Look no further to discover the top albums of the year, with insights into each artist’s creative vision and how their 2024 endeavors set them apart from their previous bodies of work. Learn how these works push boundaries and reflect a distinct shift from their past projects, marking a new era in their musical journeys. Let’s gooooooo!
These following 3 albums are my personal favorites of the year—ones that resonated with me the most and stayed on repeat. This list isn’t meant to be a definitive ranking, of course, but rather a reflection of the music I connected with the most. Each of these albums represents a moment in time that left a lasting impression on me, and showcased the artists’ evolution and the unique ways they’ve carved their own space within the music industry.
Right Place, Wrong Person (RPWP) – RM
Release Date: May 24, 2024
Right Place, Wrong Person (stylized “RPWP” for short), was by far my most-listened to album of 2024; not a day goes by that I don’t play it in full. Another great body of work from the 30-year old lyricist and producer, best known as the leader of global group BTS.
The title alone for RM’s 2nd solo album really caught my attention, especially with the opening track’s title (“Right People, Wrong Place”) being an inversion of the album title itself. RM often spoke about the feeling of being the wrong person in the right place – like everyone around you seems to be just fine, but you don’t fit in (for example, in the workplace or a social setting). But conversely – you could actually be the right person – you’re just in the wrong place. This album dropped 3 days before being laid off from my job of 7 years, and the timing allowed for this album to somehow latch itself onto me as a daily mantra to purge my frustrations.
The title alone really drew me into this record, especially with the opening track’s title being an inversion of the album title. RM often spoke about the feeling of being the wrong person in the right place – like everyone around you seems to be fine but you don’t fit in (for example, in the workplace or a social setting). But conversely – you could actually be the right person – you’re just in the wrong place.
On 2022’s Indigo (RM’s debut solo record), he brought about an easy listen for those possibly unfamiliar with his own work, and overall it was a bit more palatable for those most comfortable with his songwriting style within BTS. At no expense of quality, Indigo was more “commercial” and “single-worthy” – whereas “RPWP” is a bit more lyrically authentic, experimental in sound, and definitely boundary-pushing. It’s an acquired taste.
A mix of psychedelic and classic hip-hop vibes are laced throughout the record, leaning heavy into vocal effects and distortion on some tracks. Live instrumentation is a key element as well, and none of the tracks are over-produced in any way. Some are borderline acoustic at times.
While Indigo can be shuffled within a playlist, “RPWP” serves more as an art piece – best consumed in order that the creator intended. He is basically a poet; and used his words to mark his most transparent and authentic work to date. Abrasive, off-kilter, unconventional – but true to him without any regrets.
Publications like Rolling Stone, NME, Hypebeast and more all celebrated RM in their best album recaps for the year, and with good reason. I remember being so excited when the album actually debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart the week after it’s release. He’s finally being recognized in Rap and Hip Hop categories despite being in Korean language and coming from idol background.
Let’s remember that his DEBUT solo album opened with Erykah Badu and Anderson .Paak – he has the credibility and the reach within the industry. “RPWP” included support from Lil Simz, Moses Sumney, and more. Now we just wait for his military discharge – and hopefully there’s a tour in the future!
Must hear: “Heaven”, “Right People, Wrong Place”, “Nuts”, “Lost!”
Brat – Charli XCX
Release Date: June 7, 2024
This summer, I fully embraced the shamelessly chaotic (and ironically simple) era of BRAT. From the harsh, blindingly fluorescent album cover – to the marketing strategies which took on a life of their own once in the “hands” of the internet”. I couldn’t get enough of the album that changed the trajectory of Charli’s career, and finally got the general public to tap into her discography. What took so long, ya’ll?!
This was the perfect record for a Leo in her 30s; relatable content at it’s finest (but masked within a drug-induced haze of pulsating beats and repetitive refrains). Charli tapped into subject matter surrounding topics like generational trauma, grief, deciding if having a child is worth it or not, and the struggles of maintaining all sorts of relationships at this stage of life.
This record was enough on it’s own but then…4 months later, Charli dropped a remix album after weeks of speculation and buzz!
Comfortably titled Brat and It’s Completely Different but Also Still Brat, the project include a gag-worthy lineup of features. From Ariana Grande to Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, Tinashe to The Japanese House, 90’s pop icon Robyn to Caroline Polachek.
And of COURSE we can’t discuss this remix album without the legendary resurgence of Lorde in the response-themed track for “Girl, So Confusing” (in which she addresses Charli’s lyrics from the original version):
Well, honestly, I was speechless
When I woke up to your voice note
You told me how you’d been feeling
Let’s work it out on the remixYou’d always say, “Let’s go out”
But then I’d cancel last minute
I was so lost in my head
And scared to be in your pictures
While you could say the original Brat created a particular world or vibe; the remix album really pulled apart the layers for further consumption and re-imagined each track with support from the original stems (including new elements to keep things exciting). I personally love the remix album even better – what do you think? Is #bratsummer ever really over?
Must hear: “b2b”, “Everything is Romantic”, “Club Classics” ft BB Trickz, “Sympathy Is A Knife” feat Ariana Grande, “360” ft Robyn & Yung Lean
Megan: Act II – Megan Thee Stallion
Release Date: October 25, 2024
2024 was an incredible year for Megan Thee Stallion. A critically-acclaimed documentary exclusively on Amazon Prime, 2 new full-length albums, the best music videos of her career, and her first headlining world tour. Not to mention an an iconic roster of rap besties like Glorilla, Flo Milli, Cardi B, and Latto (a few of whom even came through to perform at select dates). Our girl has been on fire
The latest album Act II is a actually repackage of June 28th’s Megan, and this companion boasts even more incredible songs – like the main single “Bigger In Texas”, Megan’s abrasive screamo energy on “TYG”, the Tina Snow-era reminiscent attitude on “Right Now”, and the Ciara “Goodies”-sampled “Roc Steady” (which features Flo Milli). Let us not forget the “Like a Freak” freestyle over the millennial club classic “Like a G6”!
Another key point that stood out for me, is that Meg continued to delve into the K-Pop / K-music realm. I really enjoy these crossovers especially when it includes my favorite genres! For example, her collaboration “Neva Play” with RM of BTS was a smash hit, and who can forget their first time hearing girl group Twice on the “Mamushi” remix (which originally only featured Yuki Chiba). This album has been on repeat all year long and I’m sure I’ll be playing it well into 2025, too!
Must hear: “Bigger In Texas”, “B.A.S.”, “Roc Steady”, “BOA”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Thank you all so much for taking the time to explore my favorite albums of the year! I’d love to hear your thoughts—whether you agree, disagree, or have your own favorites. Feel free to share your opinions and reflections on these albums in the comments below! I know I’ve been quite creatively absent this year (dealing with life and career changes), but I am hoping that this wonderful music re-sparks my inspiration. Be sure to link up with me on Instagram – and here’s to 2025 – HAPPY NEW YEAR!
RM’s album is soo good! thanks for putting me on. Co-sign Brat on album of the year!
Hell yeah, literally the 2 albums that got me through the year. Wow it means a lot that you read this – I appreciate the support!