2024 has proven to be a vibrant and exciting year for music, offering a diverse sonic landscape populated by both established titans and thrilling new voices. From the anthemic roar of indie rock to the introspective whispers of more nuanced genres, the albums released this year have provided a rich and varied tapestry of musical experiences. The sheer volume of quality releases made narrowing it down to a definitive top 20 a challenging task, but after careful consideration, here’s our selection of the best albums of 2024, a collection that we feel truly showcases the impressive creativity, innovation, and sheer talent that continues to flourish within the music world.
20: Razorlight – “Planet Nowhere”: Razorlight’s return with Planet Nowhere marks a highly anticipated resurgence for the band, especially with the original lineup back together for this album. This reunion brings a fresh energy to their sound, as they confidently revisit the classic indie rock style that first made them famous in the mid-2000s. The album is filled with catchy melodies, with Johnny Borrell’s distinctive and often polarizing vocals once again taking centre stage. While Planet Nowhere doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it offers a nostalgic journey back to the band’s early days, showcasing their signature infectious guitar riffs and singalong choruses. At the same time, there’s a new sense of maturity and reflection, reflecting the experiences and growth the band has undergone since their initial breakthrough. For long-time fans, this album will feel like a satisfying return, while newcomers will find a solid introduction to Razorlight’s enduring sound.
19: 86TVs – “86TVs”: 86TVs burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut, a vibrant and energetic collection of raw, guitar-driven rock tracks. The band features Felix and Hugo White, former members of The Maccabees, who have teamed up with their younger brother Will and drummer Jamie Morrison for this exciting new project. Their sound combines a raw, garage-band energy with an infectious enthusiasm that’s impossible to ignore. The album is packed with catchy hooks and driving rhythms, making for a thrilling and undeniably fun listen. While they may not be breaking new ground stylistically, 86TVs’ sheer passion and commitment to their craft shine through, promising a bright future for this dynamic new act..
18: Liam Gallagher and John Squire – “Liam Gallagher John Squire”: Pairing the iconic, snarling vocals of Liam Gallagher with the legendary, textured guitar work of John Squire is a true meeting of rock and roll titans. The duo’s chemistry is undeniable and works really well, even if it doesn’t quite reach the full potential some fans might have hoped for. For once-in-a-generation talents like Gallagher and Squire, the album may not have the era-defining magic that seemed effortless in their past work, but it still carries a unique charm. There’s no sense in dwelling on the past – instead, it’s better to embrace the album for what it is: two legends relishing the opportunity to create on their own terms.
17: Courting – “New Last Name”: While “New Last Name” more than casually dips its toes into the familiar waters of refined indie rock, it’s when Courting throws caution to the wind and dives headfirst into genre-bending madness that the real magic happens. Sure, it might not be a straight-up, easy-listening experience for everyone, but “New Last Name” is a bold declaration of Courting’s fearless creativity and their absolute refusal to play it safe. They’re not just pushing boundaries; they’re gleefully smashing them to pieces.
16: Berries – “Berries”: Berries deliver a powerful and raw sonic assault with their self-titled album. Filled with heavy, distorted riffs and impassioned, almost primal vocals, it’s a thrilling ride for fans of grunge, alternative rock, and anything with a bit of a raw edge. The band’s energy is palpable, and the album’s raw production only adds to its visceral impact. “Berries” is a testament to the power of raw emotion and unbridled musical energy.
15: Wunderhorse – “Midas”: Wunderhorse’s latest album is a raw, electrifying ride that captures the unfiltered energy of their live shows. Midas pulses with intensity, embracing imperfections and rough edges to capture the magic of their onstage presence—proving that it’s the cracks that let the light shine through. It’s a bold, triumphant middle finger to the over-produced, auto-tuned music dominating today’s scene.
14: Shambolics – “Dreams, Schemes & Young Teams”: Shambolics capture the essence of classic indie rock with Dreams, Schemes & Young Teams. While they aren’t reinventing the wheel, they’ve crafted one of the year’s most consistently infectious albums, balancing poignancy with sly humor. Tackling modern-day malaise, their sharp wit and good-natured sarcasm make their music both relatable and refreshingly wholesome.
13: Amyl and The Sniffers – “Cartoon Darkness”: Amyl and The Sniffers bring their signature high-octane, unapologetic punk rock to Cartoon Darkness, a raw and chaotic album full of attitude and untamed energy. Amy Taylor’s ferocious vocals, paired with the band’s relentless instrumentation, create a sonic whirlwind that’s as thrilling as it is ferocious. The album also tackles heavy themes, with Taylor describing it as a reflection on the climate crisis, war, A.I., the fragility of modern politics, and the illusion of online activism—where people feel they’re helping by having a voice but are ultimately feeding the data beast of Big Tech, our modern-day god. Cartoon Darkness is an intense, high-energy ride that channels these urgent concerns into its rebellious sound.
12: The Libertines – “All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade”: The Libertines returned with “All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade, ” an album that’s got their signature mix of wild energy, poetic lyrics, and raw emotion.Even though it’s been a while, they’ve still got the same chemistry and ability to write heartfelt, albeit often ragged, rock anthems. It’s a great comeback for longtime fans and a solid reminder of the band’s lasting influence on the indie rock scene.
11: English Teacher – “This Could Be Texas”: English Teacher’s Mercury Prize-winning debut, This Could Be Texas, is a captivating and thought-provoking album that highlights the band’s unique fusion of indie rock, post-punk influences, and spoken word elements. The lyrics are intelligent and introspective, delving into themes of identity, societal pressures, and the quest for meaning. Musically, the album is dynamic and compelling, seamlessly transitioning from moments of quiet reflection to bursts of raw energy.
10: Dead Pony – “Ignore This”: Dead Pony’s Ignore This is a masterclass in high-octane punk rock, where raw energy meets undeniable catchiness. From start to finish, the album is packed with infectious hooks, razor-sharp riffs, and electrifying vocals from Anna Shields that demand attention. The band’s relentless drive comes through in every track, making it impossible not to move along..
9: Courteeners – “Pink Cactus Café”: The Courteeners returned with Pink Cactus Café, an album that perfects their signature blend of anthemic indie rock and sharp, observational lyrics. While staying true to their core sound, the album introduces a newfound maturity and introspection, tackling themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The band also experiments with ’80s synth-pop elements, adding an infectious, upbeat layer that makes this their catchiest album to date.
8: Shed Seven – “A Matter of Time”: As Shed Seven celebrate their 30th anniversary, they continue their impressive and consistent run with A Matter of Time, an album that highlights their enduring knack for crafting catchy, melodic indie rock anthems. While not radically reinventing their sound, the band still delivers the feel-good, well-crafted tracks that have earned them a loyal fanbase over the years. This milestone year has been a testament to their longevity and relevance, with the band not only reaching the top spot once but twice, proving that their impact on the indie rock scene is as strong as ever.
7: The Beautiful Game – “Common Royalty”: The Beautiful Game deliver a vibrant and energetic sound with “Common Royalty,” seamlessly blending indie rock with elements of soul, funk, and even a touch of Britpop nostalgia. The result is an album that’s both catchy and danceable, filled with infectious grooves and huge, uplifting anthems.
6: The Howl & The Hum – “Same Mistake Twice”: The Howl & The Hum create a haunting and atmospheric soundscape with “Same Mistake Twice,” masterfully blending elements of folk, rock, and electronic music. Sam Griffiths bravely reckons with the pain and chaos of recent tumultuous years, composing some of his most candid and fearless songs to date. Surviving numerous challenges, including the breakup of the band, the global pandemic and re-evaluating his future in music. The album is characterized by its evocative lyrics, melancholic melodies, and atmospheric instrumentation, creating a listening experience that’s both immersive and emotionally resonant.
5: The Cure – “Songs of a Lost World”: The Cure’s Songs of a Lost World marks a highly anticipated and triumphant return from the legendary band. While the album features minimalist arrangements, the songs feel anything but sparse. Robert Smith’s distinctive vocals, paired with the band’s signature atmospheric and gothic soundscapes, create rich, expansive tracks that resonate with an undeniable depth. The minimalist approach paradoxically gives the music a vast, immersive quality, making each song feel larger than life. This album stands as a testament to the band’s enduring influence, proving their ability to craft music that continues to captivate and connect with generations of fans.
4: Maxïmo Park – “Stream of Life”: Maxïmo Park return with Stream of Life, another intellectually stimulating album that highlights the poetic depth of lead singer Paul Smith’s vocals and his literary-inspired lyrics. His words weave intricate stories that explore themes of modern life, social commentary, and personal reflection, each line delivered with a rare blend of eloquence and insight. Paired with the band’s signature angular guitar riffs and energetic indie rock, the album offers a sharp, thought-provoking listening experience that showcases their ability to blend intellectual depth with infectious energy.
3: Kid Kapichi – “There Goes the Neighbourhood”: Kid Kapichi bring a raw, energetic, and politically charged sound to There Goes the Neighbourhood, blending punk, rock, and elements of hip-hop. The album is packed with catchy hooks, powerful riffs, and unapologetic lyrics that tackle social issues with both raw honesty and just the right amount of snarky humor. But what truly sets this album apart is how these tracks translate to the live circuit—where the band’s intensity and energy reach their peak. The raucous choruses and blistering riffs explode on stage, igniting an electrifying atmosphere that throws the crowd headfirst into their socially charged, high-octane punk sound.
2: James – “Yummy”: James continue to push creative boundaries and innovate with Yummy, an album that showcases their eclectic musical style and Tim Booth’s distinctive, often ethereal vocals. The album is a testament to the band’s fearless approach to experimentation, exploring new sonic territories while still maintaining a sense of familiarity. And let’s not forget the “Yummy/Pudding” extended edition, which took us by surprise—many of the additional tracks were outtakes or unfinished versions, yet they still managed to blow us away. The raw, unpolished nature of these songs only added to their charm, revealing just how much brilliance emerged from the sessions for the album.
1: Cast – “Love is the Call”: Love Is The Call is undeniably one of the greatest indie rock albums this side of the noughties, and it stands as a testament to Cast’s evergreen talents and ongoing evolution. This album captures everything we love about the band—powerful, poignant songwriting, infectious melodies, and a sense of raw emotion that feels both timeless and fresh. Each track feels like a revelation, blending the anthemic energy of their earlier work with a more refined, introspective edge. The album doesn’t just remind us of why we love Cast; it deepens that connection, offering a collection of songs that resonate on a deeply personal level. It’s a vital addition to their catalogue, proving that after all these years, they still have the ability to deliver music that is both unforgettable and essential. For all these reasons, Love Is The Call is, without a doubt, our favorite album of the year.
