20 Albums of 2024

Now that we are well into the first month of 2025, I hope you don’t think it’s too late for me to publish my lists of 2024 music standouts. This year I’ve done things slightly differently, including songs from albums here when the the single tracks are quite simply songs of the year, whether or not they were on albums I loved as well. I’ve made this distinction in the past to make sure I’m sharing about as many artists as possible, but there are always going to be excellent options left off, no matter my categories. And the truth is, when pushed to make a decision between an artist I was sure I’d love and something new that some magazine told me was good, I’d choose my gut (read: Tems) 9 out of 10 times. So that being said, without rules or regulations, here is a list of my 20 favourite albums from last year, all of which have already been on rotation since the arbitrary change of calendars.

For even more music from 2024, here’s my Top 24 Songs of 2024 list, complete with playlist links.

20. Observations From a Crowded Room - Joy Oladokun

Track Highlights: Am I?, Drugs, flowers

I’ll admit that sometimes I find Joy a little too hopeful. She comes from a similar church background to me, and although we’ve also come out of it in similar ways (both as queer and cannabis users), I can grate against her earnest lyrics of faith and optimism, finding them embarrassing, which is way more telling about my own relationship to spirituality than hers. Still, Joy’s voice in both timbre and content can be just the right medicine and expression for the moment, and Observations tends to strike the right balance of vulnerability and reflection.

19. Dunya - Mustafa

Track Highlights: Name of God, I’ll Go Anywhere, Gaza is Calling

There are very few Toronto artists I’m as excited about as this Sudanese-Canadian storyteller, Mustafa. Every track is rich with emotion, painting images of his own family and friends and their various struggles. Sometimes the sadness and simple acoustic instrumentation remind me of Sufjan Stevens in the best way possible - especially on my favourite song of the album, “Name of God”. The album - Dunya - is an Arabic word without a perfect English translation, but it basically means “this material world” or “the human condition”, which is a pretty perfect album title for someone who sings of human suffering and connection so beautifully.

18. Timeless - Kaytranada 

Track Highlights: Witchy (feat. Childish Gambino), Drip Sweat (feat. Channel Tres), Hold On (feat. Dawn Richard)

Many of you who know me personally can likely already name Kaytranada as my favourite DJ. His productions are so recognizable through heavy use of side-chain compression, slick synth pads, and the many solid vocalists clambering to work with him. It doesn’t hurt that he’s queer and Canadian, which just makes me want to claim him even more. The reason this album isn’t higher than it is proves just how strong this year was for albums, but I do find it a hair too long, burying some of the best songs deeper than they should be.

17. Chromakopia - Tyler the Creator

Track Highlights: Balloons (feat. Doechii), Sticky (feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red, Lil Wayne), Hey Jane

My all-time favourite Tyler album is (still) 2017’s Flower Boy, but Chromakopia feels the most like a return to that softer (and queerer) sound. It hasn’t received the ravest of reviews, but what I appreciate about this version of Tyler is his commitment to letting us see his growth. This is an album that teenage Tyler could have conceived. He reflects on growing older, his body changing, where his toxic relationship patterns come from, frustrations with monogamy, and most notably a pretty nuanced song about abortion in “Dear Jane”. Let me tell you, I did not have a pro-choice anthem from Tyler the Creator on my 2024 Bingo card, but here we are. My other favourite thing is about this album is just how many brilliant women he’s sharing the stage with, from GloRilla to Santigold. But most notable is his collaboration with Doechii, where they both rap openly about being pansexual and completely dope.

Oh, and this video for “Noid” features Ayo Edebiri, so there’s also that.

16. Drop 7 - Little Simz

Track Highlights: Mood Swings, Fever, Far Away

Maybe this is technically an EP, with its title referencing a drop of 7 songs. It is short especially when compared to the monolith albums she’s given us in the past, like Sometimes I Might Be Introvert with its 21 songs on 4 sides of vinyl. In this case, Simz keeps us wanting more, and I was so very happy to play “Fever” anytime Caitlin Clark’s team was playing (even though I was rarely rooting for Indiana).

15. Revenge - Muni Long

Track Highlights: Made For Me, Ruined Me, Bessie

If you are a fan of classic 90s R&B in a tight relationship with hip hop, Muni Long’s debut record was made for you. It’s got everything from ballads (like the first single, “Made For Me”, that I featured in my songs list of 2023) to bangers (like “Bessie” or “Played Yourself”), covering a range of emotions expressed. If Muni Long’s revenge is success, she’s achieved both. If you are not yet familiar with this artist, I highly recommend her performance on the Jimmy Kimmel show of “Ruined Me”.

14. What Now? - Brittany Howard

Track Highlights: Earth Sign, Prove It To You, What Now

I have no trouble admitting that this album did not quite live up to Howard’s solo debut, Jaime, for me at least. However, what I loved about Jaime was the amount of origin story - I felt like we were introduced to Brittany on a much more personal level than we ever experienced as the front woman to the Alabama Shakes. Now that we’ve been allowed in, What Now? gives us a chance to expand that picture beyond any one genre or version or set of values. Instead of past stories, we get current existential questions appropriate for the pandemmy times in which it was written and recorded. Throughout this album, there is a sense of grounding that comes through the ethereal singing bowls mixed with Brittany’s own powerful, emotive vocals.

12. The Year I Turned 21 - Ayra Starr

Track Highlights: Commas, Woman Commando (feat. Anitta and Coco Jones), Bad Vibes (feat. Seyi Vibez)

In my household, this was definitely the year of afrobeats taking over my stereo, and Ayra Starr was a huge contributor to that trend. I was surprised that an album called The Year I Turned 21 could make such an impression on this 42-year-old (who can barely remember any details of that year of her own life). Ayra Starr’s sophomore album gives both nostalgic, youthful energy and relatable wisdom beyond her years, in a similar way to Adele’s 21. (Anyone out here naming albums after even-numbered ages?) Anyway, this whole album is a perfect vibe for just over 40 minutes.

12. For Your Consideration - Empress Of

Track Highlights: Lorelei, What’s Luv (feat. MUNA), For Your Consideration

I simply love the way this album opens with the title track, as if explicitly imploring you to give the artist your time: “consider my experience, consider my poetry, consider my artistic decisions.” I am so drawn to the way Empress Of’s very bold, “produced” style is juxtaposed with such vulnerable song writing. “Lorelei” is my main highlight here, a reinterpretation of Jolene, where an obsession with an ex is full of sapphic undertones (a common theme in 2024, seen also in Sabrina Carpenter’s “Taste”).

11. Hit Me Hard & Soft - Billie Eilish

Track Highlights: Birds of a Feather, Chihiro, Lunch

I’ve liked Billie Eilish along with the rest of you, but to be perfectly honest, when listening to her songs, I often prepare myself to be disappointed. That is, until this album. Hit Me Hard & Soft is thoughtful without losing a sense of playful pop, and incorporates some of the most epic instrumentations and arrangements we’ve seen yet from Billie and Finneas. The synths are synthing, especially in “Chihiro” which is one of my favourite modern nods to 80s New Wave.

10. Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain - Raveena

Track Highlights: Junebug (Feat. JPEGMAFIA), Pluto, Rise

I am so grateful to Raveena for releasing this record in 2024. I’m not sure whether it will become a staple for me in the way that her debut Lucid has since its release in 2019, but this year it’s been a comfy, feel-good album with far more poppy influences that before. Raveena’s voice is so smooth and soft and welcomes you into a mystical world built on instrumentation found in mainstream R&B mixed with instrumentation from traditional Indian music. Plus, can we talk about the cover art? The gorgeous lilies symbolize where butterflies go in the rain: to hide among flowers in order to protect their delicate wings. If you really want to feel like you’re getting to know this gentle, lovely person, check out her film of the same name, where she intersperses outdoor performances with conversations with Sophia Roe during a four-day farm residency.

9. GNX - Kendrick Lamar

Track Highlights: tv off, reincarnated, Luther

MUSTAAAAAAAARD! Look, I was not as big of a fan of Kendrick’s last record about Mr. Whatshisface Morales, and with all the beefing with Drake earlier this year, I wasn’t even hoping for a record like GNX. Kendrick will always be one of my faves for his brilliant and heady rhymes, and references deep enough to be mineable even hundreds of listens in. And this record does have all of that, but mostly I love this album because it’s full of straight up bangers. I won’t say it’s my favourite Kenny album of all time (That title goes to To Pimp A Butterfly), but I might say that GNX is the most fun to listen to. Along with the track highlights above, I need to also include the Roots’ influenced music video for “Squabble Up”.

8. What a Relief - Katie Gavin

Track Highlights: Aftertaste, As Good As It Gets (feat. Mitski), Casual Drug Use

What a surprise! I was not expecting to enjoy this more folky solo debut from the lead singer (and main songwriter) of the pop trio MUNA. On my first listen to What a Relief, I did miss the slick, poppy productions that I’m used to from MUNA, but I found that this album quickly became a go-to backtrack for quieter evenings in the autumn of 2024. Katie is an amazing storyteller who brings to life these small, ordinary-yet-profound moments between people, whether they’re lovers, exes, or even her late dog in “Sweet Abby Girl”.

7. Big Ideas - Remi Wolf

Track Highlights: Cinderella, Soup, Alone in Miami

I’ve been a fan of Remi since she first showed up on someone’s list of fresh queer artists a couple years ago - she had only released EPs at the time, and I was drawn to her quirky persona. Big Ideas is her sophomore studio album, and here is where I finally see a depth of emotion that I’ve hoped for before now. This album is such a real representation of life - everything from the playfulness of “Toro” to the longing in “Alone in Miami”, and of course the satisfying mix of both in “Kangaroo”. Even in her more understated tracks, she finds a way to insert her quirky sense of humour via her music videos, like “Motorcycle”. Couched in multiple genres, nearly all her lyrics prompt something strong within me, whether it’s yell-singing along or laughing out loud.

6. Tyla + - Tyla

Track Highlights: Water, Jump, No. 1 (featuring Tems)

Written with the + and using this version of the album cover is a rare instance for me where I’m choosing to feature the Deluxe version of a record rather than the original release, and although it’s intentional, it’s not to say that Tyla (sans +) would not have made this list. In fact all 3 of my track highlights above were on the original release of the young South African’s debut album. However, it felt short, and having this deluxe released with extra songs tucked in at the beginning (which are all bangers) gave it just enough extra content to return it to regular rotation in my house. This Billboard performance of two of the bonus tracks did not hurt either.

5. Crash - Kehlani

Track Highlights: After Hours, Next 2 U, 8

Every single thing about this Kehlani record is a masterpiece, from the visuals to the tracklist, and strikingly few (only 2!) features. Since October 2023, Kehlani has boldly spoken the truth about the apartheid and genocide happening in Palestine as very few artists have, and by the time she released Crash in April 2024, she was paying for it, with other artists distancing themselves from her. Despite being iced out by so many, she chose to release her first single (“Next 2 U”) with a bold music video that included keffiyeh-inspired costumes, huge Palestinian flags, and a message on screen that read “Long live the Intifada.” It’s also hella gay. I was hooked, proud to be a fan, and so relieved when the whole album slaps as hard as it does. “After Hours” quickly became one of my most spun records on the dance floor this year, and it feels so good to give so much play to an artist I respect personally and politically to this extent. Later in the summer she released a whole other album; it’s also great, but it doesn’t quite know if it’s a deluxe version, a mixtape, or something else. Still, I’m never going to complain about more Kehlani music, and I should also point out that one of my highlight tracks, 8, gets a sick remix featuring the UK trio, Flo. Check it all out.

4. Cowboy Carter - Beyoncé

Track Highlights: 16 Carriages, II Hands II Heaven, Sweet Honey Buckin’

Not every Beyoncé album can be Renaissance, but Cowboy Carter still provided me with way too many brilliant tracks to choose highlights from. It’s excellent for Beyoncé, for country and for music in general, but I have to admit that I’m a little disappointed that this is the Beyoncé record most likely to finally win the Album of the Year Grammy over Renaissance or Lemonade. Still, what she has achieved here is a slap in the face to white supremacy in country music, reminding everyone that the roots of this white-washed genre are very Black and Southern. I had been sort of dreading a country album from Beyoncé, but every song on this record is fantastic, regardless of how anyone categorizes the genre, and the productions are perfectly polished. I just wish we could have had a Lil Nas X collaboration (perhaps in place of Post Malone?) If you still haven’t seen her Christmas Day “Beyoncé Bowl” performance (or if you’re ready for a rewatch), it’s here for your convenience.

3. God Said No - Omar Apollo

Track Highlights: Less of You, Drifting, Against Me

I discovered how much I liked Omar Apollo back in 2020 when he released Apolonio, but God Said No has blown every other previous album out of the water. While he brings the same vulnerable songwriting to all his projects, there is a consistency of vibe here that makes this record especially satisfying to listen to from beginning to end. Beth and I had a chance to see him on tour with this album back in September, and I was impressed by what an engaging performer he is, making the most of very creatively minimalist props and aesthetics. To get a partial vibe (although it doesn’t have enough dance), check out this laid-back live performance.

2. Alligator Bites Never Heal - Doechii

Track Highlights: Nissan Altima, Wait, Denial is a River

Doechii was going to be on this list from the moment she dropped the phenomenal hype single, “Nissan Altima”, but with every aspect of the album drop, she moved further and further up this list, landing her ultimately in my number 2 spot. Whether it was the iconic performance on Colbert, her Tiny Desk Concert that slapped harder than anything this year so far, or her daring album art referencing Minnie Ripperton’s classic 1975 album “Adventures in Paradise,” where the late singer was famously attacked by the live wild animal posing with her… every single time Doechii does anything, I’m even more in love.

My wife has been having successive “aha” moments, realizing just how many of the songs I’ve been playing over the past three years were by this same artist, which is a testament to Doechii’s versatility. From front to back, this record is a journey, and one of the absolute best options this year, not to mention one of the best hip hop albums of the decade so far (in my humble opinion).

1. Born in the Wild - Tems

Track Highlights: Love Me Jeje, Burning, Me & U

2024 was the year that Tems handedly stole my top artist spot from any other contender in a way that no one else has done as quickly as Janet Jackson did when I was 7 years old. Statistically speaking, Tems was my most listened-to artist in 2024, and two songs on this album were my most played tracks, which is especially impressive because Born in the Wild is Tems’ debut album. It’s a solid vibe from start to finish, and Tems as an artist has something that Latto would describe as “in her not on her”. I have no idea how to write about what Tems’ music does to me personally, and that’s what makes this album a no-brainer for my album of the year. And don’t be surprised to see her show up on my songs list as well.