With an impressive year in music drawing to a close, our contributors nominate their choice for Album of the Year.
Romance – Fontaines D.C.
Maybe romance is a place and it’s Fontaines D.C.’s newest album. From the release of lead singles, including the entrancing ‘Starburster’, Romance was set to defy listeners’ expectations of the band’s fourth studio album. Romance comprises a magical track run with the likes of ‘Desire’, ‘In The Modern World’, ‘Bug’, and ‘Motorcycle Boy’. Beautifully concluding the album is ‘Favourite’, which truly secured its place as song of the summer. We see a new level of sophistication from the Irish quintet in Romance, earning them two well-deserved Grammy nominations.
Words by Daisy Harrison
Midas – Wunderhorse
It is rare that an indie rock album comes along and restores your faith in modern music but Wunderhorse’s sophomore LP Midas has done exactly that. The album has strong poignant moments with tracks like ‘Arizona’ but also features songs where the band can fully let go with their chaotic instrumentals like in ‘July’ and ‘Midas’. Frontman Jacob Slater’s raw and grainy vocals make their sound instantly recognisable and completely addictive to listen to.
Words by Amy Britton
Bird’s Eye – Ravyn Lenae
Ravyn Lenae’s sophomore album may have flown under the radar, but it is one of the most impressive projects I have listened to this year. An astonishingly innovative release, Bird’s Eye blends R&B, reggae pop, and synth seemingly with ease. Accompanied by Lenae’s hypnotic, beautiful vocals, Bird’s Eye is an experimental and deeply absorbing listen.
Words by Emily Nutbean
The Road To Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions – Vegyn
Nearly ten years after producing on Frank Ocean’s Blonde, Vegyn has truly cemented himself as both an astonishing artist and producer. With his latest album, Vegyn merges downtempo, trap and IDM into a wider-reaching soundscape. From fluttering beats to John Glacier collaborations, he crafts an entrancing sonic world. Stand out track ‘Make Shift Tourniquet’ exemplifies the mature ambient tracks which have cemented Vegyn as a staple artist and producer.
Words by Jack Dennison-Thompson
Imaginal Disk – Magdalena Bay
Alternative pop duo Magdalena Bay has gained traction this year, as their experimental sound has made waves in the indie music scene. Their latest release, Imaginal Disk, showcases avant-pop at its finest, as listeners are invited into the pair’s surreal sonic universe as they seamlessly layer distorted vocals atop of catchy melodies. The album is most impressive for its range, as it takes us on a journey from the emotionally charged ‘She Looked Like Me!’ to the more danceable ‘The Ballad of Matt & Mica’.
Words by Zahra Hanif
Live at Montreux Jazz Festival – Raye
RAYE’s 7-track live album features some of her biggest hits, including the viral ‘Escapism’, a cover of ‘It’s a Man’s World’ and her 7-minute masterpiece ‘Genesis.’. Her incredible operatic live vocals, jazz influences and authentic emotion burst through the live renditions, making you feel like you’re right there in person.
Words by Rosie Brennan
Brat – Charli xcx
No 2024 album of the year list would be complete without Charli xcx. A cultural phenomenon, BRAT summer took over and had an immovable chokehold – and not even on JUST Charli XCX fans. The critically acclaimed album was shortly followed by the remix version (Brat and it’s completely different but it’s also still brat) which featured the likes of Billie Eilish, Lorde, Ariana Grande and Bon Iver. Brat may have been a seasonal fix, but it’s impact is sure to stick around.
Words by Lana Williams
Rooms with a View – Donna Lewis
Welsh singer-songwriter Donna Lewis shared an important and transformative album Rooms with a View this April. The ten track trip hop meets indie electronica album chronicles the acclaimed songwriter’s battle with breast cancer and eventual healing. Produced by Holmes Ives, the collection of tracks are poignant, seductive and immersive.
Words by Victoria Polsely
eternal sunshine // Ariana Grande
In what can only be described as a transformative year for her career, Ariana Grande released her 7th studio album, eternal sunshine. Named after the 2004 sci-fi romance film, and inspired by Grande’s recent divorce and the public scrutiny around her next relationship, the result is her most emotionally vulnerable album to date. With the continuous honing of her skills as a vocal producer, it’s also her most technically refined album.
Words by Rehana Nurmahi
Peace 2 Da World // Rejjie Snow
Released in October, Dublin rapper Rejjie Snow’s fourth album, Peace 2 Da World, disrupted the rap scene in the best way possible. With Brazilian influences and emotive yet playful lyricism woven throughout, the record paints a world where difference is celebrated. Marking a significant stylistic shift for Snow, it’s a record poised to influence his alt-rap contemporaries.
Words by Ruby Brown
Prelude to Ecstacy // The Last Dinner Party
From the first soaring orchestral bars, this an album that blends baroque soundscapes with Queen-esque theatrical flamboyance. Rousing anthems like ‘Sinner’ and ‘Nothing Matters’ contrast with the rich tapestry of thought-provoking ballads, haunting folk songs and glam pop-rock. The Last Dinner Party‘s female perspective fearlessly explore themes from sex, to religion and gender. A magnificent debut that is even better live.
Words by Andrew Butcher
Room Under The Stairs // ZAYN
ZAYN Malik’s Room Under the Stairs is an intimate exploration of self-reflection, resilience, and transformation. Departing from his pop roots, Zayn ventures into a more organic, stripped-back sonic palette, blending folk, country, rock, and soul influences, where tracks like ‘Alienated’ and ‘How It Feels’ capture solitude and ‘Stardust’ shimmers with moments of gratitude. Paired with his stunning vocal delivery and lyrical candour, the album seals its place as a 2024 standout.
Words by Khushboo Malhotra
Mika’s Laundry // Matt Champion
Released in March 2024, this debut studio album by Matt Champion (former Brockhampton member) takes its listeners on a fascinating journey. From grungy, often crude hip-hop tracks like ‘Gbiv’ to fizzy dance tracks where the singer asks his hypothetical lover to “let me be your slug”, Champion has brought an innovative and unique project to life. Exciting, ethereal, and vibrant, Champion is definitely an artist to watch as we head into 2025.
Words by Sofie Cristobal Holman-Smith
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