2024 was a truly huge year for album releases. There were so many notable albums that I had a much harder time than usual selecting a list of 10 to go with as my top picks. Be sure to check out the notable mentions of all the albums I enjoyed this year, at the end. I don't know if I just happened to be a little more tuned in to releases this year or if great music just ended up falling in my lap somehow, or if there just were that many great albums this year. Anyway, in no particular order, here are my top 10 picks of the best albums to come out in 2024!
1. 1994 - Nathan Evans
I have been listening to Nathan Evans ever since the Wellerman song ear wormed into the universe. I think his original music is great and that he's only improving with time, and freedom to release more. His blending of pop and traditional sounds, and instruments, and lyrics are something I can enjoy over and over. His voice is decent enough, it is the passion behind the tunes that makes him great. He can sing a soft tune or pump it up. And he's so positive with his messaging!
Tracks to check out: Perfect Storm; Heather on the Hill; Bonfire
2. Time II - Wintersun
Wintersun remains impressive to a point that if they release anything, I think it is worth paying attention. Admittedly, Time I didn't quite deliver up to the expectations. I didn't know what to think when I saw that Time II was coming out. The album is more tempered compared compared to Winter Madness, which seems like what many fans compare any of their releases to. However, I think Jari Maenpaa has matured and developed as a musician... the album comes across more like a concept album. It feels more complete to me than Time I and the song writing is better, IMO. It still hits hard in many places... I mean, Wintersun is still Wintersun. Check out for some epic Finnish metal with symphonic sounds, blending crisp and growly vocals. Some of the best!
Tracks to check out: Storm; The Way of the Fire
3. Long Way Home - Ray LaMontagne
From the first track, Step into Your Power, Ray LaMontagne had my attention with this release. Honestly, I have not found much interest in Ray's music since Gossip in the Grain. I've listened to everything he's come out with but often it came across as more of the same and I didn't really get into it, I just went back to GitG. However, he's come out something special with Long Way Home. I found myself coming back to this album repeatedly this year, it works for something mellow and acoustic to have in the background, but if you listen to the song writing and lyrics, it is solid start to finish. Many hit home for where I've been this year, in life and with family, and maybe that made all the difference. I have many tracks to recommend on this one.
Tracks to check out: Step into Your Power; I Wouldn't Change a Thing; And they Called Her California; My Lady Fair
4. Live at BBC Maida Vale Studios - Elder
Elder falls firmly into the style of metal I often want to listen to lately, long sweeping riff heavy tracks that can almost put you in a trance or take you to another world. They can do it instrumental or add vocals that make for some great songs. This live album showcases how darn good they really are. It is only 3 tracks, but each is pretty long. A little bit spaced out, a little psychedelia, but still with the technical chops to keep it interesting.
5. Adult Contemporary - Chromeo
Chromeo has written a whole list of my favorite danceable songs and wow... this album delivers! Not every track is amazing, mind you, but the ones that are are some of the best dance stuff ever. Clever lyrics, some guitar thrown in, and ultimate swagger make this album one that can't be missed if you like dance, pop, or anything like that. Their cleverness and sense of humor is unmatched, as well. And see them live if you can, they put on one heck-of-a show!
Some super tasty tracks to check out: Words With You; (I Don't Need A) New Girl; Replacements (Extended Version); Lonesome Nights; Personal Effects; She Knows It (Personal Effects, Pt 2)
6. Azimuth - Elk Witch
Elk Witch is a band that is new to me this year. They present a lot of what I appreciate about metal these days... at least the bands I like in the genre. They have that throw-back sound, influenced by the blues rock of the 70s that became stoner and blues metal, psychedelic, and whatever. They're good. Nice solos, riffs, vocals, all of the above. I look forward to seeing where they go in the future as they carve out their own little nook in the sound that has about a million bands trying to do it.
Tracks to check out: Dead Silence; Empyrean; Universe 25
7. One Deep River - Mark Knopfler
Mark Knopfler might be slowing down a bit, but he is still a master when it comes to fine songwriting, guitar, and singing. He manages to create albums consistently that have his signature unmistakable sound, yet sound fresh and new, like he's had a big adventure between the last album and now, and he's just got to write songs about it. One Deep River is no exception. His songs are personal and heartfelt, and always impressed my dad, so I'll probably like his albums forever.
Honestly, the entire album is fantastic. My favorite track is Black Tie Jobs
8. Cometh the Storm - High on Fire
High on Fire has a sound I love so much, but like other bands at times, sometimes their releases blend together as one big amalgamation and I end up going back to my favorite album (Death is this Communion) and finding other albums forgettable. That is not the case with Cometh the Storm. I feel like inspiration must have struck Matt Pike because he created a metal masterpiece. Hard hitting heavy riffs, passionate vocals in his signature sound, and this metal, bordering on punk at times but firmly in the metal sphere, is just what the doctor ordered for me this year. I put this on driving or when I need to get pumped up, or just motivate around the house to get shit done. Put it on... I dare you.
Tracks to check out: Burning Down; Trismegistus; Sol's Golden Curse; Hunting Shadows
9. The Hard Way - Pete Yorn
When I first heard Pete Yorn, early 00s (musicforthemorningafter), I thought he was going to be just a rocker. And he is that, but he's a whole lot more. Pete Yorn manages to write songs that are relatable and that make you yearn to listen to. I sometimes think of him as a musician with limited tools, as his guitar playing and vocals and songwriting... none of it is the best. But he's solid in all 3 categories. On The Hard Way he manages to put all his tools to task and has created an excellent piece of music. I should not have been surprised, I've been listening to his Live at the Troubador (2020) album quite a bit and it is also very good. He's been in the game long enough, he knows what he's doing, and he still seems to have a passion for the music. This one is the mellower side of Yorn, FYI.
Tracks to check out: The Hard Way; Real Good Love; Golden Dream
10. Ask That God - Empire of the Sun
Empire of the Sun is a band I came across while building my Chilestness mix and so started paying attention to their releases, then comes Ask That God. It sounds similar to their other stuff, but has a more mature sound that I enjoy quite a bit. Mellow and electronic. Pop, for sure. Synthesizers. Also, this year I've liked bands that have more positive message, they are that. Some of this music is catchy and fun. More often lately, it is music like this that I find myself listening to on a regular basis (something even a few years I never would have said!), so while this is probably not the best album on the list, it is one I've listened to much more because it is often what I've felt like listening to. Cool stuff.
Tracks to check cut: Music on the Radio; The Feeling You Get; AEIOU; Television; Happy Like You
There were a ton of other great albums out this year and I'm sure I've missed some. If you have a favorite, leave a comment. Here's a list of some other albums I considered for the list and greatly enjoyed this year. I could have easily made this a top 20 this year! So much good stuff...
Ryan Adams: Heatwave; Sword & Stone; Star Sign; 1985; BLACKHOLE
Goat Major: Ritual
STRFKR: Parallel Realms
Mountainhead: Everything Everything
Haunt: Dreamers
Dragonforce: Warp Speed Warriors
Blu DeTiger: All I Want is Everything
Coffins: Sinister Oath
Still Corners: Dream Talk
Khruagnbin: A La Sala
The Black Keys: Ohio Players
Heavy Temple: Garden of Heathens
Striker: Ultra Power
Darkthrone: It Beckons Us All
Acid Mammoth: Supersonic Megafauna Collision
Neil Young and Crazy Horse: Fu##in' Up
Uncle Acid: Nell Ora Blu
Pearl Jam: Dark Matter
Slash: Orgy of the Damned
Bruce Dickenson: Mandrake Project
Judas Priest: Invincible Shield
Kerry King: From Hell I Rise
Willie Nelson: The Border; Last Leaf on the Tree
Guster: Ohh La La
Lindsey Stirling: Duality
Jesse Malin: Chasing the Light
Dua Lipa: Radical Optimism
Jack White: No Name
Fake Fruit: Macho Mistrust
Anciients: Beyond the Reach of the Sun
Tanukichan: Circles
Purple Disco Machine: Paradise
Afro Celt Sound System: Ova
The Sword: Live at Leviathan
Cheers!
