The Honey POP’s Top 50 Albums Of 2024

And with that, the 2024 album season comes to an end. Can you believe it? We’re almost halfway through the decade! Our ears have been treated so well this year, with so many albums blessing us week after week, month after month. And now it’s time for our annual list of the best albums according to us lot at THP HQ and we won’t lie: it’s been a tough choice! It was difficult to narrow the list down and we could have easily done at least three times the amount of albums, but we just about managed to get it down to 50. So, without further ado, here are The Honey POP’s Top 50 albums of 2024!

minisode 3: TOMORROW – TOMORROW X TOGETHER

Why is there something about TXT’s minisodes that just hits a little different? minisode 3: TOMORROW was one of the most intricate and visually stunning albums of the year. From the moment the concept trailer dropped, ripe with discography references, The Little Prince and that acoustic version of ‘Dreamer,’ it was clear to MOAs that this comeback was going to be a notch above the rest. In fact, minisode 3: TOMORROW incorporated every TXT comeback so far, weaving together the last threads of their storyline in order for them to begin anew with their second comeback of 2024, The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY. 

Conceptually, this album was clearly one of their strongest yet, but the music speaks for itself, too. Opening with house anthem ‘I’ll See You There Tomorrow’ and closing with a grunge remix of title track ‘Deja Vu’ just goes to show TXT’s absolute mastery of genre-blending and storytelling. Unit songs ‘The Killa’ and ‘Quarter Life’ allowed MOA to see new sides of TXT on stage, and ‘Deja Vu’ was easily one of the best K-Pop title tracks this year. – Anna Marie

THP’s Song Picks: ‘I’ll See You There Tomorrow,’ ‘The Killa,’ ‘Miracle.’

The Abysmal EP – Hannah Bahng

Hannah Bahng never misses! Since she released her single ‘POMEGRANATE,’ we were left anxiously waiting for her debut with The Abysmal EP and our favorite Aussie girl did not disappoint! With a delicate voice and poetic lyrics, each track on Hannah’s EP is unique and vulnerable in a way that has us obsessed from start to finish. We also can’t help but mention ‘hannah’s interlude,’ the halfway point of the album which features lyrics that speak of insecurities and fear of the future and ends with a voicemail from Hannah’s mother giving her words of encouragement and cheering her up, the sweetest thing we’ve heard for sure! – Anna Bastos

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Vertigo,’ ‘Abysmal,’ ‘perfect blues.’

What A Devastating Turn Of Events – Rachel Chinouriri

Listening to Rachel Chinouriri’s long-awaited debut album is an entirely cathartic experience, from her early declaration that “there’s no point in anything,” in opening song ‘Garden of Eden,’ all the way through each of the 14 tracks. What A Devastating Turn Of Events effortlessly balances being both anthemic and intimate, as though you’re having a deep-and-meaningful with a longtime friend. There are tracks that unpack British classism, deeply-personal family tragedy, situationships, and everything in between. Rachel is impeccable at weaving between sonic directions too, with a blend of neo-soul, rock, and London-centric pop (think early Lily Allen, amongst others). If you’re a fan of noughties pop or Y2K aesthetics, we guarantee you’ll love this one. – Anna Marie

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Never Need Me,’ ‘Dumb B**** Juice,’ ‘My Blood.’

Right Place, Wrong Person – RM

ARMY was blessed this year when it was announced RM would be releasing his new album Right Place, Wrong Person. While he and the rest of BTS have been serving in the military, album releases like this have been a massive comfort to the fandom. Born from curiosity, Right Place, Wrong Person explores RM’s inner musings as he asks himself the question: “If I hadn’t taken this path, what would my life look like now?” It’s no secret that life would be different if he wasn’t RM of BTS, and it’s easy to fall into the rabbit hole of wonderings and “what ifs?” Luckily for us, these ponderings ignited a creative spark and birthed a whole new record for us to enjoy! Right Place, Wrong Person is another incredible collection of work that boasts the genius and creative mind of RM. Much like an art gallery or museum, it displays such intricate and thought-provoking work that we cannot help but admire. It truly feels like a journey through the mind and emotions of the legendary musician that peels back another layer of the intricate man Kim Namjoon really is. – Jazmin Williams

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Nuts,’ ‘LOST!’ and ‘Around the world in a day’

Encuentros – Becky G

Becky G has given us the Latin album of our dreams this year! ENCUENTROS has some of the most beautiful songs of 2024, even if some of them made us tear up a little with sad lyrics and instrumentals that directly link back to Mexican music in the best way. All the collabs in the album ate up and made their way into so many of our playlists we’ve lost count already. And let’s be real here, suffering from a broken heart really does sound better in Spanish, so getting a whole album of break-up songs for that moment when you’ve accepted it’s for the best but it still hurts was a huge win for us. If ENCUENTROS is any indication of where Becky G is headed in 2025, we cannot wait to see what comes next! – Anna Bastos

THP’s Song Picks: ‘BANDIDO,’ ‘GOMEZX4’ and ‘BESÁNDOTE.’

Model – Wallows

We’re big Wallows stans in this hive, so you already know that we’ve been listening to their album Model throughout 2024! The feeling of getting new music from our favorite indie band never gets old, as they keep giving us masterpieces in their complete projects. We think that Model combines that characteristic sound from the band: alternative, innovative production-wise, and incredible lyrics (and vocals!) from every member. This album has given us some of our favorite Wallows tracks ever! We physically cannot stop thinking about the progression from ‘Bad Dream’ to ‘You (Show Me Where My Days Went).’

In addition to the incredible songs, if you’re a fan of albums with seamless transitions between tracks just like us, Model is the perfect project for you. Every time we listen to it from top to bottom, we ascend with its flow! Wallows will always have a special place in our hearts with their incredible music! – María Solano

THP Song Picks: ‘Don’t You Think It’s Strange?,’ ‘I Wouldn’t Mind,’ and ‘You (Show Me Where My Days Went).’

CALL BACK – Minho

If you had asked us when SHINee debuted all that time ago, to guess which year we’d be talking about Minho’s debut album… well, we wouldn’t have said anything, because THP didn’t exist yet. But we definitely wouldn’t have guessed 2024, a whole 17 years later. However, Minho’s debut album, CALL BACK, was definitely worth the wait, and easily one of our top 2024 albums! Across the 10 tracks, Minho gifts us with plenty of his quintessential R&B style, with probably some of the best vocals we’ve ever heard from him. It’s not all laidback and smooth though, with the intense rap of ‘FIREWORKS,’ which features RIIZE’s Sohee! The other collaboration is another stand-out moment; – a gorgeous duet with NINGNING of aespa. – Anna Marie

THP’s Song Picks: ‘CALL BACK,’ ‘FIREWORKS,’ ‘I Don’t Miss You.’

can we start over? – Charlotte Sands

Charlotte Sands started the year with an absolute bang by releasing her first full album. With this January release, can we start over?, was the soundtrack of our entire year. Charlotte’s voice has always been unique, loud, apologetic, and honest in her rock sound, and those are all things we saw throughout this album. With songs like ‘spite’ and ‘teeth’ which are full of confidence and her unique aura, accompanied by the gutwrenching opener ‘use me’ and closer ‘can we start over?’ full of pain and raw emotions, Charlotte Sands was able to showcase her vocals, her songwriting skills and how versatile she can be all in one body of incredible work. As a debut album, Charlotte Sands put herself out there, and it’s been nothing but a reward both for her and for us to have the pleasure of seeing her stardom and talent glow and reach new levels of greatness. – Juu Luquín

THP’s Song Picks: ‘can we start over?,’ ‘use me,’ ‘spite’

ROMANCE : UNTOLD – ENHYPEN

If you have been reading content from our hive, you know that we love groups that keep releasing incredible music one project after the other. That’s why we have been completely obsessed with ENHYPEN’s album from this year! ROMANCE : UNTOLD is a masterpiece from top to bottom that offers us a sweeter, more passionate side from our favorite K-Pop vampires (without leaving aside their lore, of course!). Every single track from this album is an absolute hit, and it has made us fall deeper and deeper into our ENGENE rabbit holes. Their discography is one of our favorite ones ever, and for a good reason! Plus, its repackage, ROMANCE : UNTOLD -daydream- has given us two songs that have also made us speechless. There’s ‘No Doubt’ that ENHYPEN has been one of our absolute favorite groups this year! – María Solano

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Moonstruck’ (best song ever, btw), ‘XO (Only If You Say Yes),’ and ‘Brought The Heat Back’

Blood On The Drums – Ashton Irwin

If you asked us to describe Ashton Irwin’s sophomore album, we’d say it sounds very much like him. The heavy-rock influences are noticeable pretty much throughout the whole album, which isn’t surprising considering who we’re talking about, right? We’re also not surprised to see heavy drums making their way into so many songs, but beyond that, the production work present in BLOOD ON THE DRUMS is truly impressive and so many songs made our hearts beat faster. We also loved how the songs vary between heavier and lighter sounds and how well the album flows between the two styles, creating a unique-sounding body of work that left us begging for more! – Anna Bastos

THP Song Picks: ‘Last Night Of My Life,’ ‘Little Spark’ and ‘Wicked Habit.’

boy – Luke Hemmings

From one 5SOS solo project to another, Luke also released a super personal EP that we’ve been holding close to our hearts all year. We can’t even begin to describe how incredible boy is. It’s like opening a diary full of poetry. If you haven’t already done so, we ask you to press play on Luke’s project and feel like you’re transporting yourself to a whole other dimension. Not only do the sounds from this EP make us speechless, but Luke’s pen also never fails to amaze us. He wrote this at a moment when he was questioning everything around him, and it’s so eye-opening to see how our favorite artists can find comfort in his own craft. Every song from boy will make you feel like you’re inside Luke’s mind and this cathartic creative process. – María Solano

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Close Enough To Feel You,’ ‘I’m Still Your Boy,’ and ‘Benny.’

TIPI-TAP – Kep1er

Our thoughts on Kep1er’s TIPI-TAP can be summed up pretty easily: “L-O-V-E.” From the moment we first heard the dreamy drum and bass title track, we were sold, and the b-sides live up to that standard too. From house-inspired track ‘sync-love’ to pop-ballad ‘Heart Surf,’ TIPI-TAP is relentlessly uplifting without it ever coming across as forced. ‘Bitter Taste’ wouldn’t have sounded out of place on a Pussycat Dolls record, and we mean that in the best way possible. Across the five songs, Kep1er manage to redefine who they are, while proving that we’ve known them all along. With TIPI-TAP as their first release as a seven-member group, Kep1er have shown that they are definitely still shooting for the stars! – Anna Marie

THP’s Song Picks: ‘sync-love,’ ‘TIPI-TAP,’ and ‘Drip.’

No Hard Feelings – Leigh-Anne

No Hard Feelings boasts the influences of Leigh’s Bajan and Jamaican roots blended beautifully with R&B melodies, truly encapsulating the sound she’s solidifying as her own. Through the EP, Leigh-Anne gets open and raw as she tells a love story from her own experiences. With a stellar team working with her on the tracks, too, including Khris Riddick (SZA, Ariana Grande), Danja (Britney Spears, Mariah Carey) and Tayla Parx (Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Normani), the songstress managed to perfectly depict her true emotions and recollections of crucial life events for her, and reminding us that love isn’t always the perfect fairytale that society tries to sell us. It has its ups and downs, but with the right person, it’s all worth fighting for. 

No Hard Feelings is a bold and powerful project that really tells the world who Leigh-Anne is as a solo artist and secures her place in the UK R&B scene. Listeners will be used to hearing more of the pop perfection Leigh-Anne offered through being a member of Little Mix, but as the three members spread their wings and take on their own journeys, we’re truly getting to see Leigh’s strengths as they shine in the spotlight. This is truly an exhilarating chapter in her life, a mother, a businesswoman, an author, and an artist who has every potential to make her mark in music history. We adore No Hard Feelings, and we are so excited to see where Leigh’s path takes her next. – Jazmin Williams

THP’s Song Picks: ‘OMG,’ ‘Stealing Love,’ and ‘Forbidden Fruit’

ATE – Stray Kids

It was somewhat of a quiet first half of the year for Stray Kids, but once they were back, they took over the world. Their Korean comeback was one of the most anticipated releases of the year, and ATE lived up to every expectation and much more. ATE showcased Stray Kids’ talents in a brand new light as they took on new influences, like in the title track ‘Chk Chk Boom‘ that went viral everywhere. It was the perfect mixture of Stray Kids-esque songs like the explosive and witty ‘JJAM’ as well as the strong opening title ‘MOUNTAINS,’ and the addition of new elements to their discography like their take on cyberpunk with ‘Runners,’ the trendy and feel-good ‘I Like It’ and ‘twilight’ with its jazzy flare. Stray Kids showed their growth and their love for creating music, and it all showed brightest through the self-titled track, ‘Stray Kids,’ celebrating their paths, the ups and downs, and their bond together. ATE was not only an album that defined the year, but it is also one of the most important releases in Stray Kids’ story, proving their unique genre and their unstoppable force. – Juu Luquín

THP’s Song Picks: ‘JJAM,’ ‘MOUNTAINS,’ ‘Runners’

Room Under The Stairs – Zayn

Zayn’s music has always felt like an open diary, and Room Under The Stairs is no exception. The 15-track album, named after the “shoe cupboard” where it was recorded, offers a deep dive into Zayn’s evolving artistry and introspective lyricism. From the twangy guitar of the opener ‘Dreamin’’ to the lo-fi R&B vibes embedded within the record, Room Under The Stairs is a testament to his growth as a person and an artist. Tracks like ‘Grateful’ and ‘Alienated’ focus on acceptance and feeling distant, while ‘Gates of Hell’ and ‘Concrete Kisses’ showcase the Bradford born’s vulnerability that balances his signature R&B roots.

But it’s not all heavy and reflective. Playful tracks like ‘Stardust’ and ‘False Starts’ bring a lighter touch to the album, showing a refreshing side of Zayn. The project closes with ‘Fuchsia Sea,’ a poignant track that pulls listeners back into themes of doubt and hardship, tying the album together with a reminder of his ongoing journey. With Room Under The Stairs, or ‘RUTS’ as the cheeky acronym suggests, Zayn proves he’s not just capable of exploring new musical territory—he’s thriving in it. This album reaffirms his status as a thoughtful and intuitive artist who wears his heart on every note. – Jazmin Williams

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Stardust,’ ‘Alienated,’ and ‘What I Am’

rosie – Rosé

Rosé has officially debuted as a soloist this year and we’re absolutely in love with her music. Not really surprising considering we’ve been obsessed with her for ages now as a member of Blackpink. Her first single, ‘APT.’ was released back in October in an epic collab with Bruno Mars that got us hyped. Then came ‘number one girl’ in November and we found yet another reason to count the days until rosie came out. And when December 6 finally arrived, we had all our expectations surpassed by miles! We knew Rosé had a powerful voice, but listening to her solo work made us appreciate her vocals even more. Also her lyrics? Absolutely showstopping! Special shout out to ‘stay a little longer’ and ‘3am’ for making us sob the first time we listened to them. Rosé really chose to end this year securing her place in our list of best albums and in our hearts as our ‘number one girl’ for sure! – Anna Bastos

THP’s Song Picks: ‘number one girl,’ ‘not the same,’ and ‘3am.’

Off The Beat – I.M

Off The Beat is one of our top 2024 albums, and one of our favorite 2024 tours! Monsta X’s I.M has been stronger than ever this year. Across his third solo album Off The Beat, I.M explores themes of temptation, and in the process proves himself to be totally alluring, too. From the relentlessness of ‘Bust It’ to the vulnerability in ’nbdy’ to the ferocity in ‘MMI,’ each Off The Beat track shows a different side of I.M’s enticing persona. Overall, the album is just as enchanting as I.M is, and is easily his best work yet. With the encore of the Off The Beat World Tour happening early next year, we’re so glad that I.M isn’t done celebrating this album just yet. – Anna Marie 

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Bust it,’ ‘Skyline,’ and ‘MMI.’

Short n’ Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter

If you have been a Carpenter in 2024, you’ve been incredibly fed with more amazing pop music by your favorite blondie. If you have become a Miss Sabrina stan this year with ‘Espresso’ and this album, welcome! We’re so happy you’re here! Short n’ Sweet is the perfect example of what to do when you’re on a roll, just like Sabrina has done with these songs. From some of the best singles of her career to iconic and risqué verses and ranging from amazing pop music to ballads, we cannot deny that this album is a fun and exciting work of art that makes us be in continuous awe with Sabrina’s pen. We still can’t choose our favorite track from it. Every time we think we have chosen one, our brain goes “have you ever tried this one?” We’re so grateful for being able to witness Sabrina finally getting the recognition she deserves! 🥹💙 – María Solano

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Juno,’ ‘Espresso,’ and ‘Don’t Smile’

Fourever – DAY6

DAY6 closed a beautiful and lengthy cycle with The Book of Us: Negentropy in 2021. It’s been a long road since then, but it was worth the wait because DAY6 is back, and they’re giving us all the music and content we have ever needed. With the release of two equally impactful and incredible mini-albums, Fourever marked their big comeback as a group. With anthems like ‘Welcome To The Show,’ the mixture of happy melodies with truly heartbreaking lyrics everyone could relate to with ‘Happy,’ and even the brit-pop-rock influence in songs like ‘didn’t know,’ DAY6 were everywhere. Their slow but steady and beautiful growth made 2024 their biggest year yet, and rightfully so. Not only was Fourever the comeback of a lifetime, but also a milestone that will remain in DAY6 and K-Pop history forever. – Juu Luquín

THP’s Song Picks: ‘HAPPY,’ ‘Let Me Love You,’ ‘didn’t know’

MUSE – Jimin

‘Who’ has had their album all over our playlists since we first heard it? Jimin, no questions. BTS may be on hiatus for now, but the members are not resting this year. Back in July, Jimin released his new solo album, MUSE and here we are, still trying to recover from it. ‘Slow Dance’ with Sofia Carson is, in our humble opinion, one of the best collabs of this year and we will hear no criticisms about that. We look forward to whatever our MUSE has in store for us next. – Anna Bastos

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Who,’ ‘Slow Dance’ and ‘Be Mine.’

BRAT – Charli xcx

Let’s be honest here: 2024 has been the year of cultural resets and events that weren’t in our bingo cards, including one of our favorite queens giving us the album that everyone has listened to on repeat 24/7! The iconic Charli xcx gave us the party album of the year, and it has been a phenomenon ever since its release. She has given us so many incredible projects, but this one has taken the world by storm with its marketing and its bops. BRAT has given us so many memories that we will never forget, such as plenty of TikTok ideas and dances, the SWEAT Tour with Troye Sivan, and the incredible collabs in Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat. We will never forget this BRAT era as peak pop and electronic fun! Every time we need to let our hair loose, we just turn this album to 100% volume and feel like we’re having the time of our lives! – María Solano

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Everything is romantic,’ ‘Girl, so confusing,’ and ‘Mean girls.’

Access All Areas – FLO

It’s been a hot minute since we’ve seen a Western girl band dominate, but our girlies, FLO, have finally delivered their debut album, Access All Areas! The 16-track masterpiece kicks off with an ethereal narration from Cynthia Erivo, the multi-talented Wicked star who exudes fairy godmother vibes, declaring, “Planet Earth was in dire need of bad bitch replenishment.” FLO set the tone right away, mixing nods to iconic groups like SWV and Destiny’s Child with their own empowering affirmations. GloRilla makes the album’s sole guest appearance on “In My Bag,” doubling down on the record’s uplifting themes. Hot off her own debut success, the Memphis rapper adds swagger to a 90s R&B-inspired anthem. FLO’s raw vocal prowess shines especially bright on deeper cuts like ‘Soft’ and ‘On & On,’ where their angelic harmonies juxtapose playfully risqué lyrics. Midway through, the stripped-back interlude ‘Trust Worthy’ shifts gears, offering an introspective moment within this vibrant project.

While Access All Areas stays true to FLO’s signature sound, their explorations into new sonic territory don’t go unnoticed. Tracks like ‘IWH2BMX,’ ‘Get It Til I’m Gone,’ and ‘Nocturnal’ radiate bold confidence, while the closer, ‘I’m Just A Girl,’ veers into grungy pop territory with a powerful hook and poignant lyrics. It’s a full-circle moment that ties FLO’s message of traditional femininity to the modern era, leaving listeners eager to see what layers this group will reveal next. – Jazmin Williams

dall – ARTMS

The debut of ARTMS has been building up since 2023. We got the re-debut of ODD EYE CIRCLE, the release of Haseul’s solo track, and Heejin‘s solo debut, but we knew 2024 would be all about them coming together. And the final result of these five incredibly talented girls coming together was nothing short of pop perfection. ARTMS had one of the most interesting roll-outs of the year with pre-release singles that explored different styles, from bright, joyful sounds in ‘Candy Crush,’ to dark and gritty sounds in ‘Birth,’ and paid homage to their earlier releases. In May, the full album, dall (standing for Devine All Love & Live), was released, and it revealed one of the best pop songs of the year, ‘Virtual Angel’, with gorgeous imagery and visuals. With b-sides like ‘Butterfly Effect’ and ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,’ this album quickly became a most-listened K-Pop release. dall showcased the girls’ talent and versatility, and it gave us nothing but pop perfection, proving once again that no matter where our LOONA girlies go, they’ll always make the best art. – Juu Luquín

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Birth,’ ‘Virtual Angel,’ ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’

The Tortured Poets Department – Taylor Swift

Our girl Taylor Swift once again brought us banger after banger on The Tortured Poets Department. The album showcases Taylor’s grieving process for the end of a long-term relationship and how she goes from terribly missing the person to not only accepting that it was for the best but also coming to the realization that maybe he wasn’t the best guy after all. Or maybe we should say he was ‘The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived,’ as the singer put it. As usual, Taylor’s storytelling through her music is truly a spectacle in itself, and if you pair that up with her stunning voice, you’ve got the most perfect combination known to man. Also, we think everyone should thank Taylor Swift for ‘I Can Do It With A Broken Heart’ and ‘Guilty As Sin?’ – Anna Bastos

THP’s Song Picks: ‘I Can Do It With A Broken Heart,’ ‘But Daddy I Love Him’ and ‘Who’s Afraid Of Little Old Me?’

Happy – Jin

What’s better than celebrating that we’re around the corner to see our favorite seven again? Enjoying how the reunions are happening one by one! BTS has given us authentic solo masterpieces as we wait for the group to get back together from their military service, but we needed one more to complete the seven-piece album puzzle. Jin was the first member to enlist, and he has been the first one to come back! Our WWH got right back to work to deliver us Happy, an amazing album that showcases our favorite things by him: his singing and musical range, and his ability to always make us smile. From rock-inspired tracks to slower songs that give us chills every time we listen to them, Happy has easily become our favorite pick-me-up. Jin will always be there for us no matter what, and we’re so thankful that he’s back to await the other members’ arrivals with us! 💜 – María Solano

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Another Level,’ ‘Running Wild,’ and ‘Heart on the Window (with WENDY)’

ASTERUM: 134-1 – PLAVE

Just a year in from debut, PLAVE has been making a name for themselves. Their latest album ASTERUM: 134-1 has really solidified their place in the K-POP space. Working closely with the iconic El Capitxn, this album has some incredible songs including title track ‘Way 4 Luv.’ This pop track blends a band sound with heartfelt vocals, delivering a truly lovely listen that’s as catchy as it is comforting. ‘Virtual Idol’ is a more playful hip-hop track that doesn’t take itself too seriously—complete with a cheeky feature from their CEO’s voice. It’s lighthearted and addictive, perfect for vibing along. But the piece de resistance is the underrated but incredible ‘Our Movie,’ an emotional and moving R&B track with a hip-hop twist, created as a love letter to fans. ASTERUM: 134-1 is a beautiful album that really is an out-of-this-world record. PLAVE know they are a controversial type of artist as virtual idols, but with the eyes of the K-Popsphere on them, they never fail to release incredible music that entices the audience with their undeniable talents and this album is their best yet. – Jazmin Williams

THP Song Picks: ‘Way 4 Luv,’ ‘Virtual Idol,’ ‘Our Movie’

eternal sunshine – Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande has had a huge year in 2024. From finally seeing part one of Wicked hit theaters to the release of her album eternal sunshine, our Glinda has been making history this year. After three years of no new music, Ariana makes her triumphal return to her music career after wrapping up filming for Wicked with eternal sunshine, an extremely diverse album that combines vulnerable songs with fun and playful tracks that feel like a natural successor to her previous work. As Ariana put it, it’s like Sweetener meeting Thank U, Next. Going from the heights of self-confidence to the lowest lows of self-doubt, eternal sunshine is guaranteed to have a song for everyone and it left us hungry for more Ariana Grande in the future. – Anna Bastos

THP’s Song Picks: ‘supernatural,’ ‘we can’t be friends (wait for your love)’ and ‘i wish i hated you.’

SIS (Soft Is Strong) – KATSEYE

We can’t finish 2024 without giving our girlies from KATSEYE a standing ovation! We feel like we’ve held their hands throughout their debut period. This girl group has conquered everyone’s hearts with their incredible talent (they’re some of our favorite vocalists of the year!), passion for music, amazing performance skills, and, of course, their global hits! If you haven’t heard ‘Touch’ by now, you probably live under a cave, and we recommend you to get out ASAP to have fun with their bops and the members’ personalities. You can start with SIS (Soft Is Strong) to enjoy all of their strengths and versatility. All of the B-sides from this project are a must in every playlist, especially if you love lively and empowering tracks! We’re so obsessed with how powerful this debut album is, and we cannot wait to see what 2025 brings to KATSEYE! – María Solano

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Touch,’ ‘My Way,’ and ‘I’m Pretty.’

STEP – Lay Zhang

Not just one of our favorite albums of the year, but one of our favorite THP exclusive interviews, too! Lay Zhang returned this summer with STEP, and we were so right when we called it a “pop gem.” The all-English album showed new sides of the global superstar, proving that there are simply no boundaries when it comes to his talent! From R&B to brass bands, Lay also expanded his repertoire of genres, and we’re just happy that we get to celebrate what a master he is at his work.

As fans know, Lay’s creativity isn’t limited just to music; he’s also an actor, designer, and entrepreneur amongst other things! This totally comes through in STEP, where the creative direction and visual storytelling were so clearly thought out, too. – Anna Marie

THP’s Song Picks: ‘STEP,’ ‘Fresh,’ and ‘Psychic.’

Aftertaste – Hey Violet

Aftertaste is a bittersweet moment for Hey Violet, marking both the band’s sophomore album and their farewell following the announcement of an indefinite hiatus. The album closes out nearly a decade of music from a group that captured hearts worldwide with their alt-pop charm and dynamic growth since their late-teen beginnings in 2015. The band’s heartfelt statement accompanying the release reflects gratitude and closure: “It’s been a blessing to exist in this home we created together… we leave you with love and a body of work that we hope will carry you forward.”

Aftertaste is the perfect swan song, blending the band’s youthful energy with mature introspection. Tracks like ‘Die of Laughter’ and ‘Dead to Me’ channel their signature punchy sound with raw, relatable lyrics, while ‘Don’t Know Myself’ and ‘Voices in My Head’ delve into vulnerability through haunting melodies. The title track encapsulates the album’s themes—reflective, emotional, and undeniably poignant. With its mix of nostalgia, growth, and Hey Violet’s authentic voice, Aftertaste is a heartfelt goodbye that celebrates their legacy while leaving fans with a lasting resonance. – Jazmin Williams

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Die of Laughter,’ ‘Hazy,’ ‘i should call my friends’

ACT II: COWBOY CARTER – Beyoncé

The Queen Bey has done it again! Chosen as the Best Album of 2024 by People Magazine, COWBOY CARTER made history this year for several reasons. Firstly, arranging the album like it’s a country radio station was the coolest thing ever and it kept us engaged from start to finish. Also, we have to mention Beyoncé’s cover of ‘Jolene.’ Dolly Parton’s iconic song gained a new version where instead of begging another woman not to take her man, the singer instead warns her “rival” not to try to get involved with him. The ‘BODYGUARD’ singer also made sure to collab with some insane names of country music, like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton herself on the album, once again proving that she can do anything she puts her mind to. – Anna Bastos

THP’s Song Picks: ‘TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,’ ‘BODYGUARD,’ and ‘AMERICAN REQUIIEM.’

Yukiakari – &TEAM

&TEAM has kept us busy every season this year! Following their single albums in Spring and Summer and digital single in Autumn, the group has brought 2024 to a crescendo with their second full-length album, Yukiakari. Incorporating all the tracks they’ve released so far this year as well as a few new ones, Yukiakari is a snowstorm of an album, strong enough to melt away any winter blues. Throughout their work, &TEAM unpack youth, resilience, and hope. Using the seasons to illustrate these themes and how they change was a stroke of genius, and weaves so beautifully with &TEAM’s lore which focuses so much on the moon.

From the mellow-pop of ‘Samidare’ to the funk of ‘Big Suki’ to their quintessential rock-influenced sound, Yukiakari shows that &TEAM are just as multi-talented as they are multi-lingual. – Anna Marie

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Big Suki,’ ‘Koegawari,’ ‘Scar to Scar.’

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT – Billie Eilish

We’re three albums in, and it’s clear by now that a new Billie Eilish album will always mean a cultural shift. After the cultural reset of her debut album and the massive success of her sophomore album, Billie Eilish came out with arguably her best album yet with HIT ME HARD AND SOFT. It wasn’t just about absolute masterpieces and hits like ‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER’ and ‘LUNCH,’ but as an album as a whole, Billie Eilish delivered a true gem. The lyricism was on a whole other level, showing vulnerability and honesty even clearer than ever before by embracing herself and her story. The experimentation in the tracks felt as fresh and innovative as ever. With only ten tracks, Billie created an entire universe with ups and downs, happiness and sadness, and ultimately turned into only one of the best experiences of the year. – Juu Luquín

THP’s Song Picks: ‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER,’ ‘THE GREATEST,’ ‘BLUE’

Golden Hour: Part 1 – ATEEZ

Who’s surprised that ATEEZ ate in the year of 2024? Not us, that’s for sure! Back in May, we were blessed with their new EP, GOLDEN HOUR: Part 1, containing bangers such as ‘Shaboom’ and ‘WORK,’ which may or may not have been the song that’s gotten us through long work days. Once again, the group brought the Latin music inspiration we know and love to see and it got us dancing around and trying to keep up with the three languages they sing in during ‘Blind.’ You can bet we’re still listening to GOLDEN HOUR: Part 1 and now GOLDEN HOUR: Part 2 on repeat “until the break of dawn,” as ATEEZ themselves said. – Anna Bastos

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Shaboom,’ ‘WORK,’ and ‘Blind.’

EASY – LE SSERAFIM

These songs were EASY candidates for our favorites of 2024 list! The LE SSERAFIM girlies have been smashing it this year, with some of their most incredible performances across the globe and amazing releases that showcase how fun it is to stan them. EASY’s tracks really capture LE SSERAFIM’s talent from catchy vibes to vocals that are out of this world. ‘EASY’ and ‘Smart’ completely blew up on social media (as they should), but we also want to give ‘Swan Song’ its praises. This group knows their musical strengths, and we’re so happy we can enjoy them all with this project! Now, if you excuse us, we will be replaying this album manifesting for a 2025 LE SSERAFIM world tour 🙏 We need to see them live next year! – María Solano

THP’s Song Picks: ‘EASY,’ ‘Smart,’ and ‘Swan Song’

MEGAN: ACT II – Megan Thee Stallion

Queen Megan Thee Stallion dropped not one, but two self-titled albums this year, and we couldn’t be more thankful for her generosity. MEGAN: ACT II is stacked with hits, from ‘HISS’ to ‘Mamushi’ to ‘Cobra’ and more! ACT II also saw Megan expand her work with Japanese and Korean artists. Fans know Megan has a genuine interest in East Asian pop culture, so it’s been fun to see her incorporate it into her work and bring these really exciting collaborations to a global audience. ‘Mamushi’ was easily one of the biggest hits of 2024 and featured Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba. Then we were blessed with a remix that featured our girlies TWICE! Not to mention the filthily confident ‘Neva Play’ with RM.

Few artists capture the general public’s attention like Megan, but the most thrilling thing about Megan is that she’s so much more than her singles. Her discography is so rich, and MEGAN: ACT II is no exception. Megan begins the album with a knockout punch, “I’m at the top of my game.,” and she’s right. – Anna Marie

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Mamushi,’ ‘Neva Play,’ ‘Fell In Love.’

FOLLOW – Big Ocean

Big Ocean made history with their debut this year as the world’s first Deaf K-POP group, and now they’re closing out their year with their first mini album, FOLLOW. The album consists of Big Ocean’s songs released this year, including their positive upbeat debut single ‘Glow,’ a remake of H.O.T’s ‘Hope.’ We also see them collaborate with DAY6’s Young K for the moving and motivational song ‘Slow.’ Meanwhile ‘Blow’ and ‘Slow’ (sense the theme here?) are more upbeat, funky numbers that make you feel the rhythm through your body. FOLLOW is the perfect introduction to Big Ocean, who has been grabbing the attention of K-POP fans all year long as they take an atypical approach to their debut, educating people while also winning their hearts with their irresistible personalities and captivating new music. – Jazmin Williams

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Flow,’ ‘Slow ft Young K,’ and ‘Glow’

2 – (G)I-DLE

We could not forget our empowering queens in this list! 2 by (G)I-DLE includes the hit ‘Super Lady,’ which has been on our playlists whenever we are tired of societal roles and we need to feel like we can conquer the whole world. Seriously, if you haven’t listened to this song yet, or you want to find more female power for your daily rotations, you need this track in your life! Plus, 2 includes some of our favorite b-sides by the group, which, of course, are written by the members. From its addictive choruses and incredible rap verses to the beats, (G)I-DLE showcases how they’re capable of creating songs in every genre! They genuinely put all their talent and their pen to work on 2. These women are truly musical, confident geniuses! – María Solano

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Rollie,’ ‘Doll, and ‘Revenge.’

Found Heaven – Conan Gray

Conan Gray truly gave his fans one of the best albums of his career this year. Found Heaven sounds different from everything the singer has done previously but that’s what makes it so exciting to listen. The album is filled with 80s-inspired beats and some of the most beautiful (and sometimes sad) lyrics we’ve heard in 2024. The songs vary from telling stories about being in not-so-great relationships to the aftermath of messy breakups where our emotions are still running wild, but we also get songs like ‘Bourgeoisieses,’ which is about wanting to know how the rich live and how it must feel to not have the worries of the working class, and ‘Winners,’ which speaks of the complicated feelings children can have towards toxic parents. In summary, our love for Conan’s music truly is like a ‘Never Ending Song.’ – Anna Bastos

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Fainted Love,’ ‘Never Ending Song’ and ‘Winner.’

30 – Sungjin

With DAY6’s hiatus, we were given incredible solo albums: Young K’s mini-album, Eternal, and full-length album, Letters with Notes, and Wonpil’s timeless Philmography. Sungjin’s album took longer, but once it was released, it was life-changing. Sungjin’s heartbreaking and breathtaking lyricism shined brighter than ever through his raspy and powerful vocals in a way that he managed to touch each one of our heartstrings. 30 encapsulates the beauty, the struggles, the ups and downs of growing up in your 20s and trying to find peace with your past and your inner child when you’re 30. Sungjin touched on themes like anxiety, loss, grief, and love, but also hope, and the beauty of life even when things end. 30 is a beautiful statement about growing up, and no other person but Sungjin could’ve captured such a feeling with such incredible songs. – Juu Luquín

THP’s Song Picks: ‘EASY,’ ‘I don’t wanna lose,’ ‘Memories’

Bleachers – Bleachers

Whether it’s with ‘Tiny Moves’ or big ones, we guarantee that Bleachers’ self-titled album is one you’ll be dancing to. Everyone knows of Jack Antonoff’s songwriting prowess, and his skills are certainly put to no lesser use for his own work. It’s hard to believe when he was literally in a band called fun., but this is arguably Jack’s most joyous work yet. From the riotous ‘Modern Girl’ to the disbelievingly-in-love ‘Woke Up Today,’ this album has a sense of relief and euphoria we haven’t heard before. Sonically, though, it’s as Jack-coded as you could ever wish for, proving that Bleachers is the perfect album for both new and old fans. Haven’t checked it out yet? The good news is that it’s never too late to listen to Bleachers, in fact, you can safely say ‘I Am Right On Time.’ – Anna Marie

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Modern Girl,’ ‘Tiny Moves,’ and ‘Call Me After Midnight.’

GOLD – ITZY

ITZY have given such gems throughout the year that picking one album for the top 50 is almost impossible, but it all comes down to how ITZY were always meant to be: five. On top of that, GOLD gave us the ot5 version of the group songs of BORN TO BE, so we really got the best of both worlds with this release. BORN TO BE was bold and confident, and ITZY at their finest with impeccable songs like ‘UNTOUCHABLE,’ ‘BORN TO BE‘, and ‘Mr. Vampire.’ With GOLD, though, ITZY explored new sounds and expanded their horizons. The title track, ‘GOLD,’ was fresh, unique and keeps growing on us with every single listen. The genius comes with the second title track, ‘Imaginary Friend,’ in which the girls showcased their originality the best with choreography to die for, addictive melodies, and enticing vocals. The b-sides lived up to both title tracks with a heartfelt, unique song to ITZY, ‘FIVE,’ and their incredible collaboration with Stray Kids’ Changbin in ‘VAY.’ GOLD felt like a reset, a new beginning, and a beautiful one at that. – Juu Luquín

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Imaginary Friends,’ ‘VAY,’ ‘BORN TO BE (Final Ver.)’

The Great Impersonator – Halsey

For their fifth album, The Great Impersonator, Halsey dives into an ambitious concept: channeling legendary pop icons from the 1970s and beyond. Created during a challenging time marked by a challenging battle with her health, the album captures their feelings of disconnection and self-doubt. Halsey teased the project with photoshoots recreating iconic images of artists like Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple, and Stevie Nicks, adding a visually striking layer to the concept. But while the idea of embodying these legends is exciting, the album often feels more like a curated Instagram aesthetic than a fully developed musical statement. Tracks like the Björk-inspired title song or ‘Arsonist,’ said to channel Fiona Apple, fall short of convincingly capturing their muses, making the tributes feel surface-level at best.

Where the album truly resonates is when Halsey steps away from imitation and focuses on their personal experiences. Songs like ‘The End,’ a dreamy Joni Mitchell-esque ballad with shades of Phoebe Bridgers, offer heartfelt reflections on mortality and resilience, while the ‘Letter to God’ interludes feel raw and introspective. These moments showcase Halsey’s vulnerability and artistry, but much of the record leans too heavily on borrowed ideas, creating an illusion of depth rather than delivering real substance. – Jazmin Williams

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Ego,’ ‘Lonely Is The Muse,’ and ‘The End’

Killin’ It – P1Harmony

2024 has been the year of P1Harmony, and it kicked off with this incredible complete project! The dark horse of the K-Pop industry has one of the freshest sounds we’ve heard. Killin’ It showcases how the group is a perfect fit for so many different genres: from iconic title tracks like ‘Killin’ It,’ passing through highly upbeat songs that are P1Harmony’s essence (like ‘Emergency’ and ‘Street Star’), and sweet songs that highlight their romantic side, like ‘Love Story!’ All of the members worked extremely hard on every single aspect of this album, and we’re glad to announce that it will be in our on-repeat rotation for a long time! Plus, we’re just getting started with the group. We can’t wait to see what they give us in 2025! If you’re not a P1ece already, what are you waiting for? You will have the time of your life! – María Solano

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Killin’ It,’ ‘Late Night Calls,’ and ‘Street Star’

Clancy – Twenty One Pilots

Twenty One Pilots have been building up the release of Clancy for years. So you can imagine the outroar they caused when they announced the album – we knew we were in for one of the best in their career. Clancy is an intricate, complex, yet enticing and luring body of work that, whether you have a full listen or you listen to the tracks separately, will take immense place in your brain with its genius lyricism, innovative melodies, and outstanding production. Twenty One Pilots brought something new to their discography like touching more directly on some of their influences like in ‘Next Semester,’ but we also got extremely Twenty One Pilot-esque songs like the first single, ‘Overcompensate.’ In many ways, Clancy is a celebration of Twenty One Pilots’ music and the community they’ve built in the past years. Songs like ‘The Craving,’ ‘Routines In The Night’ and ‘At The Risk Of Feeling Dumb’ are simple masterpieces. And with the implied comeback of blurryface in the closing track, ‘Paladin Strait,’ there’s probably still nothing but genius in the future of Twenty One Pilots’ discography. – Juu Luquín

THP’s Song Picks: ‘The Craving (Jenna’s Version),’ ‘Vignette,’ ‘Navigating’

Troubleshooting – Xdinary Heroes

Since their debut, Xdinary Heroes has continued to grow and evolve, exploring different genres and influences to make unique music that breaks the boundaries and expectations of the scene. Without a doubt, the climax of all that hard work was the release of their first full-length album, Troubleshooting. It is, without a doubt, their best release yet. Xdinary Heroes explored sounds from ballads with ‘until the end of time’ to songs strongly influenced by heavy rock like ‘MONEYBALL’ or ‘Paint It,’ passing through pop-rock perfection with songs such as ‘Dreaming Girl’ and ‘Night of Fireworks.’ Even with such diversity, Troubleshooting is a body of work with a natural progression that tells us everything Xdinary Heroes is all about. With bangers like ‘No Matter’ and ‘UNDEFINED,’ Troubleshooting has been in our ears since its release and is a must-listen for everyone who loves rock, pop, K-Pop, and just… music. This is as incredible as it gets. – Juu Luquín

THP’s Song Picks: ‘UNDEFINED,’ ‘Money On My Mind,’ ‘Walking to the Moon’

Still Learning – Caity Baser

Still Learning is the largest release by Brighton Babe Caity Baser, comprised of both new songs, such as her latest single ‘I’m A Problem,’ and some of her most loved pre-releases, such as ‘Pretty Boys,’ ‘X&Y,’ and ‘Why Can’t I Have Two? (2468).’ The 13-track mixtape is a bold, colorful, unapologetic record that confronts life affairs faced by today’s generation in their formative years as they embark on their journeys of young adulthood. Full of bops, bangers, and relatable messages, we’ve learned a lot of lessons from the mixtape as fellow Gen Z who are also trying to navigate this chaotic life. It’s the ultimate guide for young adults to support them on their journey through early adulthood with bops, bangers, and lived advice by Caity herself. We’ve had this album on repeat, and with Caity hinting at her debut album in the foreseeable future, we know Still Learning is the perfect stepping stone and a great introduction to new listeners. – Jazmin Williams

THP’s Song Picks: ‘I’m A Problem,’ ‘The Plot,’ ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’

HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1 – j-hope

The BTS members really never do anything on a small scale, do they? As if releasing a whole documentary series whilst in the military wasn’t enough for j-hope, he gifted ARMY with a special album, too! HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1 was the perfect accompaniment to the docuseries, which showed new facets of j-hope’s artistry. HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1 did the same musically, with explorations of new genres and worldwide collaborations. Hobi starts close to home though, with Jungkook featuring on our favorite track ‘i wonder….’ The HYBE family keeps things going with LE SSERAFIM’s Yunjin on ‘i don’t know.’ From these collabs to the solo version of ‘On The Street,’ and every song in between, the special album is a fantastic exploration of a multi-talented superstar. Now, we patiently wait to see what j-hope has in store for us in 2025 now that he’s back… – Anna Marie

THP’s Song Picks: ‘i wonder…,’ ‘NEURON,’ ‘i don’t know.’

Dopamine – Normani

Nation, our time has finally come! After what feels like forever, our girl Normani has dropped her debut album. Dopamine is a masterclass in balancing dark moods, raw sensuality, and irresistibly danceable beats. Every track feels intentional, with minimalist frameworks that pack a punch and nod to the golden era of the late ’90s and early 2000s—a time when icons like Aaliyah, Janet Jackson, and Destiny’s Child set the blueprint for yearning harmonies and electrifying grooves. But this isn’t just a throwback; it’s a love letter to Normani’s roots. Dopamine celebrates the nuance of her Southern Black womanhood, blending brassy horns, chopped vocal samples, and shoutouts to legends like Pimp C, Outkast, and Mike Jones. From lean to slabs, the album unapologetically leans into its cultural specificity, while Normani’s newfound freedom with her lyricism cements this as her most personal and definitive statement yet. – Jazmin Williams

THP’s Song Picks: ‘Candy Paint,’ ‘Insomnia’ and ‘Lights On’

Fe304: BREAK – NMIXX

NMIXX started the year like no other. With one single release, it was clear that 2024 would be their year – and so it was. The release of Fe304: BREAK felt like a turning point in their career and K-Pop, and rightfully so. Starting with the pre-release single, ‘Soñar (Breaker),’ Fe304: BREAK was full of masterpieces. They extended their unique NMIXX formula but added fresh influences like Latin music to their pre-release single. ‘DASH’ was a genius title track, remaining experimental and showcasing the girl’s best talents: their vocals and harmonies. And Fe304: BREAK gave us, hands down, one of the best b-sides of the year with ‘Run For Roses,’ unique to the entirety of K-Pop with its Western pop influence. NMIXX started the year strong and made it clear that they were going to own the year, and they definitely did. – Juu Luquín

THP’s Song Picks: ‘DASH,’ ‘Run For Roses,’ ‘Break The Wall’

And that’s a wrap on 2024, and our top 50 albums! What do you think of our choices? Let us know on Twitter @TheHoneyPOP! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram!