As the year draws to a close, everyone’s newsfeeds are flooded with ‘Best of’ lists – and in the music world, there’s certainly no shortage of material to discuss. After plenty of revisiting, I’ve sifted through my favourite albums of the year and narrowed it down to a top ten.
James – Yummy
James scored their first number one studio album this year with Yummy. Featuring twelve tracks that span a diverse range of genres, the album showcases the band’s boundless creativity and fearless exploration of new sounds. The singles ‘Is This Love’, ‘Our World’, and ‘Life’s a Fucking Miracle’ deliver the infectious hooks fans have come to expect from the beloved alternative band. Yet, the album goes beyond expectations, showcasing their refusal to follow the predictable path of a long-standing act. The poignant ‘Shadow of a Giant’ for instance, weaves together stirring violin, piano, and cello, building to a breathtaking choral climax. Meanwhile, ‘Better With You’ intrigues with haunting synths that gradually transition into an irresistible disco groove. Unafraid to explore uncharted territory, James continue to reach new heights of artistry and inspiration, with Yummy standing out as possibly their most powerful and compelling album yet.
Jack Jones – Jack Jones
Best known as the dynamic frontman of Welsh indie rock band Trampolene and as a guitarist for Pete Doherty, Jack Jones is no stranger to the music scene. This year, he took a bold step forward by launching his solo career, unveiling a fresh, cutting-edge sound that marks a new chapter in his artistic journey. His debut solo album is a remarkable exploration of musical evolution, blending fresh, melodic sounds with lyrics that range from playful to deeply heartfelt. From the floor-shaking intensity of ‘Who Let The Bass Pump Through The Floor‘ to the tender beauty of ‘Love & Tears‘, each track highlights Jack’s extraordinary versatility. Seamlessly transitioning between genres, he imbues every song with a unique emotional depth. A true testament to his evolution as an artist, this album leaves me eagerly anticipating what he has in store for 2025.
Frank Turner – Undefeated
Ten solo albums in, Frank Turner continues to craft music that resonates deeply with his audience, proving his ability to evolve while staying true to his roots. Undefeated showcases his versatility, effortlessly bridging the acoustic charm of his early work with the expansive soundscapes he’s explored over the years. Tracks like the gentle ‘On My Way’ harken back to the stripped-back elegance of Sleep Is For The Week and Love Ire & Song, embracing simplicity with grace. Meanwhile, the title track builds from a quiet, introspective start to a rousing, triumphant conclusion, reflecting his knack for crafting emotionally charged anthems. As always, Frank’s lyrical prowess shines through, whether he’s navigating the complexities of modern life in ‘Pandemic PTSD’ or exploring the rollercoaster of pursuing a creative career in ‘Show People’. With Undefeated, Frank has once again proven his mastery as a songwriter, capturing the highs and lows of the human experience with honesty and precision.
Fontaines D.C. – Romance
Fontaines D.C. are one of those rare bands that never miss with their releases. Each of their albums has been exceptional, and Romance is no exception. The Dubliners have been steadily rising since 2019, when they burst onto the scene with their post-punk debut. Their subsequent albums have continued to harness that same raw energy, further solidifying their place in the genre. With a striking blend of guitar and vocals that evoke emotions we didn’t realise were missing from their earlier work, Romance is a testament to the band’s artistic growth. From the moment the bold and electrifying ‘Starburster‘ made its debut, each single leading up to the release felt like a seamless progression – each one building on the last.
Kate Nash – 9 Sad Symphonies
This past summer, Kate Nash unveiled 9 Sad Symphonies – her fifth album and first in six years. Since the breakout success of her hit single ‘Foundations’, Kate has cultivated a reputation as a vibrant and quirky artist. But her talents extend far beyond catchy, upbeat anthems. 9 Sad Symphonies serves as yet another testament to her evolution, showcasing her growth as a multifaceted and continuously evolving songwriter. Deeply anchored in the theme of discovering hope amidst despair, the album delves into the complexities of the human experience, confronting topics like loneliness in ‘Millions of Heartbeats‘, depression in ‘Ray‘, and self-confidence in ‘Wasteman’. Yet, despite the heavier themes, Kate hasn’t lost the wit and emotional depth that endeared her to fans nearly two decades ago. Her storytelling remains sharp, and her lyrics are as poignant and quotable as ever, capturing both vulnerability and resilience in equal measure.
Tom Rasmussen – Live Wire
Author, artist, and all-around creative, Tom Rasmussen has become a beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community. Following the release of their debut album in 2023, anticipation for album number two was high. Now, with Live Wire, Tom delivers 14 tracks that celebrate the quieter moments of queer joy, further cementing their reputation as a masterful storyteller. Each song showcases their distinctive voice and profound emotional depth, effortlessly traversing genres – from the shimmering synth-pop energy of ‘Nobody’s Love‘ to the tender intimacy of the piano ballad ‘I See Potential as a Beautiful Thing‘. Adding to the album’s allure, Live Wire features a series of powerful collaborations with artists including Self Esteem and Romy – who much like Tom, wear their emotions on their sleeve, mining their personal traumas to create something both beautiful and raw.
Dolores Forever – It’s Nothing
After Dolores Forever took the 2023 festival season by storm, anticipation for their debut album reached a fever pitch, and when it arrived a year later, it undoubtedly lived up to the hype. With irresistible hooks and rich harmonies, the dreamy indie duo have truly mastered the art of songwriting. Deeply emotional, It’s Nothing delves into the complexities of navigating life in your thirties. While you might expect a touch of melancholy, the album is packed with festival-ready anthems from start to finish. From the playful energy of ‘Kiss Me Now’ to the infectious groove of ‘Cold Summer’, each track radiates vitality and joy.
Role Model – Kansas Anymore
Role Model released his second album this year, and despite its standout blend of catchy melodies and introspective lyrics, it didn’t receive nearly enough praise from the media. Delving into both the highs of love and the pain of its loss, Kansas Anymore is a deeply personal and emotionally resonant piece of work. Role Model’s songwriting is rooted in classic rock, yet it remains fresh and innovative, never veering into the predictable. The album showcases a rich tapestry of instrumentation, with each element perfectly enhancing the overall mood. The unmistakable twang of the banjo, for instance, brings a unique depth to ‘Banjos and Bridges‘, blending folk influences with his signature indie style. Meanwhile, the soulful slide guitar adds an emotive layer to both ‘The Fool‘ and ‘If Jesus Saves, She’s My Type‘.
The Snuts – Millennials
Having firmly established themselves as festival season staples, The Snuts have been serving up high-energy guitar anthems since the release of their debut album in 2021. The Scottish four-piece’s latest album, Millennials, brings everything we’ve come to love about The Snuts – jangly guitars, punchy drum beats, and relatable, coming-of-age lyrics.
Sea Girls – Midnight Butterflies
This year marked the release of Midnight Butterflies, the third album from Sea Girls, and it undoubtedly stands as a significant milestone in their career. Perfectly building on its predecessor, the album features twelve guitar-driven tracks. While the band excel at crafting a commercially appealing indie sound, they are far from typical – thanks to frontman Henry Camamile’s raw, emotive vocals and deeply personal lyrics.
