Whilst many publications have composed a top whatever list of the best albums of 2024, we feel that it is really difficult to place a numerical order on so many records spanning a multitude of genres. So many LPs touch various emotions in a different manner, it would be highly unfair to place one above another, not to mention music is highly subjective. So here at ColoRising, we thought we could compile a simple list of albums that we feel are great records overall, and ones that is definitely worth listening to.
Schoolboy Q Bluelips
The Los Angeles emcee released Bluelips in March of this year via Top Dawg Entertainment / Interscope Records. This LP is like a psychedelic ride of sound shifts, with Q’s highly unorthodox rhyme style completely locking you in a choke hold, making for one of the most captivating records of the year. Many songs have beat changes in the middle that are equally as good as their predecessors, and the introspection along with street commentary make for the perfect marriage, avoiding any aspects of a dull listen. From hype anthemic sonics to soothing jazz sampled soundscapes, Bluelips was like a canon being fired off from the TDE camp, one of the labels that has dominated the Hip-Hop space for years now with some of the most important and cutting edge recordings.
Kim Gordon The Collective
With an already imprinted legacy from her work with Sonic Youth, Kim Gordon continues to reinvent herself, refusing to be placed in any one musical box. This couldn’t more evident with the release of her album The Collective, which landed back in March. Opting for dark, sometimes jarring electronica that is infused with trap and almost grime-like stylings, this experimental LP packs quite the punch, and is completely engaging even with songs that feature Gordon simply reading off things that she did in a day.
Straylings Call Back Your Name
Released only this month, Straylings’ latest album Call Back Your Name was that surprise record that essentially turned out to be one of the best this year. Delivering a package of nostalgia 60s and 70s desert, psychedelic, and pop rock, not to mention styles from singer Dana Zeera’s native Bahrain, from start to finish this LP is a great listen, and will be especially enjoyable for those who are fans of legendary bands such as Fleetwood Mac, Jefferson Starship, and more.
Tyler, The Creator CHROMAKOPIA
It’s no surprise that Tyler, The Creator would make this list. While we’re still listening to his previous album Call Me If You Get Lost, his latest release CHROMAKOPIA finds Tyler continuing to not only perfect his sound of grand Hip-Hop bangers along with highly musical and lush R&B, but he has also delved into sounds such as Zamrock. This record also finds Tyler expressing confusion about the possibilities of being a dad due to an unplanned pregnancy, which is a theme that runs throughout. Of course Tyler being him, you’re going to get a larger than life personality on the record, all the while staying more than true to the integrity of bar high music making. Guests on CHROMAKOPIA include Lil Wayne, SchoolboyQ, Doechii, GloRilla, Teezo Touchdown, Sexxy Red, Santigold, Daniel Ceasar, and more.
Roc Marciano & The Alchemist The Skeleton Key
Long Island’s Roc Marciano is considered one of the architects of this current movement of underground Hip-Hop. From the drumless production style, to the off-kilter, insanely clever wordplay, Busta Rhymes once dubbed Roc Marci “the father” of this whole thing. Nevertheless, when he and legendary producer The Alchemist come together, it’s tends to be the perfect combination of beats and high caliber emceeing that fans can always be rest assured of. The Skeleton Key is a 10-track handing of sparkling, glammed out production, with Roc delivering slick, hustle talk that in his glorious fashion, are ways that others just haven’t said before.
Jack White No Name
In 2024 Detroit’s own Jack White unveiled his sixth album appropriately titled No Name. What was originally released as a white label vinyl with zero information on it to buyers who made purchases at White’s Third Man stores, ultimately got a proper release. This was, in many ways, the album that core fans harking back to White’s The White Stripes days have been craving. This was pure, raw, and revving garage rock at its finest. Whilst the LP is stripped back in some ways, White, who generally as a solo artist is known for experimentation, managed to bridge the gap between the two without leaning too much into either or. No Name is definitely one of the highlights of rock & roll for the year.
Kendrick Lamar GNX
Having one of the most dominating presences in 2024 came from none other than multi award-winning, Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar. What’s considered the biggest battle in Hip-Hop history – the clash between himself and Drake, found the L.A. wordsmith not only victorious but releasing the biggest song of the year ‘Not Like Us’. With the track practically inescapable and riding the charts for weeks and weeks, Kendrick then announced that he would be the headline performer for the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans. This sparked a bit of controversy within the Hip-Hop community, mainly from those who felt that New Orleans-native Lil Wayne should have been the chose artist. Kendrick who is known to disappear into his own world, said nothing…well not until he surprised the world with his album GNX. He aired out his feelings regarding the Super Bowl chatter on the very first track titled ‘wacced out murals’. The record saw Lamar leaning more into upbeat, bouncy west coast production courtesy of Sounwave, and Jack Antonoff. DJ Mustard also contributed to two songs on the record. Every cut debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, with the top 5 placements being occupied by Kendrick Lamar. While many fans normally dedicate months to trying to decode Kendrick Lamar lyrics, GNX featured some of direct lines from K. Dot such as “This is not for lyricists, I swear it’s not the sentiments / Fuck a double entendre, I want y’all to feel this shit”. It’s safe to say that GNX was definitely one of the most talked about LPs of 2024.
Warmduscher Too Cold To Hold
London outfit Warmduscher rounded out 2024 with their latest album Too Cold To Hold. With a reputation for their wild, over the top post-punk sonics, their recent record is less chaotic and more straight-forward musically. That’s not to say that they don’t experiment, but their injection of styles such as jazz, are tailored in a streamlined way resulting in one magnificent release. Writer Irvine Welsh kicks off the album with a poem about addiction, whilst the lyrics throughout the LP are so vivid that they could be clips from a movie. Too Cold To Hold feels like a more mature Warmduscher, who have really nailed the balance between experimentation and accessibility. Guests include Lianne La Havas, Janet Planet, Jeshi, and Coucou Chloe. Warmduscher have surely outdone themselves with this one, definitely qualifying it as one of the best release of the year.
Doechii Alligator Bites Never Heal
Tampa’s Doechii stormed 2024 not only for her features and live appearances but also with the release of Alligator Bites Never Heal. While this is dubbed a mixtape, it definitely has album quality making it one of the best records to come out this year. For a few years now Doechii has proven that she can practically make any style of Hip-Hop, and do it well! However, on this go round, she delved into her traditional boom bap bag topped with highly animated performances and witty lyricism that not only appeals to anyone under 30 but is a breath of fresh air for those 40 plus. She is like a Missy Elliott, Nicki Minaj, Lauryn Hill, and Lil Kim rolled into one. Alligator Bites Never Heal is a cry from Doechii screaming that she won’t be the caged bird singing, but rather free flying with spread wings soaring in whatever direction she sees best fit. Musically as diverse as her flows themselves, Alligator Bites Never Heal easily graced the list as one of the top releases this year. This is also another canon from Top Dawg Entertainment, proving yet again why they can now be regarded as one of the best labels in Hip-Hop.