Our Top 5 Albums of 2024

This is the second article in our series looking back at the chaos, triumphs and sounds of 2024. Today, we are throwing ourselves headfirst into our Top 5 Albums of the Year. Forget the charts, the critics or the algorithms. This is not some all-knowing, godlike declaration of the Best Albums. This is raw, unapologetically personal albums that burned their way into our brains and refused to leave.

These records were the soundtrack to our year. They kept us company during late-night writing sessions, inspired us during quiet moments, and filled us with energy when we needed it most. But more than that, they were companions to our feelings and emotions. At some point, these albums provoked something deep within us – sparks of joy, reflection, or even rage – that still lingers, long after the final note faded.

Think of this list not as definitive but as defiant. It’s a snapshot of what made our 2024 tick, a peek into our playlists, our tastes, our obsessions, and our experiences with music. Maybe some of these albums will feel familiar to you, or maybe they’ll introduce you to something new. Either way, we hope you enjoy this look at the sounds that shaped our year.


Kalandra – “A Frame of Mind

This album had a profound impact on me last year, and still has. It is a mirror, reflecting the raw struggle of self-discovery and emotional healing that I also experienced in 2024. From the haunting opening track “I Am“, the music explores the patterns we inherit, the pain we carry, and the resilience required to grow beyond it. The lyrics’ stark vulnerability and the atmospheric music stayed with me long after the music stopped, forcing a reckoning with my own truths.

Every track on the album builds on an introspective journey, exploring life’s hidden layers and our perceptions of the world. In a year full of noise, Kalandra gave us something rare – music that quiets the chaos and brings us face-to-face with who we are.

Our review here


David Gilmour – Luck and Strange

David Gilmour’s “Luck and Strange” arrived in 2024 as a thoughtful blend of the familiar and the new. The album features eight original tracks alongside a reimagined version of The Montgolfier Brothers’ “Between Two Points”, elevated by the ethereal vocals and harp of Gilmour’s daughter, Romany. A particularly poignant highlight is a track featuring the late Richard Wright, recorded in 2007, which serves as a heartfelt nod to their shared legacy in Pink Floyd.

Gilmour’s embrace of creative freedom is evident throughout, as “Luck and Strange” explores fresh ideas while maintaining the timeless essence of his art, offering a rich and rewarding experience for listeners.

Our review here


The Cure – “Songs of a Lost World

The Cure‘s “Songs of a Lost World” emerges as a profound exploration of melancholy and introspection. The album explores themes of mortality, aging, and existential doubt, with Robert Smith’s evocative lyrics guiding listeners through a contemplative journey. Tracks like the epic opener “Alone” and the solemn “I Can Never Say Goodbye” showcase the band’s matured sound, eschewing the energetic pop of their earlier hits for a slower, more deliberate pace. The production, characterized by thick textures and a resonant low end, complements the album’s introspective nature, creating something beautiful.

Critics have noted that “Songs of a Lost World” feels meticulously crafted, with a depth that invites repeated listening. The album’s release was met with anticipation, heightened by the band’s inclusion of several new tracks during their “Shows of a Lost World” tour.

About the live-streamed show here and about their single “A Fragile Thing” here


Marilyn Manson – One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1

Marilyn Manson‘s 2024 release, “One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1“, marks a provocative return to form, blending theatricality with raw intensity. The album spans Manson’s career, incorporating industrial rock elements with fresh post-rock influences, notably on tracks like “Death is Not a Costume“. Critics have noted that the album embraces a range of sounds from Manson’s past work, with new additions that add spice to the formula.

The title track opens with haunting organ chimes, leading into Manson’s distinctive vocals and a darkened beat, setting the tone for an exploration of society’s underbelly. This cinematic approach is evident throughout the album, with some reviewers highlighting the track’s dynamic shifts and its impact on listeners.

Our News article here


Bon Jovi – Forever

Initially approached as a gift for a Bon Jovi enthusiast, “Forever” quickly exceeded my expectations, revealing a depth and soulfulness that resonates even with those previously indifferent to the band – i.e.: me. The album carries a reflective tone, suggesting a contemplative look back over their career. Tracks like “Legendary” and “We Made It Look Easy” exemplify this sentiment, blending celebratory anthems with lyrics that speak to both triumphs and challenges.

Critics have observed that “Forever” balances maturity with the energetic spirit that has long defined Bon Jovi‘s music. With this album, it looks like the band is offering a heartfelt farewell to their fans. It reaffirms Bon Jovi’s relevance in the contemporary music scene and also serves as a testament to their enduring career.


Looking back at my top albums of 2024, I realize that each one reflects a part of my journey over the past year – a mirror to my emotions, struggles, and moments of clarity. These records offered peace when the world felt overwhelming and inspiration when I needed it most.



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