The Quest’s Top 10 Albums of 2024
With mere weeks left of 2024, it has become clear that in the past year, music has had some high highs and low lows. With some groundbreaking albums being released in the mainstream and underground scenes alike (many of which appear on the incoming list) to some that really missed the mark, one word comes to mind about the music landscape this year: oversaturated. But with that being said, these ten albums were able to cut through the noise and are worth a listen, at least according to the Quest. They are listed below in no particular order.
BRAT - Charli XCX. The most obvious pick, and thus the first one, for a quality album this year is British singer and songwriter Charli XCX’s sixth studio album BRAT; it's safe to say that we all had a BRAT summer. But this album is truly worth the hype its excellent marketing would lead listeners to believe. The album features textured, punchy and vibrant production that calls reference to late 90s/early 2000s dance-pop, but with the perfect amount of XCX experimentation mixed in it. Tracks that really nail this balance include “Everything is romantic,” “Mean girls,” and the explosive closer “365.” But the tracks that play it straight are just as quality too, like the instantly memorable intro “360,” the sweet “Talk talk,” and “Apple,” which, of course, comes with a fun TikTok dance. But BRAT’s truest strength is its lyrics which see Charli grapple with insecurities, self-doubt, and a clash between her party-girl persona and her dreams of a more stable life.
Only God Was Above Us - Vampire Weekend. Stellar production is the name of the game on Vampire Weekend’s newest album, their fifth overall and first in five years. Whether it's the rush of instrumentation on the intro track, “Ice Cream Piano,” or the wild instrumental breakdown on the song “Classical,” the band is embracing chaos, and it’s working. This chaos is reflected in the album’s lyrical content, as Ezra Koenig sings beautifully about police brutality, desensitization of violence in the media, and the desire for truth in existence. Other standouts include the trip-hop-inspired “Mary Boone,” and the hilariously titled “Prep-School Gangsters,” which feels very Vampire Weekend meta at this point. Each song is truly something to peel back the layers of, both on the production and lyrical ends.
GNX - Kendrick Lamar. The only way Kendrick Lamar could have made his 2024 run even better than it was, after destroying Drake in one of the biggest rap beefs of all time was by dropping an album, and he did exactly that. GNX, which stands for grand national exhibition, sees Lamar scaling back the conceptuality of his albums to deliver twelve tracks that are explosive in a variety of different ways. Bangers like “squabble up” and “tv off” feel like sequels, instrumentally and tonally to “Not Like Us,” while two SZA collaborations and the sentimental “heart pt. 6” tug on the heartstrings. Lamar is reflecting on the wild past year he’s had, and is doing it excellently over west-coast-inspired instrumentals that pack a great punch, thanks to Mustard and Jack Antonoff, oddly enough. The song “reincarnated” is one of Lamar’s most conceptual and well-executed songs to date, and that’s saying a lot. Like with all of Kendrick’s albums, GNX will not leave you disappointed.
Bright Future - Adrianne Lenker. The lead singer of the band Big Thief, Lenker has long proven her talents as a singer and songwriter, with several solo album releases under her belt on top of her collaborative projects. Her latest album reminds us of her talents, and is certainly her best yet. The folk songs Lenker brings to the table feature storytelling that keeps you on the edge of your seat despite its stark presentation, the intro track, “Real House,” is a prime example of this. The instrumentation on the album is rustic and engaging despite being lowkey, the songs “Fool” and the latest version of the much-discussed “Vampire Empire” are especially textured. And like any good folk singer, Lenker has plenty of wisdom to pass to her listeners, mainly on the touching “Sadness As A Gift,” and later on in the album in “Cell Phone Says.” Although melancholic, this album has a fantastic depth to it, one that makes listening to this album a gripping experience.
You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To - Knocked Loose. If Adrianne Lenker soft was not your cup of tea, enter loud with this metalcore band’s third album. In a runtime of just under 30 minutes, the band does not let up the absolution crushing guitars, pounding drums, and screaming vocals. It is truly a feat that the band can go this hard while making it all seamlessly flow together. Highlights include “Suffocate” featuring Poppy, who also dropped a great metal album this year, and the following “Don’t Reach For Me,” which is one of the loudest and most explosive songs of the band’s career. The intro track “Thirst” is a great tone-setter for the album and features just a little bit of silence before the onslaught begins. If you are at all a fan of metal music, or are in search of a challenging yet rewarding experience this year, this is the album for you.
COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé. Although Beyoncé herself does not view this as a country album, it becomes clear that when listening to it she has made the genre her own. Over an expansive 26-song long track list, Beyoncé artfully executes a variety of country styles from the genre’s rich history, making sure to pay homage to his heroes, both old and new. This also marks her most personal album since Lemonade, as on tracks such as “16 CARRIAGES” and “PROTECTOR.” She discusses her place in music, work ethic, and role as a motherBeyoncé also proves herself to be a great songwriter in the country realm with the instantly catchy “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and “BODYGUARD” being highlights, as well as the fantastic ballad “II MOST WANTED” featuring Miley Cyrus. Beyoncé also heavily experiments with the genre, moving it into newer territory as well, with songs like “YA YA,” “RIIVERDANCE” and the banger that is “TYRANT.” This album is certainly ambitious, but Beyoncé, as she always is, is up to the task.
Imaginal Disk - Magdelena Bay. With hyperpop more or less now a trend of the past, the question, “what is the future of pop music?” remains. Here to answer that question is Magdalena Bay, with their second studio album. Singer Mika Tetenbalum’s light and girlish vocals, combined with production that feels like it was crafted in a utopian future, make this album an otherworldly experience. “Image” is one of the catchiest songs of the year, point blank, and the following “Death & Romance” is almost just as solid, featuring dynamic and textured production. “Tunnel Vision” features one of the best musical buildups of the year and with its chorus, an equally surprising payoff. The one-two punch of “Cry For Me” and “That’s My Floor” will just make you want to dance, and the album's lyrics are consistently surreal and sweet.
CHROMAKOPIA - Tyler, The Creator. See the Quest’s previous coverage of this album for more details! But while we’re here, Tyler’s latest album proves to be one of his most personal, as he grapples with his desire to maybe have a family one day despite his career, and also the effects of generational trauma. But even though the subject matter is heavy, Tyler is sure to work in some fantastically produced bangers such as “Sticky” and “Thought I Was Dead.”
Alligator Bites Never Heal - Doechii. A mixtape? As one of the best albums of the year? Correct. As the years have progressed, the Floridan rapper, singer, and songwriter Doechii has been one of the most underrated rappers out, and with this project she is finally able to put her talent on display. If you are expecting more bops like “What It Is” going into this tape, think again, because although this project has plenty of catchy moments, Doechii is set on proving her skills as a rapper. Songs like “CATFISH” and “BOILED PEANUTS” do just that, while the hilarious “DENIAL IS A RIVER” really shows her ability to work with a concept and story. The rapping on ‘BOOM BAP” and the especially speedy “NISSAN ALTIMA” is some of the catchiest and most engaging on the tape, while lowkey moments line “BEVERLY HILLS” are sensual and smooth. If this is how good Doechii is now, the actual album will probably be even better.
NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 28, 340 DEAD - Godspeed You! Black Emperor. The eighth studio album from this famed post-rock and drone rock band does what art does best, capture a moment. In this case, the title and the lyricless music are a response to the ongoing genocide in Palestine, which is an especially heavy subject the band handles with the utmost care. The soundscapes crafted across the album are harrowing to listen to, but beautifully crafted and immersive. Here, the band is not building a world to get lost in, but reflecting our own in musical form. There isn’t much more to say about it: just listen.
Five honorable mentions include Charm by Clario, The New Sound by Gordie Greep, Mahashmashana by Father John Misty, Night Palace by Mount Eerie, and KING OF THE MISCHIEVOUS SOUTH by Denzel Curry. Thanks and see you next year!