Top Music of 2024
I tried to choose ten, but that just seemed impossible
In 2024, I listened to some good music. I’ve reviewed my Apple Music Replay and recorded my top album for a few years,1 but this year, I was inspired by Mikey Moo, who encouraged folks to vote in the KEXP Listeners’ Best of 2024 list. I’ve curated my list from my most listened-to albums according to Apple Music, the KEXP list, and my own loves.
Albums
Sam Evian – Plunge
Sam Evian’s “Plunge” was my top album from Apple Music. “Plunge” maintains Sam’s 1970s retro vibe, and it’s full of upbeat and rocking jams that don’t hit the ear too harshly. It’s most likely my top album of 2024 because in the spring and summer, I turned to it whenever I needed some “easy listening.” I remember being especially hyped for this album’s release, having fallen in love with Sam’s cover of “Right Down the Line” by Gerry Rafferty in 2021.
Top Song: “Another Way”
STRFKR – Parallel Realms
I’ve been listening to STRFKR since “Jupiter” (2009):
They’re a band I come back to again and again for a poppy, fun time. Their 2024 release “Parallel Realms” really drew me in. From the mesmerizing artwork to sweet French lyrics sprinkled throughout the incessant grooves and contemplative interludes, this album is Peak Summer, but good anytime. Check them out if you’re looking for a bit more substance to your lo-fi.
Top Song: “Chizzlers”
Mikey Moo – Fresh Idiot
Mikey Moo is Local AF. Many thanks for steering me to the KEXP list and inspiring this collection. When “Fresh Idiot” exploded this summer, I was excited to recognize a hook or two from the Before Times. The album is a perfect alchemy of alt-rock and pop with plaintive lyrical turns.
Meet me halfway
I will keep my head straight
If it’s not enough then I don’t know the half of it
Talking in zeroes in ones
I also jumped at the chance to attend their live in-studio performance at KEXP. I knew they were easy to attend, but Mikey Moo’s performance was the first time I finally made the pilgrimage. Highly recommended.
Top Song: “Zeroes and Ones”
Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood
Waxahatchee is a well-loved indie band that I’ve been sleeping on for some years. It’s always been a bit too “country” but in April, the song “Right Back to It” hit me with its combination of meta-lyrics, counter melodies on guitar, and banjo. I think I want to listen to this song on repeat because it’s begging for a full jam out session at the end. The entire album is stellar and has several entry points, including “3 Sisters” and “The Wolves.”
Top Song: “Right Back to It”
elbow – Audio Vertigo
If I’ve been with STRFKR a long time, I’ve been with elbow even longer. I was first introduced to them in 2003 with the album “Cast of Thousands” which turned me into a steady fan. I anticipate every new album release, but none in recent years have caught me in the same way “Audio Vertigo” did. The midpoint transition “Her to the Earth” is closer to first drew me in with whispers and melodic overlays, but “Knife Fight” asserts itself with Garvey’s beautiful vocals and rocking style.
Top Song: “Knife Fight”
Good Morning – Good Morning Seven & The Accident
I was introduced to Good Morning by the algorithm, and boy oh boy was the algo right. Their songs are sad and thoughtful but never boring, and they’re prolific enough that I could just listen to them and no one else. It turns out they released two albums in 2024—“Good Morning Seven” and “The Accident”—and I can highly recommend them both. If you’re into an easygoing and slightly sad indie style, give anything they’ve done a spin.
Top Songs: “Excalibur” and “Soft Rock Band”
Chastity Belt – Live Laugh Love
Chastity Belt is a “real band formed in Walla Walla, WA” that exudes a 1990s Seattle alt-rock vibe. “Live Laugh Love” is a strong album from start to finish. I had trouble picking a favorite song from this one, and I changed it a few times before I landed on “I-90 Bridge” which I picked purely for its opening lyrics:
Riding bikes across the I-90 bridge
Nine at night
This feels like flying
The sense of freedom in the wind is palpable when I listen to it. This album (and this band) is perfect for anyone who wants to feel like they’ve traveled back in time.
Top Song: “I-90 Bridge”
Lutalo – The Academy
Another artist served to me by the algorithm, Vermont-based Lutalo caught my eye because of their album art for “The Academy” and the acoustic guitars with layer-cake vocals that are sweet and dark as soon as you hit play. Overall, their style reminds me of The National, Interpol, and TV on the Radio, but I’m sure there are other influences I’m missing out on. It looks like they were prolific in 2024 and even released a new album in January, so I have some catching up to do.
Top Song: “Haha Halo”
Merce Lemon – Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild
I can’t remember when I first listened to Merce Lemon’s “Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild” but I’m sure this was another band suggested to me by Apple Music. I was drawn in by the harmonious vocals and poetic lyrics and folksy vibe. The album initially feels short and simple but it cuts deep, with long music breaks framed by fiddle and drums. I also love her showcase of whittled spoons.
Top Song: “Birdseed”
Tommy Newport – Mister Domino
Tommy Newport is a British musician from Kansas who lives in LA. I listen to his candy-pop singles on repeat, so I was hooked in for the release of “Mister Domino.” “Sugar on My Tongue” evokes David Byrne. Everything about his style is sugary sweet and tough not to groove to. This album didn’t stick with me into the winter, but it was a great way to cap off summer’s end.
Top Song: “Accidental Tourist”
Soccer Mommy – Evergreen
I’ve been following Soccer Mommy for a few years, as she popped into the scene alongside Snail Mail, Bully, and others. I’ve loved listening to her evolution as she’s grown beyond bedroom pop and the early 2000s alt-rock influence to assert her unique voice and style. “Evergreen” feels extra special and to me, it’s her strongest album. There are multiple tracks that make you stop and just listen, and it’s clear that she’s far from over, because she is evergreen.
Top Song: “Driver”
Mulatu Astatke & Hoodna Orchestra – Tension
Mulatu Astatke does not stop! The father of Ethio-jazz, Astatke is another artist I have been familiar with through multiple chapters of my life. First introduced with “Ethiopiques 4” circa 2007, my friends and I listened nonstop, dancing in our living room and drinking red wine from coffee mugs. I was happy to see this new release, which is perfect for cooking and chatting.
Top Song: “Dung Gate”
St. Vincent – All Born Screaming
I thought I would love this album more. I’ve been a superfan of St Vincent for many years, even detailing her performance at The Moore on the Digital Witness Tour. The singles continue to stand out and its recently been rerecorded en español, but I was ready for more metal with this one.
Top Song: “Flea”
Haley Heynderickx – Seed of a Seed
Haley Heynderickx gets an honorable mention, because I learned about her 2024 release as I was preparing this post. “Seed of a Seed” maintains her ethereal yet earthy style, and does not disappoint.
Top Song: “Foxglove”
Singles & EPs
Gloria Laing – Bullet
Gloria Laing is a New Zealander who I’ve been following since Apple Music dropped her two singles in my lap in 2019. I was so taken by her, that when I looked for any way to follow her, I ended up on her personal Instagram. She didn’t start releasing music again until after she finished university and settled in London, and now she’s dropping singles left and right. Her 2024 release, “Bullet” is pure fire. Glo is one to watch.
Richard Orofino – Lion’s Mane
Another Lockdown Era discovery, Richard Orofino’s angelic voice was delivered to me via TikTok when they were making up songs to random words found around their studio like bottles of Braggs ACV. “Lion’s Mane” stuck out to me with its ultra-deep synths and Orofino’s molasses-like vocals.
Kendrick Lamar – euphoria
A lot has been written about the beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar and I know that the obvious top choice for the year is “Not Like Us.” But I don’t like obvious and “euphoria” includes this choice lyric which can’t be beat:
But don’t tell no lie about me and I won’t tell truths ‘bout you
Dragon Inn 3 – Clock Machine / All I Know
I’m a big fan of Dragon Inn 3, especially since I know half of the band from growing up in Springfield, MO. They released a new single in 2024 that features two jams, but the drum machine track and synths of “All I Know” give me life.
Wilco – Hot Sun Cool Shroud
I’ve had Wilco’s “Hot Sun Cool Shroud” on repeat since its release. I loved watching the album artwork change—check out the adorable interview with the contest winner—and reconnecting with the band overall. “Annihilation” was my standout track.
elbow – Adriana Again
Yes, elbow gets to make two appearances on this list, purely because “Adriana Again” is a jam I’ve had on repeat. Plus, it anticipates another album from them in 2025.