favorite albums of 2024 ✨
2024. what an incredible year for solid & genreful music - from longtime favorites bringing their A-game to newer names making their way into my musical orbit and impressing me all the same, this year was definitely for the books. the number of albums i listened to hit well within the hundreds this year, but i’m excited to share with you the forty-five albums that made the biggest impression on me. they made the list for different reasons, but i am more than pleased with them all same. i’ve also included a playlist of my top three favorite tracks from each featured album (please hit ’shuffle’ on it and have the best time if you do spend some time with it!), along with a song in-post that will also give you a sample of the album, so i really hope you enjoy what you hear! also, stay tuned for a Favorite Songs of 2024 post as well!
also i’d like to remark that i’ve been writing on thesovereignaudite for close to a year now and it has changed my life in so many ways - helped me discover new artists, engrossed myself more into something that i’ve always felt connected to, met some really amazing people on this site, but overall i’ve just found a lot of enjoyment in doing this and that’s what matters overall. so thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone that subscribes, reads, likes, comments, restacks, etc. it means the world to me that you’d want to interact with with what i have to say or share. communing in music is my favorite way to connect with others, so this has been nothing but pleasing and i can’t wait to to see what next year brings!
now, onto the music! ✨
45-41
Illuminator | GIFT
Isotope | Wasia Project
You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To | Knocked Loose
Knocked Loose delivers a visceral experience with You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To - an emotive album equipped with impressive breakdowns and musicality, they create a notable world worth getting back into hardcore music for.
Heavy Metal | Cameron Winter
HEAT | Tove Lo & SG Lewis
40-36
Dennis | Sega Bodega
The Loop | Jordan Rakei
Letter to Self | SPRINTS
Where we’ve been, Where we go from here | Friko
Moth | Fana Hues
smoothly crafted, Moth has a effortless vibe that’s irresistible to the ear. Fana presents a musical journey while displaying her own personal journey, them merging to make an overall beautiful listen the entire time.
35-31
SELLOUT | Jae Stephens
Any Light | Loving
mellow indie-rock is always a essential genre and Loving makes a solid home within it with Any Light. a sublime and hazy energy that flows all throughout, making it a delightful experience all the same.
I Wish You Way More Than Luck | Lo Moon
Sophcore | Moses Sumney
TIMELESS | Kaytranada
30-26
Seed of a Seed | Haley Heynderickx
Pointy Heights | Fousheé
an earworm of a project and one of the most free-flowing of the year’s choices, Fousheé brings one into her space full of joy and liveliness on Pointy Heights - making one feel immediately accepted in her musical universe.
Older | Lizzy McAlpine
Bird’s Eye | Ravyn Lenae
MEGAN | Megan Thee Stallion
25-21
Dark Times | Vince Staples
When a Thought Grows Wings | Luna Li
Bright Future | Adrianne Lenker
Bright Future offers one of the most authentically emotional listening experiences - tackling how relationships and heartbreak can shape oneself, Adrianne excels at leaving nothing to imagination in being the ear that takes note of her candid confessions.
All Born Screaming | St. Vincent
GLORIOUS | Glorilla
20-16
MUTT | Leon Thomas
as one of the current forces in R&B, Leon Thomas makes spectacular strides within this project, the vulnerability of navigating love is the essence while also deliver stunning production to elevate it - the capacity of musical richness making it easy to revisit over and over.
Imaginal Disk | Magdalena Bay
empathogen | WILLOW
Deeper Well | Kacey Musgraves
Here in the Pitch | Jessica Pratt
15-11
Valerie | Tei Shi
Tension II | Kylie Minogue
Verbathim | Nemahsis
Access All Areas | FLO
Romance | Fontaines D.C.
Ireland has never had issue with birthing some of the most dynamic creatives in media, and the emergence of Fontaines D.C. with Romance further proves it. a fantastical expedition is a the forefront of the album, juxtaposed energies and poetic lyrics made this album straightforward all in of it’s bold glory.
10-6
MEGAN: ACT II | Megan Thee Stallion
2024 was a dazzling year for Houston, Texas’ rap princess - through the release of her third studio album Megan, then adding more shimmer with the deluxe Act II four months later. this was an infectious listen from beginning to end, with clever and witty lyrics flowing on top of various beats, including sounds of smooth old-school Texas in “Bigger in Texas” and “Bourbon” along with well-used samples (Ciara’s “Goodies”, Gucci Mane’s “I Think I Love Her”, and Far East Movement’s “Like A G6”) - with this project, Megan solidifies how she’s made her place in hip-hop and will forever be here to stay.
Submarine | The Marías
The Marías have never had issues with building vividly scenic worlds in their music and Submarine is no different. the cinematic essence now comes with a dash of sultriness that feel like lying under silk sheets while overlooking the night city. every track sets one into an perpetual bliss - from the luxurious but succinct intro opener “Ride” to the dusky closer “Sienna”, this album is guaranteed to calm the senses and feel lighter through the entire journey.
Charm | Clairo
Charm was the surprise juggernaut of the year - only having heard a handful of songs from her discography over the years, the release of the lead single “Sexy to Someone” - the track conveying such light yet alluring energy, elevating the interest to spend time with the album upon release. the allure was strong all throughout the album and then some - with groovy jams such as “Juna” or reflectively soft songs like “Echo”, the autumnal vivacity was something to be very much enjoyed the entire listen.
Challengers (Original Score) | Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Challengers was the only film seen in theaters this year and what an experience that was - how director Luca Guadagnino showed emotion through tennis was mesmerizing, but what made the film even more tantalizing was the music composed by the super duo of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. this is not even close to their first rodeo in crafting songs for film & television, this being another example of their incredible musical relationship. the entire score couldn’t escape the relief of the repeat button for weeks on end, but the infectious “Yeah x10” and “Brutalizer” injected an electric foundation that went above and beyond in upholding the dynamic of the film so well.
The Year I Turned 21 | Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr is a name that found its way into the international stratosphere in 2022, and she continues to build a beauty legacy with her sophomore album The Year I Turned 21. creating a shimmering and chill atmosphere all throughout the album, she never shies away from what this particular stage of her life has brought up emotionally and mentally. the materialistic anthem “Commas” and the willfully meditative “Orun” really helped shape her confident yet still learning internal monologue in each track and it’s truly inspirational to witness after being fifteen years removed from the experience being 21. with this album, Starr has most definitely solidified a name that should be said all around the world.
5-1
DOPAMINE | Normani
for many fans, DOPAMINE was a long time coming. personally having no issue with waiting for albums, it was no question that Normani’s debut solo album was a force to reckoned with once it entered the world of R&B. within every topic, whether through sensuality or love (sometimes both at the same time), it was captivated by a dark and broody canvas that assists in feeling each emotion - the pulsating sexy “Lights On” provides a passionate atmosphere towards someone, while on the other end of the spectrum, “Insomnia” portrays the frustration of dealing with trying to get over an old lover. no matter what Normani chose to sing about, her self-possession was never wavering and it definitely rubbed off in witnessing the album as a whole.
This Could Be Texas | English Teacher
in hearing “The World’s Biggest Paving Slab” in late 2023, it was quickly apparent that English Teacher will no doubt make an undeniable space in music. This Could Be Texas is an immersive melodic journey in taking on different genres, but done with the utmost intention. “I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying” takes on a math-rock atmosphere, with Lily Fontaine’s stoic vocals being carried gently into a epic musical build up, the feeling of being swept away being in the forefront. the energy of the album is very infectious, complex yet not overwhelming, and shows that the band play off each other well. “Nearly Daffodils” is retrospective track about life over quirky production that provides such a good mood. on top of the wonderful year that English Teacher has been experiencing, this album as their debut shows that it’s only up from here.
What A Devastating Turn of Events | Rachel Chinouriri
Rachel Chinouriri conducts the most beautiful journey on this emotionally-charged album, and never shies away from vulnerability in her lyrics - in “Cold Call” she sings of the effect of constantly taking on someone else’s trauma has on her and how she deserves reprieve for herself and not feel responsible for another’s healing, the lyrics carried by a early 2000s soft-rock sound that only heightens the feeling that she conveys. she doesn’t forget to have a little fun on the album - despite the topic “It Is What It Is” being about someone that plays with her emotions, the production provides a fantastic boppy energy, creating a sing-along atmosphere that’s hard to resist. the strides she’s made in the world of pop music this year has been nothing short of impressive and it’s been amazing to witness.
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT | Billie Eilish
through the world of HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, Billie and Finneas build their most expansive one yet - tackling self-image, growing up and experiencing different dynamics of relationships all while creating beautiful momentums. the Spirited Away-inspired “CHIHIRO” is a wistful track that tells the story of the track and film’s title character’s chaotic and inspiring journey as it relates to Billie herself in navigating life. the album encounters multiple energy switches, sometimes within the same song - “L’AMOUR DE MA VIE” the switch from a smooth casanova-type spirit into a vivacious EDM-inspired energy was the musical whammy of the album, both energies complimenting each other masterfully. the delicate closing track “BLUE” also takes on different dynamics in a more emotional sense, encompassing the floating aura that the album (also through the cover photo itself) conveys, feeling as if one has ascended into the stars in the sky. the vivacious maturity of this entire album allows Billie to show herself in her true form and it noticeably pays off in this project.
Quantum Baby | Tinashe
in the second installment of Tinashe’s trilogy project, Quantum Baby sets itself above the pack, designing a musical universe that’s succinct yet fulfilling all the same. something to admire within experiencing TInashe’s music is that fear is never apparent, she doesn’t back down from the atypical in crafting this eight-track album. this year gave her a more mainstream resurgence within the music scene with the release of “Nasty” - providing a flirty and sure-fire energy for the summer months, even in it’s simplicity, it refuses to operate as a standard pop song. the rest of the album takes on a myriad of sonic features, giving it an elasticity that excites - in “Thirsty” equips dusky yet sultry production as she securely sings of seduction, like a siren calling to her target. similarly in the same spectrum, “When I Get You Alone” takes on a coy dynamic in the lyrics - she already has her suitor, now she wants to explain the fun they’ll get into, all with a melodic smirk. “No Broke Boys” carries on the fun energy in a different way, tackling what she desires in a partner with an undeniable anthemic effect. withstanding all the fun, the album doesn’t shy away from other side of relationships in the complexities they bring, going hand-in-hand the equally complex musical voyage Tinashe takes one during the album. even through the entangled sentiments that the album provides, the quantity of tracks doesn’t deter the unshakable foundation of Tinashe’s creation, leaving the world wanting more and there’s no doubt that she will provide.
well, that’s all for now - so long, 2024! thank you again for being on this journey with me - let the music ride in 2025!