As 2024 comes to a close, the mxdwn staff reflect yet again on the music that has shaped the past year. Regardless of genre, it has become even clearer that AI is no replacement for individual artistic expression. A bot can churn out song after song of meaningless drivel but cannot replace the soul of a passionate musician. The albums below, in one way or another, represent the turmoil, joy and chaos of the past twelve months. They are complex, lyrically, sonically and culturally. They tell stories, explore agony, lament loss and celebrate life. Once more we are reminded that the best music comes not from an unmanned machine or uninspired computer program but from the depths of the human spirit.

– Skyy Rincon

40. FAKE YOUTH CULT – White Light/Black Noise

Darkwave meets analog in White Light/Black Noise. Richard van Kruysdijk crafts haunting, cinematic soundscapes, with “Visitor” and “Pulsar” standing out through layered synths, pulsing beats, and an ominous retro-futuristic atmosphere.

– Drew Della

39. Jamie xx – In Waves

In Waves is Jamie xx’s masterful exploration of electronic textures, blending ambient soundscapes with infectious grooves. Emotional and immersive, the album captures feelings of yearning and connection through stunning production.

– Garren Groeniger

38. Sofi Tukker – BREAD

Sofi Tukker’s BREAD blends Brazilian rhythms, energetic dance beats, and infectious horn sections for a dynamic electro-pop album. With catchy hooks, playful collaborations, and emotional depth, it’s an exhilarating ride from start to finish.

– Garren Groeniger

37. Kim Gordon – The Collective

Blending distorted rock and trap beats, The Collective thrives on sonic experimentation. Tracks like “The Believers” and “Trophies” push boundaries with chaotic percussion and genre-blurring production, showcasing Gordon’s creative spirit.

– Drew Della

36. A Place To Bury Strangers – Synthesizer

“Synthesizer” is an eruptive sonic trek into the genius minds behind A Place To Bury Strangers. The tracks seamlessly infuse industrial rock with dark synths, all while keeping with a throbbing rhythm that refuses to quit. Needless to say, being ranked 36th on the Album Of The Year list is well-deserved.

– Kelly Catlin

35. The Smile – Wall Of Eyes

A meditative work from musicians Thom Yorke, Johnny Greenwood and Tom Skinner. The album, full of hazy synths and metronomic drum beats, offers 45 minutes of tranquility and introspection to its audience.

– Rhys Heraghty

34. Pale Waves – Smitten

Pale Waves’ Smitten, the band’s fourth studio album, craft a romantic, introspective album that captures the emotions of early relationships, infused with polished synth-pop melodies. A standout album that highlights the band’s growth and nostalgic charm.

– Kiera McCord

33. Jack White – No Name

In the span of 43 minutes, White seamlessly crafts a balance between the technicality and complexity of blues with the abrasiveness and simplicity of punk— further cementing his legacy as one of the most notable guitarists of today. 

– Mark D’Alessandro

32. Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood

Katie Crutchfield has settled into a new normal on her sixth studio album. The project blends indie-rock with the country twang of acoustic guitars, banjos, and clean drums.

– Antara Holloway

31. Maya Hawke – Chaos Angel

Maya Hawke created something wondrous and entirely encapsulating with Chaos Angel. More  than an album, this is an intricate yet soothing world that is a treat to get lost in.

– Nicole Sacks

30. Julie Christmas – Ridiculous And Full Of Blood

Fourteen years on since her near perfect album The Bad Wife, Julie Christmas returns with support from Johannes Persson and others for another wildly adventurous album featuring her incredible vocal skill.

– Raymond Flotat

29. Doechii – Alligator Bites Never Heal

Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal earns its place as the 29th album of the year with its unapologetic creativity, bold storytelling, and boundary-pushing soundscapes. Blending experimental beats with raw, fearless lyricism, Doechii crafts a sonic experience that is as captivating as it is thought-provoking, solidifying her status as a rising innovator in music.

– Marissa Alvarez

28. The Last Dinner Party – Prelude To Ecstasy

Prelude To Ecstasy shimmers with theatrical energy and vintage flair. The Last Dinner Party blends art-rock with decadent, Bowie-esque stylings, crafting a debut that feels timeless and fresh. From its sultry melodies to its bold lyricism, the record exudes a confident charm, positioning the band as avant-garde pop luminaries.

– Ric Leczel

27. Full Of Hell – Coagulated Bliss

Full of Hell are known for making soul-shaking music and this album is a high quality addition to their discography thanks to the killer instrumentation and powerful vocal performances throughout. On each track, one can feel the band’s passion and love for music through each earth-shattering musical performance. Full Of Hell give their all on Coagulated Bliss.

– Caitlin Stoddard

26. Soccer Mommy – Evergreen

Evergreen by Soccer Mommy is an intimate and personal musical journey from beginning to end. Sophia Regina Allison’s raw lingering vocals are pushed to the forefront of Evergreen, exuding warmth and hope within each of the atmospheric tracks. For listeners wanting a charismatic vulnerable listening experience, Evergreen is a cathartic journey waiting to be discovered.  

– Michael Cainghug

25. Tyler, The Creator – Chromakopia

Even when portraying a masked version of himself, Tyler, The Creator is incredibly vulnerable on Chromakopia. Through slick and densely layered production, Tyler balances a mix of introspective songs illustrating his fears of becoming a father with a woman he barely knows to catchy, braggadocious tracks about cars and being the best dressed in the game. Chromakopia is Tyler at his most mature, confident, and honest, and proving that Tyler should always be considered in the “Big Three” conversation from this point forward.

– Greg Poblete

24. Trent Reznor/Atticus Ross (Boys Noize) – Challengers [MIXED]

The collaborative soundtrack is a captivating fusion of innovative soundscapes and pulsating rhythms. This eclectic mix showcases the trio’s ability to blend dark, atmospheric tones with infectious electronic beats, creating an immersive auditory experience. Each track is a thrilling exploration of tension and release, drawing listeners into a world of emotion and intensity that still fits with the context of the Challengers film.

– Paul Chaparro

23. Bad Omens – CONCRETE JUNGLE [THE OST]

CONCRETE JUNGLE [THE OST] by Bad Omens is a seamless transition between electronic music and melodic metalcore, the entire album a visceral journey of haunting vocals and industrial metal. Each track flawlessly combines unabating instrumentals with relentless vocals; the entire album is an expertly crafted musical experience. Listeners undoubtedly share an immersive trek into the hearts and minds of Bad Omens, the band’s evolution as musicians — and humans — on display as they grab the 23rd spot on our Album Of The Year list.

– Kelly Catlin

22. Childish Gambino – Bando Stone & The New World

Another genre-weaving album from Atlanta’s Childish Gambino–but this time, the rapper has declared it as his last. While this may come as sad news to Gambino fans, some may find solace in knowing that the artist’s fifth-studio album also doubles as a movie soundtrack for his new film by the same name. Riddled with snippets of dialogue from the film, Glover says this project was intended to have listeners “participate” in figuring out what they’re actually listening to.

– Antara Holloway

21. Justice – Hyperdrama

Hyperdrama is a vibrant but dark explosion of sound that masterfully blends electronic beats with eclectic melodies, thanks to collaborators like Tame Impala and RIMON. The album takes listeners on a euphoric journey, seamlessly weaving together genres and pushing musical boundaries. Each track is a testament to Justice’s innovative spirit, inviting fans to dance, reflect, and lose themselves in the rhythm.

– Paul Chaparro

20. Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard And Soft

Expanding upon Billie Eilish’s minimalist sound, Hit Me Hard And Soft is her most delicate work yet. Having perfected a wispy, minimalist yet expansive sound, Finneas and Eilish take that sonic landscape to new extremes. From drowning out Eilish’s voice amongst blaring synths on “Chihiro,” to her smooth-jazzy delivery on “L’amour De Ma Vie,” Hit Me Hard And Soft delivers on its titular promise.

– Paulson Cheung

19. Kerry King – From Hell I Rise

From Hell I Rise marks a fantastic debut solo album for iconic metal guitarist Kerry King. King and his band solidify their rightful place in the metal scene with blistering solos and heart-jolting vocals that are just as loud and proud as any classic metal album. Although King is primarily known for his role in the metal band Slayer, as a solo artist, he demonstrates that he is more than capable of producing raw and powerful metal music that brings energy and madness on each composition.

– Caitlin Stoddard

18. Vampire Weekend – Only God Was Above Us

Only God Was Above Us by Vampire Weekend is a methodic collage of their signature sound, sonically embodying the inner battle within themselves and against inequality. The album’s production is musically charged including both poetic lyricism and bold  instrumentation. Only God Was Above Us is a testament to Vampire Weekend’s longevity and rediscovery through an open musical landscape. Thematically, the album challenges listeners to focus on the inner struggle throughout the brash production of slide guitars, piano and soaring arpeggios. This memorable sound results in an encapsulating and honest record that perseveres in the end.

– Michael Cainghug

17. Kacey Musgraves – Deeper Well

With such a captivating and enriching voice alongside raw talent, Deeper Well by Kacey Musgraves is a brilliant story, leaving no song behind. Ever so sweet and alluring Musgraves gives us 14 songs each with their own personality somehow all melding together perfectly. “Too Good To Be True” is extremely vulnerable, “The Architect” brings mystery and wonderment. Each track invites the listener to close their eyes and envision each scene of this story as it is being told in every note and every lyric. Musgraves brings different parts of her musical range into this album as she mixes country and folk to express each song as its own.

– Nicole Sacks

16. Devin Townsend – PowerNerd

PowerNerd showcases Devin Townsend’s relentless creativity, seamlessly blending chaos and melody across eleven electrifying tracks. From the explosive energy of the title track to the haunting beauty of “Glacier,” the album masterfully oscillates between intensity and introspection. Highlights include the playful “Younger Lover,” the anthemic “Knuckledragger,” and the experimental “Ubelia” and “Jainism,” which boldly push genre boundaries while staying emotionally resonant. With crisp production, profound ideas, and Townsend’s unmistakable charm, PowerNerd is a truly genre-defying musical journey. Whether delivering soaring choruses, ambient interludes, or heartfelt ballads, Townsend proves once again why he’s one of music’s most innovative and visionary creators.

– Sammy Garcia

15. Phantogram – Memory Of A Day

Phantogram’s Memory of a Day features the impeccable duo returning to their roots which longtime fans will relish in. It encapsulates their distinctive sound that somehow remains ever changing. It is their best album in years and it is full of Sarah’s uniquely mesmerizing voice. The albums theme is how memories, good and bad, live in the body and how a certain song or even just a sound can evoke feelings from a certain day that you are instantly brought back to. Every aspect of the production process was clearly thought out making it brilliant and mesmerizing, especially its captivating instrumentals.

– Eve Pierpont

14. Maggie Rogers – Don’t Forget Me

Maggie Rogers’ “Don’t Forget Me” is a beautiful blend of vulnerability and expansive soundscapes, perfectly capturing the warmth of a “Sunday afternoon,” as envisioned by the artist. This album showcases Rogers’ growth as an artist, with its richly textured sounds and deeply personalized lyricism. The emotional honesty resonates universally, as the lyrics dive into the themes of longing and self-acceptance. This raw, heartfelt collection of songs is a notable moment in not only Rogers’ discography, but also of the year. With its organic production and depth, Don’t Forget Me is a standout for 2024s most impactful releases further solidifying Rogers’ defining voice in modern indie pop.

– Kiera McCord

13. Knocked Loose – You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To

Released in May 2024, You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To marks a significant evolution for the Kentucky-based metalcore quintet. Embracing a melodic yet unsettling direction, the band crafts anxiety-inducing tracks like “Thirst” and “Piece By Piece” that push the boundaries of modern metalcore. Themes of mortality and existential dread intertwine with spiritual undercurrents, creating a visceral and eerie listening experience. Though it’s not for the faint of heart, this unrelenting half-hour romp resonates deeply with fans of the genre. Brutal, raw, and uncompromising, the album solidifies Knocked Loose as a formidable force in contemporary hardcore.

– Ric Leczel

12. Chelsea Wolfe – She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She

Chelsea Wolfe’s expansive seventh studio album She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She, is her poignant message about the circular nature of healing. While broadly an electronic rock album, Wolfe’s effortless ability to flow uninterrupted through genres takes the listeners on a journey through multiple different subgenres. Tracks like “House Of Self-Undoing” and “Everything Turns Blue” are gothic and atmospheric, with the darkwave element of a prominent, heavy and somber synth. Songs like “Eyes Like Nightshade” show the industrial influences with its minimalist use of a breakbeat as its driving force while Wolfe’s vocals float over, echoing and distorted, as if it was coming from somewhere just out of reach. The album’s closer “Dusk” is a standout. Blending together elements of shoegaze and industrial to finish with an overblown guitar solo, this song is an electrifying end to what can only be described as a sonic voyage.

– Riley Wilkerson

11. Opeth – The Last Will And Testament

Opeth’s The Last Will and Testament is a sprawling sickening odyssey of greatness that unfolds over seven intricate movements, each brimming with haunting beauty and progressive brilliance. Tracks like “§IV” and “§V” showcase the band’s mastery of dynamic contrasts, weaving ethereal melodies with crushing heaviness. The album’s storytelling reaches a peak in “§VII,” where delicate acoustic passages give way to a climactic finale. A Story Never Told threads through the record, uniting the compositions with poignant themes of reflection and mortality. With lush instrumentation and profound emotional depth, The Last Will and Testament cements Opeth’s place as progressive metal visionaries.

– Sammy Garcia

10. Charli XCX – Brat

A decade after “Fancy,” Charli XCX questioned whether she deserves mainstream success on Brat, and the public responded with an overwhelming “yes.” From political campaigns, fashion trends to Tik Tok dances, the world was painted lime green for Brat summer. Undeniably one of the biggest cultural moments of the year, Brat is more than a collection of internet memes and one-liners. It is an honest trip through XCX’s early thirties mind, with all the clarity of an it-girl who doesn’t actually know which club she’s at. This candidness, jammed in some of  A. G. Cook’s sleekest yet dirtiest beats, gives Brat a new dimension, bringing it to rarified pop-icon status. Never letting up on the listener, XCX declares her music as “Club classics” while questioning the idea of a girl boss on “Mean girls.” This is an album that forces you to listen, whether or not you might like, or even understand what it has to say.

– Paulson Cheung

9. Ulver – Liminal Animals

Ulver have been a band of relentless evolution and innovation for decades now. Following their progression and change has been one of music’s great delights these last fifteen years. Coming on the heels of their incredible album Flowers of Evil (which dropped mid COVID-19 pandemic) and its follow-up the horror inspired Scary Muzak, Liminal Animals finds the performers Ole Alexander Halstensgård, Kristoffer Rygg, and Jørn H. Sværen continuing that relentless progression through nine sinister, sexy and somber jams, showcasing their incredible knack for production and instrumental sparsity. “Ghost Entry” and “A City in the Skies” cement the feeling early and then “Forgive Us” slows down the vibe even a bit more for choral accompanied collaboration with horn player Nils Petter Molvær. The album revels in the utter darkness of the moment in 2024. People everywhere, reeling in the aftermath of the 2020 pandemic, beset by runaway inflation, living in a time of seemingly endless war, in which politically humans are more divided than ever, aim not for anger but for the blissful darkness. Liminal Animals plays like a master class from top-notch musicians playing right into the true mood of the moment.

– Raymond Flotat

8. Mannequin Pussy – I Got Heaven

Hovering somewhere between punk and indie rock, I Got Heaven has it all. Coming in as Mannequin Pussy’s fourth studio album, it’s a tight, ten track record that showcases just how much the band has matured since their last release, Patience, in 2019. Debuting guitarist Maxine Steen as a permanent member, this album is a buildup of every element the band has utilized in previous projects together in complete refinement. Tracks such as “Of Her” and “Aching” slam with Marisa Dabice’s cathartic vocals, the fast-paced, intense guitar riffs and pulsating percussion. Songs “Nothing Like” and “I Got Heaven” see the band integrating the two genres in a way that feels brand new and natural. It is the band’s first project with producer John Congleton, known for his work with indie staples Alvvays and Wallows. His production shines in the softer, more melodic tracks like “I Don’t Know You”, which features a light, bright synth in the back steadily building up to a completely fuzzed out, layered guitar solo reminiscent of artists like Japanese Breakfast and Snail Mail. I Got Heaven is the quintessential Mannequin Pussy album.

– Riley Wilkerson

7. Beth Gibbons – Lives Outgrown

Beth Gibbons’ momentous debut LP is a ten track, forty-five minute exploration of grief, abridging Gibbons’ last decade of heartbreak, reflection and change into a poignant and stirring odyssey— both emotionally harrowing and deeply yearning. Gibbons’ breathy and resonant vocals, familiar from her tenure as Portishead’s lead vocalist, unfold over intricately crafted instrumentals, produced collectively by herself, James Ford and Lee Harris. These lush arrangements meld sparse, earthy acoustics with sweeping orchestral cinematics and evocatively innovative percussion, morphing often through moments of haunting beauty and rickety, erratic experimentalism. It is both sonically and lyrically that Lives Outgrown feels the passing of time with anguish: mourning the decay of love and relations, warning of the inevitability of loss and change, seething from the destruction of the planet. Gibbon’s melancholy is palpable, wallowing within the hypnotic, rustic ruminations of the songs that beckon upon a morbid yet celebratory shared sense of mortality.

– Brett Ray Brose

6. Laura Marling – Patterns In Repeat

If asked for the definition of an ethereal, whimsical and enchanting album, the truest answer is Laura Marling’s Patterns in Repeat. This album is extremely intimate as Marling gets her listeners in touch with nature and raw human expressions of love, loss and self. With continuous themes of intricate guitar picking, acoustic melodies and harmonies the production on this album is equally calming and thrilling. The thrill is reached when Marling’s lyrics mixed with every other element levitate you upon first listen. This album is truly a story with notable songs being “Child of Mine,” “No One’s Gonna Love You Like I Can,” “Interlude (Time Passages),” and “Lullaby (Instrumental).” All around this album is beautifully done, topped off with Marling’s beautiful voice. It is no surprise that she found a way to again create something so spectacular, but always a treat to listen to the wonderful creations.

– Nicole Sacks

5. Fontaines D.C. – Romance

Irish rock band Fontaines D.C. have had a highly successful year with their exceptional new fourth studio album Romance. The record’s release shook up the indie music space, injecting energetic rock anthems with their own style of grungy, catchy pop hooks. Frontman Grian Chatten even experiments with a rap-adjacent cadence on the track “Starburster.” Songs like “Desire,” in particular, stand out for wearing their grunge inspiration on their sleeve. The track begins with a slow-building guitar melody that eventually reaches an explosive peak, descending into a full-on riff. The lyrics are just as moody as the instrumentation: “I see them driving into nothing, where the nothing is sure / They drown their wishes in the fountain like their fathers before.” On the flip side, there are songs like “Favourite” that are more bubbly, light-hearted and fun. “In The Modern World” takes on a slower pace, allowing Chatten’s smooth crooning vocals to glide over the top of the intricate guitars and softer drums. “Here’s The Thing” brings the energy back up with electric guitar and higher tempo percussion. “Sundowner” takes it back down with a dreamy pace, slow and measured while Chatten coincidentally sings about longing and dreams. The immense sonic diversity amongst the tracks create a sense of balance that listeners are looking for and Fontaines D.C. delivers all that and more on Romance.

– Skyy Rincon

4. The Cure – Songs Of A Lost World

In breaking their sixteen year absence, The Cure return to their signature structure of intricate basslines, introspective vocals, and ambient washes of guitar and synthesizers that maintains their accessible, pop-adjacent sound while Smith’s lyrics travel across darker themes reminiscent of his earliest works. 

Although The Cure’s latest LP marks a shift back to gloomier tones, poppy earworms are still present in tracks such as “A Fragile Thing,” where flowing lyrics of heartbreak are intertwined with the groove of O’Donnell’s piano melody. 

As Songs Of A Lost World retains a central apocalyptic theme throughout, The Cure are beautifully able to grasp their listeners’ attention across the 50 minute run by crafting distinct offerings within each track. This sonic diversity can be found in the back to back tracks of “Warsong” and “Drone:Nodrone” as the former swirls in a pool of organ, guitars, and percussion before a stark shift as the next track as “Drone:Nodrone’s” pulsating rhythm brings cues from The Cure’s late 80’s era. 

After 45 years, The Cure’s most recent project displays they are in no position of becoming another legacy band as they successfully retain their core sound while revisiting various threads of their past and subsequently created one of 2024’s greatest LP’s. 

– Mark D’Alessandro

3. Better Lovers – Highly Irresponsible

In 2023, hardcore supergroup Better Lovers proudly burst onto the scene with their debut EP God Made Me An Animal. The EP offered a solid glimpse of what listeners could expect from the band moving forward. But as the old saying goes, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts; this supergroup may consist of former members of Every Time I Die and The Dillinger Escape Plan but their appeal goes far beyond their prior projects. With their debut full-length, Highly Irresponsible, the band expands their sound, pushing the sonic boundaries. That is not to say that the record isn’t polished, in fact, its cohesion lies in the diversity of each of its tracks. In between blistering solos and punchy hooks, one will find an intricate undercurrent of melody and meaning. Lyrically, the album speaks to the complexities of human nature, addressing indignation over current societal conditions while also taking time to reflect on individual relationships, whether they be romantic, platonic and beyond. There are power ballads like “At All Times” and “Deliver Us From Life” and there are hard hitting, moshpit classics like “Superman Died Paralyzed” and “Drowning In A Burning World.” All in all, Better Lovers have made their indelible mark on the heavy music scene, leaving listeners to wonder what musical mischief they may have up their sleeves in the new year. 

– Skyy Rincon

2. Godspeed You! Black Emperor – NO​ ​TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28​,​340 DEAD

For almost 30 years now, Godspeed You! Black Emperor have released project after project of provocative concept albums. Known for their long and epic sounding tracks, as well as their anti-capitalist and humanistic sensibilities, the group’s newest release “NO TITLE AS OF FEBRUARY 13TH 28,340 DEAD” is no exception. The title is a reference to the Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip. A result of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The album continues the trends that GY!BE has set over the course of their career. This is a band that executes its art in a grandiose and epic fashion. Long format tracks offer a roller coaster of dynamic shifts, alongside poetic lyrics that speak to the failings of our modern society. Adding on to that is a healthy dose of religious skepticism. For an album that deals with such a harsh topic, the music is not all dark in tone. There are periods in which the mood lightens and hope shines through microscopic cracks. However these moments are fleeting and soon paraded upon, either by overall melancholy or overdriven guitar lines that cause the audience to shiver when reflecting on the subject matter. This is an unapologetic work done in expert fashion.

– Rhys Heraghty

1. Kendrick Lamar – GNX

Kendrick Lamar’s album GNX stands as the definitive album of the year, a masterwork that seamlessly blends profound lyricism, innovative production and cultural resonance. With GNX, Lamar reasserts his unparalleled ability to push the boundaries of hip-hop while addressing deeply personal and universally significant themes. The album’s sonic landscape is a bold fusion of genres, weaving together elements of jazz, funk, trap, and gospel to create a sound that is simultaneously experimental and accessible. Within GNX, Lamar sampled songs by Tupac, Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., and SVW, to name a few, paying homage to those before him. Tracks like “Reincarnated” and “Man at the Garden” showcase Lamar’s dexterity as a storyteller, delving into issues of identity, legacy and resilience with an authenticity that strikes a chord with listeners across the globe. What truly elevates GNX is its unrelenting ambition—each song feels like a carefully crafted chapter in a larger narrative, demanding listeners’ full attention and repeated listens to uncover its layered meanings. Lamar’s collaborations on the album are equally noteworthy, featuring an array of artists who complement his vision without overshadowing his presence. The production balances intricate beats with soulful instrumentation, creating a lush backdrop for Lamar’s lyrical prowess. Beyond its artistic merits, GNX resonates as a cultural phenomenon, sparking widespread conversations about its themes and solidifying Lamar’s legacy as one of the most influential artists of his generation. In an era of fleeting trends and disposable content, GNX is a testament to the enduring power of music as both an art form and a catalyst for change. Kendrick Lamar has given us the best album of the year and a timeless piece of art that will continue to inspire and provoke long after 2024.

– Marissa Alvarez

Featured Image Photo Credit: Sharon Alagna