I barely did any blogging back in 2023, but I did consume a lot of music and the past two years have been some of my favorite for music overall. I talked about in my 2022 lists how I started to expand my taste and tap into other genres and I think that’s gone even further these past two years. I think a lot of people can be a bit too doom and gloom when they talk about the state of modern music and specifically certain genres. There is validity to a lot of those arguments and even within this past year I felt myself getting burnt out of listening to music at points due to it feeling stale, fan culture, and many other things but I always came back around because at the end of the day music is what you make it. It holds a special place in my heart and making this list really brought back so many memories and moments in time. So here are my favorite projects from 2023 and 2024.
2023
#10. Utopia – Travis Scott
Favorite Song(s): THANK GOD, MY EYES, FE!N (feat. Playboi Carti), I KNOW?, TOPIA TWINS
This is definitely not my favorite Travis album, but it has its moments and it’s clear that he had a vision with this that he wanted to follow through which I can appreciate. He raps a lot on this album, um it’s a lot of nothing most of the time, but the attempt is there. I can turn my brain off and appreciate it, but the moment I even tune in for a second, the realization that he isn’t saying anything kicks in hard. To me, the best tracks on this album have less rapping and more atmospheric sing-rap style that I have always loved from him. Overall, a solid project that has some songs I revisit a lot from time to time.
#9. Split Decision – Dave & Central Cee
Favorite Song(s): Trojan Horse, Sprinter, Our 25th Birthday
This is a very short but very good little EP from two artists that I didn’t really listen to prior to hearing this. Which this project definitely made me a new fan of the both of them. I enjoyed hearing Central Cee be more vulnerable and rap on different types of beats, and he and Dave bounce off each other really well. They did a great job complimenting each other, and the actually beat selection on this project is amazing. Introspective songs, braggy songs, fun songs, all in nice little EP.
#8. Jackman – Jack Harlow
Favorite Song(s): Is That Ight?, Gang Gang Gang, Denver, No Enhancers, Blame On Me, Questions
I was not a fan of Jack Harlow’s “debut” album. It had some moments, but overall it felt way too overly commercial and came off very corny. Not to say there aren’t any corny moments on this project, but he really tapped into something deeper here. For a self-named project, he was more vulnerable on here than anything else I’ve ever heard him on and it is very refreshing. On top of that, he still has great beat selection and buttery flow. Still, two years later there are songs I come back to time and time again. I think Jack is back on the right track and despite some missteps, he has the voice and the flow for rap and it’s clear he has the passion and drive too. This mixtape is a big step back in the right direction for him and judging off of the singles he’s dropped since this released he’s still on that path.
#7. My 21st Century Blues – Raye
Favorite Song(s): Oscar Winning Tears., Hard Out Here., Black Mascara., Escapism., Mary Jane., The Thrill Is Gone., Ice Cream Man., Flip A Switch., Body Dysmoprhia., Five Star Hotels. (feat. Mahalia), Worth It.
I became a fan of Raye not long before this was released, so I was very excited for this to come out. It’s always a treat to get new music from an artist that you recently discovered. This is a very enjoyable record with that’s heavy with a lot of themes that it’s clear Raye is very strongly opinionated about. That being, cellphone/social media addiction, anxiety in general but also anxiety that comes from that, body dysmorphia, drug addiction, environmental issues. Her writing is very blunt, but it works, especially in the first half of the album. The first 8 tracks are absolutely amazing, no skips for me. When we start to get into the last 7 though, they definitely aren’t as strong, but there are still some enjoyable songs. Raye is a great writer, clearly passionate, and her soulful voice is perfect over the production on this record, which ranges from classical jazz infused instrumentals to more current poppy stuff, to more modern soul stuff. Great album overall and I’m always looking out for everything that she releases.
#6. I Came Home Late – Ama Lou
Favorite Song(s): Caught Me Running, No Safety, Car Parts, Tokyo Cowboy, Played Me, Frustrated, Bad Weather, Range 95′, I Came Home Late
This is the first cheat entry on this list because… well, I didn’t listen to this until late 2024. I didn’t even know it came out, which is on me because I started listening to Ama Lou a few years ago and really dug all of her music. Needless to say, I adore this project. This is the most relaxing rnb I’ve heard in a while. I will literally throw this on at any time to get into a relaxed mood to write or think, or just fall asleep. Ama has a such a unique voice in this space, similar to 070 shake, her voice is deeper for a woman and it just adds so much to these tracks. I can’t get enough of this project.
#5. Desire, I Fall Into You – Caroline Polachek
Favorite Song(s): Pretty In Possible, Bunny Is A Rider, Sunset, Crude Drawing Of An Angel, I Believe, Fly To You (feat. Grimes and Dido)
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Caroline’s voice is like an angels and she uses it like one too. Constantly harmonizing and giving those high range almost ethereal vocals. I loved the writing on this record. The dedicated song to Sophie is one of my favorite songs ever. I was interested in Caroline before this came out, and this record made me a big fan. So much so that I went to go check out her previous album and fell in love with that one, too.
#4. For all the Dogs Scary Hours Edition – Drake
Favorite Song(s): Virginia Beach, Amen (feat. Teezo Touchdown), Calling For You (feat. 21 Savage), Fear Of Heights, Daylight, First Person Shooter (feat. J. Cole), 7969 Santa, Slime You Out (feat. SZA), Bahamas Promises, Tried Our Best, Drew A Picasso, Members Only (feat. PARTYNEXTDOOR), All The Parties (feat. Chief Keef), 8am in Charlotte, Rich Baby Daddy (feat. Sexyy Red & SZA), Another Late Night (feat. Lil Yachty), Red Button, Stories About My Brother, The Shoe Fits, Wick Man, Evil Ways (feat. J.Cole), You Broke My Heart
In any year that this man releases an album, it will probably be on my list somewhere. He might not ever release my favorite album of any year nowadays, but he will always release my most listened to. The original version of this album is probably a few spots lower, but this deluxe is very close to my top three. I’ve been a fan of Drake since I was in elementary school. I enjoy his rnb cuts just as much as his rapping. The rapping parts of this album are solid and have some high highs like 8am in Charlotte and most of the tracks on the deluxe side. What really carries this project for me are the rnb cuts. Even though as of writing this $$$4U has been out for a month and I love that record, I still think this project has his best rnb cuts ever. Those are the tracks that have kept me coming back time and time again. The vibe is perfect, his singing is some of the best in his career. I still can’t get over how catchy songs like 7969 Santa, and You Broke My Heart Are. And just how overall the production on this record is amazing. Great Album.
#3. Call Me if You Get Lost The Real Estate Sale – Tyler the Creator
Favorite Song(s): SIR BAUDELAIRE (feat. DJ Drama), CORSO, LEMONHEAD (feat. 42 Dugg), WUSYANAME (feat. Youngboy Never Broke Again & Ty Dolla $ign), LUMBERJACK, MASSA, RUNITUP (feat. Teezo Touchdown), MANIGESTO (feat. Domo Genesis), SWEET/I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE (feat. Brent Faiyaz & Fana Hues), WILLSHIRE, SAFARI, STUNTMAN (feat. Vince Staples), WHAT A DAY, DOGTOOTH, HEAVEN TO ME, SORRY NOT SORRY
Put it simply, CMIYGL was already one of my favorite albums ever. This deluxe not only continues the story/themes Tyler rapped about on the original, it has some of the best tracks on the entire record. Great additions to an already great album. The last track, especially, is one of Tyler’s best. With the song and accompanying music video of him basically going through all of his past eras and killing them off in the end. Tyler’s journey as an artist is something truly remarkable. I’m here for wherever he goes next.
#2. Red Moon in Venus – Kali Uchis
Favorite Song(s): I Wish you Roses, Worth the Wait (feat. Omar Apollo), Love Between…, All Mine, Fantasy (feat. Don Toliver), Blue, Moonlight, Happy Now
This record is beautiful. It feels like love, flowers, summer, beauty. Kali has such a sensual, ear pleasing voice that perfectly matches the instrumentals on this album that is all about finding love with a broken heart. Most of these songs feel like modern day ballads. It just puts you in a certain mood. This is the definition of music that touches your soul.
#1. The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess – Chappell Roan
Favorite Song(s): Red Wine Supernova, After Midnight, Coffee, Casual, Super Graphic, Ultra Modern Girl, HOT TO GO!, My Kink Is Karma, Picture You, Kaleidoscope, Pink Pony Club, Naked In Manhattan, California
My second cheat on this list. I didn’t hear about Chappell Roan until spring 2024, but better late than never to the best rising artist today. I had a phase last year where this is all I listened to for a good while. Every other listen, I was finding a new track or bits of a track that I already liked that became my new favorite on the album. It’s amazing to see her journey from where she was just a few years ago to her big blow up last year and she deserves it all. Her voice is amazing, the production is great. Who she is and what she sings about is so relatable. This album is the most refreshing pop record I’ve heard in a few years. I wish her nothing but the best and I truly believe that she is the next big big star.
2024
#10. Might Delete Later – J. Cole
Favorite Song(s): Pricey (feat. Ari Lennox, Young Dro, & Gucci Mane), Crocodile Tearz, Huntin’Wabbitz, H.Y.B. (feat. Bas & Central Cee), Stickz N Stonez, Pi (feat Daylyt & Ab-Soul), Stealth Mode (feat. Bas), 3001, Trae The Truth in Ibiza
I feel this project kind of got lost in the midst of the biggest rap beef ever happening when this dropped and J. Cole’s initial involvement in which he very quickly bowed out in an interesting way. I think deleting his response to Kendrick off the album was kind of weak cause the song was okay and he had some valid points in there somewhere (which he would even go on to double down on later anyway). All of that nonsense is a shame because it really did overshadow this really solid project. It has its ups and downs but also has some really solid highs and a handful of tracks that I keep going back to. It’s nothing crazy for him, but he’s been at this point for almost 6 years now where he’s kind of in mixtape mode until his new album drops. So nothing on here is really to concise. But Cole probably has my favorite rap voice in the game and his flow keeps getting better. The songs sound good. If nothing else, this project has held my excitement for The Fall Off.
#9. Petrichor – 070 Shake
Favorite Song(s): Sin, Elephant, Pieces Of You, Vagabond, Into Your Garden ft. JT, Battlefield, What’s Wrong With Me
I absolutely loved Shake’s last album. It was one of my most played from 2022 and I didn’t even know she dropped this until later in the year last year and once I found out, I had to give it my full attention for a few days. I ended up really enjoying it. It doesn’t have as many high highs as her last album, but there’s a very consistent sound throughout that I loved with a few tracks that are nothing less than beautiful like: Pieces of You and Into Your Garden. I can see myself going back to this and enjoying it even more as time goes on.
#8. Bird’s Eye – Ravyn Lenae
Favorite Song(s): Genius, Bad Idea, One Wish (feat. Childish Gambino), Dream Girl, Candy, Love Is Blind, Love Me Not, From Scratch, Pilots,
Another artist that was new to me last time I made a list like this but ended up high on that list and is returning to this one. Ravyn Lenae has such an angelic voice and the choice of instrumentals that give a funky yet relaxing vibe mixed with her vocals. When she’s singing about her pain and trauma from relationships and life, it not only hits your ears, but your soul as well. With it being pretty short as well, this is a great listen through and through. It’s been so easy for me to just put this on and get lost in it and I love that.
#7. Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish
Favorite Song(s): SKINNY, LUNCH, CHIHIRO, BIRDS OF A FEATHER, WILDFLOWER, THE GREATEST, L’AMOUR DE MA VIE, THE DINER, BITTERSUITE
Finally, a Billie Eilish album I can say I enjoyed from front to back. Ever since she has debut there have been tracks from her that I loved, but then when I go and listen to her full projects, I’m left wanting more of her. While I can appreciate the production and vibes she has gone for in the past, I feel like her absolutely wonderful voice has mostly played second fiddle to those things and I just want to hear her more and in this project she is clear as day in the center. This is a lovely album that also deals a lot with relationships and pain from them and you feel her through her voice. This is one of my favorite listens through and through and it has my favorite song of the year (Birds of a feather) on it. That song is such a beautiful melody. It’s somehow a song that could be played at a funeral or wedding. Brining tears to your eyes for a multitude of reasons. It is an all time special track on an amazing album.
#6. Dark Times – Vince Staples
Favorite Song(s): Black&Blue, Government Cheese, Children’s Song, Shame On The Devil, Étouffée, Liars, Justin, “Radio”, Nothing Matters, Little Homies, Freeman
Vince Staples is just a solid in the rap game. Everything this man has released is nothing short of very good and it’s mostly great. His last two albums are some of my favorites and this one is just right below them. His ability to deliver these narratives in a short, concise project that captures all the emotion that he wants it to with high replay value is amazing. This is another one of those projects that I can just sort of put on and get and get lost in. Enjoying the ride along the way.
#5. Brat – Charli XCX
Favorite Song(s): 360, Club Classics, Sympathy is a Knife, I might say something stupid, Talk Talk, Von Dutch, Everything is romantic, Rewind, So I, Girl, so confusing, Apple, B2b, I think about it all the time, 365
Off the heels of her last amazing album, Crash, Charli comes back with even more fun, bounce, party pop music that is just an ear worm but has this strong vulnerability more so than I felt from Crash. There’s this everlasting worry throughout this whole project about getting older, feeling the urge to settle down, stop partying. Charli sees these people in her life around her age settling down, getting married and starting families and it constantly crosses her mind when is it time for me? Or is that life right for me? Is now the time? That with the fuck it we ball mentality shows off this dual mentality in her mind, coming to terms with her life in her 30s. It’s a fun album, with a few really deep cuts. While I think the deluxe versions are solid and add some great songs, the original record is just amazing on its own as it tells its story perfectly.
#4. Wicked: The Soundtrack – Various Artist
Favorite Song(s): No One Mourns the Wicked, Dear Old Shiz, The Wizard And I, What Is This Feeling?, Dancing Through Life, Popular, I’m Not That Girl, One Short Day, A Sentimental Man, Defying Gravity
One of my favorite movies of last year and easily one of my favorite albums of the year. Cynthia and Ariana absolutely put on amazing, powerful performances. Defying Gravity is one of my songs of the year, but honestly, what really takes this soundtrack to the next level for me are the other more surprising performances, like Jeff Goldblum’s Sentimental Man or Dancing through life performed by Joanthan Bailey. They provide a different tone and vibe that adds so much to what Ariana and Cynthia are already doing. The movie is great, the music is just as great. If you only heard this soundtrack over the Target speakers that month leading into the movie (sadly this was me), you’re doing yourself a disservice cause this soundtrack is amazing.
#3. Chromakopia – Tyler the Creator
Favorite Song(s): St. Chroma (feat. Daniel Caesar), Rah Tah Tah, Noid, Darling, I (feat. Teezo Touchdown), Hey Jane, I Killed You, Judge Judy, Sticky, (feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne), Take Your Mask Off (feat. Daniel Caesar & LaToiya Williams), Tomorrow, Thought I Was Dead (feat. ScHoolboy Q & Santigold), Like Him (feat. Lola Young), I Hope You Find Your Way Home
I liked Tyler in what I guess you could call his early days/eras. Probably my favorite song from him still to this day, She (ft. Frank Ocean), comes from that era. But I would be lying if I didn’t say just how much better his music has gotten since Flower Boy and how much more concise and enjoyable his projects have fully become since then. His entire body of work, when looked at altogether, tells this story. Everything pre Flower Boy is like this arrogant, abrasive youthfulness. Flower Boy is him maturing, coming to terms with some things about himself, like his sexuality. Igor is like him, sort of falling back into his abrasive ways and adopting this persona to shield himself and his feelings due to heartbreak. CMIYGL is him dealing with another heartbreak. Some would say a more difficult heartbreak in a more mature(ish) way. Exploring the world, broadening his horizons. Chromakopia’s subject matter is really similar to Brat in that Tyler explores what his life is now in his 30s. Does he want a family? Should he settle down? Why does he keep making these childish mistakes when it comes to love? How does he retain and really take back his personal life’s privacy after being famous since he was a teenager? Is he ready to really take off this mask, another persona of his, and face himself? This is a wonderful album, with a wonderful story from top to bottom. Tyler is his most vulnerable ever on tracks like Hey Jane, some of his most emotional on a track like Judge Judy and Like Him, and some of his best and most abrasive on tracks like Thought I was Dead and Rah Tah Tah. I keep finding myself coming back to this time and time again. It’s just so so good.
#2. Eternal Sunshine – Ariana Grande
Favorite Song(s): intro (end of the world), bye, don’t wanna break up again, eternal sunshine, supernatural, true story, the boy is mine, yes, and?, we can’t be friends (wait for your love), i wish i hated you, imperfect for you, ordinary things (feat. Nonna)
Even as someone who very recently in past few years just became a fan of Ariana, this album was a delight. There was a lot going on in her life leading up to and after this album, as of today with all of things that have come out from both sides, the real story doesn’t paint her in a favorable fashion at all. But with that being said, the perspective given on this album, taken at face value is still very shielded and private ubut also somehow still vunerable. Regardless of real life, the story in this album is enthralling. The music is amazing, and Ariana continues to be one of the best vocalist my ears have ever heard.
#1. Radical Optimism – Dua Lipa
Favorite Song(s): End Of An Era, Houdini, Training Season, These Walls, Whatcha Doing, French Exit, Illusion, Falling Forever, Maria, Happy For You
It was hard to choose my number one for 2024. Ultimately, Dua Lipa won out because more than any other project from last year, except for Chromakopia, I will revisit this the most. Start to finish, almost every track I loved, they flow so well together and everything from the cover art to the music itself screams summer and takes me back to last spring/summer. Which was an interesting, weird, transitional time in my life. Where I really needed something uplifting and bright, freeing almost, to capture my mind and take me away. That’s what this album is, it’s what it personifies for me. It was hard to choose number one for this list but as I went through all these great projects and listened again, this one just instantly took over me again just like it did last year This is the ultimate vibes album and has a special place in my heart.
Notes: I’m so late on all of these end of year lists I wanted to do. I wanted to drop most of these in February but that’s life. At this point they’ll come when they come lol. Most likely sooner than later though.
