Favourite 50 Albums of 2024 (Part 1)
50 to 41 - here we go!
Hi Pal,
If you're new, you picked a great time to join us. Everyone else, you already know what time it is. If you missed it, here’s where you’ll find all the end-of-year lists.
This will be even tougher than the EP list because I listened to over 50 amazing albums this year. Anyway, let’s get to it.
50. The Restoration - Joseph, Pt. Two by Neal Morse
Progressive Rock, Neo-Classical
Neal Morse released two albums in 2024. This album kicks off our list as a follow-up to its predecessor released in 2023 and is an epic conclusion. It is a chunky listen of about 74 minutes, but you won’t regret it if you give it the time it deserves. It tells the story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis in spectacular fashion.
49. KING OF GLORY by Young C, Jkzn
Hip-Hop
It’s always a good time when Young C and Jkzn decide to collaborate. Jkzn’s production and samples are reminiscent of late 90s/early 2000s hip-hop and Young C’s flow is always on point. As a follow-up to their previous collaboration in 2022 (More Glory), this album is one of my standouts from rap this year.
48. The Hymnal by Alabaster Co.
Indie/Alternative
I’ve talked extensively about my love for reimagined hymns or Psalms. Any project focused on this will always have a special place in my heart. Including some of my favourite voices—Sarah Nathalié, Jonathan Ogden, and John Jin Han—to name a few—only elevates this more.
47. FLOWERS OF THE FIELD by FLOWERS OF THE FIELD
Indie Folk
Adryelle separated her folk-leaning songs from her typical synthwave/indie tunes. The resulting project was this one and lowkey, this is one of the best folk albums of the year. It sneaks up on you with how good it is and I didn’t realize when I began to sing along to these tunes at odd times.
46. Daybreak: Psalms of Action by FAITHFUL
Singer-songwriter, CCM, Folk
This album is probably the closest thing to a contemporary worship album you will find in this newsletter. It deserves a spot on this list because it expertly bridges the gap between folksy singer-songwriter compositions and congregational singing. It has a perfect balance of both worlds, and I love it.
45. All The Difference by Skye Peterson
Indie Folk, Singer-songwriter
Skye Peterson’s understanding of the powerful emotions that folk music can stir is unrivalled. This album is full of stories that tug at the heartstrings and her composition and general musicianship get better with each release. If you haven’t done so already, give this one a listen.
44. Kingdom by Ian Yates
Indie Rock, Alternative
Ian Yates is an artist who can wear different hats and still create high-quality music regardless of genre. I never quite know what to expect from him, but after a few years of getting folky Ian, we are returning to alternative rocky Ian, loving every second of it.
43. Fly Me to the Moon and Leave Me There by Matthew Parker
Electropop, EDM
A few years ago when I began actively looking for Christian electronic music, Matthew Parker was one of the artists I found that was creating at a very high quality while still delivering his message. A few albums have come and gone and he’s still going strong.
42. unction by Jon Webster, WEB
Experimental Pop, Electronic
Jon Webster is weird. And that is a compliment. I’m not sure if he sets out to create albums or to create listening experiences that try to capture some of the wonder, majesty and intimacy of God’s presence. You probably will find yourself stuck on tracks, because the songs are created for wallowing — and I mean that in a good way.
41. Galleries by Steph Andrews
Alternative, Pop, Singer-songwriter
I’ve had a complicated relationship with pop music over the years, but I’ll have no complaints if it is done with this level of care and attention to detail. Steph Andrews surprised me this year and the more time I’ve spent with this album, the more I love it.
Hold on to your seats for the next ten…
That’s it for today.
Catch you soon!
Feel free to leave a comment. Also, I am always open to hearing from you so feel free to send an email to me at stismavo@gmail.com