2024: Third Quarter Review | Albums

A rundown of some of the best albums of the year between July to September.

Oct 14, 2024

Hi Pal,

If you’re new here, welcome to our little corner. This is not a ranked list, it’s all in good fun and a celebration of some pretty cool artists. Streaming links are embedded in titles.

I. Interloper — Zane Vickery

Indie Rock, Emo Rock

There isn’t much I can say about this album that I haven’t said. It’s a brilliant pulsating journey born from a place of pain and healing. It doesn't try to provide the listener with all the answers; it simply gives a much-needed perspective and depth to some pertinent issues and emotions we can all relate to. The music is also class.

Favourite Tunes: Demimonde; Big Things Coming; Interloper

II. All The Difference — Skye Peterson

Indie Folk, Singer-songwriter

At the start of the year, I didn't think we would have this many folksy albums not to mention another release from Skye — who dropped an album last year — but here we are. She keeps getting better at her craft and her knack for storytelling continues to be the standout feature of her music.

Favourite Tunes: If You'd Let Me; Calling You My Lord; Bigger Things

III. Made In The Image — Zoetic

Jazz Pop

If you've been here for a while, you'll know I have a special place in my heart for debut projects. I've been following Zoetic since their first few singles and this album is a culmination of all the hard work they have put in over the years. It walks a fine line that will appeal to both core jazz fans — piano jazz and vocal jazz specifically — and lovers of energetic pop music.

Favourite Tunes: Little Boxes; Forfeited Youth; Halfway There

IV. The Fear of God — Convictions

Metalcore

Convictions have been holding things down in Christian metalcore since they broke into the scene. On this album, they continue to raise the bar with their quality of production and composition. This album is heavy — musically and lyrically — and I’ve been anticipating a project to cure that itch for me this year. They did not disappoint.

Favourite Tunes: The Fear of God; The Coastal Glow; Sleeping Lotus

V. Sunrise — John Mark Pantana

Indie Pop

It’s a bit of a cheat for this to be on the list because JMP has released these tracks as singles for the past three years. Still, I enjoyed digesting these songs as part of a collective project and the album flows well. Anyone who listens to JMP cannot deny his ability to deliver quality indie pop/folk with a heart of reverence and worship.

Favourite Tunes: Sweeter; Catch The Wind; Slow Down

VI. By Babylon’s River — The Pharaoh Sisters

Folk

It's been four years since The Pharaoh Sisters’ last album and they sound refreshed. Of all the folk releases on my radar from 2024, this one leans the most on traditional folk and country sounds. Their approach to storytelling is as immaculate as I remember and the album has many gems that will keep you coming back.

Favourite Tunes: Sing, Oh Sing; Shelter of Your Whisper; Leave It There

VII. Kingdom Rising — Seth Davey

Alternative, Worship

At least one album has been tailor-made for my devotional moments for every quarter this year. From July to September, Seth Davey has been that artist in my library, and this album is energizing and comforting. With alternative rock elements and quiet piano moments; there is something here for everyone.

Favourite Tunes: In The Hearts of the Small; Fingerprints; Processions

VIII. Portraits of the Convalescent — Mike Rathke

Folk

I still can't believe I nearly skipped this album just a few weeks ago. It dropped during a busy season and I felt I was oversaturated with folk albums for the year. I'm so glad I came back to it because it's one of the best folk releases of 2024. One listen was enough to get me hooked and I highly recommend it.

Favourite Tunes: Fresh Pines; Henry's Hallowed Ground; Selfish Hands

IX. A Spring May Well Up — Jacob Goins

Acoustic Folk, Instrumentals

When Jacob shared that the inspiration behind his latest album was essentially a lack of inspiration, it intrigued me. A few weeks later, I got early-bird access to a unique album that has slowly become one of the highlights of my year, especially from an instrumental standpoint.

Favourite Tunes: Too Slow To Hear; Garden Song; Above The Leaves

X. Childlike — John Mark Pantana, LOVKN

Acoustic Pop; Fusion Pop

It's always a good time when two of your favourite artists decide to collaborate. This album calls us all to return to our first love and the wide-eyed wonder we once felt at the beginning of our relationship with God. They play with multiple genres but consistently have a playful acoustic pop feel throughout the album.

Favourite Tunes: God likes to dance; RIPE; He Loves Us Well

That’s it for today.

Catch you soon!

Still Small Voice

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