2024 proved to be an exciting year for music across a diverse range of genres, with standout releases that showcased immense creativity, boundary-pushing sounds, and deeply personal storytelling. This year felt particularly vibrant for female and queer artists, who dominated the conversation with records that were bold, innovative, and unafraid to experiment. From alternative rock to experimental hip-hop, dancefloor anthems to genre-blurring pop, these albums not only defined the year but also hinted at the future of music. Unlike last year, I’ve decided to switch up my format—presenting this list in alphabetical order instead of ranking a definitive top five. Each album here earned its place for the way it captured attention, stirred emotion, and demanded replay after replay.
311 – Full Bloom
After decades of defining a genre-blending, genre-defying sound, 311 surprised fans with Full Bloom—a succinct yet deeply impactful record that showcases their evolution while staying true to their roots. Clocking in at just over 31 minutes, the album is a masterclass in brevity, delivering tightly crafted songs with the energy and precision of seasoned pros. Drawing on their signature math-y, twangy, and jangly riffs, the band leans into shorter, punchy tracks that echo the consistency of their career while exploring fresher, heavier sonic territory in 2024.
Produced by a team of six diverse producers, the album boasts a crisp, clean sound that balances technical complexity with infectious melodies. Tracks like “You’re Gonna Get It” exemplify the band’s ability to weave catchy hooks into layered arrangements that feel both nostalgic and brand new. Full Bloom is a reminder that 311’s polished craftsmanship and irreplaceable style remain as vital as ever, proving once again that they’ve stood the test of time—and are still blooming brighter than ever.
Becky Hill – Believe Me Now?
Becky Hill continues her reign as the queen of modern British house and drum and bass with Believe Me Now?, an album that solidifies her as a transformative force in the world of dance music. Known for her ability to seamlessly blend old-school dance vibes with contemporary European EDM, Hill delivers an album brimming with both nostalgia and innovation. Her growing cult-like following in the States speaks to her ability to transcend borders, crafting tracks that resonate deeply on both club floors and personal playlists.
On Believe Me Now?, Hill takes bold vocal risks, fusing powerhouse gospel influences with a pop-diva attitude that feels both timeless and cutting-edge. This solo dance vocalist style—a hallmark of the early ’90s and revived in the mid-2010s—sets her apart from the more faceless rave acts dominating the scene. Tracks like “”Never Be Alone” and “Outside of Love” are carried by her soaring vocals and yearning, deeply human lyrics, creating a refreshing and emotionally charged alternative to standard EDM fare. With a sound that celebrates individuality and emotion, Believe Me Now? captures the essence of Becky Hill’s unique artistic voice: challenging, electrifying, and undeniably authentic.
Bleachers – Bleachers
Bleachers cement their status as the new great American rock ‘n’ roll band with their fourth studio album, a triumphant blend of nostalgic storytelling and modern ambition. Led by super-producer Jack Antonoff—whose résumé boasts collaborations with Taylor Swift, The 1975, St. Vincent, and Lana Del Rey—the album channels the spirit of Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello at their peak. This is Antonoff’s most expansive work yet, featuring a full multi-piece backing ensemble that elevates the album’s sweeping, cinematic soundscapes. It’s the kind of record that evokes a sunny summer day in Asbury Park or Hoboken, New Jersey, with dreamlike reflections across the water toward Manhattan on the horizon.
Antonoff’s lyrical style toes the line between poetic pretension and deeply moving introspection, crafting lines that stick with you long after the music fades. One standout lyric declares, “I’m New Jersey’s best New Yorker,” encapsulating the album’s theme of embracing one’s roots while striving for something greater. The production is lush yet unforced, showcasing the band’s evolution from scrappy underdog Jersey kids to polished veterans with a growing legacy. This record marks a pivotal turn for Bleachers—no longer just a side project for Antonoff, but a bold, full-throated declaration that they belong in the pantheon of great modern rock acts.
Charli XCX – brat
Crowned the queen of the dance floor in 2024, Charli XCX delivered a cyber-pop masterpiece with her latest album, cementing her status as one of pop’s most innovative and genre-pushing artists. Overflowing with lusty, sweaty basement rave anthems, brat is a pulsing exploration of late-night hedonism and introspection, seamlessly blending bangers with emotionally resonant moments. Tracks like “So Julia” pulse with irresistible energy, their glitchy, hyper-polished production inviting listeners to lose themselves on the dance floor.
But Charli doesn’t just offer escapism—she takes listeners deeper with quarter-life crisis tracks that delve into themes like impending motherhood, imposter syndrome, and the isolating realities of mainstream celebrity. These introspective moments give the album a, well… “360”-type appeal, balancing its hyper-pop intensity with relatable vulnerability. Known for her fearless experimentation and ability to push the boundaries of pop, Charli XCX once again redefines the genre, offering a record that’s as exhilarating as it is thought-provoking. This is not just a dance album—it’s a manifesto of modern pop’s limitless possibilities.
Doechii – Alligator Bites Never Heal
Doechii has made 2024 her year, and her electrifying NPR Tiny Desk Concert solidified her status as one of hip-hop’s most innovative voices. Her performance, widely hailed as one of the best Tiny Desk sessions of the year, brings a raw intimacy to tracks from her 19-song album, released this past August. The album itself feels like it was made for a live format, with Doechii’s dynamic energy and bold stylistic choices perfectly suited to the stripped-down setting. It’s a rare feat: a studio album that shines as brightly in live performance as it does in the booth.
Dubbed the “Alligator Rapper,” Doechii is a genre-defying force who thrives on unpredictability. Drawing inspiration from legends like Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Nicki Minaj, Tyler, the Creator, and Lauryn Hill, she weaves a tapestry of sounds that ranges from frenetic and experimental to deeply soulful. Tracks like “Denial is a River” showcase her versatility, and wildly popular “Nissan Altima” adds even more layers to the record. Name-dropping Paramore and delivering countless nods to pop-punk, R&B, and avant-garde rap, Doechii blurs boundaries while maintaining a distinct voice.
Now the most-nominated female rapper at the upcoming 2025 Grammy Awards, Doechii has crafted an album bursting at the seams with innovation—every track a unique world of its own. Her ability to surround herself with top-tier collaborators and effortlessly command every genre she touches proves she’s not just the future of hip-hop; she’s its present.
Flo Milli – Fine Ho, Stay
2024 was undeniably the year of brat energy, and Flo Milli delivered the perfect soundtrack with her sharp, hyper-femme, and unapologetically fun album, Fine Ho, Stay. A masterclass in “brat rap,” the record is packed with cheeky, feisty lyrics that swing effortlessly between themes of yearning for complicated situationships and flaunting sugar-coated swagger. Flo Milli’s ability to balance vulnerability with audacious confidence has solidified her as one of southern rap’s most distinct voices, and Fine Ho, Stay is her boldest statement yet, immediately following 2022’s You Still Here, Ho? and 2020’s Ho, Why Is You Here?
What surprised me most, however, is that Fine Ho, Stay leans more into R&B than hip-hop, revealing a side of Flo Milli that feels fresh and expansive. Slower jams make up roughly half the project, showcasing her versatility and offering a softer, more expressive tone that contrasts beautifully with her high-energy, bratty persona. Tracks like “Never Lose Me” (featuring SZA and Cardi B) are sultry, melodic, and steeped in emotion, while still staying true to her playful charm. This unexpected breadth and variety make the album one of her most dynamic works to date—a project chock full of scope and range that proves Flo Milli is not just a rapper, but a fully realized artist with something for every mood.
Live, her performances remain a revelation, overflowing with bouncy energy, animated expressions, and her signature, slightly cartoonish flow that only she can pull off. Fine Ho, Stay is Flo Milli at her most expressive and bold, carving new paths while staying true to her unique style.
Fluorescents – Scream at Me
Fluorescents have been quietly climbing the pop-punk ranks, and with Scream at Me, they’re ready to break through as one of America’s most underrated touring bands. Discovered by many, including myself, on TikTok last year, this Chicago-based outfit delivers a pristinely polished album packed with high production value and infectious energy. Their sound stands apart in the pop-punk landscape, eschewing the typical “I hate my hometown” angst for something brighter and more up lifting. Soulful, emotive vocals layer seamlessly over catchy, happy-go-lucky melodies, offering a fresh perspective for a genre often rooted in melancholy.
What makes Scream at Me so remarkable is its ability to balance high-energy fun with authentic emotion, creating a highly palatable style that translates flawlessly to their live performances. This isn’t a band that just records well—they’ve built undeniable momentum over the past 18 months by connecting with audiences in person. Their charisma, enthusiasm, and positivity breathe new life into pop-punk, making them a refreshing counterpoint to the genre’s usual fare. Fluorescents are easily on their way to becoming the next All Time Low, but with a distinct edge rooted in the gritty, heartfelt spirit of urban Chicago. Scream at Me is not just an album; it’s a statement that Fluorescents are a force to watch in 2024 and beyond.
Jakob’s Castle – Enter the Castle
Jakob Nowell, son of the legendary Sublime frontman Bradley Nowell, steps boldly into his own artistic identity with the debut album from his band Jakob’s Castle. This solo project is a kaleidoscope of sound, effortlessly blending California coastal rock, roots reggae, ska, pop-punk, new wave, hyperpop/EDM, and alternative music into a madcap mix of influences. It’s an album that feels as much like a journey through genres as it does a personal statement—an eclectic collection that could easily have been called Jakob’s Wonderland for its sheer diversity and creative scope.
Thematically, the album explores life on the road, grappling with the weight of standing in his father’s shadow, unconditional love, and the sun-soaked reality of growing up in Southern California. Jakob’s lyrical honesty shines through, marrying introspection with a breezy, laid-back vibe reminiscent of Sublime’s legacy while forging a sound entirely his own. Tracks like “Supervillain” and “Lights Out” showcase his ability to stitch together influences that range from reggae rhythms to synth-driven new wave, creating a genre-blurring experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
With Enter the Castle, Jakob Nowell proves that he’s not simply riding on legacy—he’s building his own. The album is a vibrant, unrestrained statement of individuality and a testament to his musical versatility. Jakob’s Castle isn’t just a project; it’s a destination, inviting listeners to embrace its colorful, genre-spanning charm. This debut marks the arrival of an artist unafraid to experiment, take risks, and celebrate the music that shaped him.
JPEGMAFIA – I Lay Down My Life for You
JPEGMAFIA’s I Lay Down My Life for You is a wild, uncompromising plunge into the depths of experimental hip-hop. In a year where “genre-fluid” has become a buzzword, Peggy (as fans affectionately call him) once again proves why he’s in a league of his own. Touring heavily in support of this release, the hyper-rapper continues to walk the line between chaotic genius and calculated madness. Listening to I Lay Down My Life for You feels like falling down a rabbit hole where no two songs sound alike, yet the entire project somehow holds together with an unhinged brilliance.
True to form, JPEGMAFIA thrives on unpredictability. The album oscillates between introspective tracks with wise, emotional lyrics and hard-hitting punk rock-infused bangers that punch with ferocity. One minute, you’re swaying to a hypnotic, lo-fi groove; the next, you’re being blasted with industrial noise and distorted vocals that refuse to play nice. This is chaotic good in its purest form—groovy, vibey, loud, messy, and, somehow, beautifully cohesive. Standout tracks like “New Black History” (featuring Vince Staples) showcase JPEGMAFIA’s ability to fuse abrasive beats with clever, biting wordplay, while his genre-smashing production continues to defy categorization.
With I Lay Down My Life for You, JPEGMAFIA challenges listeners to let go of expectations. He’s creating a fully immersive experience with this offering, equal parts confrontational and captivating. It’s the sound of an artist at his freest, tearing up the rulebook of traditional hip-hop and inviting fans into his noisy, technicolor universe. Weird, cool, and undeniably original, JPEGMAFIA has once again proven why his brand of chaos is the future of the genre.
ScHoolboy Q – Blue Lips
With Blue Lips, ScHoolboy Q delivers one of his most striking and evolved projects to date. After a 13-year journey since his debut, Q masterfully balances living his own version of the American Dream as a Black American in the diaspora with the weight of existential dread and dystopian nightmares we all face—though, for him, these struggles feel amplified. The album captures a manic, chaotic, and haunted tone, reflecting both his personal evolution and the world’s harsh realities. The result is a deeply introspective work that stands in stark contrast to his earlier party-driven catalog, showing us an artist, a father, and a storyteller who has grown immeasurably.
The Top Dawg Entertainment veteran remains true to his gritty, street-hardened storytelling roots while pushing his sound into new and experimental territory. The production is expansive, oscillating between murky, bass-heavy bangers and jazzy, soul-inflected interludes that mirror the album’s emotional duality. Tracks like “Pop” (featuring Rico Nasty) hit hard both sonically and lyrically, with Q reflecting on survival, family, and fame through his sharp, unrelenting delivery. His lyrical dexterity lays bare the tension of a man existing on what feels like a limited timeline inside his mind—juxtaposing his success with the systemic pressures he faces as a Black American.
Gone is the carefree Hoover Street Crip who pumped out quirky, lighthearted anthems. On Blue Lips, we hear an artist who has fully embraced the complexities of his identity, creating music that speaks to both his personal demons and the universal struggles of living in a fractured world. ScHoolboy Q’s evolution into a more nuanced, reflective storyteller makes Blue Lips one of his most compelling and honest works yet, reaffirming his place as one of modern hip-hop’s most vital voices.
Towa Bird – American Hero
Towa Bird delivered one of the standout albums of the first half of 2024 with American Hero, a bold and electrifying alt-pop-punk record that cemented her status as a rising force in modern rock. Packed with lo-fi guitars, groovy basslines, velvety vocals, and cheeky, confident lyrics, the album radiates an infectious energy that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly current. Bird’s ability to pull from a melting pot of influences—glam rock, garage rock, shoegaze, indie pop, and Brit rock—makes American Hero feel like a kaleidoscope of rock history while still showcasing her singular voice and swagger.
This English rocker, whose style is equal parts Keith Richards, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin, has the chops and charisma to back up the buzz. Her standout year included a series of sold-out solo shows and a high-profile supporting slot on Billie Eilish’s tour, where her stage presence and raw talent lit up every room she entered. Tracks like “FML” channel vintage grit through a modern lens, with Bird’s guitar prowess and sultry, effortless vocals leading the way.
American Hero stands as a testament to Bird’s fearless artistry and her place in the growing wave of queer music artists reshaping the alternative landscape. It’s rare to hear an album that feels this self-assured and full of life, blending swagger and sincerity in equal measure. With her undeniable talent and genre-blurring sound, Towa Bird has all the makings of a breakout star. This is just the beginning, and American Hero serves as the perfect calling card for an artist who’s destined to leave a big impression in 2025 and beyond.
