What a year. From “Brat Summer” to Kendrick Lamar’s utter dominance of October’s very own, we were nothing if not entertained by it all. There wasn’t a dull moment at the Moose, either; we added almost 150 different albums to our rotation, providing listeners like you with countless hours of fresh, indie, and most importantly, new music with our New Music Pioneers. As the year winds to a close, we voted amongst ourselves to bring you our official nominations for our best of the best. Before 2025, we present to you our Top 25 Albums of the Year for 2024.
25. Final Summer by Cloud Nothings
With their latest release Final Summer, Cloud Nothings continues their tradition of making albums that sound nothing like Cloud Nothings. Unlike some of their earlier work, this record seems to have had a budget of more than $20, and the album makes good use of this while still retaining some hint of indie roughness. Final Summer feels like the end of a long winter (maybe purposefully coinciding with an April release), full of hope and promise of what is to come. Tracks like the title track and “Daggers of Light” promise leaves on trees, a warm breeze before rain, and all the other vestments of April and May that Morgantown needs during our bleak winters. - James Paci, New Music Pioneer
24. Feeling Not Found by Origami Angel
Washington, D.C. duo Origami Angel’s latest album “Feeling Not Found” is a testament to their ability to make complex and heavy songs that are still listenable. The band continues their signature dichotomy of segmenting their songs into crazy heavy metal parts and fun, sing-along pop parts, especially prominent on “Dirty Mirror Selfie.” Though “Feeling Not Found” lacks some of the math-rock complexity of previous albums, there’s still plenty of it to be found on tracks like “AP Revisionist History.” The title track “Feeling Not Found” is by far the most anthemic, with wonderfully hopeful lyrics and a poppy guitar solo at the end. Origami Angel crafted an emo album that’s complex and heavy yet still accessible and a joy to listen to. - James Paci, New Music Pioneer
23. For the Rest of Your Life by Twikipedia
A far cry from her trap/digicore beginnings, Brazilian 20-year-old Twikipedia’s latest album For the Rest of Your Life is a remarkable shift towards a brand of lo-fi noise pop that sounds somewhat like if Will Toledo had made Jane Remover’s Frailty in 2013 (in the best possible way, of course). Featuring straightforward, hard-hitters like the dynamic opener “room for one” and the surprisingly catchy “figure me out,” as well as denser tracks like the sprawling two-parter “seams” or the straight-up shoegaze of “windchimes,” Twikipedia displays expertise while working with a sound that she is completely new to. Not just another artist to come out of the underground hyperpop and digicore explosion of 2020, Twikipedia asserts that she can keep up with her peers like Jane Remover and Quinn through her sheer talent in songwriting. Twikipedia has spent years proving her production and rapping skills in the underground, now she has proven that she can do quite a lot more; For the Rest of Your Life signals that she is an artist to be watched (and listened to, of course). - Nick Bennett, New Music Pioneer
22. It’s Sorted by Cheekface
It’s not a good year without new music from America’s local band, Cheekface. Their January release It’s Sorted is filled with more of the spectacular writing and sound that has defined Cheekface for the past seven years. Quirky beats and guitar riffs keep the album afloat and heads bobbing throughout songs like the opener, “The Fringe” where success is overrated and anxiety is rampant, “Popular 2” featuring commentary on the mechanization of our lives and automation of every process, “Life in a Bag”’s loose sociopolitical commentary amid being stuck in the kitchen with too many dudes, and “Largest Muscle” which comments on the overcomplication of social issues and simply working with your heart. Greg Katz’s talk-singing dryly leads us through witty and catchy tunes that will make you laugh, so long as you’re up for something a little weird. Once Cheekface makes it into your rotation, you’ll be a fan for life and that’s sorted. - Max Clark, Program Director
21. Blue Thunder by Trudy & The Romance
Trudy and the Romance’s new album Blue Thunder has an old-school and country-like vibe that we love. The band calls their usual style “mutant 50’s pop” and has a dream pop/garage rock, ‘doo-wop rock and roll’ sound. The first song of the album, “Angel” was released all the way back in 2022, along with “Love You Now” and “Last Rodeo.” “Angel” quickly gained popularity, becoming one of their most beloved songs, both with fans and with us at the station alike, reaching our top tracks of the week recently. With its nostalgic yet fresh sound, Blue Thunder showcases the band’s ability to blend vintage influences with modern creativity, solidifying their reputation as a unique voice in today’s music scene. - Maisie Gill-Newton, New Music Pioneer
20. Grinning William by Blood Wizard
A departure from the alternative folk that brought the band listeners in their debut, Grinning William still finds ways to impress regardless with a sound that is arguably a mix of dark and whimsical. With this most recent album, their music stands without sticking to the label of a particular genre, even though the soundscape is noticeably alternative. Peaking into it, you can find a heavy yet rhythmic pattern in “BIG FISH” before switching over to something more reflective in the titular track. It is an album reminiscent of something from Geese, a favorite of the Moose. Even if this album is a change of pace for Blood Wizard, it has not been in vain. - M. Mikos, Assistant Music Director
19. Tigers Blood by Waxahatchee
Since leaving the pop-punk band P.S. Eliot led by her twin sister Allison, Katie Crutchfield has all but abandoned that genre and has found a new home: alt-country. While Waxahatchee is far from the first artist to make this transition (see: Social Distortion, Darius Rucker, and Violette Femmes, to name a few), her latest foray into the genre sees her strongest showing yet. Songs like “Right Back To It,” featuring Asheville alt-country rocker MJ Lenderman, have captivated audiences since its release in March, but don’t be fooled; There are some gems hidden amongst the rest of the tracklist, particularly “Ice Cold,” “Bored,” and “Crowbar” that we love at the Moose. Crutchfield’s unique songwriting approach, fueled mostly by her time spent in the pop-punk scene, gave Tigers Blood the draw as one of the most unique and fun records of the year. - Mason Deel, Music Director
18. Soft Power by Fazerdaze
This ain’t your mama’s bedroom pop record. Described by Amelia Murray, the artistic lead behind Fazerdaze, as a “stadium bedroom record,” Soft Power certainly lives up to the hype. Originally gaining traction online with her 2017 hit “Lucky Girl,” this record sees Murray grow significantly, both in the sound of the album and personally, recalling lessons learned in the time since then that inspired this record. To Fazerdaze, “True power radiates from the heart, not the head, and leads from love rather than fear.” This sentiment certainly rings true on some of our favorite tracks, like the title track, “Bigger,” “Cherry Pie,” and “City Glitter.” I sat down with Murray to talk about the album and her current tour, which you can read here. - Mason Deel, Music Director
17. Poetry by Dehd
Poetry is the fifth studio release from three-piece indie rock outfit Dehd, and this truly does rock. Described by Program Director Max Clark as ‘movie-friendly indie-rock’, this album keeps that coherent sound throughout with each song fitting right into a garage of a house party held by any college kid across America. That universality and unique sound that captures everything the movies depict college as gets exemplified on tracks like the chantable and singable “Light On”, the powerful opener “Dog Days”, arguably the grungiest song on the album “Mood Ring”, and the foot-stomping “Pure Gold”. All in all, Dehd does indie rock like nobody else: equal parts laid back and uptempo to create a party that is more Poetry than anything else. - Max Clark, Program Director
16. CHROMAKOPIA by Tyler, the Creator
It's about time Tyler, the Creator, dropped a new album, as he hasn’t released any new music in the past three years since 2021’s Call Me If You Get Lost. Continuing his unique artistic theme, CHROMAKOPIA tells Tyler's personal life story through strong instrumentals and lyrics. Although Tyler has always been very open about personal and uncomfortable topics, this album is based on the truth of his life with no made-up characters or situations. For example, the album features multiple artists such as Daniel Caesar, Lil Wayne, and GloRilla. Tyler wanted to make a point to let these artists use their style with a song that emphasizes it on his album. This album continued to highlight Tyler’s successful career, and if you want to learn more about him and his album CHROMAKOPIA, check out my review on U92's blog, Wireless. - Chloe Kuntz, New Music Pioneer
15. Romance by Fontaines D.C.
If you searched for the term “consistency” in a dictionary, you probably wouldn’t see a picture of the members of Fontaines D.C., but they’re still a model for musicians everywhere. From their 2019 debut Dogrel, to now with Romance, the Irish rock group hasn’t missed on an album yet. This record sees some of their highest highs yet, with tracks like “Starburster,” “Bug,” and “Favourite” all seeing major praise from major publications and fans alike. Though their earlier work had more of a raw, punk edge, they’ve traded that sound in for a grandiose, stadium sound of alternative rock that we’re itching to hear more of. - Mason Deel, Music Director
14. Where You Thought You Would Be by If Kansas Had Trees
Wilkes-Barre seems to be a magical factory cranking out fantastic emo bands, and If Kansas Had Trees is next in line. Their debut full-length album, Where You Through You Would Be draws from every corner of the emo spectrum, equal parts emo of Title Fight, pop-punk of Blink-182, and math-rock of American Football. While the second half of the album has slower tracks like the brilliantly heavy “Swallow”, the first half has a lighter, more nimble sound, with tracks like “Circles” and the title track “Where You Thought You Would Be”. Overall, the album rips, with sing-along melodies and fun, creative guitar work. You can read our full review here. - James Paci, New Music Pioneer
13. Lively Premonition by Jordana
Jordana’s fourth studio album threads a thin line between psychedelia and indie pop, mixing some symphonic instrumentation with peppy and perky beats to highlight the ebb and flow of a relationship into the past. The 24-year old musician (that’s right) plays with her food on the delightful “Like a Dog”, reveling in unrequited love like a pet being dragged around on a leash. Other tracks like “Raver Girl” that sounds more like something you’d hear rolling skating, and “Anything for You”, the slowest jam on the album both touch on the beginnings and endings of getting with someone new: the former with the hypnotic allure of a new suitor and the latter with the regret of total surrender to the same someone. And this journey is crystal clear with the massive opening and closing of the album, “We Get By” and “Your Story’s End” respectively seeing the cooperation between partners looking for understanding and treating love as the fun ride of learning about another person. The flight of that journey and the speculation on where it could go gives the album its namesake: Lively Premonition. All in all, this album is a fun ride too, and deserves to be talked about among this year’s best. - Max Clark, Program Director
12. Underdressed at the Symphony by Faye Webster
On the surface, everything about Underdressed at the Symphony seems just a little too odd to be true. Both track one “Thinking About You” and track six “Lifetime” are over five minutes of mostly the same phrase, track four “Lego Ring” is a feature from fellow Atlantan and rapper-turned-psych-rock-artist-turned-rapper-again Lil Yachty, and Faye’s coinciding album aesthetic has gravitated between tennis, laundry, and Minions. However, Webster meets these strange ambitions with the culmination of everything to love about her career thus far: catchiness, twanginess, earnesty, pedal steel, and a healthy dose of repetition. Underdressed at the Symphony is playfully serious and seriously playful, yet another release that showcases Webster’s unique musical vision. Check out another review by our New Music Pioneer Sarah here. - James Pawlowski, New Music Pioneer
11. This Is How Tomorrow Moves by Beabadoobee
Released just over two years since her last studio album, beabadoobee’s fifth album features some of her best songwriting and one of the most cohesive themes across an album released this year. This is How Tomorrow Moves marks her foray into more “adult” themes while sticking to her bedroom and dream pop sound. Songs like “California” and “Beaches” rock hard and keep the album lively while the ballads of “Real Man”, “Tie My Shoes”, “Girl Song” and “The Man Who Left Too Soon” touch on a the true heart of the album: paternal relationships and finding family along the way. Whether a figure has left soon without teaching her how to tie her shoes leading to the contemplation of how a man can be raised that way is a compelling feature and throughline of typically teenage-angsty beabadoobee and a massive step towards breaking through as an incredible songwriter. - Max Clark, Program Director
10. Stay Golden by Combat
Anyone I had the pleasure of talking to in September of this year knows how much I love Stay Golden. With the help of producer Ryland Heagy of Origami Angel, Baltimore punk/emo soon-to-be legends Combat blend together grandiose, complex guitar leads with a blistering tempo and intensity and even throwing in some ska bits, all the while forcing the listener to sing along with the album’s anthemic melodies. It’s hard to find high points on the album, as every point is pretty darn high, but “Put Me In Coach” and “Weird Ending Explained, Pt. 1”—the album's shortest and 2nd longest songs, respectively—are good contenders. You can read my full review here. - James Paci, New Music Pioneer
9. Short n Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n Sweet is a perfect mix of all genres. She perfectly and effortlessly goes from the pop we’ve come to know to Dolly Parton-style country on songs like “Slim Pickins.” With synths straight from the 1980s on tracks like “Please Please Please,” to stripped-down guitar and vocals on “Slim Pickins,” every song on the album brings something different under that pop umbrella. Sabrina Carpenter's songwriting brings a large amount of personality and charm to the album but can be serious when necessary, adding a nice variety that certainly enhances this album. - Luke Andrews, New Music Pioneer
8. Charm by Clairo
The album Charm was a major album for Clairo and her fans this year. Statistically, this album broke records for Clairo such as her first album being self-released, her first album to get in the top ten of the US Billboard 200, and her first Grammy nomination. There is no doubt this album deserves the praise it received as it drawls in such a diverse audience. Some may say this was destined to happen as Clairo made the album name Charm after the saying “third time is the charm”. Continuing her genre of indie-pop, the album features songs that are about self journey, relationships, and ultimately the challenges faced through young adulthood. - Chloe Kuntz, New Music Pioneer
7. Mahashmashana by Father John Misty
Summer may be gone, but this album is definitely here to stay. Father John Misty’s most recent album Mahashmashana is a triumphant mix of alternative and art pop, even reaching almost orchestral sounds in tracks like “Summer’s Gone”. That's not the only style it can find however, with some folk styling spilling in during “Josh Tillman and the Accidental Dose.” This album is never afraid of trying something new between each track, with it arguably paying off each time it does so. Father John Misty has reached a new creative apex with his most recent album, and one can’t help but wonder where he’ll go from here. - M. Mikos, Assistant Music Director
6. Bright Future by Adrienne Lenker
It’s not often that a songwriter like Adrianne Lenker comes around. With a decade of storytelling behind her belt as both lead singer of Big Thief and a solo artist, Bright Future is a welcome addition to the tale of Adrianne Lenker. On her latest, Lenker meets the quiet acoustic sound of her last solo record songs and the ambition of the latest Big Thief record Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You right in the middle, sounding folkier than ever. There’s Adrianne’s mastery of guitar on “Fool,” banjo on “Already Lost,” fiddle opening “Sadness As a Gift,” and even the sound of rubbing your finger over your lips on “No Machine.” Between the deeply personal and evocative lyrics navigating her eventful life (which is seriously worth the trip down the Wikipedia rabbit hole) and the sense of community she fosters, Bright Future shows listeners how Adrianne Lenker is a once-in-a-generation talent. I also had the pleasure of seeing Bright Future performed live, which you can read about here! - James Pawlowski, New Music Pioneer
5. Magpie by Peach Pit
Peach Pit released their album Magpie this past October. While their typical style is, self-proclaimed “chewed bubblegum pop”, according to lead vocalist Neil Smith, he explains that the band aimed for a mix of genres with their new album. Magpie blends emotionally heavier tracks with folk influences and upbeat pop songs. The album features a range of sounds, with standout tracks like the title track “Magpie” and “Did You Love Somebody” gaining significant popularity. This eclectic approach marks a new chapter for Peach Pit as they explore diverse musical expressions while staying true to their unique and recognizable sound. Fans have praised the album for its depth and variety. - Maisie Gill-Newton, New Music Pioneer
4. brat by Charli xcx
brat by Charli xcx is a bold leap forward in pop music. It blends experimental production with catchy beats in a way that feels completely unique. The tracks are sharp, edgy, and full of energy—pulsing with an infectious intensity that makes you want to get up and dance. Charli mixes hyper-pop, electronic, and punk influences to create something that’s both innovative and incredibly fun. Every song is unpredictable, with bold synths and unexpected tempo changes that keep you hooked from start to finish. But, what makes this album even more special is the cultural moment it created—the ever-viral “Brat Summer”. The release sparked a movement of confidence, rebellion, and independence that took over social media. People embraced Charli’s “brat” attitude, celebrating unapologetic self-expression and the carefree energy she brought. It wasn’t just an album; It was a vibe, and it quickly became a soundtrack for anyone ready to challenge the norm and live loud. It’s an album that doesn’t just sound great; It feels like it’s part of something bigger—something that’s shaping the future of pop music. - Emma Domingo, New Music Pioneer
3. HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish really outdid herself with HIT ME HARD AND SOFT. The whole album feels like she’s inviting you into her head—her highs, her lows, and everything in between. It’s raw, but at the same time, beautifully put together. This album marks her first full-length studio release since Happier Than Ever in 2021, and you can feel the evolution in her sound. Songs like “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” are catchy and upbeat, but they still carry that almost haunting quality that makes Billie’s music so unique in today’s pop scene. Then, you’ve got songs like the opening track, “SKINNY” that have such emotional depth, touching on personal struggles in an open, honest, and relatable way. What really makes this album stand out is how seamlessly it flows from one song to the next, creating a full listening experience rather than just another album. Eilish takes clear risks with her sound and lyrics, and it pays off. Whether you're vibing with the catchy tracks or feeling the intensity of the deeper ones, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT sticks with you. It’s a reflection of her journey, and it’s definitely worth the listen. This album is so beautiful and so Billie. - Emma Domingo, New Music Pioneer
2. Manning Fireworks by MJ Lenderman
Although the title of Manning Fireworks comes from some cheeky songwriting in the title track (“Standing close to the pyre / Manning fireworks), it’s not lost upon us that this is Lenderman’s most explosive record to date. Whereas his lo-fi guitars and distorted vocals that were found on Ghost of Your Guitar Solo and Boat Songs propelled him to indie stardom, this album sees Lenderman abandon this style in favor of a more polished and bold sound, and boy, does it pay off. Between softer tracks like “Joker Lips” and “You Don’t Know The Shape I’m In,” to the explosive bangers of “She’s Leaving You” and “Wristwatch,” there’s something for everyone in this immediate alt-country classic. I had the chance to catch some of these songs performed live in Pittsburgh back in October; you can read about them here. - Mason Deel, Music Director
1. Imaginal Disk by Magdalena Bay
Who else but Magdalena Bay to capture our number one spot? I hesitate to use the term “transformative” when describing albums, but Imaginal Disk is simply one of those albums that might make me break my code. The futuristic electro-pop record from Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewis saw several features in our top five tracks of the week (showcased during the show Studio 92 and our weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here), and rightfully so; Songs like “Image,” “Tunnel Vision,” “Killing Time,” and more were frequent flyers, with their addictingly catchy production and emotionally-vulnerable lyrics, all while transporting you into the world of the Imaginal Disk. The Y2K, early 2000s technology aesthetic that accompanied many of these songs in music videos and promotional materials only works in the group’s favor in this world-building masterclass. If you haven’t heard this album yet, you’re doing yourself a disservice. (And while you listen, you can read our review here!) - Mason Deel, Music Director