However, you listen to music this year, streaming on an app or the old-fashioned way on the radio,

2024 was a year that saw breakthrough artists, chart-topping hits, and a return of some

top-tier legacy performers. Stephanie Sy takes a look at the music that had us hitting repeat this

year.

2004 saw people flock to music festivals in growing numbers across the country to see their

favorite performers. And female artists took over the airwaves as well as our playlist,

boosted by chart-topping hits from the likes of Beyonce, Sabrina Carpenter, Billy Elish,

Chapel Rowan, and Taylor Swift. While British pop artist Charlie

XX had a breakout year thanks to her massive album, Brett, that took social media by storm.

At the same time, the impact of AI tech this year took some by surprise, presenting a new threat

to the income and livelihood of music

creators. To unpack the year in music, we've got Mora Johnston, a freelance music writer

and critic, and Candice McDuffie, a senior writer at the route. Mora and Candice, it's great to see

you. I hope you've had a good year. Before we drill down into the big

music news this year, I just want to get both of you to give your quick takes on the best

music we saw in 2024. Candice, why don't we start with you? I think in 2024, two albums

really stood out to me. One of them was Beyonce's Cowboy Carter. It was released,

I believe, in March. And with it, she became the first Black woman to top Billboard's top

country albums chart since the chart debuted in 1964.

There were great collaborations.

She really put a spotlight on black women in country, and she really broke down some barriers

while having really good conversation about what it means to be a black country artist.

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