Top Music Picks of 2024: Albums and Songs

Variety's music writers have highlighted 2024 as a standout year for music, with albums from artists like Charli XCX, Kendrick Lamar, and Taylor Swift leading the charge. The upcoming 2025 Grammys are highly anticipated, reflecting the year's strong musical offerings. Female artists dominated the top spots in critics' lists, with Charli XCX's 'Brat' and Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department' receiving particular acclaim. The lists also celebrate underdog artists who may not have received Grammy nods but have made significant impacts.