Favorite Albums of 2024
In my opinion, music is one of the best ways to connect with others. Music can convey so much feeling, inspiration, and energy, even without words. I’ve witnessed and experienced beauty and power in listening to music as a group, jamming in the car, doing karaoke, and of course, at live concerts. The power of this connection continues to amaze me to this day.
In our current world of singles and streaming, I feel like it can be harder to keep track of music I love over time. So, I try to make sure to track my favorite albums that come out each year. I don’t always post about them, but this year I am (albeit a bit late). Here are my most favorite albums of 2024.
If you’d like a Spotify playlist including my favorite songs from all of these albums (including some other favorites), you can find it at the bottom of the post.
08. hella (˃̣̣̥╭╮˂̣̣̥) ✧ ♡ ‧º·˚ - 1999 Write the Future
The eras of hip-hop that I’ve always felt most connected with has been the 1990’s through the “oughts” as they’re called. Since the advent of trap music and subsequent genres, I’ve always yearned for hip-hop music that had some connection to my favorite eras. hella does just that. I love the vibe of this album and the quick shots of nostalgia that each short track brings.
The Smile, an offshoot of Radiohead’s Thom York and Johnny Greenwood, put out two albums in 2024. On my second listen of this one, I really connected with it and listened to it a lot through the beginning of the year. I did struggle a bit in including this one on my list after learning Thom Yorke’s reaction and stance on the genocide in Gaza, but have been doing my best in practicing being able to hold multiple points of views. On one hand, the creation of an ethereal album of beautiful, deep, and moving music, and on the other, the creator of that music who claims to be in favor of human rights while not using his voice to speak out against a major violation of human rights.
I came across Mildlife maybe 6 or 7 years ago and caught them live a couple years later. I’m not sure how to describe their genre. They have elements of rock, folk()?, some elements of a jam band, and more. Chorus, in my opinion, has been their best album to date. Fitting for a road trip, hanging out with friends, or just vibing to this musical journey.
I’ve loved following Glass Animal’s musical journey since I first heard Zaba, their debut album. Every album since has completely different than the next, with this band experimenting, evolving, and taking risks on new sounds. This album is no different. I honestly hated it on the first listen. But, it grew on me, and easily made it into this list after I listen to it most of the summer.
I found this album late in the year and it immediately hooked me. It brought me back to my era of house music, which I found, explored, and grew to love since my days of living in Boston in the early 2000’s through to today. Grooving beats, catchy vocals and hooks, and just an overall fun vibe had me listening to this one a ton late in the year.
Jack White has been a machine the last few years. Two incredible albums in unique contrast in 2022, and after a short break, this rockin’ gem in 2024. This one was an immediate favorite on first listen. Heavy, fun at times, and with the flair only Jack White can bring, I’ll be listening to this one for years to come.
While I can easily get down with classical (sup Vivaldi??) and instrumental offshoots, they don’t usually make my favorite albums list. This one caught me right away though, and I found myself revisiting quite often. I’d never heard of Ezéchiel Pailhès before this album, but I became an instant fan. Clearly an incredible talent, Pailhès brings a modern and full sound on the piano that moved me and has continued to help me relax at times and help me focus on work at others.
I’ve been a fan of Crazy P since I first heard them around 2010. I’m a huge fan of funk, disco, and house music, and Crazy P blends all three of these sounds so well in my opinion. Combine the music itself with the soulful lyrics of Danielle Moore, and it is all quite an amazing sound that I can dip into almost any time. I was so excited to for this album, and it immediately delivered on first listen, becoming my favorite Crazy P album by far.
Somehow, I missed the tragic news that Danielle passed away about a month before its release, making it so bittersweet and further cementing this album as my favorite of the year. I found something to love in every track on this one, even before hearing the tragic news. This one will no doubt be a favorite of this decade, and I hope the memory of Danielle will continue to live on through this perfect album and the rest of Crazy P’s catalogue.
As promised, here is a link my Best of 2024 Spotify playlist which includes my favorite songs from these albums, along with some other favorite tracks from 2024.
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