The music scene of 2024 has been a parade of sonic brilliance—a symphony of bold experiments and deeply personal artistry. As the final curtain call of the year approaches, so does the excitement for those coveted Spotify Wrapped stats. Before the annual rewind that many music streaming services provide, including the famous Spotify Wrapped or Apple Music Roundup, which take us down memory lane by showcasing the songs we’ve loved throughout the year, let’s take a moment to revel in the lyrical and musical journey these recent months have delivered.

From beaming pop anthems to genre-defying trailblazers, are you ready to dive in before the wrap seals the deal? Let’s hit play.

1. Latto: Sugar Honey Iced Tea

A bold third studio album featuring powerhouse collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B and Flo Milli. Debuting at number 15 on the Billboard 200, the album highlights Latto’s evolving artistry and star power, building on the momentum of her 2022 album 777.

2. Violette Wautier: Call Me Dramatic

An international EP transforming music into cinematic storytelling. Wautier crafts a narrative-driven collection where each track evokes a distinct movie genre. Paired with a vibrant red aesthetic, the project captures dramatic emotions and solidifies her status as a Thai-Belgian pop star with global acclaim.

3. Kendrick Lamar: GNX

A surprise 12-track album released via social media featuring collaborations with SZA and Kamasi Washington. Lamar’s sixth studio album precedes his Super Bowl halftime performance and continues his tradition of unexpected, innovative musical releases.

4. Lana Del Rey and Quavo: Tough

A surprising fusion of dreamy Lana Del Rey and trap fusion rapper Quavo, Tough dropped to much anticipation, teased by Instagram snippets with lines like: “Tough like the stuff in your grandpa’s glass… I’m cut like a diamond shinin’ in the rough, Tough.” The track blending their distinct styles made its live debut when Del Rey performed it at Fenway Park during her Festival Tour. Anticipation soared with savvy social media teasers, further heightened by Quavo’s surprise guest appearance. Now Tough has arrived in full force, complete with a cinematic ranch love story music video that captivates from the first frame.

5. Addison Rae: Aquamarine

A sultry, three-minute pop gem, Aquamarine marks Addison Rae’s bold musical evolution, following the global success of  Diet Pepsi. The track has won over listeners worldwide, solidifying Rae as a serious artist. Co-written with Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser, it’s a captivating blend of ethereal vocals and futuristic, robotic undertones. With Aquamarine, Rae fully steps into her new identity, stepping ahead of her TikTok roots and embracing her role as a bona fide pop force.

6. Gracie Abrams: The Secret of Us (Deluxe)

A deeply personal exploration of early 20s dating experiences, The Secret of Us (Deluxe Edition) includes three live Vevo Extended Play performances and reached number two on the Billboard 200. The first single Risk sets the emotional tone for this introspective journey. The album quickly became a TikTok sensation, with I Love You, I’m Sorry—almost serving as a finale of acceptance to love lost—offering a raw and emotional resolution that mirrors the heartfelt sentiments of her earlier track I Miss You, I’m Sorry. It’s an honest reflection of growth, closure and the inevitable passage of time in matters of the heart.

7. ATEEZ: Golden Hour, Part 2

A conceptual album diving into love’s complexities and personal growth. Tracks like Ice on My Teeth and Deep Dive showcase the group’s introspective songwriting, with members Hongjoong and Mingi contributing lyrical depth to the project.

8. Jack Harlow: Hello Miss Johnson

A smooth, bossa nova-infused single that weaves a quirky romantic tale, perfectly capturing Harlow’s signature style. The accompanying music video, filmed through suburban home security cameras, adds a viral, comedic twist to his storytelling.

9. Wicked Cast Soundtrack

The official soundtrack for the 2024 film adaptation of Wicked, based on the classic Wizard of Oz, dropped on November 22, 2024, featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. This highly anticipated release brings the Broadway classic’s most iconic tracks to life, with expert production by Greg Wells, Stephen Oremus and Stephen Schwartz. With powerhouse vocals and the timeless appeal of the original score, it’s a must-listen for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

10. Rosé and Bruno Mars: Apt.

Released on October 18, 2024, Apt. marks Rosé’s first solo single in three years. Featuring Bruno Mars, the pop-rock track inspired by a South Korean drinking game blends indie, electropop and catchy rhythms.

A global success, it topped the Billboard Global 200 for four weeks, earned a “perfect all-kill” in South Korea, and made history as the first solo K-pop song by a female artist to enter the top 10 on both the US and UK charts.

11. Tyler, the Creator: Chromakopia

A surprise drop, Chromakopia is Tyler’s self-produced follow-up to Call Me If You Get Lost. Featuring collaborations with Childish Gambino, Schoolboy Q and Teezo Touchdown, the album delves into themes of personal growth and maturity as Tyler reflects on life changes at 33. Rich in musical sampling from artists like Paul Ngozi and Q-Tip, Chromakopia showcases Tyler’s evolving artistry through unconventional release strategies and deeply personal storytelling.