The world of pop music never fails to surprise, and 2024 has delivered an exceptional lineup of albums that showcase the genre's diverse, dynamic, and ever-evolving nature. From groundbreaking experimentation to heartfelt storytelling, these albums reflect the multifaceted brilliance of their creators.
This year, we've seen pop icons redefine their sounds, emerging artists break through with unique voices, and seasoned veterans remind us why they remain beloved. Whether you're drawn to dancefloor anthems, introspective ballads, or cheeky, clever lyricism, there's something here to resonate with every listener. Let’s dive into some of the most talked-about albums of the year, each leaving an indelible mark on the pop landscape.
Charli xcx / Brat
With a certain je ne sais quoi, this summer has seen the rise and rise of charli xcx. She's taken the music that grounded her - aggressive hyperpop, mixed with virtuosic and achingly vulnerable songwriting, developing _that club classic sound_ into something iconic. With glee & audacity she's taken this worldwide. Brat is a celebration of what remains when you're left ciggie in hand with the crystalised core of a musical tour de force.
By Connor W, Community Manager
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Sabrina Carpenter / Short ‘n’ Sweet
The follow up to "Emails I Can't Send" Sabrina's 6th album contains the massive summer hits, "Espresso" and "Please Please Please". This album is not heavy or self indulgent like some current pop, but cheeky, clever, effortlessly executed with a superb sense of humour. It's not just about two hits though, highlights include "Lie To Girls" which showcase her impressive vocal range delivering the usual sharp lyrics. The country lite "Slim Pickins" is such a fun song and encourages her lyrics should be screamed too as well as sung. And a favourite of mine "Sharp Tool". A simple song that packs such a punch. The current hit "Taste" shows again how unexpectedly addictive this album is.
By Tony F, Music Manager
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Taylor Swift / The Tortured Poets Department
Taylor Swift has been busy! In February 2024 (11 months into the Eras tour), while accepting her 13th Grammy (out of 14), she announced a brand new album, surprising even the Swifties. Taylor does not hold back in her 11th studio album, it takes you on a 16-track emotional rollercoaster. Working again with Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff, the album has some of the familiar sounds of Midnights but the feelings hit deeper this time. Not many artists can translate pain into pop, but it’s what she does best. This album touches on a wide spectrum of emotion - deep sadness and grief (So Long, London, loml), genuine fury (But Daddy I Love Him, The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived), hopefulness and triumph (The Alchemy, I Can Do It With A Broken Heart). It’s a raw and honest piece of work