As 2024 comes to a close, one thing is abundantly clear—this year was monumental for music. From deeply personal indie projects to genre-defying hip-hop albums and everything in between, artists across the globe delivered soundtracks to our lives. These albums carried us through moments of joy, heartbreak, growth, and pure celebration, weaving themselves into the fabric of our everyday experiences.

For this year’s AoTY feature, we asked our team to share the albums that left the biggest impression on them—albums that stood out not just for their artistry but for how they connected with us on a personal level. From unexpected anthems to deeply nostalgic melodies, here are the records that defined our year.

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Sweet Ohio Light – Adam Paddock

Release Date: October 6, 2024

Genre: Indie Folk / Singer-Songwriter

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To me, the summer of 2024 will always be the summer of Sweet Ohio Light. This album is masterfully crafted and deeply resonates with my Midwest roots. At this point in my life, I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else but Ohio, and ending the album with the title track captures that feeling perfectly.

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I lived in the middle of a national park this summer, and the song Sweet Ohio Light feels like the soundtrack to that experience. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to hear this album live about four times this year, and the studio recording captures the energy and passion of Paddock’s live performances. Even though the full album dropped in October, I played it so much that it became my top album of the year on my replay.

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While every track has something special, The Night I First Met Love stands out with the lyrics:

“You’re not a drop in the ocean, but every single sea under the sun. You’re not a spark in the moment, but every single moment all in one.”

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These words perfectly express how I feel about the people I care about—it’s something I’ve always felt but never could put into words until now. Do yourself a favor and listen to Sweet Ohio Light all the way through in one sitting. I promise you, it’s the best 38 minutes you’ll hear.

—Jennifer Noga

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Twisters: The Album – Various Artists

Release Date: April 12, 2024

Genre: Pop Country / Soundtrack

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Look, I’m not a big fan of modern pop country. I think it’s mostly a bunch of rich people in Nashville taking advantage of our national desire to either feel like or be recognized as down-to-earth, hardworking people. Twisters: The Album, though? This is how you do a classic “the movie sells the album sells the movie sells the album” kind of thing.

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After finishing Twisters, I blared this album in the car with my friends, and it didn’t leave my regular rotation until… well, sometime in the future. The music ties in perfectly with the movie’s iconography and memory while also standing alone as a genuinely entertaining song.

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“Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” got all the buzz when the album dropped, but the second track, “Ain’t in Kansas Anymore” (don’t worry, all the songs don’t start with ain’t), is the real gem. As the movie’s credits song, it brings incredible energy without being the album closer, showing how intentional the tracklist is. Even if you’re not a pop-country fan, I encourage you to give it a listen.

—Ellison Winterstein

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The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess – Chappell Roan

Release Date: September 22, 2024

Genre: Pop

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Where do I even begin? This year has been quite the ride for me personally—I’ve moved three times (within Miami), had three different jobs, and gone through a divorce. But I’m in a much better place now! I’m still healing, working, working out, and living my best life. (Oh, and I watch The Basement Yard every single day. I truly can’t get enough of Joey and Frankie!)

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Through all the ups and downs, the most constant thing I’ve held onto this year has been The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. Chappell Roan’s words and music have always put a smile on my face. If you’re lucky, you might even catch me belting out her lyrics while riding my bike around town!

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My top pick from the album? Pink Pony Club. This track was my anthem during my brief stint as a drag king this year. Nothing felt more liberating than stepping on stage, pushing myself out of my timid shell, and hearing the crowd chime in. If you know the song, you know how freeing it is—it’s pure magic.

—Margaret Alice

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Modal Soul – Nujabes

Release Date: November 11, 2005 (Rediscovered in 2024)

Genre: Lo-Fi Hip-Hop / Jazz Hop

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Nujabes, often called the godfather of lo-fi, is more than just “study music” or background noise. After photographing Shing02’s tour featuring tracks from Modal Soul, I can confidently say it’s anything but chill in a live setting. The energy Shing02 brought to the stage was electric, and I hope you all get the chance to experience it live someday—it’s unforgettable.

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One of my favorite tracks from the album is Luv(Sic) Part 3 (ft. Shing02). Interestingly, this track wasn’t even supposed to be on the album. It was originally planned for a standalone 12” vinyl release. However, after some disagreements between Shing02 and Nujabes about its release, the track was leaked, gained massive attention, and ultimately earned its place on Modal Soul. I thought that backstory was a neat little piece of music history worth sharing.

‍—Stephen “Wing” Ong

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Welcome to Suffocate City – The Funeral Portrait

Release Date: November 3, 2024

Genre: Post-Hardcore / Emo

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This album showcases The Funeral Portrait’s signature theatrical energy, blending intense emotional delivery with dynamic instrumentation. Their sound masterfully combines post-hardcore and emo influences with cinematic storytelling, creating an immersive experience.

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The track You’re So Ugly When You Cry (ft. Bert McCracken of The Used) was the first song that truly hooked me. It was on repeat for days. Seeing frontman Lee Jennings’s heartfelt reaction to hearing Bert McCracken’s voice on their song made it even more special. Artists like The Funeral Portrait remind us that they’re more than just the faces we see on stage or the voices we hear through speakers—they’re people, too, sharing their emotions, struggles, and triumphs with us. The band often celebrates these genuine moments with their fans, creating a unique and heartfelt connection.

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Stay Weird is another standout track. I believe it’s destined to become an anthem for anyone who feels like they don’t quite fit into society’s mold.

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The title track, Suffocate City (ft. Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills), is an explosive fusion of theatrical rock and post-hardcore energy. Listening to it feels like stepping into a dark yet captivating story, carried by dynamic vocals and haunting melodies. This track, which hit #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, is a testament to the band’s talent and hard work—it’s unforgettable.

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Notably, The Funeral Portrait has been named an artist to watch by Pandora Ten for 2025.

—Sophia Bronwyn

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Alligator Bites Never Heal – Doechii

Release Date: March 8, 2024

Genre: Hip-Hop

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The Secret of Us – Gracie Abrams

Release Date: July 19, 2024

Genre: Indie Pop

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So, I know I’m only supposed to pick one, but I’m too indecisive, and this year has been insane for music. While I’m not convinced I can choose a single favorite, these two projects stand out when I think about the year as a whole.

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Let’s start with my girl Doechii. I’ve been following her art for a while, and to say her blow-up was long overdue is an understatement. She’s been creating innovative Hip-Hop since she started taking music seriously, and her deep appreciation for both the genre and the culture shines through in her work. Alligator Bites Never Heal is a chef’s kiss of an album, blending subgenres of rap, exploring the deepest parts of her mind, and tying it all together into a masterpiece. Doechii is a lyrical genius, showcasing her creativity, lyricism, and both her rapping and singing abilities.

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My favorite tracks from this project are FIREFLIES, DENIAL IS A RIVER, and NISSAN ALTIMA. Each one perfectly encapsulates the strengths of the album, making it a must-listen for anyone who loves innovative rap.

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On the other hand, Gracie Abrams’s The Secret of Us is an album I’ve returned to repeatedly since its release. It’s the epitome of girlhood, heartbreak, and love, capturing every emotion within the stages of a relationship in such a beautifully feminine way. It’s the kind of album you imagine the main character of a coming-of-age film singing along to in her car—girly, witty, and laced with just enough grit and anger to deliver an emotional punch.

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If you’re navigating breakups, crushes, or anything in between, this album is the perfect soundtrack. My favorite songs (narrowing this down was hard) are Risk, Felt Good About You, and Let It Happen. These tracks perfectly represent the emotions and scenarios Gracie explores, and they’re absolute gut-wrenching bangers. Trust me, scream-singing these in your car is an experience you don’t want to miss.

‍—Emma Gabriel

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2024 was a year full of bold, innovative music that resonated on a deeply personal level for so many. These albums not only soundtracked our lives but also connected us with the artists who poured their hearts and souls into their craft. Whether it was through the raw energy of a live performance, the depth of introspective lyricism, or the freedom of experimental sounds, each of these records helped define a moment in time.

As we look toward the future, we can’t wait to see what the next wave of artists will bring. Until then, these albums will continue to live on in our playlists, hearts, and memories.

What albums made an impact on you this year? We’d love to hear your thoughts and share in the musical journey. Here’s to an exciting year ahead, filled with even more groundbreaking sounds.