This is part 2 of our yearly Staff Picks album series. Because the article was getting too heavy, we decided to split it up, but all the info, the other 50 albums, and additional commentary can be found in Part 1.
All tracks are added to our Stereofox New Music Finds and Best Albums playlists. This is Waves 11 to 20, each featuring 5 albums, starting on November 20th and continuing through Christmas.
Get ready for a cocktail of soul, jazz, r&b, instrumental hip hop, rap, electronic, dance, chill out music, and a few surprises here and there.
If you're on TikTok or Instagram, we're sharing all of those with some commentary and visuals, if that's your thing (or you want to support us vs the algorithm).
Much love and we hope you are digging this selection and find something that will touch you.
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The best albums of 2024 (Part 2 list)
Wave 14 (Dec 11th)
- Khruangbin - A La Sala
- Yaya Bey - Ten Fold
- Philanthrope & Juan RIOS - Unknown Caller
- LP Giobbi - Dotr
- ATRIP - TANZPARTEI II
Wave 13 (Dec 10th)
- Berlioz - open this wall
- Kofi Stone - A Man After God’s Own Heart
- Tara Lily - Speak In The Dark
- Justice - Hyperdrama
- Carlita - Sentimental
Wave 12 (Dec 9th)
- Hiatus Kaiyote - LOVE HEART CHEAT CODE
- Machinedrum - 3FOR82
- Jon Hopkins - Ritual
- Sūn Byrd - Sūn Byrd
- BAYNK - SENESCENCE
Wave 11 (Dec 8th)
- Kamasi Washington - Fearless Movement
- Tyler, The Creator - CHROMAKOPIA
- Rae Khalil - CRYBABY
- Catching Flies - Tides
- RJD2 - Visions Out of Limelight
Wave 14 (Dec 11th)
Khruangbin - A La Sala
Apr 5th / Dead Ocean, Inc.
The existence of Texas-based Khruangbin (flying engine in Thai) resembles a well-oiled perpetual machine.
My favorite YouTube comment (ever) is under one of their live videos - "Rumor has it the drummer got lost on an island for 3 years with no clock and when they found him he knew exactly what second it was." A 100% truth.
Propelling to worldwide fame after the release of their debut The Universe Smiles Upon You (2015), the trio continues to solidify their position in a genre / vibe / energy that's hard to be interesting enough for a long period of time. Well, they do that perfectly on A LA SALA (To the Living Room in Spanish). The album is Laura Lee Ochoa, DJ Johnson and Mark Speer's 5th LP together and while it follows a well-known, by now, formula, it adds a new flavor to their distinctive Thai rock-infused psychedelic soul feel.
Khruangbin's sound is one of the most well-balanced things in the turmoil we live in, and it offers a much-needed blend of calm and groove in times like these. That, and a good amount of reverb, of course.
From careless, cute, and romantic compositions like "May Ninth" where to a hard-hitter (if this could even be said in the context of Khruangbin) like "Juego y Nubes", the whole album is an experience best shared in an intimate setting (just like the title suggest. A great ticket away from reality at the palm of your hand.
Words by Ivo
Yaya Bey - Ten Fold
Yaya Bey’s album Ten Fold is an exploration of grief, self-reflection, and resilience. The album follows her 2022 breakthrough album Remember Your North Star, but essentially was recorded one year after her father’s death, musician Ayub Bey, who rapped under the name Grand Daddy I.U. as part of the ‘80s collective Juice Crew, and a dominant figure in her life.
Ten Fold dives deep into themes of loss and grief, while maintaining a grounded narrative that intertwines with joy and community. Even though the album was created during some of the hardest times in Bey’s life, it doesn’t feel tragic or sad. If anything, it feels more like a celebration of what happens underneath the weight of the loss.
The album’s 16 tracks, clocking in at just under 40 minutes, maintain an unfiltered, organic feel. Ten Fold weaves together genres like neo-soul, funk, reggae, and house, demonstrating Bey’s fluidity across Black musical traditions. The entire album is full of memories of her father, either through voice notes or samples, however, only in the closing track, “yvette’s cooking show,” does she address her father directly and this feels almost cathartic.
In the end, it is clear that Ten Fold is a triumph of introspective artistry, blending personal pain with the fullness of life. Despite the losses, our lives must go on.
Words by Anna
Philanthrope & Juan RIOS - Unknown Caller
Dec 6th / NINETOFIVE
2 of chillhop’s legends Philanthrope & Juan RIOS graced us with an absolute fascination of a record, released via our mates at NINETOFIVE. Caller Unknown features 8 compositions that ebb and flow through emotions and eras and is the perfect soundtrack to a loner self-reflection session as 2024 is coming to an end.
What I appreciate about the album is the smooth and respective way the 2 beatmakers pay homage to 90s r&b music. It adds a feeling of warm familiarity to the listening experience.
Caller Unknown is a testament to the versatility of Juan Rios and Philanthrope, delivering a dynamic blend that keeps listeners captivated from beginning to end.
Check out the full Caller Unknown album review here.
Words by Ivo
LP Giobbi - Dotr
Oct 18th / Counter Records
LP Giobbi has been making an impact in the electronic realm for years, extending her influence far beyond just music, making the release of Dotr one of the most eagerly awaited in the scene.
With a guest list that includes names like Portugal. The Man, Alabama Shakes, Caroline Byrne, Panama, and Jacob Banks, LP Giobbi’s album promises to deliver an eclectic blend of musical styles, offering a vibrant and genre-spanning experience centered around house. A stand-out feature that unites Dotr is the soulful aesthetic that is found throughout the experience thanks to the vocal performances and tasteful use of samples. This is interlaced with organic instrumentation alongside glossy sound design, making the album a compelling melting pot of vintage sounds paired with modern embellishments.
From the get-go, we’re welcomed to this with the second track "Been Such a Long Time" which features musician and producer Mascolo, and together they've crafted an uplifting gem that transports us back to the 70s.
Words by Lu
ATRIP - TANZPARTEI II
Oct 4th / Independant
Last year, ATRIP dropped a mixtape that propelled him to rising star status. And this year, he returns with a refreshing new sound on TANZPARTEI II that embraces more than just UKG and house.
ATRIP has displayed a sonic evolution as his style has undergone a fascinating transformation. The London-based producer has always been able to reach a balance between emotive and club-friendly, and on TANZPARTEI II this is taken to new levels. This mixtape is a collection of tracks tastefully put together to form a listening experience that flows like a sonic journey. It all started with the bouncy “Look At Me Dance” with Pote, then after a few singles it was clear that the Keith Haring-inspired artwork that this marks a new era for ATRIP. One of the brightest gems in this treasury is "Junction 3". Its colorful, joyous, and the rhythm portion is bouncy thanks to how it complements the playful synth arrangement. Towards the second half, the track takes a dramatic turn with a beefy bass and bright, glittery leads. With this mixtape and through his ethos of genuine human connection, ATRIP continues to build meaningful communities filled with like-minded individuals.
Words by Lu
Wave 13 (Dec 10th)
Berlioz - open this wall
Jul 12th / berlioz
Our first encounter with the music of the British producer was in 2021 when he was still known as Ted Jasper when Nora covered "Do Something". Beat-driven in nature, the music that the Cape Town-born, London-based musician released back then was the foundation of his sound as berlioz which heavily relies on jazz and house influences.
If you were in a rush and I had to catch your attention while crossing paths on the streets, I would certainly fall back on his own description listed on Spotify - "if Matisse made house music". Those 5 words will reveal enough about the art of berlioz to spark an interest. A quick glance at his visual identity is enough to understand the Matisse reference.
Personally, I would not consider open this wall a jazz record, so it was a bit surprising to read alot of Reddit threads on the topic of how some jazzheads dislike the work of berlioz. Build on jazz foundations for sure, the record fuses a lot more than that and the description of jazz house is there for a reason. Add some Afro flavour and you've 35 minutes of pure bliss to enjoy.
open this wall has been a source of happiness and feel-good energy for more than a few evenings this year. Certainly, a record I consider close to my heart.
Read the full open this wall album review here.
Words by Ivo
Kofi Stone - A Man After God’s Own Heart
Oct 4th / Tru Community
We’re used to seeing Kofi Stone as a collaborator in a lot of prominent releases (including Sam Wills, Blue Lab Beats, IYAMAH, edbl, etc.) but the UK rapper has a lot to offer on his own, too.
This year, he dropped his sophomore album A Man After God’s Own Heart on his own label Tru Community, after a rather long wait since his debut LP Nobody Cares Till Everybody Does in 2019. The project has been rolling out since February, with 4 upfront singles - and this autumn, we were blessed with the full 14-song LP.
A Man After God’s Own Heart is a celebration of UK’s & old school hip-hop with a lot of sampling, head-bopping beats & jazzy melodies. But it’s also a very “personal, honest & vulnerable” record (as he said in front of Culted Mag) as he allowed himself to share more than he’d usually do in a single track. It revolves around themes like community, love, people, faith, and politics.
The record also has a feature from British writer & poet Benjamin Zephaniah who recorded his part for “May Sound Crazy” just a month before his death.
Words by Nasko
Tara Lily - Speak In The Dark
September 27th / Tru Thoughts
I’ve stumbled across Tara Lily with “6 Feet Down”, featuring Theo Croker, and her beautifully melancholic vocals went straight into my soul.
This song was actually the 1st piece of a puzzle, called Speak In The Dark - her debut album. The 10-track record is a genre-blending exploration of emotional highs & lows, inspired by her ADHD and a personal journey, reconnecting with her Indian roots. The album features two collaborations, with Theo Croker and Surya Sen, and blends jazz, electronica, trip-hop, drum’n’bass, and traditional Indian sounds to tell stories of transformation, secrets, and dark energy.
Speak In The Dark is a truly bold and innovative fusion of East and West that everyone should dive into.
Words by Nasko
Justice - Hyperdrama
Apr 6th / Ed Banger / Because Music
After a lengthy 8-year hiatus, the legendary duo Justice makes a grand comeback with their radiantly polished album Hyperdrama.
Justice captured the hearts and souls of millennials back in the mid to late 2000s with their visually and sonically edgy combination of disco, rock, and rave aesthetics. In this era, however, Justice showcases their sonic evolution, refining their typically raw, gritty sound to reveal a more polished and pristine side of their craft. Who better to help mark this transition than Tame Impala as the opening track “Neverender”? This track sets the stage for what’s to come in Hyperdrama, especially with his angelic vocal performance gently floating like a feather in the wind over punchy drums and luminous synth works. Other features include Thundercat and Miguel, which perfectly coincide with their direction to reach for a bit more mass appeal for this album.
Words by Lu
Carlita - Sentimental
Nov 15th / Ninja Tune
Last year I discovered Carlita's “Fell In Luv”, and I immediately dived into her discography. After 30 minutes, I came out convinced I had found my favorite artist of 2023.
Carlita’s career has been blossoming in a compelling way since 2022, and this year she has capitalized on her stellar momentum by delivering her debut album Sentimental. What stands out about this album is how she beautifully shifts between her vibrant, signature house style and a more indie-infused house sound that's incredibly warm and inviting. She has enlisted her friends and some of the biggest names in dance music such as SG Lewis, Elderbrook, and DJ Tennis to not only add to the album’s dynamism, but it also says a lot about the stage she is at in her career. Sentimental exhibits her mastery as a producer as she is able to capture quite a soulful, nostalgic sound through organic instrumentation and vocal selection.
Furthermore, there is a side of her that embraces modern production trends too like in "Wish You Knew". It’s undoubtedly one of her most radiant tracks to date, featuring heartfelt vocals overflowing with love - whether romantic or platonic. The focus track "Falling" with Mascolo tastefully captures that indie aesthetic that I mentioned above, and it honestly stands as one of the most comforting tracks on the project.
Words by Lu
Wave 12 (Dec 9th)
Hiatus Kaiyote - LOVE HEART CHEAT CODE
June 28th / Brainfeeder
I’ve been a fan of Hiatus Kaiyote for 10 years now. And after what they’ve been through (namely Nai Palm’s fight with cancer), it’s wonderful to see them thriving more than ever.
The Australian nu-jazz/funk band signed to Brainfeeder for their 3rd album Mood Valiant in 2021 and this year we were blessed with their 4th one, LOVE HEART CHEAT CODE. 11 songs keeping their signature weird/experimental approach to music, praising life & the statement that “everything’s beautiful”.
For this album, the four members created a digital (and IRL) scavenger hunt with clues for secret shows, song titles, next single drops, etc. - making this one of the most exciting album rollouts in music history.
Sonically, there’s no much surprise - we’re riding a wave of psychedelic sounds blended with jazz, soul & indie. Whereas Mood Valiant had a more improvisational nature, LOVE HEART CHEAT CODE relies on more pre-written compositions - which doesn’t take away from the beautiful experimentalism Hiatus Kaiyote incorporates in their music. The record touches on themes ranging from love, friendship & finding joy in simplicity, through memes, space (the Hubble telescope) & politics, all the way to Dmitri Shostakovich (yes, that’s right).
A beautifully weird record to get lost in.
Words by Nasko
Machinedrum - 3FOR82
Sep 20th / Young
Machinedrum holds a unique spot in the producer community; seeing his name instantly signals a listening experience that challenges your understanding of music creation.
His 2024 project 3FOR82 wholly encapsulates this sentiment as he can disobey conventionality whilst showcasing his incredible synergy with his collaborators. The lineup is refreshingly varied, featuring well-known artists like Tinashe, Duckwrth, and Mick Jenkins, while also giving rising talents like ROZET and Deem Spencer a platform to showcase their abilities. Machinedrum has not only invited a range of artists to help color the experience, he has also welcomed a diverse range of influences such as UK Garage, Hip hop, Drum & Bass, and Soul, to make up the very fabric of 3FOR82. One of the standout moments on here is the Jesse Boykins III and Mick Jenkins led "WEARY" - a somewhat experimental track where Machinedrum intersects hip hop, electronica, and funk with his forward-thinking production. Mick’s verses combine compassionate lyrics with a bold delivery, and this is enhanced by Jesse’s calming and smooth vocal presence, which adds a soulful depth to the track.
Words by Lu
Jon Hopkins - Ritual
Aug 30th / Domino Recordings
The way I see it, at the moment Jon Hopkins is the Eno of our era. His distinctive work with soundscapes on Music for Psychedelic Therapy, and now RITUAL transcends traditional boundaries to the point where it’s not even about music anymore.
My first encounter with the UK-based producer was through the critically acclaimed Singularity - an album I listened to many times but actually didn’t connect with wholeheartedly. However, the follow-up, along with this new release has grabbed my attention ever so tightly. According to Jon, RITUAL was designed to reconnect you to the deepest part of yourself from start to finish. One of the features that enhance this experience is the sequencing of the tracklist. RITUAL stretches across 8 lengthy tracks and LITERALLY feels like 1 song. Tracks like “the veil” are minimal and calm only to serve as a springboard for “evocation” to increase and hold the tension till we reach the fierce climax on “solar goddess return”. It’s these long progressions that not only sure we’re welcome to a spectrum of dark and light emotions, but Jon keeps listeners in those spaces for enough time to deeply immerse themselves into the experience. Prepare to be absolutely mind-blown when you begin your journey with RITUAL.
Words by Lu
Sūn Byrd - Sūn Byrd
April 12th / Vaco Records
We knew Norway holds immense talents (ie GiddyGang) but Oslo holds more surprises - and this new band is a very solid reason to keep a close eye on the scene there.
The 6-piece Sūn Byrd only started releasing this year but already dropped their debut album which is an absolute hidden gem. Imagine a blend of Thee Sacred Souls, Anderson Paak, and Marvin Gaye, all played with live instruments and with impressive passion in the vocals.
The band’s LP, recorded in Italy, is a tribute to retro soul but with a modern touch. Plus, a lot of jazz, funk & blues throughout. Aside from the wonderful warmth, Sūn Byrd’s music stands out with a lot of groove, nicely balancing that vintage nostalgia & creative drive.
They say they’re already working on a sophomore album so I'm not gonna lie, I’m very excited.
Words by Nasko
BAYNK - SENESCENCE
Sep 27th / self-release
BANYK’s sophomore album SENESCENCE is an acquired taste that’s bound to bend your perceptions when it comes to music production.
The project’s captivating nature lies in a compelling paradox that runs consistently throughout its entirety. You never really know what BANYK is going to present you stylistically with each track, yet this entire body of work flows ever so cohesively. BANYK dives into house, indie, hyper pop, and electronica in a manner that’s emotive and forward-thinking. The first few cuts are slow, moody, and characterized by abrasive drums and eerie, overprocessed vocals. While the second half comes to life with lively rhythm sections that showcase BANYK’s ability to make intricate, somewhat melancholic dance music.
Words by Lu
Wave 11 (Dec 8th)
Kamasi Washington - Fearless Movement
May 3rd / Young
Diving into Kamasi Washington’s Fearless Movement feels like encountering a whirlwind of vibrant colors by virtue of its turbulent brilliance.
For many of us, our first encounter with the saxophonist, producer, composer, and band leader Kamasi Washington was through the critically acclaimed 2015 album The Epic. In some ways, his latest album cuts from the same fabric of influences to weave together an experience that envelops listeners in musical opulence. Tracks like “Computer Love” and “Together” are embellished with soulful vocal performances and touch on themes of romance while “Get Lit” displays a funkier side of Kamasi with the help of George Clinton. These tracks complement the album with a softer side. It is gems like “Lesanu” and “Garden Path” are emblazoned with Kamasi’s signature massive, heroic sound.
Words by Lu
Tyler, The Creator - CHROMAKOPIA
Oct 28th / Sony Music
The October blockbuster release from Tyler, The Creator CHROMAKOPIA marks arguably the best run of albums that any hip hop artist has had in the last 5 years.
Since Flower Boy in 2017, each new release from Tyler has felt like another layer peeled back, bringing us closer to the core of his desires, visions, and vulnerabilities. On CHROMAKOPIA, we’re given a sneak peek into Tyler’s diary for just over an hour and here, we uncover the pressures of fame that he deals with, failed relationships, and a look into crippling self-doubt. In fact, at a moment's notice, we’re tossed from beefy and uplifting experiences into heavier themes that’d stun you to a halt. Even though the production pulls from a myriad of genres, it’s patched together by Tyler’s signature unorthodox chord arrangements and vibrant percussive embellishments. However it’s also the minimal moments that shine, and “Hey Jane” serves as a marvelous example as Tyler lays down some of his BEST verses in a matter of minutes. This is not only his most personal album to date, but it’s also an experience that many in his age range will be able to relate to.
Words by Lu
Rae Khalil - CRYBABY
Aug 9th /APE SHIT, INC.
2024 is certainly a year of growth for US-based rapper/singer/producer Rae Khalil.
A long way from 2019’s Rhythm and Flow show, the now grown-up artist is constantly charting in new territories. Rae Khalil's approach to creating CRYBABY was all about breaking genre boundaries and exploring new creative grounds. With guidance from legendary Anderson .Paak and longtime collaborator Jared Rubens, who has worked with her since 2018, Rae crafted a record that thrives on innovation and defies categorization.
The album is vibrant, versatile, and groovy, reinforcing Rae's multi-faceted abilities, especially on tracks like "CISCO's SONG" and the 80s synth anthem "COME HOME" featuring Khal!l. “This album for me was such an amazing rollercoaster ride to make,” she elaborates, “but I was also pushed to my limits of how far can you take these songs and when are you able to say, ‘Okay, this is enough. I’ve done it.’”, she elaborates.
With collaborators like Benny Sings, Tiana Major9, Freddie Gibbs, and Zacari, and given her natural talent and ability to bend emotions, it goes without saying - this multi-dimensional record has a lot to offer and is a perfect way to peek into the complex, alluring world of Rae Khalil's creativity.
Full album review here.
Words by Ivo
Catching Flies - Tides
April 5th / Indigo Soul
The UK-based musician and producer Catching Flies (aka George King) exhibits his sonic evolution with the groundbreaking project Tides.
This is certainly his most emotional and cohesive project yet, especially since Tides is embellished with incredible string arrangements, thus giving the project a cinematic feel in various moments. The title Tides embodies the album’s theme as the wide range of emotions we’re presented with subtly shift and sway like waves. Since Catching Flies is an avid collector of samples and field recordings, this makes for an experience where listening closely to the details matters. The title track “Tides” plays a crucial role in bringing this sentiment to life. The drums hint at a trip hop influence while the melodic portion is heavily decorated with uplifting vocals and organic elements that range from handpans to pianos. Be prepared to be drown in a plethora of exotic sounds when you dive into this.
Words by Lu
RJD2 - Visions Out of Limelight
Jun 14th / RJ’s Electrical Connections
Calling RJD2’s latest body of work Visions Out of Limelight an album feels like an euphemism. The progression alongside the larger than life experience we’re welcome to plays out like a retro film that’s filled with drama, suspense, and fascinating surprises.
With a career that spans over 2 decades, RJD2 is a name that echoes far and wide as he played a massive impact on the trip hop scene in the early 2000s, and influenced a generation of the underground. Fast-forward to 2024, it’s clear that he has still got it, especially since he continues to innovate and captivate audiences with his signature sound. Visions Out of Limelight is probably his “biggest” sounding album to date! The opening track “Cold Eggs” is a stellar example with its ceremonious feel and grand aura.
As Visions Out of Limelight progresses, it takes us through time with its nostalgic, 70’s sounding samples along with its funk and soul influences adorned around the beefy rhythm section. The cover art hawkes back to Maggot Brain, an album that also arrived in the 70’s and I love how he is driving this point home not only sonically, but also visually. Tracks like “Through It All” (with Jamie Lidell) and “Fools at the Haul” (featuring Jordan Brown) steer toward a soulful direction as both slow down the pace in such an elegant manner. From start to finish, RJD2 has certainly crafted a distinct experience that intersects time and culture.
Words by Lu
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