TEN TOWERING ALBUMS OF ’24
by Larry McClain
I’ve listened to hundreds of LPs this year, and (to my ears) these are the ten best:
Wild God – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Nick still has a magnificent voice at age 66, and the song “Frogs” is a sonic delight.
Short ’n’ Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter
Each song on this album is beautifully crafted and performed, spanning multiple genres. I think “Taste” will some day be a #1 on the country charts.
Don’t Forget Me – Maggie Rogers
This LP contains two songs that immediately go into the pantheon of all-time greats: “So Sick Of Dreaming” and “If Now Was Then”.
The Art Of Getting Through – Imogen Clark
Australian artist Imogen Clark moved to Nashville this year, and this album ranks right up there with the best of Chrissie Hynde, Sheryl Crow and Shania Twain.
Punchlines – Courtney Farren
This L.A. artist has a lot in common with Maggie Rogers: her songs sound great on first listen – and even richer the more you submerge in her radiant vocals and insightful lyrics.
Clockwork – Sophia James
This album is a vocal tour de force. “Heat Death” is arguably the best female vocal performance of the year.
plastic death – glass beach
An L.A. band that manages to sound like Beck, The Beach Boys and King Crimson all rolled into one.
Whole Again – Mae Deline
This album abounds with some of the most beautiful melodies since Lennon, McCartney and Harrison ruled the charts.
I’m Telling You The Truth – talker
This L.A. artist’s debut album runs the gamut from the ultra-catchy “Everything Is Something (I Never Saw Coming)” to the poignant “Wet”.
Come Up Kid – Jax Hollow
Jax is a Nashville guitar ace who straddles the world of rock and Americana – and she’s a superb vocalist and songwriter, too. She’s gonna be this decade’s Bonnie Raitt.
