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The Best Music of 2024

If 2023 was the year of the record-breaking tour, then 2024 was the year of the blockbuster album, as some of the biggest names in music came back with marquee releases. Even the Cure decided it was time to return from hibernation. Still, as ever, there was room for newcomers and underground darlings to stake their claim among the giants. And, ultimately, the year may end up best remembered for hip-hop’s greatest feud in decades. It’s now time to consider those albums, songs, and the thousands beyond them to bring you our package celebrating the best music of 2024. Join us as we revisit the defining sounds from rock, rap, electronic, and more, plus, the best books, merchandise, and more. Curious about what our readers were listening to? Be sure to see the results of our Readers’ Poll. Happy reading, and happy listening!

Highlights From Pitchfork’s 2024 Year in Music Club Night

RP Boo, Anysia Kym, DJ Ess and more helped end the year with a bang.

Highlights From Pitchfork and Thought Enthusiast’s Year in Music Panel

Mano Sundaresan, Jeremy D. Larson, Alphonse Pierre, Arielle Gordon, and Ekko Astral’s Jael Holzman recapped the year in music at the New York event.

Pitchfork’s 2024 Year in Music Club Night: Venue Change

The event, featuring RP Boo, Dazegxd, and more, will take place at Brooklyn’s Paragon

101 Things That Happened in 2024, Ranked on the Pitchfork Scale

A long, casual stroll through the year from absolute cringe to unbridled glory

The 27 Best Rap Albums of 2024

From raw SoundCloud dumps and regional drill tapes to grown comeback records, these are the rap albums that moved Pitchfork columnist Alphonse Pierre in 2024.

The Best Music of 2024, According to Pitchfork Readers

Featuring your picks for the best albums and songs of the year

The Best Electronic Music of 2024

Featuring Burial, Djrum, Eris Drew, Floating Points, Four Tet, Heavee, Joy Orbison, Kim Gordon, Seefeel, Skee Mask, Yaeji, and more.

The 30 Best Rock Albums of 2024

Featuring Porridge Radio, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Gouge Away, julie, Friko, the Jesus Lizard, and more

The 50 Best Albums of 2024

Featuring Charli XCX, Bladee, MJ Lenderman, Tyla, xaviersobased, Jessica Pratt, and more

Pitchfork Year in Music and Club Night With RP Boo, Dazegxd, and More Announced

The two year-end events will take place in New York in mid-December

The 100 Best Songs of 2024

Featuring Waxahatchee, Chappell Roan, Kendrick Lamar, skaiwater, Tyla, Xavi, and more

The Best Reissues and Box Sets of 2024

Including rarities from Bob Dylan and Lou Reed, all-timers from Television and Isaac Hayes, compilations from Ukraine and Japan, and more.

The Best Music Books of 2024

Our favorites include Kathleen Hanna’s riot grrrl memoir, a lively document of musicians’ snacking habits, and an essential Joni Mitchell biography.

The Best Music Merch Gifts of 2024

Sabrina Carpenter espresso cups, Pet Shop Boys tea sets, Duster cat pillows, and more unique gift ideas for every type of music fan.

Vote Now for Your Favorite Albums and Songs of 2024

Take the Pitchfork Readers’ Poll