If this is your first time here, welcome! I’m not one to call myself a writer (clearly, self-promotion isn’t my strong suit), but I do love curating playlists and collecting records. 2024 has been a year of ups and downs for me. I started the year with two new episodes of my Carefully Curated podcast, featuring Liquid Mike and Pure Bathing Culture. Unfortunately, changes to the platform I used to publish the podcast removed the ability to play music, which effectively put an end to the show as I felt that was the glue. I’m exploring ways to bring it back, but another podcast has been occupying most of my time over the past six months. Unrelated to music but if you happen to be a fan of the TV shows Severance and Twin Peaks, check out Severance Peaks - recommended by Ben Stiller himself!
Earlier this year, I wrote about some 2024 albums at the midyear mark and again at the end of summer, but there are a few new additions since then. I’ve compiled everything here in one mega-list. Instead of numbering the albums, I’ve chosen to list them alphabetically by the artists' first names—I just liked the way it looked better that way. Ranking anything beyond my top 5 is impossible for me! If you discover something you like, I encourage you to support the artists by grabbing some merch, picking up their records, or attending their shows.
As for my 2024: 💯 Favorite Songs playlist below, I could make a case for the first 10 or so tracks being my absolute favorites, but beyond that, it’s all excellent. You’ll find tracks from each of the albums I’ve listed on this playlist too!
Charly Bliss - Forever 💙
With Forever, Charly Bliss have truly perfected their sound. Their third album delivers the best lyrics of their career, blending infectious energy with introspective, sharp writing. They’ve moved on from the bubblegrunge sound of their debut Guppy into indie pop territory, which is a move they’ve settled into nicely. A special shoutout to my friend Stephen Stallings for attending their Rough Trade performance last month and snagging me a signed copy. The blue-in-yellow indie exclusive vinyl is not just an aesthetic delight but complements the vibrant album art beautifully— and limited to 1,500 copies.
Favorite Moment:
The “Rose-colored Boy” vibes at 1:20 on “Back There Now”
Favorite Tracks:
Back There Now
Waiting For You
Calling You Out
Charli XCX - BRAT 🍏
Honestly, what can I say about BRAT that hasn't already been said? Charli XCX continues to redefine pop on her terms. I’ve been a fan since Charli’s first record and can confirm say I saw her perform at Bowery Ballroom back in 2012 🤯 I'm spinning the Target-exclusive splatter vinyl, which adds even more flair to this already bold album. Although I don’t think I understand why there isn’t a BRAT green variant. It’s pop with an edge that hits all the right notes. And if Kyle MacLachlan AKA Dougie Jones himself approves, then you know it's a winner.
Favorite Moment:
The Apple Dance
Favorite Tracks:
Apple
So I
Sympathy is a knife
Chromeo - Adult Contemporary 🎹
Chromeo’s sixth album is my favorite of theirs since 2010’s Business Casual. It’s full of hit after hit, but in another time I guess. It embodies the band's signature blend of funky grooves and playful, humorous lyrics, staying true to their roots while exploring the nuances of adult relationships. This was such a fun record that I desperately needed when it was released back in February. It succeeds in furthering Chromeo’s mission to keep the funk alive, proving that the genre never goes out of style. I caught their show with The Midnight back in September and their live show was a lot of fun. I picked up this autographed classic black vinyl from Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, CA.
Favorite Moment:
When that tight chorus hits - “I was lost” followed by the background synth keys that follow at 01:06 on “Lost And Found”
Favorite Tracks:
Lost And Found
Replacements (Featuring La Roux)
(I Don’t Need A) New Girl
Ian St. George - Emergency Index 🎸
From Northampton, MA, Ian St. George delivered what may be the power-pop album of the year with Emergency Index. It's banger after banger, filled with energy and hooks that stick with you long after the record stops spinning. Pick any song and stick it on a playlist between a song by Dinorsaur Jr. or The Lemonheads. Nobody would bat an eye. I grabbed this one via their Bandcamp page on classic black vinyl—a clean and timeless match for such a fresh, vibrant album.
Favorite Moment:
The opening notes of “Everything Goes Wrong”
Favorite Tracks:
Everything Goes Wrong
No One Really Knows
Waste My Time
Jessica Pratt - Here In The Pitch 🌙
I was floored when I first heard Jessica Pratt’s nostalgic & haunting single “Life Is” earlier this year. There was something so fresh yet nostalgic about this song, and it might end up as my favorite track I’ve heard in 2024. You’ll easily get lost in it’s 60’s inspired wall of sound & the echoing drumbeats reminiscent of The Ronettes and Brian Wilson’s productions. Ultimately, Here in the Pitch is a masterful exploration of the duality of LA’s sunshine and noir, offering a refuge from all the world’s noise. I was lucky to get an autographed copy on panamint brown color vinyl from Amoeba Records in Los Angeles, CA. I also caught her concert back in August at Terminal West in Atlanta, GA and it was breathtaking.
Favorite Moment:
The moment Jessica begins singing at 00:27 on “Life Is” - or maybe the moment the song starts. All of it, really.
Favorite Tracks:
Life Is
By Hook or by Crook
Get Your Head Out
Jimmy Montague - Tomorrow’s Coffee ☕
I’m always looking forward to having Tomorrow’s Coffee because many times I pair it with the sounds of this excellent record by Jimmy Montague. This record delves into themes of self-reflection, relationship struggles, and the nuances of daily life, all set against a rich, 70s-inspired musical backdrop. It’s a delightful mix of upbeat tracks and melancholic ballads, featuring contributions from notable artists like Chris Farren. The sound is characterized by lush arrangements, including horns, saxophones, and dynamic guitar solos that evoke a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a modern edge. Honestly, if you told me it was released in 1978, I might believe you. I picked up the coffee w/ cream color vinyl which arrived with a bonus Casual Use LP.
Favorite Moment:
When the music spirals into one of the best instrumental passages you’ll hear all year at 01:46 on “The Smoke After The Kill”
Favorite Tracks:
The Smoke After The Kill
Tell You That You’re Right
Only One For Me
Johnny Blue Skies - Passage Du Desir 🚪
Johnny Blue Skies' Passage Du Desir feels like the culmination of a winding journey through the many musical landscapes Sturgill Simpson has explored over the past decade, even though this is technically a debut album. Reborn under his new persona, Simpson sheds the expectations placed on his name, fully embracing a sound that marries classic rock with his familiar country-folk roots. All eight tracks feel carefully chosen. The album carries a melancholy undertone, with songs like “Swamp of Sadness” and “Jupiter’s Faerie” diving deep into themes of loss and self-reflection. Passage Du Desir is a fresh chapter in Simpson’s career, offering listeners a glimpse of both where he’s been and where he’s going next. This is the indie exclusive gold metallic vinyl.
Favorite Moment:
When the strings sweep in doing the piano melody from earlier in the song at 03:35 on “Right Kind of Dream”
Favorite Tracks:
Right Kind of Dream
Jupiter’s Faerie
If The Sun Never Rises Again
Lauren Mayberry - Vicious Creature🐊
This is a stunning solo debut that feels like the culmination of years spent crafting a unique voice in indie pop, both with CHVRCHES and now on her own. As one of my favorite songwriters and a core part of one of my favorite groups from the past decade+, Lauren's leap into her solo work was bound to pique my interest. What’s immediately striking about this album is how it effortlessly traverses genres, with tracks that pull from '80s pop & even ‘90s rock. As the final notes of the haunting closer “Are You Awake?” fade out, the weight of Mayberry’s emotional journey lingers, solidifying Vicious Creature as not only a bold solo statement but also a deeply rewarding listen. I couldn’t resist picking up the vicious blue color vinyl.
Favorite Moment:
When “Sorry, Etc” begins it reminds me of Wolf Alice’s “Play The Greatest Hits” from Blue Weekend in which the song hits hard in it’s track placement
Favorite Tracks:
Sunday Best
Crocodile Tears
Change Shapes
Liquid Mike - Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot 🌲
I was lucky to chat with Mike Maple from Marquette, Michigan’s power pop band Liquid Mike back in February when Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot dropped (listen below) and it was great to hear how the album came to be & the songs that influenced it.
This record showcases the band’s knack for crafting sharp hooks and catchy power-pop tunes, reminiscent of their previous work but with a more refined touch. While there are no drastic departures in style, the band’s precision and expertise have only sharpened, making this album a step closer to their vision of power-pop perfection. They truly keep getting better and I can’t wait to see what they cook up next. I bought a first pressing but couldn’t resist also picking up this on red vinyl from their shop.
Favorite Moment:
The catchy “I know you think about it (oh you think about it)” chorus at 00:47 on “Pacer”
Favorite Tracks:
Pacer
Town Ease
USPS
Lizzie No - Halfsies 🚗
After hearing a few singles late last year, I was eagerly anticipating this new Lizzie No record. It lived up to the hype, and Lizzie has quickly become one of my favorite songwriters. On Halfsies, she seamlessly blends folk, rock, bluegrass, and blues influences, and presents itself as a musical journey akin to a video game adventure. She has described the album this way, led by the character Miss Freedomland who is a reflection of Lizzie No and the listener. This concept sets the stage for a collection of songs that traverse the complexities of relationships, societal issues, and personal growth. It’s a must listen for 2024. This is the “Heartbreak Purple” color vinyl, exclusive to Rough Trade.
Favorite Moment:
When you hear the drum sticks count off into the massive chorus of “Getaway Car” at 00:34
Favorite Tracks:
Getaway Car
Lagunita
Shield and Sword
Lo Moon - I Wish You Way More Than Luck 🪟
Lo Moon is one of the best bands out there right now. Born out of singer Matt Lowell's introspective journey back to his hometown in Connecticut during the pandemic, Lo Moon have crafted a lush and expansive sonic landscape on this record. There are several songs here that give me Talk Talk, Peter Gabriel & Tears for Fears vibes, so if that’s your thing you are in for a real treat. I Wish You Way More Than Luck is a cohesive and immersive experience that showcases their continued excellence in crafting emotive and evocative music. Signed copies of their marble color vinyl like the one above are available on their website.
Favorite Moment:
”to fill the voiiiiid” at 02:26 on “Waiting A Lifetime”
Favorite Tracks:
Water
Day Old News
Waiting A Lifetime
Magdalena Bay - Imaginal Disk 💿
Magdalena Bay, the duo of Matthew Lewin and Mica Tenenbaum, have always been ahead of their time, and Imaginal Disk is no exception. They’re a modern-day Chairlift with a flair for nostalgia, especially on tracks like “Death & Romance,” where the piano chords during the intro channel Miike Snow. While this is the most recent released record on this list, the singles dominated my playlists all summer. The album rollout was a nostalgic nod to early internet aesthetics, and the visuals were just as captivating as the music itself. Given the album cover features an actual disc, this may be meant for CD rather than vinyl, but I couldn’t resist the opaque blue vinyl (now sold out!) for my collection.
Favorite Moment:
The Pink Floyd vibes when the tempo changes at 3:21 on “Tunnel Vision”
Favorite Tracks:
That’s My Floor
Cry for Me
Tunnel Vision
Nilüfer Yanya - My Method Actor 🎭
One of my favorite voices in indie returned this year with a follow up to her excellent 2022 record, Painless. This third album feels like a meditation on identity and performance, both as a musician and as a human navigating life's transitions. The sparse, lo-fi soundscapes carry a rawness that feels almost cinematic, with lyrics that pull you into her world. Nilüfer’s guitar work is subtle yet powerful, and amplifies the emotional depth of her songwriting. My Method Actor is her most evocative & intimate record yet. I picked up the crystal amber vinyl, signed by Nilüfer!
Favorite Moment:
On “Like I Say” when the first distortion hits at 00:42
Favorite Tracks:
Like I Say (I Runaway)
Made Out of Memory
Just A Western
Ocenator - Everything Is Love And Death 💀
Oceanator’s third record is an exploration of apocalyptic themes and heartfelt emotions, marking Elise Okusami's most confident release to date. Produced by the renowned Will Yip, tracks like "Get Out" and "Lullaby" hit hard with anthemic energy, while songs like "Be Here" showcase Okusami’s ability to craft introspective, synth-laden ballads. The mix of power pop, alt-rock, and punk influences creates a fuller, more assured sound than previous albums, making this her most compelling work yet. This is the early bird teal with orange splatter vinyl from Polyvinyl, limited to 200 copies.
Favorite Moment:
The unexpected synth melody at 00:26 on “Be Here”
Favorite Tracks:
Be Here
Get Out
Lullaby
Queen of Jeans - All Again 🎤
Hailing from Philadelphia, Queen of Jeans have crafted something truly special with All Again. Another record on my list that was produced by Will Yip, who was behind another one of my favorites last year (PAERISH), this album’s wall of sound is unmatched. The vocals? Some of the best you'll hear all year, particularly on tracks like "Horny Hangover," which give off serious Alvvays vibes. I picked up the sea blue vinyl - limited to 150 copies, which pairs so well with the immersive sound.
Favorite Moment:
The guitar solo in “Bitter Pill” at 2:55
Favorite Tracks:
Bitter Pill
Enough To Go Around
Horny Hangover
St. Vincent - All Born Screaming 🔥
St. Vincent's seventh studio album features tracks that are infused with a raw energy and a modern romanticism that traverses heartbreak ballads, industrial dance anthems, and James Bond-esque drama. Drawing comparisons to the spirit of David Bowie and the Nine Inch Nails, the album juxtaposes art-pop sensibilities with industrial noise, creating a compelling landscape. It features contributions from prominent musicians like Dave Grohl, Josh Freese, and Cate Le Bon, to name a few. This vinyl is the Blood Records exclusive on red, yellow & black splatter vinyl - limited to 1,000 copies and hand-numbered.
Favorite Moment:
the intense final 45 seconds of “Broken Man”
Favorite Tracks:
Broken Man
Violent Times
Big Time Nothing
Teens in Trouble - What's Mine 🩷
I sometimes forget that this is the debut album from Teens In Trouble, as I’ve been a fan of Asheville-based artist Lizzie Killian for a few years now. Drawing influences from 90s rock sounds while infusing them with a contemporary edge, the album features collaborations with notable artists like PUP’s Stefan Babcock and Jeff Rosenstock’s guitarist Mike Huguenor. What's Mine stands as a testament to Killian's talent and a promising introduction to Teens In Trouble's potential. The vinyl was pressed on random colors & is limited to 600 copies. Purchase over on the Teens In Trouble Bandcamp page.
Favorite Moment:
the final minute of “In My Dreams” absolutely RIPS
Favorite Tracks:
In My Dreams
Playlist
You Don’t Want To Mess With Me
The Cure - Songs Of A Lost World 🌍
This record was absolutely worth the 16 year wait! The album marks a poignant return to the kind of existential introspection that has long defined Robert Smith’s lyrics, with themes of loss, aging, and reflection weaving through its haunting melodies. Musically, it channels the dark beauty of their past while showcasing a more direct, powerful sound. While the album may feel like a natural conclusion (especially ending with a song titled “Endsong”), it seems we won’t have to wait long for the next chapter. Smith has hinted that more material is already in the works, giving us hope for another gem on the horizon. This is the marble stone grey vinyl which matches the album artwork perfectly.
Favorite Moment:
The six minute introduction to “Endsong”
Favorite Tracks:
Alone
A Fragile Thing
Endsong
Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us 🚇
Vampire Weekend’s Only God Was Above Us represents the culmination of the band's evolving sound and artistic ambition, marking a high point in their discography. Maybe the highest point actually, because I’m not sure how they’ll top this one. It’s a groundbreaking collection of tracks that seamlessly blend complex instrumentation, pristine production, and daring arrangements. And if you’re already a fan, you can also hear a lot of their previous work throughout (Pravda - FOTB’s Flower Moon, for example). By addressing the turmoil of contemporary life and their journey as artists, Vampire Weekend have delivered a record that feels essential and timeless. I couldn’t resist getting this blue in black LP from Blood Records, limited to 3000 copies.
Favorite Moment:
The opening arpeggios on “Pravda” at 00:00
Favorite Tracks:
Pravda
Gen-X Cops
Capricorn
Waxahatchee - Tigers Blood 🐅🩸
This one is already named the #1 album of the year by Stereogum & CoS. It’s an alt-country record worthy of all the hype & praise. To me this record sounds like a perfect blend of her last two records, 2020’s Saint Cloud & 2017’s Out in the Storm - both incredible in their own right. The result is a record that feels both timeless and immediate, showcasing her evolving artistry. I picked up the Alabama crimson tide red vinyl from Seasick Records out of Katie’s hometown in Birmingham, AL. They surprised me by including an autographed print!
Favorite Moment:
When Katie & MJ harmonize on the chorus of “Right Back To It” at 01:11
Favorite Tracks:
Crowbar
Right Back To It (ft. MJ Lenderman)
Bored
Wild Pink - Dulling The Horns 🌄
Wild Pink is a band that does not miss, and Dulling the Horns is yet another example of their consistent brilliance. Known for their emotive storytelling and lush soundscapes, the group (led by John Ross) brings their fuzziest record to date. Their 2020 album, A Billion Little Lights, remains one of my favorite albums of the decade so far, and Dulling the Horns reaches similar heights. The song "Cloud or Nothing" channels early Weezer with its raw, fuzzy energy - quite unlike anything else in their discography. Another standout track, "The Fences of Stonehenge," has been a personal favorite since it dropped last summer, instantly earning its place on my “2024: 💯 Favorite Songs” playlist. This is an album that not only stands out in Wild Pink's catalog but also cements their place as one of the most consistently rewarding bands of the past several years. This is the “yellow in beer” color vinyl.
Favorite Moment:
When the Weezer-esque guitars emerge on “Cloud Or Mountain” at 01:04
Favorite Tracks:
The Fences of Stonehenge
Cloud or Mountain
Catholic Dracula
And that was how 2024 sounded to me!
Let’s wrap up with a few more playlists & honorable mentions.
Here are 11 more records I absolutely enjoyed:
Cloud Nothings - Final Summer
Dehd - Poetry
Eric Slick - New Age Rage
Fake Fruit - Mucho Mistrust
Good Looks - Lived Here For A While
LAUREL - PALPITATIONS
Restorations - Restorations
Soft Kill - Escape Forever
Starflyer 59 - Lust For Gold
talker - I’m Telling You The Truth
Wishy - Triple Seven
Here are 500 of my most played songs this year:
Here are my 100 favorite songs from this decade (2020-2024) so far:
Here are my 500 favorite songs from this decade (2020-2024) so far:
And 1,000+ favorites from this decade so far - shuffled:
If you made it this far, thank you for reading. I’d love to know your favorite songs from the year, or if there’s a song from any of my playlists that you missed & enjoyed! Let me know in the comments. Looking forward to hearing what 2025 sounds like!
That’s all I got!
- Patrick