My Favorite Music of 2024

As we reflect on the musical landscape of 2024, I’m excited to share the albums and tracks that have profoundly impacted my year. Let’s dive into the music that defined my year.

My 2024 Playlist #

This playlist is a musical journey that blends vibrant beats, heartfelt ballads, and eclectic tracks—my essential soundtrack for embracing every moment of 2024.

Top 5 Albums of 2024 #

The Smile - Wall of Eyes & Cutouts #

The second album from The Smile (Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Tom Skinner), Wall of Eyes, stands out for its cinematic style and existential themes. The title track is a suggestive bossa nova and “Teleharmonic” is a real gem, even though I especially loved the drum and bass version in Peaky Blinders. The album overall feels cohesive and thoughtfully crafted, with each listen revealing more depth.

Cutouts explores a darker, more experimental side. The ambient “Foreign Spies” and the eerie bossa nova of “Bodies Laughing” stand out, while “Instant Psalm” channels a Radiohead-esque ballad that adds emotional weight to this shadowy album.

Nathy Peluso - GRASA #

Nathy Peluso’s GRASA is a bold, genre-blending album that mixes Latin rhythms, hip-hop, and jazz. With her commanding vocals and dynamic presence, Peluso delivers a standout project that defines 2024.

Tyler, The Creator - CHROMAKOPIA #

“Chromakopia” by Tyler, the Creator marks a mature and introspective turn, exploring themes of identity and family. Musically, it blends jazz, funk, and hip-hop, alternating between lighter tracks like “Sticky” and deeper moments like “Take Your Mask Off,” which is my favorite.

A reflective yet experimental album, it balances personal insights with creative flair, making it a compelling listen.

Floating Points - Cascade #

Cascade marks a return to Floating Points’ dance roots, blending jazz, house, and techno. The album has been praised for its blend of electronic precision and live depth, solidifying Shepherd’s status as a leading dance music producer.

BadBadNotGood & Baby Rose - Slow Burn (EP) #

Slow Burn is a hypnotic collaboration that intertwines Baby Rose’s raw, soulful voice with BadBadNotGood’s moody, intricate jazz. The EP effortlessly blends R&B and jazz into a mesmerizing soundscape, making it one of the most captivating listens of 2024.

Other Notable Mentions #

Beth Gibbons - Lives Outgrown & Beak - »» #

Beth Gibbons, the iconic voice of Portishead, delivers Lives Outgrown, a haunting live album filled with raw emotion and timeless vocal beauty.

Meanwhile, Beak’s »» dives deep into experimental krautrock, blending hypnotic rhythms with dark, minimalist soundscapes.

While both projects highlight the artists’ unique talents, the synergy of Gibbons and Barrow within Portishead remains unmatched, delivering genre-defining music that transcends their individual works.

Porridge Radio - Clouds in the Sky They Will Always Be There for Me #

Porridge Radio’s latest album blends raw indie rock with lush orchestration. Highlights like A Hole in the Ground and Wednesday showcase their knack for balancing intensity with introspection.

Cindy Lee - Diamond Jubilee #

Cindy Lee’s Diamond Jubilee is an evocative double album blending haunting melodies with lo-fi experimentation. Highlights like the instrumental gem Realistik Heaven showcase its unique atmosphere, but the 32 tracks can feel overwhelming.

Not on Spotify.

Photo by Oleg Ivanov on Unsplash.