Music listeners often debate whether a given year was a fantastic or an underwhelming period for the art form. Some like to match up one year against another, comparing the most notable releases to decide which year was superior. While there are clearly standout years across music’s history, I am a strong believer that there is no such thing as a bad year for music. Invariably, point to any period and there will be a plethora of exciting albums waiting to be discovered.
But although every year is packed with phenomenal art, few in recent times have reached the heights of 2024. In a year ravaged by political uncertainty, unavoidable conflicts, and an ever-growing air of despair, one positive has permeated through that chaos: the overwhelming number of quality albums released. In this list, I will highlight the 20 albums which resonated with me most across 2024, but to begin, here are a few honourable mentions.
Honourable Mentions
· UllNevaNo & Logic Marselis – CONCORDS: A fantastic crossover between Baltimore rapper UllNevaNo and producer Logic Marselis, who combine their talents to deliver a soulful, introspective, and wildly addictive highlight from the underground hip hop scene.
· Nia Archives – Silence Is Loud: A standout LP out of the UK where elements of pop and R&B are seamlessly blended with the fast-paced, insatiable rhythms of garage and drum and bass music.
· Pete Rock & Common – The Auditorium Vol. 1: A dream crossover for old-head hip hop lovers, The Auditorium is a smooth throwback to the soulful sounds of ‘90s rap music, and the pair sound as sharp as ever.
· Patty Honcho – The Black Madonna Piece: A slick, modern take on jazz rap where Patty raps with the ease and unpredictability of a horn player, mastering a soulful and grimy selection of beats.
· Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross – Challengers: The incredible score for the film of the same name, Challengers is a tremendous electronic album whose fast-paced techno production is breathtaking in and out of the cinema.
20. Mach-Hommy – #RICHAXXHAITIAN
Mach-Hommy is a rapper whose catalogue has never quite captured me the same way it does for his diehard supporters. Albums like Pray 4 Haiti and The G.A.T. are fantastic, but otherwise, I’ve struggled to resonate with much of his music. #RICHAXXHAITIAN is what changed that: a grand, lush, consistent effort packed front to back with some of the best songs in Hommy’s catalogue. Whether he’s embracing the grimy East Coast on “ANTONOMASIA” or singing over a summery blend of samples on “SUR LE PONT d’AVIGNON”, he explores an eclectic range of sounds and masters every one of them with his hypnotic mic presence, seamless ability to switch language, and his incredible pen game.
19. Kamasi Washington – Fearless Movement
Half a century on from the era of Bitches Brew and Head Hunters, jazz continues to evolve, and at its helm is Kamasi Washington. The saxophonist has established himself as a key figure in the modern jazz world, and Fearless Movement is one of his most daring efforts yet. The LP is a melting pot of genres where funk, ambient, and hip hop coalesce over a foundation of jazz. No two tracks are alike, keeping the listener on their toes as Washington pulls the album in one direction then completely reroutes for the next song. Rather than stagnating, embracing the sound that brought him to fame or working with the sounds already established in the genre, Kamasi Washington breaks new ground on Fearless Movement, showcasing the limitless versatility of jazz.
18. DeeeP – SYNTAX
Jungle is one of the most exciting sounds to come out of the UK, yet in recent years, the genre has had a waning presence in the mainstream. Look to the underground, however, and there are myriad fantastic jungle records pushing the genre forward. SYNTAX is my favourite to drop in 2024: a relentless electronic album from DeeeP who builds on the energetic foundations of his first album for an even grander experience. With constant tempo changes, throbbing basslines, drilling percussion, and smoothly-sliced samples, SYNTAX is a fresh and exciting take on jungle. There are vast, atmospheric cuts like “Shush” as well as head-banging club tunes like “Tesco Receipts” and the flawless “Haçienda”. Borrowing elements of hip hop, soul, and grime, DeeeP transforms every sample with the high-energy rhythms and impossibly intricate layers of jungle music.
17. Blu & Exile – Love the (Ominous) World
LA-native Blu has been on an unprecedented run of EPs and albums in 2024, but Love the (Ominous) World stands as his strongest effort. Joining forces once again with producer Exile, the duo are a perfect match. Blu’s rapping ability puts him up there with some of the greatest of all time, striking a fine balance between technical precision and vivid storytelling while delivering his bars with the casual demeanour that makes every performance sound as easy as breathing. This album sees the MC explore a range of topics with equal lyrical elegance, narrating his brush with Death Row Records on “Suge Knight” and asserting his undeniable skills on the hypnotic “Undisputed”. Exile also pulls through with a variety of phenomenal beats, embracing the West Coast with touches of jazz, soul, and funk.
16. Adrianne Lenker – Bright Future
In and out of her work with Big Thief, Adrianne Lenker has proven herself one of the greatest songwriters working today. Bright Future is one of her most delicate and intimate efforts yet. The album sees Lenker spill out all her thoughts over some tight guitar work and often little else. The sparse, acoustic production lends itself to Lenker’s performance, providing her the space for every word spoken, and every note sung, to resonate deeply with the listener. Bright Future is a beautiful album and an essential for fans of folk and singer-songwriter music. It brings you into a quiet, subdued world where Lenker and the listener are all that matter.
15. Vince Staples – Dark Times
After repeated listens, I can confidently call Dark Times my favourite Vince Staples album. His rapping ability is as smooth as ever, painting a picture of his mind and telling vivid stories with thoughtful penmanship and an acute attention to rhyme. But where Dark Times excels most is in its sound. The entire LP embodies this subdued, echoey soundscape, making for an especially intimate performance from Staples whose rhymes stand out against the soft atmosphere. A stark contrast from the bombastic highlights of something like Big Fish Theory, Dark Times is a testament to his versatility as a musician and unparalleled consistency as a rapper.
14. Denzel Curry – Kings of the Mischievous South, Vol. 2
Unlike the emotional odyssey that was 2022’s Melt My Eyez See Your Future, the latest Denzel Curry album sees the rapper put aside the introspection in favour of a catchier, more rhythmic and explosive sound. Vol. 2 is a love letter to Southern hip hop: an amalgamation of Southern sounds where Curry pays tribute to trap music and the woozy sound of Memphis rap. Every song has a different guest, but even so, Curry remains the centre of attention, commanding the listener’s ears with his ferocious flows, bombastic rhymes, and skill for writing unforgettable hooks. While Vol. 2 may not be the most thought-provoking or nuanced album from Denzel Curry, it’s certainly one of his most eclectic, offering a diverse palette of sounds to prove himself one of the best Southern rappers today.
13. Knocked Loose – You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To
One of the most brutal albums of 2024 and an instant classic in the world of metalcore. Knocked Loose are a phenomenal band whose chemistry is on full display on this earthquaking album. The drums are ear-shattering; the growling guitar is relentless; and Bryan Garris fits the nightmarish roar of noise with his screamed vocals. What makes this LP especially compelling is the dichotomy between its sound and its meaning, wherein the lyrics could be deeply poetic while Garris utters them with the venom of a barbaric demon. The songs transition seamlessly, giving the listener no chance to breathe as they are bombarded, track after track, with a brutal barrage of metal.
12. Floating Points – Cascade
Electronic music is difficult to get wrong, but rarely is it as gorgeous as Cascade. Instead of breaking new ground, Sam Shepherd uses the LP to hone his abilities, offering one of the catchiest and most enthralling dance records of the decade. The first half is littered with fast-paced club hits combining the hypnotic layering of house music with the sudden switches of techno. “Vocoder [Club Mix]” and “Birth4000” are key examples, overwhelming the listener with intense bass, nonstop percussion, and synths that will loop in your head for hours on end. Following the ethereal “Fast Forward”, the album takes an ambient turn, with its latter half consisting of softer cuts where Shepherd flexes his ability to create a vivid atmosphere. Cascade comes together as one of the most immersive and catchiest listens of the year.
11. Beth Gibbons – Lives Outgrown
Over a decade and a half since the last Portishead album, Lives Outgrown is proof that Beth Gibbons’s talent for songwriting is timeless. The album deals in complex themes of time, legacy, and mortality, reflected in the rich and nuanced production of the LP. Its sound is dark and dense, built on a foundation of scattered guitar, disjointed drum work, and swells of orchestral production. Gibbons’s performance is breathy and subdued, matching the ominous atmosphere as she recites her elegant lyrics with intentional frailty. More than a brilliant album, Lives Outgrown is a beautiful statement on life, music, and legacy, where Gibbons reasserts herself as one of the greatest talents to ever grace the art form.
10. The Last Dinner Party – Prelude to Ecstasy
Up there with the strongest debuts of the decade, Prelude to Ecstasy is a fantastic glam rock album driven by the five fiery voices of The Last Dinner Party. Its sound is pristine and dazzling, filled with stunning guitar work as well as orchestral flourishes that add to the LP’s Victorian aesthetic. Rather than going for subtlety, the band are assertive and loud in their messaging, pushing themes of female empowerment while a storm of baroque, rock-tinted instruments crash beneath Abigail’s voice. There are numerous highlights, but most notable are the cinematic opener “Burn Alive”, the gritty guitar melodies on “Sinner”, and the jaw-dropping climax of “Portrait of a Dead Girl”.
9. Joey Valence & Brae – NO HANDS
Amongst the finest hip hop albums of 2024. NO HANDS is a masterclass in chemistry where Joey Valance and Brae toss rhymes back and forth, trading energy while they rap over beats jazzy and electronic. Much of the album’s production is reminiscent of hip house, embracing hard bass, dreamy synths, and hyper-fast tempos. The bombastic beats and equally enthusiastic rapping coalesce to form one of the most explosive rap records of the year, putting aside notions of complex metaphor and messaging to deliver an album that is unapologetically danceable. With NO HANDS, the duo take the raw energy of hip hop and combine it with the hypnotic rhythms of dance music, making for an insatiably catchy experience.
8. Kendrick Lamar – GNX
After the heated battle Kendrick Lamar had with Drake this past year, I had high expectations for what his next album would look like, and GNX is exactly what I wanted. Instead of going for a nuanced concept or narrative, GNX is the most straightforward rap album Lamar has released since Section.80, flexing his arsenal of flows and endless charisma across its 12 songs. Tracks like “squabble up”, “tv off”, and especially “hey now” are amongst the catchiest songs he has ever released, but they are just a fraction of what this album has to offer. There are slower, more lyrical cuts like “man at the garden” as well as soulful jams like “luther” and storytelling highlights like “heart pt. 6”. Within the accessible sounds of GNX is a commendable amount of variety and equal consistency.
7. Ka – The Thief Next to Jesus
We will never see another lyricist like Ka. The Thief Next to Jesus is an oddly poetic sendoff for the rapper, dealing in themes of faith, organised religion, and mortality. As always, Ka brings his gravelly, understated presence to the mic, reciting bars so dense in double entendre and wordplay that a dozen listens is not enough to even scratch the surface of his writing. His rhymes are accompanied by rustic instrumentals built on disjointed gospel and choir samples, building an almost ominous atmosphere for the rapper to recite his poetry. Released just months before his passing, The Thief Next to Jesus makes Ka’s death sting even more, acting as another reminder of the incredible talent hip hop has lost.
6. Laura Marling – Patterns in Repeat
There are few songwriters I love more than Laura Marling. The folk singer is a modern great whose knack for melody is accompanied by a seamless skill for lyricism, making every album an intimate conversation where the listener is invited into the gentle recollections of the singer-songwriter. Patterns In Repeat is a fantastic addition to her catalogue: a patient, guitar-driven tribute to the singer’s journey through motherhood and the way it has changed her life. The production is soft and sparse, adding to the sense of intimacy as Marling’s vocals are often the driving force of each song, supported by no more than her enchanting guitar work. Although it’s not as lush as something like Song For Our Daughter, the emotion is just as rife, painting a vivid picture of Marling’s life through her elegant writing ability.
5. LL COOL J – The FORCE
The FORCE is everything I could have wanted from a crossover between two of hip hop’s greatest legends. With LL COOL J on the mic and Q-Tip on production, The FORCE is a modern take on jazz rap, harkening back to the days of A Tribe Called Quest while also injecting some modern flavour through Tip’s use of vibrant synths and electric bass. Almost 40 years on from his debut album, THE FORCE is evidence that LL will always be amongst the greatest MCs of all time, commanding the listener’s attention with his bold, unflinching flows and sharp pen game. He tackles a range of topics from his skill as an MC to his place as a hip hop icon, using the album to reflect on a 40 year legacy while proving he still has what it takes to drop an album of the year contender.
4. Tyler, the Creator – CHROMAKOPIA
Every time I listen to CHROMAKOPIA, I am more certain that it is Tyler, the Creator’s best album yet. The album is a dark reflection of CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST, casting aside the material benefits of fame to focus on the despair, isolation, and regret. There are bursts of braggadocio here and there, but they are outnumbered by long passages of mature storytelling and paranoid monologues, detailing everything from his tumultuous past relationships to his struggle to take his mask off and embrace himself. Over a foundation of soulful, synth-heavy production, Tyler delivers the best performance of his career, effortlessly balancing his signature swagger with more his subdued and mature side. The album is an unabashed statement of who Tyler is, and the result is a one-of-a-kind LP.
3. Godspeed You! Black Emperor – “NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD”
It is impossible to talk about 2024 without talking about the atrocities that have been going on in the Middle East. While we discuss music, compare our favourite albums and compile lists, there remains an ongoing genocide in Gaza where thousands upon thousands of innocent people have been murdered at the hands of Israel and its allies. There are no words for the seemingly unending tragedies unfolding in Palestine and beyond, but sometimes music can capture a feeling that words can’t quite reach. That is exactly what Godspeed You! Black Emperor did on their latest album. A grand, enveloping fusion of post rock and classical music, the band depict through their production all the despair, the pain, and the monotonous trauma of the genocide in Gaza. Standalone, the arrangements are gorgeous, but in the political context they are even more powerful. Distorted screeches mimic the roar of war while lush swells of orchestral sound represent the unwavering hope of the Palestinian people and their supporters. There are not enough words to describe the beauty of an album like this and what it represents; all I can do is implore you to listen and, beyond that, to do all you can to support the people of Gaza.
2. Charli xcx – BRAT
BRAT is more than a trend; it is more than a cultural phenomenon. It is the culmination of years of artistic growth, and the clear magnum opus of one of the most integral and innovative talents in the modern pop landscape. BRAT is everything I could have ever wanted from a Charli album: an electro-infused masterpiece that skids between club-shaking rave music and vibrant, industrial-tinted pop music. There are head-bopping bangers along with intimate moments of introspection, with Charli perfecting the formula she devised in 2020’s how i’m feeling now. Every moment of BRAT is pop bliss, brimming with creativity while maintaining the accessible flair that brought her to fame in the first place. With the raw edge of how i’m feeling now, the colour of Pop 2, and the grandiosity of Charli, BRAT is the perfect Charli xcx album.
1. Magdalena Bay – Imaginal Disk
In a year of fantastic pop music, Imaginal Disk rises above the rest as a true masterpiece in the genre. After the incredible Mercurial World in 2021, I was uncertain if the pop duo would be able to top it, but was quickly proven wrong. Imaginal Disk amplifies every strength that made their last album stand out. The LP is masterfully cohesive, with seamless transitions and subtle recurring motifs to solidify every song as essential to the listening experience. The duo show off their versatility through the sheer range of sounds on display, blending synthpop with elements of dance, synth-funk, and progressive rock. Every sound is tied together by Mica’s dreamy performance, whose whispery vocals and vivid writing make every song a gem. Imaginal Disk is an album that gets better every listen; there are limitless layers of nuance to the production and songwriting, and beyond that, the LP is simply just too catchy not to return to. With its hypnotic hooks and mesmerising instrumental passages, there is not a second wasted on Imaginal Disk. A true masterpiece from Magdalena Bay, there is no album from 2024 I love more.
Comments