The Year in Music: 2024's Standout Albums

2024 was a banner year for music, with countless remarkable albums released. Music fans and critics alike are hoping for a repeat in 2025. The upcoming Grammy Awards are already generating a lot of buzz, with many top contenders appearing on various best-of lists. However, some fantastic albums flew under the radar and didn't get the attention they deserved from the Recording Academy. Many of the top album picks were by women or female-fronted acts. This is not surprising, given the female dominance in this year's Grammy nominations. Charli XCX, known for her viral presence, topped the list for executive music editor Jem Aswad. Associate music editor Thania Garcia chose the lesser-known but impressive band, the Marias. Senior music writer Steven J. Horowitz picked Ariana Grande for her powerful performance. Chief music critic Chris Willman hailed Taylor Swift as the star of the year. Several artists were mentioned multiple times across different lists. Charli XCX and Kendrick Lamar each appeared on three of the four lists, while Beyoncé, Jamie XX, Jack White, and Kali Uchis were highlighted on two lists each. Explore the lists to find your favorites or to discover new musical gems.