One of the biggest themes in music during 2024 was the dominance of female pop stars. From veteran pop artists Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Charli XCX, Olivia Rodrigo, and Billie Eilish to new faces such as Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter, the year was full of outstanding music. Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande each had multiple songs reach the top of the Billboard Top 100 while Sabrina Carpenter had one. Swift, along with Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX, and Chappell Roan also had some of the concerts that made the most money. With all the amazing and talented albums released in 2024, three albums hold a special place in my playlist and deserve to be recognized.
The Tortured Poets Department – Taylor Swift
‘The Tortured Poets Department’ is Swift’s latest album, taking listeners on an in-depth journey of 16 songs that cover all 5 stages of grief. This album is one of my favorites because the songs detail one of the most emotionally challenging times in her life. Like Swift, this album helped me during emotional times of my own and shaped the way I think about the world. Taylor discusses her future plans she had with ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn and all of the rumors that swirled around their break-up. As she describes the “dying” of their relationship, her anger forms one of the most emotional bridges she has written: “Say it once again with feeling/How the death rattle breathing/Silenced as the soul was leaving/The deflation of our dreaming/Leaving me bereft and reeling/My beloved ghost and me/Sitting in a tree/D-Y-I-N-G.” The anger morphs into feelings of depression and denial in songs “So Long London” and “loml,” leaving the listener emotionally drained. ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ finished 2024 as the most streamed album in the world across all platforms and is one of Taylor Swift’s best albums for the emotions it generates and beautiful lyrics that shine through her broken heart.
The Secret of Us – Gracie Abrams
For all of the hopelessly romantic and dramatic girls out there, Gracie Abrams wrote an album dedicated to you! The rising popstar kicked off “Sad Girl Summer” in 2024 with her second studio album, ‘The Secret of Us’. Like ‘The Tortured Poets Department’, Abrams gives fans an inside look into what she describes as “my journal, or more accurately, the PowerPoint presentations I make for my therapist.” From the time two people first meet as strangers, to their friendship, and then the eventual heartache of the relationship ending, Gracie uses strongly worded lyrics to describe everything a person could possibly feel. The song “Free Now” is a personal favorite and examines the conflicting feelings of break-ups: “If you find yourself out, if there is a right time/Chances are I’ll be here, we could share a lifeline/If you feel like fallin’, catch me on the way down/Never been less empty, all I feel is free now.” Taylor Swift also makes a guest appearance on the album, joining Abrams for the song “us.” which was ultimately nominated for “Best Pop Duo / Group Performance” at the 2025 Grammy Awards. Gracie Abrams is a rising star and someone we will hear about for years to come.
Short n’ Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter
It may be hard to believe, but not all my favorite albums are depressing! Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short n’ Sweet’ is a perfect blend of fun and upbeat music that gets you want to dance all night long. The song “Espresso” is one of my favorites on the album simply because it is catchy, and I like the beat. This may seem like a boring reason to like a song, but as Nick Levine wrote for the BBC, “it invites the listener to join in” and it “makes it perfect for carefree summer listening.” I know I’m not alone in liking this song because it was unofficially labeled the “song of the summer” for 2024.
While there were many other artists whose albums contributed to a great 2024 in music, these 3 top the year’s soundtracks for me. If you are looking for a new favorite or just a song that fits your current mood, give them a try. I promise you’ll be glad you did.
