There have been a lot of great albums that came out in 2024. So in the spirit of looking back and reflecting on the year in music, I’ve gathered a handful of albums I’ve enjoyed over these last 12 months.
Green Day, Saviors (Reprise)
I know I mentioned many of the singles released in my “best of” list last year, but now that the whole album is out, it’s been one of my favorites from start to finish. There’s both a familiar-ness and newness to them that, as an avid Green Day fan, is appealing to me. It’s personal, it’s political, it’s a brilliant piece of cultural commentary. You can read my full review of it here.
Pinhead Gunpowder, Unt (1234 Go)
Pinhead Gunpowder’s sophomore full-length is well worth the 27 year wait. It’s an amazing bit of Bay Area punk that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go.
Sheppard, Zora (Decca UMO)
If you just want to have fun, listen to Sheppard. Their latest album is full of bright, summer-y pop that feels like sunshine and puts a smile on your face. No, it’s not metal or hard rock or even punk, but it is good music.
Sum 41, Heaven :x: Hell(Rise Records)
It’s sad to see Sum 41 go, but at least they left us one last unforgettable double album. One side is nostalgic pop punk that takes you back to their early hits. The other is hard-hitting metal with shredding that rivals some of their most iconic guitar moments. You can read my full review of it here.
The Linda Lindas, No Obligation (Epitaph)
After seeing them open for Green Day earlier this year, I was curious to hear their new album and I wasn’t disappointed. With the exception of the growl-y title track that opens it, each song is a pop punk gem reminiscent of bands like Veruca Salt and The Donnas.
Jesse Malin/Various Artists, Silver Patron Saints
I really enjoyed this collection of covers. The group of artists tapped to put their spin on Malin’s work is eclectic and does a great job of showing the breadth of his influence.
The Offspring, Supercharged (Concord Records)
To be honest, I haven’t really listened to a whole Offspring album since 2008’s Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace (singles yes, albums no). But after hearing “Make It All Right” on the radio I had to listen to the full thing. And I really enjoyed it. It’s filled with upbeat, catchy tracks that are a bit more melodic than their earlier work but not so pop-y that it no longer sounds like them.
The Libertines, All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade ( Casablanca/Republic Records)
I included “Run Run Run” on my “best of” song list last year and again, a banner album was released this year to go with it. This is Brit-rock at its best. The upbeat tracks are uplifting and the slower songs still have movement.
