry creates a project that both celebrates the South and unifies it. The result is a portrait of Southern hip-hop’s legacy and future, threaded together by one of its most dynamic talents.
Curry fully leans into the sound of his region, calling on some of the South’s most exciting voices: Project Pat & Duke Deuce (Memphis), 2 Chainz (Atlanta), Maxo Kream (Houston), just to name a few. The production is maximalist and immersive, the hooks are unforgettable, and the entire project feels like a love letter to an era of rap reimagined through Curry’s creative lens. Southern hip-hop is deeply regional and stylistically varied, shaped by the distinct sounds of cities like Memphis, Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans, and Curry’s own hometown of Miami Gardens, Florida.
Curry enlisted Kingpin Skinny Pimp to host the album, a choice that firmly grounds the project in Memphis rap history. Skinny Pimp (along with many others like DJ Squeeky, Juicy J, DJ Paul, Project Pat) defined the sound Memphis is still known for today (interview). Since hearing KING OF THE MISCHIEVOUS SOUTH, I’ve really enjoyed diving into Skinny Pimp’s discography [I especially love King of da Playaz Ball]. As someone living in Memphis, this felt long overdue.
By intentionally assembling artists from across the Southern spectrum, Curry creates a project that both celebrates the South and unifies it. The result is a portrait of Southern hip-hop’s legacy and future, threaded together by one of its most dynamic talents.
Denzel Curry – KING OF THE MISCHIEVOUS SOUTH
[WINNER]
- Sorbet (LSDXOXO Remix)
- Closure (Flexulant x BAMBII Remix feat. Rahrah Gabor & Brazy)
- Raven (TYGAPAW Remix feat. Rochelle Jordan)
- Happy Ending (A.G Remix)
- Bruises (SUCIA! Remix)
- On The Run (River Moon Remix feat. ThugPop)
My Standouts:
RAVE:N, The Remixes reimagines Kelela’s masterpiece album Raven (2023) with fresh energy, featuring remixes by some of electronic music’s most innovative producers. It’s a celebration of reinvention and the boundless possibilities of music. Each track is reborn, yet the remixes somehow make Raven itself sound richer, revealing new textures and details I didn’t notice before. This album is a dialogue between artists, genres, and histories, proving how collaboration can elevate an already exceptional body of work.
Kelela’s curation is just as meticulous as her music. She centers Black producers and artists in the electronic music scene, continuing her mission to amplify the roots of the remix, and of house, techno, and dance music (interview). The way she approaches collaboration feels intentional and deeply respectful.
And we have to talk about the visuals. The rollout, the aesthetic choices, the visualizers, the album cover (easily one of the best of all time). Every aspect of this project is immaculate, reinforcing why Kelela remains one of the most exciting and essential artists in music today.
Kelela’s curation is just as meticulous as her music. She centers Black producers and artists in the electronic music scene, continuing her mission to amplify the roots of the remix, and of house, techno, and dance music (interview). The way she approaches collaboration feels intentional and deeply respectful.
And we have to talk about the visuals. The rollout, the aesthetic choices, the visualizers, the album cover (easily one of the best of all time). Every aspect of this project is immaculate, reinforcing why Kelela remains one of the most exciting and essential artists in music today.
Kelela – RAVE:N, The Remixes
[WINNER]
- BODYGUARD
- ALLIIGATOR TEARS
- II MOST WANTED
- AMERIICAN REQUIEM
- YA YA
- II HANDS II HEAVEN
- TEXAS HOLD ‘EM (PONY UP) REMIX
My Standouts:
No other artist raises the bar like Beyoncé (“I’m the bar” - Alien Superstar). Her only real competition is herself, and she’s proven time and time again that her creative evolution has no limit.
COWBOY CARTER is a genre-defying journey through the heart of country music, infused with Beyoncé’s unmatched artistry, innovation, and storytelling. The album is a reclamation of country not a detour, honoring the Black Southern origin of the genre that is often erased from mainstream narratives. Through masterful production, breathtaking vocals, and carefully curated collaborations, Beyoncé crafts an album that feels both deeply personal and historically significant.
This might be her most intimate work yet. Although previous albums have moments of vulnerability, she still carries a reputation of being untouchable and intensely private, with a famously low media presence. COWBOY CARTER offers us a rare glimpse into her world, one rooted in her own identity, upbringing, community, and lineage.
COWBOY CARTER feels like a PhD dissertation. Every note, every instrument, every spoken interlude feels meticulously researched yet effortlessly organic. It’s arguably Beyoncé’s best album, a landmark moment in her career and music history. And I’m so glad she finally won the AOTY Grammy (even if it’s too little too late).
COWBOY CARTER is a genre-defying journey through the heart of country music, infused with Beyoncé’s unmatched artistry, innovation, and storytelling. The album is a reclamation of country not a detour, honoring the Black Southern origin of the genre that is often erased from mainstream narratives. Through masterful production, breathtaking vocals, and carefully curated collaborations, Beyoncé crafts an album that feels both deeply personal and historically significant.
This might be her most intimate work yet. Although previous albums have moments of vulnerability, she still carries a reputation of being untouchable and intensely private, with a famously low media presence. COWBOY CARTER offers us a rare glimpse into her world, one rooted in her own identity, upbringing, community, and lineage.
COWBOY CARTER feels like a PhD dissertation. Every note, every instrument, every spoken interlude feels meticulously researched yet effortlessly organic. It’s arguably Beyoncé’s best album, a landmark moment in her career and music history. And I’m so glad she finally won the AOTY Grammy (even if it’s too little too late).
[WINNER]
Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter
So many incredible albums dropped in 2024, it was overwhelming just trying to keep up. Even now, I know there are gems I haven’t gotten around to yet, but out of everything I did hear, these albums stood out the most.
Are they the “best” albums of the year? Well yes… but more importantly, they’re my favorites, the albums I had on repeat.
I ranked them using the following categories:
I wrote a little something about each Winner and Nominee. Scroll down to read them all, or click the links above to jump straight to a specific album. And let me know if you agree with my list or if there were any albums I missed!
If you’re looking for an easy way to dive in, I’ve put together a playlist:
(Winners: 3 songs / Nominees: 2 songs / Honorable Mentions: 1 song)
Are they the “best” albums of the year? Well yes… but more importantly, they’re my favorites, the albums I had on repeat.
I ranked them using the following categories:
- Winners – Perfect albums that defined 2024 for me.
- Nominees – Strong contenders that could have easily been winners.
- Honorable Mentions – Amazing albums that stood out in a crowded year of music and deserve recognition.
I wrote a little something about each Winner and Nominee. Scroll down to read them all, or click the links above to jump straight to a specific album. And let me know if you agree with my list or if there were any albums I missed!
If you’re looking for an easy way to dive in, I’ve put together a playlist:
(Winners: 3 songs / Nominees: 2 songs / Honorable Mentions: 1 song)
ScHoolboy Q – BLUE LIPS
Talibah Safiya – Black Magic
CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso – BAÑO MARÍA
Tinashe – Quantum Baby
Normani – DOPAMINE
Toro y Moi – Hole Erth
The Last Dinner Party – Prelude to Ecstasy
Qendresa – Londra
Rachel Chinouriri – What A Devastating Turn of Events
Alemeda – FK IT [EP]
Rema – HEIS
GloRilla – GLORIOUS
FLO – Access All Areas
Amber Mark – Loosies [EP]
Magdalena Bay – Imaginal Disk
Clairo – Charm
Peggy Gou – I Hear You
JPEGMAFIA – I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU
Kendrick Lamar – GNX
Ravyn Lenae – Bird’s Eye
SZA – LANA
Ariana Grande – eternal sunshine
The Marías – Submarine
KAYTRANADA – TIMELESS
Doechii – Alligator Bites Never Heal
Tems – Born in the Wild
Cece Natalie – Miss Behaves
WILLOW – empathogen
LION BABE – House of LION BABE
Megan Thee Stallion – MEGAN/MEGAN: ACT II
Mk.gee – Two Star & The Dream Police
Nominees
Beyoncé – COWBOY CARTER
Kelela – RAVE:N, The Remixes
Denzel Curry – KING OF THE MISCHIEVOUS SOUTH
Charli xcx – Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat
Winners
