In NO particular order, here are my written reviews for my albums of the year 2024. I had to think long and hard about this but I decided on these magnificent 9, all special for their own reasons. These albums either meant a lot to me, really impressed me or just gave me exactly what I needed to hear this year.
Listen While You Read
I couldn't wait for this album to release. After falling in love with their song 'My God' after seeing them perform it live, Tapir!'s journey of an album was highly anticipated. Following 'The Pilgrim' on its journey takes you on a folk inspired adventure through emotions and tribulations. This album is euphoric throughout then you are serenaded with ending track 'Mountain Song' which in itself is a wave of emotion.
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A true beacon of hope in a year of struggle, this album carries some of the most valuable messages I've heard this year. Commenting on the stuggles faced by many in the UK, this album is relatable to most. The song 'Hunger Games' spoke to me the most, especially the heartfelt message at the end of the track. I had the honour of seeing these guys deliver these messages live for the second time this year and it was even more incredible in person.
Favourite Tracks:
An amazing release from one of my all-time favourites! 'Cartoon Darkness' portrays a dystopia that isn't set in the future but is happening right now. With incredibly memorable guitar riffs and Amy Taylor's iconic vocals and delivery, this album is an easy one to have on repeat. This record gave me a confidence boost as do Amyl's entire discography. Take some time to really listen to the lyrics on these tracks!
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Consistently impressing me, Lime Garden are one of the best new bands I've had the pleasure of discovering. I first saw them on a tiny stage at Greenman Festival and have since watched them grow and was estatic at the release of their debut album. 'One More Thing' is a pop classic with feel-good bops and heartfelt ballads. It really demonstrates their range as a band and I can't wait to see what they come up with next!
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Possibly the longest title on this list, I had this iconic album on repeat for MONTHS after it's release. It's just so totally Bug Club! Their sound is difficult to describe but it's definitely somewhere between psychedelic and punk and I absolutely love it. Short, speedy hits with a vast amount of themes, it's an easy listen and never gets boring. If you're after variety with a hint of silliness, listen to this.
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The Family Rain have become one of my favourite bands this year and they absolutely deserve more attention for their incredible rock music. Indulgence is their second album and it is just as impressive as their first which released 10 years ago and I would say it was totally worth the wait, I wouldn't skip a single song on this record. This album is currently my alarm clock in the morning because so it is so 'get up and go'!
Favourite Tracks: Hit The Ground Running
This album is the definition of feel good. If I'm ever in a bad mood, there's nothing like a bit of Ibibio Sound Machine to make me feel better. Full of messages about self love and celebration it's hard not to have a dance along to this album. These guys are already releasing new material and it's got me really excited, especially their new song 'black notes'. Seeing them live was a privilege, I felt like I was part of a loving
community.
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Possibly one of the quickest and most deserved rises to stardom, The Last Dinner Party stunned the world with their beautiful debut album 'Prelude to Ecstacy'. With a baroque theme that runs right down to their stage presence, this record is a masterpiece from start to finish. Emotional ballads, music to twirl in a field to and hard hitting feminist belters make 'Prelude to Ecstacy' as iconic as it is. I can't wait to see what they do next.
Favourite Tracks: Burn Alive
I didn't have a brat summer, I had a LYNKS SUMMER! Abomination is a pop classic about sex with strangers, having fun whilst you've still got it, tennis and much much more. I've been strutting along to this album a LOT and it's such a good confidence booster. Lynks can make anyone's life brighter and more exciting and if you ever get the chance to see him live, please do.
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What was your album of the year?
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