This year’s top albums from the Associated Press Music Writers showcase incredible talent and genre-bending innovation. From Beyoncé’s country-infused masterpiece “Cowboy Carter” to Billie Eilish’s experimental pop opus “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” these artists are pushing boundaries and redefining their genres.
Beyoncé’s “Act ll: Cowboy Carter” stands out for its unflinching exploration of Black and brown performers in country music, providing a long-overdue platform for overlooked pioneers. Charli XCX’s sixth album “BRAT” is a sonic explosion that oscillates between hedonism and introspection, showcasing the artist’s versatility.
Kendrick Lamar’s surprise release “GNX” builds upon his reputation as a lyrical powerhouse, with effortless cadences and limitless breath control that solidify his position as one of the greatest rappers alive. Billie Eilish’s third studio album “Hit Me Hard and Soft” is a 10-track testament to her unbridled ambition, fusing insights from her previous work into something both familiar and innovative.
Other notable releases include Mk.gee’s lo-fi yet attention-grabbing debut “Two Star & The Dream Police,” Hurray for the Riff Raff’s Americana-infused narrative album “The Past Is Still Alive,” and Helado Negro’s ambient electronic exploration “Phasor.”
These albums showcase the diversity and creativity of contemporary music, with each artist pushing the boundaries of their respective genres.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/best-albums-2024-cc1c5c3690daebf29601ca4392801c7b