Best (My Favorite) Albums of the Year - 2024 - Top 40
Here we are at the end of another year and time to take a look back at all the great music that came out this year. And there was quite a lot of truly great great music. As readers of this blog should know, my preferred styles of music lean heavily toward progressive rock, classic rock, power pop, folk-rock, and some singer-songwriter types, thus those types are what is featured here. What you won't find on my list are many of the pop artists that seem to dominate these best of lists from more mainstream music sites (so no Charli xcx or Beyonce, or even The Cure or Eontaines DC here). This year I listened to many more new albums (over 150!) than in previous years, and I was able to cover my favorites in my quarterly New Album Roundup reports (Winter [W], Spring [Sp1], [Sp2], Summer [SU1], [SU2], and Fall [Fa]), so virtually all these albums have been reviewed to some degree here previously. So, I don't go into detail here, just provide a very brief summary. For more info on these albums you can go to the new album review pages, as I have provided the link to the appropriate page following each entry. So, without further ado, these are my picks for the top 40 albums of the year (as readers of this blog know, it is heavily skewed toward progressive rock because that is mostly what I listen to). So, there are many more eclectic or lesser-known music represented here. Anyway, here are my choices:
40. The Bardic Depths - What We Like in Stories [W]Gentle, melodic prog, vocals and reed instruments from Peter Jones, beautiful arrangements, intelligent lyrics with a literary focus
39. Wrongbird - Don't Quote Me on That [SU1]Great, eclectic blend of various styles, mixing in folk/americana with some jazz, funk, pop, kitschy old-timey vibes, theater, etc. A bit rough around the edges, but very enjoyable
38. Returned to the Earth - Stalagmite Steeple [SP2]moody, atmospheric style, but more low-key, melodic, and gentler than most other prog bands,
37. Frost - Life in the Wires [Fa]Sprawling double concept album (14 tracks, 86 minutes) that revives elements from earlier albums and adds new ones in their edgy progressive pop style. Many great and brilliant moments, but a bit too long and drags in spots
36. Meer - Wheels within Wheels [SU1]Strong and powerful follow-up to their previous album from this Norwegian Symphonic progressive pop collective, bigger, bolder, more emotional, dramatic, and theatrical
35. David Gilmour - Luck and Strange [SU1]Laid-back and mostly calm album from the legendary guitarist, letting his uniquely characteristic style play out slowly and gradually. A slow, languid album, that takes its time, with moody, atmospheric grooves, bluesy, tasteful fills.
34. Mandoki Soulmates - The Memory of Our Future [SP1]Vibrant and engaging jazz-rock with catchy melodies and rhythms, masterful instrumental passages and extended solos, and thought-provoking lyrics. Numerous guest artists
33. Ben Folds - Sleigher [Fa]Delightful Christmas album from Ben featuring mostly original songs spanning a variety of styles, both humorous and heartfelt (including 2 instrumentals), but always engaging and enjoyable.
32. Dirt Poor Robins - Firebird [W]Genre-defying music from this 'Theatrical/Cinematic/Singer-Songwriting Rock Band', incorporating pop, rock, jazz, prog, musical theater, and nostalgia (music of the 1920's, 30's, 40's, and 50's), in this elaborate concept albums. Very theatrical, cinematic, but also quite accessible.
31. Burton Cummings - A Few Good Moments [SU2]Surprisingly strong album from this legendary vocalist that shows off not only his still wonderful vocals, but his impressive songwriting as well. Mature, well-crafted songs of varying styles that come from a rich lifetime of experiences. Tasty arrangements and fills come from his crack back-up band.
30. Kaipa - Sommargryningsljus [SP1]
Classic symphonic prog with jazz elements, filled with grand themes and melodies, and abundant instrumental flourishes. One of the best from this veteran Swedish prog band
29. Circuline - C.O.R.E. [Fa] Great mix of styles from sweet pop melodies to darker heavier aspects
and instrumental flourishes throughout from this U.S. Prog band. Both
male and female vocalists provide a rich tapestry.
28. Pure Reason Revolution - Coming up to Consciousness [SU2]Atmospheric melodic prog with strong melodies and vocals. Wonderful mellow vocals and beautiful melodies leading to darker, heavier rock elements and crossover prog appeal.
27. Rick Miller - One of the Many [SP1]Canadian composer and multi-instrumentalist Rick Miller creates a moody, somewhat dark, but very melodic and beautiful concept album dealing with issues of emotional struggles, memory issues, nostalgia, and loss, with elements reminiscent of Pink Floyd, The Moody Blues, Mike Oldfield, Porcupine Tree, and The Alan Parsons Project.
26. Azure - Fym [SP2]Dynamic, upbeat (often mind-spinningly frenetic) modern prog incorporating many influences, from classic prog, pop, metal, and jazz to fantasy and musical theater, in this sprawling concept album dealing with sci-fi-fantasy adventure elements.
25. Crowded House - Gravity Stairs [SP1]Crowded House returns with a different sound from their 80s-90s style, with more mature songwriting and more elaborate arrangements. Laid-back, with languid, dreamy pop songs featuring lush production and arranging.
24. Cen-Projekt - The Story of Enja [SU1]German composer-multi-instrumentalist Chris Engel delights with this is full-on classic symphonic fantasy element Prog, with songs and stories of elves, dragons, and ancient druids, and musical stylings deeply indebted to Genesis, Yes, Steve Hackett, Anthony Phillips, and other classic symphonic prog bands from the 70's.
23. Airbag - The Century of the Self [SP2]This Norwegian prog band, known for their distinctive blend of progressive, ambient, and alternative rock, lay down a dark, moody, atmospheric base, punctuated by scorching guitar leads and evocative melodies and vocals. Excellent musicianship and song construction are evident throughout, as they take their time to create an atmosphere and build upon it with wonderful results.
22. The Decemberists - As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again [SP2]This folk/indie rock band with proggy tendencies return to some more progressive leanings in this ambitious release featuring many different styles. Overall, a quite wonderful, moving, and satisfying album.
21. Emerald City Council - Motion Carries [W]Delightful debut album from Emerald City Council, led by multi-instrumentalist (and University Music professor) Brent Brisbow, featuring fun, pop-oriented, accessible, melodic prog rock. Guitar and saxophone-infused tracks cover a variety of classic and modern prog influences.
20. Ritual - The Story of Mr.Bogd, Part 1 [SU1]This Swedish Prog band features a varied musical approach incorporating classic progressive rock with folk, punk, and various modern elements. Great diversity and originality, from classically-influenced melodic instrumentals to hard-rocking modern prog, and they also feature many eclectic acoustic instruments, such as bouzoukis, mandolins, flutes, harmonica, etc. well-integrated into their sound.
19. Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius - Imposter! [Fa]Violinist Joe Deninzon (Kansas) leads this band and serves up some great symphonic prog with a classic rock spirit and vibe. A dynamite band with a hard-rocking edge and spirit throughout, but plenty of great melodies and vocals as well. Delivers great rockin' prog with a Kansas edge
18. Mile Marker Zero - Coming of Age [SU1]Third full-length album from this modern melodic Progressive rock band from New Haven, CT. Great mix of various Prog elements (from moody and atmospheric to heavier prog metal influences) while also maintaining strong and solid rock melodies and vocals throughout, and their own unique sound.
17. Kite Parade - Disparity [Fa]The creation of Andy Foster, who writes and sings the songs, plays most of the instruments (guitars, bass, sax, keyboards, etc.), and coordinates all the parts, delivers his own brand of progressive pop, mixing superb prog elements with accessible pop melodies and classic rock vibes. With this concept album dealing with aspects of the disparity of wealth around the world, he has reached new heights, and produced his best yet.
16. Steve Hackett - The Circus and the Nightwhale [W]The latest from guitarist extraordinaire Steve Hackett is a concept album with a story based on Steve's own life experiences, and is something special, his best album in many years. Mixes together songs of many different styles, ranging from classical guitar stylings to dark and ominous heavy prog metal riffs, as well as lighter more melodic pop and rock, with international stylistic flourishes, strong harmony vocals, and even some Genesis-reminiscent passages.
15. Neal Morse and The Resonance - No Hill for a Climber [Fa]Progger elite Neal Morse is back with a totally new band, and this new blood has revitalized Neil's music to some degree, as he delivers one of his best albums in some time. Constructed with opening and closing mammoth-length epic tracks with shorter songs in-between, Neal has once again concocted an engaging, satisfying album of world-class prog.
14. Beardfish - Songs For Beating Hearts [Fa]Beardfish is back after an extended hiatus with their original lineup intact. And they return with a stellar new album that returns to some of their classic prog roots and adds in some more folky influences and a comfortable 70's feel. The songs go through various moods and changes, delivering emotional and heartfelt passages, from the more acoustic and folky to the more heavy and dramatic, a wonderful album and welcome return of Beardfish.
13. The Pineapple Thief - It Leads To This [W]Another great album from veteran prog band The Pineapple Thief lead by composer-guitarist-vocalist Bruce Soord. Opens with a soft understated cool, but dark vibe and develops into a slow boil, then really takes off with their blend of atmosphere, melody, and rhythms, building intensity amid heavier riffs. Throughout, the understated vocals and melodies of Soord mixed with the dynamic drumming of Gavin Harrison, and the rhythms and riffs of the rest of the band create rich and satisfying soundscapes.
12. Oddleaf - Where ideal and Denial Collide [Fa]Impressive debut album from this French progressive rock band featuring a symphonic prog style that mixes elements of classic 70's prog (Camel, Yes, Genesis, Renaissance) with a modern prog aesthetic (Big Big Train, Wobbler). Keyboard-driven songs highlighted with flute, exquisite lead female vocals, and nice multi-part harmonies form the core of the band's sound.
11. Versa - A Voyage A Destination Part 2 [Fa]Canadian Prog band led by multi-instrumentalist-vocalist Matthew Dulmage. This album improves upon the previous (and quite good) part 1 album in almost every aspect. Mainly instrumental, featuring acoustic instrumentation (piano, flute, violin, horns, etc.) in their arrangements, filled with beautiful, soothing melodies and harmonies that provide a welcome respite from the harsh, aggressive, violent world around us. Most songs start plainly and simply but build with delicately intricate melodies and harmonies.
10. Bend Sinister - Mostly Great Things [SP1] Canadian Indie rock/progressive rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia, have found their niche with a more vibrant and dynamic rockin' power pop style. Really great album of tight, bright, uptempo, catchy power pop and melodic rock songs. They show many influences, from 70's pop-rock and classic rock to modern prog, but they have their own unique style and sound. They have a fresh sound, but also somewhat familiar in a classic rock sense. Such great fun and a real feel-good album.
9. Rosalie Cunningham - To Shoot Another Day [Fa] Composer-multi-instrumentalist-vocalist Rosalie has crafted an endlessly interesting, creative, and entertaining album. An uncategorizable mixture of many different styles, with a pop sensibility at the forefront, but so many intriguing twists and turns not only between songs but within them as well. With a sound that combines 60's psychedelia with elements of rock, jazz, blues, nostalgia, and eclectic pop, there are delights to be found at every turn.
8. Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks - True [SU2]
A wonderful, resurgent album from the former lead vocalist (and musical heart) of Yes, as here he returns with one of his very best works (at 80 yrs old!), and back to a style and sound quite reminiscent of classic Yes through the years. This is made possible by his collaboration with this top-notch band of exquisite musicians, The Band of Geeks, who are well-versed in the Yes style and sound, and they contribute immensely to the success of this album, much more than just a back-up band, as they are a true band that creates great musical moments in their songs, arrangements and solos. Despite his years, Jon's voice still shines bright and clear, and this set of songs are great and work beautifully throughout the album.
7. IZZ - Collapse the Wave [SP2]
A fantastic album from this modern prog band from New York playing their own version of symphonic prog. Takes classic symphonic prog influences, mixes it with various other elements (including classical, jazz, pop, and theater) and a modern perspective, and creates something wonderful and new from it. Sure, there are glimpses of the various classic bands (Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, ELP, Steely Dan, the Beatles, etc), but those elements quickly morph into something different and varied, and uniquely this band's own.
6. Guster - Ooh La La [SP1]Love this album from veteran Boston indie rock band Guster featuring their bright vocal harmonies and melodies and shimmering pop soundscapes. This is the album I have listened to more than any other this year, it is such a great listen. This is a culmination of all their years of experience, showing their growth and development as songwriters, musicians, and recording artists, and brings together some of the style of their earlier songs, but with added depth and more sophisticated arrangements and production, and it is absolutely brilliant from beginning to end. Somewhat low-key, but a slow grower that gets better with each listen. Beautiful, well-crafted, uplifting songs with warmth and goodwill, expertly played, with great arrangements and impeccable production. Every song is a gem.
5. Albion - Lakesongs of Elbid [W]Another somewhat new band releasing their first full-length album, and what a fantastic album this is, with a unique and exciting sound that the band calls folk metal, which mixes Old English-style folk music with classical, hard rock, and prog metal for a rousing sonic journey. But it is much more than that, with a wide range of styles and influences, featuring songs ranging from traditional folk with acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies to a rockin' Sea Shanty all the way to full-on progressive metal, but on most songs creating an exhilarating blend of multiple styles in a bold symphonic prog. A stunningly good album. Fresh, invigorating, exciting, and exemplifies what Progressive rock is all about.
4. Circe Link and Christian Nesmith - Arcana [SU2]Probably the surprise album of the Year! Circe Link and Christian Nesmith (son of Michael Nesmith) are a couple that have been making music together for over 20 years, but only recently turned to progressive rock. This is their 2nd prog album, and it is fantastic! This is in the classic symphonic Prog tradition and emulates the sounds and styles of classic prog bands, most notably Yes, and also Genesis, Gentle Giant, and others, but is not a copy or imitation. It creates its own vivid original music, with wonderful melodies, vocals, and extended magical instrumental passages. This succeeds where others have struggled (in emulating classic prog) due to the great composition and flawless execution creating inventive and exciting new prog masterworks, certainly reminiscent of the classics, but also bringing its own unique and memorable songs.
3. Cloud Cult - Alchemy Creek [SU1] This great, eclectic, Symphonic Folk band from St.Cloud, MN, has become one of my favorite bands over the past few years, and this is such a moving, inspiring, emotive album. A low-key powerhouse, with more of their personal, relatable, emotional, philosophical, and very inspiring songs describing life's journeys and the human condition. Deceptively simple songs that build through creative arrangements and instrumentation into emotionally powerful and satisfying themes and melodies. Led by singer-songwriter Chris Minowa, and featuring an array of different instruments (strings, brass, percussion, etc.), they create moving songs and atmospheres that I really connect with personally, both musically and lyrically.
2. Big Big Train - The Likes of Us [W]Surviving numerous changes and tragedies over the past several years, the band has regrouped, added new members, and make a triumphant return with this latest album, and what a fantastic return it is.
New vocalist Alberto Brevin brings a different presence to the band, as he has his own style and commanding voice that is all his own. He also has added substantially in the songwriting, playing, and arrangements of many of the songs on the album. Although forging on in some new directions, the album maintains the the essence of what makes Big Big Train great, with beautiful melodies, soaring instrumental passages, evocative narratives, and sweeping majestic themes, maintaining effective use of strings and horns, as well occasional bursts of heavier prog instrumental sections. The album delivers another astounding chapter in the musical adventures of BBT, and continues their reign, at least for me, at the top of modern progressive rock.
1. Barock Project - Time Voyager [SP2]This has remained at the top spot for me all year, ever since I first heard it back in Spring, and it just has to be my #1. This Italian Prog band mixes classical (mainly baroque style), with rock, jazz, and pop in a progressive rock framework. Sensational album, Superb Symphonic Prog! Great balance between the classical influences and more rockin' aspects, as well as deft handling of all the other myriad influences for a truly wonderful listening adventure. Especially appreciate the way they interwove the more eclectic proggy elements (such as odd beats and time signatures, extended instrumental passages, etc) with more mainstream melodic rock and vocal harmonies. This is exactly what I want in a new progressive rock album and why I love progressive rock. Just a superb album with numerous highlights throughout, and no lapses or weaknesses.
OK, so those are my overall favorites. What were yours? I will be back
with some more year-end faves, including many more honorable mentions.
really good albums that just didn't make my top 40, as well as other
categories, most surprising, disappointments, and then best songs of the
year. Let me know what you think of my choices, and tell me yours.
Best of the Year update:
Since posting my own album list here I have been going through all the best album rankings from the various music sites and publications (AOTY has compiled many lists (over 100) in one place as well as a composite list incorporating all of the together) and it has been quite a revelation. I knew my tastes and musical interests were somewhat outside the mainstream, but I hadn't realized just how much until going through these lists. I have consistently maintained that this was a very good year for music, but based solely on these lists I would have to conclude that it was pretty poor (if these truly represented the best of the year). None of the albums in my Top 25, and only 1 (David Gilmour) of my top 40 are mentioned at all in any of the lists I saw. No Prog-related albums at all were included in any of these lists. How can this be?
I have subsequently gone through and listened to many of the 'best' albums from these various lists, and yes, most are at least pretty good to very good, at least I can see their appeal, but none that I have listened to would make my top 25 or probably even my top 40 list, so I am pretty comfortable with the choices I made. I guess the moral here is that there is a lot of great music being made, but you really have to seek out the kind of music you really love. These best of lists can provide some great suggestions for quality music you may not be familiar with that is worth checking out, but you are the ultimate judge, and you can't just go by what is popular, or even what the critics or user reviews recommend.
I may provide a more thorough update on what I found in these 'other' lists, my impressions on some of these the top selections I hadn't previously heard, and what I got out of this whole exercise.
