Our Favorite Music of 2024 – 12 Albums We Recommend

2024 was a solid year for new music. Whether you were in the mood for classic artists doing what they do best, or your search led you to new discoveries, there was something for everyone. We want to be clear and upfront about the basis of this article. This isn’t a “Best Of” list or anything like that. These aren’t ranked either. This is simply a list of albums we enjoyed this year, and we felt they deserved a spotlight and recommendation.

We’ve also included a playlist with two tracks from each album which we are calling, “24 for ’24”. We hope you enjoy our short commentary for each album as well as the playlist which can be found at the end of this article.

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Josiah Queen – The Prodigal

Seemingly coming out of nowhere, Josiah Queen has nearly 3 Million (and counting) monthly listeners on Spotify. His upbeat brand of folk/bluegrass is reminiscent of Noah Kahan, and his lyrics display a maturity beyond his young age.

Check out: “Garden in Manhattan “and “The Prodigal”

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Gileah Taylor – Slow Parade

Do you long to feel transported to a simpler time and place? Look no further than Gileah Taylor’s wonderful new album. It’s all lovely sounds and textures and Taylor’s voice is the ingredient that makes it work so effortlessly. Find your favorite spot in your home, grab a warm drink, and soak up the mellow vibes Gileah is laying down.

Check out: “Summer Jubilee” and “Sweetness Surrounding”

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Chris Renzema – Manna

Singer/Songwriter Chris Renzema has been at it for a while, and he’s built a devoted following. I’ve enjoyed his music in the past, but never connected with anything he’s done like I have his 2024 record Mana. His song “Holy Ghost” is my most played song of the year, but the whole record is worth paying attention to. Smart lyrics that acknowledge doubt, but never give up hope. This is my leading contender for album of the year.   

Check out: “Holy Ghost”, “Manna”, “Narrow Road”

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Stryper – When We Were Kings

Yes, Stryper is still making music. In fact, they are more prolific than ever before. No, their new stuff isn’t as gigantically popular as their initial run of albums, but the quality of music has remained impressively high. When We Were Kings is more melodic than much of their most recent output, which made this listener very happy. These guys are still ROCKING 40 years into their career, and for that, we absolutely had to include them.

Check out: “Grateful” and “When We Were Kings”.

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Paper Horses – EP

Paper Horses is Leslie Jordan, Jess Ray, Taylor Leonhardt, & Sandra McCraken. Four extremely talented ladies that decided to combine their powers and give us six wonderful acoustic/folk songs. Here’s hoping we get a full length record from them in the future.

Check out: “In Everything “and “An Honest Word”

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Luxury – Like Unto Lambs

One of the most celebrated alt rock bands of the 90s in the CCM world is back with a new album. They have been on something of a hiatus for the last 20 or so years, but they still come together from time to time to bless the world with a new record. 2024’s Like Unto Lambs may be their best work since their heyday in the late 90s.

Check out: “Maker (Wheel Within a Wheel)” and “The Necklace (Make a Gesture, Start a Fight)”

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Sixpence None the Richer – Rosemarry Hill (EP)

One of my all-time favorites is back with their first new batch of songs in over a decade. The title track is one of the best songs the band has ever recorded and the whole EP is proof that they still have it.

Check out: “Rosemarry Hill” and “Julia” 

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The Call – The Lost Tapes

Technically this isn’t new material. The surviving band members got together to polish up some older, mostly unreleased tunes. Since the songs were originally recorded at different times over about a decade and a half the results are a bit uneven. When it works (and for the most part it does work!) the audience is in for a treat. Also, it’s just great to hear Michael Been’s voice again.

Check out: “Welcome to My World”, “Right Between the Eyes”, “What A Ride” 

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Luke Bower – Man on Fire (EP)

If you are looking for a little more passion and intensity in your music, Luke Bower is your man. This 5 song EP is bursting with emotion and lyrical honesty. This is acoustic-centered, folk-tinged, cry from the heart sort of music, and I’m here for it.

Check out: “Haunted” and “Not My Home”

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Judah and the Lion – The Process

The Process is a heady mix of raw, emotional lyrics coupled with bright, synth-laden music. At times, the album gets bogged down with the heavier subject matter, but at its best, it’s an incredibly powerful statement. (Language Warning for this album.)

Check out: “Heartbreak Syndrome” and “Only Want the Best”

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Future of Forestry – Symphonic Christmas (Live)

I won’t waste your time with a bunch of flowery words. I’ll keep it simple and direct. If you listen to one album this Christmas season, make it this one. It is one of the loveliest pieces of music I’ve ever had the joy and privilege of listening to.

Check Out: “Joy to the World” and “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”

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Benjamin Daniel – The Rain Falls Sideways

Dealing with difficult themes of pain and questioning, The Rain Falls Sideways is filled with a deep and profound hope. Benjamin Daniel is honest in his exploration of faith, and that honesty is evident in every song on this album. From beginning to end, The Rain Falls Sideways is passionately moving and musically impressive.

Check Out: “Westward” and “The Rain Falls Sideways”

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Wrapping up the music of 2024

We’ve barely scratched the surface with this piece. While we focused on these 12 albums, we realize there were numerous other albums that left their mark this year. Tell us about them on our social media platforms or in the comment section below. We always love to hear from our readers. Thanks for reading and listening. It means so much to us.