Hey music lovers! I've been keeping my ears glued to the sonic goodness of 2024 and oh boy, it’s shaping up to be a melodious year. From jazz to indie rock and beyond, the artists are not holding back! Let me walk you through some of the hottest drops that have me hitting replay all day long.
April Echoes
April showers brought more than just flowers – they brought some absolute bangers! Leading the pack, Shabaka stunned us with Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace. It’s a rich blend of new age jazz mixed with a dash of cosmic vibes that reminds me of Yusef Lateef. If you’re into taking it slow and savoring the sound, this album is your soul food.
Now, if you’ve been craving some witty lyrics and catchy beats, Vampire Weekend came through with Only God Was Above Us. It's a throwback to their early days but with a twist that keeps you guessing. And yeah, it opens with a bold "fuck" – talk about making an entrance!
Marching to the Beats
March was no slouch either! Cindy Lee's Diamond Jubilee feels like a quirky ride through vintage vibes and modern musings, appealing to fans of The Velvet Underground and the Ronettes. And then there’s Beyoncé, y’all! She rode in with Cowboy Carter, blending country charm with her iconic style. Think square dancing but with high fashion and high notes!
Julia Holter surprised us with Something in the Room She Moves, a masterclass in artistic pop. It's like diving into a pool of dreamy sounds and emerging refreshed and a bit mystified.
Jlin's Akoma is for those who love a musical puzzle. It’s intricate, bold, and challenges your ears in the best way. Think of it as a sonic labyrinth where every turn is a new surprise.
Turn Up the Heat with May Releases
As the weather warmed up, so did the hits! Tyla's self-titled album is like a cool breeze on a hot day, perfect for those who love to chill with a bit of edge. And then there’s 1010Benja with Ten Total, which is like a rollercoaster of emotions packed into one album – it’s got depth, it’s got drama, and it’s got that killer guitar solo!
Empress Of dropped For Your Consideration, which is all about bold beats and even bolder emotions. It's perfect for those nights when you just want to dance away your worries.
And I can’t forget about Waxahatchee’s Tigers Blood, which is a heartfelt ode to indie-country. It’s got a bit of everything for those lazy summer days by the creek or those long drives down the countryside.
February’s Finest
Hurray for the Riff Raff gave us The Past Is Still Alive, which is a nostalgic nod to classic Americana with a modern twist. It’s perfect for anyone who loves storytelling through music.
Rafael Toral's Spectral Evolution was a journey into the cosmos with sounds that feel like they’re from another dimension. If you like your music to transport you, this is your ticket to the stars.
Grandaddy returned with Blue Wav, serving up a dish of mellow vibes and introspective lyrics that resonate with anyone who’s ever felt a bit lost.
January’s Jams
Kicking off the year, The Smile with Wall of Eyes took us on a prog-rock adventure with a side of existential dread – in a good way! It’s complex, it’s compelling, and it's definitely worth a listen.
And who could ignore Xaviersobased’s Keep It Goin Xav? It’s a vibrant mix of beats and bravado that captures the essence of Gen-Z culture.
Kali Uchis' OrquÃdeas is a lush, sultry escape into a world of luxurious sounds and romantic undertones. It’s like a love letter to her roots wrapped in modern rhythms.
As we groove through 2024, these albums are just the tip of the iceberg. Each one brings something unique to the table, and I’m here for this musical feast. Whether you’re into head-bopping jams or soul-soothing tracks, there’s something here that’s bound to strike a chord with you.
Remember, all these sweet tunes are just a click away from being part of your playlist, so don’t miss out on the music that could define your year.
Disclosure: Just so you know, some of these links might make me a little commission, but hey, that helps me find more fantastic music to share with you guys! Keep tuning in, because this list is going to grow as the year rolls on. Let's make 2024 a year to remember, filled with tunes that touch our hearts and move our feet. Catch you on the flip side with more music that’s too good to miss out on!
