The 35 best albums of 2024: 20–11
RIFF’s best albums of 2024 include Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Magdalena Bay, Allie X, Kim Gordon, ScHoolboy Q, Kali Uchis, Adrianne Lenker, Knocked Loose and Clairo.
If you haven’t read it yet, you should start at the beginning of our countdown.
Caught up? Part two includes some big names like Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar, as well as artists who upped their game this year, like Magdalena Bay and Allie X.
Adrianne Lenker, “Bright Future.”
20. Adrianne Lenker
Bright Future – 4AD – The Big Thief lead singer’s newest solo venture is a daze of aching, reconciliation and hypnotizing folk music. Violins wail and pianos crackle as Lenker bares raw vignettes from each period of her life with the hyperspecificity that defines her candid songwriting. And despite—or perhaps because of—all the pain present on the album, Lenker’s heart and warmth is always present.
Kendrick Lamar, “GNX.”
19. Kendrick Lamar
GNX – Interscope – With the Super Bowl looming and a diss track that turned into one of the biggest hip-hop tracks of 2024 (“Not like us” is still charting), Kendrick Lamar dropped an album as rare and as precious as the iconic car while paying homage to his West Coast roots and musical legends like Luther Vandross and 2Pac. The album is classic Kendrick, with cutting lyrics that remind everyone that he’s still the GOAT on tracks like “man at the garden,” “hey now” and “wacced out murals.” But it’s songs like “luther” and “t.v off” that speak the loudest.
Knocked Loose, “You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To.”
18. Knocked Loose
You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To – Pure Noise – It may not be for everyone (and some complained after watching Knocked Loose perform on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”), but the album was a triumph for the hardcore community. Where before some hardcore bands broke into the mainstream with more accessible and melodic music, Knocked Loose stays true to its core and converted some with an album full of punishing percussion and ultra-aggressive vocals. Appearances by two darlings of the heavy community, Chris Motionless and Poppy, make this album a standout for fans of hard music.
Kim Gordon, “The Collective.”
17. Kim Gordon
The Collective – Matador – This one’s decades ahead of its time. But the new album from the Sonic Youth bassist and singer also manages to capture the feeling of our dystopian, slightly science-fictional now. Kim Gordon’s musical collaboration with producer Justin Raisen, who’s worked with everybody from Kid Cudi to Lil Yachty, yields fractured hip-hop beats, deconstructed industrial noise, and Gordon’s sultry, conversational vocals.
Magdalena Bay, “Imaginal Disk.”
16. Magdalena Bay
Imaginal Disk – Mom + Pop – This is a pop record, but it’s also a theatrical experience. The daring duo packed maximalism into each song, building an entire world made of synths and singular storytelling: the project’s titular disk is an upgrade inserted into the forehead by non-humans, allowing for a mental metamorphosis that’s mirrored in the music. Each melody is addicting, and each production choice is unexpected but exciting, like a sci-fi explosion of synth-pop.
Allie X, “Girl with No Face.”
15. Allie X
Girl with No Face– Twin Music/AWAL – Allie X brought back her quintessential pop vocals and unmistakable goth-synth sound, with echos of the Eurythmics, on her third album. The twangy bass synths in “Off With Her Tits,” “Black Eye” and “Staying Power” reverberates into a powerful beat layered with her ’80s-like vocals. Allie X gives new life to an era that was known for truth-telling and speaking experiences to life, resonating with listeners along the way.
ScHoolboy Q, “Blue Lips.”
14. ScHoolboy Q
Blue Lips – TDE/Interscope – ScHoolboy Q showcases his ability to blend raw lyricism with emotional storytelling while covering taboo topics like metal health. The album weaves stories of resilience and survival with his signature West Coast grit. Standout tracks like “oHio” (featuring Freddie Gibbs) and “Yeern 101” reveal a masterful use of contrasting musical styles, from soulful flavor to aggressive beats. “Funny Guy” begins the album with Q repeating the same bars over a melodic rhythm, but as soon as “Pop” starts, it’s clear that Blue Lips is going to take you on a ride.
Billie Eilish, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT.”
13. Billie Eilish
Hit Me Hard and Soft – Interscope – Billie Eilish offered an intimate portrait of her personal awakening on her third album. The record was less about dark and thunderous stadium bangers and more about delicate songwriting. The more upbeat songs like “LUNCH” and “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” are bright and vibrant, while “THE DINER” ventures into spacey experimental territory. Lyrically, Eilish documents the realization of her bisexuality and her fears and desires.
Finneas’ producing contributions are again noteworthy, from the music to the vocals. The two are at their creative best on “CHIHRIO,” which brings together an unusual array of synths and sounds over a slick understated beat along with Eilish’s smokey vocals. On the softer side of the record, songs like “WILDFLOWER” and “BLUE” are so intricate that each note helps to carry the momentum. In a world of playlists and algorithm-based listening, Hit Me Hard and Soft is a complete work.
Clairo, “Charm.”
12. Clairo
Charm – Self-released – Full of whimsical woodwinds and sporadic piano chords, Charm breathes new life into the best parts of ‘70s singer-songwriter records. It’s smooth and sexy, inviting and warm; while holding its influences closely, it’s always fresh.
Clairo’s soft voice effortlessly slides and croons as she shows off her most mature writing to date, especially on slow-burn tracks like “Terrapin,” which are vulnerable and revealing yet hazy and laidback. Though she’s strayed far from her lo-fi bedroom pop origins, Charm feels like a natural step in the progression of Clairo as an artist, with both immediately memorable hooks and sense of intimacy. With album no. 3, Clairo has proved that the third time really is the charm.
Kali Uchis, “Orquídeas.”
11. Kali Uchis
Orquídeas – Geffen – Kali Uchis’ album is a vibrant, genre-bending Spanish-language album that pays homage to her Colombian roots while embracing global influences. Named after Colombia’s national flower, it symbolizes a rich, multicultural tapestry. Uchis blends dembow, reggaeton, R&B and even nostalgic 1960s crooning across 14 tracks. Orquídeas showcases her vocal range, bold creativity and willingness to take risks. Grounded yet mystical, it’s a compelling exploration of modern Latin music.
See our top 10 albums of 2024.
20. Adrianne Lenker. 19. Kendrick Lamar. 18. Knocked Loose. 17. Kim Gordon. 16. Magdalena Bay. 15. Allie X. 14. ScHoolboy Q. 13. Billie Eilish. 12. Clairo. 11. Kali Uchis.
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