It's late, but it's finally here! Here's my 2024 best of.
Charli XCX- In the end, it was always going to be Brat, wasn’t it? Return of Saturn album with club music is a smart subversion. Other people have probably better comments on the influences but this is the fastest a Charli album grew on me since Number 1 Angel. I loved the collabs (apparently not enough to know it was 4.99 for both editions of the album since the first week it came out on iTunes), the marketing, you name it. The whole album is packed with hits but my favorites are Von Dutch, Club Classics, B2B, 365, Guess, I Think About it All the Time, Sympathy is a Knife, and Rewind.
Halsey- Halsey has grown on me more with each project, leading me to assume that her Trent Reznor produced album would be my favorite one because it would be a one time thing. Thankfully, that’s not true. I’m not the biggest Halsey stan, but I’ve seen people talk about their identity a lot, like misc Tumblr stories, being a “hipster” while collaborating with the Chainsmokers, and very wide range of musical influences, which makes her treated/perceived unfairly. Halsey intentionally/unintentionally spins this on its head by having a biographical and personal album with Halsey’s influences having their heart on their sleeves. My favorites are Arsonist and Lonely is the Muse.
Cece Natalie- Indie version of Brat. If 2009 was an album. 754, Taxi, Cappucino, and Waitress are my favorites. A bedroom pop that came out of nowhere that I only learned about from RateYourMusic. Recommended if you got into Formspring trauma that still impacts you to this day. She had a 2nd project in 2024 as well.
Porter Robinson- Last year (2024) was a year where a lot of personal and societal milestones did not happen, but I guess it ended up being the year I got into Porter Robinson. I never knew him in his DJ era, his 2021 album (side note: Learning I have grouped him and AG cook together as the same person) or his retro inspired Virtual Self side project (Do you know any electronic projects going for a late 90’s/early 2000’s sound? DM me!) or that he was sampled by Mariah but it turns out that adding some rock to his sound helped me like him more. My favorites include Cheerleader, Kitsune Maison Freestyle, and Is There Really Any Happiness?
BlackStarKids- Hip hop trio that blends everything from hyperpop to drum and bass to jazzier live instruments. Singing about imaginative and personal lyrics. Respectfully, they sound like an internet poisoned Digable Planets. Recommended if you like Brockhampton. My favorite song is Saturn Dayz but I also like The Emancipation of Stevie Wonder, Love is a Moshpit, and Stereotype.
Megan the Stallion- This following sentence is peak “writing just to write”-best-of-itis but somehow this album was more consistent, personal, and dare I say, dark, to me than her prior albums which were closer to the shooting. My favorites include Hiss, Otaku Hot Girl, Mamushi, and BAS. Megan did not fall for the weak self titled album trap.
Roy Blair- I first learned about Roy Blair from Brockhampton (remember them?) from Twitter(remember that?) and enjoyed his 2017 indie pop debut and 2020 left field electronic EP but never kept up with him after. He came back with a new album that expands on the drum and bass and UK garage sound from his EP. Amberwood, Panavision, and Plum are my favorites. Recommended if you like PinkPanthress.
The Cure- At this point, the way I listen to music is so messy where I just skip reunion albums because of time. The Cure was able to sneak by because I actually heard their singles for the album (I usually skip any single for any pre album at this point because I don’t want to be spoiled by 5/9ths of a tracklist in an 18 month launch. Yes, I’m aware that this sounds very High Fidelity, and I’ve missed random singles that don’t make tracklists but I told you I was messy). Although the songs are long, they never overlast their stay. I’m not going to have the audacity to describe The Cure’s vocals to you but they sound the same as they did on Disintegration or Wish. Alone and Fragile Thing are highlights.
MJ Lenderman- Country tinged slacker rock from the Wednesday guitarist. She’s Leaving You, Wristwatch, and Bark at the Moon which sounds like a country Diamond Sea by Sonic Youth, are my favorites.
Allie X- Allie has tried sounds all over indie pop but my favorite is her foray into dark disco. A lot of people have been doing it since the disco revival started (which is different from nu disco) and I’ve either been let down or they turned out to be a loser (like that certain shellfish lady who couldn’t help herself…). Galina and Weird World are highlights.
Twikipedia- Shoegaze with a sugar rush. Although I just learned about them this year, this is their 5th album. Very accessible indietronica/emo which is surprising because they are a 20 year old from Brazil and their earlier albums are digicore or emo rap. Recommended if you like Yeule, Jane Remover, or Asian Glow and Weatherday. Figure Me Out is my favorite track on the album.
Joey Valence and Brae- Pastiche oriented rap where the sum is greater than the parts. Beastie Boys or Bad Boy Chiller Crew fans would enjoy this album. OK, the Baddest, and John Cena are my highlights.
Slater- No, not that one. Genre bending band from Vada Records. 8 tracks but covers a lot of ground. Listen if you like Cowgirl Clue, 100 gecs, or Frost Children. FM Thoughts is very Soundcloud rap, Familia reminds me of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Santa Ana Bounce is chill. Water Calling and Always down for something remind me of Sublime.
Beabadoobee- After trying a more idiosyncratic indie pop album, Beabadoobee went back to her trademark turn of the millennium lite-fm throwback sound. My favorites include Take a Bite, California, and Real Man.
Fontaines DC- The Irish band continues to broaden their sounds from post punk. My favorites include trip hop sounding album opener Romance, and Supernatural era Foster the People-sounding Favorite.
Sabrina Carpenter- I was literally the last person to the party for Sabrina, so I don’t have to make the sales pitch but I’m still amazed at the odds of the best friend from the Boy Meets world reboot making it 6 albums into her career, especially after the Driver’s License stuff. Anyway, she put out a genuinely fantastic album with funny lyrics and genre flourishes like country or Atlanta bass. This Carpenter nailed the record. My favorites are Don’t Smile, Lie to Girls, and the singles.
Micah Daley White- I think I only found out about this album through playing with the genre chart on RYM which I think is unfair because it’s a very strong debut by a social media personality. It’s a very original and unique set of music although the short song lengths feel a little more vision board-y at times. He has a great, deep voice that work through all the different styles he uses on the album whether it's rock, pop, or R&B. My favorites are Cold, Lust, On, Why Do You Take Me So Serious? I googled for a Bandcamp link and found a Gofundme instead, so we better work on that.
Tinashe- Tinashe continues proving RCA wrong by putting out her patented unique brand of R&B. This EP features accidental hit Nasty as well as my favorites, Red Flag and When I Get You Alone. It’s hard to complain about short EP releases when they’re this consistent.
Cassandra Jenkins- Minimal singer songwriter. Listen if you loved Norman Rockwell by Lana Del Rey but dropped her after her question for the culture. My favorites on the album are Clams Casino and Delphinium Blue.
Amira Elfeky- If Lonely is the Muse by Halsey was spun off into a whole album. Some might say this is too on the nose for Deftones tributes, but this Palestinian singer really goes all out. Coming Down and A Dozen Roses are my favorites. Listen if you want to pre-claim a post grunge revival or have read too many RYM threads about butt rock.
Toro y Moi- After being a leading pioneer for chillwave, Toro Y Moi kind of lost some clout because he tried more organic music and had a few “can’t we all just get along?” takes. Him trying his hand at cloud rap sounds like it would be a mess on paper, but it somehow works. There’s even a Ben Gibbard appearance on the album! My favorites are Hollywood, Heaven, and Tuesday.
Vitesse X- The last time Vitesse X made it to my best of list, I praised her as being the most electronic artist ever and being a straightforward DJ but funnily enough, this time she changed to a more indie guitar based sound that you can still chill out to. My favorite is Something in the Air.
Lion Babe- This pivot towards house music might’ve come as a shock towards long time Lion Babe fans, especially me, who didn’t know about their 2021 album. Nice, sincere dance music with a great use of Jillian’s vocals. In My Bag and Take a Break are highlights.
Doechii- The former tiktoker had her break out year with this project. Catchy, personal, inventive, humorous storytelling. With pop fans becoming more interested in rap, I’m curious to see if people can start to pay attention to different genres or scenes but I think this can be a gateway project for Southern influenced rap for pop fans. Denial is a River and Nissan Altima are my favorites.
Little Hag- Little Hag is a NJ based band who used to perform under the name Avery Mandeville and put out high quality rock music to local coverage, but she took her music down and I just assumed quit music. Lo and behold, she just became a band. The Suburbs is my favorite ode to not immediately moving to NYC after graduation. Listen if you like Chappell Roan.
This has been my latest posted Best of list. I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older and enjoying new music less (probably not), because I’m writing less posts in between best of posts so I have less ideas for how to write reviews, because I put too much weight into it (Seriously, I try to remind myself that I don’t even use scores and that I can’t name best ofs from previous years), or because I cast too wide of a net. Looking at past years, I saw some funny things that made me realize I shouldn’t take my best of seriously. Last year, I not only didn’t have Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess on my list, I removed it earlier on in my discovery period (Too Tumblr pop, or regular pop while trying to pass off as something more special, was my verdict. Then Chappell began to slowly dominate the charts, and I saw the errors of my ways. Two years ago, I wrote an extra review for SZA’s album SOS, and I was going to just decide if it would make it to my final list on the spot before publication. However, I never picked an album for it to take out (Also, now I see that I didn’t reorder my reviews to match the picture). Without further ado, here is the list.
Brat by Charli XCX- Duh. Charli usually loses me in the in between era interviews/social media activity, but just like always, she's able to come back on top. A+ Execution for the music videos, artwork, and mishmash of brash electronic music that takes inspiration from 2010 EDM and Radiohead alike. Von Dutch, Mean Girls, Girl So Confusing, Sympathy is a Knife, B2B
The Great Impersonator by Halsey- Dropped from the Capital contract, dealing with a lot of health issues, and transitioning to single parenthood, Halsey was undeterred from making this sweeping and personal project. The songs are a true ragtag team of misfits from pop culture in the last 40 years tying together all parts of Halsey's life and musical influences. If I had to think of albums from the top of my Best ofs that affect me as much as my high school musical discoveries, this album will be there for me. Originally, I was most drawn to the 90's singer-songwriter trio, but I have now also been drawn to the 70's icon inspired songs. Panic Attack, Life of a Spider, The Arsonist, Dog Years, Only Living Girl in LA.
Short 'n' Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter - It turns out putting in effort, hard work, and clocking in for years can sometimes pay off, with Sabrina Carpenter finally getting recognition (Both by the general public and me). Carefree vocals with cheeky lyrics, and a good range of genres. The album's combination of pop songs and acoustic/country/folk songs was probably what people wished starcrossed by Kacey Musgraves sounded like. Please, Please, Please, Taste, Coincidence, Good Graces, Espresso, Don't Smile
No Hands by Joey Valence & Brae- On Rateyourmusic, there was a genre debate about if rap was technically a secondary genre from electronic music. While the arguments were too complex for me to totally understand (or recap), No Hands by Joey Valance and Brae shows that some of my favorite rap music is to dance to. A+ pastiches and infusions of jazz rap, drum and bass, and hip house. What U Need, The Baddest, No Hands, Like a Punk
Saturn Dayz by BLACKSTARKIDS - A good chemistry among the trio and a good balance between urgent drum and bass beats and laidback psychedellic vibes. Killjoy, Boy Go 2 Jupiter, Emancipation of Stevie Wonder
For the Rest of Your Life by twikipedia- New electronic shoegaze. At first, the enunciation was an issue for me. Over more listens, though, the melodies became catchy enough where it felt like humming a song from a dream. Energetic and wistful at the same time. Boy, dry your eyes, garden
Feeling Not Found by Origami Angel- For not having had much connection to emo in its earlier waves, the 'crossover'/post referential era of recent years has been enjoyable for me. Is it the nostalgia talking? Being removed enough from any scenes where I can’t be a hater towards either the bands or fans who I would make fun of before, in more interconnected times? ‘Straightforward’ 90’s-esque alternative rock shrinking in the current music scene, forcing me to find emo/pop punk music like a polar bear venturing south of the Arctic for food? Whatever the reason is, Origami Angel’s lyrics resonate with me for being about growing up and self-improvement when it’s just. so . hard. (Side note: How long have I been writing best ofs? How many albums have growing up as the main theme?) My favorite songs are Dirty Mirror Selfie, Feeling Not Found, and HM07 Waterfall.
Miss Behaves by Cece Natalie - I am adding Cece Natalie to my Myspace Top 8 with this late 2000’s inspired album. Is this Blackout 2.0? Not quite. But if you are one of the brave people who stand by the song Paper Gangsta by Lady Gaga, then this album is for you. Crunchy electropop goodness. 754, Limit, Exitin.
Skin to Skin by Amira Elfeky- A heavy, but concise project inspired by the Deftones and Evanescence. Yes, it is an EP that is as long as an episode of a sitcom, with one song having two versions, but Elfeky knocks it out of the park with her performance. Everything I Do is for You and Tonight (Symphony).
This Infinite by Vitesse X - Vitesse X’s robot facade starts to warm up with a more human sound. While her first album worked (very) well as a mood piece, in this project, the songs are a little less art project and slightly easier to show to friends or play at a store radio playlist. End of Forever, Bliss Beat, Realize.
Smile! :D by Porter Robinson- When I listen to new releases, my mind immediately searches for albums to compare it to from the previous year. Smile! :D reminded me of Ooh Rap I Ya by George Clanton when I first heard it, for the pensive dance party vibe with songs about reflecting on their careers. I don’t really hear it anymore, but this album is still unique to me. Like brat from this year, and the TV shows The Comeback and The Other Two, it wonders if the ‘sexy treadmill capitalist’ (To quote Alanis Morissette) of celebrity every pays off or slows down, and why are you always struggling to keep up with the runner on the treadmill next to you. Cheerleader and Is There Really No Happiness?
Quantum Baby by Tinashe - Over the last few years, Tinashe has been able to conquer space and time, but unfortunately, commercial success still seemed to be a frontier she couldn’t push through. With the runaway hit Nasty making it to a decent 61 on the Billboard Hot 100,.... Tinashe at least was successful enough to make RCA regret breadcrumbing her (Yes, weak definition of success). Though this album is very short, Tinashe still manages to balance fun ‘meme’ songs like Nasty and No Broke Boys with artsier, more nocturnal songs like Getting No Sleep and When I Get You Alone.
My Anti Aircraft Friend by julie - Whenever I wonder if it’s still worth making Best ofs, the random discoveries that stake a spot on my list from first listen will always make it worth it. This year’s entry was this slacker rock album that’s a perfect combination of the Swirlies and Sonic Youth. Clairborne Practice and Stuck in a Car with Angels.
Alligator Bites Never Heal by Doechii- So story time. I listened to my 2024 playlist from November until April, with breaks for seasonal playlists, but I thought Doechii wasn’t leaving an impression on me. I didn’t get why she didn’t stick with me, even if she was winning a Grammy or going viral for the music video for Denial is a River. Then I checked my playlist and I never added her. It was 3 weeks ago. Whoops. But when I did, the playlist immediately improved, so that is my endorsement of Doechii. Denial is a River and Hide and Seek.
Romance by Fontaines DC - After the gloomier Skinty Fia and the solo project Chaos for the Fly, Fontaines DC goes for a more straightforward, approachable rock sound… which doesn’t mean much for the band, as there music is still mysterious, brooding, and pensive. I like the standout Starburster (Which also introduced me to Jade’s perfect Angel of my Dreams) as well as the trippy Sundowner.
Nobody Loves You More by Kim Deal - Kim Deal came back with an innovative sound mixing 90’s alternative rock and … tropical lounge music? That sounds more like a random Family Guy punchline than reality, but it worked. Nobody Loves You More, Coast, Big Ben Beat.
Hit Me Hard and Soft by Billie Eilish- Not including Happier Than Ever in my 2021 best of is one of my ‘Maxwell Sheffield rejects Cats and can’t live it down’ moments for best ofs. This album, I remembered to keep my ears focused on the melodies in spite of the ambientness, and ignore the noise around Billie (Is she the voice of a generation? Can she have a comeback after Happier than Ever? How much does she owe the public as a role model? Does she get Oscars thrown at her [Note: After seeing the Best Original Song nominees, I can safely say she won both Oscars fair and square]). This album is perfect for a cold, rainy day. Skinny, Chihiro, Birds of a Feather, The Greatest, and The Diner.
Mirror Starts Moving Without Me by Pom Pom Squad- The brasher attitude of previous songs like Popular and Lux has been replaced with more introspective and self-conscious lyrics and feelings, even if the songs themselves are packaged in a friendly and catchy pop rock style. Downhill, Messages, Spinning, Everybody’s Moving On, The Tower.
This is How Tomorrow Moves by Beabadoobee- Good mix of indie rock and more twee, quiet music. Take a Bite, California, Real Man, Post.
Songs of a Lost World by The Cure- Generally, I hate when people are describing/reviewing projects of long runner favorite musicians, because people usually do the projects no justice by ignoring the passage of time, and referring to artists’ old works only.. ‘So and so is Confessions 2.0!’ ‘This song sounds straight out of 1993!’ Obviously, they are endorsements exaggerated for affection, and they’re only supposed to be reference points, but even musicians who are always accused of making the same album multiple times in a row (I was trying to avoid specific examples, but the dam is breaking, so…. P!nk) still have subtle changes where you can tell that the song isn’t just an unreleased demo from 2004. But put a pin in all of that, because Songs of a Lost World by the Cure feels like Disintegration 2.0, or the Music to Disintegration’s Ray of Light- same sound, but dedicated to the people who really love the sound (Disclaimer: Obviously I know that there were several albums after Disintegration, even if I have only listened to Wish and Wild Mood Swings). Usually I run away from post-rock and long run times for songs, but Songs of a Lost World grabs your attention with the cinematic songs. I wouldn’t realize it has been 16 years since the last album by The Cure, let alone 35 since Disintegration. Alone, A Fragile Thing, All I Ever Am, and I Can Never Say Goodbye.
hi!! i'm erika, and this is an introduction to myself!!
i am a transwoman who doesn't do a whole lot, but what i do love doing most is very predictable - playing indie games!! the posts that i make are more likely than not going to be multifandom, as i have a very wide variety of interests.
❥ Interests!!
General indie mascot horror (FNaF, Tattletail, Bendy, Poppy Playtime, etc.)
Little Nightmares
roblox games with good ost (Forsaken, untitled tag game, nico's nextbots, and a couple more)
MLP related stuff
Vylet Pony (kinda connects w the last one but whatever)
CRK (Cookie Run Kingdom)
Mouthwashing
Twikipedia
Jane Remover
Hyperpop
Beat Saber
acloudyskye
OneShot
Undertale/Deltarune
Rain World
Cult of the Lamb
Vocaloid content
Balatro
Sanrio
Celeste
Glitch Productions (Murder Drones, TADC, etc.)
Night in the Woods
KinitoPET
Life is Strange
Detroit: Become Human
Splatoon
Sonic
Femtanyl
my fav song is this
thats about all i can think of for now!
❥ Socials!!
Discord: chocolatemeowk2
the rest? my username on everything is chocolatemeowk on everything. if ya cant find me on something, it is probably because i dont have it.
❥ DNI
pedos, zoos, blah blah blah all those things youve seen it enough by now i imagine
homo/trans/xenophobes
those who judge others for music and/or interests... how about we just get along
thats about it i think
♥︎ Thank you for reading! Please interact if you'd like, I'm open to making new friends all the time. ♥︎
