On New Year’s Eve, we’re counting down the Top 100 Albums of 2024 as picked by WNRN listeners. Expand each section below to see WNRN staff picks, and one lucky person who voted for their own Top 10 Albums will win a $500 Gift Card from Plan 9 Music!
Tune in to the Top 100, supported by Furbish Thrift in Richmond, on December 31 to see where your favorites landed.
1. Michael Kiwanuka – Small Changes
There just aren’t enough albums like this each year that completely absorb
you with every listen. This one does and keeps doing it.
2. Bonny Light Horseman – Keep Me On Your Mind/See You Free
This had one of my favorite songs of the year (I Know You Know) wrapped
in one of my favorite albums.
3. Fontaines D.C. – Romance
This band is so talented it’s like they’re going to burst.
4. The Cure – Songs Of A Lost World
They answer the question of “can they still put out a good album after all
these years” with a resounding “yes”!
5. Nilufer Yanya – My Method Actor
She is making some of the most interesting music of anyone in the last five
years.
6. Father John Misty – Mahashmashana
I am becoming convinced that his sound just gets bigger with each release.
7. JJ Grey & Mofro – Olustee
He pulled off the double this year – one of the best albums I heard and one
of the best concerts I saw.
8. Illiterate Light – Arches
Continuing to refine the idea of what a duo can do in every way.
9. Nick Lowe With Los Straitjackets – Indoor Safari
Thanks to Los Straitjackets for being such good partners for Nick that he
was inspired to make another album. Here’s hoping that continues for a
long, long time.
10. Various Artists – Cardinals At The Window
A genius idea meets the kindness of strangers to help those in need – there
is something for everyone on this benefit for western NC hurricane relief. If
you can’t find a track or two you like, listen again. And again.
The Next Five:
11. Oxford Drama – The World Is Louder
12. Baby Rose & BADBADNOTGOOD – Slow Burn
13. Thee Sacred Souls – Got A Story To Tell
14. Gillian Welch & David Rawlings – Woodland
15. Billy Strings – Highway Prayers
Top Live Performances
X at Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee on July 10th – I’ve loved them since the 80’s and finally got to see them on their farewell tour. Bittersweet, but worth the wait.
The Hoodoo Gurus at The National in Richmond on September 10th – Another chance to relive the 80’s and the band was playing like they stepped right out of 1984. With a nod to the age of their audience, they started on time at 7:30 and were done by 9:30 – my kind of show in so many ways…
Neko Case at The Jefferson Theater in Charlottesville on October 13th – There is no such thing as an OK Neko show. Glad I got a few preview tracks from her 2025 release, too.
I’m a St. Vincent ride-or-die, and while I enjoyed the last couple albums, there’s nothing better than when Annie rocks. This album was a return-to-form in that regard, with ‘Sweetest Fruit’ being a unique standout for me. My only disappointment is that she didn’t perform my favorite song, ‘Krokodil’ on the DC date. But I’m holding out hope for the Charlottesville date…
3. IDLES – Tangk
I’m new to the world of Billy Strings, but was quickly introduced as he had the #1 WNRN Album for 2021 and 2022, and there’s a good reason for that. ‘Gild The Lily’ is a ‘first-listen’, as they say, and getting my opportunity to see Billy ‘MF’ Strings for the first time for his ‘Oh Billy, Where Art Thou?” Halloween show in Baltimore is easily in my Top 5 live shows of the year.
I wasn’t a big fan of ‘Starburster’, I’ll admit it. Based on my general music tastes, it has everything that should have made it a song I love, but I didn’t. Then they released the second single, ‘Favourite’ and it was just too good. One of the ‘buzziest’ bands of 2024, and an album to live up to the hype.
7. La Luz – News of the Universe
8. The Bug Club – On The Intricate Inner Workings of the System
9. Wallice – The Jester
10. St. Vincent – Todos Nacen Gritando
2. Vampire Weekend at Ting Pavilion, Charlottesville
3. Billy Strings ‘O Billy, Where Art Thou?’ at CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore
4. Gogol Bordello at Jefferson Theater, Charlottesville
5. Neko Case at Jefferson Theater, Charlottesville
– My first time seeing Goose at Ting Pavilion, Charlottesville – it was a trip.
– Ratboys at Southern Cafe & Music Hall, Charlottesville
5. Jenn Wasner (Flock Of Dimes) from a House Show performance – May 2024
1. Brittany Howard, What Now
2. Waxahatchee, Tigers Blood
3. Michael Kiwanuka, Small Changes
4. Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, South of Here
5. Hurray for the Riff Raff, The Past Is Still Alive
6. St. Vincent, All Born Screaming
7. Nilufer Yanya, My Method Actor
8. Brigitte Calls Me Baby, The Future Is Our Way Out
9. Sierra Ferrell, Trail of Flowers
10. Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter
When putting together my Top 10 each year, I concentrate on albums that I’ve spent the most time with – ones that have been my constant companion or meant the most to me. In the past, I’ve been guilty of letting albums that came out during the early months of the year fall by the wayside; But not in 2024. Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard released her second solo album, What Now, in February and it immediately rose to the top for me – and stayed there.
Featuring Chesapeake’s own virtuoso Nate Smith on drums and production by Shawn Everett, What Now pushes the boundaries of experimentation to create new soundscapes with an array of objects – from trash cans to crystal singing bowls – bound by Howard’s singular voice. Howard spoke in-depth about the recording process with me backstage at 9:30 Club earlier this year – you can listen back to our conversation here.
Coming in at #2 on my list was Waxahatchee’s Tiger’s Blood, an album that followed the same trajectory she set forth on Saint Cloud (my favorite album of 2020), and yielded arguably one of the best songs of the year with the MJ Lenderman collaboration, “Right Back to It.” Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee shared her thoughts about Tiger’s Blood with me earlier this year ahead of her show at The National in Richmond. You can listen back to our conversation, which features live tracks from The National performance here.
Top Live Performances
Vampire Weekend, Jack White, Johnny Blue Skies aka Sturgill Simpson and Fontaines D.C. all had notable releases this year. While those albums didn’t make my Top 10, live performances by each of these artists were among my favorite concerts I attended in 2024!
Honorable Mention EPs:
Baby Rose and BADBADNOTGOOD, Slow Burn
Yannis & The Yaw, Lagos Paris London
Wonder Women of Country, Willis, Carper, Leigh
Runner-ups:
Dr. Dog, Dr. Dog
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Woodland Studios
Father John Misty, Mahashmashana
JJ Grey & Mofro, Olustee
MJ Lenderman, Manning Fireworks
Phosphorescent, Revelator
The Smile, Cutouts
1. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats – South Of Here
Live shows definitely impacted my top 10. Seeing Nathaniel Rateliff twice this year – and being so impressed with his performances pushed this album to the top of my list
2. Charley Crockett – $10 Cowboy
Charley’s albums are always excellent – plus this one has a reference to his arrest on I-81 in southwest Virginia.
3. Fontaines D.C. – Romance
Any band that could put ‘Starburster’ and ‘Favourite’ on the same record deserves a spot in the top 10.
4. Nilufer Yanya – My Method Actor
I have always admired Nilufer Yanya’s vocals. On the new album “My Method Actor” I think the music has finally provided the perfect compliment to her songs.
5. Dehd – Poetry
What makes this album great is its variety. Different genres and vocal styles are mixed up to make a record that never bores you.
6. Richard Thompson – Ship to Shore
Many artists at this point in their career would release a retrospective pulling work from earlier records. Thompson has gone that one better – he has recorded a new record that highlights what has been best about him over the last six decades.
7. AJ Lee & Blue Summit – City of Glass
Smooth, well-produced contemporary bluegrass that showcases the considerable skills of everyone in the band. Easy to listen to over and over.
8. Lizzie No – Halfsies
Lizzie No excels in setting a mood and telling a story on this record.
9. Iron & Wine – Light Verse
After suffering writers block during the pandemic, Sam Beam has returned to deliver an album that looks at things from a new perspective – that of one who is reflecting on past experiences.
10. Sierra Ferrell – Trail Of Flowers
This was not in my top 10 until I saw Sierra perform the first song from the album at the Americana Awards in Nashville. Somehow, that live performance of “American Dreaming” brought the whole record together for me.
Country Feedback Top 10
10. Sierra Ferrell – Trail of Flowers
To really appreciate the power of this album, you need to see Sierra Ferrrell perform some of the songs live. On “American Dreaming” she channels her Loretta Lynn and delivers the song far more powerfully than it sounds on the record.
9. Benjamin Tod – Shooting Star
Tod is the leading voice in the Lost Dog Street Band, a group he considered ending before their last record. Now he has a successful record from the band and a great new solo record.
8. Woody Woodworth & the Piners – Rebels & Dreamers
A Commonwealth entry! Woody and his band have worked hard to capture a classic country feel on the new album – and it works.
7. Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms – Gold In Your Pocket
From the Pacific Northwest this duo really brings classic country into the 2020s. The record sounds like it could have been made anytime in the last 80 tears or so.
6. Johnny Cash – Songwriter
What a treasure! Demos from the 1990s, recorded when it was not clear if Johnny Cash would have a new recording contract, the demos were recovered and paired with music from a new band and the result is excellent.
5. The Mavericks – Moon and Stars
The Mavericks always deliver great albums. Add in the guest artists appearing on it and you have a fine effort.
4. Wonder Women of Country – Willis, Carper, Leigh
Three great artists – Kelly Willis, Brennan Leigh and Melissa Carper who clearly enjoy playing together. The fun comes through on the record. My only complaint is that it is too short!
3. Kaitlin Butts – Roadrunner
Great voice and a cool concept – an album based on the musical ‘Oklahoma’, which was Butts’ introduction to music.
2. Dwight Yoakam – Brighter Days
It is great to have new original music from Dwight Yoakam!
1. Reckless Kelly – The Last Frontier
The whole album is really good. The band sounds as good as ever and it is one of the few albums where you could drop the needle on any track and enjoy it.
Top Live Performances
Nathaniel Rateliff and My Morning Jacket – Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville
Rateliff and the Night Sweats were excellent – and My Morning Jacket was the perfect opening act. Having Rateliff and Jim James cover John Prine’s “All the Best” then seeing Rateliff do his best Joe Cocker impression as an encore – backed by James and Margo Price pushed this show to the top.
JJ Grey and Mofro – The National, Richmond
Wow! These guys are all energy, and the packed house knew the lyrics to all of the songs!
Bill Frisell Trio – Southern Cafe & Music Hall
Totally different type of show. All seated and totally quiet. Frisell on guitar accompanied by stand up bass and drums. They played without a break for about an hour and a half and the result was just fantastic.
Best Member Events
Robert Earl Keen Session at In Your Ear Studio in Richmond
How can you not have fun when a legendary Americana performer sits down to talk and play three songs for you? Even better, we expected only Robert and an accompanist but instead he brought along the full band.
Sunday Brunch at Red Wing Roots Music Festival
Getting to see and talk to such a large number of WNRN members is just great!
1. Bonny Light Horseman – this trio of artists boggle my mind! Truly a treat to see live, this year or any year! Lucky to have caught them at The Howard Theatre in DC, Red Wing Roots Festival at Mt. Solon and with the NSO in the Kennedy Centre. Always just an absolute pleasure.
2. Bug Club – tuned into New Rock Now and heard the riff of Lonsdale Slipons and was hooked! I pre-ordered the album on the spot. Can’t wait to see them live!
3. Francis of Delirium – this album sneaks up on you, and their live show goes off! Highly recommend seeing them when they visit the US again.
4. The Cure – I’ve been a longtime fan (since my teens) and this album does not disappoint. The Royal Mail delivered my special edition vinyl to the wrong address so I’m still fully sulking about that. I hope someone is at least listening to it. Did someone say Disintegration?
5. Iron & Wine – one of my favourite artists of all time! This album is another beaut from Mr. Sam Beam & co. Lush, poetic – just gorgeous! The shadow puppet show at his live show in DC also brought an extra special dimension to the music.
6. Jack White – what to say? Mr. Jack White! I was lucky enough to be in the front of the ticket-buying queue to get tickets for his underplay show at The Atlantis! No surprises, that gig was FIRE!
7. Sprints – these Irish garage punk rockers make my heart swell. Front row centre nearly got moshed flat-on-my-face on the singer’s monitor at the DC9 show in March and sensibly chose balcony viewing for our second go-around at The Atlantis show in September. Such a fun band!
8. St. Vincent – a return to Annie Clark rocking out is always good in my book! Can’t wait for the 2025 Pavilion show!!!
9. Waxahatchee – such a gorgeous album from Katie Crutchfield. The supporting role of MJ Lenderman is one of my album highlights. Felt lucky to have caught Waxahatchee at The National in Richmond earlier in the year.
10. Yard Act – snarky and cheeky Leeds punk rockers consistently put on the best live shows. Love their commentary on the world as it is.
Honorable mentions:
- Humbird
- English Teacher
- Lime Garden
- Mannequin Pussy
- Sierra Ferrell
- Secret Sisters
- Dehd
- Fontaines DC
- Yannis and the Yaw
- Katie Pruitt
- Ducks Ltd.
1. Being Dead—EELS: Imagine the Pixies at three-quarter speed—or X on some very pleasant antidepressants—and BOOM, you have Being Dead. Uncomplicated, nerdy, effective, fun music that sounds just as good the sixty-third time you listen as the first.
2. Khruangbin—A La Sala: A vibe, as the kids say. Something low-key to savor and enjoy slowly. A soundtrack for something you shouldn’t be distracted from.
3. X—Smoke & Fiction: The last call for one of America’s most quietly influential bands (seriously, just look at how many guy/girl singer rock bands are on this list). You know what you’re getting with X, but damn, it still sounds good. Bittersweet and warm.
4. Los Campesinos—All Hell: It’s music for the caffeinated teenager in all of us: earnest, urgent, funny, heartfelt. The sort of album that makes you wonder (and feel some shame) about how you’re only just now hearing about this band.
5. English Teacher—This Could Be Texas: Maybe you’re a Lyrics Person. (I am, but my wife’s not.) If you happen to live in that tribe, this album’s for you. Tight, incredibly multi-layered, and eloquent.
6. Oh He Dead—Ugly: I have a tremendous soft spot for bands that mashup sounds, and this fused-up rock, funk, and soul album hits that sweet spot dead center. Plus, it’s the best band name I’ve heard in YEARS.
7. Black Keys—Ohio Players: It’s kinda fun to see Beck do for Dan Auerbach what Dan Auerbach’s done for a lot of artists: help spruce up the sound and reconnect it to something cool.
8. Waxahatchee—Tigers Blood: Pretty sure everyone else has this on their lists, too, and they’ve probably written more eloquently about it. It’s Waxahatchee. She’s amazing. What more is there to say?
9. Pissed Jeans—Half Divorced: My lizard brain likes music that’s loud, fast, and dumb. This album hits those first two hard. There’s something in here for everyone in the 18-49 demographic to bang his/her/their head to; we can all share a bleak laugh together about how much modern life sucks.
10. Johnny Blue Skies—Passage Du Desir: Sturgill by any other name sounds better than he has in a while. Equal parts Waylon and Gerry Rafferty, this album gets where it’s going at its own pace, and you won’t mind a bit.
1. Jack White – No Name
Old school Jack, rocking from start to finish!
2. Little Feat – Sam’s Place
Back in fine form with a bluesy slant (although they were always a blues based band) with percussionist Sam Clayton doing a great job on vocals. Fun album.
3. Shemekia Copeland – Blame it On Eve
Three Grammy noms and deserving of them all. Nobody does it like Shemekia.
4. Sue Foley – One Guitar Woman
Strongest release for Sue in quite a while. Guitar, vocals, songwriting in fine form and a strong tour behind it as well.
5. Billy Strings – Highway Prayer
An absolute virtuoso and not only in the bluegrass genre. A musician of his caliber comes along rarely. Technically excellent and entertaining at the same time.
6. Duke Robillard – Roll With Me
A recording started years ago and just now completed with many of the original Roomful Of Blues folks. A blues burner featuring one of my favorite blues guitarists. We Rhode Islanders gotta stick together!
7. The Black Keys – Ohio Players
A bluesy record with the expected Black Keys sound. A continuation of an outstanding career rather than breaking new ground. But good is good and nobody does Black Keys like Black Keys.
8. JJ Grey & Mofro – Olustee
Energy energy energy. Not a bad cut on it. Party record with thoughtful lyrics.
9. MRCY – Volume 1
Great songwriting, great arrangements. Old school soul that somehow sounds current.
10. Yard Act – Where’s My Utopia?
Haven’t stopped listening to this since it came out. Quirky, fun, way funky, and silly but most of all, a great time for a Friday/Saturday night.
- Altered Five Blues Band – Testifyin’ (EP) A fan from the start. A best kept secret blues band and I got to meet them this year!!
- Colin James – Chasing The Sun Not a bad track on it and we played “Protection” with Lucinda Wiliams for a nanosecond.
- Rick Estrin & The Nightcats – The Hits Keep On Coming Yet another in a long list of outstanding releases from one of the best blues bands in the country
- Justin Golden – Golden Country Vols 1 & 2 Classic covers with a local VA bluegrass band. Country blues at its finest from a Commonwealth performer I wasn’t familiar with.
- Brittany Howard – What Now Always intriguing and fresh. She’s from parts unknown musically and we are all better for it.
- Father John Misty – Mahashmashana The few tracks we’ve gotten to hear are outstanding. Would have definitely been in the top 10 If I had gotten to hear the whole thing.
- Leon Bridges – Leon Classy, soulful, smooth, silky with a bit of Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson thrown in for good measure. Chill.
- Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets – Indoor Safari Nick gettin up there in age but still producing timeless music.
- Phosphorescent – Revelator Solid release.
- Pixies – The Night The Zombies Came. Didn’t like it as much as Doggerel but as a hardcore Pixies fan, couldn’t leave it out.
- The Cure – Songs Of A Lost World Spellbinding but not breaking new ground. Trancelike as normal but an OK Cure album is better than a really good album from just about anybody else.
- Thee Sacred Souls – Got A Story To Tell I’ve liked everything they’ve done so far and this adds to that list. Great sound from a super talented vocal band.
- Warren Haynes – Million Voices Whisper At this point in his career Warren can do anything he likes and it all comes out with style and grace and depth. Really nice album.
1. Bonny Light Horseman – Keep Me On Your Mind/See You Free
2. Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood
3. Aoife O’Donovan – All My Friends
4. Charley Crockett – $10 Cowboy
5. Maggie Rogers – Don’t Forget Me
6. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats – South Of Here
7. Ray LaMontagne – Long Way Home
8. Shelby Lynne – Consequences of the Crown
9. JJ Grey & Mofro – Olustee
10. JP Harris – JP Harris Is A Trash Fire
1. Dan Tyminski – Live From The Ryman
2. Lonesome River Band – The Winning Hand
3. Amanda Cook – Restless Soul
4. The Grascals – 20
5. Authentic Unlimited – So Much For Forever
6. Barry Abernathy – Blue Collar Gospel: Songs from the Pen of Rick Lang
7. Tony Trischka – Earl Jam: A Tribute To Earl Scruggs
8. Various Artists – Bluegrass Sings Paxton
9. Various Artists – Silver Bullet Bluegrass
10. Dave Adkins – What I’m For
Bonus: Junior Sisk – If There’s a Will There’s a Way
The Po Ramblin Boys – Wanderers Like Me
Daniel Grindstaff – Heroes And Friends
Daryl Mosley – Long Days And Short Stories
1. Amyl & The Sniffers – Cartoon Darkness
2. IDLES – Tangk
3. Soccer Mommy – Evergreen
4. Fontaines D.C. – Romance
5. MJ Lenderman – Manning Fireworks
6. Nada Surf – Moon Mirror
7. St. Vincent – All Born Screaming
8. Sleater-Kinney – Little Rope
9. Japandroids – Fate & Alcohol
10. Charli XCX – Brat
1. Angie McMahon – Light Sides EP
2. Norah Jones – Visions
3. Future Islands – People Who Aren’t There Anymore
4. Fontaines D.C. – Romance
5. Brigitte Calls Me Baby – The Future Is Our Way Out
6. Illiterate Light – Arches
7. Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood
8. Maggie Rogers – Don’t Forget Me
9. Soccer Mommy – Evergreen
10. Beabadoobee – This Is How Tomorrow Moves
1. The Last Dinner Party – Prelude To Ecstasy
2. Clairo – Charm
3. Beabadoobee – This Is How Tomorrow Moves
4. Vampire Weekend – Only God Was Above Us
5. Bleachers – Bleachers
6. Faye Webster – Underdressed at the Symphony
7. Orla Gartland – Everybody Needs a Hero
8. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – Long After Dark (Deluxe Edition)
9. Wallows – Model
10. Maggie Rogers – Don’t Forget Me
Bonus: Sabrina Carpenter – Short and Sweet
1. Brigitte Calls Me Baby – The Future Is Our Way Out
2. Camera Obscura – Look To The East Look To The West
3. Paul Kelly – Fever Longing Still
4. Real Estate – Daniel
5. Richard Thompson – Ship to Shore
6. Ride – Interplay
7. Rubblebucket – Year Of The Banana
8. The Cactus Blossoms – Every Time I Think About You
9. The Cure – Songs Of A Lost World
10. The The – Ensoulment
