Let's be honest - trying to sum up a year in music is like attempting to explain Matty Healy to your grandparents or giving a sensible answer when someone asks you, 'What kind of music do you like?'. It's messy, it's subjective and someone is definitely going to disagree with you in the comments.

But here we are again, Dear Reader, doing what we do best: Ranking things and having opinions about them. 2024 has been the kind of year that makes music journalists reach for increasingly elaborate metaphors - a year where artificial intelligence tried to write pop songs (badly), where every other week brought another "unexpected" collaboration, and where pop girlies ruled all.

From bedroom pop breakthroughs to stadium-sized statements, from heartbreak to hyperpop, we've listened to it all. Multiple times. Probably while crying in the shower or doing our silly little tasks or commuting to our silly little jobs. These are the albums that made 2024 feel less like a simulation and more like somewhere we actually want to be - ranked meticulously, debated passionately, and served up with a signature side of mild sass. Strap in. Things are about to get opinionated.

50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11 | 10-1

Conan Gray's 'Found Heaven' marks a dramatic shift from his melancholic past to a vibrant, synth-soaked dance party. With production from Max Martin and others, it delivers arena-ready anthems that showcase Gray's evolving artistry. At its core, 'Found Heaven' explores young adulthood - new loves, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Through vibrant synth-pop, he proves that paradise lies in embracing our deepest feelings, transforming pain into strength. 'Found Heaven' emerges as an electrifying testament to growth, weaving together the trials and triumphs of youth.

Top Track: 'Lonely Dancers'

Fun Fact: Conan Gray has been on the cover of Dork not once, but twice.

Read the full cover interview with Conan from the April issue of Dork

After viral hit 'Ceilings', Lizzy McAlpine returns with 'Older', shedding expectations for authenticity. 'Older' departs from folk-pop roots, embracing rich instrumentation and confident vocals. The album explores twenty-something life with raw honesty, from codependency to emotional abuse, prioritizing genuine emotion over polish. Through 'Older', McAlpine emerges as a storyteller who understands life's complexities, crafting a deeply personal journey of growth.