A bit late thanks to the seasonal delight that is Winter Flu, but here are my favourite albums of 2024. The selection process? A rigorous, highly scientific algorithm involving me… deciding which albums I liked best. In 2024. Groundbreaking, I know.
1. Wild God – Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
Wild God is steeped in atmospheric storytelling and experimental soundscapes, showcasing Nick Cave’s unparalleled ability to find haunting beauty in pain, death, and suffering. Reunited with The Bad Seeds, he transforms darkness into an unexpected triumph, crafting an album of profound emotion and gripping melodies.
2. Songs of a Lost World – The Cure
A huge return for The Cure, with Robert Smith’s haunting vocals sounding as good as they did some 40 years ago. Songs of a Lost World captures the essence of longing and introspection, ageing and loss quite beautifully.
3. Prelude to Ecstasy – The Last Dinner Party
Prelude to Ecstasy proves that The Last Dinner Party is a force to be reckoned with, combining indie rock and pop with the flamboyant and theatrical. The album’s lush production and emotionally charged lyrics create a sound that feels epic and intimate, marking a promising start for the band, who have had a huge year despite taking some stick from a few lunatic detractors. Full Review HERE
4. Every Inch of Earth Pulsates – WH Lung
The album explores themes of love, loss, and sorrow while maintaining an underlying thread of joy—not from avoiding pain but from deeply engaging with it. Tracks like “Lilac Sky” may echo the post-punk influences of The Cure and Joy Division, but over the years W.H. Lung have consistently created something uniquely their own and very much exist in their own space. . Full Review HERE
5. My Light, My Destroyer – Cassandra Jenkins
Acclaimed singer/songwriter Cassandra Jenkins’ third album, My Light, My Destroyer, is an invitation to a world where the everyday and extraordinary intertwine. Effortlessly traversing a diverse blend of musical genres, mixing spoken word and field recordings with orchestral flourishes, Jenkins leads the listener on a cinematic journey through the minutiae of daily life, transforming the mundane into something much more profound. Full Review HERE
6. Borderline Iconic – Linn Koch-Emmery
In this sophomore effort, Emmery unveils her most intimate work yet—a collection of soaring, passionate tunes that traverse the contemplative, the wistful, and the euphoric. Teaming up with producer Peter Robertson (The Vaccines), Emmery’s songwriting delves deeper this time around, reflecting on her diagnosis of bipolar disorder at age 18 . Full Review HERE
7. The Tortured Poets Department – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poet Department weaves vulnerability and strength, mixing subtle arrangements with some huge pop moments. Some critics, in their haste to be first, probably didn’t spend the time with it it deserves, as it’s a grower. Many have now reappraised their initial reviews. Bellends. Death to the “One Listen “review. Full Review HERE
8. Romance – Fontaines D.C.
Romance marks their finest work yet—a striking fusion of post-punk intensity and a more accessible pop sensibility. While retaining the impassioned performances and evocative storytelling they’re known for, this album delivers an abundance of memorable tracks. Fans who found the Doggerel of Doggerel a challenge might find Romance far easier to embrace.
9. Mountain Music – Nina Nesbitt
Mountain Music effortlessly blends folk, pop, and country influences into a cohesive, heartfelt bittersweet collection of songs that shine. It’s an album that explores personal growth and resilience, with a sound that feels intimate and expansive.
10. Viva Hinds – Hinds
Viva Hinds is an energetic, exuberant, and sometimes gloriously unhinged album that mixes infectious rhythms with catchy hooks. The band’s playful spirit shines through, but there’s also a sense of vulnerability, among the hook-laden tunes
11. One Million Love Songs – BNNY
12. No Obligation – The Linda Lindas – REVIEW HERE
13. Sniff More Gritty – Du Blonde – REVIEW HERE
14. Letter to Self – Sprints
15. Glasgow Eyes – The Jesus and Mary Chain – REVIEW HERE
16. Chaos Angel – Maya Hawke REVIEW HERE
17. Vicious Creature – Lauren Mayberry REVIEW HERE
18 Big Swimmer – King Hannah REVIEW HERE
19. 3AM (La La La) – Confidence Man
20. Woof – Fat Dog
21. Memoir of a SparkleMuffin – Suki Waterhouse
22. The Weighless Hour – Juanita Stein
23. Illuminator – GIFT
24. Songs from the Garden – Adrianne Lenker
25. Charm – Clairo
26. Tigers Blood – Waxahatchee
27. Bright Black Night – Mystery Waitress
28. One More Thing – Lime Garden
29. YOYOTTA – Molly Payton
30. Forever – Charly Bliss