#IMPicks: The Best of 2024
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2024 has provided some great music. It’s been a great year for various genres including pop, R’n’B, and hip-hop. As a result, it makes choosing your favourites of the year very difficult. Nevertheless, our writers have convened and chosen their best singles and albums of the past 12 months. Whether you like some witty rap, anthemic indie-pop, or loud club music, there will be something here for you.
Jon Chew (Writer)
Best Singles
5: Sarah Kinsley – Escaper
The musical equivalent of ascending a ladder to meet your highs and lows. The New York-based musician and producer Kinsley uses a swirling symphony of strings, guitars, and drums to steadily build a gorgeous ode to grief. It’s both mournful and hopeful, a tender mix that can co-exist inside Kinsley’s vulnerable hands.
4: WILLOW – b i g f e e l i n g s
What a rollicking exploration of inner bedlam. WILLOW’s evolution from the precocious child of Will Smith to a daring musician in her own right has been an invigorating journey. Her single off ‘empathogen’ is a landmark moment. She sews together a canvas made of a rolling funk drum beat and twinkling jazz piano riffs. Add a voice that alternates between husky undertones and gritty overtones, and this is catharsis on repeat.
3: JPEGMAFIA – either on or off the drugs
Rapper Barrington DeVaughn Hendricks – JPEGMAFIA to the world; Peggy to his fans – brought his usual chaos energy to his latest album ‘I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU’. For all his experimental work, this one lets Peggy bare his neo-soul. A slower swaying groove lays the groundwork as he paints a self-portrait of addiction and retribution. Yes, he controversially samples an A.I. blues version of Future’s ‘Turn On the Lights’. But this love ballad to himself shows that, in his words, “The only one who can believe is me.”.
2: Billie Eilish – ‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER’
Billie and brother FINNEAS took one year to construct this song like they were building a present-day Sagrada Família. This is their immaculate conception. It’s pristine, right from the willowy vocals she uses at the start to the unapologetically whimsiness of feeling the flight of love in the chorus. And that driving synth-earworm as the song majestically tails? It’s wedding bells at the top of a very awesome tower.
1: Parannoul – Evoke Me
This is a 14-minute rock opera from the shoegaze god of South Korea. For context, there is a sizzling scene of DIY indie musicians from the land of K-pop who are splicing together epic projects from their own bedroom. Using nothing more than Pro Tools and his creative instrumentation, Parannoul’s fourth album ‘Sky Hundred’ is distortion heaven. But this incredibly bold track is the coup de grâce. There are enough ebbs and flows, starts and stops, thrashing guitars, and quiet piano lulls to fill up a lifetime. When you find out that he is screaming about his ordinariness on such a grand scale, you too shall hope to pass out in glory.
Best Albums
5: Ginger Root – SHINBANGUMI
The most head-bopping I’ve done this year has been to Cameron Lew’s latest, funnest project. From The Beatles-esque ‘There Was A Time’ to the zany Bossa nova-ish ‘Kaze’, it’s almost like your favourite cartoon coming to life in the funkiest, most pleasurable elevator music.
4: Nilüfer Yanya – My Method Actor
Yanya’s third album is a multi-layered, fully-embodied work you can return to again and again. On the surface, ‘My Method Actor’ is ear candy that’s sparse and deceptively catchy. Dig deeper, however, and there’s so much more. She uses synth beats, biting melodies, and gorgeous lyricism to deconstruct her own persona as a burgeoning mainstream artist. By the end, what emerges from the chrysalis is a confident, captivating creature.
3: Magdalena Bay – Imaginal Disk
I have already written out my feelings about this pop masterpiece. So the only thing I’ll add here is that I’m still cruising time and space in blissful hibernation.
2: Meaningful Stone – Angel interview
The South Korean indie singer-songwriter Kim Jimin – better known as Meaningful Stone – returns with a weightless dreamscape. Melding together airy pop, shoegaze, indie rock, and surprises from every corner, she puts together a diverse collection you gladly disappear into. Do you have a desire to fly on a Sigur Rós-inspired cloud through the night sky? Take a ride on ‘I open the window instead of the closed door’. Want straight-up crunchy rock rap? Press play on ‘Esc’. Need a stripped-down acoustic ballad that squeezes the heart tight? ‘Oak tree’ will do just that. There’s even an EDM-lite track impressively titled ‘_()_’. Such switches may feel too jarring for some. However, this was the Narnia cupboard I always vanished into, from our world into another.
1: Rachel Chinouriri – What A Devastating Turn of Events
This debut album from the English singer-songwriter is luminous. With a nod to Britpop stalwarts like Oasis and Lily Allen, Chinouriri instills her own history and heartbreak into some of this year’s most gut-punching tunes. ‘The Hills’, for example, uses an anthemic chorus to process feeling homesick for a Britain that has oft-made people of colour feel sick at home. ‘My Blood’ is an open wound wrapped around a soaring orchestra, where she declares, “It’s my blood that I do this for.”. It was like listening to one resplendent diary entry after another. This artist comes of age in the most beautiful fashion.
Esme Watson (Writer)
Best Singles
5: Sabrina Carpenter – Good Graces
This track encompasses self-love perfectly, whilst continuing to use humour and quippy lines to get her point across. Without a doubt, ‘Good Graces’ takes all of the energy of the album and mixes it into an anthem for the year. Demonstrated with busy muffled vocals and 90s-esque guitar, it is a song that makes you want to get up and move, there is no denying that your self-confidence skyrockets when hearing
that powerful and revengeful message.
4: Sabrina Carpenter – Juno
With another Sabrina track, ‘Juno’ is everything fun that this year of music has had to bring. Whilst sounding straight out of an early 2000s teen film, much like its name, it showcases the singer’s admirable self-aware humour that you can’t help but love. In particular, this song plays into everything she does best, with crude innuendoes and a refusal to feel embarrassed. Much like the rest of the album, this
record encourages you to say what you feel and own it.
3: Taylor Swift – But Daddy I Love Him
The first time I heard this track I relived every other of Taylor’s albums all at once. It felt like a full circle moment of every love song and breakup ballad. Additionally, her ability to create short movies in your head with the way she writes is unmatched, something that rings true with this dreamy playful tune. Furthermore using brutal honesty to fight back at rumours to fulfill a love that is true is something for the ages.
2: Taylor Swift – The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
There is no music I love more than angry women calling out the hurtful things that have happened to them. It feels unbelievably powerful and inspiring. In this case, this song feels like the textbook definition of this. Likewise, with swelling piano and lyrics that feel like a punch to the chest, it makes me feel every anger of every bad relationship, screaming from the rooftops for the others who have felt that unrequited
love and care. Equally seeing it live was therapy in itself. When the song reaches its peak, it is impossible not to march in solidarity with the pain that Taylor endured to write this masterpiece.
1: ROLE MODEL – Something, Somehow, Someday
The switching sides and juxtaposition in this track just sweep you off your feet. The way he describes this love of his is such a beautiful example of the way infatuation and intimacy can make you float. All the while talking about his own downsides, he still hangs on to the thought that they could ever be. Accompanied by simple country guitar strums and hauntingly graceful backing vocals that pull you into the room right with him, as if he was just telling stories of his lover. Clearly, with this song being so filled to the brim with adoration, it makes you find comfort in knowing that things have to work out in the end. Somehow.
Best Albums
5: Clairo – Charm
Clairo returned this year with the wonderous ‘Charm’. Although in my eyes it is near impossible to top ‘Sling’, her previous album, this piece of work came close. Similarly staying true to her jump to jazzy bar room tracks, the LP does exactly what its name says. It wins you over with silky smooth vocals and dreamlike droplets of drumbeats.
4: Janna Jamison – Lovesuite
As in every favourites article I have ever contributed to, I cannot miss out Janna. ‘Lovesuite’ encapsulates all that love has to offer, with its raw honesty of missing every detail of someone whilst simultaneously letting them ruin any future endeavour. I got the pleasure of interviewing her earlier this year so I got a bit of an insight into the innermost workings of the writing process for this project, something that made this already remarkable piece of work all that more special.
3: Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
There is no denying that Miss Sabrina Carpenter has taken over the world this year. It is impossible to see something heart-shaped or drink a simple cup of coffee without her catchy tracks swimming around your head. ‘Short n’ Sweet’ has so many anthems that have become integral to every hairbrush karaoke session, harbouring both innuendos and heavy backing beats to acoustic tales of Leonard Cohen worship. In addition, she has such a way of making people feel confident and understood. This project is truly a safe space all wrapped up in a 5ft package.
2: ROLE MODEL – Kansas Anymore
This album has been on repeat for me. It has felt like everything I have wanted in an LP for a very long time. While twisting tales of being a problem and out causing trouble, its real vulnerability comes with its all-teeth-bared confession of love. Equally written as a love letter to fill in all the gaps that were missing pre and post-breakup, Tucker looks inwards at himself and his errors. As well as accepting the ending of this relationship, he puts his heart on the line for the world to see. Although ‘Kansas Anymore’ has funny moments, its ability to move the listener forward through his stories is so unique. This naked openness, to me, is truly what music is about.
1: Taylor Swift – THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT
Doing what she does best, Taylor has continued to work her hardest while still staying true to everything she is and always has been. Whilst for me it is almost impossible to focus on two things at once, she created an absolute masterpiece of an album all while performing for hours on end each night all around the world. As if that wasn’t enough already, she managed to bring each listener into exactly what all
of this felt like. Arguably one of her best works, this project sees some of the most vulnerable times, with songs like ‘I Can Do It With a Broken Heart’ telling the story of her powering through after heartbreak; faking smiles and counting beats. Admittedly, even going so far as to bring fans into her inner ears as the backing track. In addition, it is filled with so much raw and childlike wonder. This record carries you through everything you think you know about her and somehow reveals much more with honesty and integrity.
Priyanka Kotak (Writer)
Best Singles
5: Billy Joel – Turn the Lights Back On
I have been a Billy Joel fan for years. But as someone from a younger generation, I never thought I’d get to experience the excitement of a new release from him as he stopped making pop albums before I was even born! As someone whose favourite album is ‘The Stranger‘, this track felt like a perfect return to that era, with its timeless melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a piano solo that is everything the world knows and loves about him. The chord progression even reminded me of ‘Morning Has Broken‘ by Yusuf / Cat Stevens, which is one of my favourite songs of all time. This is an instant classic and a reminder of why
he remains the ‘Piano Man‘ for every generation.
4: Vulfmon, Jacob Jeffries & Harrison Whitford – Little Thunder
I’ve been a fan of the funk collective Vulfpeck for years, and this track proves that founding member Jack Stratton’s solo project, Vulfmon, is just as exceptional. ‘Little Thunder‘ feels like a blend of ‘Revolver‘ and Rubber Soul-era Beatles, with its infectious melodies, clever vocal harmonies from Harrison Whitford and Jacob Jeffries, and a bassline so melodic and groovy you’d swear Paul McCartney was behind it. Having discovered Jacob in 2023, I was already a fan, so this collaboration felt like a perfect pairing. This nostalgic gem is a must-listen for any Beatles lover.
3: Bastille – Blue Sky & The Painter
This was my favourite single from ‘“&” (Ampersand)’, firstly because the guitar riff in the chorus is strikingly reminiscent of the Pixies’ ‘Where Is My Mind?‘. As an ‘80s music lover, I was instantly hooked. Secondly, the song’s emotionally gripping lyrical theme left a deep impression on me. Written from the perspective of expressionist painter Edvard Munch, who struggled with depression, it explores the simultaneous burden of it and the fear that without it, one might lose the very essence of their creativity. The line, “Would I be who I am without the sadness in me?”, transcends Munch however, speaking to all forms of art and how they often stem from places of pain.
2: The Darkness – The Longest Kiss
I have always known of The Darkness for their iconic hit ‘I Believe in a Thing Called Love‘. But earlier this year, I delved deeper into their music after discovering lead singer Justin Hawkins’ podcast and YouTube channel, Justin Hawkins Rides Again. I quickly became obsessed with their recent albums, ‘Motorheart‘ and ‘Easter is Cancelled‘, so I was thrilled when they released ‘The Longest Kiss‘, the first single from their next album (due March 2025). The track sounds like what you’d get if ELO took on a song from Queen’s ‘A Night at the Opera‘—a sound they capture and execute perfectly. With witty, cheeky lyrics
that epitomise their charm and a melodious Brian May-esque guitar solo, this song is a must for fans of classic rock flair. Fun fact: Queen drummer Roger Taylor’s son plays drums in The Darkness!
1: Mike Viola – Rock of Boston
Although not known to a mainstream audience, ‘Rock of Boston‘ feels like listening to the intimate ponderings of a diary, as many of Mike Viola’s lyrics do. That vulnerability and stream-of-consciousness style of lyricism is something I find deeply endearing. The track’s authenticity is further emphasised by little touches that make it feel almost conversational, like the gentle guitar lick that follows the line, “Am I falling into old patterns every time I pick up my guitar,” as if the instrument is responding to the sentiment. The song is a beautifully crafted piece of writing, but it never feels artificial. To me, its beauty lies in its simplicity yet perfect execution – the fingerpicking guitar riff throughout feels very 70s and Paul Simon-esque, complemented by a warm synth bass and an electric guitar solo so melodious it almost
takes on the quality of a yearning vocal line. The ending, featuring snippets of studio chatter, is another element that enhances the raw humanity of the track. I love it when moments like that are left in – they remind you that this is real music made by real people!
Best Albums
5: Taylor Swift – THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT
This may be an obvious pick, but as a bit of a Swiftie—though not a super hardcore one—it had to be included. This album is a showcase of Taylor’s sophisticated songwriting and Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner’s perfect pop production at their best. While there was some criticism of her working with Antonoff again, his old band fun. is a key source of childhood nostalgia for me, and I continue to be a fan of his production work. There are so many highlights on this album, including ‘Down Bad‘, which immediately stood out to me for its synth. I love the a-cappella vocals at the start of ‘So Long, London‘ that sound like bells, as well as the collaboration and call-and-response sections with Florence Welch in ‘Florida!!!‘. As always with Swift, her storytelling and lyrical abilities shine, and I particularly admire how
‘Clara Bow‘ offers sharp commentary on fame and how successful women in the music industry are compared across generations. However, my absolute favourite track on the album is arguably the cheesiest lyrically – ‘So High School‘, which captures the sound of the late ’90s and early 2000s so well.
4: Andrew Bird & Madison Cunningham – Cunningham Bird
As a fan of both Andrew Bird and Madison Cunningham separately, I was excited to hear what they could create together, and ‘Cunningham Bird‘ did not disappoint. This LP is a re-imagination of ‘Buckingham Nicks‘ (1973), an collaboration by Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks before they joined Fleetwood Mac. The original album is not widely available, so I hadn’t heard it before listening to this. Once I did, I found it fascinating to compare both records side by side, seeing how Andrew and Madison rearranged these songs, even gender-flipping some of them (reflected in the cover art).
In my opinion, they breathed new life into the tracks, and I especially appreciated the organic, unprocessed quality of the sound. I certainly find myself preferring their versions of these songs over the original ‘Buckingham Nicks‘ recordings! Some standouts for me include ‘Without A Leg To Stand On‘, with its stunning string arrangements and vocal interplay. Meanwhile, there is ‘Django‘, where the doubling of Andrew’s violin with Madison’s vocals creates a wonderfully rich sound. Their harmonies on ‘Crystal‘ are beautiful, with a minimalistic arrangement that lets their vocals shine.
3: Bastille – “&” (Ampersand)
I have been a Bastille fan ever since ‘Pompeii‘ became a hit in the UK in 2013, and their music has only continued to captivate me since then. To me, they are the masters of the concept album (as shown in ‘Give Me The Future‘ and ‘Doom Days‘), and ‘Ampersand‘ is no different. The concept behind the LP is innovative and compelling. Each song beautifully tells the story of a pair of individuals or ideas, including figures like Leonard Cohen, Marie Curie, and Oscar Wilde. The project features a more analog-sounding, less polished production, which I find really appealing. It gives the record a raw, intimate feel. It perfectly
balances intimate moments (like the opening track ‘Intros & Narrators‘) with bombastic energy (as heard in ‘Drawbridge & The Baroness‘), yet it all still sounds unmistakably like a Bastille record. I have also really enjoyed the podcast (Muses) that lead singer Dan Smith hosts with academic Emma Nagouse, where they dive into the people behind the songs. It’s been a fascinating listen and I’ve learned so much!
2: Dawes – Oh Brother
‘Oh Brother‘ is a record that is both witty and deeply affecting. It certainly invited me to
stew over the lyrics and discover new meanings with every listen.
The record explores profound themes, such as in ‘Still Strangers Sometimes‘, which poignantly examines the paradox of being in a long-term intimate relationship while still having parts of yourself that will forever be unknowable. It also features quirky tracks like ‘House Parties‘, with its playful mentions of ‘Donkey Kong‘ and ‘Kanye fans’, as well as
sardonic, hilarious commentary in ‘Mister Los Angeles‘. It comes with an equally funny music video starring Conan O’Brien. I’m a sucker for a song over five minutes long, and they did not disappoint on this record. ‘King of the Never-Wills‘ and ‘The Game‘ stand out lyrically, with the storytelling style of the latter reminiscent of Billy Joel’s ‘Scenes From an Italian Restaurant‘. The LP concludes with the reflective piano ballad ‘Hilarity Ensues‘, about a character who believes they’re talking to God. The piece is a sure-fire win for me as a fan of piano ballads. Taylor Goldsmith’s brilliance as a ‘riff-meister’ shines throughout the
project, but particularly in the middle of ‘Front Row Seat‘. This is my favourite moment on the entire album.
1: Mike Viola – Rock Of Boston
I chose the title track as my favourite single, so it’s no surprise that ‘Rock Of Boston‘ was my best album of the year, completely defining the last quarter for me. As with all of Mike’s music, this was recorded on an 8-track tape machine in his home studio, giving it a warm, organic quality. The record is wonderfully cohesive yet diverse, moving from Black Sabbath-inspired, bold riffage (Welcome To The Thunderdome; An Unfinished Man) to surf rock vibes reminiscent of ‘Misirlou‘ (Death Speed Stay Teen), and finally acoustic melancholy (Bonanza).
The standout feature of this release for me is the band’s tight chemistry. The moments where they are completely locked in feel like magic, particularly in the many instrumental jam sections. These strike a perfect balance between sounding like spontaneous jams and carefully crafted arrangements. Lyrically, the LP is endearing in its deeply introspective and family-oriented nature, including songs dedicated to his daughters and his wife.
Having seen Mike live on his recent UK tour, I can confidently say these songs, as incredible
as they are on record, are somehow even more powerful in person!
Emily Teague (Writer)
5: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Final Rescue Attempt
Nick Cave is an artist who in general, I respect, yet I can’t really resonate with. This is completely down to personal taste. Yet when listening to his album ‘Wild God‘ which debuted at the end of August this year, ‘Final Rescue Attempt‘ interested me. He has a brilliant voice which really lends itself to the kind of music the group creates. The melancholy and exploration of some heavy themes worked effectively in this track for me.
4: Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs – Detroit
This track has been one that impressed me far more than I originally anticipated. As a fan of classic metal, I appreciated the influence this single took from their predecessors. Exploring and branching out in variations of genres that I particularly enjoy has been a highlight of this year. This song has definitely pushed me to look further into doom and sludge metal so I appreciate it as a gateway.
3: Knocked Loose FT Poppy – Suffocate
The stand-out track from this album has become part of my regular listening rotation. Poppy and Knocked Loose singer Bryan Garris were able to work really well together. I don’t think one outshone the other; it more seemed as though they were working in alignment vocally. There is just something super catchy about this record, whether it’s the drums or the aggression throughout. It has captured my interest since its release earlier in the year.
2: Twenty One Pilots – Vignette
This track feels very different from the aspects of the duo that I love, however, I think it’s great. The lyrics are interesting, the chords building up in the chorus are catchy, and the production quality is smooth. The band is able to stick to the core of what they’re good at while constantly evolving and improving their sound. This is one of the reasons I’ve been a long-term fan.
1: Tyler, The Creator FT Lola Young – Like Him
As mentioned previously, I think Tyler gets collaborations exactly right. The progression of this song and the story it tells really stuck with me. Lola Young’s vocals are just what it needed to bring it to life. A stand-out song and a stand-out album which I’m sure I’ll continue to listen to as we go into the new year.
Best Albums
5: Cassyette – The World F*****g Sucks
In August, I listened to Cassyette’s debut album. I hadn’t heard much of her before so I went in quite blind. However, I was impressed. Not every song resonated with me, but I think she’s an interesting musician with a lot to bring to the table. Her lyrics were heartfelt and one of the things I walked away with was an understanding that she puts her soul into her music. There are some incredible female musicians on the alternative scene right now and it’s great to see so many being recognised for their talent.
4: Kasabian – Happenings
Whilst I definitely prefer earlier Kasabian records, the band has done incredibly well under some difficult circumstances over the past few years. Sergio Pizzorno has come into his own as the frontman which is great to see. Even though their sound has shifted from what I originally fell in love with, I’m glad the group has been able to continue without stagnating or falling apart. Seeing them live back in November proved to me that they still have what it takes and the fans are still there.
3: Knocked Loose – You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To
It’s only really within the past year that I began to explore hardcore music. Knocked Loose is a standout in this department for me. Listening to this album all the way through really helped me to understand the appeal of this genre and figure out what elements of it I enjoy. I’m really pleased to see the band progressing in their career, with a recent Grammy nomination to name one part of this. They’ve gained a new fan and I’m excited to explore more of their music moving into 2025.
2: Tyler, The Creator – CHROMAKOPIA
Tyler’s latest release is by far my favourite of his since ‘IGOR back in 2019. He’s always impressed me with an array of influences and a real sense of individualism. His new release is full of interesting tracks which tell a story. He’s an artist who I think makes great collaboration tracks where all involved are able to bring something needed to the song. ‘St. Chroma‘ featuring Daniel Caesar and ‘Like Him‘ featuring Lola Young were the standouts here.
1: Twenty One Pilots – Clancy
As a long-time Twenty One Pilots fan, I had high hopes for their new album back in May. I was not disappointed. I think they still have the elements of their tracks that I’ve always enjoyed. Their beats and production aspects are always on point as well as Tyler Joseph’s ability as a songwriter to express his story. They’re also a great band for fans who enjoy lore. There’s a big focus on a storyline that spans multiple albums, giving the listener a more immersive experience.
Kloe Paton (Writer)
Best Singles
5: Yolanda Adams – Church Doors
A lot might have changed in the 13 years since Yolanda Adams last blessed us with an album, but her hit-making ability has stayed the same. This song is uplifting and inspiring, reminding us of the remarkable figure she has always been in the gospel space.
4: Darkoo FT Rema – Favourite Girl
With so many great Afrobeat hits to choose from in 2024, I went with Nigerian MC Darkoo who I discovered this year and fell in love with. Pairing up with Rema was always going to be the formula for a radio-friendly, uplifting smash hit – and boy, did this pair deliver!
3: Samara Joy – No More Blues
Samara Joy’s talent cannot be overstated. With one of the most powerful and luscious voices in contemporary music, her vintage sound is golden. ‘No More Blues‘ is my favourite song from her album ‘Portrait‘ released earlier this year. She sings of finding peace within herself and her own home, deciding to stop yearning for better days and start making them happen today.
2: Doechii – NISSAN ALTIMA
Doechii is a rap superstar and this song proves it. It’s still my most listened-to track off of her stellar third mixtape and gives anyone who listens to it an instant confidence boost. Unflinchingly honest and refreshingly real, we’re seeing a young woman step into her best self.
1: Cleo Sol – Fear When You Fly
Cleo Sol’s music heals me. It makes me feel heard, loved, understood, and grateful. Still on a high from the two projects she dropped last year, ‘Fear When You Fly‘ was a welcome surprise single, offering a soulful showcase that gives me goosebumps.
Best Albums
5: Kendrick Lamar – GNX
K. Dot snuck in there last minute and unsurprisingly won my heart. ‘luther‘, ‘wacced out murals‘, ‘tv off‘, and ‘gloria‘ are my top picks.
4: Beyoncé – COWBOY CARTER
This album undeniably shifted the cultural dial, injecting pop culture with a dose of Southern country charm. ‘YA YA‘, ‘RIIVERDANCE‘, and ‘SWEET * HONEY * BUCKIIN‘ were some of my most played songs this year.
3: NXWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge) – Why Lawd?
Is there anything Anderson can’t do? This album is an eclectic mix of vibes and sounds that just feels good to listen to. My top picks are always rotating, but for new listeners, I recommend ‘86Sentra‘ or ‘Where I Go‘ (featuring H.E.R.).
2: Lucky Daye – Algorithm
If you ever questioned what sets Lucky Daye apart from his R&B counterparts, listen to this project all the way through. A rare ‘no-skips’ project, this album feels like a monumental moment for the young star. If you’re ever in the mood for a Prince-like ‘Purple Rain‘ moment, give ‘Diamonds in Teal‘ a listen – but maybe keep some tissues nearby. It’s that beautiful.
1: Doechii – Alligator Bites Never Heal
I’ve given this mixtape a lot of love in the past few months, and I’ll do it again! Bold, brilliant, and vulnerable, this project has a perfect mix of rap and singing from the multi-talented TDE prodigy. Top songs – ‘NISSAN ALTIMA‘, ‘DEATH ROLL‘, ‘SLIDE‘, and ‘BOILED PEANUTS‘.
Thomas Atkinson (Editor-in-Chief)
Best Singles
5: Laufey – Goddess
Based on her experiences with a partner who doesn’t value her, this track from this Icelandic singer is beautiful. Vocally she is flexing and then some, with an emotional performance that is one of this year’s best. The commentary on being seen as a “…goddess on stage / Human when we’re alone.”, makes for powerful reading on the experience of being an artist. It’s my favourite pop single of the year and one you should definitely get in your queue.
4: Charli xcx – Von dutch
I like most was having a ‘BRAT‘ summer, but my favourite moment was where it all began. While I strangely did not take to this at first, the chaotic and wild electronic production matched with Charli’s autotune vocals is sensational. Lyrically it is quite straight to the point, but the passion and catchiness make for an absolute banger. This is a delight and is one example of this artist’s ability to make creative and club-ready pop music. (Don’t forget about the great Skream and Benga remix)
3: BERWYN – WHO AM I
This man has been making quality music for a while, but he has reached his peak (so far) in 2024. Combining calm, but hard-hitting rapping with singing that hits the high notes, but is clear and precise, this man knows how to express his thoughts. This title track to his new record is matched by an earworm of a beat that feels big and prominent like it should. His words are on point throughout the project, but his clever use of taking things back to basics, yet still feeling commanding is what makes this great.
2: Jamie xx FT Honey Dijon – Baddy On The Floor
I had the pleasure of hearing this a couple of years ago at Primavera Sound, but damn, this track rules. It’s everything you want in a dance hit: catchy, anthemic, and something that will have you skanking the night away. Jamie and Honey absolutely delivered on my favourite track from the long-awaited ‘In Waves‘. If you’re looking for something to get you grooving, then this should be first on any playlist.
1: Kendrick Lamar – meet the grahams
Is this the greatest diss track of all time? Maybe. Mr. Lamar completely destroyed Drake in every manner: his personality, reputation, and his career. ‘Not Like Us‘ may be the hit, but this is darker and more lethal, with the cut-throat lyricism making this edge out the other great songs he has released this year. That Alchemist beat is also brilliant; so dark and sinister, yet so bare bones. Everything about this is still top-tier and shows that Kenny is truly the Bogeyman.
Best Albums
5: Lowkey – Soundtrack To The Struggle 3
Lowkey has always been one of the UK’s best and most underrated rappers, and this is proven once again on his latest LP. Providing fierce critiques of the hypocrisy of Western governments with a calm and clear delivery, his words are as powerful as they are insightful. Mai Khalil must also be complimented on her beautiful singing throughout the project, giving it some great choruses. Standouts include the commentary on the smartphone on ‘Friend or Foe?‘ and the tragic love story of ‘Two Kites‘. A fantastic conclusion to a great trilogy of albums.
4: Kendrick Lamar – GNX
It really has been Kendrick’s year and what a way to conclude it with this brilliant LP. For me, his best since ‘TPAB‘, it equally provides bangers with quieter, more provoking moments to show where this man is right now. ‘wacced out murals‘ is one of this year’s best and hard-hitting openers, ‘reincarnated‘ is a great tribute to 2Pac and reflection on the importance of some musical legends, while ‘heart pt. 6‘ is a lovely closer to his time at TDE. The final track ‘gloria‘ is a gorgeous ending and one of the great R’n’B-influenced tracks on the record. This is a fitting close to 2024 for one of the best rappers alive, showcasing his extraordinary talents.
3: JPEGMAFIA – I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU
This talented and creative hip-hop artist showed he’s still as creative as ever on his 5th solo effort. His ability to use samples in an intriguing way to amplify his production is just one example of his artistry. His rapping is as witty as ever, providing hilarious one-liners with insightful commentary on himself and where he fits into the genre. Whether on the abrasive industrial sounds of ‘don’t rely on other men‘ or the melodic ‘either on or off the drugs‘, this man provides a good variety of vibes. JPEG continues to be one of the most exciting rappers in the scene and delivers another quality body of work.
2: BERWYN – WHO AM I?
Providing one of the best debut albums in U.K. rap period, BERWYN shows once again why he is a name to be reconned with. His commentary on the poverty and hardship he has witnessed from young makes him a fitting spokesperson for modern-day Britain. He has this ability to sing or rap in a manner that tugs at your heartstrings and feel so upset at the unfairness of society. I’ve already talked about the title track, but ‘HATE‘ is a compelling critique of ignorance and the oppression created by certain institutions, and ‘DEAR IMMIGRATION‘ is a message you need to hear. A phenomenal and passionate release, this is one for the history books.
1: Charli xcx – BRAT
Probably one of the greatest pop albums to date, Charli has delivered her magnum opus. Packed to the brim with bangers, as well as some deeper moments, this is the record this artist has always wanted to make. ‘Club classics‘ and ‘Mean girls‘ provide the noise and danceable club anthems, some of this singer’s most infectious anthems. But, we also get some insight into this artist’s mindset like ‘I might say something stupid‘ or ‘I think about it all the time‘, making this her most open LP. This just feels like the complete record for this previously underrated talent, and it’s been nice to see her get the deserved praise. Also, don’t forget to check out the brilliant remix project as well.
Read our 2023 list here.
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