2024: A Year in Music

As we close out 2024, the music world continues to thrive, reflecting a diverse tapestry of influences, genres, and groundbreaking talent. We have seen this with an insurgence of live music back on Aussie shores.. This year, fans embraced both innovation and nostalgia, with a notable resurgence in physical formats like vinyl and CDs. Let’s delve into the trends that shaped the industry, celebrate the top 10 best-selling albums of 2024, and shine a spotlight on some emerging artists.

While streaming remains the dominant force in music consumption, 2024 saw an unprecedented resurgence in vinyl and CDs. According to ARIA, vinyl sales in Australia surged by 18% compared to last year, driven by collectors and younger audiences discovering the tactile pleasure of owning music. Globally, the vinyl trend continued to thrive, with artists releasing deluxe editions and exclusive colour variants to cater to fans (IFPI). CDs also saw a modest comeback, appreciated for their affordability and superior sound quality compared to compressed digital files.

A Few Big Performing Albums of 2024

Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department
Swift's album has spent multiple weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, reflecting its widespread popularity. 

Kendrick Lamar – GNX
Lamar's GNX debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in December 2024, marking a significant achievement in his discography. 

Ateez – Golden Hour: Part.2
The K-pop group's album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in November 2024, showcasing their growing international influence.

Tyler, the Creator – Chromakopia
Tyler's album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in November 2024 and maintained its position for multiple weeks. 

Yeat – Lyfestyle
Yeat's Lyfestyle debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in October 2024, marking his first chart-topping album. 

Jelly Roll – Beautifully Broken
Jelly Roll's album achieved the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 in October 2024, reflecting its commercial success. 

Coldplay – Moon Music
Coldplay's album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in October 2024, adding to their history of chart-topping releases.

Sabrina Carpenter – Short n' Sweet
Carpenter's album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in September 2024 and enjoyed multiple weeks at the top. 

Future & Metro Boomin – We Don't Trust You
This collaborative album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in March 2024, highlighting the duo's commercial appeal.

Ariana Grande – Eternal Sunshine
Grande's album secured the No. 1 position on the Billboard 200 in March 2024, marking her sixth chart-topping release. WIKIPEDIA

Aussie Artists Making Waves

Aleksiah
A singer-songwriter known for her emotive vocals and introspective lyrics, Aleksiah has been nominated for Triple J's Unearthed Artist of the Year in 2024. 


The Belair Lip Bombs
This band has gained recognition for their energetic performances and unique sound, earning a nomination for Unearthed Artist of the Year in 2024.

Ben Gerrans
An emerging artist with a growing fanbase, Ben Gerrans has been nominated for Triple J's Unearthed Artist of the Year in 2024.

Lithe
Known for innovative music and compelling performances, Lithe has been nominated for the Unearthed Artist of the Year award in 2024. 

Maanyung
An artist making waves in the Australian music scene, Maanyung has been nominated for Triple J's Unearthed Artist of the Year in 2024.

Influences on 2024’s Soundscape

This year, music drew heavily from nostalgia while embracing the future. 80s synthwave and 90s grunge influenced many releases, while artists increasingly integrated AI-generated compositions and virtual instruments into their work (Pitchfork). Social movements also played a pivotal role, with themes of climate change, mental health, and equality resonating across lyrics and album concepts (NPR).

Looking Ahead

As we step into 2025, the music industry shows no signs of slowing down. The blend of retro charm and modern innovation, coupled with emerging talent, ensures an exciting future for artists and fans alike. Whether you’re spinning vinyl or streaming the latest hits, music remains a universal language that unites and inspires.