We have tried to avoid obvious picks like Billie Eilish and Beyoncé in favour of smaller artists who won’t get as much attention. We do love the new Billie Eilish album though.

As we pass the midpoint of 2024, it's time to take stock and highlight the standout albums that have captured our hearts and minds this year. From the hauntingly introspective to the defiantly experimental, the music scene has offered a diverse array of albums that reflect the complexities of our times. This feature celebrates the best albums of 2024 (so far), showcasing artists who have pushed boundaries, told compelling stories, and delivered unforgettable music.

From Adrianne Lenker's introspective Bright Future to the avant-garde provocations of LustSickPuppy's CAROUSEL FROM HELL this year's releases have spanned a vast emotional and stylistic spectrum. We’ve seen seasoned veterans like Kim Gordon break new ground with The Collective and fresh voices like Ana Lua Caiano make a bold entrance withVou Ficar Neste Quadrado. The eclectic mix also includes the electronic innovation of death's dynamic shroud's You Like Music the politically charged rhythms of Mdou Moctar's Funeral For Justice and the nostalgic sounds of The Lemon Twigs' A Dream Is All We Know.

These albums not only provide a soundtrack to our lives but also mirror the zeitgeist, addressing themes of identity, resilience, and change. As we dive into the best albums of 2024 (so far), prepare to discover new favourites, revisit standout artists, and celebrate the artistry that makes this year one for the books.

Adrianne Lenker's Bright Future is a masterful album that blends intricate guitar work with intimate and evocative lyricism. Fresh off her success with Big Thief, Lenker collaborates with a new team, including Nick Hakim and her brother Noah, to create a work that feels both tender and complex. The album opens with the gentle piano of "Real House" setting the tone for a collection of songs that capture life's poignant moments, from the folk love song "No Machine" to the playful yet intense "Vampire Empire." Highlights include "Evol" a meditation on the duplicity of love, and the heart-wrenching closer "Ruined." Lenker's talent shines through, making Bright Future a beautiful and transportive listening experience.

Ana Lua Caiano

Vou Ficar Neste Quadrado

Ana Lua Caiano's "Vou Ficar Neste Quadrado" is a captivating fusion of Portuguese folk music and modern electronic elements. With a synthesiser, a loop station, a microphone, a bass drum and various percussive instruments, Ana Lua Caiano intermingles “everyday sounds” with a fierce hint of brewing stardom. This release is all the more impressive for her ability to capture this showmanship as streamable content. Hop on this trend before she takes off.

Beth Gibbons, of course, is the lead vocalist of the acclaimed British band Portishead, known for her haunting voice and contributions to the trip-hop genre. As depicted in the artful album cover, her latest solo album turns inward with a dazzling emotional swagger. Her signature ethereal voice shines over minimalistic yet lush arrangements, blending elements of folk, ambient, and experimental music. Tracks like "Faded Echoes" and "Whispers in the Wind" showcase her ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety and grace. For a soundtrack to a candlelit evening, try this record for size.

Black Dresses' LAUGHINGFISH is a whirlwind album that encapsulates the duo's abrasive noise, industrial beats, and emotionally raw lyricism. The album is a cathartic explosion of sound, where dissonant melodies and aggressive rhythms collide with themes of identity, trauma, and resistance. Tracks like 'Wounded Animal' and 'Silence' showcase the duo's ability to channel chaotic energy into something both unsettling and deeply resonant. Despite its harsh exterior, LAUGHINGFISH is underpinned by moments of vulnerability and introspection, making it a compelling and dynamic listen that often pushes the boundaries of experimental music.

Bob Vylan's new album "Humble As The Sun" merges punk, grime, and hip-hop, delivering socially charged music with a mix of intensity and introspection. Addressing themes like societal inequality, resistance, and personal struggle, tracks such as "Health Is Wealth" and "Big Pharma" stand out. The album blends heavy guitar riffs with electronic elements, showcasing improved production quality and a more melodic side in songs like "Reflections." This project captures both defiance and vulnerability, cementing Bob Vylan's role as fearless commentators on contemporary issues through a powerful and thought-provoking sound.

You’d have to be living under a rock to miss Charli’s offensive lime garden sweeping the music scene by storm. Her latest album received a whoopingly high 95/100 on our Still Listening score because of the simple no-skips track selection her party girl electro-pop persona offers, produced by legend A G Cook . If this weren’t enough, Charli released three more tracks on the extended version aptly named ‘brat and it’s the same but there’s three more songs so it’s not’, and, better still, a remix with Lorde where they sort their tricky relationship out for all the world to hear. It’s not going anywhere anytime soon. It’s summer, it’s sulky, it’s sexy, it’s brat.

Cindy Lee's Diamond Jubilee led by Patrick Flegel, is an ambitious and deeply moving two-hour journey through hypnagogic pop. The album's nostalgic and kaleidoscopic sound showcases Flegel's evolution as an artist, blending haunting guitars, chilling strings, and menacing synths across tracks like "Diamond Jubilee", "Glitz" and "GAYBLEVISION." The ethereal closer "24/7 Heaven" encapsulates the record's psychedelic aura and emotional depth, exploring themes of love and heartache. Flegel's innovative production techniques and introspective songwriting create an immersive, cinematic experience that captivates from start to finish, making Diamond Jubilee a standout work in modern psychedelic music. And you can only access it on YouTube. How cool is that?

Is this album title a question, or a statement? Does it invite you to consider your own sonic personality - whether your relationship with music is toxic, is fruitful, is somewhere in between - or is it stark, almost threatening reassurance - you like music, so you’ll love this? For anyone deep in this article, it’s certain to be the letter. Death's Dynamic Shroud's new album "You Like Music" is a bold exploration of experimental electronic music, blending vaporwave aesthetics with innovative soundscapes. The album's tracks are rich with chopped and screwed samples, glitchy beats, and nostalgic melodies, creating a surreal, immersive experience. Songs like "Dream Sequence" and "Echo Chamber" stand out for their complex layering and emotional depth. The trio's ability to juxtapose familiar sounds with unexpected twists makes the album both challenging and captivating.

Erick the Architect

I’ve Never Been Here Before

Though most recently providing a form of ne-soul elegance on French nu-disco band L'Impératrice latest album, earlier this year Erick the Architect's album "I've Never Been Here Before" offered a genre-blending exploration of hip-hop, jazz, and soul. Known for his work with Flatbush Zombies, Erick delves into themes of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. The album features intricate production, smooth melodies, and reflective lyrics. Tracks like "Self Made" and "Let It Go" highlight his introspective journey, while collaborations with artists like Loyle Carner add depth. Overall, "I've Never Been Here Before" showcases Erick's evolution as a solo artist, offering a rich, introspective listening experience that combines thoughtful lyricism with innovative soundscapes.

Eunuchs' Harbour Century is a strikingly ambitious concept album that captures the essence of Sydney through a multifaceted journey blending elegant orchestration with powerful riffs and vocals. Opening with the vivid tale of "Magic Death Sea Nemesis," the album weaves complex narratives and themes, from the satirical "Pat a Dragon" to the haunting "Estuary of Dreams." Tracks like "Siren" and "Magnificent Stallion" explore desire and confinement, while "Gnome and Fortune" and "Bird Angel Dynasty" showcase the band's technical ability and imaginative songwriting. The 17-minute closer "Heroin King" delves into self-perception with sprawling narrative and instrumentation. Described as an "underwater experiment" the album incorporates hydrophone recordings of Sydney Harbour, enhancing its thematic cohesion and immersive sound, establishing Eunuchs as a unique force in the post-punk scene.

Funeral's "I Know Something You Don’t" is a masterclass in doom metal, a harrowing descent into beautifully orchestrated despair. Each track is a solemn journey, with "Veil of Sorrow" and "Whispering Shadows" leading the charge. The album features heavy, droning guitar riffs, slow tempos, and haunting vocals that create an immersive, melancholic soundscape. Might our obsession be nostalgia for the emo days, where sweeping fringes and painful typeface faces reigned supreme? Possibly, but with this record funeral prove themselves the new torchbearer’s of doom’s darkest corners.

Jazmin Bean's Traumatic Livelihood marks a defining moment in alternative pop, blending infectious melodies with raw emotion and drawing comparisons to early 2000s icons like Avril Lavigne. The album, five years in the making, opens with the empowering title track and delves into themes of pain, hope, trauma, and recovery. Standout tracks like "Piggie" and "Terrified" showcase Bean's lyrical depth and genre-transcending sound, while "Is This It" and "You Know What You've Done" offer poignant reflections on vulnerability and defiance. With saccharine vocals and a fearless exploration of personal demons, Bean's debut album solidifies their place as a compelling voice in contemporary pop music.

Julia Holter

Something in the Room She Moves

Julia Holter's Something in the Room She Moves is a mesmerising blend of orchestral tones and hypnotic lyricism, evoking a cosmic journey through sound. The album, inspired by George Harrison’s "Something," features tracks like the bold and rhythmic "Sun Girl" and the mystical "These Morning" each creating vivid, synthetic experiences. Highlights include the haunting "Meyou" and the ambient "Ocean" which transport listeners from deep forests to open seas and beyond. The album culminates in the lush and calming "Who Brings Me" a lullaby-like farewell. Holter's intricate compositions and evocative themes make this album a rejuvenating, otherworldly experience for music lovers.

Kim Gordon's The Collective is a bold and experimental album that marks a significant milestone in her solo career. Building on the success of "No Home Record," Gordon collaborates with producer Justin Raisen to create a cacophony of noise that blends trap, dub, and her signature experimental style. The album explores themes of isolation, consumer culture, and interpersonal relationships with raw honesty, exemplified by standout tracks like "BYE BYE" and "Shelf Warmer." Gordon's fearless introspection and innovative soundscapes make The Collective a captivating and thought-provoking record that pushes the boundaries of conventional music.

L'Impératrice's third full-length album, 'Pulsar,' released on June 7 via Microqlima, showcases a vibrant blend of genres including hip-hop, kosmische, modern pop, French Touch, and international house music. Featuring collaborations with artists such as Maggie Rogers, Erick the Architect, and Italian vocalist Fabiana Martone, the album offers a rich, eclectic sound. Singles like "Danza Marilù," an homage to Italo-disco inspired by Serge Gainsbourg, and "Me Da Igual" highlight the band's creative diversity. Themes of self-empowerment, rejecting beauty standards, and celebrating individuality are woven through the lyrics, sung by Flore Benguigui.

Lime Garden's debut album "One More Thing" is a fresh, versatile, and funky collection that showcases their distinctive 'wonk pop' style. Released on February 16th, the album blends elements of folk, bedroom pop, electronic indie, and post-punk. Standout tracks like "Long Song," "Mother," and "Pop Star" feature energetic and relatable themes, while moodier tracks like "Pine" and "Fears" delve into deeper emotional territory. Produced by Ali Chant, the album's excellent mixing highlights the band's instrumental and lyrical talents. This is hands down one of the best indie album of the year - the catchy melodies are so infectious they will never leave you. You'll be back time and time again screaming, "she's got the eyeeees of a best friend!"

Lip Critic’s debut LP "Hex Dealer" is a chaotic masterpiece that fuses combative hardcore with hazardous breakbeat, creating dense aural collages that capture the band’s volatile live energy. Born from a mishap at a 2018 gig, the New York electropunk misfits, led by Bret Kaser, channel abrasive precarity and genre-splicing creativity. Tracks like "Spirit Bomber" and "Milky Max" showcase frenetic bombast and big-beat muscle, while "Love Will Redeem You" combines gabba with found-sound detritus. Kaser’s dynamic vocals, ranging from bratty snot to heavy-metal growl, front Connor Kleitz’s frenetic electronics, exploring themes of bodily detachment and societal critique. "Hex Dealer" is an explosively confident debut, blending punk snarl, no-wave dance, and colorful disquiet into an enthralling whole.

Lola Young

This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway

“No one is doing it like her.” It’s a phrase thrown round a heck of a lot these days, implying visionary artistry, star attitude, a sonic plate of unprecedented gems. For 23-year-old South Londoner Lola Young, it couldn’t be more true. The latest NME cover shows her smoking a match in front of a decadent chocolate cake adorned with hot red trimming. It’s the perfect picture of her music - sultry, fierce, headstrong, vulnerable, raw, quite hilarious at times, sexy and red hot with the anger of being a girl, a lover, an underdog today. It’s indie heaven. NME report almost incredulously on her stateside growth, despite her growling voice sounding adamantly British. Something about her screams universal, like a new friend you can’t wait to introduce to everyone you know because they’re so real, so authentically them. Lola Young’s debut album is a triumph. No one is doing it like her.

Need a taste of avant-garde music in your life (whatever that means)? LustSickPuppy's album "CAROUSEL FROM HELL" is an intense fusion of industrial, punk, and experimental noise. The album explores dark, chaotic themes, reflecting on personal and societal turmoil. Its raw, aggressive sound features distorted beats, heavy basslines, and unfiltered vocals, creating a visceral listening experience. Tracks like "Blood Moon" and "Inferno" stand out for their relentless energy and abrasive production.

Funeral For Justice by Mdou Moctar boldly confronts the social and political issues facing Niger and the Tuareg people with unflinching honesty and urgency. Led by singer and guitarist Mdou Moctar, the band delivers powerful messages, addressing colonialism, linguistic preservation, and governmental accountability. Tracks like "Oh France" and "Sousoume Tamacheq" directly challenge oppressive systems while advocating for unity and cultural preservation. Despite the turmoil depicted in the album's themes, Mdou Moctar's music remains rooted in community and tradition, drawing inspiration from their energetic live performances. Funeral For Justice serves as both a musical and political statement, amplifying voices often overlooked in mainstream discourse.

Fancy a dance? PREGOBLIN's album "Pregoblin II" is an eclectic mix of indie pop, electronic, and experimental sounds. The duo, known for their quirky style and catchy melodies, delves into themes of love, existentialism, and societal commentary. The album features a blend of upbeat tracks and introspective ballads, characterized by playful lyrics and innovative production."Pregoblin II" solidifies PREGOBLIN's reputation for crafting unconventional yet accessible music, offering listeners a diverse and engaging sonic experience. Not to mention the sick name.

Rose Droll's sophomore album, With Strangers, is a haunting exploration of isolation and intimacy, delicately balancing angular production with soothing tranquility. From the unsettling yet comforting opener "List Of Things To Do" to the emotive interlude "Fantasy" Droll's precise production captivates, offering unexpected sonic journeys while maintaining a sense of familiarity. Each track displays remarkable restraint, rewarding listeners with moments of emotional clarity amidst novel soundscapes. Droll's inquisitive songwriting, paired with her effortless vocals, creates a captivating listening experience that is both challenging and comforting. With Strangers is a glacial record of perfectly wonky beauty, marking a significant artistic evolution for Droll.

Sam Evian's fourth album, Plunge, is a jubilant dive into the depths of 70s groove, country-rock, and synth-blues, resurfacing with a renewed, whole-bodied sound. From the infectious energy of the opening track, "Wild Days," with its timeless quality and irresistible guitar fills, to the sultry allure of "Rollin' In" and the polished production of "Wind Blows," Evian effortlessly navigates a range of genres with swagger and self-assurance. Throughout the album, his band's contribution is palpable, adding depth and richness to each track. With nods to his influences, particularly evident in the Beatles-inspired "Runaway," and lyrical reflections on love and introspection, Plunge is a testament to Evian's mastery of his craft and his ability to thrive in the face of uncertainty. Collaborative and sharp-focused, this album is a captivating addition to Evian's repertoire, destined for summer playlists and beyond.

Multi-instrumentalist Saya Gray finally managed to worm out of a terrible contract that squandered her creative vision - her answer to this is QWERTY II, a name as seemingly nonsensical as her kaleidoscopic, visionary mix of psychedelic pop jazz punk, all pushed forward by her insane skill as a bassist (gone are the days she twanged the bass for the likes of WILLOW and Daniel Ceaser). The album swoops through heavy themes with the intuitive mystique only true talent can effortlessly conjure - on ! EDIBLE THONG Saya recounts “my ovaries spit you out /'Cause there's too many tiny people in big houses / Tin cars carrying silicone tits / I hit my head on higher purpose”. With surprises at every turn, this genre-exploding album is well worth a listen and is one of the most exciting releases of 2024.

Tapir!

The Pilgrim, Their God & The King Of My Decrepit Mountain

Tapir!'s debut album, The Pilgrim, Their God & The King Of My Decrepit Mountain is a mythical and spirited journey through a fantastical universe, brought to life by the talents of Ike Gray, Will McCrossan, Tom Rogers-Coltman, Ronnie Longfellow, Emily Hubbard, and Wilf Cartwright. Structured in three acts, each with its own distinct flavour, the album captivates with its theatrical storytelling and vibrant instrumentation. Collaborations with vocalist Kyle Field from Little Wings add narration and depth, while nods to art and classical music infuse the album with authenticity and creativity. Tapir! proves their ability to revitalise and reinvent, delivering a rich and soulful listening experience that is both clever and meticulously crafted.

The Last Dinner Party

Prelude to Ecstasy

The Last Dinner Party's debut album rockets from summer pop-hit to gothic tale, electro-pop to Bowie glamour-rock, offering a decadent and unpredictable explosion of sound. With an orchestral opening, gothic vocals, and 80s-electro synths, the band blends brooding lyricism and chaotic maximalism. Produced by James Ford, the album features tracks like the infectious "Feminine Urge" and the nuanced critique of "Beautiful Boy." Though occasionally jilted, the album's confident theatrics and exploration of gender roles captivate. The penultimate pop hit "Nothing Matters" and the sultry "Mirror" conclude this audacious musical journey, proving that feminine glory can overflow the edges in a sexy, siren-call of excess and creativity.

The Lemon Twigs' latest album, A Dream Is All We Know, sees brothers Michael and Brian D’addario exploring upbeat, shimmering arrangements in their imaginary space called Mersey Beach, bridging Liverpool and Laurel Canyon. Departing from the more emotionally charged tones of their previous album, this record embraces power-pop anthems like "My Golden Years" and whimsical nods such as "They Don't Know How To Fall In Place." Drawing inspiration from their musical heroes while infusing contemporary narratives and explosive guitar riffs, the album showcases the brothers' growth as visionary songwriters and arrangers. Recorded on period-specific equipment and mixed by the duo themselves, A Dream Is All We Know demonstrates The Lemon Twigs' evolution into intuitive and masterful musicians.

Leeds-based band Yard Act's sophomore album, Where's My Utopia?, bursts with expressive gasps, existential musings, and a playful, ambitious spirit. Building on their successful debut, the album showcases the band's adeptness in blending post-punk sounds with quizzical spoken poetry, creating a more expansive and sonically adventurous follow-up. Tracks like "The Illusion" delve into pessimism before exploring collaborative excitement, while "Dream Job" critiques the music industry with Ian Dury-esque wit. Highlights include the dolphin-call-laden "Fizzy Fish," the bass-heavy "Petroleum," and the narrative-rich "Blackpool Illuminations" and "A Vineyard for the North."

Design by Rachael Aimee

The Best Albums Of 2024 (So Far)

We have tried to avoid obvious picks like Billie Eilish and Beyoncé in favour of smaller artists who won’t get as much attention. We do love the new Billie Eilish album though.

Adrianne Lenker

Bright Future

Ana Lua Caiano

Vou Ficar Neste Quadrado

Beth Gibbons

Lives Outgrown

Black Dresses

LAUGHINGFISH

Bob Vylan

Humble As The Sun

Charli XCX

Brat

Cindy Lee

Diamond Jubilee

death’s dynamic shroud

You Like Music

Erick the Architect

I’ve Never Been Here Before

Eunuchs

Harbour Century

funeral

I Know Something You Don’t

Jazmin Bean

Traumatic Livelihood

Julia Holter

Something in the Room She Moves

Kim Gordon

The Collective

L'Impératrice

Pulsar

Lime Garden

One More Thing

Lip Critic

Hex Dealer

Lola Young

This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway

LustSickPuppy

CAROUSEL FROM HELL

Mdou Moctar

Funeral For Justice

PREGOBLIN

Pregoblin II

Rose Droll

With Strangers

Sam Evian

Plunge

Saya Gray

QWERTY II

Tapir!

The Pilgrim, Their God & The King Of My Decrepit Mountain

The Last Dinner Party

Prelude to Ecstasy

The Lemon Twigs

A Dream Is All We Know

Yard Act

Where’s My Utopa?

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