The Music Observer 10: Albums
The top albums of 2024
It's that time again! 2024 marks the third annual Music Observer 10. Thank you so much to everyone that's supported me and to all the incredible musicians for sharing your art with us. Here’s my round up of standout albums of the past 12 months. It’s taken me longer than ever to whittle everything down, but I’ve finally come up with a top 10, 11-20 and 21-30… plus a few honourable mentions.
THE MUSIC OBSERVER 10: ALBUMS
Cue the usual spiel: For me a good album must work as an end-to-end product. It must be something curated with thought and care, with a coherent theme, story or arc. These are the 10 albums which met that brief for me, more than any others I’ve listened to, during 2024. (Note: These are not ranked, but are in alphabetical order by artist name.)
Another Sky - Beach Day
‘Beach Day’ is an exploration of deep emotion, life and mental health like no other. It would be a cold heart indeed that couldn’t be melted when listening to vocalist Catrin Vincent exploring her incredible range and at the same time opening her heart wide. Another Sky’s song are just layered with opportunities for connection, and really demand immersion: check out the inspiring realism of ‘The Pain’ (“the pain makes me feel like I’m alive”) the beautiful hope of ‘I Never Had Control’, and the carefully expansive ‘Death Of The Author’ with its anthemic “Wait, why did I do this?” refrain.
Although Katrin’s vocals are captivating and a huge anchor for the songs, musically the whole band are on another level, never missing an opportunity to explore the sheer joy of creating and performing. Many of their tracks build to a crashing but tightly-controlled climax; there’s plenty to satisfy the guitar fan, the rhythm enthusiast or the bass-line addict. So in some ways this is a serious record, in the sense that it’s focused on quality and integrity. But it’s fun too (see ‘Uh Oh!’) and never ever loses sight of passion for the sake of “art”.
‘Beach Day’ is a potentially life-changing listen and really should be much, much better known. (Photo credit: Darina/Press)
Beau - Girl Cried Wolf
Moving beyond garage rock but attentive to their roots, New York City alt-rock/pop duo Beau released a stunningly crafted debut album this year. It's a short record which still feels rich and expansive thanks to the creative diversity across its eight tracks.
The first full-length record from the band is full of promise and fulfilment; although it’s only 28 minutes long, it feels rich and expansive thanks to the creative diversity across the eight tracks. The duo show real prowess, moving between styles neatly without the result feeling disjointed or arbitrary. All in all a great listen, and something to cherish.
[Read my full review for Earmilk here.]
Billie Eilish - HIT ME HARD AND SOFT
I remember exactly where I was when I first heard this album in May and found myself captivated by its almost perfect flow, the subtle and often unexpected changes in energy, and the overarching sense of determined focus. Billie’s comment that this is an album which is meant to be listened through in full received some withering reactions, but the fact she had to say this is a reflection of the comparative rarity of this kind of record in the pop world. Although it was a success, ‘HIT ME HARD AND SOFT’ never had the popular run it truly deserved, perhaps overshadowed by the brat summer.
Only Billie could get away with such a soft opening, but ‘SKINNY’ is still dramatic and shows off her sometimes under-noticed vocals early on; it’s a good launch-pad for the trio of ‘LUNCH’, ‘CHIHIRO’ (I’m in love with that buzzy, building synth arpeggio) and ‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER’. Later, moments which could lose attention are tempered by switches of direction: perhaps the most dramatic is the resurrection of ‘L’AMOUR DE MA VIE’ followed by a resolutely quirky display of creativity in the shape of ‘THE DINER’.
Overall, a record which feels like a defining moment for Billie: a re-calibration and a firm resolution.
Bottlemoth - Even Us Ghosts
Bottlemoth are a fresh five-piece, Bristol-based band with plenty of experience having been formed in January 2024 by the former members of Bridges. Their debut album encompasses all they stand for, musically: elements of timeless yet modern indie-folk, crisp pop/alt-rock drum production, warm Americana inflections, sublime vocals... It opens with 'Landslides (People Change)': the feel is of being embraced by a group of new friends who want to share their experiences and at the same time hear yours.
That feeling continues throughout the record, expressed in different ways. The result is the sense that Bottlemoth are sharing something intimate with us. There's great warmth in their messages, even while the themes are frank and certainly not "happy". These are confessions that life is hard, and admissions that there is always hope, particularly when feelings are shared.
[Read my full review here.]
Dolores Forever - It’s Nothing
That apparently dismissive title says it all: since the release of their first single in 2021, Dolores Forever have perfected the art of careful ambiguity, a skilled combination of subtle humour and throwaway lines with serious musicianship, which results in relatable and always innovative music.
'It's Nothing' is a debut album that radiates honesty. And it's a good old-fashioned album in the best sense: 10 tracks, each well crafted and strong enough to stand alone, combined into a coherent whole. The record is richly modern and at the same time soaked in a 1980s vibe. It’s Ataris and Roland synths, plugged into a modern, forward-looking digital interface. Transistor punk, perhaps? Lyrically, the songs in this collection are very clear, with plenty of brilliant one-liners and metaphors forming a close-to tangible imagery.
[Read my full review for CLASH here.]
English Teacher - This Could Be Texas
It’s a statement, it’s an expression, and it’s a purpose in itself. With this album English Teacher said so much and said it in their own way, no gloss or sheen, just honest writing and an unapologetic, unfolding commentary on society.
Like all great albums, there are phases to this record - in particular a central section which feels more experimental, asking for some indulgence from the listener which we’re more than happy to give having been treated to a cracking triptych of opening tracks, including the irresistibly punchy ‘The World’s Biggest Paving Slab.’ The most poignant moment for me comes with ‘You Blister My Paint’, an unyielding exposé of that most difficult emotion, love, and some of the best lyrical imagery of the year.
This was always a great record, and the Mercury Prize win was the icing on the cake.
Francis of Delirium - Lighthouse
I became mildly (to say the least) obsessed with Francis of Delirium's songs when I first heard them sometime in 2023, so I was thrilled when Jana Bahricho released a whole album in March 2024. It’s one of those which is somehow even better than the sum of the four brilliant songs I had already fallen in love with. Those tracks (‘Blue Tuesday', 'Real Love', 'First Touch' and 'Give It Back To Me') are supplemented, complimented and bolstered by an exquisite set of new songs.
FoD has created a great album with 'Lighthouse'. It's rich and evocative; deeply nostalgic; and dwelling on love, in its various phases, with very relatable honesty.
[Read my full review here.]
IDLES - TANGK
'TANGK' was described by IDLES as being made in love, and all about love; an "album of beauty and power" . Love isn't always fluffy and cuddly, or sweet, or gentle, or even, necessarily, happy. And that's what IDLES have discovered and attempted to translate into words and music here. They've really succeeded.
From the opening twinkling piano, beating of a drum and grinding shimmery guitars that herald 'IDEA 01' (perhaps my favourite track from the album) through to 'Monolith' (a reflective, meditative almost prayerful song), the band have melded affection and power; they've combined rebellion, disillusionment, pain, joy - all those emotions and more. And they've melted that all down, passed it through the refiner's fine to discover the core, love.
[Read my full review here.]
Sick Love - Champagne
An all-round pleasing alt-rock album: outspoken and with fantastic drama and characterisation all through, particularly in tracks such as ‘Sucka’ (which whacks you between the eyes a split second in to the record) and ‘Ricochet’. At first play it may seem straightforward, but this is the genre taken to a new level, and a well-balanced mixture of grune. It’s a rock fan-pleaser, yes, but the way this band mixes those firm guitars and on-the-money beats with themes and patterns seen in poppier circles as well as grunge and post-punk sound converts it to a stand out record.
‘Chill For The Summer’ is probably one of the best call-outs of sexual assault and misogyny of the year, hitting the topic head on; then, the transition into the faux-sugary opening to ‘Orbit’ is brilliantly planned. The final tracks take a subtly more chilled turn, with the title track taking the time it needs to develop a beautiful pace, before a triumphant instrumental section, and also showcasing a mellower side to Rebecca Geary’s vocals.
SPRINTS - Letter to Self
I knew this would make the top list when I first heard it in January, and its position has never been in doubt since. It’s a wide-ranging album, fast-paced but never rushed, and there’s control and subtlety in each track. Opener ‘Ticking’ sets the pulse and offers a masterclass in expressing emotion (anxiety in particular). The second part of the record sees SPRINTS giving themselves more breathing space and time to experiment with their core sound. By the sixth track 'Shadow of a Doubt', things have slowed down a tad, but the energy returns with a vengeance. The final part of the album includes 'Literary Mind', where SPRINTS present a more unique side to their collective character; and ‘Up And Comer’, initially brooding but ultimately delivering a hard-hitting, tortured slap in the face.
This is an extremely satisfying album which offers a sense of redemption and feels as promising now as it did almost 12 months ago.
[Read my full review here.]
THE SECOND 10
…11-20 in other words. I really love these records, and they only narrowly missed out on being in the top 10.
Alas de Liona - Gravity of Gold A narrow miss for the top 10, this is an album full of rich, thick sounds, sitting comfortably in the midst of dreamy, dark, laid-back cinematica and more front-footed, driven pop/rock. And it’s made special thanks to Alas’ voice, sweet and enriched with controlled passion.
Be Charlotte - Self Help and Fictional Doubts A beautifully layered record, often uplifting but with hazy depth. It’s largely driven by electronic/synth sounds but there are liberal sprinklings of other instrumentation (the twinkling piano is particularly effective). Everything is sequenced with intricacy and great care, and atop it all floats striking vocals from this Dundee singer-songwriter. ‘Rainbows In The Dark’ is a highlight, deftly combining pop vibes, big electro-infused rock hooks and somehow intimate vocals.
Cappo - S.T.A.R.V.E. Across the nine tracks of this "semi-autobiographical" album, Nottingham artist Cappo delivers a richly-layered commentary on society's ills from an intensely personal perspective, drawing on literary tradition as well as hip-hop history and trip hop inspirations. [Check out his “Durational Performance” here and read my full review here.]
Dead Pony - IGNORE THIS This album hits like an aggressive hug from a loved one, expressing intensity of emotion and so much more. The shared vocal duties (Anna Shields and Blair Crichton) work effectively and the band obviously derive joy from the beats and pulses they work with. Paired with unabashedly political themes, blazing and heavily distorted guitars complete the picture.
Dua Lipa - Radical Optimism (Extended) I enjoyed ‘Radical Optimism’ in its first incarnation: it’s a pop record with much greater depth than many contemporaries, and lots to discover. There’s a really well-regulated flow to the record overall, and the energy is nicely balanced between upbeat, super funky and chilled. But I love even more how the Extended Version album reworks each song individually, and very thoughtfully too, creating something lusher and more laid-back.
Katherine Priddy - The Pendulum Swing KP's second album is richly layered, dramatically poetic, and certainly packed with personal touches, but it remains broad enough to hit home with all of us who listen, too. It opens with a ethereal sound-piece, packed with snippets of memories laid over reflective instrumentation; this melds into a brand new song before moving through a noticeably eclectic range of styles (such as there's a section, for example, which develops the more Americana-influenced sounds we've heard on her recent single releases; as well as some broader, folk-anchored songs. [Read my review plus interview here.]
Linn Koch-Emery - Borderline Iconic An album full of variation - from a surprisingly full-on introduction, through more melodic phases and always with a focus on solid songwriting with a message and a personal edge. Linn draws out an incredible array of pointedly beautiful tunes; this feels both established and pleasingly exploratory.
Marina Allen - Eight Pointed Star Rich, harmonious, perfectly crafted Americana. This record feels timeless; it’s soothing in its intricacies but never dull, and always invites further attention.
Mothica - Kissing Death An arrestingly personal and often intense album, exploring dark thoughts and a pathway through them. This is a record densely packed with layered sounds, expansive and wavy guitar-led songs which delve into deep places. When it seems all will come to a tragic end, there’s a thin and tiny spark of hope from somewhere, which grows to a guiding light.
Wrest - Everything’s Nothing Forever Again Every time Wrest have released a song over the past couple of years, it’s made its way onto my monthly playlist. Heartfelt tracks such as ‘Amber’ - a song which promises to overwhelm and transport you and absolutely follows through - and ‘Nowhere Forever’ - a sweeping, broad and hugely immersive song in the band’s best traditions - really spoke to me, and this album brings those and others together into something healing and immersive.
THE THIRD 10
…that’s 21-30 to most people
Amy Papiransky - Friday’s Daughter A work of careful, balanced beauty which reflects facets of her character, and possesses an innate warmth, honesty and relatability. It’s a complete portfolio of work, but with a distinctness to each component (thanks in part to the guest artists, including KT Tunstall and Lewis McLaughlin). [Read my review for CLASH here]
Del Water Gap - I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet Sweet, emotion-soaked mellow vibes, with in-your-head intensity; a must listen for wounded lovers - and anyone who’s ever felt something - everywhere.
Emiliana Torrini - Miss Flower Brooding and ominous even when singing of love, Emiliana taps into visceral current of emotion older than time, exposing humanity’s core.
Halsey - The Great Impersonator A complex and intensely personal album marking a landmark moment in Halsey’s career: punchy and revealing, sometimes challenging but always a rewarding listen and definitely requiring repeat listens.
Jenny Colquitt - Staring at the Moon Jenny effortlessly delivers crisp, pure and thoroughly exposing songs, built around beautiful, reflective words and often soaring to expansive heights. [Read my live review and interview here.]
Jodie Nicholson - Safe Hands Listening to Jodie forces us to suspend disbelief: yes, such precise, careful and lushly immersive music making is really possible.
Mae Krell - (i think) i might be grown Music displaying a fragile beauty, but with definite depth: seriousness and a certain lightness, too, skirting the boundaries of alternative and folk music. [Read my interview here.]
Middle Kids - Faith Crisis Pt 1 13 tracks which never miss; vibey, fresh and deeply evocative, spanning euphoric guitars and lazy hazy beats and back again - this band have lots to say and it’s really worth listening.
NewDad - MADRA This debut album has impact, but it's a soft impact - force, cushioned with a layer of dreamy haze; as they explore the difficult sides of life, NewDad will bring comfort to many. [Read my full review here.]
Tinlicker - Cold Enough For Snow A superb and sweeping dance/electronica album featuring multiple guest vocalists, a highlight being CLOVES; very subtly repeated themes keep the whole thing cohesive.
Virgins - nothing hurt and everything was beautiful A shoegaze triumph - rushing, roaring and resolving into heart-catching melody.
Wunderhorse - Midas This band have risen quickly, and deservedly, with this album serving as a proof of concept and a firm anchor. The combo of the first two tracks gives the sense of a close-up live performance and the rest of the record feels jam-packed with attitude but never cocky or derivative. A really exciting prospect.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Fontaines DC - Romance
Orla Gartland - Everybody Needs a Hero
Nick Cave - Wild God
Pillow Queens - Name Your Sorrow
The Empty Page - Imploding
The Felice Brothers - Valley of Abandoned Songs
The Mysterines - Afraid of Tomorrows