The 16th annual AU review countdown of the 40 best albums of the year has arrived. This year, as always, our contributors bring together a mix of artists from Australia and around the world. Hopefully your favourite album(s) made the cut – and maybe you’ll discover a few new ones along the way, too. Read on – and a very happy holiday season from all of us at the AU!
40. Michael Kiwanuka – Small Changes
Small Changes marks the first album since 2019, when Michael Kiwanuka dropped his acclaimed self-titled album, Kiwanuka. That 2019 album still stands as one of my favourite albums of the past 5 years. So as you can imagine, there’s plenty of hype riding on his return. Small Changes feels like a deeper, more soulful take on his signature style, all while staying true to his R&B and rock roots. As a result, it feels all the more refined, highlighting the fact that he hasn’t really missed a beat since 2019.
– Matthew Arcari
39. Peggy Gou – I Hear You
I Hear You is full of timeless classics that are set to become dancefloor staples, proving that Peggy Gou is not one to miss a beat. If this is her debut album, the future for Gou shines very brightly.
– Sarah Robbins [Read The Review]
38. Maggie Rogers – Don’t Forget Me
The range on the album is probably the key difference between Don’t Forget Me and its predecessors. While definitely in the country realm, it branches wide enough that you know Rogers was willing to try some things out on the album, and if it didn’t hit, it wasn’t going to worry her too much. There’s a level of risk on Don’t Forget Me that makes you realise that Maggie Rogers isn’t a flash in the pan and will be around for a long while. From opening song “It Was Coming All Along” with its delicately layered harmonies, to the second-to-last acoustic feast in “All The Same”, there is enough here on Don’t Forget Me to get the oldest and newest of Maggie Rogers fans excited.
I’m not sure if Don’t Forget Me will reach the heights of Maggie Rogers’ first albums, but it really doesn’t have to. There is enough progression, wanderlust and wholesomeness on the album to know it is one of the year’s best; irrespective of genre.
– Dylan Marshall [Read the full review]
37. Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood
Tigers Blood, Waxahatchee’s sixth studio album, sees the singer-songwriter embrace all things country. Well… sort of. Tigers Blood blurs the lines between indie, folk, and country. It’s a little bit of all them – cherrypicking the best from each. What you do have is an album that’s packed full of incredible songwriting. For me it’s her best yet!
– Simon Clark
36. Common and Pete Rock – The Auditorium Vol. 1
Two artists who are unlikely to ever pass their prime. While the louder throes of hip hop in 2024 was defined by pettiness, moral grandstanding and toxicity, Common and Pete Rock quietly put out one of the year’s best rap release by playing to their strengths. The reliable formula of taking one top-tier emcee and pairing them with one top-tier producer really paid off year. We can’t wait for volume 2.
– Chris Singh
35. Bloom – Maybe in Another Life
Searing riffs and frantic drums? Check. Picked melodies and soft vocals? Check. Ethereal soundscapes and passionate spoken word? Check! It all works so well, and the delicate keys that ride out this track are the icing on the cake – that is, a smash cake with your best friends celebrating your new favourite band and their incredible debut album.
– Dylan Oxley [Read The Review]
34. Richard Hawley – In This City They Call You Love
In This City They Call You Love is Hawley’s tenth studio album and finds the Sheffield singer-songwriter in fine form. For those of us that like Hawley’s music, there’s a welcome familiarity to ITCTCYL – the wistful, measured vocal, the strings, and lyricism tinged with sentimentality. It’s unabashedly nostalgic and romantic and delivered with style.
– Simon Clark
33. Adrianne Lenker – Bright Future
Adrienne Lenker has an unmatched ability to tear your heart out in the most tender way with every release, and Bright Future is no exception. Soulful, devastating but with a generous helping of hope, the record feels like a gentle invitation to dream of home and memory. It’s the kind of album that lingers long after listening.
– Eloise Coomber
32. The Cure – Songs of a Lost World
This album caught me completely off guard with the depth of emotion it generated at first listen. It’s only eight songs long, but each of the tracks is a deliberately slow unfurling, filled with layers that continue to surprise every time you play it. It takes Robert Smith over three minutes to drop the first vocals, but it makes perfect sense. The palpable, melancholic taste of loss in every track is exquisite, excruciating, and wonderful. Smith’s voice is better than I can ever remember it being, the lyrics are acutely resonant, and this album is a masterpiece about grief, retrospection, and mortality.
– Jennifer Lavis-Quinlin
31. Charm of Finches – Marlinchen in the Snow
Sometimes you just want, no – need?, a good solid dose of haunting, harmony-heavy, moody folk. And, wow did Australian sister duo Charm of Finches deliver this year. Marlinchen in the Snow is overflowing with beautiful vocals, mesmerising harmonies, and so many elements and flourishes which draw the listener in. A delicately balanced blend of light and dark, Marlinchen in the Snow is moody, but never maudlin – their best album yet.
– Simon Clark
30. Cory Wells – Harboring the Hurt I’ve Caused
Not only was the title track my most streamed song of the year, the whole record served as a fitting background to my writing and reading throughout. However, Wells’ second album should be played intentionally. His poignant lyrics stir something within and his voice dances between trembling and soaring with emotion. It’s acoustic emo with hopeful undertones, bursting with love but screaming in pain, and I love it.
– Dylan Oxley
29. DIIV – Frog in Boiling Water
After five years, DIIV return with lush, shoegaze tunes that are made for hazy summer days. Beneath the fuzzy melodies is a commentary on late-stage capitalism, delivered through knowing, solemn lyrics. Penultimate track Soul-net is my personal pick – a beautiful, atmospheric track that captures DIIV’s signature sound.
– Sarah Robbins
28. Lime Cordiale – Enough of the Sweet Talk
Lime Cordiale‘s third studio album, Enough of The Sweet Talk, guides listeners through an emotional journey exploring a relationship across four distinct interludes. This album authentically delves into the human experience as the brothers intertwine their personal encounters and emotions into a poetic narrative of love and heartbreak. From the opening track ‘Pedestal’ to the closer ‘Strangers,’ this album is truly a testament to the bands ability to captivate listeners with their storytelling prowess. If you’re looking for an Australian album that effortlessly whisks you away to a European café during sunset, give this album a listen!
-Emma Belas
27. The Story So Far- I Want To Disappear
I Want To Disappear is a journey through introspection, loss, and the raw, unfiltered emotions that define The Story So Far. Each track is meticulously crafted, with impeccable production and stunning vocal performances. This album perfectly showcases the band’s growth and their ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The Story So Far has once again proven their prowess in the punk/pop punk scene, making this release an unmissable highlight of the year.
– Sarah Duggan [Read The Review]
26. Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter
Country music is having its moment internationally right now, and countless artists have been jumping on the bandwagon. But it’s fair to say one of the more surprising entrants was one of the world’s biggest pop artists, Beyoncé.
As a woman of colour entering the genre, the response from its gatekeepers was always going to be divisive. Even those who have dedicated themselves to “Country” have faced it – just ask Mickey Guyton. But the brilliance of the record,was that she recognised all of this musically and lyrically. Taking audiences on a journey through the history of Americana music more broadly, Bey collaborated with some of the most iconic names of the genre, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson to name just two, while using her platform to spotlight emerging Black Country artists like Shaboozey, Brittney Spencer and Willie Jones. And as it was released, she took the time to acknowledge those whose shoulders she saw herself as standing on – Guyton being no exception.
There are some absolute bangers on the record – “Texas Hold ‘Em” and the opener “Ameriican Requiem”, have remained on high rotation since its release – but ultimately this album has to be commended due to the breadth of musical inspiration. A country album, sure – but it’s also so much more. And there’s no question that it will help inspire a new generation to add their voice to the genre. And that alone makes it one of the best albums of the year.
-Larry Heath
25. Tyla – Tyla
When it comes to making an impact with your debut album, Tyla has nailed the craft with this self-titled gem that leads with R&B and injects an afrobeats touch. While it could be all eyes on Water, the depth of this album proves she’s no one-hit-wonder. Combining a fusion of upbeat genres with her light, intimate vocals, this album is jam-packed with good vibes from track to track. She also notably enlists the vocals of Becky G, Tems, Gunna and more to give the album a boost that’s thrust it into one of the best of the year.
– Stephen Parthimos
24. Benjamin Stewart – Pushing Daylight
The debut solo record from the Slowly Slowly frontman is wholesome and provocative, with stylistic elements from the band’s earlier work. Largely adapted from original poetry, the reflective storytelling inspires the listener to do the same. This is another acoustic effort from the talented songwriter that goes well with morning coffee and helps wind the day down. For die-hard fans, “CW2” could be a sister song to Slowly track “The Cold War”.
– Dylan Oxley
23. King Stingray – For The Dreams
Yolŋu surf-rockers King Stingray successfully navigated their ‘difficult second album’ era with For The Dreams. The album, is in many ways a continuation of the band’s successful debut – there’s similar themes after all: the joy of being on country and celebrating life and the planet. They also cover similar musical territory. But, if something isn’t broken, why fix it. So, For The Dreams is still overflowing with massive choruses, hooks, and singalong moments. But, it’s also all a little bit more elevated, a little bit more polished. I fully expect them to feature heavily in the Top 100 next month. Good vibes and great times!
– Simon Clark
22. MK.gee – Two Star and the Dream Police
Like many others, I’ve been unknowingly listening to Mk.Gee for years as a feature in Dijon’s releases, and it’s incredible to see him finally getting the mainstream recognition he deserves. “Two Star & The Dream Police” is easily my album of the year—filled with shimmering 80s-guitar lines and an enviable writing style. “I Want” and “Alesis” have cemented themselves as forever favourites.
– Eloise Coomber
21. Zach Bryan- The Great American Bar Scene
He may be a bit controversial, but there’s no denying that Zach Bryan is a modern-country genius. I discovered an appreciation for country music through his 2023 self-titled album, and The Great American Bar Scene further solidified that feeling for me. A blend of dreamy acoustic ballads and some country bops, it’s the perfect record to suit any type of mood.
– Sarah Duggan
20. Neck Deep- Neck Deep
What makes this album the crown jewel in Neck Deep’s repertoire is not just its infectious tunes and clever lyrics but the realisation that this is Neck Deep at their very best. The self-production, orchestrated by Seb Barlow, older brother of frontman Ben Barlow, marks a pivotal moment in their career. With each album, they have refined their craft, and this self-titled venture is the culmination of that journey—a relentless cascade of energy and brilliance that asserts Neck Deep’s place at the forefront of contemporary pop-punk. This is not just an album; it’s a milestone, a testament to the enduring legacy of a band that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
– Sarah Duggan [Read The Review]
19. Oisin Leech – Cold Sea
Irish singer-songwriter Oisín Leech decamped to an abandoned 19th century schoolhouse in Donegal with producer Steve Gunn to create his debut solo album Cold Sea. The resulting album inspired by the Donegal landscape and the elements at work against it, is truly beautiful. Sparse, mediative, a touch melancholic, but delivered with warmth the album really captures a sense of place and time. Whilst it’s largely just Leech on guitar and vocals, there’s a few special cameos along the way, including from producer Gunn, Dylan bassist Tony Garnier, as well as some beautiful strings from local fiddle player Roisín McGrory. Transport yourself to Ireland’s Atlantic coast.
– Simon Clark
18. The Buoys – Lustre
There’s a certain level of magic in guitar, bass and drum bands. In a world where this set up ever so slowly fades into extinction, The Buoys and their debut album Lustre feel like it could be the catalyst for the recommencement and reemergence of classic, solid and bloody fantastic guitar rock.
The Buoys’ debut album feels like it’s been on the precipice of being released for the better part of this decade. With a plethora of quality singles, EPs, tours and support slots in their back pocket, The Buoys have been crushing everything they’ve touched in recent years. Here on Lustre they’ve managed to compile together everything good they’ve ever done, added some devastating and frank lyrics, thrown in some classic riffs and stellar vocals and ended up with what could possibly end up being one the best debut albums from an Australian artist this year.
– Dylan Marshall [Read The Review]
17. MJ Lenderman – Manning Fireworks
The North Carolina-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has dropped an album dripping with off-kilter humour, sadness and yearning. Beautiful guitar lines and immersive soundscapes are threaded through the various shades of grey that permeate the lyrics.
– Bruce Baker
16. Teenage Dads – MajorDomo
This album is a testament to the band’s growth and evolution, proving that their initial success was no fluke. It’s an album that defies pigeonholing, embodying a sound that is as dynamic as it is cohesive. MajorDomo is a breath of fresh air—a reminder that there are still bands willing to take risks and push the envelope. The band’s true secret power lies in their ability to blend joyful playfulness with serious musicianship, a knack for crafting songs that are both irresistibly fun and musically polished. Catchy hooks and clever lyrics push forward the sheer joy of what they’re capable of, solidifying their place as one of the most exciting and innovative bands to emerge from Australia in recent years. For me, MajorDomo is not just an album—it’s a declaration that boring is well and truly out and Teenage Dads are in.
– Pace Proctor [Read The Review]
15. Yard Act – Where’s My Utopia?
Yard Act nailed the potentially difficult second album with an insightful take on the past, present and their hopes for a better future. The lyric-driven urgency from frontman James Smith has lost none of its bite, as he looks inwards and outwards with the same humour and added insight from their early success. Their sound has been bolstered, and their live shows have catapulted them into one of the most exciting bands for 2024.
– Bruce Baker
14. Royel Otis – Pratts & Pain
Pratts & Pain is a beautiful album, made all the more impressive by being the first studio album from Royel Otis. It’s a great feeling seeing an Aussie duo crush it the way that these guys have been doing this year, and Pratts & Pain is the cherry on top. Such a fun album with masterful lyricism and clever instrumentation, it’s made me so excited to see (and hear!) what these legends get up to next.
– Sarah Duggan
13. Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
There’s no question global pop princess Sabrina Carpenter knows how to create a hit. From “Espresso” to “Taste”, it’s impossible to navigate the world without being exposed to these chart-toppers. But Short n’ Sweet is packed with infectious tunes that have me questioning what narcotics she’s putting in these lyrics. Whether you’re stuck on the hot vibes of “Bed Chem” or deep in the lyrics of “Dumb & Poetic”, it’s easy to get lost in the allure and pure joy of this tracklist.
– Stephen Parthimos
12. Glass Animals – I Love You So F***ing Much
You may be familiar with Glass Animals thanks to their 2020 hit single “Heat Waves” that blew up on TikTok during the pandemic, but their music catalogue doesn’t stop there. With their new album I Love You So F***ing Much the band transports listeners to outer space, blending science fiction with heartfelt love songs. The album itself follows a similar sound to their previous work with a perfect blend of indie pop, electronic, and psychedelic elements that create a unique and immersive listening experience.
– Emma Belas
11. Tyler, The Creator – Chromakopia
Tyler, the Creator is committed to constantly pushing himself. That much has been clear for years now, and with Chromakopia he has given us a brand new side of himself. The beats are erratic and eccentric, Tyler’s performance is like a worldly greatest hits of all his styles over the years, and there’s not really any skippable tracks.
– Chris Singh
10. Middle Kids- Faith Crisis pt. 1
Returning for their third album, Middle Kids enter 2024 at the top of their game. A band always capable of creating songs that are just as deep as they are sing-a-longs, the Sydney band are back with Faith Crisis Pt.1, a thirteen track dive into a frontwoman Hannah Joy questioning her faith.
Middle Kids may have had a crisis of faith in creating their newest album, but this crisis hasn’t transferred into a lack of quality on Faith Crisis Pt. 1. A reliable, catchy and solid release that might fall just short of the heights of their first two albums, I doubt very much you’ll question your faith in Middle Kids when listening to the album.
– Dylan Marshall [Read The Review]
9. Vampire Weekend – Only God Was Above Us
Coming five years since album four, the new album feels like a return to form for the band. Recorded as a three-piece featuring foundation members Ezra Koenig, bassist Chris Baio, and drummer Chris Tomson, Only God Was Above Us feels like a natural successor to Father of the Bride, an album that was expansive and a bit disconnected, while also feeling like a distant cousin of the band’s first three albums (Vampire Weekend, Contra, Modern Vampires of the City), with its equally excitable and delicate guitars matched by Koenig’s unique lyricism leading from the front.
Only God Was Above Us feels like Vampire Weekend is on the precipice of returning to their best and most fond heights. With the band members nearing twice the age they were when the band started, naturally their dynamics and sound have evolved. Despite all this time, growth and change, Vampire Weekend still knows how to craft beautiful songs that make up beautiful albums.
– Dylan Marshall [Read The Review]
8. Annie Hamilton – Stop and Smell the Lightning
You just love seeing artists make massive leaps forward from one album to the next. Here on her second album Stop and Smell the Lightning, Annie Hamilton has done just that. An album filled with vast arrays of whirling sounds and samples, both human and not, Stop and Smell the Lightning is hard to describe, and yet it sounds just like what you’d expect the multi-talented Hamilton to be capable of creating.
Annie Hamilton has for a long time been someone the Australian music scene should be taking notice of. Through a trickle of EPs and now two albums, she has proven to not be a flash in the pan. If Stop and Smell the Lightning doesn’t make the masses take notice, I don’t know what will. It delivers on all fronts and is totally deserving of these end-of-year accolades.
– Dylan Marshall [Read The Review]
7. Clairo – Charm
2024 seemed to be the year the alt-pop girls came into their own, and Clairo’s Charm captures an artist stepping into a new confidence. Intimate and understated, the album carries the musicality of Sling while embracing a more playful tone, particularly on tracks like “Juna”. The record is grounded in a consistent, folkier influence that feels like a logical next step in Clairo’s sound.
– Eloise Coomber
6. Kendrick Lamar – GNX
I’m not even going to mention the obvious when it comes to Kendrick Lamar this year. It’s about time hip hop grew up. And yet, it’s hard to deny the top-tier Compton emcee his victory lap this year. Not only did he punish his rivals with relentless pettiness, but he made a grand statement by dropping an excellent album with no fanfare whatsoever. The production may be thin and at times generic (Jack Antonoff tries his hardest to fit in with the big boys: fails constantly), but it’s a testament to Kendrick’s craft that he can lift anything and make it work incredibly well. The man is unstoppable.
– Chris Singh
5. Amyl and the Sniffers – Cartoon Darkness
Turns out punk isn’t dead! Amy Taylor and her crew are keeping the dream alive, with big riffs and powerful lyrics that inspire hopefulness and fun in a broken world. “Tiny Bikini” and “Me and the Girls” are fun standouts made for dancing and screaming along to.
– Sarah Robbins
4. Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft
From my first listen of Hit Me Hard and Soft, the alt-pop beats ‘hit me hard’. In one of the most replay-worthy albums of the year, Billie Eilish injects her soul into every track, from the groovy electronic synth of Chihiro to the emotional swells of Wildflower. Each track bleeds into the next so beautifully that you’d think it would be a crime to listen on shuffle. But the album is so perfectly curated that it works no matter the order. If anything, this album has me even more excited for the direction of her future releases.
– Stephen Parthimos
3. The Last Dinner Party – Prelude to Ecstasy
“And you can hold me like he held her / And I will fuck you like nothing matters” from “Nothing Matters” – the debut single from The Last Dinner Party sets the tone early on. The album captures their high-energy baroque pop and benefits from them gigging hard and often before laying down the album. It’s fully formed, lush and dramatic. Their live shows are just as enthralling, with band and fans dressing up goth/femme/posh and looking utterly fabulous. The band has fervent support from the LGBTQIA+ and non-binary communities, who feel seen and loved.
– Bruce Baker
2. Fontaines D.C. – Romance
Four albums deep, Fontaines D.C. has evolved once more on Romance. Still with hints of their post-punk origins, Romance takes the band from sweaty and angry clubs into an arena adjacent space. Lead singles “Starburster” and “Favourite” highlight the songwriting of Romance, while the grandiose and sprawling “Bug” and “In The Modern World” are matched with angst of “Here’s The Thing” and “Death Kink”, all showcasing the depth of an album from a band wanting to evolve with each release.
– Dylan Marshall
1. Charli XCX – Brat
It’s no secret that 2024 was the year of the Brat. Charli xcx brought all of our neon green dreams to life, and then worked an entire album of songs out on the remix. Raw and nuanced, Brat balances full-throttle club classics with introspections on fame, the passing of a loved one, and the pressures surrounding life-changing decisions. Eternally ahead of the curb, Charlie xcx **redefines what a pop album can be.
– Sarah Robbins
It’s finally time for Aussies to get their brat summer! Brat isn’t simply a club album; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has taken pop culture by storm this year. From shaping entertainment to influencing American politics, marketing, fashion, and dance, this album is a testament to the power of music. As she gets ready to headline St Jerome’s Laneway Festival next February, Brat is the must-have album to have in your playlist.
– Emma Belas
