This year, the music scene is booming with fresh talent and new drops from rising stars you might’ve heard of but haven’t yet fully explored. These albums are packed with energy, fun, and a vibe you need to experience. Koktail has handpicked 12 must-listen albums that should definitely make it onto your playlist.

Ever had “Coffee,” “Death Bed,” or “Glue Song” on repeat during your chill moments? If so, it’s time to dive back into the grungy, lo-fi world of Beabadoobee. This Londoner is bringing ‘90s indie rock back, with a nostalgic twist perfect for your downtime. In 2024, she dropped her third album, This Is How Tomorrow Moves, diving into self-discovery and growing up post-breakup. It’s got all her signature indie vibes but with even more powerful lyrics. With 14 tracks that feel like a warm hug for your ears, Beabadoobee’s music is the comfort you didn’t know you needed.

Craving a mix of hip hop and K-pop? These babies won’t mumble, they’ll deliver high-energy performances that you can’t ignore. They made waves with their debut single “Batter Up,” snagging the 2024 Rookie of the Year Global Streaming award. This group, made up of members from across Asia (South Korea, Japan and Thailand), is serving up monstrous stage presence with a side of cute charisma offstage. Their first EP, BabyMons7er, features the must-listen track “SHEESH,” already sitting pretty at 21st on the Billboard Global Excl. Get ready to dance like a baby monster with this one!

You’ve probably heard Billie Eilish’s music at least a hundred times by now. The nine-time Grammy Award winner has been in the spotlight since her 2015 debut single, “Ocean Eyes.” In 2024, she’s back with her third album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, co-written with her brother Finneas. This album is an emotional rollercoaster that takes you through a wild sonic landscape. Her single “Birds of a Feather” has already made history as her first number one on the Billboard Global 200, and perfectly closing the chapter of the 2024 Olympics. Don’t miss this Gen Z icon’s latest album, it could very well be a contender for Album of the Year.

From Disney’s High School Musical to global pop royalty, Olivia Rodrigo is the voice of a generation. Skyrocketed with “Drivers License,” topping the Billboard Global 200, and at just 19, she earned three Grammy Awards for her debut album, SOUR. In late 2023, Olivia returned with her second album, Guts. It’s a pop record with a mix of bangers and ballads that tackle her struggles with identity, romance, and the whirlwind of fame. Guts topped charts in 15 countries and earned nods for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. And if you’re keen to see her live, she’s hitting Bangkok this September on her Guts World Tour.

NewJeans is shaking up the K-pop world with their 90s and 2000s hip-hop style and girl-next-door vibe.

From their debut single “Attention” to their hit “Super Shy,” which hit number two on the Billboard Global 200, this group has their fans hopping all over the globe. With their latest album Supernatural, they’ve added a J-pop twist, mixing in Japanese lyrics. Beyond their music, their fashion game is on point, making them global trendsetters. NewJeans is like the perfect pair of jeans you didn’t know you needed but now can’t live without.

Haven’t heard of Chappell Roan yet? You’re missing out. She packed out Lollapalooza with over 110,000 fans and is being hailed as the new Gaga of Gen Z. Roan's unique aesthetic, inspired by drag queens, sets her apart. Her music blends ‘80s synth-pop with early 2000s vibes, but it’s her raw, emotional lyrics that really stand out. Her second album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, dropped at the end of 2023 under Island Records, showcasing her journey from Missouri to LA. The lead single “Good Luck, Babe!” has shot her into the spotlight, reaching the top five on the US Billboard 200 and topping charts in Australia and New Zealand. If you’re into synth-pop with an edge, Chappell Roan is hot to go!

Gracie Abrams might’ve started as the opening act for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, but she’s building out her own space in the indie pop world. The daughter of filmmaker J.J. Abrams, Gracie dropped her debut album, Good Riddance (2023), which made waves on the Billboard 200. Her star only shone brighter with her Eras Tour appearance and a Best New Artist nomination at the 66th Grammy Awards. Her 2024 release, The Secret of Us, is a collection of real-time relationship narratives and personal growth stories, featuring a dreamy duet with Taylor Swift on “Us.” The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, and some are already calling her the next Taylor Swift. Give it a listen and decide for yourself.

Why hit the club when Charli XCX just dropped Brat, her sixth studio album that’s all about redefining hyperpop? You already know her for her dance-pop hits that keep everyone moving, and Brat is no exception. With critical acclaim and tons of media buzz, Charli XCX is still leading the charge in pop music. Singles like “360,” “Apple,” and “Guess” featuring Billie Eilish are smashing the charts, with “Guess” becoming her first number one hit as a lead artist on the UK Singles Chart. From start to finish, Brat is a masterclass in dance-pop, perfect for making a night in feel just as wild as a night out.

Conan Gray’s rise from teenage YouTuber to pop star has been all about keeping it real. His first two albums, Kid Krow (2020) and Superache (2022), were packed with raw, relatable lyrics and topped charts in the US and beyond. In 2024, Conan is back with his third album, “Found Heaven,” exploring relationships, love, and self-discovery with a mix of upbeat rhythms and ‘80s-inspired vibes. Conan’s grown as both an artist and a person, and that’s why he’s a fan favourite.

NIKI is the Indonesian R&B queen you absolutely need on your radar. With over 2.5 billion Spotify streams and seven tracks each with 100 million plays, her impact is huge. NIKI’s journey from opening for Taylor Swift’s Red Tour in Jakarta at age 15 to dropping her third album, “Buzz,” has been nothing short of iconic. Her latest album is a reflection on identity and features tracks that bring that R&B groove wherever you listen. “Buzz” just dropped on August 9th, so make sure to check it out if you want to stay ahead of the curve in the music scene.

Jeff Satur is a Thai superstar making waves with his debut album, Space Shuttle No. 8, released on February 8, 2024. Known for his roles in KinnPorsche The Series, Jeff is now showing off his musical talents with a mix of popular singles and fresh tracks. His powerful voice captures the deep emotions of heartbreak, making every song hit hard. Jeff is also hitting the road with his first Asia tour, Space Shuttle No. 8 Asia Tour, in 2024. With a voice like pure gold, Jeff Satur is definitely an artist to watch.

We bet you've scrolled through social media and heard the Japanese part of "Mamushi" at least once. Yuki Chiba, also known as Lil KOHH, despite growing up surrounded by violence and drugs in his childhood, this J-hip hop rapper found his way into the world of beats at a young age, producing and mixing his own mixtapes. Yuki first stepped into the spotlight when his debut single "Young Forever" went viral across Japan. He then shone brighter with his second album, MONOCHROME, and several collaborations with Keith Ape, OG Maco, Frank Ocean, and Hikaru Utada.

Chiba decided to take a break from music after releasing his fifth studio album in 2021. However, he made a comeback with the collaboration with Megan on “Mamushi," which hit nonstop on social media right now. After a three-year career break, he introduced his new album Team Tomodachi. You might be wondering what it sounds like, so here’s a hint: the tracks on this album share a consistent vibe, but what makes it stand out is the variety of remixes featuring artists such as Duke Deuce, ¥ellow Bucks, Jin Dogg, Bun B, Watson, and many more. If you’re looking to experience some new J-hip hop, Yuki Chiba is the right sip of Sake you need.