The music of 2024 really hit different. It was another year of powerful statements, genre-defying artistry, and stories that stayed with us long after the music stopped playing. From long-awaited albums from our faves that lived up to the hype, to EPs from emerging newcomers that unpacked identity, culture, and resistance, 2024 gave us a little bit of everything.
As we step into 2025 and brace ourselves for another wave of what’s to come, we’re taking one last look back at the albums and EPs that defined 2024. In this list, we start with our Top 5 Most Notable— projects that set the standard for the year, whether by boldly reinventing genres, or delivering fresh political takes through an unapologetic lyricism. Then we’re diving into other noteworthy standout releases that shaped the year, showcasing the artistry that carried us through another election and everything that came with it.
We know the music scene in 2025 has a lot in store, but before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s celebrate the best jams of 2024.
Alligator Bites Never Heal, Doechii
Hands down this is theeee EP/album of the year; lleno de tremendous lyricism, storytelling, authenticity, poetry, and artistry!
Tofu, Caloncho
A no-skip, catchy, vintage, retro pop-rock album en español!
Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé
A beautiful album that breaks all the rules and dissolves genres like only Queen Bey could.
Donde, Xiuhtezcatl
Such a short and sweet EP that mixes language, from English, to Spanish, to Spanglish, to Nahuatl… y con mucho swagger!
Las Letras Ya No Importan, Residente
You can find this album at the ER because it is absolutely sick, a lyrical beast–y esa canción con Busta Rhymes is like wow! 🔥
Other 19 Notables:
Our Top 5 might’ve stolen the spotlight, but 2024 was loaded with other projects to check out (if you haven’t already). Across genres and borders, these albums and EPs brought the energy, told our stories, and kept us moving through a year full of highs and lows.
- Pink Aura, Kenia Os
- GMX, Kendrick Lamar
- Att., Young Miko
- Vida, Ana Tijoux
- Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, Shakira
- Corridos Bélicos, Vol. IV, Luis R. Conriquez
- God Said No, Omar Apollo
- brat, Charli XCX
- Matense Por La Corona, J Noa
- Grasa, Nathy Peluso
- Sayonara, Álvaro Diaz
- MIRADA, Ivan Cornejo
- Baño Maria, Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso
- LA REINA DEL REGGAETON MEXICANO, Bellakath
- Cosa Nuestra, Rauw Alejandro
- Where I’ve Been Isn’t Where I’m Going, Shaboozey
- GLORIOUS, Glorilla
- Boca Chueca, Vol. 1, Carin León
- ARMAGEDÓN, HUMBE
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Osmani R. Alcaraz-Ochoa is a writer, poet, and organizer living in San Antonio, Tejas.