My favourite releases of 2024 - Mario David

During 2024, my ears remained attentive to a variety of music that came to me through work, personal interest and, of course, leisure. This year, the influence of disco and vintage sounds continued to gain ground, with productions that evoke bygone days, but adapted to contemporary tastes. Furthermore, it was exciting to note the resurgence of the electric guitar in the mainstream. So much has this interest grown that, according to some figures, the number of guitars sold this year surpassed that of 2023. A sign that riffs and solos are back in the spotlight.

I admit that my ears have some years of experience and do not always receive the new waves of ‘young’ music with ease. Nevertheless, I strive to keep up with the times, analyse what I hear and find gems that, even if they don't immediately connect with me, I recognise as valuable.

It is from this personal perspective that I have decided to share a list of the albums I will enjoy the most in 2024. This is neither a definitive nor an absolute ranking, but a selection of albums that, for one reason or another, left their mark on my musical year.

Mahashmashana - Father John Misty

Mahashmashana has been a pleasant surprise to my ears. It's the kind of album I didn't expect to find these days, a work that evokes the sounds that marked my life twenty years ago, reminiscent of Elvis Costello and John Lennon's solo albums. It's an album of blood, love and realism, with sublime orchestral arrangements and a voice at the centre that tells you stories so deep that you lose yourself in them, even when they last up to nine minutes. And when you come back to reality, you realise that time flies.

The production on this album deserves all praise. It's rare to find albums with this level of detail and dedication these days. The grand orchestration, the involvement of so many formidable musicians, and the way each element finds its place in the musical narrative make Mahashmashana a modern gem.

There are more intimate moments, like Josh Tillman and the Accidental Dose, that cement Tillman as one of my favourite modern songwriters. His ability to tell stories and connect emotionally with the listener is admirable.

This album has a lot to offer, from the masterful arrangements to the depth of the lyrics. It's an album that sounds like the best of the great albums of all time, but with a freshness that places it among the best contemporary works. My recommendation: listen to Mahashmashana calmly, enjoy its details, and let yourself be carried away by this masterpiece that will undoubtedly mark a before and after in Father John Misty's discography.

Bad Dreams - Teddy Swims

Teddy Swims has undeniably established himself as one of the best voices in the mainstream today, and Bad Dreams is, in my opinion, one of his most outstanding songs to date. It's beautiful from any angle you listen to it: a flawless vocal performance that brings out the extraordinary in her voice, accompanied by a mesmerising musical production that leaves no loose ends.

What makes Bad Dreams so special is how it manages to balance emotion and technique. Musically, it's a compelling piece that invites you to listen to it again and again. The production is neat, meticulous, and knows how to highlight every detail without overshadowing what really matters: Teddy's voice.

Charm de Clairo

Vintage but modern sound? Charm is the perfect example of how both worlds can coexist harmoniously. I discovered Clairo this year and was captivated by his musicianship. This album is fascinating, perfect for listening at any time, but also worthy of analysis in a harmonics class. Each song takes you on a journey on a cloud so comfortable that you simply let it envelop you as her airy voice whispers in your ear.

The album as a whole is an astral trip, but there are some moments that stand out in particular. Opening with Nomad is a brilliant introduction, followed by songs like Add Up My Love and Second Nature, which cement the album's introspective, enveloping atmosphere. And then there's June, with a lo-fi sound that feels authentic and elevated, as if real musicians are playing exclusively for you. Its complexity is so mesmerising that the ear, faced with the resistance of trying to analyse every detail, simply surrenders to enjoy the musical experience.

Charm is a jewel. It's one of those albums that you don't just listen to, but feel and live. If you haven't explored it yet, you're missing out on one of the best musical experiences 2024 has to offer.

No Name de Jack White

Rock also joined the vintage sound movement this year, and Jack White did it masterfully with No Name. This album is a psychedelic trip that reminds us of those records that are almost never made anymore: organic, raw and with that spirit of a band giving their all in the studio. It is a celebration of the fuzz sound and the oversaturations that add a unique and unmistakable colour.

The opening with Old Scratch Blues is a perfect introduction, a preview of the album's character: classic rock-inspired riffs, full of energy and authenticity, that don't pretend to be anything more than what they are, and that's what makes them brilliant. Each song feels like a tribute to a golden age of rock, while still sounding contemporary.

Although the whole album deserves to be heard, my favourite (for now) is That's How I'm Feeling. It's one of those songs that awakens something inside you. In my case, it brings back the teenage Mario David, the one who was discovering rock classics for the first time. No Name not only sounds good, but it feels like an experience that reconnects you with the essence of the genre.

These Walls de Dua Lipa

If there's one song I've listened to on loop countless times this year, it's These Walls. From the first listen, its ambience, production and melody completely grabbed me. The melodic guitar line, so simple yet so beautiful, creates an enveloping atmosphere that stays with you. And the backing vocals, with that catchy ‘They'd Say’, are so irresistible that it was impossible not to sing along as I travelled and played this song over and over again.

While Dua Lipa's album has received mixed reviews, I personally don't agree with those who say it's not a good album. While it may not live up to her previous offering, this album has gems like These Walls that will be memorable in her career. Dua continues to prove that she has a long way to go, and this album is proof that her evolution as an artist is not stopping.

For me, These Walls is not only one of the best songs of the year, but also a showcase of the talent and versatility of Dua Lipa, who continues to surprise and establish herself as one of the biggest names in pop today.

Sarajevo de Jose Madero

If there is one Spanish-language artist who dominated my listening this year, it was José Madero. Sarajevo is an album that confirms why Pepe is a master at transforming melancholy into music. His writing, his sound, and the way he tackles deep themes make him a unique reference. This album is a testament to his ability to blend the emotional with the melodic in a way that few others do.

Among the many highlights, Rey Ahogado was the one that struck me the most. From the first listen, it left me cold because of its depth and, at the same time, its singable quality. The collaboration with Lasso is a nice addition, but I'm convinced that this song would have been an anthem even without his participation. On the other hand, Luciérnaga is, without a doubt, one of the most emotional songs I've heard from Pepe in years, although it's not one of my favourites on the album.

My favourites? It's difficult to choose, because the album is full of gems. If I had to highlight a few, I would mention Cum Laude, Suspira sobre mí, Gardenias 87, Día de Mayo and Hablemos del Campo. Although in the end, I almost ended up mentioning the whole album, because Sarajevo is a work that leaves nothing to chance and deserves to be listened to from beginning to end.

José Madero has demonstrated with this album that he is still at the height of his creative capacity, and for those of us who are looking for music with deep lyrics and honest arrangements, Sarajevo is, without a doubt, one of the best proposals of the year.

Midas de Wunderhorse

The Brit rock of 2024 is still alive, and Wunderhorse reminds us of it with Midas. This album is an example of what rock should be: honest, organic and authentic. At a time when much of the music seems overproduced and removed from its roots, Wunderhorse go for what they have in their hands, without pretending to be more than what they really are. That authenticity is what makes this work stand out. Jacob Slater, with his controlled and honest voice, fronts an album that feels real in every way. Emily is a tender song, but with an energy that makes it haunting, influenced by turn-of-the-century rock but with a freshness in its production that is surprising. The sound is looser, less compressed, and that gives it a distinctive character that breaks with the expected.

Silver, while still in a similar line, shines for other reasons. Its music video deserves a special mention: the play of light and shadow, the grain of the image and the photography in general are beautiful, making it a perfect visual complement to the music. Midas is an album worth listening to, not only for its music, but for what it represents: a return to basics, a declaration that rock is still the counter-current in a world saturated with artifice. Wunderhorse gives us a breath of fresh air and reminds us why we love this genre.

 

Midas is an album worth listening to, not just for its music, but for what it represents: a return to basics, a declaration that rock is still the counter-current in a world saturated with artifice. Wunderhorse gives us a breath of fresh air and reminds us why we love this genre.

It’s Sorted de Cheekface

At first I wasn't sure whether to include It's Sorter in this list. It's not one of my favourite albums, but I can't deny that it's a fun album, and that makes it special. It's sound is so dry, so ‘funny’, it achieves something that few bands do nowadays: make you laugh while you move your head to the rhythm of the music. I listened to it a couple of times while walking to work, and I couldn't help but smile. It's the kind of record that brightens your day without trying to.

Cheekface is an amazing band, with very talented musicians, and this album has moments that, musically, are quite interesting. However, I highlight it here for its ability to be entertaining without sacrificing quality. Songs like Popular 2 and Trophy Hunting at the Zoo encapsulate that irreverent style that defines the band. And then there's There Were Changes in the Hardcore Scene, which reminded me of The Offspring at their best, with that light but energetic touch.

It's Sorter is an album that doesn't take itself too seriously, and perhaps therein lies its greatest strength. In a world where many productions seek to be deep or complex, Cheekface reminds us that music can also be simple, fun and still connect. It's an album that deserves to be listened to, if only to have a good time.

A Broken Man de Dream Theather

With the return of Mike Portnoy to the band, Dream Theater has recovered the sound that made me fall in love with them in their early days. I don't want to detract from the Mike Mangini era, which has some memorable moments, but the ‘Portnoy sound’ is something unmistakable. A Broken Man, the first preview of what will be their next album Parasomnia (to be released in 2025), is a clear example of this return to the essence of Dream Theater.

The single has everything fans of the band could hope for: intricate rhythms, impossible drums and riffs, and that unmatched ability to push the technical limits without losing the emotion. For better or worse, A Broken Man represents the Dream Theater of old, and to my personal taste, that's more than fine.

The preview not only evokes the band's signature sound, but also recalls iconic stages such as Systematic Chaos or even the darkness of Train of Thought, an album that deeply marked my life many years ago. If this single is a hint of what is to come from Parasomnia, then we can expect an album that connects with Dream Theater's roots while still exploring new horizons.

Can We Please Have Fun de King of Leon

Over the years I have grown fond and respectful of the North Americans and I waited to listen to this album for a few days and it wasn't a disappointment. The band sounds much more mature, a much tidier sound, perhaps a more mainstream album than some of their previous work but it's not bad nonetheless. In fact it's a good example of what American rock bands are doing these days. Highlights include Nowhere to Run, Actual Daydream, Split Screen and Hesitation Gen.