Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2024. Our next list is from DJ Sarah Spencer.

2024: another year of excellent music in the books! While I haven't numbered my list this year, the order is somewhat suggestive of my ranking (from 1-10). Here are a few of the albums that I really connected to this year.

My Method Actor by Nilüfer Yanya (Ninja Tune)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

A little grunge, a little RnB, I couldn't stop listening to this record this year. Standout tracks: Like I Say (I Runaway), Ready for Sun (touch), Just a Western

Small Changes by Michael Kiwanuka (Polydor)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

An artist I deeply admire, Michael Kiwanuka released yet another soul-enriching record at the end of the year. Another gold star in his catalogue, some of my favorite tracks include Floating Parade, Lowdown (pt 1), Stay By My Side

NO NAME by Jack White (Third Man Record)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

The record that finally made me a Jack White fan. Fuzzy, dirty bluesy rock for the annals. Standout tracks: Archbishop Harold Holmes, It's Rough on Rats (If You're Asking)

Night Reign by Arooj Aftab (Verve Records)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Another sensory delight from the Brooklyn-based Pakistani composer. Aftab is a modern treasure. Album highlights: Raat Ki Rani, Bolo Na, Whiskey

What Now by Brittany Howard (Island Records)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

The Alabama Shakes frontwoman returned with her second solo record, and man, this woman is fearless! She's a powerhouse that can tackle any style of music. Standout tracks: Prove it to You, What Now

Fearless Movement by Kamasi Washington (Young)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

The jazz saxaphonist / legend-in-the-making released another memorable record this year. Lots of collabs, and talent to the max! Album highlights: Prologue, Get Lit, Asha the First

Lives Outgrown by Beth Gibbons (Domino)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

The Portishead frontwoman released her first solo album this year. Written over a decade, the record addresses aging, motherhood, and mortality. Standout tracks: Floating on a Moment, Burden of Life

Quiet in a World Full of Noise by Dawn Richard & Spencer Zahn (Merge)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

I was so happy to see the collab between these two artists wasn't a one-and-done project when they released their 2nd record together this year. Soft, gorgeous music paired with Dawn's vulnerable lyrics and vocals. It's another beautiful album from the pair. Standout tracks: Traditions, Breath Out, Life in Numbers

Diamond Jubilee by Cindy Lee (self-released)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

Already being described by Pitchfork as the 3rd best record of the 2020s, this project by the artist, Patrick Flegel, this album sounds like a transmission from another era. Standout tracks: Baby Blue, Kingdom Come

Slang Spirituals by Lady Blackbird (BMG)

BUY: Reckless / Amazon

The powerhouse jazz vocalist, once called "the Grace Jones of jazz" released her second album this year. Standout tracks: Let Not (Your Heart Be Troubled), We'll Be Free Someday

Honorable Mentions

Some honorable mentions from me this year:

Yannis & the Yaw feat. Tony Allen - Lagos Paris London
This would be in my top 10 list, were it not an EP! "Rain Can't Reach Us" just might be my favorite track of the year.
The Cure - Songs of a Lost World
Marysia Osu - harp, beats & drums
Nubya Garcia - Odyssey
The Sorcerers - I Too Am A Stranger
Waxahatchee - Tiger's Blood
The Smile - Wall of Eyes

Find a playlist of my favorite songs of the year on Spotify