Jimmy NaNa – Singles: Obligatory mention of my latest releases. I put out a brand new song “Back in the Day”, a reimagined version of “Regret It” and a cover of Tyrone Wells’ “You’re the One.” They are all available everywhere you press play.
Velositor – Earth to Mars (Redux): Another obligatory mention, this one for my band. We released a completely remixed and remastered version of our second EP. Included are 7 bonus tracks consisting of reimagined versions of every song on the EP, plus our holiday medley and our recent single featuring (hed) P.E. singer, Jahred. Also streaming everywhere you press play.
And now, in no particular order, the albums I liked most from 2024.
Zakk Sabbath – Doomed Forever Forever Doomed: A double album of classic Black Sabbath songs covered by none other than Zakk Wylde. I was lucky enough to see them on their tour for 2024 and they did not disappoint. Hearing these songs with a modern mix and production style coupled with Zakk’s shredding breathes new life into them.
Teenage Wrist – Still Love: This latest effort continues with the 90s grunge meets modern alternative rock sound. Catchy melodies and riffs throughout and a good balance of hard rock with pop sensibilities had me put this on repeat for a couple months.
LL Cool J – The Force: I’ve always been a fan of LL’s greatest hits, but never really got through a full album. I won’t call it a comeback, but his return on this album is absolutely full of “The Force.” Q-Tip’s production perfectly matches LL’s flow and energy and with features from so many legends, this album hits 100% of the time for me.
311 – Full Bloom: There really isn’t a 311 album I don’t like. Full Bloom might be their most understated sound in awhile, but this album really connected with me. The songwriting is fairly simple but was effective at drawing me in and keeping me in the chill vibes. There are a couple tracks I could take or leave on a relatively short release for them, but this one is still getting significant spins from me.
thrown – Excessive Guilt: There aren’t too many bands that I feel match the energy and chaos of Slipknot’s self titled release, but this is one of them. They seamlessly mix elements of hardcore, hip hop and electronic, creating a nu-metalcore sound that is all their own. My only complaint is that the album is too short. But that makes it easy to play over and over.
Red Handed Denial – A Journey Through Virtual Dystopia: Another solid album that hits hard but is full of delicate and soaring melodies. Every song has me banging my head as much as I was singing along. If the band Issues continued the direction they took with their album Headspace, I could see it sounding like RHD.
Linkin Park – From Zero: The first album without Chester was definitely a risk but I ended up liking this much more than I expected to. All the songs have the concise songwriting that LP is known for and feels more like their first two albums than anything they’ve released in between. I’m hoping for more to come from this new configuration.
Kendrick Lamar – GNX: Truth be told, I really didn’t get into Kendrick’s previous albums. But this one I connected with from the first play-through. The simplicity in the beats and direct delivery of the lyrics appealed to me.
D.R.U.G.S. – Until God Shows: After an 11 year break, Craig came back with a solid effort in the “Destroy Rebuild” album. However, 2 years later, the second part, “Until God Shows,” tops that for me. Continuing in the post hardcore genre, this album turns everything up to 11. The production and writing are great and the hooks are as catchy as ever.
Post Malone – F-1 Trillion: While I’m not a country fan by any definition, I can appreciate good songs in any genre. This album has quite a few. I could’ve done without most of the featured singers, as I think they actually detract from the songs. It’s refreshing to hear Post Malone singing over a full band. When he’s the one singing, it has more of a southern or roots rock feel rather than the country-pop it’s targeting. I would like to hear his next effort push further into the rock genre that this album hints at.
Cheem – Fast Fashion & Faster Fashion: I stumbled upon this band recently and immediately loved their sound. While it doesn’t sound like it’s from the 90s, it has the appeal that a lot of 90s music had to me. Experimental, genre-crossing, catchy tunes across the board, with some angst and heaviness thrown in.
Talib Kweli & J. Rawls – The Confidence of Knowing: A solid collaboration between the two. The production feels fresh but with calls back to 90s hip-hop and 60s R&B. Lyrics and flow are impressive as one would expect with these two on the mic.
Mouth Culture – Whatever the Weather: A newer band that has really impressed me. The singer has a very intriguing voice and writing style. The modern alternative rock sound they put forth is both eclectic and accessible. It reminds me of Incubus during their Make Yourself & Morning View era.
Diamond Construct – Angel Killer Zero: I’m always excited to hear what new sounds these guys come up with. This album pushes forward with the electronic/nu elements they introduced in their previous EP. High energy, full throttle with a bounce throughout the tracklist. Hoping they come nearby on a tour soon.
Daath – The Decievers: Technical death metal at it’s best is a good way to describe Daath’s first album since 2010. Huge orchestral arrangements give the songs an epic aura that perfectly suits the heavy riffs, classical style leads and brutal vocal performances.
Many Eyes – The Light Age: When ETID broke up after putting out one of their best albums, it was definitely disappointing. However, Many Eyes somewhat fills that void. While not as frantic or complex as ETID, this album leans in the direction of their more melodic tunes, while retaining a healthy dose of metalcore. A bit of a cross between ETID and The Damned Things.
Bring Me the Horizon – Post Human: NeX GEn: A little heavier than the direction they were headed the last few albums, but this album doesn’t hold back on ideas.
Honorable Mentions:
Foreign Hands – What’s Left Unsaid
Dayseeker – Replica
Boundaries – Death Is Little More
Alien Ant Farm – ~mAntras~
Eminem – The Death of Slim Shady