The Best Pop Albums of the 2020s

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1. 1
   Future NostalgiaDua Lipa

   Future Nostalgia

   Dua Lipa · 2020 · Pop

   A sleek disco-pop revival packed with hits, glossy and joyful, that defined lockdown-era pop. Polished and fun. A modern dance-pop landmark.

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2. 2
   Harry's HouseHarry Styles

   Harry's House

   Harry Styles · 2022 · Pop

   An intimate, funk-tinged pop record of domestic warmth, home to 'As It Was'. Polished and beloved. An award-sweeping peak.

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3. 3
   SourOlivia Rodrigo

   Sour

   Olivia Rodrigo · 2021 · Pop

   A sharp, cathartic debut blending pop and pop-punk teen angst, from 'drivers license' to 'good 4 u'. Raw and huge. A generational breakthrough.

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4. 4
   FolkloreTaylor Swift

   Folklore

   Taylor Swift · 2020 · Pop

   A hushed, surprise pandemic record that swapped arena pop for indie-folk textures and storytelling, made with Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff. Reflective and beautifully written, it won her new respect. A quiet high point.

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5. 5
   RenaissanceBeyoncé

   Renaissance

   Beyoncé · 2022 · Pop

   A euphoric, house-and-disco dance record celebrating Black queer club culture. Bold and acclaimed. A late peak.

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6. 6
   How I'm Feeling NowCharli XCX

   How I'm Feeling Now

   Charli XCX · 2020 · Pop

   A restless, hyperpop lockdown record made fast and raw. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

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7. 7
   BratCharli XCX

   Brat

   Charli XCX · 2024 · Pop

   A brash, club-focused pop record of confessional edge that became a cultural moment. Bold and influential. Her defining album.

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8. 8
   Planet HerDoja Cat

   Planet Her

   Doja Cat · 2021 · Pop

   A slick, genre-blurring pop-R&B peak of hits. Polished and huge. A commercial breakthrough.

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9. 9
   GutsOlivia Rodrigo

   Guts

   Olivia Rodrigo · 2023 · Pop

   A sharp, pop-punk-leaning follow-up of wit and angst. Tuneful and acclaimed. A strong second record.

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10. 10
    Short n' SweetSabrina Carpenter

    Short n' Sweet

    Sabrina Carpenter · 2024 · Pop

    A witty, polished pop record of clever hooks that made Carpenter a headliner. Bright and fun. A breakthrough.

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11. 11
    The Rise and Fall of a Midwest PrincessChappell Roan

    The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess

    Chappell Roan · 2023 · Pop

    A theatrical, hook-filled pop debut that became a word-of-mouth phenomenon. Camp and catchy. A breakout record.

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12. 12
    EvermoreTaylor Swift

    Evermore

    Taylor Swift · 2020 · Pop

    A wintry, folk-leaning companion to Folklore. Reflective and beloved. A quiet peak.

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13. 13
    MidnightsTaylor Swift

    Midnights

    Taylor Swift · 2022 · Pop

    A sleek, synth-pop return to confessional pop. Polished and enormous. A commercial peak.

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14. 14
    The Tortured Poets DepartmentTaylor Swift

    The Tortured Poets Department

    Taylor Swift · 2024 · Pop

    A sprawling, literary synth-pop record of heartbreak. Wordy and huge. A blockbuster.

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15. 15
    Radical OptimismDua Lipa

    Radical Optimism

    Dua Lipa · 2024 · Pop

    A breezy, psychedelia-tinged pop follow-up. Polished and tuneful. A strong record.

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16. 16
    PositionsAriana Grande

    Positions

    Ariana Grande · 2020 · Pop

    A smooth, R&B-leaning pop record of intimacy. Polished and tuneful. A strong entry.

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17. 17
    Eternal SunshineAriana Grande

    Eternal Sunshine

    Ariana Grande · 2024 · Pop

    A sleek, reflective pop record of heartbreak and renewal. Polished and acclaimed. A mature peak.

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18. 18
    Cowboy CarterBeyoncé

    Cowboy Carter

    Beyoncé · 2024 · Pop

    A sprawling, country-embracing genre statement. Bold and acclaimed. A late-career landmark.

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19. 19
    30Adele

    30

    Adele · 2021 · Pop

    A raw, reflective divorce record of vocal power. Honest and acclaimed. A mature peak.

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20. 20
    Happier Than EverBillie Eilish

    Happier Than Ever

    Billie Eilish · 2021 · Pop

    A subtler, jazz-tinged follow-up of growth and control. Polished and acclaimed. A mature step.

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21. 21
    Hit Me Hard and SoftBillie Eilish

    Hit Me Hard and Soft

    Billie Eilish · 2024 · Pop

    A polished, dynamic third album of confident range. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

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22. 22
    VoyageABBA

    Voyage

    ABBA · 2021 · Pop

    A warm, nostalgic reunion after four decades. Tuneful and beloved. A graceful return.

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