🎵 2024 in Review

From Kendrick Lamar’s triumphant diss track to Billie Eilish’s groovy bedroom pop, from Chappell Roan’s 80s-inspired queer anthem to Zach Bryan’s masterclass in storytelling.

2024 began on a somber note for music with the closure of Pitchfork as an independent publication. As one of the most influential voices in 21st-century music journalism, its loss stung — especially for us as a fellow music publication.

As we celebrate our 4th annual Year in Review, it’s clear that despite the bad omen, 2024 turned out to be a pretty good year for music.

At the 66th Grammys, Miley Cyrus finally won her first award, and Killer Mike took home Best Rap Album — though he was escorted out in handcuffs. Tracy Chapman made a triumphant return alongside Luke Combs, and Joni Mitchell made her Grammy debut, performing “Both Sides Now” 54 years after winning her first award.

Women dominated the charts! Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande claimed the top four spots on Billboard’s year-end Global Artists chart — a historic first. Swift’s record-breaking streak continued as she occupied the top 14 spots on the Hot 100 simultaneously and held the top two spots on Billboard’s year-end album chart. Her Eras Tour finally came to a close, grossing over $2 billion. Rising stars like Chappell Roan and Gracie Abrams emerged, while Charli xcx shed her “cult favorite” status with her “Brat…