Brat – Charli XCX’s “Brat” serves as the hyperpop artist’s break into the mainstream. The album uses a style reminiscent of the early 2000’s club aesthetic, yet manages to add in a fresh modernist feel. This sonical style is most apparent on songs like “Club classics,” “Girl, so confusing,” and “365.” Fans and critics alike have raved about the album, leading to an unprecedented success that can be attributed to Charli’s appeasing mix of unfiltered boldness and raw vulnerability present throughout.
Chromakopia – “Chromakopia” further extends the upward trend of growth both musically and emotionally that Tyler, The Creator has become known for since the release of “Flower Boy” in 2017. The album features a variety of emotional ups and downs that put the listener into the shoes of Tyler, giving them an inside view of his current life. This album is the most open, honest, and exposed Tyler has been with the world in his 15 year career, leading to commercial success, dialogue amongst fans, and one of the best records to come out in 2024.
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT – Billie Eilish’s “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” can be described in one word: evolution. The album takes all the soft, bittersweet elements of Eilish’s past works and expands on them to create a beautifully gloomy and vivid soundscape that is constantly expanded upon throughout the course of the album. Songs like “BIRDS OF A FEATHER,” “BLUE,” and “WILDFLOWER” make up the album’s many hits, displaying its replayability and relatability amongst fans.
Imaginal Disk – Imaginal Disk, the second studio album by pop duo Magdalena Bay, is a fun, creative, beautifully executed combination of old school synth pop and psychedelic rock that stands out from any other album in the pop sphere. The album follows the narrative of True, the narrator, and her journey into self acceptance. The album’s creativity, passion, and uniqueness make it an album worth listening to.
Found Heaven – In Conan Gray’s 3rd studio album “Found Heaven,” he takes listeners back to the 80’s. Gray incorporates a mix of production, vocal effects, and lyricism influenced by old school pop icons such as Elton John, David Bowie, and A-Ha. Despite being a shift away from the sound Gray has become known for, fans have still found themselves falling in love with this album and it’s execution of the 80s pop rock aesthetic.
