Charli XCX Crowned 2024’s Top Album: The Year-End Critics’ Poll Unveiled
Charli XCX has claimed a remarkable victory in a global “poll of polls,” with her assertive, club-driven record, Brat, dominating the rankings for 2024’s best new music. The album, which the artist had initially doubted would gain wide appeal, turned out to be a cultural touchstone, winning over fans and critics alike.
The Making of a Cultural Phenomenon
Born Emma Aitchison in Essex, UK, Charli XCX has spent over a decade forging her path in pop, gradually shifting her sound from chart-friendly hits like “Fancy” and “Boom Clap” to more experimental, underground-leaning tracks. With Brat, she embraced a direct and purposeful creative approach. Collaborators note that Charli had a solid plan for the album—right down to its title—long before heading into the studio.
Upon its release in June, Brat quickly became the soundtrack of the summer, solidifying Charlie’s mainstream presence. A subsequent remix collection brought together diverse artists, introducing fresh perspectives on her tracks. According to insiders, this spontaneous collaboration spree was emblematic of the album’s entire creative spirit: playful, chaotic, and honest.
Runner-Up: Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter
Landing second place, Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé made a bold statement about reclaiming the black roots of American folk music. Despite some early mislabeling as a “country” project, the album showcases wide-ranging influences, from down-home line-dance rhythms to expansive psychedelic rock. Appearances by Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson underscore its boundary-crossing essence, while the record’s standout tracks earned praise for both innovation and chart appeal.
Highlights From the Top 25
Below is a snapshot of the top contenders that critics worldwide have championed in their 2024 year-end lists:
- Charli XCX—Brat
- A club-centric album teeming with confidence, introspection, and adventurous soundscapes.
- Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter
- A tribute to the Black heritage of American folk, blending country, rock, and pop.
- Fontaines, D.C.—Romance
- Dublin rockers are venturing into uncharted sonic territory, straddling the boundary between gritty punk and anthemic sing-alongs.
- Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard And Soft
- A masterful third album marked by emotional extremes, capturing the singer’s evolving outlook on life.
- MJ Lenderman, Manning Fireworks
- A relatable, indie-rock gem portraying the humor and heartbreak of everyday life.
- The Cure: Songs Of A Lost World
- An intensely personal return, reflecting on loss and grief yet resonating with the band’s classic energy.
- Cindy Lee, Diamond Jubilee
- A two-hour odyssey of lo-fi, dreamy pop—accessible only via YouTube and Bandcamp—packed with captivating, avant-garde flair.
- Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood
- Reflective alt-country that addresses anxiety, self-doubt, and sobriety, all anchored by Katie Crutchfield’s insightful songwriting.
- Kendrick Lamar, GNX
- A triumphal, sharp-edged rap release that cements Lamar’s lyrical prowess and respect for Los Angeles’ hip-hop legacy.
- Sabrina Carpenter, Short N’ Sweet
- Brimming with sharp wit, this pop evolution from the former Disney star merges clever hooks and anecdotal lyricism.
The Next 15
- Tyler, The Creator—Chromokopia
- Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds—Wild God
- Beth Gibbons: Lives Outgrown
=14. Mk. Gee—Two Star & The Dream People
=14. Jessica Pratt—Here In The Pitch - Vampire Weekend: Only God Was Above Us
- Adrianne Lenker, Bright Future
- Doechii: Alligator Bites Never Heal
- Clairo-Charm
=20. Taylor Swift—The Tortured Poets Department
=20. Nala Sinephro—Endlessness - English Teacher: This Could Be Texas
- The Last Dinner Party: Prelude To Ecstasy
- Magdalena Bay—Imaginal Disk
- Nilufer Yanya, My Method Actor
How the Poll Was Compiled
This super-ranking drew on 30 “best of” lists from established media outlets, including major music magazines, newspapers, and online platforms. Contributors assigned points based on an album’s standing in each list, with the highest-ranked records accumulating the most points. From mainstream sensations to under-the-radar releases, 184 albums were acknowledged in total.
A Diverse Year for Music
From The Cure’s emotive comeback to Doechii’s genre-bending rap odyssey, this year’s list underscores the ever-expanding landscape of modern music. Artists are finding ways to break barriers, explore raw emotions, and connect deeply with audiences worldwide. In 2024, Charli XCX unquestionably spearheaded the movement with her album Brat, which drew inspiration from unconventional sources and ultimately redefined the direction of mainstream pop.
Sources: This roundup reflects critical consensus from outlets like Billboard, NME, Rolling Stone, The Guardian, Pitchfork, Time Magazine, and many more.
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