1. HIT ME HARD AND SOFT- Billie Eilish

Another example of someone that simply doesn’t miss. Billie and Finneas once again curated an excellent album where every song is its own experience. My first listen was truly a journey and I wish I could hear this album for the first time again. AOTY!

2. Eternal Sunshine- Ariana Grande

I’m probably biased because of my love for Ariana, but she simply doesn’t miss. Every new album is a new experience and sounds fresh, while still staying true to the pop/R&B sounds that she has always done so well. Still on repeat!

3. Cowboy Carter- Beyoncé

This album made me, as a black person and occasional fan of country music, look more into the history of the genre and more specifically the black influence. You can tell there was a lot of thought and intention here. So well done!

4. Alligator Bites Never Heal -Doechii

I love Doechii! I love everything she does and stands for. While it’s technically a mixtape, ABNH is one of the best rap projects I’ve heard in a long time and shows Doechii’s range, personality, and raw talent. Looking forward to so much more from her.

5. Short n Sweet- Sabrina Carpenter

I’ve been tuned into Sabrina for years and have always saw her pop princess potential. So I loved watching her blow up this year! This album is cohesive, but also explores different sounds and blends genres skillfully. She proved why her rise was inevitable.

6. What a Devastating Turn of Events- Rachel Chinouriri

A new name to me this year, Rachel grabbed my full attention with her alternative indie-pop sound. I found myself playing this album on a loop, relating to the themes and lyrics and falling in love with her delivery. Definitely one to watch!

7. Access All Areas- FLO

FLO is one of the most exciting acts to come up in recent years. In an age when girl groups are often overlooked, they continue to prove why they are here to stay. This album is a pop/R&B masterclass, with impressive harmonies and infectious melodies all over the place.

8. TORI.- Tori Kelly

This album showed us a new side of Tori that we hadn’t seen before and felt like an authentic representation of her different interest and abilities. There are elements of Y2K pop, R&B, dance, afrobeats, and more. A great project from one of the best vocalists in the game.

9. Don't Forget Me- Maggie Rogers

I've enjoyed Maggie Rogers for a while, but this was the first album of hers I've listened to in its entirety. It was on repeat this year. A very refreshing and authentic sound that makes me look forward to more from her.

10. Revenge- Muni Long

Muni Long’s sound is so refreshing because it reminds me of the R&B hits of the 2000s. Solid vocals, emotional delivery, relatable lyrics, and melodies that get stuck in your head. One of the best songwriters out there and Revenge is one of the year’s best R&B albums

11. GLORIOUS- GloRilla

I’ve enjoyed GloRilla since she hit the scene, but this debut album really showed her range and potential as an artist. She has an infectious personality that shines through in her music and I will be supporting anything she does.

Honorable mention:

The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess- Chappell Roan

Although this album came out in 2023, it took the world by storm this year. Chappell is changing the trajectory of pop music and I’m excited to see what else she has in store.