No matter what cultural moment of 2024 is being reflected upon as the end of the year is reached, it’s safe to say that the chaotic year has been soundtracked by feel good, innovative, and attention grabbing music. The entries that compile this list specifically use the historic full length album format, and despite the rise of streaming and singles, there were plenty of complete albums that were created during 2024. The purpose of this list is to not only introduce those who may be unfamiliar with the listed music to great artists who are still presently working, but to show that this year brought solid new ideas to music for individuals of all demographics to enjoy.
10. Mk.gee – Two Star and The Dream Police
28-year-old Michael Gordon has been present in the music industry since 2017 as a singer, songwriter, and producer. With the February release of Gordon’s debut album Two Star and The Dream Police, the attention given to Gordon as a solo artist has begun to skyrocket, as the indie rock album has been met with critical acclaim and heavy praise among his fanbase which continues to grow. The mysterious persona that Gordon has taken on specifically with this album rollout, as well as the moody and serenely beautiful music that supports this persona, creates an album listening experience that is not only calming but hopeful as well. It is specifically an album that musicians will appreciate, as Gordon manages to play the guitar in ways that not many have before, with an incredible guitar tone and intriguing picking and strumming patterns. Gordon will only continue to be recognized for his excellent work here, as he recently made an appearance on Saturday Night Live.
9. The Story So Far – I Want to Disappear
Pop punk veterans The Story So Far returned in 2024 for their first album release since 2018’s “Proper Dose” with a hard hitting and danceable full length record I Want To Disappear. Formed in 2007, the band is proving with this record that they still have their songwriting chops, and that their catchy hooks and instrumentals are not planning on stopping any time soon. Songs like “All This Time” and “Watch You Go” present the emo/pop punk formula that the band established themselves on in the late 2000’s and early 2010’s, while other songs like “White Shores” dive into a much more emotional ballad feeling the band can convey. “It was really cool to see a new pop punk album instantly feel like a classic in 2024, The Story So Far record was in heavy rotation this summer.” says Neumann alumni Fataday Korngor, a long time Story So Far fan and pop punk musician himself.
8. Brittany Howard – What Now
Longtime Alabama Shakes singer Brittany Howard hit listeners right in their feelings with her second solo album What Now. Not in a way that necessarily makes them sad, but in a way that makes them contemplate feelings of their existence and love. The songs on this record deal with not only love itself, but heartbreak, and a story of finding oneself under a circumstance such as the 2020 covid-19 pandemic. Not only is the lyrical content great, but Howard’s musical talent both vocally and instrumentally (on the guitar) shines through with every song. For any enjoyer of Soul, RNB, and psychedelic rock, this album is sure to sweep you off of your feet.
7. Porter Robinson – Smile! 😀
With each release, Porter Robinson continues to evolve his sound and production skills to a degree that makes anyone appreciate the effort he puts into his music. Robinson was a breakout artist in the EDM scene, signing to Skrillex’s record label OWSLA when he was only 18 years old. After putting together great EDM albums such as Worlds, and Nurture, Robinson has not only continued to master his EDM craft, but he has also begun to blend it with pop music on this new record Smile! 😀. The album is a short yet concise feel-good pop record that was made to be played with the windows down and for those listening to sing along. It has an incredible amount of replay value that will have anyone who checks it out returning to it to get the ear worms out of their head. The overall theme of the record deals with Robinson finding ways to make himself happy despite the daily troubles that drag him down, and an exploration of the concept of happiness itself.
6. Vince Staples – Dark Times
Contrary to Porter Robinson’s album “Smile! 😀 “ Vince Staples 2024 record “Dark Times” deals with the negative emotions that can sometimes plague one’s life. Dark Times is the Compton Rapper’s sixth studio album, and it’s clear with this release that Staples does not want one to be boxed in as only a rapper, but also a master storyteller and songwriter. The song “Shame on the devil” uses emotional depth that Staples has not presented before, as he creates a theatrical world where he looks deep into his faith and questions his reality. Each song on the record deals with a different pressing issue in Staples’ life, with the record eventually coming to a positive solution towards the end. Dark Times overall is one of my favorite hip hop records this year for its honesty and detailed descriptions of the events its recounting.
5. Vampire Weekend – Only God Was Above Us
New York based indie rock band Vampire Weekend is always blending an assortment of genres and styles in ways that no one else quite has, and their latest record “Only God Was Above Us” rings true to this statement. The record sees the band dive into a 20th century New York aesthetic, with an assortment of different brass instruments, synthesizers, and string instruments making an appearance all across the record. Despite singer Ezra Koenig’s voice keeping his signature flare, the entire record is an incredibly exciting listen as the band experiments with dynamics and rhythms like they never quite have before. There are a wide range of song topics across the record, but a present theme is aging and the way that music and feelings change with time, this is specifically highlighted on the single “classical.”
4. Tyler, The Creator – Chromakopia
Rapper and singer/songwriter Tyler Okonma’s choice to release his eighth studio album Chromakopia on a Monday morning at 6:00 AM not only proved that he could release a successful project under any circumstances, but that when it comes to music Tyler is always thinking outside of the box. Chromakopia is an entire world of an album, it has costume design, movie esque clips to go along with the music, and countless stories to tell throughout its run time. Tyler is dealing with getting older, and the entire concept of the album is based around him discussing this with his mother, as he goes to her for advice on real problems he is dealing with. Listeners can seek out Chromakopia for any emotion they feel, “It has songs that make you really appreciate his RNB side, but also plenty that prove what an excellent rapper he is.” says Anthony Lonetti, a senior communications major at Neumann.
3. Geordie Greep – The Sound
Early 2024 saw progressive rock trio Black Midi break up through social media, and shortly after this breakup frontman Geordie Greep announced he was going to release his first solo project, The New Sound. For an album rollout to be as brief as The New Sound, the album itself packs a massive punch at a whopping hour and two minutes with only eleven songs. The album’s theme dives deep into modern day discourse on masculinity and the problems surrounding it. The interesting lyrical content that is often sung by a character Greep has made for the concept, is accompanied by incredible progressive rock and sometimes jazzy instrumentals. The studio musicians involved in making Greep’s debut record all have an impressive part to play in the record, and listeners will find that there is not a flawed note or beat throughout the whole album.
2. Magdalena Bay – Imaginal Disk
Alternative pop duo Magdalena Bay returned for their second studio album Imaginal Disk in 2024. The album further expands upon the creative pop music the duo made with 2021’s Mercurial World, which was a fan favorite. Imaginal Disk also rightfully received acclaim from both fans and critics, as both vocally and instrumentally Magdalena Bay has leveled up by making longer songs with more odd structures, and melodies that will be sure to grab any listener’s attention.
1. Charli XCX – Brat
To those who are not familiar with Charli XCX, it could be easy to write her off as just another mainstream pop artist, but with Brat Charli has not only made an incredibly unique pop album, but she has also proved that she is truly an artist with talent and vision. Brat is all about realizing your imperfections and continuing to be confident in yourself despite them. Brat culturally took the nation by storm, receiving multiple grammy nominations and billboard acknowledgements post release. The simple cover art, the abrasive pop instrumentals, and the catchy songwriting all make Brat iconic. With just how confident Charli comes across on this record, it’s hard not to deliver her the album of the year.
Good music is always being released, and if one is to disagree it could be that they have not seeked out new content enough. 2024 was truly a year that I and so many others will appreciate for its unique albums and memorable pop culture moments.
