Grammy competition will be tough this year. The pop music released in 2024 was some of the best in years, with breakout stars and returning favorites making a wide range of tracks that span all of pop’s sub-genres, from pop-rock to alternative-pop, to electric/hyper-pop. From catchy radio hits to alternative emotional ballads, here are the top pop albums of 2024:
Number 5 – brat, Charli xcx
Taking over the pop culture atmosphere of the summer, brat is the sixth full length album from the Essex-born electro-pop singer. Though she’s been an influence in the music industry for years with many radio hits (mainly collaborations with other singers), brat is the biggest success of Charli xcx’s career. She also released another version full of remixes which feature various big names of the music industry.
A lively techno-electronic album, it showcases XCX’s talents in production more than any other album in her career. (Fast tempo songs like Von Dutch and B2b feature her skills in mixing.) Although the highlight is no doubt the Girl, so confusing remix featuring Lorde. Lyrically and sonically sound, the track is a fully comprehensive echo for many who can relate to the complex feelings and miscommunication that can plague relationships.
The album may have some skips but it is certainly a highlight of the year’s pop landscape.
Number 4 – What A Devastating Turn of Events, Rachel Chinouriri
The debut album of the 26 year old British singer-songwriter was an excellent addition to the musical culture of 2024. A combination of heartwarming ballads and catchy pop tunes, the album is an overview of Chinouriri’s developing lyrical storytelling. In the title track, she recounts a heartbreaking story of a family member; in The Hills and Garden of Eden, she laments the loss of childhood; in Never Need Me and All I Ever Asked, Chinouriri utilizes a pop-rock sound to create refreshing pop breakup songs.
Although it feels sometimes sonically one note, overall, the debut album has a bit of everything, showcasing Chinouriri’s diverse range of musical skill.
Number 3 – The Tortured Poet’s Department, Taylor Swift
Likely a surprise to no one, The Tortured Poet’s Department is a lengthy exemplification of Swift’s expert storytelling and tendency toward SAT word-filled vocabulary. Coming in at just over an hour and a half play time, the 31 track album spans a wide range of topics but can somewhat be categorized in three sections: ballads, “belts” (songs where she sounds angry and is almost yelling), and somber, melodic pop songs.
The latter is best showcased in the lead singles like Down Bad and Fortnight. The former feel most similar to some of Swift’s earlier discography with songs like So Long, London and I Look In People’s Windows. This section is at its best with Peter, which is arguably not only the peak of lyrical expression on the album but also one of the best of Swift’s discography.
Best of the three sections, and newest addition to Swift’s style, her “belting” songs are arguably what makes the album memorable. Songs like The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived and The Black Dog display Swift’s vocal range, while Florida!!! shows a unique side of her vocal expertise while also being one of the most sonically unique songs on the album with its screaming chorus and fast paced bridge.
Altogether, the album adds some new classics to Swift’s discography even if it occasionally comes off as discoherent at times. (Although, any album with 31 songs would find it difficult to stay on one topic or sound without getting boring).
Number 2 – Memoir of a Sparklemuffin, Suki Waterhouse
Another impressive debut, Memoir of a Sparklemuffin (named after the playful Australian spider, which Waterhouse claims reflects her personality) was a cheerful, heartbreaking, and vocally stunning album. Waterhouse uses retro-sounds and belting melodies to reflect on past naivety in romantic relationships, finding love in a Hollywood setting, and battling internal issues to find personal success.
With Model Actress Whatever and To Get You, longing verses turn to crushing bridges. Still, the album expresses a playful side as well, with Supersad and My Fun which sound straight out of a ‘60s jukebox in the summer, filled with fun retro beats. Her vocals –one of the highlights of the album– shine through with the unique sound of OMG and the angelic chorus of Could’ve Been A Star.
The impressive album has arguably not gotten enough praise or attention but it nonetheless tops the list as one of the best pop albums of 2024.
Honorable Mentions and Top Songs
Now for honorable mentions. This is mostly to give credit to some singles which don’t feature on albums (yet) and albums which while excellent didn’t fully make the cut, for one reason or another, for top 5.
“Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan
The single, released in April, rocketed Roan to fame with its addictive chorus and heart-wrenching bridge, and is arguably one of the best songs of the year. Unfortunately, it does not feature on an album yet.
Behind the vibrant beat, Roan confronts a former girlfriend who refused to acknowledge the reality of being in love with a woman (Roan) and as a result ended the relationship. The cathartic song took the charts by storm and made Roan a household name and wholeheartedly deserves a place on the list even though it is not (yet) attached to any one album or project.
“Orquídeas” by Kali Uchis
The fourth studio album from the Colombian-American reggaeton singer, Orquídeas (or Orchids, in English) is a beautiful representation of her vocal talent. Because it sometimes passes the line from reggaeton into pop territory, Orquídeas makes the cut for the list due to its vibrant and melodic tracks. With plenty of features with other reggaeton artists (from Karol G to Peso Pluma), the album feels collaborative as well as unique to Kali Uchis due her soft vocals which define the album’s dreamy mood.
“Angel of My Dreams” by Jade Thirlwall
Another individual song rather than a full album, the solo debut from the former “Little Mix” star is a roller coaster ride of sounds and emotions. In the song, Thirlwall recounts her paradoxical feelings about the music industry as she switches from techno-pop to a ballad, reflecting the complexity and contradictory emotions expressed in its lyrics.
“Radical Optimism” by Dua Lipa
Her third studio album, Dua Lipa’s newest project features a selection of solid pop radio hits (“Houdini”, “Training Season”) as well as B-sides (“Happy for You”, “These Walls”) that showcase a title positive outlook. Although it does not fall in the top five for this list, it is an impressive account of Lipa’s ability to put out reliably enjoyable albums.
Number 1 – Short N’ Sweet, Sabrina Carpenter
Although all the albums (and songs) on this list were culturally impactful, none was more so than the sixth studio album from Sabrina Carpenter. Her lighthearted, catchy tunes caught the attention of pop enjoyers globally and her leading single Espresso dominated the charts and was stuck in everyone’s heads since its release last spring.
Staying true to its title, Short N’ Sweet features only 12 tracks with a runtime just over 30 minutes but arguably has no skips. Every song feels equally sweet, especially her upbeat singles with addictive choruses that are sure to get stuck in your head (Please Please Please and Good Graces).
The album also explores some additional genres with certain country undertones in songs like Coincidence and Slim Pickins’. Carpenter displays her vocal abilities in her ballads like Lie to Girls (which includes a lovely switch from soft melodic lyrics to a quickly paced, rambling verse shortly before the second chorus) and Dumb & Poetic (a song that is as funny as it is sad, where she makes fun of a former partner’s pretentiousness and lack of emotional intelligence despite it).
Overall, Carpenter harnesses all of what helped her rise to fame with emails i can’t send in 2023 to create new tracks that feel familiar without being repetitive.
