This past year has been an extremely exhilarating rollercoaster ride for music, as the various full-length releases have been painting the new soundscape of today.
We’ve been seeing our legendary artists get up close and personal, revealing an introspective look into their psyches, and newer artists have been making names for themselves with debut albums and first-time releases. With such an unpredictable year to unpack, we trail back to albums that surprised us, albums that got our heads bopping uncontrollably, and albums that made us inevitably hit the loop button.
In this article, the staff of Billboard Philippines dissects the various gems that studded this year in music — whether it be local or international, bubblegum pop or hard-hitting rap, and more. These albums were selected and measured not only for their popularity and impact, but for the overall cohesiveness and creativity explored in these bodies of work. Additionally, songwriting, production, and storytelling were also taken into account. With this in mind, let’s dive into our picks for the 50 best albums of 2024.
Radical Optimism – Dua Lipa
Though Future Nostalgia set a terribly high standard for Dua Lipa to make a proper follow up record to, Radical Optimism is perfectly fine for what it is.
Perhaps fine is an understatement, given the sheer amount of bangers that Radical Optimism has — with credit to the stellar efforts of Lipa, Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, Danny Harle, and Caroline Ailin. As a carefree album that examines the highs and lows of what it means to be single, it’s absolutely infectious throughout its eleven tracks as it takes listeners on a sonic journey across the sounds of Ibiza’s beach clubs (“Illusion”), Berlin’s rave scene (“Houdini”), or even Italy’s sporty arenas (“Training Season.”)
But setting aside its production alone, this is arguably the best we’ve heard of Lipa in terms of her vocal capabilities, especially on track’s like “Falling Forever” and “Happy For You.” So amidst its Grammy snubs and overlooked nature (especially in comparison to many of this year’s releases), Radical Optimism is the type of sleeper gem that’s bound to find a dedicated audience as the years go by. — Gab Saulog, Industry Writer
In Waves – Jamie xx
In Colour, Jamie XX’s last full-length release prior to In Waves, dates back to 2015. Ten years later, with In Waves, the artist returns, bringing back disco house funk. Each track is woven together like a tapestry, as they seamlessly blend into each other.
“Wanna” is an undeniably fun and catchy introduction piece, hooking you into a soundscape of irresistible dance music. In “Baddy On The Floor,” the artist delves into a deeper gospel-house kind of sound, with a groovy bass line and ecstatic synths. We find the album’s precipice in “Life,” a climactic disco track that shares the same triumph like reaching the peak of a mountain. — Rome Saenz, Writer
Buzz – NIKI
NIKI ascends to new artistic heights with Buzz. While she’s been known for churning out catchy pop hits and writing wrenching stories of heartache, the Indonesian singer-songwriter showcases how much more she can do with this album.
In Buzz, NIKI is full of honesty and attitude as she delves deeper than ever before into love, heartbreak, and healing. Against a mix of folk-pop and 90s alt-rock, NIKI paints vivid stories of budding new romances, a fresh breakup, and the conflicted feelings that follow a wrecked relationship. This is the most sonically and lyrically advanced NIKI has ever been, showcasing how there’s no limit to her artistry. – Franchesca Basbas, Digital Editor
Lola Amour – Lola Amour
A debut album is not exactly always the be-all, end-all of any promising artist’s journey. But making one that perfectly captures the artist’s very essence sure makes for a lasting first impression. This is what Lola Amour have achieved with their very own debut full-length effort.
Fittingly self-titled, this nine-track release from the “Raining In Manila” hitmakers is a summation of their journey since formation – from indie up-and-comers to one of the biggest bands in the country. All in all, it’s them at their very best – the signature brass-driven, funk-pop sound, effortlessly infectious hooks, and emotion-driven lyricism that can tug at anyone’s heartstrings. – Mayks Go, Writer and Photographer
Method Adaptor – Ely Buendia
Filipino music fans all over the world may have anticipated the Eraserheads’ tour more, but Method Adaptor is undoubtedly Ely Buendia’s greatest achievement this year. It’s a record that goes out with guns blazing, with melodies and balls-to-the-wall guitar rock on tracks like “Deadbeat Creeper,” “Tagpi-Tagping Piraso,” and one of his greatest songs ever from any of his projects — “Kandarapa.” He has said that this solo record feels like a fresh start, but Method Adaptor showcases the confident sound of a master artist and songwriter with nothing to prove. – Jason Caballa, Managing Editor
Wicked (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Various Artists
The Wicked fever took over the world, and it’s no surprise as to why it even occurred with its soundtrack alone. Having such prolific names as Ariana Grande and Broadway legend Cynthia Erivo take up the mantle of Glinda and Elphaba for one of the year’s biggest blockbusters has resulted in an album that not only captures the essence of the original musical, but has deepened its source material even further. Grande and Erivo add a whole lot of nuance and depth to their vocal performances alone, adding so much gravity and weight to the impassioned nature of their emotions, making nearly every song in this soundtrack an absolute bop.
With its impressive performance on both the charts and audience alone, it’s clearly one of the strongest albums to be released this year, and warrants further repeat playthroughs as the year’s look kindly to Wicked over the years. – Gab Saulog
SMILE! : D – Porter Robinson
If you haven’t heard, Porter Robinson’s SMILE! : D is a wild, unpredictable journey through the full spectrum of emotion, blending chaotic energy with deeply personal reflection. The album is his most intimate yet, offering a raw look into his inner world with lyrics that shift between lighthearted joy and heavy introspection. The production is nothing short of dazzling, as Robinson weaves together genres and styles, creating a sound that feels as expansive as it is emotional.
While the contrast between upbeat, euphoric tracks and more somber moments may be jarring for some, it’s clear that this tension is intentional, mirroring the complexity of his emotions. At its best, SMILE! : D captures a powerful, cathartic energy—an exhilarating ride through both the bliss and chaos of being human. It’s an album that doesn’t play by the rules, and in doing so, offers some of Robinson’s most bold and compelling work to date. – Gab Saulog
TIMELESS – Kaytranada
Kaytranada has done it again, he’s made a dance music album that is truly TIMELESS. It’s a jam-packed 21-track record that showcases the Canadian producer’s ability in bringing the absolute best of those he works with. Each feature on this critically-acclaimed body of work highlights its collaborators signature beats, all the while keeping the sound undeniably Kaytranada.
“Snap My Finger” with PinkPantheress is a great example of this, as the ethereal and dreamy production accompanies the UK garage singer’s similarly gentle vocal tone. Additionally, “Witchy,” which features the vocal contributions of Childish Gambino, takes the artist’s neo-funk color to a whole new level. – Rome Saenz
Negative Spaces – Poppy
Poppy has always been known to be experimental and avant-garde with her music. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter is nothing short of versatile, jumping from genre to genre with and within every major release she puts out.
Enter her latest effort — the 15-track, titan of an album that is Negative Spaces. The full-length release sees Poppy continue her journey into heavier music territory, showcasing her vocal prowess as she switches between singing and screaming without skipping a beat.
Backed by the seasoned production and writing wizardry of ex-Bring Me The Horizon multi-instrumentalist Jordan Fish and House of Protection’s Stephen Harrison, Poppy has crafted a perfect, seamless collection of songs that encapsulate the very best of modern metal. Tastefully mixed in with elements of hyperpop and Avril Lavigne-like pop-punk to spice things up even further, Poppy makes her full dive into metal and we’re all here for it. – Mayks Go
Eagles Shall Prosper – Precal Dropouts
This Davao-based quintet has been on my radar for quite some time now, and their first full-length record — a compilation of tracks from previously released EPs — finally made me give them a listen. Inspired by shoegaze and the ‘00s post-punk revival, Eagles Shall Prosper offers a taste of everything that a discerning hipster would love, from Bloc Party-esque dance-punk workouts (“Little One, Travel Far”) to dense, fuzz-heavy soundscapes (“Azalea”), or a combination of both (the excellent closer “There & Back Again”). Precal Dropouts deserve your attention, and they’re just one of the many acts from Davao City’s rich indie scene that are worth discovering. – Jason Caballa
The Secret of Us (Deluxe) – Gracie Abrams
If there’s another pop star who had a major year this 2024, it would definitely be Gracie Abrams.
Abrams’ latest record The Secret of Us is a deeply introspective pop album that captures her emotional growth with raw honesty, exploring themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and resilience. With a sound that blends the confessional lyricism of Phoebe Bridgers and the polished pop sensibilities of Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo, Abrams navigates her evolving artistry with confidence and vulnerability, all backed by noteworthy production from The National’s Aaron Dessner.
While album’s original form is already impressive enough, its the deluxe version that further enhances its depth, especially with tracks like “That’s So True” which adds a sharper, more confrontational edge to the record’s emotional landscape. The result is an record that feels both intimately personal and universally relatable, solidifying Abrams as a worthy voice to watch out for in the contemporary pop scene. – Gab Saulog
WE DON’T TRUST YOU – Future, Metro Boomin
If there were a singular match that lit up the high-profile feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, it would be WE DON’T TRUST YOU by Metro Boomin and Future. It’s an ice-cold vengeful album slick with powerful bass lines and a booming track beat. Star-studded with collaboration from some of the industry’s finest, the record features the collaborative work of The Weeknd, (iconically) Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, and Rick Ross.
Metro Boomin and Future had worked together many times prior, some of their greatest hits originate from their joint work. “Like That” was a war declaration anthem that set the world blazing, showing the true power of hip-hop and presenting the domination these artists hold over the industry. – Rome Saenz
“I’m Okay” – Moira
There’s a sense of relief that comes when you finally let yourself be honest, it’s freeing and healing. That feeling of freedom exactly captures Moira’s long-awaited “I’m Okay.” As described to Billboard Philippines in an exclusive interview, the album is a recount of the award-winning singer-songwriter’s journey of healing and growth as she moves on and forward from heartache and pain.
Admittedly, the album doesn’t sonically stray too far from the mellow, acoustic-pop melodies we know of the singer but its magic inherently lies in Moira’s vulnerability and her vivid lyrics. While she sings of a failed love and the pain of piecing back together a broken heart, “I’m Okay” feels like Moira’s love letter to herself, like she’s thanking the person she used to be for getting through the many battles of her past and reassures her future self that she’s stronger than she thinks she is. It’s candid and confessional, highlighting some of Moira’s most incisive and best songwriting yet. – Franchesca Basbas
MUTT – Leon Thomas
Leon Thomas is definitely one of the artists to remember from this year in music. His debut album MUTT takes what we know about R&B and takes it to a whole new level. It’s evident by the feature’s nature that Thomas weaved together inspirations from all sorts of places, leaning into an R&B spin on jazz, hip-hop, and even more. The 14-song album cruises us through a soulful, genre-defying rollercoaster ride.
Ushering us into the record, the opening track, “HOW FAST,” is almost gospel-like in tone, harkening a crescendo of an introduction track. Tracks like “Breaking Point” and “Crash & Burn” highlight Thomas’ stunning vocal range and emotive delivery, while songs like “Blue Hour” and “Hybrid” reflect his flair for intricate production and introspective lyricism.
This is his first-ever full-length album, so we can say there’s much to anticipate about Leon Thomas in the coming years. – Rome Saenz
POST HUMAN: NeX GEn – Bring Me The Horizon
Throughout their illustrious career, Bring Me The Horizon have constantly shape-shifted as a band, evolving with the times while staying true to the music they love and artistic vision they want to fulfill.
Their seventh studio album POST HUMAN: NeX GEn is proof of this, serving as the very best way to sum up the 20-year journey the band has been on so far. Backed by features from fellow big names such as AURORA and Lil Uzi Vert, it sees them at their most experimental, unhinged, and irreverent yet, showcasing their their diverse metal roots to playful hints of hyperpop, pop-punk, electronica, and more. – Mayks Go
bahay namin maliit lamang – Hev Abi
2024 has been a career-defining year for the rising hip-hop star, Hev Abi. His singles have been circulating the charts, establishing the artist as a household name in local hip-hop. When he released bahay namin maliit lamang, the Billboard Philippines Pinoy Hip-Hop Class of 2024 graduate veers into an experimental route with meshing his classic Filipino hip-hop sound and house music.
The downtown QC rapper’s studio debut dates back to 2020, and with his recent explosion in popularity as Spotify’s top-played artist and more acclaim to his name, he’s learned a lot. Taking these learnings in his stride, bahay namin maliit lamang shows a lot of evolution from the artist. Featuring a lush production reminiscent of house music, each track is deeply introspective and introduces us to the various facets that make this hip-hop hitmaker. – Rome Saenz
Short ‘n Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter
Released to widespread acclaim, Short n’ Sweet marks a significant step forward for Sabrina Carpenter, showcasing both artistic maturity and an expanded sonic palette for the rising pop star. Building on the success of her previous album, emails i can’t send, the record delivers a versatile and cohesive mix of pop, showcasing Carpenter’s growth as a songwriter and performer.
The record’s blend of catchy hooks, confident lyricism, and mainstream appeal offers a captivating listening experience while hinting at deeper emotional layers beneath its polished surface. It’s a smart and nuanced release that plays with expectations, capturing the essence of great contemporary pop while staying grounded in Carpenter’s own authentic self-expression. – Gab Saulog
eternal sunshine – Ariana Grande
Emotive and playful as she’s ever been with her music, Ariana Grande showcases a new side of herself on her seventh studio album eternal sunshine.
With an open display of heavy-hitting emotions from the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, this marks her most vulnerable full-length release yet. Driven by atmospheric and boppy synths, deep bass hits, and punchy drum beats, this bona fide pop/R&B record is a dreamy ride from start to finish, elevated by Grande’s signature sugary sweet-sounding vocal tone. – Mayks Go
Clones and Flying Cars – Coney Reyes on Camera
The amount of dream pop releases by homegrown indie acts in the last several years can make one wonder if people don’t sing without reverb anymore, so let’s just accept the fact that the genre will be relevant for a little while longer. Fortunately, Cebu quartet Coney Reyes on Camera (gotta love that ‘80s television reference) offers a more minimalist/lo-fi take on dream pop, recalling the spacious approach of Galaxie 500 (look them up, kids), with occasional bits of early The Pains of Being Pure at Heart thrown in. Gems abound on their debut album, but “Homerun” and “Monamie” are the best ways into the band’s modest but compelling discography. – Jason Caballa
This Is How Tomorrow Moves – Beabadoobee
Beabadoobee is no stranger to writing about girlhood and the many challenges that come with it while growing up, especially on her latest record This Is How Tomorrow Moves.
Despite following up on some themes from her previous albums, Bea’s songwriting has never been better (and surprisingly more mature) pivoting away to new themes, moving away from the teenage angst on her previous records.
With the help of famed producer Rick Rubin, the duo weaves together a cohesive record that explores themes of growth, longing, and letting go amidst the growing up process of life — wrapped neatly by the sense of self-assurance and triumph that Bea herself finds by the end of the album’s runtime. – Gab Saulog
All Born Screaming – St. Vincent
Like its title suggests, St. Vincent’s All Born Screaming is a cathartic and uncompromising work of art that fully exemplifies her brilliance.
Whether its through its lyrical or sonic content, the entirety of the record is continuously changing, which serves as a reflection of the musical icon’s methodical process and craft that’s only strengthened over time. While there are a plethora of tracks that are perfect for immersing one’s self in a mosh pit (“Broken Man” or “Flea” anyone?), St. Vincent still incorporates some of her most nuanced and introspective ruminations throughout its closing title track and more.
As her first fully independent record (and first self-produced effort), it’s almost like a rebirth of sorts for St Vincent, and her most unfiltered and authentic effort to date. – Gab Saulog
Superpower – Zild
In his fourth full-length solo album, Zild has unleashed his true Superpower. The ten-track feature involves some of the best storytelling the indie trailblazer has crafted to date. He takes each listener on a sonic journey through various experimental and fresh kinds of sounds in uncharted territories — he even raps on “I.NA.S.”
The narrative follows a love cycle, where we fall in love with songs like “Lia” and “Ewan kO !!!” then circle back into overthinking galore with “Segurista” and “I.NA.S.” We take a dip when we encounter “Huwag Nang Ipilit” and “Dilim,” which walk us through the trenches of heartbreak and disappointment.
Nevertheless, the album ends on a sweet note with Zild’s ode to the relationships he’s formed around him with “Kaibigan 2023.” – Rome Saenz
SUPER REAL ME – ILLIT
ILLIT are no stranger to many. Having entered charts and made major rounds on the internet this year with their debut single “Magnetic,” the quintet has quickly become one of K-pop’s sought after rookies. However, without discrediting the success of “Magnetic,” what often gets overlooked is the rest of their debut EP SUPER REAL ME.
Despite being only four tracks long, the debut mini-album from the quintet serves as a fitting introduction to the viral girl group. Alongside “Magnetic,” the rest of the EP is also drenched in synth-heavy, feel-good melodies, providing a short but ethereal journey into ILLIT’s world, laced with catchy hooks and refined bubblegum pop goodness. – Mayks Go
brat – Charli XCX
Love it or hate it, there’s no doubt that Charli XCX’s magnum-opus brat stands as one of the most culturally significant records of the year.
Beyond its distinct neon green imagery, unshakeable party-girl essence, and inescapable marketing campaign, the music itself stands out as a rambunctious examination on nightlife that ruminates over both Charli’s pop star status and most personal thoughts. Its meditative nature is cleverly guised by the stellar production that leans towards electroclash and hyperpop elements, ultimately taking its listeners through a sonic journey that is as astounding as it is unnerving.
What Charli has been able to accomplish with brat is truly the long-awaited breakthrough that she’s deserved — yet it also poses itself as a leading example of what electronic music can achieve in the near future. – Gab Saulog
Imaginal Disk – Magdalena Bay
Magdalena Bay has made quite an entrance into the year with Imaginal Disk. It has been critically acclaimed since its ascension into the limelight, bringing their experimental, almost psychedelic synth pop to a bigger platform.
Imaginal Disk posits itself as a fully-fleshed body of work, cruising through intergalactic frequencies at a leisurely pace. The album’s narrative takes us through a sci-fi, futuristic conflict between technological development and the possible consequences this comes with. With its bubblegum, bright sound but somewhat ominous lyricism, the duo create an almost queasy feeling that everything’s quite not as it seems.
Taking inspiration from ’80s synth pop and turning it into something entirely new, the album’s production makes the listener question what they think they know to be pop. – Rome Saenz
CHROMAKOPIA – Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, the Creator is stepping into an entirely new skin with his recent full-length feature, CHROMOKOPIA. While being accompanied by his signature flair in production, the album’s songwriting charges us straight into the rapper-producer’s psyche.
Enticing its listeners with its opening track, “St. Chroma,” Tyler and Daniel Caesar ask, “Can you feel the light?” in a gospel-like tone, before bombarding us with heavy grunge drums, preparing us for what’s to come.
We witness Tyler at his most vulnerable in “Hey, Jane,” where he explores the complex position of a fear of fatherhood and an inner conflict of how to handle the responsibilities it entails. Marching to the drum of a similar beat, “Like Him” informs us why themes of fatherhood are incredibly uncomfortable to the artist, as we witness the inner conflict in coming to terms of being a resemblance of his estranged father. Through CHROMAKOPIA, we veer into Tyler’s most honest state. – Rome Saenz
Sad Songs And Bullshit Pt. 2 – juan karlos
Without a doubt, Juan Karlos is one of the best songwriters of his generation and his latest album, Sad Songs And Bullshit Pt. 2, is proof of that.
Serving as the obvious sequel to his acclaimed 2023 album Sad Songs And Bullshit Pt. 1, Pt. 2 continues the showcasing of juan karlos’ artistry in all its unfiltered, edgy glory. From start to finish, every song on Pt. 2 feels epic and grandiose, perfectly mirroring whatever mood each track emits. Whether a song would go a heavier route or slowed down and became more laidback, everything was notably unified by a state being emotionally charged all throughout.
Empowered by juan karlos’ unmistakable swagger, this album provides not only a testament to how much of a stellar songwriter the “ERE” hitmaker is but also gifts listeners a very deep, introspective look into who he is as a very personal lyricist. – Mayks Go
Only God Was Above Us – Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend have never released a bad album, yet Only God Was Above Us still feels like an excellent return to form for one of the indie scene’s most beloved acts.
On the record, the now-three-piece group dives deep into themes of class consciousness, existentialism, and the like, over ten tracks of nonstop goodness. Lead singer and songwriter Ezra Koenig’s pen has never been better, as he injects signature bits of whimsy throughout the record’s heavier parts, allowing the entirety of the album to flow as needed.
Though it sonically feels like an evolution of their baroque pop schtick that’s made them so beloved on the scene, the neo-psychedelia and chamber pop direction they’ve embraced on Only God Was Above Us only proves that this band is still kicking in all of the best ways. – Gab Saulog
Atavista – Childish Gambino
When Childish Gambino finally unearthed his grim 2020 release, 3.15.20, into what we know today as Atavista, it felt like a chapter finally coming to a close.
The album, which was cryptically released at the height of COVID-19 pandemic only to be taken offline just a few days later, was initially meant to be a letter of anxiety and reassurance during a time of panic and confusion. Four years later, the record still sees that same odd mix of playfulness and unease but this time, more clean and polished and even finds a new home in this equally terrifying yet exciting state of the world. Atavista features some of Childish Gambino’s best work, in both production and performance. – Franchesca Basbas
Charm – Clairo
As a sonic chameleon of sorts, Clairo has evolved her sound throughout each of her major records, with her third album Charm being her latest experimental venture. Yet as the record proves, the third time is absolutely the Charm, as the indie-pop sensation transports us back to the 1970s with a collection of warm grooves that explore the genres of jazz, psychedelic folk and soul.
But even with the genre shift, Clairo’s songwriting as she explores themes of longing, loneliness, and desire have become some of her most profound work to date, showcasing that there’s so much more to explored with its lyrical substance alone. Collaborating with Leon Michels on this record has certainly paid off for the better, giving listeners what may be her most cohesive and career best effort to date. – Gab Saulog
Drop 7 – Little Simz
Little Simz is one of hip-hop’s most promising emcees, taking the genre to greater heights — and her latest project, Drop 7, proves that as well. While her previous releases followed the beat of a slower BPM, this release bounces off the walls with high energy.
Combining the UK rapper’s distinct vocal tone with a latin funk flair, she creates a soundscape that is fresh and entirely unique. Here, the renowned artist practices her hand in Portuguese, and the rhythmic language accompanies this moody and electric body of work.
The energy is intense and frantic, and the latin EDM beats pulse through your veins as Little Simz spits straight fire into her verses. It’s like placing yourself in the front seat of a late night street rally. – Rome Saenz
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT – Billie Eilish
There is an ethereal air that haunts Billie Eilish’s third studio album Hit Me Hard And Soft, captivating and bewitching you further as each song passes.
Finding strength in the Grammy-winning singer’s signature whispery vocals, the album, much like its title implies, features ten tracks that make up a sonic journey that does hit you hard and soft, both musically and lyrically. Throughout its duration, the album tastefully transforms back-and-forth between upbeat numbers and more slowed down heartfelt pieces, taking you on one emotional rollercoaster ride you won’t soon forget. – Mayks Go
american dream – 21 Savage
On his third solo album to date, american dream, 21 Savage plays an irony into the album’s title with an icy cold dip into the reality behind his glitz and glamour. The Chicago rapper works into his most personal reflections on being struck by the limelight and becoming subject to public scrutiny. There’s something so effortlessly cool about how he cuts through the gloss of his shiny lifestyle, all the while being backed by irresistibly smug trap beats.
For this full-length feature, 21 Savage featured the collaborative work of Doja Cat, Metro Boomin’, Brent Faiyaz, and more. His songwriting, as well, is understated and yet clear to its point. – Rome Saenz
What’s Wrong With New York – The Dare
Indie sleaze is absolutely back in the mainstream, and a lot of the credit should righteously go to The Dare.
The eclectic New York-based DJ-producer makes a strong impression on audiences all over the world with the release of his debut album, which captures the gritty (and somewhat sleazy) party spirit that we thought had disappeared over the pandemic. It’s the type of record that warrants its listeners to thrash their heads in ecstasy, as they release their inner freak out to tracks like the viral “Girls,” or even the sleeper hits “Perfume” and “Good Time.”
Its a record that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which fully aligns with what The Dare had hoped to accomplish with What’s Wrong With New York. Though it doesn’t necessarily answer the question that its title poses, it’s undoubtedly a good time for anyone looking to dip their toes in the indie sleaze fever. – Gab Saulog
Sariling Mundo – TJ Monterde
TJ Monterde has made waves this year as OPM’s self-proclaimed “cheesy storyteller,” and it’s an honest product of being true to oneself when making music. In his second full-length album, Sariling Mundo, Monterde brings out the most raw parts of himself, resonating amongst fans and listeners alike.
We see this the most with the album’s consistent chart-topping hit, “Palagi,” where he writes a sincere vow of commitment to his wife, KZ Tandingan. Apart from this tremendously popular ballad, he’s experimented with different sounds and highlighted his songwriting through different genres. This eight-song body of work is the perfect company on a sunny day. – Rome Saenz
The Winning – IU
In The Winning, IU is free and optimistic and it’s immensely contagious. Featuring five tracks, the EP feels like a celebration as she soars high and far, ready to take on a new decade of her life.
As someone who has always marked milestones and ages with record releases, you can’t help but compare albums against one another and The Winning feels like her most decisive one yet. Free-spirited and giddy, IU urges us to pave our own path and to celebrate every turn and twist of life. The eclectic record is an ode to new beginnings and an exciting reminder that there’s so many opportunities that lie ahead. – Franchesca Basbas
Make Believe – Over October
As one of the surprise OPM releases of the year, Over October’s Make Believe immerses listeners in the whirlwind of hypothetical scenarios and quiet introspection, capturing the full range of our innermost thoughts and contemplative moments. Key tracks like “Ikot” and “Kaakit-Akit” stand out for their emotional depth, blending thought-provoking lyrics with mesmerizing instrumentation that feels like the soundtrack to our most personal daydreams.
The album’s production and arrangements are some of the band’s most refined yet, with lush textures and intricate details that elevate the emotional weight of each song. Make Believe is not just an album; it’s also a window into the introspective, beautifully messy thoughts we all carry, made all the more powerful by the band’s impressive musicianship — offering a profound listening experience that lingers long after the final note fades. – Gab Saulog
Songs Of A Lost World – The Cure
“This is the end of every song we sing,” intones Robert Smith to open The Cure’s 14th and latest LP, Songs Of A Lost World. It’s the gothfathers’ first new record in 16 years, and while their last few albums have been spotty at best, their latest opus clearly shows that Smith is still a songwriter and mood-maker to be reckoned with. It’s the true successor to 1989’s classic Disintegration, and while countless works of music throughout history have demonstrated that sadness can be beautiful, The Cure’s (allegedly) final record is one of the finest in this line. – Jason Caballa
Bleachers – Bleachers
While Jack Antonoff is recognized for his prolific contributions for his fellow musicians, his work on Bleachers’ self-titled album is one that shouldn’t be over looked.
The record itself marks a bold step forward in the band’s evolution, showcasing a sound that feels both expansive and deeply personal. The album is a vibrant collection, filled with colorful arrangements that blend anthemic pop-rock with introspective moments of vulnerability.
Where previous works had elements of solo exploration, Bleachers fully embraces a more collaborative, ensemble-driven approach, elevating the album’s emotional depth and cohesiveness. It also draws inspiration from the iconic sounds of Bruce Springsteen, who is one of Antonoff’s personal heroes, as it channels an Americana spirit through expansive, stadium-sized choruses and vivid, nostalgic storytelling.
With each track offering a distinct emotional flavor, Bleachers feels like the soundtrack to multiple facets of life — uplifting yet tender, rousing yet reflective — making it a standout in the band’s discography and a defining chapter in their ongoing artistic journey. – Gab Saulog
Alligator Bites Never Heal – Doechii
Doechii has been nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy, and honestly, it’s been a long time coming. She made her debut in 2018 with the single, “Girls,” and went on to make hits like “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake,” and a collaborative feature with SZA for “Persuasive.”
But her latest mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, is a deeply enriched piece of work, taking a modern spin on inspiration from ’90s hip-hop classics like The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and other emcees like MF DOOM, Missy Elliot, and more. The songwriting is witty, gritty, and fully personal, as Doechii processes the darkest corners of her life in a cheeky tone.
It’s her most ambitious record yet with a whopping nineteen tracks, but you breeze through it as she experiments with her sound in real time. – Rome Saenz
Big Ideas – Remi Wolf
Big Ideas finds Remi Wolf further honing her signature style while also pushing the boundaries of her musical evolution with a riotous blend of brash, high-energy pop, laced with funky grooves, explosive melodies, and a fearless attitude.
Wolf takes her vivid imagination and throws it against a sonic canvas, creating a collection of tracks that feel chaotic yet meticulously crafted. With its infectious, upbeat rhythms and bold production, the record is a showcase of her ability to marry fun with depth, balancing catchy pop moments with moments of genuine vulnerability and self-reflection. The album’s raw energy is matched by its emotional honesty, making it both an exhilarating and cathartic listening experience. – Gab Saulog
AAA – Hyukoh, Sunset Rollercoaster
Bring together Sunset Rollercoaster’s immersive world of soft rock and Hyukoh’s atmospheric indie rock flares and you have a blissful psychedelic sonic journey that leaves you dazed in the best way possible.
You can tell when a collaboration is just meant to be. AAA sees the best of both the beloved indie bands, highlighting the acts’ undeniable chemistry and friendship. Across eight tracks, Hyukoh and Sunset Rollercoaster build a dreamy world that features hypnotizing tropical melodies and jazzy basslines that conjure up images of a serene beach vacation and tranquil summer afternoons. This album feels like the start of something beautiful and here’s to hoping for more collaborations later down the line. – Franchesca Basbas
Challengers (Original Score) – Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
It’s rare that a movie score gets the recognition it deserves from the general public, but Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ work on Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers has become part of a larger cultural conversation than any of us expected. Its electronic synth sounds serves as the throbbing pulse of the film, bolstering moments of tension with its rapid beats and moody techno elements.
The Oscar- and Grammy-winning composers’ techno-laced soundscapes drive the film’s narrative and kinetic action forward with a propulsive rhythm that is clearly club-inspired, going in a different direction from most orchestral film scores that we’re used to hearing. Some may say that this might be one of the best movie scores that we’ve heard in recent years — and they wouldn’t be wrong. – Gab Saulog
You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To – Knocked Loose
In a time where trends dictate many, it’s a rare opportunity to see artists fully get to explore their craft in ways they truly want to. Knocked Loose are one of those very few. Blurring the lines between hardcore and metalcore, Knocked Loose’s highly anticipated third album You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To is a prime example of artists sticking to their guns and rising to the top.
Pushing the boundaries of just how dark and heavy they can go, Knocked Loose make it known that they are a band with an unrelenting artistic vision. Every song on the album flows seamlessly into the next, each one more uncompromisingly hard-hitting and haunting than the last. From the torturous, Grammy-nominated “Suffocate” with Poppy to the sizzling closer that is “Sit & Mourn,” this ten-track effort sends the message that heavy is the way to go and Knocked Loose are leading the charge. – Mayks Go
open this wall – berlioz
Open This Wall firmly establishes Berlioz as a standout artist blending jazz and house in ways that feel both fresh and timeless. While the album doesn’t break entirely new ground compared to his previous work, it builds upon the momentum of his Jazz is for Ordinary People EP and refines his approach.
On his first full-length album, Berlioz expands his sound rather than reinventing it, to introduce moments of introspection and slower tempos that contrast with his usual high-energy, beat-driven compositions. This shift towards more intimate, thoughtful tracks adds a rich emotional depth to the album, enhancing the already vibrant fusion of jazz and house elements that define his style. – Gab Saulog
GNX – Kendrick Lamar
As a surprise album, GNX came in like a hurricane, shaking the music industry to its core. Even if it came out towards the latter quarter of the year, it’s one of the best records to come out of hip-hop from this eventful 2024. Kendrick Lamar shines particularly in this album as a poet and world-renowned songwriter, as it collects his nuanced reflections following his high-profile feud with Drake.
Anyone who’s been listening to Kendrick for a long time can say this recent album is a curation of who he was, and who he has become. The lush production explores his newer sounds, while mixing in the jazz rap he’d become known for during his earlier years with good kid, m.A.A.d city and To Pimp A Butterfly. – Rome Saenz
Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
As the second act in Beyoncé’s soon-to-be-completed trilogy, Cowboy Carter was a massive cultural touchstone that reintroduced the genre of country to millions of listeners worldwide, beyond its usual American demographic.
Following the excellence that was 2022’s Renaissance, Beyoncé delivers a worthy follow-up with Cowboy Carter. As Beyoncé simultaneously honors the past, present, and future of the genre, she explores new sonic territory, merging its sound with her own — redefining it in a myriad of ways to astounding results. – Gab Saulog
Right Place, Wrong Person – RM
I wrote about loving RM’s Right Place, Wrong Person in June and six months later, it still stands as one of the best albums of 2024. From the rocky production that’s beautifully harrowing to the contemplative stories of discovery and existentialism, the BTS leader and pop titan has pieced together an experimental and exploratory album that’s intriguing and artfully dizzying.
While RM’s 2022 offering Indigo was a digestible record recounting his journey of self-discovery, Right Place, Wrong Person feels like the hard-to-swallow reality of figuring out your place in the world. He expresses candid feelings of anger, confusion, and loneliness as he tries to find love, hope, and excitement, against enticing guitar riffs and inciting synths. While we’re all aware of RM’s capabilities to top charts and produce viral pop hits, Right Place, Wrong Person proves he’s an artist that can dig much deeper. – Franchesca Basbas
ORDUÍDEAS – Kali Uchis
If there’s one musician who knows how to make her work as confident as herself, it’s definitely Kali Uchis.
Her latest record Orquídeas is a lush and seductive journey through self-assurance, love, and liberation, where dreamy Latin pop meets bold, experimental production. The album flows like silk, blending rich, synth-driven soundscapes with Uchis’ effortlessly captivating vocals, creating an atmosphere that’s both intoxicating and empowering. With themes of sexual agency and emotional freedom, tracks like “Igual Que Un Angel” and “No Hay Mandado” pulse with a confident, almost mischievous energy, while the album’s overall tone remains luxurious and effortlessly cool. Orquídeas captures Uchis at her most radiant and authentic, balancing playful, confident anthems with introspective moments of reflection, making it a vibrant celebration of identity and desire in all its forms. – Gab Saulog
Talaarawan – BINI
2024 was undeniably a stellar year for BINI. Achieving a major breakthrough onto the Filipino music scene, the eight-member girl group went from sought-after rising stars to undeniable P-pop icons in a matter of months.
At the heart of their success is their first-ever EP, Talaarawan — a small collection of tracks housing their biggest hits yet, such as “Pantropiko,” “Salamin, Salamin,” and “Karera.” It is the perfect introduction to the Nation’s Girl Group, serving as a showcase of their distinct bubblegum pop sound, catchy hooks you can’t help but sing along to, and an artistic charm that draws you further into their BINIverse.
Ultimately, there is no better way to encapsulate their meteoric, well-deserved rise to the top than with the music that got them there. – Mayks Go
Check out our picks for the best songs of 2024 here!