This past year has been a pleasant 366 days for our eardrums. With numerous artists from countless genres releasing hours of great musical projects, narrowing down the best is a daunting task. Luckily for you, Nordic has compiled the definitive list of the best albums and songs of 2024.
Nordic’s top five albums of 2024
1) Chromakopia – Tyler, the Creator
Tyler, the Creator’s long-anticipated eighth studio album “Chromakopia” embodies his extraordinary artistry and intense attention to detail. With its blend of jazz, soul, hip hop and R&B, Chromakopia’s production quality and charm easily boosted the record to our number one spot.
2) GNX – Kendrick Lamar
In second place is Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album, “GNX,” which had an impressionable impact on fans. Through the use of the West Coast rap sound, Lamar creates a punchy, straight-to-the-point record that includes introspective insights on his complicated upbringing and current outlook. “GNX” may be Lamar’s best-sequenced album to date.
3) Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish
The release of Billie Eilish’s third studio album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” represents the artist’s ever-changing musical style as the tracks masterfully flow between contrasting emotions and sounds. Compared to Eilish’s previous work, “Hit Me Hard and Soft” is a more mature and focused album. It features her usual skillful navigation of lyrical themes and impressive production.
4) Brat – Charli XCX
“Brat” embodies a chaotic, Y2K-esque, high-energy mix of tracks that was the perfect soundtrack for the summer of 2024, an era dubbed “Brat Summer.” The album centers around the embrace of messiness, chaos and imperfections. “Brat” pushes boundaries with its combination of bold experimentation and Charli’s signature sound. The tracks are upbeat, creative and great to dance to.
5) Short n’ Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter
Perhaps the catchiest album of the year, “Short n’ Sweet” blends captivating melodies and meaningful lyrics. Each song deserves multiple listens to truly appreciate the various layers and aspects. Carpenter’s use of romantic commentary adds another layer that is sometimes subtle and other times very straightforward.
Nordic’s top five songs of 2024
1) Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
We all remember the beef between Lamar and Drake back in May, but nobody expected the biggest song of the year to come out of it. It has gone platinum not once, not twice, but six times. A bouncy DJ Mustard beat plays in the background as Lamar takes digs at Drake, and we all got up and danced to it.
2) Darling, I – Tyler, the Creator
The best song off of “Chromakopia,” “Darling, I,” is a sweet, sincere love track similar to Tyler’s past hits like “See You Again” and “EARFQUAKE.” This song has emerged as the most popular from the album, and for good reason. Harmonic vocals from Tyler and Teezo Touchdown, along with dreamy production, float this record near the top of our list.
3) Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter
Carpenter’s “Espresso” proved to be one of 2024’s superior summer jams. Catchy in every way, “Espresso” is addictive, just like its namesake. Carpenter’s smooth harmony will be stuck in your head for days after your first listen, so don’t blame us if you’re caught in the Carpenter Curse.
4) Good Luck, Babe! – Chappell Roan
Roan’s exciting combination of upbeat lyrics, vocals and instrumentals all came together to produce the perfect danceable pop song. Its addictive tune along with its strong message about queer pride and being true to onself propelled the hit single up the charts and captured the hearts of many listeners.
5) Die With a Smile – Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga
Combining two of the most talented vocalists of our time, “Die With a Smile” encapsulates the essences of Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga in a memorable collaboration. Harmonizing over a beautiful melody, the two create a captivating sound that is as emotional as it is nostalgic.
