Is it possible for there to be too much good music in a year? Maybe it’s just that there have been more albums released than ever before, or I’ve listened to more, but either way, there wasn’t enough time in a year to truly let all of the great releases sink in. From new bands shining, to veterans making their best work in decades, as far as the output from this year, there’s very little to complain about.
As in prior years, we count album releases starting the December from the year before until the end of November (so we can share our list before the year ends), so any Dec 2024 releases will be eligible for 2025. Without further adieu, here are the albums that left their mark on me in 2024.
The Indy Review’s Top 40 Albums of 2024:
- Green Day – Saviors
Green Day are one of the first bands I ever loved. I could make a no-skips double album of just their deep cuts and b-sides. Yet, even I can admit that their output the last handful of years didn’t live up to their best work. All that changed in 2024. Maybe it was because they were celebrating the 30th anniversary of Dookie, or 20th anniversary of American Idiot, but Saviors sounds like the best of both those worlds combined, with an added scoop of delicious power-pop put on top. First single “The American Dream is Killing Me” brought back the social relevance and multipart song structure of American Idiot, while the upstart snark of “Look Ma, No Brains” could have fit in perfectly on their 90’s content. Punchy, 70’s garage rockers like “Coma City” and “1981” were mega ear-worms, while “Goodnight Adeline” was a sugary sweet pop-punk crooner. I could write on about the strength of every song here. But most importantly, they all fit together to make Saviors one of their most cohesive and memorable works Green Day has made in two decades.
2. American Aquarium – The Fear of Standing Still
With each passing album, BJ Barham, frontman of Americana rockers American Aquarium, proves himself one of his generations most thoughtful, heartfelt and honest songwriters. With The Fear of Standing Still, he has written the band’s best album yet. The punk rock ethos Barham lives by bursts through on first single “Crier”, potentially the first song I’ve ever heard to address the stigma of men shedding tears in our society. Barham is savvy enough to even use the Bible in defense of his argument. On “Cherokee Purples”, Barham isn’t just waxing nostalgia – he’s capturing the innocence of youth and the feelings attached to the simplest of details, and doing so with an intricate Afropop guitar line accentuating the folk rock storytelling. Barham has never been afraid to address not only his southern roots, but also the continued struggles of the south to break free from its problematic heritage, and he does so beautifully on “Southern Roots” (with help of fellow songwriter Katie Pruitt). Each song here carries more substance than most of the country Top 40 combined. From the difficulties of aging (“The Curse of Growing Old”) to the society’s pressure for constant productivity to survive (The powerful title track). It’s simply A+ songwriting across the board.
3. The Cure – Songs of a Lost World
At times it seemed like it would never come. But in the year 2024, we can finally say we received a new album by the legendary band The Cure, and it was worth the 16 year wait. An album of sadness, uncertainty and closure. An album of moody atmospheres, complex textures and darkly lush orchestration. Opener “Alone” is a pensive, melancholy pinnacle of loneliness in loss, with no vocals until a few minutes in. The apprehension in “A Fragile Thing” dares you to sing along with its nervous chorus, as it’s as close to a pop song as the album contains. The songs here are heavy (“Warsong”), filled with grief (the heartbreaking “I Can Never Say Goodbye”, which addresses the loss of Robert Smith’s brother), yet also beautiful in their composition (“And Nothing is Forever”). And one could not ask for a better finale to a Cure album than the ten minute epic “Endsong”. We can all be satisfied that Songs of a Lost World has finally been found.
4. Vampire Weekend – Only God Was Above Us
When Vampire Weekend dropped the first two tracks for their latest album, “Capricorn” and “Gen-X Cops”, I’ll admit I was a little worried. On their own, neither of these tracks had the urgency or appeal of past singles like “Diane Young” or “Harmony Hall”. Upon listening to the full Only God Was Above Us, it became clear that this was not an album of potential singles. This was a complete, complex work, with the band exploring some of their wildest eccentricities and idiosyncratic desires to create their most compelling album to date. Bubbly indie rock (“Prep-School Gangsters”) swims with jazzy pop rock (“Classical”), thrilling classical piano (“Mary Boone”) and moody baroque pop (“The Surfer”) to form something wholly unique and original. Vampire Weekend continue to push themselves into new directions, keeping them one of the most innovative and interesting alternative bands out there today.
5. The K’s – I Wonder if the World Knows
Bombastic Britpop is alive and well, and The K’s are carrying the torch proudly. From the moment “Heart On My Sleeve” hit my ears, with it’s massive choruses and emotional resonance, I knew I had discovered a new band I would love. And their album did not disappoint (you can read my review here). Tracks like “Icarus” soar right up into the sun with huge vocal melodies, while “No Place Like Home” kicks with a stuttering hook, while “Black and Blue” narratively draws you in to British street life. The songs here are made for stadiums, and are positively bursting with hopeful energy. If you’re a fan of bands like U2, queue this one up immediately.
6. Chaz Cardigan – A Year in Glassland
Every once in a while, a songwriter come around who provides a refreshing new voice to the world. One that is both thought-provoking and clever, a storyteller yet capable of writing from a deeply personal perspective. In 2024, Chaz Cardigan was this new voice for me. From the moment I heard first single “Rashomon” during his opening set for Better Than Ezra, a track that brilliantly exposes the flaws and mistakes of youth, I knew there was going to be something stellar about his new album. Opener “Diet Coke” uses the famed soda as a symbol for self-discovery and a look at mortality, while “Poison Ivy” is a dissection of poor romantic choices, sung with wit and charm. And of course, all of this lyrical savvy wouldn’t do any good if Cardigan also didn’t have a knack for writing immensely catchy pop rock tunes. A great album from a stellar young voice in the music scene.
7. Hermanos Gutiérrez – Sonido Cosmico
The instrumental album of the year. The two-piece band of brothers Hermanos Gutiérrez create gorgeous, dare I say cosmic, soundscapes that blend mellow psychedelia into their intricate acoustic tracks. Tracks like “Low Sun” transport you to a desert at golden hour, as a warm wind blows sand around your feet, while the title track leans into more unsettling, anxious tones before drifting into a comforting melancholy. Like any good instrumental album, the collection works as a cohesive piece; perfectly creating a mood while showcasing the brother’s skilled playing and composing. If you’re in need of something to vibe out to after a stressful day, throw this on and soak in the sounds.
8. Gallowstreet – A Trip Worth Making
A year with TWO instrumental albums in the top ten? It’s happening. But the record of Gallowstreet could not be more different than Hermanos Gutiérrez. Instead of being a quiet, 2-piece acoustic duo, Gallowstreet are a Dutch, 8-member brass band who blend jazz, world music, drum & bass, electronic and even some hip-hop inspiration in their brash, powerful songs. “Phoenix” builds and conquers with uplifting, horn-driven melodies and kinetic percussion, and skitters off into electronica on the bridge before returning to the jazzy outro. “Proper Hired Gun” rolls with the bravado of a Bond theme, while tracks like “Consider it a Calling” strut with attitude and 70’s sex appeal. And the way the song glows on the chorus, with its harmonized horns and warm melodies, take it to a whole new level. My money is on you not having listened to anything like this album in 2024. Now is a good time to start.
9. Kula Shaker – Natural Magick
Maybe it’s because they were bigger in the UK than here in the states, but Kula Shaker only hit my radar this year (I think I heard “Hush” once in the early 2000’s). But man did they hit it. Despite being nearly 30 years into their career, Natural Magick is a great album, meshing britpop, psychedelia and Indian music for a unique sound that is made better by their witty, at times snarky and socially conscious lyrics. “Waves” shimmers and shakes with warbly guitars, bright vocal harmonies and psychedelic sitars. Think if Oasis spent a year listening only to Hindi music. The title track brings rock to the dance floor, while “Kalifornia Blues” drips with sunshine and 70’s harmonies. It’s the modern classic rock record of the year.
10. Jack White – No Name
With a rollout that in itself was legendary, Jack White continues to be one of the most interesting men in music, and with his latest album No Name, he reminded the world he was one of the biggest guitar bad-asses playing today. Filled with hard-hitting, bluesy stompers (“Old Scratch Blues”) and riffs that pull at your soul so hard it explodes from your guts (“Bombing Out”), No Name has no filler. White even got his first solo #1 alternative radio hit with “That’s How I’m Feeling”. You know if radio is embracing White again, it’s because they want to back a winner, and that’s exactly what this album is.
11. Frank Turner – Undefeated
The UK folk-punk continues to branch out, adding power pop (“Girl From the Record Shop”, “Do One”) to his repertoire, along with his already-excellent punk, hardcore and folk songwriting. From touching on our recent collective trauma (“Pandemic PTSD”) to personal reflection (“Somewhere Inbetween”), Turner excels at writing music that is both thrilling, cathartic and touching.
12. Hurray for the Riff Raff – The Past is Still Alive
Alynda Segarra’s music may not be loud, but it’s as radical and punk as anything from that genre. As Hurray for the Riff Raff, Segarra writes songs that speak to the struggles of all oppressed communities, yet does it through softly-sung folk rock. “Buffalo” is a sing-songy tune pondering the finality of our existence, and on the excellent “Colossus of Roads”, a lustful romance is painted with the backdrop of America’s downfall. With her Dylanesque knack for details and wistful melodies, Segarra blends the personal and radical seamlessly into timeless, poetic stories.
13. The Last Dinner Party – Prelude to Ecstasy
Few groups came into 2024 with more hype or expectations than The Last Dinner Party. They had blown me away with their live show last year, and incredible singles like “Nothing Matters” had already taken off. The question was whether the debut album would meet the hype. Spoiler: it did. Their stylish, Victorian-tinged baroque pop rock dazzles, while tracks like “The Feminine Urge” should be new feminist anthems for the modern age.
14. The Black Keys – Ohio Players
While the press was not too kind to Ohio blues rock duo The Black Keys this year, following a scrapped tour and crypto-promoting stadium show, it’s a shame because they dropped (in my opinion) their best album to date. Working with collaborators ranging from Beck and the Dust Brothers to rapper Juicy J, the duo finally move out of the blues box to for an album glowing with classic rock shuffle (“Beautiful People (Stay High)”), 90’s alternative bliss (“This is Nowhere”), bleary-eyed soul (“I Forgot to Be Your Lover”), and on the extended edition, even some Latin (“Mi Tormenta”) and shock rock (“Stay in Your Grave”). All of these sounds are far better looks on the band than crypto.
15. X Ambassadors – Townie
The alt pop rock group’s latest album is full of personal, nostalgic looks back at their origins and the days that birthed them, with the kind of wistful, melancholy melodies that make those stories stick. The details in tracks like “Women’s Jeans” and the tribute track “Rashad” elevate the authenticity, making these songs you can see and feel for yourselves.
16. Donovan Woods – Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now
This soft-spoken Canadian folk songwriter is at the top of his game, writing the musical equivalent of indie films in his beautifully-told story songs. “I’m Around” perfectly captures that image of that reliable person in your life you left behind, but are tempted to see again, while “When Our Friends Come Over” is an exquisite duet with Madi Diaz that makes a dinner with friends feel like so much more. And “Back for the Funeral” is quite possibly the best song Woods has ever written (and he has a lot of great songs).
17. Sum 41 – Heaven :x: Hell
The Canadian punk heroes are going out on top with their final double album. Half bouncy pop-punk (“Landmines”) and fearless punk rock (“Waiting on a Twist of Fate”) and half metal-tinged melodic rock (“Rise Up”, “Stranger in These Times”), no matter which side of Sum 41 you love, you’ll find yourselves enjoying these tight, catchy track and joining the mosh-pit. While “Radio Silence” may be their fitting farewell track, it’s unlikely radio will stop playing hits from this band anytime soon.
18. Fantastic Cat – Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat
This singer-songwriter supergroup writes songs with the perfect blend of wit, charm and sincerity to win over the most callous of listeners. Single “All My Fault” is wonderfully tongue-in-cheek, with a denouement that will make you smile, while “Oh Man!” brings tales of all the folks “doing the best that we can” to life with a raucous handclap beat. Fun folk pop to lift the dour mood of the year.
19. Madi Diaz – Weird Faith
The thoughtful lyricism on Diaz’s new album hits on another level. The drawn-out break-up track “For Months Now” will twist the guts of anyone who has been part of a relationship that’s slowly died, and they may relate to the lyrics of “Same Risk” just as much (“If you lay in my bed, I know we’re gonna have sex. It’ll happen so fast, make a suicide pact, and you can’t take that back. Do you think this could ruin your life? Cause I can see it ruining mine”). And the title track dives into all the pain, confusion and meaning behind love, and the growth that can come with it.
20. LL Cool J – The Force
The famed, old school rap legend came back this year and proved he was still a creative force to be reckoned with. From going toe to toe with next generation talents like Eminem on “Murdergram Deux” or taking his artistry in completely new directions on “Black Code Suite”, LL Cool J is still one of the best out there and deserving of all GOAT titles bestowed upon him.
21. Jason DeVore – ‘Til The Voice Goes Out
The Authority Zero frontman shares his journey out of addiction through fist-pumping punk rock, grooving roots reggae and everything in between. Hooks a-plenty that will have you shouting along. Read my interview with him from earliest this year about the album here.
22. Augustana – Something Beautiful
The pop rock project from Dan Layus is still going strong, writing some of the most emotional and gorgeous songs of his career. The album title is fitting – this is a beautiful collection of songs, especially the stunning title track.
23. Jake Bugg – A Modern Day Distraction
There’s a fire lit under Bugg on his latest album, with energized tracks that retain the rollicking rockabilly and folk punk that helped him attain stardom (“Zombieland” is a stand-out), while also digging deeper into his own psyche and musical heritage, with results like the elegiac folk of “Beyond the Horizon” and the mournful Britpop of “Never Said Goodbye”.
24. Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats – South of Here
Rateliff is still one of the best songwriters in the Americana scene, turning out mid-tempo jams and soulful classics like “Heartless” and “Time Makes Fools of us All” with a breezy ease. And piano stompers like “Cars in the Desert” are bound for many soundtrack moments.
25. Alpheus – Unify
This classic ska survivor is doing the genre proud. Tracks like “Stand Our Ground” and “Unify” remind listeners of the political and socially conscious origins of the genre, but Alpheus also remembers to write jams everyone can dance to (“Party Tonight”). A truly unifying musical experience.
26. Adrianne Lenker – Bright Future
The Big Thief vocalist is quickly turning herself into the (quiet) voice of a generation. Lenker’s songwriting is a masterclass of soft-spoken, straight-to-the-heart storytelling. Ranging from the whimsy of “Fool” to the longing of “Sadness as a Gift”, Bright Future hits like a coming of age story written especially for you.
27. Jr. Juggernaut – Another Big Explosion
The spirit of bands like The Replacements is kept alive by new acts like Jr. Juggernaut, writing tuneful, ramshackle punk rock that packs a surprising amount of heart. Songs like “Everything I Touch” mix metallic riffs and emotive choruses that leave a mark on your heart.
28. Kacey Musgraves – Deeper Well
Musgraves has never been better on her latest album. While she keeps one foot firmly rooted in the alt country world she’s known for, she expands her reach successfully into more daring Americana sounds (“Cardinal”) and sexier subject matter (“Deeper Well”).
29. Japandroids – Fate & Alcohol
The punk rock duo’s final album is filled with the same kind of under-the-table anthems that got them their beloved following. The romantic heart at the center of most of their songs beats strongly on “Eye Contact High” and “Alice”, while “Chicago” is destined to be the city’s next sporting anthem.
30. Laura Jane Grace – Hole In My Head
It was a productive year for Grace, dropping this excellent album and an EP. On this one, Grace retains that vulnerable side (“Dysphoria Hoodie”) that has made her a trans icon, while also returning to some of the punchy, folk-inspired punk tracks (“Birds Talk Too”, “Hole In My Head”) that made Against Me! one of the best bands around.
31. Sheer Mag – Playing Favorites
While they may bristle at Thin Lizzy comparisons, there’s no denying that Sheer Mag make some mighty rock n’ roll. Brash, ballsy and totally tuneful, songs like “Moonstruck” have that classic rock swing with a modern indie aesthetic.
32. Mad Caddies – Arrows Room 117
The Southern California roots reggae rockers may not take themselves too seriously, but they certain don’t joke around with their songwriting. They upped their game tenfold on their latest release, leading with love (“Green Eyes”) and infectious grooves (“Palm Trees and Pines”) on an excellent batch of songs.
33. Aaron West and the Roaring Twenties – In Lieu of Flowers
Coming in new to the epic narrative at the heart of the AWatRT project, In Lieu of Flowers was a great introduction to the West character’s journey through addiction and struggles in our modern world. From nightmares of getting sick without health insurance (“Paying Bills at the End of the World”) to feeling like a stranger in your own skin (“Runnin’ Out of Excuses”), the problems the fiction West faces are all-too-real, and set to some of the most rousing folk punk you could ask for.
34. Charm of Finches – Marlinchen in the Snow
Like the Australian Lucius, Charm of Finches create haunting folk-pop filled with exquisite harmonizing. Songs like “Clean Cut” are both sly and silky, and “Middle of Your Mess” blends country and gospel elements into the mix for something truly enchanting.
35. The Strumbellas – Part Time Believers
The Canadian folk rock troupe uplift with their revival-style menagerie of songs. Their music has always been full of heart, and new songs like “Hold Me” are bursting with it. Every track is written to easily sing, clap and stomp along to for a joyful communal listening experience.
36. Kate Clover – The Apocalypse Dream
Powerful, bad-ass garage rock from one of Los Angeles’ finest indie artists. Songs like “Here Comes the Love Bomb” pack a punk punch, while “Like a Domino” or “No More Romance” sound like The Go-Go’s on steroids.
37. Los Campesinos! – All Hell
The British indie act returned this year in excellent form. Their poignant and biting lyrics still give sharp commentary on culture and relationships in ways few modern bands can. “Feast of Tongues”, with it’s backing harmonies and emotive delivery, stands out as a new peak in the band’s writing.
38. Eve 6 – Dream Fist
The 90’s alternative rockers continue to enjoy a fabulous second act as a protopunk/power pop band, crafting new rock excellence with songs like “Call on Me” “Feeling Fine”. And “No Better” is the band at their best.
39. Jeen – Gold Control
One of Canada’s best kept secrets, Jeen writes catchy, lo-fi indie rock that carries artists like Liz Phair and Aimee Mann in its DNA, but with a voice all its own. “Fade and Fading” sounds like a lost 90’s nugget that would have been on the soundtrack of Reality Bites or Singles.
40. Faulty Cognitions – Somehow, Here We Are
Energetic and melodic punk rock with the right amount of grit, dirt and soul to get you coming back for repeat listens. “Your Inheritance” would get Bob Mould fist-pumping, and “Roller Skating at the End of the World” would send a roller rink into wonderful anarchy.
Honorable Mentions:
The Family Rain – Indulgence
King Stingray – For the Dreams
Pet Needs – Intermittent Fast Living
Stank Finger – Three Finger Discount
Stephie James – As Night Fades
UltraBomb – Dying to Smile
The Young Hearts – Somewhere Through the Night
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Take a listen to these 40 fantastic albums in our Top Albums of 2024 Playlist!
The Indy Review 
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