In an era where attention spans are fleeting and yesterday feels like a distant memory, it’s rare for art to truly captivate and keep us coming back. Despite the decline in the album’s prominence, several full-length releases in the past six months have defied the odds, offering cohesive, intriguing statements that demand your attention. Here are ten of the best albums of 2024 so far.
Beyoncé’s *Cowboy Carter* is the second installment in her immersive music history project, focusing on country music—a genre often seen as exclusive. Beyoncé reimagines it, bridging the past with the present and future. The album features appearances by both legendary and next-generation country artists, with Beyoncé at the helm, creating a powerful tribute to the sounds that have shaped her. Charli XCX’s *Brat* brings a fresh and cheeky energy to the summer with her sixth studio album. A perfect evolution of her glitchy, party-infused sound, *Brat* explores themes of competitiveness, jealousy, and insecurity, all while delivering future club classics. The album is both sleek and philosophical, ensuring it will keep dance floors alive for a long time to come.