My Favorite Albums of 2024!

Check out our video of this article here:

Hey everyone, welcome back to the No Skip Blog! Today we’re counting down my top 20 favorite albums of 2024. 2024 just might have been the most remarkable year for music in the 2020s so far. With a wealth of incredible releases from both emerging and established artists paired with the creative hunger from the post-pandemic wave, we listeners were undeniably spoiled. But with so many standout albums, which ones captured my heart the most? Let’s dive in and find out!

Before jumping into the list itself, let’s go over some ground rules. My rankings are based on three major criteria: my personal enjoyment of the album and its tracks, the overall pacing and listenability of the record, and its impact on its respective genre. For eligibility, any album released between January 1st and December 31st qualifies. I always release these videos a bit later to make sure every release gets considered. Studio albums only—no live albums, deluxe editions, or compilations. Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s kick things off with some honorable mentions!

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**Honorable Mention 3: Aaron West and The Roaring Twenties – In Lieu of Flowers

After a decade of emotionally raw performances across the globe, Aaron West and The Roaring Twenties, led by Dan Campbell of The Wonder Years, released their third and most compelling album yet. This deeply personal record explores themes of nostalgia and unprocessed trauma, with tracks like Monongahela Park and Paying Bills at the End of the World standing out as emotionally gripping highlights. Blending emo, folk, Americana, and even touches of country, this album delivers a resonant, tear-jerking experience for listeners who are ready for a cathartic cry.

**Honorable Mention 2: 156/Silence – People Watching

The rise of Pittsburgh’s metallic hardcore powerhouse 156/Silence has been nothing short of inspiring. From their DIY beginnings to becoming a focal point in the online metal community, this band has hit a new high with People Watching. The record is an unrelenting storm of heavy riffs and crushing energy, as showcased by tracks like Character Development and Better Written Villain—the latter featuring a music video I had the honor of being a part of. Vocalist Jack Murray’s versatility is also on display in Product Placement, a track that seamlessly merges post-hardcore elements into their brutal sound. If you’re searching for top-tier heavy music from 2024, look no further than this album.

**Honorable Mention 1: Quadeca – Scrapyard

While technically a mixtape of unreleased tracks, if Scrapyard counted as a studio album it easily may have been one of the best. Quadeca’s creative genre-blending shines through as he fuses rap, shoegaze, noise pop, and emo rap into a sound that’s uniquely his own. Tracks like Guess Who and I Make It Look Effortless show off his energy, while emotional cuts like Easier and Pretty Privilege reveal his depth. Standout collaborations include A La Carte with Brakence and Texas Blue featuring Kevin Abstract. If this is what Quadeca considers “scraps,” I can’t wait to see what full project he creates next.

Now time for the actual list, enjoy!

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20. SeeYouSpaceCowboy - Coup De Grace

California’s SeeYouSpaceCowboy have continuously evolved their sound, and Coup De Grace is their most complete effort yet. Channeling the dramatic flair of early Panic! At The Disco and blending it with aggressive 2000s post-hardcore, this album is packed with unforgettable hooks. Tracks like Red Wine and Discontent and Silhouettes in Motion highlight the band’s knack for catchy yet intricate songwriting, while Connie’s piercing screams on Lubricant Like Kerosene cement her status as a vocal force in the scene. This theatrical yet razor-sharp album positions the band as a potential breakout act in 2025.

19. nothing,nowhere - Dark Magic

A pioneer of East Coast emo rap, nothing,nowhere’s 2024 output was nothing short of prolific with four albums released throughout the year. While Hell or Highwater showcased his experimentation with country influences, Dark Magic marked a return to his emo rap roots. Tracks like Tunechi, Pity Party, and No Emotion bring back his signature introspective lyricism, while others like Bad Luck and the title track adds depth and variety. Midway through, the album introduces a darker, Suicideboys-inspired vibe, demonstrating his versatility. It’s a testament to his ability to innovate while staying true to his core sound, and even if not every moment is necessarily for you, I think anyone will find at least a handful of tracks to love.

18. Carly Cosgrove - The Cleanest of Houses Are Empty

I’ve made it no secret how much I admire the Philadelphia emo group Carly Cosgrove. Since their arrival on the scene they’ve consistently delivered top-tier emo punk reminiscent of Philly legends like The Wonder Years, Modern Baseball, and The Menzingers. However, Carly Cosgrove brings a modern twist to their storytelling, perfectly aligning with the clever wit of fifth-wave emo. I adored their 2022 debut See You in Chemistry, and with The Cleanest of Houses Are Empty they’ve not only maintained their consistency, but enhanced it with singalong-worthy tracks like You Old Dog and Fluff My Pillow. The slower, introspective songs on the second half of the record such as The Impact of This Exit and North Star Bar tackle themes of existentialism and self-reflection. Lucas Naylor’s heartfelt vocal delivery shines, pulling you into every emotion. Their vulnerability and deeply personal lyrics continue to resonate, making this album another triumph in their discography.

17. glaive - May It Never Falter

A rising star in hyperpop since his breakout EP cypress grove, at just 15 years old glaive has spent the past few years exploring his sound. Now 20, the North Carolina native seems to have truly found his footing with his sophomore album, May It Never Falter. This record blends internet-fueled rap with the emo-folk influences of his earlier work, creating something uniquely his own. Tracks like For God and Country and ik showcase his emotional depth, while rap-heavy songs like Freudian and Count It Up highlight his versatility. The slower acoustic ballads, particularly joel and the rock-leaning Live & Direct, are also standout moments. Glaive’s ability to fuse multiple genres and make them cohesive is a testament to his growth as an artist. With so much potential and such a promising start to his career, glaive's future looks incredibly bright.

16. Make Them Suffer - Make Them Suffer

Australian metalcore giants Make Them Suffer return after four years with their self-titled album, marking their first release with clean vocalist and keyboardist Alex Reade. This record pushes the boundaries of modern metalcore, incorporating industrial and electronic elements alongside their trademark aggression. Tracks like Oscillator and Epitaph are powerful examples of their innovative sound, while fan favorites like Doomswitch and Ghost of Me showcase the band’s emotional depth and technical prowess. Sean Harmanis’ brutal screams paired with Alex’s melodic cleans strike a perfect balance, and the album’s production, helmed by Henrik Udd, elevates the entire experience. This is a landmark release for the band, setting them up as a key player in the future of the genre.

15. Origami Angel - Feeling Not Found

Washington, D.C. duo Origami Angel have become synonymous with fifth-wave emo, known for their infectious hooks, hopeful yet vulnerable lyrics, and chaotic instrumentation. With Feeling Not Found, the band delivers their boldest and most ambitious effort since 2019’s Somewhere City. This record seamlessly blends midwest emo, pop punk, indie rock, and hardcore, as heard on the dynamic opener Dirty Mirror Selfie. Across its 40-minute runtime highlights like HM 07 Waterfall, Where Blue Light Blooms, and Viral showcase introspective lyrics and upbeat energy. Meanwhile, tracks like Fruit Wine and Sixth Cents dive into the struggles of being a full-time musician. Origami Angel’s unapologetic approach and creative risks have solidified their place at the forefront of the genre, with Feeling Not Found standing as one of their most replayable releases.

14. Foxing - Foxing

When diving into Foxing’s self-titled album the best advice is to sit down and let it fully envelop you. This St. Louis band has evolved far beyond their 2014 breakout The Albatross, embracing art rock and noise rock influences to craft an intensely emotional listening experience. The album’s polarizing opener Secret History and single Greyhound set the stage for a journey that oscillates between raw anger, as on the skramz-heavy Hell 99, and ethereal melancholy, as on Hall of Frozen Heads and closing track Cry Baby. Foxing’s ability to create music that feels both crushingly heavy yet hauntingly beautiful makes this album a standout in their catalog and a testament to their artistic growth.

13. Makari - Wave Machine

Makari’s unique blend of swancore, alternative rock, and pop punk reaches new heights with Wave Machine. This marks their second full-length album and the first in six years, featuring the extraordinary vocals of Andy Cizek. Tracks like Eternity Leave, Contigo, and Breakers deliver catchy yet emotionally rich moments, while standout basslines on Gold Palace Kingdom and intense screams on Soulstealer highlight the band’s versatility. The closing ballad, And Now We Sleep in Endless Ocean, tugs at the heartstrings, offering a poignant end to an album that perfectly captures Makari’s infectious energy. With Wave Machine, Makari reasserts their place in the modern swancore scene.

12. Jack Kays - DEADBEAT!

Jack Kays’ double album DEADBEAT! is his most personal and complete work to date. Split into two discs, the first delves into themes of self-destruction and addiction, with raw tracks like Blow It, Drinking Song, and Get a Job! reflecting Jack’s personal struggles. The second disc shifts toward growth and redemption, as heard in heartfelt tracks like Tether, My Promise, and Everything We Know. Jack’s unique blend of emo rap, folk punk, and alt-pop creates an intimate narrative that feels like an open diary. With DEADBEAT!, Jack Kays continues to wear his heart on his sleeve, crafting music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

11. Imminence - The Black

Swedish metalcore band Imminence delivers their most theatrical and expansive work yet with The Black. Blending heavy guitars and brutal screams with haunting violin arrangements, the album creates a truly cinematic atmosphere. Tracks like Desolation and Heaven Shall Burn showcase their ability to balance aggression and melody, while Death by a Thousand Cuts and the title track channel the emotional intensity of 2010s metalcore pioneers. Produced by Henrik Udd, this record is layered with intricate details that reward repeated listens. With The Black, Imminence proves they are ready to take their place among metalcore’s elite.

10. Bloom - Maybe in Another Life

Australian melodic hardcore band Bloom hits a career high with their debut full-length album, Maybe in Another Life. Combining hardcore, metalcore, and emo, this record evokes the ferocity of early Underoath and The Devil Wears Prada with the polish of modern metal. Tracks like Siren Song and Bound to Your Whispers are packed with emotional aggression, while slower moments like You & I and Fragments of a Dream deliver soaring choruses and atmospheric guitars. The album’s raw intensity and heartfelt lyricism make it a standout in the genre. Bloom has firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in melodic hardcore. Bloom have proven that they are here to stay with a short yet sweet display of who they are.

09. Balance and Composure - With You in Spirit

Few emo bands have shaped my music taste quite like Balance and Composure. This Pennsylvania group has been a standout in the emo-gaze and melodic hardcore scene since their formation over 15 years ago. Their return after an 8-year hiatus with With You in Spirit is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The album is a masterful blend of emo, psychedelic rock, shoegaze, grunge, and post-rock, creating whimsical and melancholic atmospheres. Singles like Cross to Bear and Believe the Hype set the tone for this deeply emotional record. Standouts include Any Means, the haunting opener Restless, and Lead Foot, seamlessly blend elements from every era of the band. With punchy guitar work and themes of sorrow, the record replaces youthful angst with mature, weighty emotion. This 10-song, 37-minute masterpiece reaffirms Balance and Composure’s position as one of the most impactful emo bands of our generation.

08. Knocked Loose - You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To

This album has topped countless lists, and for good reason. 2024 was a stellar year for music, and Knocked Loose undeniably dominated heavy music. With their third full-length album, You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To, the Kentucky-based band cemented their place as possibly the biggest hardcore act in history. Since their debut Laugh Tracks In 2016, Knocked Loose has built a distinct blend of hardcore, metalcore, grindcore, and beyond. This album serves as a launching point for both the band and the genre. Breakout single Suffocate, featuring Poppy and complete with a Latin-flavored breakdown, even found its way onto Jimmy Kimmel Live. Tackling themes of religion and mortality, tracks like Blinding Faith and Don’t Reach for Me deliver gut-punching moments. Across its 27-minute runtime, this furious, chaotic album challenges songwriting conventions and exceeds every expectation. With horror-laden aggression and intense energy, Knocked Loose has shattered boundaries for hardcore and heavy music.

07. The Story So Far - I Want to Disappear

When it comes to pop punk royalty, The Story So Far is undoubtedly among the greats. Since their 2011 debut Under Soil and Dirt, they’ve carried the torch for 2010s pop punk with timeless hits and albums. Their fifth release, I Want to Disappear, marks their first album in six years and showcases a seamless blend of their previous sounds. Thunderous openers All This Time and Watch You Go highlight Parker Cannon’s emotive vocal delivery, while tracks like Letterman and Big Blind lean into infectious indie melodies. The album’s emotional depth is revealed in its vulnerable closers, White Shores and the title track, showing Cannon’s growth as a vocalist. The band’s five-album run rivals even the giants of pop punk like blink-182 and Fall Out Boy. It’s time this California group got the recognition and flowers they truly deserve.

06. Eidola - Eviscerate

2024 turned Swancore on its head, with Andrew Wells stepping in as the lead vocalist for Dance Gavin Dance. However, his long-time project, Eidola, delivered one of their best efforts yet. Eviscerate, the first in a planned two-part series, is a darker, more aggressive record than their previous release. Tackling themes of existentialism, pessimism, and spirituality, the album captures the raw emotions of the past few years. Tracks like Fistful of Hornets and God Takes Away Everything showcase the band’s shift toward progressive metalcore, while He Who Pulls the Strings Ties a Knot delves into spiritual disillusionment. Infectious singles like Who of You Will Persevere and No Weapon Formed Shall Prosper display Wells’ vocal prowess. This album is a bold evolution for Eidola, and with their follow-up Mend slated for release in 2025, they’re set to push boundaries even further.

05. Bilmuri - American Motor Sports

Bilmuri has long been a fan-favorite here, but 2024 saw Johnny Franck’s project take a massive leap forward. American Motor Sports fuses his signature swancore, pop rock, and alternative styles but with a surprising dose of country. But this unexpected twist delivers massive hooks and undeniable choruses. Singles like EMPTYHANDED and Better Hell bring a Southern twang to the familiar Bilmuri sound, complete with banjo flourishes and driving riffs. Tracks like 2016 Cavaliers and Talkin’ 2 ur Ghost balance nostalgia with innovation, while Spinnin’ You Around leans fully into a country-rock vibe. At 10 songs and 28 minutes, this album packs a punch, blending genres and expanding Bilmuri’s reach beyond his roots in Attack Attack!.

04. Boundaries - Death Is Little More

The metallic hardcore scene has seen explosive growth, with bands like Knocked Loose and Kublai Khan leading the charge. However, Boundaries’ Death Is Little More stands out as 2024’s most underrated gem. The Connecticut band’s 12-track, 33-minute album is a ferocious display of aggression and heaviness. From the opener Turning Hate Into Rage to the devastating Scars on a Soul, the record offers unrelenting brutality. Easily Erased is a highlight with its massive 2000s-inspired chorus, and tracks like Blame’s Burden and Blood Soaked Salvation bring additional depth with their intricate features. Boundaries have set the bar high for metallic hardcore, and their breakout year hints at an even bigger 2025.

03. Cory Wells - Harboring the Hurt I’ve Caused

Cory Wells touched me with his 2019 debut album The Way We Are, bringing distinct memories of feeling lost in life, listening on repeat while being stuck in New England for New Years Eve, feeling unsure of what life would look like, and at 20 years old in an unhappy relationship I resonated with the feeling of helplessness. Now 5 years later, we finally get his second album, Harboring the Hurt I’ve Caused, and being 25 now and in a totally different stage of life, this album hits me just as hard as his first. Harboring the Hurt I’ve Caused offers a reflective and raw exploration of relationships, personal growth, and healing. Combining emo, post-hardcore, and folk influences, Wells tackles themes of accountability and regret with brutal honesty. Tracks like Empty and the title song confront past mistakes head-on, while Breathe Again and Long Long Time offer hope for the future. Wells’ songwriting remains deeply personal, making this album a perfect soundtrack for self-reflection.

02. Galleons - Violent Delights

Progressive post-hardcore continues to evolve, and Galleons are leading the charge. Their 15-track, 58-minute album Violent Delights is a technical masterpiece, blending intricate instrumentation with soaring vocals. Standouts like You Who Swallowed a Falling Star and the title track showcase the band’s pristine production and dynamic range. With features from Craig Owens, Ryo Kinoshita, and Andrew Wells, the album offers rich variation, from swancore staples to genre-defying moments. Galleons have crafted a record that feels timeless, pushing the boundaries of modern music.

01. One Step Closer - All You Embrace

This album and the Galleons album were damn near tied, but I had to give number one to one of the freshest sounding bands I've heard in a long time. Topping my list is All You Embrace by One Step Closer. This Pennsylvania band has crafted a genre-defying mix of melodic hardcore, emo, and pop punk. From the hometown tribute Giants Despair to soaring choruses on Orange Lear and Blur My Memory, every track feels distinct and fresh. The 11-song, 32-minute album captures a timeless sound that could resonate across any decade. One Step Closer has exceeded all expectations, solidifying their place as one of the most exciting bands in modern hardcore.