Cowboys, Filth and Brats: Here are the best albums of 2024... So far

We’re past the halfway mark of 2024, and we’re taking a break from humming along to Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Espresso’ to take a look back at the music highlights that have captured our ears (and hearts) this year. 

There’s been so much to enjoy this year, from disco-pop odysseys to club bangers, via lively Irish rap and compelling country storytelling... It’s not been easy whittling down our favourites – but we’ve been brave brats about it.

Without further ado, here is our countdown to the best album of the year so far.

NxWorries, the collaboration between the unstoppable Anderson Paak and crate-digger, beat maestro Knxwledge, are back, and smoother than ever. Their second full-length project 'Why Lawd?', a follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2016 debut, continues on their unique blend of R&B and hip-hop and improves on it. With slicker production and lyrics that cut deeper - exploring the bittersweet nature of heartbreak and hedonism - this is their best work to date. Paak’s unmistakable swagger and playful sexual bravado are still front and centre, but there’s a new layer of introspection, as heard on tracks like 'MoveOn' and the Thundercat-assisted 'KeepHer', where Paak addresses the futility of material wealth in maintaining a relationship. “Phone off, you said you was sleep / I know you was getting your cheeks beat!” cries the 38-year-old singer/rapper over an irresistibly crispy beat. Throughout, Knxwledge delivers some of the best instrumentals of his career, which seamlessly transition from one to the other. Particular highlights include the hazily smooth 'Where I Go' and the dustry, soul-sampling chopped bliss heard on tracks like 'FromHere' and 'SheUsed'. Sprinkled throughout are some welcomed features from the