If you want to hear a little bit more about the piece, the explanation is on my Instagram: www.instagram.com/reel/DVlVUZV...

Give it a listen, now out on SoundCloud and YouTube (links in bio). I'm super proud of this one!!

1. Mantras - Katie Pruitt

Stellar songwriting and themes, brought together by one of the best voices working in country music right now. For me, nothing came close, it's the best album of 2024.

Best tracks: White Lies, White Jesus and You, Blood Related

open.spotify.com/album/6gmHat...

2. The Rise and Fall of American Kitsch - Karen Jonas

This one really grew on me throughout the year, and the gut punch of the penultimate track kept hitting harder with each listen

Best tracks: Plastic Pink Flamingos, American Kitsch

open.spotify.com/album/5Dpbx5...

3. BRAT - Charli XCX

This is the album of 2024, nothing else had even close to this much impact. It also is absolutely fantastic

Best tracks: Girl, so confusing, Talk talk

open.spotify.com/album/2lIZef...

4. HIT ME HARD AND SOFT - Billie Eilish

The most consistent narratively of all of Billie's albums, and one with more call backs to her previous work. A listen that really grows on you.

Best tracks: THE DINER, L'AMOUR DE MA VIE

open.spotify.com/album/7aJuG4...

5. Anniversary - @adeemtheartist.bsky.social

Tender and intimate, righteous and demanding change. This album has it all with a potent political message to boot

Best tracks: Nightmare, Wounded Astronaut

open.spotify.com/album/3L2N9i...

6. GNX - @kendricklamar.bsky.social

A victory lap after the year Kendrick has had, with some of his most cutting lines and lushest production.

Best tracks: man at the garden, luther

open.spotify.com/album/0hvT3y...

7. Trail of Flowers - Sierra Ferrell

An honest and rootsy Americana album, with songs with a hefty amount of rollick to them. Great driving music

Best tracks: Fox Hunt, American Dreaming

open.spotify.com/album/6NRPQ8...

8. COWBOY CARTER - Beyonce

Once again proving why she is one of, if not the, greatest living entertainer, COWBOY CARTER is an odyssey through what country music means and what it could be

Best tracks: YA YA, II MOST WANTED

open.spotify.com/album/6BzxX6...