RACHEL BROWN

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the music that defined the year. This year has been a remarkable one for music, with artists pushing boundaries, exploring new sounds, and delivering albums that resonate deeply. From post-punk innovators to genre-blending newcomers, these albums have not only entertained but also inspired and challenged us.

Here are my top albums of 2024, each one a testament to the creativity and passion that continues to drive the music industry forward. Let’s dive into the records that made this year unforgettable.

NUMBER 1 – FONTAINES DC “ROMANCE“

Fontaines D.C. has always pushed the limits of post-punk music, and their new album lives up to par in that respect. This album would be my favourite choice of 2024 for many reasons.

The first is that their sound is different from what it used to be, but it still gives me that same old feeling. This record combines the typical high-energy feel of theirs with new ideas and experimentation, making for a very unique and interesting listen.

Lyrically deep, far-reaching, and carrying messages of identity, social issues, and personal introspection, each song feels like flight within the realm of poetry and keeps me hooked. This album has so much emotion, it’s beyond entertaining and this album touches you deeply.

Fontaines D.C. are one of the most important bands in modern times. This album constitutes not only my favourite record of 2024 but also an important and accomplished landmark in the modern music scene.

NUMBER 2 – MAXIMO PARK “STREAM OF LIFE”

Maxïmo Park’s “Stream of Life,” is a testament to their relentless pursuit of artistic growth. This album delves into profound themes with a deeply immersive quality, reflecting the band’s maturity and the rich tapestry of influences that have shaped their sound. Paul Smith’s lyrics masterfully explore the intricacies of human emotions, seamlessly intertwining personal insights with wider reflections. He moves fluidly between deeply personal experiences and thoughtful philosophical musings, creating a lyrical depth that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Recorded with a fresh approach and featuring collaborations with notable musicians, “Stream of Life” stands as a bold statement of Maxïmo Park’s enduring relevance and creative vitality. The album showcases their ability to evolve while maintaining the core elements that have always defined their music. Each track is a journey, offering a blend of introspective lyrics and innovative soundscapes that captivate the listener from start to finish.

“Stream of Life” is not just an album; it’s a reflection of Maxïmo Park’s artistic milestones and their illustrious career. It’s a record that resonates on multiple levels, making it a standout in a year filled with great music. This album is a testament to the band’s growth and their ability to remain relevant in an ever-changing musical landscape. For these reasons, “Stream of Life” is my number two album of 2024.

NUMBER 3 – KNEECAP “FINE ART”

I really do think the new Kneecap album “Fine Art” will shine amidst the releases this year and rightly deserves a place as my number three album of 2024. It’s the perfect mix of Irish and English influences, perfectly marrying satire and social awareness. This album shows the ability of Kneecap to push boundaries in ever-changing musical landscapes and deliver something thought-provoking.

This record represents the broad and richly immersive palette of themes and reflects both the maturity of the band and the rich tapestry of influences that have sculpted them. The collaboration and musical versatility of the band are underlined by the tracks “3CAG” featuring guest vocals from Radie Peat, and “Better Way to Live” featuring Grian Chatten. The lyrics are fiercely intelligent, having a completely distinctive take on modern life without losing an ounce of humour in the process.

“Fine Art” is way more than an album; it is an experience. It brings out the real artistry of Kneecap. The ace production and dynamic arrangements let the best of each track shine through. Songs like “Parful” and “Rhino Ket” perfectly show how Kneecap uniquely fuses rap and rave music into an innovative sound deeply rooted in their cultural background.

In a year filled with remarkable music, “Fine Art” by Kneecap has all the novelty, deep verse, and sheer energy brought to the table. It amuses, challenges, and inspires with that very balanced effect; hence, deserving a mention among my top albums this year. This is a deeply immersive record and the band’s ability to connect with listeners on such a deep level makes “Fine Art” one of my most outstanding 2024 releases.

NUMBER 4 – JACK JONES

Jack Jones makes a bold and daring introduction with a collection of very personal and intimate topics in his impressive debut album. His impactful lyrics combine subjects such as mental health struggles, challenges due to addiction, and the human experience in general. The single entitled “Breathe” is undeniably one of the highlight cuts; raw and candid, it’s an intimate look at feelings of anxiety and panic that are, unfortunately, common for so many of us. Production duties for this outstanding album are deftly managed by Jones himself, who effectively marries electronic sounds with simple acoustic instruments to create a captivating and heartfelt listening experience that deeply resonates on so many levels.

The themes on this album are so full of hope and strength; hence, it acts like a beacon when one finds oneself in a time of distress, which unfortunately I have many times this year. This solo album from Jack Jones retains that special something: newness, depth of emotion, and bravery in dealing with hard subjects. Entertaining and an inspiration, this is one real winner and worthy of my top album picks for 2024.

NUMBER 5 – IDLES “TANGK”

Once again, IDLES did it better, being more inventive and engaging with their newest album, titled “Tangk.” It is testimony to the eternal struggle of the band for growth and to reach beyond the confines of their sound. “Tangk” is an emotive, visceral record of love, with mighty, yelling vocals taking centre stage, he sings his lyrics of love, gratitude, and personal redemption. It’s an eclectic mixture of art rock, art punk, and dance-punk.

It’s high-profile songs like “Dancer,” “Grace,” and “Gift Horse” that demonstrate a luminously adept ability to balance raw, really emotive energy with an incredibly complex attention to sonic detail.

Idles’s “Tangk” was bold and innovative, it stands out for originality, emotional depth, and perfect integration of the most different influences. Moreover, this is an album that does not only amuse but also provokes and inspires; that’s why it qualifies easily to go on my top album list for 2024.