My Top 10 Albums of 2024

These are my favourite listens from the year that was

I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that it’s been a big year for music. There have been impressive debuts from some of my favourite local artists, as well as triumphant returns to the global stage for others. I’ve noticed that, much to my delight, albums are getting longer again. In recent years, the norm has been to produce records with 10 tracks (or less!) clocking at around half an hour, but some of my picks are double that. It also seems that country has permeated the Top 40 and is no longer shunned but embraced by the general public. What a time to be alive!

I generally listen to whole albums rather than singles, yet I make an annual playlist for songs that are either released or I only discovered that year. I also still play CDs regularly, though I recently made the decision to stop buying them, so my Spotify Wrapped was a little skewed. Apparently, I listened to over 55,500 minutes of music, across more than 1,100 artists, and my main genre was Mallgoth Rock Out Metalcore – whatever the fuck that is. Since this doesn’t always reflect my preferences, I thought that I would give you a definitive list instead.

These are my 10 favourite albums of 2024, in order of release.

My Spotify Wrapped was not in the least surprising.

Bloom – Maybe in Another Life

Released February 16 via Greyscale Records

These guys may very well be my new favourite band. Somewhat of a concept album, it begins with “An Entry” and later features “An Exit” before closing with “Through the Threshold, Beyond the Bend.” As the title suggests, it explores the fantasy of starting again, using critical introspection as a doorway to the past. The fervent riffs and blistering vocals are impeccable, though Jono’s cleans and the sad singalongs are just as moving. “Bound to Your Whispers” was my Song of the Year in 2023, so I’m not surprised that I fell hard for the whole record.

Cory Wells – Harboring the Hurt I’ve Caused

Released March 15 via Pure Noise Records

Cory has pulled me through some tough times in the past and his latest effort is as poignant as ever. Not only was the title track my most streamed song of the year, the entire album served as a fitting background to my writing throughout. However, this should be played intentionally – it’s just so damn soothing. His plaintive lyrics stir something within me and his voice dances between trembling and soaring. It’s acoustic emo with hopeful undertones (except for the song “Hopeless”), bursting with love but screaming in pain, and I can’t get enough.

Benjamin Stewart – Pushing Daylight

Released April 12 independently.

I mentioned this record in my very first post on The Drip Tray. The debut solo record from the Slowly Slowly frontman is wholesome and provocative, with stylistic elements from the band’s earlier work. Largely adapted from original poetry, the reflective storytelling inspires the listener to do the same, particularly “Blowing Kisses from the Airlock.” This acoustic offering from the talented songwriter goes well with coffee and helps wind the day down. For die-hard fans, “CW2” could be interpreted as a sister song to Slowly track “The Cold War.”

One Step Closer – All You Embrace

Released May 17 via Run for Cover Records.

This one kind of came out of nowhere for me. I wasn’t familiar with the band until I heard The Press Conference Podcast talk them up and it’s definitely my jam. When this record dropped, I played it at least once a day for weeks and the tracks “Leap Years” and “Blur My Memory” were in my top five most streamed songs of the year. It’s melodic hardcore without the screaming and the mature lyrics make you contemplate the error of your ways while two-stepping in the kitchen. I might even go to New Bloom Fest next year just for them.

Capstan – The Mosaic

Released May 24 via Fearless Records

This is another band that I’ve mentioned on here before and their fifth album is 18 tracks long, with the title track serving as a 10-minute closer. The Trash Boat collab is sick (they also dropped a great album this year), though the record also features Throat, Oliver Baxxter, and Belmont. As usual, it boasts brutally honest lyrics and intricate guitarwork, with modern programming and constant switch-ups to keep the lengthy listen interesting. “Final Words” is a banger, but there is truly something for everyone in this.

KNEECAP – Fine Art

Released June 14 via Heavenly Recordings

I saw the lads’ titular biopic this year and I’ve been obsessed with them ever since. Definitely a concept album, it fictionalises the Irish rap trio’s rise to fame as a fortuitous encounter at the pub, peppered with welcome features and comical interludes. The contemporary production from Toddla T gives it the radio-ready oomph that was missing from previous releases, while the rebellious bars in their native tongue make Fine Art an unabashed instant hit. It’s no wonder their 2025 Australia tour has completely sold out – and no, I didn’t get a ticket.

Yours Truly – TOXIC

Released August 16 via UNFD

Mikaila has an incredible voice and is one of my favourite local singers. She even recorded the vocal parts for Bayonetta 3! The band’s second album was largely written after a breakup, so the bitter – or should I say, “Sour” – lyrics are raw and liberating with a hint of spite. The Bloom feature slaps (honestly, they’re everywhere!) and “Bloodshot Eyes” has such an earworm hook that it’s hard to believe they weren’t singles. It’s leaps and bounds ahead of their debut record, in my opinion, and I’m excited to see where this takes them.

Bad Neighbour – Millions

Released September 20 independently.

I’ve loved these emo-garage rockers ever since I first heard them a few years ago, so seeing them release their debut album and perform at this year’s Good Things felt like a proud dad moment. The emotive lyrics toe the line between depressing and wholesome, with just enough catchy harmonies and sporadic screams to make you not feel bad for bopping along in broad daylight. I particularly love “20,000 Knife Fights” (that guitar solo!) and “Canary,” yet the big riffs and driving kicks make singling out any track near impossible.

Halsey – The Great Impersonator

Released October 31 via Columbia Records

It’s no secret that Halsey is one of my biggest influences as a writer. Her highly-anticipated fifth album is largely about her recent health struggles and how she is portrayed in the media. This is also conceptual, with a whopping 19 tracks including a six-minute opener and three ‘letters to God’ depicting past moments of desperation. The dark-pop style blends acoustic guitar and piano with eerie synths and hip hop beats to bolster her breathy vocals. “Dog Years,” “Lonely is the Muse,” and “Life of the Spider” are standouts – and each completely different.

Linkin Park – From Zero

Released November 15 via Warner Records

I know, what a shock! Linkin Park’s first new music in seven years, with a lineup change AND a world tour (sans Australia) to boot. I posted about their new vocalist Emily Armstrong after they announced it via a livestreamed performance and I’m all for it. From Zero – an apt title – is heavy, angry, and familiar yet refreshing. When “The Emptiness Machine” kicks in at the one-minute mark, it feels like a band reborn. “Heavy is the Crown” sounds like it could have been a Meteora demo. Also, I swear Mike is screaming on “Casualty.”

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A few of these artists have appeared on The Drip Tray before, and for good reason: They mean a lot to me. Some are still emerging and some are pretty much household names by now. But, more importantly, most are Australian. I’m a big believer in supporting your local scene and Aussie bands probably make up around 80% of my regular listening. What were you spinning in 2024? Please comment your recommendations below and I’ll be sure to check them out!

And with that, I’ll let you shed the year and prepare yourself for what lies ahead. Until then, look after yourself and listen local. See you in 2025!