Another year has come and gone, which means the Earth fully made its way around the Sun again. You go, girl. This also means there was a garguantan amount of music released and consumed this year and I'm here to break down 24 of my favorite releases that happened across my feed. What a year it was for the music industry. To even just be an eyewitness to all that went on was fascinating. Why did I pick 24 you may ask? Well this year was too good, musically speaking, to only talk about 10 albums, I like to write/hear myself talk, and the year ended in the number 24. That's about it. Also, considering that this is a lot of albums to talk about, and humans have millions of better things to do like playing Fortnite and betting on slap fighting, I'll keep these reviews (sort of) brief. Hope you all enjoyed the holiday season. Let's get this started.

#24 King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard-Flight b741

Genre(s): Blues rock, Boogie rock

Release Date: August 9th

Australian psychedelic outfit King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard make a somewhat gentler turn on the bumpy backroad that is their prolific discography back into their blues rock and boogie roots. The band has only been around since 2010 and this is their 26th studio album. They release all of this material while going on tour as well. An ambitious bunch of virtuosos that have tackled almost every genre you can think of, Flight b741 brings us back into familiar territory with jumping boogie rhythms and wailing melodic passages. This album proves that the Gizz can play some stuff that they are used to playing, and draw entirely new elements out of it at the same time.

#23 Remi Wolf-Big Ideas

Genre(s): Alt-pop, Boogie

Release Date: July 12th

Remi Wolf was already making waves in the pop world before her debut album, Juno, came out in 2021 and I wish she was on my radar sooner because she rocks. She creates a fun sound with flavors of alternative rock, R&B, and funk music. Big Ideas is filled with loud and kickass but yet reflective and emotional tunes. It further solidifies Remi's status as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. She does a great job on writing about the human condition; how sometimes we just want to be loud, brash, and not give a fuck, but on the other hand how that might have consequences in our own personal lives. Definitely worth multiple listens.

#22 Joey Valence and Brae-NO HANDS

Genre(s): Hip hop, Drum and bass

Release Date: June 7th

Joey Valence and Brae released their sophomore effort in June to more critical success. I was really thrown for a loop when I first heard their smash hit single "PUNK TACTICS". The Beastie Boys inspiration was heard right away and I got a giddy feeling inside. They quickly capitalized on their initial success with their second release here. Taking a more UK garage and EDM influence this time around, you could almost make the argument that this isn't even a hip hop record and more in those categories. They did a great job picking features and its a total party record. "THE BADDEST" is one of the most fun songs released this year. This album definitely packs a punch.

#21 The Cure-Songs Of A Lost World

Genre(s): Gothic rock, Cold wave, Dream pop, Space rock

Release Date: November 1st

Gothic rock legends, The Cure are finally back with Songs Of A Lost World and it has been a triumphant return, to say the least. All songs are composed solely by singer and guitarist Robert Smith, the constant heartbeat of the band. The Cure allude to themes of loss, isolation, and even an glimpse and the end of human existence. This might not be new for territory for them, but Smith and the rest of the band perform these songs in such a almost hypnotic way that sucks you in and you don't want to leave. It was allegedly supposed to be even more down trodden according to Smith's wife, which almost makes me glad its not, but even so, this is a great return to form for the band. How to do a comeback album.

#20 Godspeed You! Black Emperor-"NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD"

Genre(s): Post-rock, Drone

Release Date: October 4th

The post-rock pioneers return to release another masterpiece in sound experimentation. I like to utter the popular phrase "If it ain't broke don't fix it" and I feel like Godspeed use that phrase to inspire their songwriting while also sprinkling in new, refreshing elements that keep them trending and relevant. They often muse on political strife and this album certainly has that at the forefront of its themes, especially with the title of this record referring to the struggle between Israel and Palestine. They certainly want that to be at the front of our minds as we sift through this record, which brings a sort of hopeful tone that war will hopefully be a past mistake of humans. Bottom line: this album makes you think.

#19 JPEGMAFIA-I LAY MY LIFE DOWN FOR YOU

Genre(s): Industrial hip hop, Rap metal, Experimental hip hop, Punk rap

Release Date: August 1st

Woah. We all knew JPEGMAFIA was releasing a record this year, which still means you really don't know what to expect. His collab album last year with Danny Brown was one of hip hop's best, so the whole underground hip hop world was waiting for this album with bated breath. And of course it delivered. JPEG continues to innovate with each release and a rap metal style record was just what the fans needed. He follows a similar formula with bar spitting over raw and jagged production but with more of a metal twist. It has been really interesting to see how rock and rap have intersected over the years, but nobody does it quite like JPEGMAFIA. One of the most influential rappers of the 2020s.

#18 ScHoolboy Q-BLUE LIPS

Genre(s): West Coast hip hop

Release Date: March 1st

West Coast veteran ScHoolboy Q returns to form with Blue Lips. His last release, back in 2019, was a definite disappointment but he definitely has his mojo back here. Spending a significant amount of time writing and recording this record has certainly paid off. The features are solid, the production is better, and ScHoolboy's rapping has improved as well. He takes us on a fun ride about how he has experienced success in the rap game and ponders on how he can keep it up. I also think since Kendrick left TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment), this has given Q new opportunites to shine and he absolutely capitalized with this release here.

#17 Magdalena Bay-Imaginal Disk

Genre(s): Synth-pop, Neo-psychedelia

Release Date: August 23rd

Miami duo Magdalena Bay are beginning their takeover of the synth-pop landscape. Their 2021 debut Mercurial World was solid and they turn it up here on their sophomore album. There are a lot of genres being fused on this record and the production is almost pleasantly oversaturated. A somewhat concept album where True, the person on the cover, gets a disk inserted into her head. She begins to process all of the data on the disk to transform into her "ideal self" but then she realizes she loves who she is without the disk. Its a phenomenal tale all about acceptance with a trippy, yet catchy synth-pop background. A very compelling listen.

#16 ¥$-VULTURES 1

Genre(s): Hip hop, R&B, Hip house

Release Date: February 10th

Oh boy. Sorry but I liked this album.

#15 Khruangbin-A LA SALA

Genre(s): Instrumental rock, Neo-psychedelia, Funk

Release Date: April 5th

Khruangbin is a band that clearly has a lot of talent. Some listeners out there think they could be doing some more ambitious things with their music but they really don't have to because they are just so musically tight. To the average listener, Khruangbin may seem like total background music. And they kind of are. And they're kind of perfect at it. They fill the role better than any other artist out there. And that's why they're so good. They stick to the basics but keep it fresh and that is what music is all about. You can't not nod your head to this record, the grooves are there.

#14 Laura Marling-Patterns in Repeat

Genre(s): Indie folk, Folk baroque

Release Date: October 25th

Indie folk darling Laura Marling returned in 2024 with a great album; Patterns in Repeat. Written after the birth of her daughter, the songs reflect of the themes of motherhood, ageing, and what family passes down through the generations. While not overly ambitious for her work, its an extremely comforting listen, credit due to the delicate guitar lines, Laura's soft lullably like vocals, and the smooth orchestral arrangements. A great album for a rainy day.

#13 Chelsea Wolfe-She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She

Genre(s): Trip hop, Dark wave, Industrial rock

Release Date: February 9th

Chelsea Wolfe has to be one of the most unique artists to come out of the 2010s. She is a true musician's musician, changing her style with every release she puts out. Here is no different. This being her 7th studio album, it draws on tons of influences like industrial, metal, EDM, trip hop, and gothic rock. Wolfe made the decision to get sober in 2021, which is the main source of inspiration here. The songs are edgy and vulgar but also contemplative, and, well, sobering. Imagine if The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, and Massive Attack were all one band. That is the best way I can describe this album. Which means you should listen to it.

#12 Mannequin Pussy-I Got Heaven

Genre(s): Punk rock, Noise rock

Release Date: March 1st

If you're starved for some noisy, edgy punk rock, look no further than Philly quartet, Mannequin Pussy. Yes that's their name. I'm sure their goal is to get your grandmother upset that you listen to them and they love it. They are the epitome of punk rock in the 21st century. I Got Heaven sees them take a different thematic approach. They're usually screaming about what is wrong with America but singer/guitarist Missy Dabice shows us a more vulnerable side to her songwriting, inspired by a recent breakup. And we all know breakups create bangers. So shoutout to that guy. Being from the Philly area, its been exciting to watch the band's journey. This album has some of my favorite songs of the year and I'm confident it and the band will have serious staying power.

#11 Beth Gibbons-Lives Outgrown

Genre(s): Chamber pop, Progressive folk

Release Date: May 17th

Portishead singer Beth Gibbons finally released her first true solo album in 2024 and it is hauntingly beautiful. We could only expect something that pushes the boundaries of musical genres from Beth and Lives Outgrown does that exceptionally. Written over the course of a decade, Gibbons laments on this album as she gets older, she wonders how she can still be a mother to her children, and also grieves the loss of loved ones. As eerie and dismal as the record sounds, the production and songs themselves leave a pleasant undertone, which makes the listener want more.

#10 Clairo-Charm

Genre(s): Sophisti-pop, Soul, Soft rock

Release Date: July 12th

Indie queen Clairo came back with a bang in 2024 delivering us her third studio album. Even with its very soft, jazz influenced sound, it dominated the pop airwaves with catchy songs like "Sexy To Someone" and "Juna". Recorded live on analog tape, Clairo wants to bring back the good old smooth jazz vibes from the 70s and 80s. Producer Leon Michels did a great job channeling that sound with what Clairo had brought to the table. Not a total departure from her previous work, but more meticulously crafted for sure. She deserves all of her flowers and so does this record.

#9 Vince Staples-Dark Times

Genre(s): West Coast hip hop

Release Date: May 24th

Vince Staples has pretty much solidified himself as a modern day West Coast giant. His last two releases, with Motown Records, are considered my many to be modern day classics. I think he has another one here. Vince's storytelling is top notch, and he lets into his inner consciousness. He shows us his tough Compton upbringing and his celebrity status and gives us interesting thoughts about who he thinks he is. "Justin" is a really funny story about how Vince "almost" lost his virginity, until our titular character spoils the fun. An emotionally resonant piece of work, Vince is proving his longevity in the game.

#8 St. Vincent-All Born Screaming

Genre(s): Industrial rock, Art rock

Release Date: April 26th

It's crazy to think that Annie Clark, the mind behind St. Vincent, thought she needed to expand her "sonic vocabulary" as she puts it. Every one of her albums is so drastically different in style, we knew that this wasn't going to be another Daddy's Home. While that record gave us a laid back, psychedelic 70s sound, All Born Screaming is by all means a 90s rock album. In 2024. AWESOME. Produced entirely on her own, Clark is shouting from the rooftops on this release, reminding us that she is indeed a rocker. The record draws on themes of loss, death, and mortality, and we all know those are the three literary themes that make a great album. In all seriousness though, give this a listen because its so refreshing ot hear that all eras of rock music are still loved and adored.

#7 Tyler, The Creator-CHROMAKOPIA

Genre(s): Hip hop, R&B

Release Date: October 28th

One of the most anticpated releases of the entire decade so far. Fans and critics alike were foaming at the mouth waiting for Tyler's next album. Understandbly so, because Tyler's creative peak continues to ascend with every forthcoming release. Watching his musical journey has been nothing short of inspiring. From a brash young kid who never cared what other people thought to a hip hop titan, CHROMAKOPIA is a culmination of his storied career so far. Released at 6 AM on a Monday, Tyler's eighth studio album expands on musical concepts from Flower Boy and Igor and that is exactly what the fans wanted. A loose concept album narrated by his mother, the record pieces together all of Tyler's perspective on his life experiences. Cohesive, fluid, and compelling, Tyler is absolutely in it for the long run. The biggest out the city after Kenny, that's a fact now.

#6 Kendrick Lamar-GNX

Genre(s): West Coast hip hop

Release Date: November 22nd

If you thought the West Coast rap scene couldn't get any better this year, well, you're wrong. To assert his total annihilaton of Drake, Kendrick thought it was best to do another victory lap. That victory lap was a surprise release on the 22nd of November. After being announced for the Super Bowl halftime show, there was only more speculation of new material from Kendrick. Package delivered. Again. The singles were absolutely amazing, and so is the rest of the album. Even though Drake isn't actually mentioned, all of the songs just scream "I am the better rapper". If you're going to win, you might as well keep celebrating.

#5 Beyoncé-COWBOY CARTER

Genre(s): Country, Country pop, Americana

Release Date: March 29th

Beyoncé has dropped another bomb on the music industry. And by bomb I mean an album that has a total nuclear effect on everyone that listens to it. Can nuclear material make you dance? Porbably not, but every Beyoncé album makes me dance, and I wanted to make a clever analogy. But this album was friggin popular. Not only did Queen Bey get crazy endorsement deals from Levi's and Lexus, but this album completely changed country music. This record lives up to all of the attention and accolades that it has received. She gives us the perspective on how Black America has seen and related with country music. The numerous inclusions of fellow Black country artists and legends of the genre only bolden her claim that this is in fact a country album. Linda Martell says it best on "SPAGHETTII", "Genre's are a funny little concept, aren't they?".

#4 Knocked Loose-You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To

Genre(s): Beatdown hardcore, Metalcore, Hardcore punk

Release Date: May 10th

Alright, first things first, shoutout to Jimmy Kimmel for having these guys on his show. The guy may suck at hosting a late night show, but he has good music taste, can't fault him there. Also, all of you Facebook moms that had your children stay up to watch Jimmy Kimmel should be ashamed. Show your kids something funny. But they also got to witness history. So win-win I guess. Since that's out of the way, let me now say this album slaps. Like full force in your face, slap box style. IT'S AWESOME. When I first heard Knocked Loose, I didn't know what to think. Some may think its just noise, but this album is actuyally a masterclass in record production. The guitars sound like industrial machinery; it feels like drummer Kevin "Pacsun" Kaine got a few empty oil drums and started going to town on them. Also vocalist Bryan Garris has an unforgettable screech that reverberates throughout. All musicians, engineers, and producers need to listen to this one. Top to bottom, a flawless record.

#3 Jack White-No Name

Genre(s): Garage rock, Blues rock, Punk blues

Release Date: July 19th

After some stylistic departures on his last few records, Jack White is again channeling what originally got him into the mainstream. Pure, uncut, raw, rock n'roll baby. No Name (as he so affectionally calls it) is a lot more stripped down but also laden with Jack's squealing, unforgettable guitar lines. It makes me miss Meg White. His current wife Olivia Jean and daughter make some appearances, and they complement him well. "That's How I'm Feeling" is still stuck in my head. Old-school fans will just be grinning from ear to ear when hearing this record. Turn the volume UP for this one.

#2 Osees-SORCS 80

Genre(s): Synth-punk, Garage punk

Release Date: August 9th

Soon after this album came out, a coworker and I were discussing how much we enjoyed it. Our description that we came up with was that it was like Black Flag were forced to make an album without guitars. I still laugh thinking about that description but its very fitting. If you're not already familiar, Osees is the constantly changing (in both name and style) project of musical mad scientist John Dwyer. Their previous effort, Intercepted Message, demonstrated how the band could make a punk album with minimal guitar. This time it seems like they challegend themselves to not use any. "Look at the Sky" is a fantastic opener that gives the listener a good taste of just exactly what they are in for. "Cochon D'Argent" is one of my personal favorites this year and I can't wait to see what Dwyer and his crew have in store for 2025.

#1 Charli Xcx-Brat

Genre(s): Hyperpop, Electropop, Dance-pop, Electroclash

Release Date: June 7th

Alright, are you surprised? We were all calling it a brat summer, but it was really a brat year. This album TOOK OVER 2024. The cover art and name alone of the album was one of the most popular memes this year. It was also involved in the US election? Wild. But this album is anything but a meme. Filled with addictive dance-pop numbers, Charli constructs a great tribute to the English club scene, something she grew up in and around. However along with the countless club bangers, Charli shows some real emotional maturity on this record, with some themes about her and relationships, as well as her feelings on motherhood. Her last release was a bit of a flop, so this is exactly what her career needed. The remix album released in October, only prolonged this album's success with every song from the original record receiving a great reimagining, all all with features. Charli truly deserves all of her flowers, considering her impact and influence on the music scene over the past decade. This record is going to have some monumental staying power. She is our number one.

And with that, those were my 24 favorite records from this past year; a weird number, I know. If you've made it here than consider yourself invited to all of my future significant life events. It's not my fault you like reading. All jokes aside, it was a pleasure to write this and combine some of my lifelong passions into a project. I'll definitely get my 2025 rankings published before the year ends. Cheers to a year that will be healthy, prosperous, and littered with amazing music.

Dylan