Essential Releases of 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, music lovers everywhere are reflecting on a year filled with unforgettable artistry. We’ve spent countless hours listening, debating, and being moved by the music that soundtracked our year.
This is not a ranking or a definitive "best-of" list. Instead, it’s a celebration of the albums that resonated most with our team—projects that pushed boundaries, told gripping stories, or simply stayed on repeat because they felt just that good.
From the sweeping shoegaze of La Lune to Cindy Lee’s haunting avant-garde soundscapes, Luna Li’s ethereal moods, and the visceral punk energy of Truck Violence, this year’s Canadian releases shone brightly. But music knows no borders, and we couldn’t resist the pull of global icons like Taylor Swift, Tyler the Creator, Childish Gambino, Dorian Electra, and the new-nostalgic duo Fcukers, who each delivered standout works that defined 2024.
Whether you're revisiting familiar favourites or discovering something new, these albums remind us of why we love music: it inspires, connects, and keeps us dreaming.
Artemas -
Yustyna
Yustyna is a really kinetic revival of 2010s grungy-toxic-male-pop, which is a genre I unapologetically love. It’s pitched-up Beauty Behind the Madness and hyper-mixed AM with hints of androgyny in the lyrics, and I crave to hear it blasting in a crowded club. You likely heard the viral lead single of this mixtape, “i like the way you kiss me,” a lot on TikTok earlier this year as a hot girl anthem, but fully diving into the album is well worth the time. - Marcus Ogden
Cheer -
Pure Mass Detection
This album’s blend of intricate rhythms and experimental textures makes for an intriguing listen. Its ability to challenge conventional structures while remaining accessible is impressive. You might love the inventive spirit and the way it rewards close, repeated listens. The sonically fuzzy production and raw energy evoke the DIY ethos of garage rock, making you want to grab a guitar, call up your friends, and create something equally unfiltered and inspired. It’s the kind of album that sparks both admiration and the urge to experiment. - Jess Arcand
Childish Gambino -
Bando Stone and the New World
As the final album for Donald Glover’s Childish Gambino persona, Bando Stone and the New World delivers every flavour of Gambino you can hope for. The blend of hip-hop/R&B with electronica-infused dancehall makes this album a dynamic listen. From chill and contemplative, to confrontational and lyrical, Bando Stone fires on all cylinders. “Lithonia” is a ballad wrought with emotion that may just live with me forever. - Marcus Ogden
Cindy Lee -
Diamond Jubilee
Haunting yet beautiful, this album's lo-fi aesthetic and emotive performances create a world all its own. Cindy Lee has redefined how we consume music and measure success, opting for a bold, self-released album without streaming services (gone are the days we categorized surprise-dropping an album bold). This is for the music heads who enjoy discovering music the old-fashioned way and stays true to the art form. This approach, often dismissed as a gimmick by critics, paid off immeasurably, staying true to the art form and appealing to music lovers who cherish discovery the old-fashioned way. The blend of vintage influences and experimental elements feels timeless yet innovative, with a reflective charm that lingers long after the final note. Seeing Cindy Lee live in Vancouver at Green Auto a few months before this release felt like stepping into a time capsule I wanted to savour forever. Diamond Jubilee comes closest to recapturing that magic—until I hold a physical release in my hands.. - Jess Arcand
Dark Chisme -
Self-Titled
Dark Chisme's self-titled album is one of my favorites of 2024, thanks to its mesmerizing blend of deep basslines and hypnotic rhythms that pull you into their dark wave world. The Latina techno influence of lead vocalist Christine Gutierrez adds a unique edge to this album, setting it apart within the genre. Watching them perform at Terminus Festival in 2024 left me craving more from this duo, as their live energy perfectly complements their sound. - Shannon Johnston
Dehd -
Poetry
Poetry by Dehd made my list of 2024 favorites because of its nostalgic, sun-soaked beach vibes that transport me straight back to summer every time I listen. Emily Kempf's snarl serves as the backbone of the album, adding grittiness to its infectious sound and giving each track that signature Dehd soul. - Shannon Johnston
Dorian Electra -
Fanfare: The Lost Demos
It’s kind of cheating for me to include this, but Team Reverie said I’m allowed. Dorian Electra’s 2023 album Fanfare was already a solid collection of bangers showcasing Electra’s provocative approach to hyper-pop. Fanfare: The Lost Demos is an expansion of the album's edgy excess, adding four new songs that fit right in with the original releases. “Only Got Your Number” would have been enough to tide me over until their next release, so I feel absolutely spoiled revisiting the album with these extra tracks mixed in. - Marcus Ogden
Eye of Newt -
Stay in Your Lane
Nate Waters’ brainchild Eye of Newt has delivered a nervy, catchy and witty collection of songs, with expansive arrangements, working alongside fellow local music genius Brock Geiger. Four of the songs come in at the minute-long mark, vivid sketches and short stories that could only come from Waters’ mind, while songs like “Bot for Teacher,” “Away Depot” and “Caviar Dip Near Me” are some that will have you bobbing your head in the pit. With the live band featuring Chris Dadge on drums, Samantha Savage Smith on bass and Geiger on keys, the future for Eye of Newt is bright, with a new release in the works as we speak. Speaking as a Eye of Newt disciple, I very much hope this is a “lane” that Nate Waters continues to stay in for as long as possible - Ben Goodman
Fcukers -
Baggy$$
I love New York duo Fcukers and their Baggy$$ EP because it perfectly captures the 90's nostalgia I can never grow out of. The tracks are a throwback to the dance beats of that era, with rhythms that immediately get you moving. Each song is an earworm, sticking with you long after the music ends. The only problem is: I want more! After seeing their performance twice at SXSW Music Festival, all I could think of was how incredible it would be to catch them in an underground club, the kind of place where this music was clearly made to be heard. - Shannon Johnston
IDLES -
TANGK
IDLES' TANGK is undoubtedly one of my favorite albums of 2024, offering a poignant critique of today's society. Known for their intricate wordplay and raw, to-the-point emotion, IDLES maintain their signature intensity throughout this album. While TANGK is notably softer around the edges, offering what could almost be considered their version of love ballads, it remains fun, proving that even the most profound messages can be delivered with joy. Love is the fing! - Shannon Johnston
Iron Tusk -
Disowned
The face-melting riffs of Iron Tusk's Disowned EP earned a spot on my list, as the band masterfully blends heavy sound with traditional metal influences, creating an intense, no-nonsense experience that their fans love. Each track showcases their well known power, making Iron Tusk a standout in the local scene and proving they’re a force to be reckoned with as they move into 2025. - Shannon Johnston
la lune -
disparity
Vancouver’s La Lune burst onto the scene, proving that the nostalgic shoegaze sound is alive and thriving. Their debut is a dreamy exploration of contrasts, blending ethereal vocals with guitar tones reminiscent of Midwestern emo (Foxing or Turnover mixed with Slowdive comes to mind). The album masterfully navigates light and dark themes, offering a compelling listening experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. With shimmering production and a heartfelt delivery, it’s the kind of music you can completely lose yourself in. La Lune is undoubtedly one to watch, and their shoegaze rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s 'Dreams' only gives us another reason to love this timeless classic even more. - Jess Arcand
Luna Li -
When a Thought Grows Wings
Canada’s brilliant moon fairy, Luna Li, unveils a radiant collection of songs that overflow with lush melodies and a playful, ethereal spirit. The multi-instrumental arrangements and heartfelt lyrics weave a comforting warmth, enveloping you in a soothing aura. Merging whimsy with profound depth, Luna Li conjures a mystical world that invites you to reconnect with the natural magic around us. It beckons you to step into the forest, crystals and moon water in hand, to cleanse your worries. This is exactly the kind of energy I want to bring with me into 2025. - Jess Arcand
Mannequin Pussy -
I Got Heaven
I Got Heaven was one of my favourite releases of the year and a standout on Epitaph Records. It brims with raw emotion and energy, combining abrasive punk intensity with soft moments that make this one of Mannequin Pussy’s most accessible albums yet. I particularly love the unapologetic lyrics and dynamic shifts, especially on “Loud Bark”, which I screamed along to in my car more times than I can count this year. The band's ability to balance chaos with vulnerability creates a listening experience that will make this album a staple in their discography, which is an incredible feat for a fourth album cycle. - Jess Arcand
Motorists -
Touched By The Stuff
It is always thrilling to see a band you love make “the leap.” A band that you already enjoyed that reaches an even higher level with its follow-up release, which Toronto band Motorists (full of Calgary expats including Craig Fahner, who is also in Leather Jacuzzi and Bozo) certainly did with Touched By The Stuff. This is music bathed in a ’90s college rock sensibility, feeling like an album that could have been put out by MurderRecords. The songs have more hooks than a Bass Pro Shop, with crunchy, fuzzy riffs that will transport you back to the era of The Wedge, while never feeling like a revival band that is stuck in the past. My favourite song is “Call Control,” sung by bass player Matt Learoyd, a song that has been stuck in my head practically all year, the mission statement for a band declaring that they “did it all for the rock ’n roll.” After you listen to the triumph that is Touched By The Stuff, it’s hard to disagree. - Ben Goodman
Sunglaciers -
Regular Nature
A local standout this year, Sunglaciers took an atmospheric dive into indie rock, showcasing an evolved maturity in sound and intricate arrangements that pull you in immediately. The interplay of dreamy vocals and layered instrumentation shines brightly on tracks like 'Cursed'—which landed at #3 on my most-listened-to songs of the year—and 'Right Time,' with its catchy outro that never fails to get people moving on the dance floor whenever I’ve seen them live. Their ability to balance reflective, moody tones with moments of pure energy is a testament to their growing artistry. Sunglaciers have truly cemented themselves as a must-listen band for anyone craving depth with their indie/post-punk selections. - Jess Arcand
Taylor Swift -
The Tortured Poets Department
Taylor Swift’s latest album The Tortured Poets Department is a cracked disco ball, refracting and shining light on the best of Swift’s various personas. She returns to Folklore collaborator, The National’s Aaron Dessner, to write folk ballads about cursed Greek priestesses on “Cassandra,” she conspires with Florence Welsh to murder cheating husbands on “Florida!!!” and teams up with longtime producer Jack Antonoff for the latest batch of synth-drenched melodies, including “Down Bad” and “imgonnagetyouback.” Swift is a superstar for a reason, and across the tracks on The Tortured Poets Department she shows fans every version of herself. - Kenn Enns
Tea Fannie -
It’s All Love
A soulful and uplifting album, this release from the talented hip-hop MC feels like a warm embrace from start to finish. With its positive messages, community spirit, and smooth production, it quickly became a feel-good favorite. Arriving in September, as the colder months began to creep in, it served as a timely reminder of the power of love and connection through music—a perfect antidote to the changing seasons. - Jess Arcand
Truck Violence -
Violence
The Montreal band debuted a sharp, high-octane release on Mothland Records that is a pure adrenaline rush, perfect for fans of unrelenting energy. The visceral lyrics and relentless pacing capture a raw, rebellious spirit. If you love music that’s unapologetically loud and fiercely direct, this album delivers. If you loved Chat Pile’s recent release, you should check this Canadian gem out. - Jess Arcand
Tyler, the Creator -
Chromakopia
I love Tyler, The Creator’s narrative and conceptual approach to albums and Chromakopia is no exception. On top of the tracks being excellent showcases of production and lyric writing on their own, there’s this overarching struggle of the hip-hop bachelor fighting maturity that ties the album together. It’s yet another feat of storytelling for Tyler’s discography, continuing the star's incredibly engaging musical style. - Marcus Ogden
Various -
Everyone's Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense
This tribute album captures the essence of the original while bringing fresh interpretations to classic tracks. Featuring contributions from Paramore (my modern-day Talking Heads, if I can be so bold—Hayley Williams BRINGS it on stage), Kevin Abstract, The National, a Canadian entry from BADBADNOTGOOD with Norah Jones’ smooth vocals on 'This Must Be The Place,' an unexpected synth-heavy rendition of 'Psycho Killer' by Miley Cyrus, and more, the album showcases artists from every corner of the genre spectrum. Each unique take breathes new life into these beloved songs, creating a vibrant homage. It’s a celebration of creativity and an essential listen for fans of the iconic Stop Making Sense - Jess Arcand