Essential Albums of the 2020s

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1. 1
   Savage Mode II21 Savage & Metro Boomin

   Savage Mode II

   21 Savage & Metro Boomin · 2020 · Hip-Hop

   A polished, atmospheric trap peak. Tight and huge. A commercial high.

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2. 2
   songsAdrianne Lenker

   songs

   Adrianne Lenker · 2020 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A hushed, intimate solo folk record of fragile beauty. Singular and acclaimed. A standout.

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3. 3
   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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4. 4
   Rough and Rowdy WaysBob Dylan

   Rough and Rowdy Ways

   Bob Dylan · 2020 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A rich, unhurried late-career triumph, full of wit, mortality and the sprawling 'Murder Most Foul'. Dylan's writing is as sharp as ever. Proof of a master still working at the height of his powers.

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5. 5
   SuddenlyCaribou

   Suddenly

   Caribou · 2020 · Electronic

   A warm, personal dance peak of melodic invention. Hypnotic and acclaimed. A high point.

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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
   OhmsDeftones

   Ohms

   Deftones · 2020 · Metal

   A heavy, melodic late peak. Powerful and acclaimed. A strong record.

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8. 8
   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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9. 9
   ShoreFleet Foxes

   Shore

   Fleet Foxes · 2020 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A warm, reflective return of layered folk beauty. Gorgeous and acclaimed. A late peak.

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10. 10
    AlfredoFreddie Gibbs

    Alfredo

    Freddie Gibbs · 2020 · Hip-Hop

    A lean, luxurious collaboration with The Alchemist, tough rhymes over cinematic soul. Polished and acclaimed. A modern boom-bap gem.

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11. 11
    DreamlandGlass Animals

    Dreamland

    Glass Animals · 2020 · Alternative & Indie

    A glossy, intimate psych-pop record, home to the slow-burning smash 'Heat Waves'. Smooth and huge. Their breakthrough.

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12. 12
    CirclesMac Miller

    Circles

    Mac Miller · 2020 · Hip-Hop

    A gentle, posthumous companion of warm, melodic reflection. Tender and poignant. A beautiful farewell.

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13. 13
    graeMoses Sumney

    grae

    Moses Sumney · 2020 · Soul & R&B

    An ambitious, genre-spanning art-soul double album. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

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14. 14
    SourceNubya Garcia

    Source

    Nubya Garcia · 2020 · Jazz

    A warm, dub-tinged UK-jazz debut. Bold and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

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15. 15
    PunisherPhoebe Bridgers

    Punisher

    Phoebe Bridgers · 2020 · Alternative & Indie

    A hushed, devastating indie-folk record of wit and dread, building to the cathartic 'I Know the End'. Intimate and acclaimed. A defining album of its moment.

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16. 16
    RTJ4Run the Jewels

    RTJ4

    Run the Jewels · 2020 · Hip-Hop

    A furious, timely peak of political fire and chemistry. Hard-hitting and acclaimed. Their most urgent record.

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17. 17
    Untitled (Black Is)Sault

    Untitled (Black Is)

    Sault · 2020 · Soul & R&B

    A powerful, anonymous protest-soul landmark. Bold and acclaimed. A modern high point.

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18. 18
    The Slow RushTame Impala

    The Slow Rush

    Tame Impala · 2020 · Alternative & Indie

    A glossy synth-pop peak about time and change. Polished and acclaimed. A strong follow-up to Currents.

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19. 19
    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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20. 20
    EvermoreTaylor Swift

    Evermore

    Taylor Swift · 2020 · Pop

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

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21. 21
    The New AbnormalThe Strokes

    The New Abnormal

    The Strokes · 2020 · Alternative & Indie

    A polished, melodic comeback. Tuneful and Grammy-winning. A worthy return.

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22. 22
    After HoursThe Weeknd

    After Hours

    The Weeknd · 2020 · Soul & R&B

    A neon, synth-soaked plunge into excess and regret, home to the inescapable 'Blinding Lights'. Cohesive and cinematic. His most complete pop statement.

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23. 23
    It Is What It IsThundercat

    It Is What It Is

    Thundercat · 2020 · Soul & R&B

    A jazzy, melancholic blend of funk, soul and virtuoso bass. Singular and warm. A modern favourite.

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24. 24
    Long Violent HistoryTyler Childers

    Long Violent History

    Tyler Childers · 2020 · Country & Americana

    Eight traditional instrumentals and one devastating original — spare, pointed and quietly radical for mainstream country.

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25. 25
    Saint CloudWaxahatchee

    Saint Cloud

    Waxahatchee · 2020 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A warm, clear-eyed Americana record of sobriety and renewal. Direct and beloved. Her finest work.

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26. 26
    VoyageABBA

    Voyage

    ABBA · 2021 · Pop

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

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27. 27
    30Adele

    30

    Adele · 2021 · Pop

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

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28. 28
    Collapsed in SunbeamsArlo Parks

    Collapsed in Sunbeams

    Arlo Parks · 2021 · Soul & R&B

    A gentle, literate bedroom-soul debut. Warm and Mercury-winning. A breakthrough.

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29. 29
    IslesBicep

    Isles

    Bicep · 2021 · Electronic

    A lush, emotional follow-up of melodic dance music. Hypnotic and acclaimed. A high point.

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30. 30
    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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31. 31
    10 for Slim: Charley Crockett Sings James HandCharley Crockett

    10 for Slim: Charley Crockett Sings James Hand

    Charley Crockett · 2021 · Country & Americana

    A loving, unshowy tribute to a Texas honky-tonk legend — traditional country craft from one of the genre's most dedicated custodians.

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32. 32
    We're All Alone in This TogetherDave

    We're All Alone in This Together

    Dave · 2021 · Hip-Hop

    An ambitious, chart-topping UK-rap follow-up. Sharp and acclaimed. A strong record.

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33. 33
    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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34. 34
    PromisesFloating Points, Pharoah Sanders & the LSO

    Promises

    Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & the LSO · 2021 · Jazz

    A hushed, gorgeous late collaboration of electronics, sax and orchestra. Meditative and acclaimed. A modern landmark.

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35. 35
    Actual Life (April 14 - December 17 2020)Fred again..

    Actual Life (April 14 - December 17 2020)

    Fred again.. · 2021 · Electronic

    A diaristic, sample-built dance debut of intimate euphoria. Warm and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

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36. 36
    FortitudeGojira

    Fortitude

    Gojira · 2021 · Metal

    A powerful, melodic peak of environmental themes. Heavy and acclaimed. A late high.

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37. 37
    The Off-SeasonJ. Cole

    The Off-Season

    J. Cole · 2021 · Hip-Hop

    A sharp, hungry return to lyrical fundamentals. Tight and acclaimed. A strong record.

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38. 38
    JubileeJapanese Breakfast

    Jubilee

    Japanese Breakfast · 2021 · Alternative & Indie

    A lush, joyful indie-pop peak of orchestral warmth. Bright and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

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39. 39
    Star-CrossedKacey Musgraves

    Star-Crossed

    Kacey Musgraves · 2021 · Country & Americana

    A reflective, divorce-themed pop-country record. Polished and acclaimed. A mature follow-up to Golden Hour.

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40. 40
    Sometimes I Might Be IntrovertLittle Simz

    Sometimes I Might Be Introvert

    Little Simz · 2021 · Hip-Hop

    An ambitious, orchestral UK rap landmark of identity and scope. Bold and acclaimed. Her masterpiece.

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41. 41
    Home VideoLucy Dacus

    Home Video

    Lucy Dacus · 2021 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A literate, melodic indie record of memory and adolescence. Warm and acclaimed. A standout.

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42. 42
    Dangerous: The Double AlbumMorgan Wallen

    Dangerous: The Double Album

    Morgan Wallen · 2021 · Country & Americana

    A sprawling, chart-dominating country-pop blockbuster. Tuneful and enormous. A commercial landmark.

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43. 43
    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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44. 44
    NineSault

    Nine

    Sault · 2021 · Soul & R&B

    A sharp, soulful protest record released for a limited window. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

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45. 45
    Eternal BlueSpiritbox

    Eternal Blue

    Spiritbox · 2021 · Metal

    A debut that bridged metalcore and pop with rare confidence — Courtney LaPlante's range carrying it across both registers.

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46. 46
    Glow OnTurnstile

    Glow On

    Turnstile · 2021 · Metal

    A genre-blurring hardcore peak of melody and energy that crossed over. Fresh and acclaimed. A modern landmark.

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47. 47
    Call Me If You Get LostTyler, the Creator

    Call Me If You Get Lost

    Tyler, the Creator · 2021 · Hip-Hop

    A maximal, globe-trotting return to rap braggadocio with lush production. Confident and acclaimed. A late peak.

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48. 48
    The CarArctic Monkeys

    The Car

    Arctic Monkeys · 2022 · Alternative & Indie

    A lush, orchestral continuation of their crooner phase. Sophisticated and acclaimed. A mature record.

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49. 49
    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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50. 50
    Ants from Up ThereBlack Country, New Road

    Ants from Up There

    Black Country, New Road · 2022 · Alternative & Indie

    A sprawling, emotional post-rock-chamber peak. Ambitious and acclaimed. A modern landmark.

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51. 51
    Where I'm Meant to BeEzra Collective

    Where I'm Meant to Be

    Ezra Collective · 2022 · Jazz

    A joyful, danceable UK-jazz peak that won the Mercury Prize. Warm and acclaimed. A modern landmark.

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52. 52
    Chloe and the Next 20th CenturyFather John Misty

    Chloe and the Next 20th Century

    Father John Misty · 2022 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A lush, old-Hollywood-tinged song-cycle. Sophisticated and acclaimed. A creative high.

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53. 53
    Skinty FiaFontaines D.C.

    Skinty Fia

    Fontaines D.C. · 2022 · Alternative & Indie

    A darker, atmospheric peak of brooding post-punk. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

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54. 54
    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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55. 55
    The Forever StoryJID

    The Forever Story

    JID · 2022 · Hip-Hop

    An ambitious, lyrical peak of narrative Southern rap. Sharp and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

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56. 56
    Mr. Morale & the Big SteppersKendrick Lamar

    Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers

    Kendrick Lamar · 2022 · Hip-Hop

    A dense, therapeutic double album of self-examination. Ambitious and acclaimed. A bold statement.

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57. 57
    GiftedKoffee

    Gifted

    Koffee · 2022 · Reggae & Dub

    A bright, accomplished modern-reggae debut album. Warm and acclaimed. A standout.

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58. 58
    It's Almost DryPusha T

    It's Almost Dry

    Pusha T · 2022 · Hip-Hop

    A sharp, luxurious coke-rap peak split between Kanye and Pharrell. Tight and acclaimed. A high point.

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59. 59
    SOSSZA

    SOS

    SZA · 2022 · Soul & R&B

    A sprawling, genre-blending blockbuster of candid modern R&B. Bold and huge. A commercial and critical peak.

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60. 60
    Gemini RightsSteve Lacy

    Gemini Rights

    Steve Lacy · 2022 · Soul & R&B

    A breezy, funky bedroom-R&B peak, home to 'Bad Habit'. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakout.

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61. 61
    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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62. 62
    Dawn FMThe Weeknd

    Dawn FM

    The Weeknd · 2022 · Soul & R&B

    A sleek, 80s-tinged concept album of synth-pop-soul. Polished and acclaimed. A creative high.

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63. 63
    Wet LegWet Leg

    Wet Leg

    Wet Leg · 2022 · Alternative & Indie

    A witty, deadpan post-punk debut, home to 'Chaise Longue'. Fun and acclaimed. A breakout.

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64. 64
    And in the Darkness, Hearts AglowWeyes Blood

    And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow

    Weyes Blood · 2022 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A lush, orchestral companion to Titanic Rising. Beautiful and acclaimed. A high point.

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65. 65
    American HeartbreakZach Bryan

    American Heartbreak

    Zach Bryan · 2022 · Country & Americana

    A sprawling, raw heartland-country breakthrough. Honest and huge. A high point.

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66. 66
    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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67. 67
    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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68. 68
    Good LiesOvermono

    Good Lies

    Overmono · 2023 · Electronic

    A lush, emotional UK dance debut. Hypnotic and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

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69. 69
    LahaiSampha

    Lahai

    Sampha · 2023 · Soul & R&B

    A warm, rhythmic follow-up of soulful electronics. Inventive and acclaimed. A creative high.

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70. 70
    Take Me Back to EdenSleep Token

    Take Me Back to Eden

    Sleep Token · 2023 · Metal

    An ambitious, genre-spanning record blending metal, pop and atmosphere. Bold and huge. A breakout.

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71. 71
    UtopiaTravis Scott

    Utopia

    Travis Scott · 2023 · Hip-Hop

    A sprawling, maximalist trap blockbuster. Polished and huge. A commercial peak.

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72. 72
    Zach BryanZach Bryan

    Zach Bryan

    Zach Bryan · 2023 · Country & Americana

    A raw, prolific singer-songwriter's mainstream peak of heartland country. Honest and huge. A breakthrough.

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73. 73
    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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74. 74
    Cowboy CarterBeyoncé

    Cowboy Carter

    Beyoncé · 2024 · Pop

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

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75. 75
    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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76. 76
    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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77. 77
    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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78. 78
    In WavesJamie xx

    In Waves

    Jamie xx · 2024 · Electronic

    A warm, dancefloor-focused follow-up to In Colour. Hypnotic and acclaimed. A strong return.

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79. 79
    GNXKendrick Lamar

    GNX

    Kendrick Lamar · 2024 · Hip-Hop

    A surprise, confident late record of West Coast energy. Sharp and acclaimed. A strong return.

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80. 80
    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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81. 81
    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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82. 82
    ChromakopiaTyler, the Creator

    Chromakopia

    Tyler, the Creator · 2024 · Hip-Hop

    A dense, personal peak of layered production and reflection. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

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