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The Best Albums of 2024: A Year of Bold Sounds and Boundless Creativity

  • November 15, 2024
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The Best Albums of 2024: A Year of Bold Sounds and Boundless Creativity

Charli XCX, Brat, The Smile, Wall of Eyes, Mannequin Pussy, I Got Heaven, IDLES, Tangk, Cindy Lee, Diamond Jubilee, Being Dead, Eels, Lutalo, The Academy, Dummy, Free Energy, Jack White, No Name, Clairo, Charm, Kaytranada, Timeless, Of Montreal, Lady on the Cusp, indie rock, alternative rock, pop, indie pop, audiofuzz, electronic, alt rock, punk, electronica, best of 2024

2024 proved to be a groundbreaking year for music, with artists across genres pushing boundaries, embracing experimentation, and delivering some of the most memorable work of their careers. From Charli XCX’s rebellious pop-punk fusion to The Smile’s hauntingly intricate soundscapes, this year’s standout albums captured the full spectrum of human emotion and sonic innovation.

This list celebrates the records that not only defined the year but also challenged our expectations, inspired conversations, and soundtracked our lives. Whether it was IDLES’ raw intensity, Cindy Lee’s avant-garde beauty, or Kaytranada’s genre-bending mastery, each album here reflects the boldness and creativity that made 2024 a truly unforgettable year for music.

Dive into our picks for the best albums of 2024 below and rediscover the sounds that shaped the year.

Charli XCX – ‘brat

Charli XCX’s brat cemented her status as a pop innovator, blending hyperpop elements with punk influences to create a rebellious, emotionally raw masterpiece. The album’s sharp lyrics and fearless production broke genre boundaries, showcasing Charli’s knack for staying ahead of the curve.

The Smile – ‘Wall of Eyes’

The Smile’s Wall of Eyes is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of tension and release, with Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood delivering intricate soundscapes and poetic lyricism. This album solidified their side project as more than just a Radiohead spin-off—it’s a vital, standalone artistic statement.

Mannequin Pussy – ‘I Got Heaven

Mannequin Pussy’s I Got Heaven is a fiery, cathartic punk record that balances raw intensity with moments of melodic vulnerability. The band’s fearless approach to themes of rage, love, and loss made this album a standout in 2024’s music landscape.

IDLES – ‘Tangk

With Tangk, IDLES pushed their sound into uncharted territory, blending experimental noise rock with their signature raw intensity. Tackling themes of societal decay and personal redemption, the album’s brutal honesty and sonic creativity earned widespread acclaim.

Cindy Lee – ‘Diamond Jubilee

Cindy Lee’s Diamond Jubilee is an avant-garde gem, blending lo-fi aesthetics with eerie beauty. The album’s ghostly melodies and haunting vocals captured the fragility and darkness of the human experience, making it a standout for fans of experimental music. This album was not released to any streaming platforms but check it out on YouTube below:

Being Dead – ‘Eels’

Being Dead’s Eels is a quirky, genre-defying collection that fuses indie rock, folk, and experimental pop into a playful yet deeply introspective journey. Its unorthodox charm and inventive storytelling secured its place as one of the year’s most unique albums.

Lutalo – ‘The Academy’

Lutalo’s The Academy is a soulful, genre-blurring debut that blends R&B, folk, and indie rock. Its intimate lyrics and lush instrumentation explore themes of self-discovery and resilience, making it an unforgettable addition to 2024’s best albums.

Dummy – ‘Free Energy’

Dummy’s Free Energy is a shoegaze marvel, drenched in dreamy textures and hypnotic rhythms. The album’s immersive soundscapes and thoughtful lyrics made it a critical favorite and a testament to the enduring power of shoegaze.

Jack White – ‘No Name’

Jack White’s No Name is a return to his roots, capturing the raw energy of his early days while embracing experimental flourishes. Recorded live, the album’s unfiltered sound and innovative songwriting reaffirmed White as a creative force.

Clairo – ‘Charm’

Clairo’s Charm is an intimate, heartfelt exploration of love, identity, and vulnerability. With lush production and emotionally resonant lyrics, the album showcases Clairo’s growth as an artist and solidifies her place in indie-pop royalty.

Kaytranada – ‘Timeless’

Kaytranada’s Timeless lives up to its name, offering a masterclass in genre fusion with infectious beats, soulful collaborations, and unparalleled production. It’s a dance album with emotional depth, highlighting Kaytranada’s unmatched ability to innovate.

Of Montreal – ‘Lady on the Cusp’

Of Montreal’s Lady on the Cusp is a psychedelic journey through themes of transformation and surrealism. With its bold production and Kevin Barnes’ signature eclecticism, the album is a dazzling addition to their discography and one of the year’s most imaginative works.

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Chris Ryan

Chris Ryan is an accomplished promoter, event planner, producer, activist, counselor, poet and blogger. Within the course of two and a half years Chris Ryan has worked with some of NYC's most established promoters/event planners, been named 2007′s GaySocialite of the year, granted a promoter of the year award from NYC's most famous gay establishment, Splash. He's worked in some of NYC's top venues including; Avalon, Capitale, Cipriani, Cielo, Pacha, Element, Le Poisson Rouge, XL, G Lounge, Plumm, Hilton Hotel, Indigo Hotel, Spirit, Myst/Quo, Splash, The Ritz, Vlada, Roseland Ballroom, Heaven, etc. In 2008, Chris Ryan has begun to unveil some of the most innovative & unique parties New York City has ever seen. The Fusion events "fuse" together all disciplines of art into an event that remains diverse yet cohesive at the same time. ChrisRyanNYC.com won best gay promotions website from NYC Event Patrons in 2008 & he was granted an award from the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, Gov. Patterson & Michelle Clunie (QAF) saluting him for his hard work in nightlife. Chris Ryan has also begun working with many renown companies, including; doctors, lawyers, physicians, modeling agencies & more. Chris Ryan has been responsible for wide-scale promotions for all these companies & generating tremendous business. Chris Ryan has even started to become National with events taking place in LA & Miami this year. In May of 2009 Chris Ryan received the very prestigious honor of being named a "40 Under 40″ Gays in America by the Advocate Magazine. He also created three successful parties that generated over 1,500 patrons each. In January of 2010 Chris Ryan was featured as one of the top promoters to look out for in Noize Magazine Chris Ryan joined forces with legendary promoter/event producer, Lee Chappell and created one of the most talked about events of all 2010, Desire @ Capitale. Chris Ryan and Lee featured one of the most outstanding artists NYC has ever seen, "Oh Land." Her performance coupled with an exquisite and unforgettable set design added to this extravagant event that held over 1,000 patrons in one of NYC's most successful PRIDE events! Chris Ryan then joined forces with legendary Pacha promoter, Rob Fernandez in addition to Jake Resnicow and Tommy Marinelli to bring one of the largest and most successful parties worldwide to NYC, MATINEE. The event on Governor's Island saw over 2,000+ attendees and one of the most ambitious productions ever. In 2011 Chris Ryan started Emerge Music Promotions with business partner Darren Melchiorre. Emerge Music promotions began signing artists with plans to develop and market the artists to the community at large. Emerge Music promotions has big events planned for 2012 and 2013. Chris Ryan debuted the IMAGE events which took place on top of two of NYC's most beautiful rooftop venues, Rare View and Indigo Hotel. The events were blogged everywhere and featured the fashion designs of several clothing designers, artists and photographers. Chris Ryan felt that fashion and art should be displayed at every event and attracted the likes of Malan Breton, Calvin Klein and even Katy Perry. Chris Ryan began an extremely successful event which incorporated the concept of a house party into a nightclub atmosphere. The event Twist'D at G Lounge has been one of the most talked about events in NYC and allows it's audience to play nearly-naked Twister, beer pong, flip cup & more with other attendees. Chris Ryan was granted an excellence in volunteering award from AVP (Anti-Violence Project) for all his efforts in supporting the organization. 2013 has a very promising landscape on the horizon and Chris Ryan is complacent in saying "you haven't seen anything yet!"

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