The music scene in 2024 was nothing short of electrifying. From Beyoncé's bold foray into country with 'Cowboy Carter' to Kendrick Lamar's triumphant return with 'GNX', the year was packed with groundbreaking releases. Euronews Culture's team, adhering to strict criteria (no EPs, live albums, reissues, or soundtracks), has meticulously curated a list of the 20 albums that defined 2024.
Leading the pack is Hurray For The Riff Raff's 'The Past Is Still Alive', a poignant exploration of loss and rebirth. Clairo's 'Charm' offered a nostalgic journey through love and self-discovery, while L’Imperatice's 'Pulsar' delivered some of the year's grooviest nu-disco beats. Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' redefined country music, and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' 'Wild God' found solace in grief.
Other standout albums include Hinds' 'Viva Hinds', a triumphant return after a tumultuous period, and Shabaka Hutchings' 'Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace', a transcendent journey through jazz. Nala Sinephro's 'Endlessness' and Floating Points' 'Cascade' further elevated the year's musical landscape with their mesmerizing soundscapes.
The list also includes powerful releases from artists like Nadine Shah, Beth Gibbons, and Father John Misty, each offering a unique perspective on love, loss, and self-discovery. From the dancefloor-ready beats of Charli XCX's 'Brat' to the introspective musings of Michael Kiwanuka's 'Small Changes', 2024 was a year of musical diversity and depth.
As we reflect on the year's best albums, we also acknowledge the honorable mentions that didn't make the top 20 but were equally impressive. These include Kneecap's 'Fine Art', Jamie xx's 'In Waves', and The Black Keys' 'Ohio Players', among others.
In a year filled with challenges and triumphs, these albums provided a soundtrack that helped us navigate the complexities of 2024. As we look ahead to 2025, we can only hope for more musical gems that will continue to inspire and uplift us.
Stay tuned to Euronews Culture for more Best Of lists, including the Best Movies of 2024 and our People of the Year 2024.
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