MK's Top 30 Albums of 2024
2024 was a fantastic year for music. These are just some of my favorites and my thoughts on them. |
| 60 |  | Kamasi Washington
Fearless Movement
#30. Kamasi Washington – Fearless Movement
Released 5/3/2024
Genre: Jazz Fusion/Experimental
Highlights: Dream State, Computer Love, Road to Self (KO)
Scrobbles: 35 |
| 59 | | Kamasi Washington
Fearless Movement
This is a big, grandiose record spearheaded by some absolutely electric saxophone playing. Kamasi Washington is no stranger to massive musical productions but this time around, it feels about as refined as you can expect with a slew of impressive features from the likes of Thundercat, Andre 3000 and BJ The Chicago Kid just to name a few. The contributions and collaborations play such a big part in what makes this record special and memorable with everybody putting their best foot forward and offering meaningful work to make these songs full and complete. I love how massive each song feels, almost like a full-on Broadway production. Kamasi is one of the leading players in modern jazz music and this experience truly solidifies his role. |
| 58 |  | Mabe Fratti
Sentir que no sabes
#29. Mabe Fratti – Sentir que no sabes
Released 6/28/2024
Genre: Art Pop/Folk
Highlights: Enfrente, Oidos, Kravitz
Scrobbles: 30 |
| 57 | | Mabe Fratti
Sentir que no sabes
A beautiful voice, wonderful songs, great production, what more could you ask for? I love the blend of these artsy type of pop songs with folk elements, traditional sounds and styles in Spanish music. It’s a lovely experience, the songs are well written, basically a no skip type record that you can just put on at anytime and vibe intensely to. |
| 56 |  | Twenty One Pilots
Clancy
#28. Twenty One Pilots – Clancy
Released 5/24/2024
Genre: Alternative Hip Hop/Alt. Pop
Highlights: Routines In The Night, Next Semester, Paladin Strait
Scrobbles: 114 |
| 55 | | Twenty One Pilots
Clancy
After the letdown that was “Scaled and Icy,” Twenty One Pilots has revisited the Trench-era aesthetic with a healthy dose of focused alternative hip hop with some strong lyrical messaging revolving around mental health told through the lens of this dense story they've created. Melding different genres and styles together seamlessly, ToP have dumbed down the songwriting from “Trench” and made a more sonically accessible story without sacrificing any of the lyrical prowess. Despite a mixed bag of a career, ToP has proven to be something worth listening to again with a slew of healthy hit bops and juggernaut deep cuts. |
| 54 |  | EX GENERATION
The Napoli Exchange
#27. EX GENERATION – The Napoli Exchange
Released 6/21/2024
Genre: Jazz/Funk/Soul
Highlights: Juno Minerva Venus e Fortuna, A Pusteggia, Hurting Lies
Scrobbles: 31 |
| 53 | | EX GENERATION
The Napoli Exchange
For anybody wanting a rich, catchy, soulful experience with bouncy, funky rhythms and instrumentals, this is the record for you. This record is supposedly a representation of the sounds and feelings of walking down a street in Napoli, Italy. There is certainly an authenticity to it because a lot of the instrumentals and melodies sound very foreign to me, very unlike funk and jazz music that I’m familiar with. It’s a gorgeous record, so very well produced and when there are vocals present in the songs, it feels like a very kind, welcome addition rather than a hinderance to the vibes. I hope more people experience this record as it’s very enjoyable and was a rather lovely find this year. |
| 52 |  | Julie Christmas
Ridiculous and Full of Blood
#26. Julie Christmas – Ridiculous and Full of Blood
Released 6/14/2024
Genre: Experimental Rock/Noise Rock
Highlights: End of the World, Supernatural, Blast
Scrobbles: 45 |
| 51 | | Julie Christmas
Ridiculous and Full of Blood
Being blessed with a Julie Christmas record in 2024 was not on my bingo card but I was pleasantly surprised and even moreso when the record ended up being insanely good. It’s got that intensity, it’s got grooves, it’s got that unsettling vibe. It’s all around a record that plays with your expectations and diverts them immediately. It’s a noisy, experimental record which allows for the oddities of Julie’s voice to shine through and complement the compositions in the most interesting and unique ways. I feel like I should have spent a bit more time with this and it might have resulted in a higher position so I will definitely be revisiting this more soon. |
| 50 |  | Willi Carlisle
Critterland
#25. Willi Carlisle – Critterland
Released 1/26/2024
Genre: Folk/Americana
Highlights: Dry County Dust, When The Pills Wear Off, Higher Lonesome
Scrobbles: 75 |
| 49 | | Willi Carlisle
Critterland
Because I already wrote a full review for this record, ill keep this short. Willi comes back again with an awesome folksy americana record with loads of memorable tunes capped off with a beautiful spoken word poem to closeout the record. This record is satisfying in every way that a country record should ge with dense storytelling, meaningful lyricism and a vocalist with an addictive vocal timbre that keeps me coming back for me. Willi is at his prime on this record and needs more recognition, check this out if you haven't already. |
| 48 |  | Cindy Lee
Diamond Jubilee
#24. Cindy Lee – Diamond Jubilee
Released 3/29/2024
Genre: Lo-Fi/Noise Pop
Highlights: Kingdom Come, What’s It Going To Take, Darling of the Diskoteque
Scrobbles: 41 (plus 3 full playthroughs on YouTube video) |
| 47 | | Cindy Lee
Diamond Jubilee
This record is a lot. It’s dense, it’s difficult, it’s challenging in that it’s sonically not a clean record nor is it a record that feels very refined. It’s a long series of jangle pop, soft rock, commercial 60’s pop bops that you would hear while turning the dial on the stereo in the heyday of radio. The lo-fi nature and the crackling bits really adhere to the dedication of making these tunes sound like they’re dealing with the occasional static of unreliable radio antennas. I ranked this so and rated it very highly because I get a sort of nostalgia and cheerfulness while quietly relaxing to this record. It doesn’t need to have a bunch of highlight tracks nor does it need to be squeaky clean in it’s sound quality, it exists ultimately as a vibe and while I’ll agree that it’s a bit of an overlong vibe, I just imagine myself on a dusty, sunny day making a road trip between Albuquerque and Denver with this as the soundtrack of the trip. |
| 46 |  | Lupe Fiasco
Samurai
#23. Lupe Fiasco – Samurai
Released 6/28/2024
Genre: Jazz Hip Hop/R&B
Highlights: Cake, Palaces, Til Eternity
Scrobbles: 36 |
| 45 | | Lupe Fiasco
Samurai
As I’ll mention again soon, Hip hop was not at the forefront of my listening habits in 2024, but I did find a lot of joy in Lupe Fiasco’s newest project which somehow doubles as a concept record portraying Amy Winehouse as a battle-rapper; wild stuff. Without knowing that tid-bit, I’d just identify this as a punchy, brief hip hop record with soul, solid lyrics and catchy melodies. I enjoyed Lupe’s last record, so I did have some expectations going into this one, but I was sort of blown away but his ability to do so much in such a small package. It cuts off all the fat, leaves only the best of the best and that’s Samurai. In many ways, it’s a very anti-hip hop record considering most of his peers will pad their albums with sketches and interludes and fatty tracks so pump those streaming numbers, but not Lupe. Also, the production on this is so tight and crisp, perfect for this style of hip hop. Hope to here more along this style from Lupe in the future. |
| 44 |  | The Lemon Twigs
A Dream Is All We Know
#22. The Lemon Twigs – A Dream Is All We Know
Released 5/3/2024
Genre: Soft Rock/Psychedelic Rock
Highlights: Peppermint Roses, My Golden Years, A Dream Is All We Know
Scrobbles: 52 |
| 43 | | The Lemon Twigs
A Dream Is All We Know
The Beatles/Beach Boys worship carries over from their previous full length but in an even more stunning and convincing fashion. These songs are glossy 60’s/70’s rock tunes that perfectly embody what you would hear on the radio in your old beat-up sedan; it feels very authentic without feeling at all like a gimmick unlike other groups that have leaned a little too far into artist worship, ahem…Great Van Fleet. The vocals and instruments are so bright and youthful almost with a radioactive glow surrounding the aura of these compositions. The ideas and performances are fairly simplistic, but the execution is flawless; it really offers a nostalgia trip as well as a forty minute “turn-your-brain-off and bask in it” sort of sound. I was a big fan of their last record, but this improves on their formula through and through. |
| 42 |  | Alora Crucible
Oak Lace Apparition
#21. Alora Crucible – Oak Lace Apparition
Released 8/9/2024
Genre: Ambient/Experimental
Highlights: Through the must, a peak of icy water…, Mooncast Antlers Into Shadow, Aestiform
Scrobbles: 25 |
| 41 | | Alora Crucible
Oak Lace Apparition
This is a massive record but in terms of runtime and the depths and density that sonically each track maneuvers in and out of. It’s a very serene experience with new age sonic qualities being the main focal point of many of these pieces. The songwriting has a way of grasping your attention so that even through an immense runtime, you still find yourself engaged and finding elements and passages to remember fondly. It’s a great record, it’s my first experience with this artist and I will certainly be exploring more in the future. |
| 40 |  | Ihsahn
Ihsahn
#20. Ihsahn – Ihsahn
Released 2/16/2024
Genre: Experimental Metal
Highlights: Hubris and Blue Devils, Twice Born, The Promethean Spark
Scrobbles: 48 |
| 39 | | Ihsahn
Ihsahn
The legendary Ihsahn returns with one of his solo efforts to date that is chaotic and intense with an ability to pull back and create these amazing soundscapes that border on ambient and classical. Some of the most intense tracks like “Pilgrimage to Oblivion” feature heavy symphonic and orchestral elements allowing for this maximalist spirit to really pervade. It’s catchy, it’s brutal, it’s exciting, it’s what I want from a record like this and Ihsahn delivers over and over again with many of these tracks being potential highlights. |
| 38 |  | Marilyn Manson
One Assassination Under God - Chapter 1
#19. Marilyn Manson - One Assassination Under God - Chapter 1
Released 11/22/2024
Genre: Gothic Rock/Industrial Rock
Highlights: As Sick as the Secrets Within, One Assassination Under God, Sacrifice of the Mass
Scrobbles: 53 |
| 37 | | Marilyn Manson
One Assassination Under God - Chapter 1
In what is most likely my most controversial take, I feel that Manson has made a full-blown return to a sound that suits him best. Clearly a sobered up and skinnier Manson is best for the music because this record is focused, it's well crafted, it features some of his best songwriting since Mechanical Animals. Im not here to talk about the shit person that the man Brian Warner is, I'm here to discuss a music record and what I've concluded is that this record offers some of the best shock rock/industrial rock of the year with the glossy sheen of a modern rock production. Despite the controversies that Manson has earned, he still has managed to make a record worthy of my time and I'll continue to enjoy these tunes for a while. |
| 36 |  | Billie Eilish
Hit Me Hard and Soft
#18. Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft
Released 5/17/2024
Genre: Alt-Pop/Bedroom Pop
Highlights: The Greatest, Chihiro, Wildflower
Scrobbles: 58 |
| 35 | | Billie Eilish
Hit Me Hard and Soft
One of the music industry’s biggest stars at the moment has come through with a record that justifies her success and popularity. There’s a level of maturity in the lyricism and vocal performances that I hadn’t heard from Eilish prior and this once and for all, made me a fan of hers. The poignancy of her words really cut and the soft, bedroom pop sound really compliment her very soft, whispery vocals. Finneas does an excellent job on the production side of things with really crisp, driving bass-rhythms and nicely plucked acoustic guitar bits. I had a blast with this record and repeated listens have further solidified my stance that this is easily a top three pop record of the year, and that Billie Eilish is incomparable talent. |
| 34 |  | Blood Incantation
Absolute Elsewhere
#17. Blood Incantation – Absolute Elsewhere
Released 10/4/2024
Genre: Progressive Death Metal
Highlights: The Message [Tablet III], The Stargate [Table III], The Stargate [Tablet I]
Scrobbles: 23 |
| 33 | | Blood Incantation
Absolute Elsewhere
Despite abundant critical acclaim for their last full-length record, I merely found it to be a solid proggy death metal record. However, this record which sees the band exploring their love for 70’s prog plus added electronic elements weaved within their gruff death metal exterior and that is something that I can fully get behind. Despite not listening to this as much as other records this year, I feel like the gratification and respect for this record was immediate on first listen. The level of confidence in their songwriting is admirable as it proves to be guide them and be their greatest strength along with the technical ability of its instrumentalists. The two main musical movements ebb and flow through death metal fury, synthetic passages curated by known other than legendary electronic project Tangerine Dream and Yes/King Crimson worship making for a truly unique metal record unlike anything I’ve experienced prior. |
| 32 |  | Ka
The Thief Next to Jesus
#16. Ka – The Thief Next to Jesus
Released 9/19/2024
Genre: Abstract Hip Hop/Experimental
Highlights: Bread Wine Body Blood, Collection Plate, Fragile Faith
Scrobbles: 43 |
| 31 | | Ka
The Thief Next to Jesus
Truth be told, hip hop was not a genre of music that I found a lot of joy in this year as I have in previous years. While there were certainly some big names to drop projects like Kendrick and Tyler, I found the most out of this Ka record, released shortly before his tragic passing. The crossroads of faith, politics and hip hop tend to clash violently but Ka’s observations on faith in the black community feel very refreshing and honest offering insight and thoughts that could clearly ruffle some feathers as well as go against many of the viewpoints that we are used to hearing in regard to faith in music. Ka’s use of drumless type-beats remains critical with this release with many of the tracks sampling crackling, lo-fi instrumentals and white noise with jazz inflections. It’s an endearing listen; it’s a powerful listen considering the love that Ka put into his music. Easily the best hip hop record of the year; RIP Ka. |
| 30 |  | Knocked Loose
You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To
#15. Knocked Loose - You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To
Released 5/10/2024
Genre: Metalcore/Hardcore
Highlights: Suffocate, Don’t Reach For Me, The Calm That Keeps You Awake
Scrobbles: 83 |
| 29 | | Knocked Loose
You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To
The most disgustingly heavy metalcore record of the year. Each track seemingly one ups each other with just how intense, fast and chunky they are with the added bonus of vocalists Bryan Garris’ distinct high pitched yelping style of harsh vocals adding a sense of urgency and devastation to these mammothlike heavy tunes. An abundance of breakdowns, a litany of memorable riffs, awesome guest features, this record has everything a great heavy metalcore record needs. At a brisk 27 minute runtime, it never overstays it's welcome, is constantly shifting, molding and developing it's sound and yet remains shockingly coherent and consistent. Another memorable record from Knocked Loose and most likely their best full length to date. |
| 28 |  | Chat Pile
Cool World
#14. Chat Pile – Cool World
Released 10/11/2024
Genre: Sludge Metal/Noise Rock
Highlights: Masc, Frownland, The New World
Scrobbles: 73 |
| 27 | | Chat Pile
Cool World
Sludge metal outfit Chat Pile quickly followed up their debut record with an album that is equally as harrowing and disturbing while upping the sludgy-ness and intensity somehow. Tackling a multitude of social issues, this record is lyrically extremely grim and miserable with a very realistic and pessimistic outlook and many of the world’s dire scenarios and struggles. The misery is felt with doomy riffs, pounding drums and droning bass with songwriting that leans into dusty, syncopated rhythms that rely on shock and punch. Despite the production being muddy, it compliments the overall feel and tone of the record immaculately whilst still packing the necessary punch to make this hard-hitting and disgustingly heavy. I loved their debut and although I feel like this might be a slight step down as it doesn’t really have the highest highs but a more a consistent middle group of quality, it’s still more than worthy of repeat listening. |
| 26 |  | AURORA (NOR)
What Happened to the Heart
#13. AURORA – What Happened to The Heart?
Released 6/7/2024
Genre: Art Pop/Indie Pop
Highlights: A Soul With No King, Some Type of Skin, Dreams
Scrobbles: 75 |
| 25 | | AURORA (NOR)
What Happened to the Heart
One of my absolute favorite vocalists delivers her best record to date; that’s the headline. This record feels so free and joyful comprised of bouncy pop melodies and beats along with artsy symphonic bits, lightly electronic tinged bangers and beautiful, soulful ballads. Aurora’s vocals are enchanting and fairy-like with her range remaining stunning and somehow more impressive than ever. This is one of those records that just makes me feel like dancing and vibing in the moonlight. I don’t feel like it’s too self-serious despite some heavier lyricism from time to time and remains a sort of gleeful façade in times where the world is extremely dark. I think Aurora has captured lightning in a bottle after a sort of disappointing last record in my eyes. Her spirit is infectious and that helps make this a record I will return to over and over again. |
| 24 |  | Charli XCX
Brat
#12. Charli xcx – Brat
Released 6/7/2024
Genre: Club/Hyperpop
Highlights: Everything Is Romantic, 365, So I
Scrobbles: 119 |
| 23 | | Charli XCX
Brat
It's fair to say that Charli owned 2024, making “brat” into more than just a record, but a lifestyle. Despite the vast popularity of this record which often waters down the sentiment of an album, the quality of these songs and the sheer inventive nature of this record proves the potential staying power of a record like this. Borrowing elements of 00's club music, house and hyperpop, this deadly combo along with Charli's recognizable vocals and rowdy personality make for a bumping, danceable rager. Each song is a banger, some with a bit more of a serious lyrical focus but many committing to a full club experience with memorable vocal hooks and lyrics that are t-shirt worthy. Without a doubt, Charli has captured the attention of the pop world and deservingly so with her most complete and exciting record to date. |
| 22 |  | David Gilmour
Luck And Strange
#11. David Gilmour - Luck and Strange
Released 9/6/2024
Genre: Art Rock/Blues
Highlights: Between Two Points, Scattered, A Single Spark
Scrobbles: 63 |
| 21 | | David Gilmour
Luck And Strange
It's crazy to think that after such an absolutely phenomenal career, legendary guitarist and vocalist David Gilmour can somehow rival some of his best material both from the Pink Floyd catalog and his solo work this far into his tenure. Luck and Strange is bluesy, proggy bliss with an artsy sort of outlook with the songwriting feeling mature and worthy of the label “opus-esque.” Each song is beautifully crafted with lovely vocal performances and soulful guitar solos and swindle the heart. Plus, vocal features from Gilmour's daughter, Romany, offer a distinct, treasured highlight unlike anything from his career. A career highlight for Gilmour and easily a record worthy of such a high ranking in 2024. |
| 20 |  | Nailah Hunter
Lovegaze
#10. Nailah Hunter – Lovegaze
Released 1/12/2024
Genre: New Age/Ambient Folk
Highlights: Garden, Bleed, Finding Mirrors
Scrobbles: 57 |
| 19 | | Nailah Hunter
Lovegaze
This record was my first love of 2024, being the first record that I truly appreciated and felt was worthy of repeat listening. Its gentle balance between new age sounds and ambient textures is utterly enchanting and relaxing. It’s a very vibrant record while embracing minimalist production which allows for Nailah’s angelic voice to sit front and center in the mix. The songwriting can feel a bit novice at times with this being her debut record, but I feel like it can only go up from here. Her debut record commands your attention and offers a convincing reason for you to keep listening. |
| 18 |  | 156/Silence
People Watching
#9. 156/Silence – People Watching
Released 9/13/2024
Genre: Metalcore/Hardcore
Highlights: Funeral Arrangements, Character Development, Better Written Villain
Scrobbles: 82 |
| 17 | | 156/Silence
People Watching
Hard-hitting, chaos-incarnate metalcore band 156/Silence return with another record that features some of the most stylistically chaotic riffage and vocals in all of metalcore. I find the commitment to a lyrical focus and story to add so much to their music and while this is not new for the group considering a similar approach was taken with their last full length “Narrative,” I feel like this record shows marked improvement on their abilities to transition songs, create more dynamic ebbs and flows and ultimately, succeed in writing songs that feel more fleshed out. Also, leaning into more melody seems to be working in their favor as they’ve definitely seen a boost in popularity but also, this new focus has done wonders for the overall feel of the album. I consider this to be their best effort to date and I look forward to more from this group. |
| 16 |  | Arooj Aftab
Night Reign
#8. Arooj Aftab – Night Reign
Released 5/31/2024
Genre: Jazz/Folk
Highlights: Aey Nehin, Autumn Leaves, Bolo Na
Scrobbles: 48 |
| 15 | | Arooj Aftab
Night Reign
As a new listener to this artist, I have found their mixture of jazz affections with a sort of middle eastern traditional folk sound to be wholly endearing and sort of addictive. Coupled with beautiful vocals, great features and songwriting that feels contemplative, fleshed out and meaningful, this record really offers something unique in this landscape of music. Sometimes I feel like Aftab’s vocal inflections remind me of Sade which is a huge compliment considering my love for Sade but she also does have a timbre that feels very singular. I also wanted to highlight the production value of this record as being so crisp and yet so gentle when it needs to be; some songs legitimately make you feel like you’re floating on a cloud of cigarette smoke. I went and visited an older album of theirs and loved it, so I look forward to hearing more from this artist and seeing what comes next. |
| 14 |  | Joanna Wang
Hotel la Rut
#7. Joanna Wang – Hotel La Rut
Released 5/7/2024
Genre: Art Rock/Experimental
Highlights: Strange Beast, Jump In The Water, Fell In Love With the Neighbor’s Boy
Scrobbles: 81 |
| 13 | | Joanna Wang
Hotel la Rut
Having not heard of anything from Joanna Wang previously, I was not ready for this record on my first listen. The absolute onslaught of styles and ideas that come together, the chaotic pace of some of these tracks coupled with outlandish soundscapes, the ferocity in which stylistic shifts occur is all very daunting, but it’s so well produced and so well written. It’s endlessly entertaining without being overbearing despite a large quantity of tracks with a comparatively short runtime. The quirkiness that defines this release along with its silly storytelling is easy to smile to laugh at and ultimately, vibe to. It’s quick-witted, it’s smart, it’s fun, it’s a record that a few years ago I would have not liked but having grown as a music listener, I feel like this scratches a really particular itch. |
| 12 |  | Half Waif
See You at the Maypole
#6. Half Waif - See You at the Maypole
Released 10/4/2024
Genre: Art Pop/Indie Pop
Highlights: Collect Color, The Museum, Fog Winter Balsam Jade
Scrobbles: 62 |
| 11 | | Half Waif
See You at the Maypole
Beautiful melodies, lovely instrumental palettes, sonically brilliant compositions; Half Waif also known as Nandi Rose Plunkett, treats us to an album full of bops, ballads and bangers that display her full range of talent. From quaint little minimalist tunes to grandiose, sweeping songs that feature a wide range of instrumental influences, Plunkett's abilities come full circle through 17 tracks and 60 minutes of jams. This being my first experience with Plunkett's music, I feel lucky enough to live in the same lifetime as an artist of this caliber. I look forward to visiting some of their older material and seeing them develop further past this record. |
| 10 |  | The Story So Far
I Want to Disappear
#5. The Story So Far - I Want to Disappear
Released 6/21/2024
Genre: Pop Punk
Highlights: All This Time, White Shores, Watch You Go
Scrobbles: 118 |
| 9 | | The Story So Far
I Want to Disappear
Prior to this record, I was a very casual TSSF fan with most of their records feeling solidly good but never really reeling me in fully. This record on the other hand, grasped me immediately and held on for all 30 minutes of its runtime over and over again. The sheer catchiness of choruses on tracks like “All This Time” and “Jump the Gun” are so infectious and memorable, easy to vibe to. The simplicity of it all is what is most endearing with similar bands always trying to overcomplicate their compositions, TSSF really strip back what is necessary for a fantastic tune. The vocal performances are solid, the instrumentals are fast and catchy, its easily one of my most listened to records both on streaming and the physical record I bought. My favorite TSSF record and one I will continue to revisit for a long time. |
| 8 |  | Chelsea Wolfe
She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She
#4. Chelsea Wolfe - She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She
Released 2/9/2024
Genre: Darkwave/Gothic Folk
Highlights: Whispers In The Echo Chamber, Place In The Sun, House of Self-Undoing
Scrobbles: 106 |
| 7 | | Chelsea Wolfe
She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She
Gifted songwriter and vocalist Chelsea Wolfe delivers one of her most poignant and sonically heavy records to date, leaning into a more trip hop/industrial sound. Weaving densely beautiful ballads like “Place in the Sun” amongst driving, groovy tracks like “House of Self-Undoing”, Chelsea curates a focused, well-flowing, gorgeous record that is sure to make longtime fans happy and convince some of her non-believers of her greatness. Easily one of the best records, front to back, of the year; it'll be hard for Chelsea to top this one, but I have faith in her immense talent. |
| 6 |  | Crippling Alcoholism
With Love From a Padded Room
#3. Crippling Alcoholism - With Love From a Padded Room
Released 2/29/2024
Genre: Gothic Rock/Post-Punk
Highlights: Satan Is the One, Mob Dad, Evil Has a Babyface
Scrobbles: 146 |
| 5 | | Crippling Alcoholism
With Love From a Padded Room
With a healthy helping of Gothic noise and post-punkish attitude, this band has created one of the most deeply unsettling listens of 2024 while simultaneously offering almost comically memorable melodies and lyrical quips that are both quotable and disturbing. Each track is immensely satisfying, leaning heavily into deep, bass heavy rhythm sections and bright yet haunting synth melodies with a vocalist whose gruff, slurred delivery really offers a convincing portrayal of the ramblings of a man suffering from delusion and alcoholism. Truly one of the most unique records of the year and a band whom I’m extremely excited to see develop and grow. |
| 4 |  | Alcest
Les Chants de L'Aurore
#2. Alcest – Les Chants de L’Aurore
Released 6/21/2024
Genre: Shoegaze/Post-Black Metal
Highlights: L’Envol, L’Adieu, L’Enfant de la Lune
Scrobbles: 53 |
| 3 | | Alcest
Les Chants de L'Aurore
In what is ultimately my favorite Alcest record to date, they have found the correct balance between their shoegazey/post-rock aesthetic and the aggression of their black metal roots. These songs feel massive culminating is huge sonic payoffs that feel as grandiose as the production could allow. There’s immense emotion in Neige’s clean vocals and his melody choices for this record are just beautiful. Look no further than the lead single “L’Envol” for proof of that. I also appreciate the brevity of the record despite the longer compositions for its seven tracks; each feels extremely necessary and well-thought out. This band has always impressed me with their dynamics and ability to maneuver in and out of the heavier aspects of their sound, but this record just feels like a cut above the rest. Like always, I look forward to them delivering more amazing music in the future. |
| 2 |  | Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
Wild God
#1. Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds – Wild God
Released 8/30/2024
Genre: Gospel Rock/Orchestral Rock
Highlights: Joy, Conversion, Cinnamon Horses
Scrobbles: 122 |
| 1 | | Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
Wild God
After decades of producing quality album after album, I’m not in the least bit shocked that Nick Cave and company have managed to create a record worthy of the best album of the year. Returning to more full band sound leaning more heavily into orchestral bits, live drumming, choirs and a more uplifting tone, Cave has taken some key components from the last two more ambient oriented records and added layers upon layers of sound to create something very lush; something that builds and flows with love and care like many other of Cave’s best projects. Each track is so essential to the experience with a slew of heartfelt ballads, some more upbeat gospel rockers and songs that find a nice in-between to showcase songwriting skills that only Cave possesses. I love this record; I loved it from my first listen, and I love it now. While I adored the more melancholic, heartbroken records to precede this, I find this more positive, hopeful Cave to be a breath of fresh air. |
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