Best of 2024 - The Album List

The year 2024 was a remarkable year for music, delivering a vibrant mix of genres that defined the soundscape of the year. Legendary musicians graced us with groundbreaking albums, reaffirming their enduring influence, while emerging talents injected fresh perspectives into the industry, redefining genres and captivating audiences worldwide. Below is a roundup of notable albums that left a mark this year, making them contenders for our year-end favorites.

01. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Wild God [PIAS]

Wild God is the18th studio album by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, released in August 2024. It is the first studio album to feature the full participation of the Bad Seeds since Skeleton Tree (2016).The album has been described as a thematic shift and a return to living, suggesting that Cave has emerged from a grief-induced period and rediscovered a love for life. Wild God received two nominations at the Grammy Awards and one for the Australian Music Prize.

02. Magdalena Bay - Imaginal Disk [Mom + Pop] 

Imaginal Disk is the second studio album by Magdalena Bay, released through Mom + Pop Music in August 2024. The album was entirely produced by the duo, and it is a concept album where the fictional character True is implanted with an "Imaginal Disk", into her forehead to transform into her ideal self. Like its influences, the album is predominantly Synth-pop with elements of pop music, psychedelia, new age, disco, shoegaze, and progressive rock.

03. Allie X - Girl With No Face [Twin]

Allie X's third studio album, Girl With No Face, released in February 2024 and recorded in 2020 during the global lockdowns. Like her previous releases, this album is even more, 80s and Synth pop inspired and also paying homage to 1980s Synth pop, but not the typical variety that's been heard in recent times. Instead, Allie X recreates the early New wave and Dark wave resulting in something with a lot more edge and texture.

04. The Cure - Songs of a Lost World [Polydor/Fiction] 

The Cure's latest album, Songs of a Lost World, released in November 2024, marks their first collection of new material in 16 years. Critics have praised the album for its dark, personal themes and a return to the band's earlier, more atmospheric sound. Commercially, Songs of a Lost World has been a significant success. It debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, becoming the band's first chart-topping album since Wish in 1992.

05. The Last Dinner Party - Prelude to Ecstasy [Universal]

Prelude to Ecstasy is the debut album by British indie pop band the Last Dinner Party that was released in February 2024. Already in 2023, the band made prominence with a string of hits, including "Nothing Matters" and "My Lady of Mercy". The album is a collection of baroque art pop songs with a kick of Glam, goth and grotesque. When it was released in reached the Top tens in several countries including native UK.

06. Fontains D.C. - Romance [XL]

Romance is the fourth studio album by Fontaines D.C and their first release on XL Recordings. This change was also evident in their music style, as they moved a bit from their signature Post punk, adapting influences from Brit pop and Alternative Rock. It was also the band's first album to chart in the United States. The band received two nominations at the 2025 Grammy Awards: Best Rock Album for Romance and Best Alternative Music Performance for "Starburster."

07. Fat White Family - Forgiveness is Yours [Domino]

Forgiveness is Yours is the fourth studio album of Fat White Family, which was released in April 2024. It is very relevant to the time we live in. It is energetic, dynamic and as it is stated on their label page, it has pushed them to the limits not only of their creative talent, but of their health, their sanity, their very existence however they continue to challenge conventions, and Forgiveness is Yours solidifies their place as one of the most compelling acts in contemporary music.

08. Michael Kiwanuka - Small Changes [Polydor]

Small Changes is the fourth studio album by Michael Kiwanuka, released last November 2024. The album is released after five years break and reflects his personal life and changes, capturing his growth as an artist and individual. This is another brilliant neo-soul record, adding touches from other genres including R&B, indie, folk, blues, and jazz. Overall, Small Changes is a testament to Michael Kiwanuka's artistic maturity, showcasing his ability to craft soulful, introspective music.

09. Ride - Interplay [Wichita]

Interplay is the seventh studio album by Ride, released in March 2024, through Wichita Recordings. The album was written and recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic and showcases a blend of genres, including shoegaze, Krautrock, and synth-pop, giving it a more progressive tone, however retaining a hint of their shoegaze roots from the first two albums.

10. Suki Waterhouse - Memoir of a Sparklemuffin [Sub Pop]

Memoir of a Sparklemuffin is the second studio album by Suki Waterhouse, released in September 2024, under the Sub Pop label. Comprising 18 tracks, the album showcases Waterhouse's evolution as an artist, blending her indie pop roots with explorations into other genres. While some praise its eclectic sound and Waterhouse's lyrical vulnerability, others feel it falls short of a successful reinvention.

11. Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft [Darkroom]  

12. Beth Gibbons - Life Outgrown [Domino] 

13. Sunship Balloon -  Real Humans [/]

14. English Teacher - This Could Be Texas [Island]

15. The Smile - Wall of Eyes [XL]

16. Bill Ryder-Jones - Iechyd Da [Domino] 

17. Telenova - Time is Flower [EMI]

18. Empire of the Sun - Ask That God [EMI] 

19. Nadine Shah - Filthy Underneath [EMI]

20. Ronnie Stone - Ride Again [Feeltrip] 

Instant Hit: The Glove - Like An Animal

The Glove released their debut single, "Like an Animal," in August 1983. As a side project of Robert Smith from The Cure and Steve Severin from Siouxsie and the Banshees, the project allowed both musicians to take a break from their where they recruited Jeanette Landray to take on lead vocal duties for the song. The band released one-off album, Blue Sunshine, before disbanding, with Smith and Severin returning to their original bands.

Out Today: The Cure - Songs of The Lost World

 The Cure have released their fourteenth studio album Songs of The Lost World today. The album was already promoted with the string of singles including the their latest, "All I Ever Am". It is their first new material since their album 4:13 Dream which was released back in 2008 which was originally intended to be released in 2019. Last month, we also featured here the first single "Alone". 

The Cure - Alone

 The Cure have released "Alone", their first single release in 16 years. The song will be featured on their next studio album Songs of the Lost World which is due on November 1st. 

Best of 1992 - The Album List

Following Freddie Mercury's death in November 1991, one of the significant events of 1992 was his tribute concert held five months later. Tickets for the event sold out within three hours of going on sale, despite no performers being announced apart from the remaining members of Queen. A star-studded lineup including Elton John, George Michael, Axl Rose, Metallica, Annie Lennox, and many others paid tribute to the late Freddie Mercury. 

In the same year, Kylie Minogue ended her longstanding collaboration with Stock Aitken Waterman, with whom she had been recording music since 1987. Meanwhile, George Michael took on a different battle with Sony, filing a lawsuit against them for allegedly failing to promote his album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. However, he would ultimately lose the case in June 1994. 

In November of 1992, Factory Records was declared bankrupt. The label, founded in 1978 by Tony Wilson and Alan Erasmus, boasted releases by iconic acts such as Joy Division, New Order, OMD, and others from the 80s. Their catalogue was subsequently sold to London Records. On the UK charts, "Bohemian Rhapsody" made a return to the hit list in January. Shakespeare's Sister enjoyed the longest-running number one with "Stay," topping the charts for eight weeks. Additionally, Eurodance had a standout year, with Snap's "Rhythm is a Dancer" holding the top spot for six weeks. Erasure also made a comeback in 1992 with their Abba tribute, topping the charts for five weeks in June with their "Abba-esque" EP, featuring the hit "Take a Chance on Me."

01. R.E.M. - Automatic for the People
02. Tori Amos - Little Earthquakes
03. Sade - Love Deluxe
04. The Cure - Wish
05. Madonna - Erotica
06. Ride - Going Blank Again
07. Alice in Chains - Dirt
08. Shakespear's Sister - Hormonally Yours
09. Annie Lennox - Why
10.The Jesus and Mary Chain - Honey's Dead
11.The Boo Radley's - Everything's Alright Forever
12. Bel Canto - Shimmering, Warm & Bright 
13. The House of Love - Babe Rainbow
14. Stereolab - Peng!
15. Swans - Love of Life
16. Stereo MCs - Connected
17. The Lightning Seeds - Sense
18. The Sundays - Blind
19. Pulp - Separations
20. The Shamen - Boss Drum
21. Lush - Spooky
22. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Henry's Dream
23. Snap! - Madman's Return
24. En Vogue - Funky Divas

25. Roxette - Tourism

Best of 1990 - The Singles List

The year 1990 has been one of the most exciting years ever, maybe due to the fact that it was between the two decades when music styles shifted and the songs were influenced by the past decade but also looking into the future with new technologies. For some artists it was a clear career peaks when they released their best selling albums and/or singles. This year belonged to Depeche Mode, Madonna, Sinead O'Connor, but at the same time Euro dance and Brit pop exploded.

Over the next month we will feature the best singles from the 1990 that comes as a result of the Singles poll that was up this summer. Stay tuned!

01. Depeche Mode  - Enjoy The Silence

02. Madonna - Vogue

03. Sinéad O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2U

04. Pet Shop Boys - Being Boring

05. George Michael - Freedom

06. The Cure - Pictures of You

07. Julee Cruise - Falling

08. Depeche Mode - Policy of Truth

09. Cocteau Twins - Heaven or Las Vegas

10. Madonna - Justify My Love

11. The Charlatans - The Only One I Know

12. The House of Love- Shine On

13. St Etienne - Only Love Can Break Your Heart

14. Deee-Lite - Groove Is In The Heart

15. The KLF - Last Train to Trancentral

16. George Michael - Praying For Time

17. The Beautiful South - A Little Time

18. The Sundays - Here's Where The Story Ends

19. Technotronic - Get Up

20. INXS - Suicide Blonde

Best of 1989- Singles

Time to put the year 1989 on display and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the year that was closing the 80s decade. Known as the year of revolutions that swept through the eastern block countries in Europe as well as the year of innovations which brought the first commercial internet services. Musically the charts were still dominated by Stock-Aitken-Waterman hits also introducing Donna Summer to their hits factory. 

The second half of 1989 was also dominated by a growing House music genre led by Inner City and S'Express and Italo-disco which evolved into Euro dance. Even though the 1989 chronologically belonged to the 80s decade, it clearly sensed the 90s spirit in all terms and the music styles that started in late 90s eventually reached their peak points in the 90s and beyond.

01. The Cure- Lullaby

02. Chris Isaak- Wicked Game

03. Madonna – Like A Prayer

04. The Stone Roses- Fool’s Gold

05. The Cure- Love Song

06. Depeche Mode- Personal Jesus

07. The KLF- 3 A.M Eternal

08. Pixies- Monkey’s Gone To Heaven

09. Madonna –Express Yourself

10. Tears for Fears –Sowing The Seeds of Love

11. Xymox- Imagination

12. Pixies- Here Comes The Man

13. Malcolm McLaren- Waltz Darling

14. Lightning Seeds- Pure

15. Simple Minds- Belfast Child

16. U2 –All I Want Is You

17. Shakespeare’s Sister –You’re History

18. Cher- If I Could Turn Back Time

19. The Stone Roses- She Bangs The Drums

20. Technotronic- Pump of the Jam

Best of 1989- The Album List

Let's step back into 1989 and celebrate its 30th anniversary, a year that served as both the culmination of the '80s decade and a precursor to the changes that would define the '90s. It's renowned as a year of revolutions, witnessing sweeping changes in Eastern Bloc countries in Europe, and a year of technological innovations with the introduction of the first commercial internet services.

Musically, the charts were still under the influence of Stock-Aitken-Waterman hits, which also welcomed Donna Summer into their hits factory. However, the latter part of 1989 saw the emergence of new sounds. House music, spearheaded by acts like Inner City and S'Express, gained prominence, while Italo disco evolved into the Euro dance genre. While 1989 may be chronologically associated with the '80s, it undeniably encapsulated the spirit of the impending '90s, with music styles that would reach their peaks in the following decade and beyond.

Best of 1987 - Top 50 Singles

This fall we will continue with our 30-year anniversary of 1987 with the selection of Best single releases. As mentioned, an interesting year which was still sort of a crossover year in which some music styles from the first half of the decade started to transform into new genres, raising new musical opportunities and opening stages for new kids. The European market was mostly dominated by SAW releases while in the USA it was mostly Madonna, Whitney Houston, U2 who were holding top positions on the charts for several weeks.

Along the commercial level, creativity was also in bloom in all varieties of sounds, from Jangle Pop all the way to new trends in electronic music.

01. New Oder - True Faith

02. The Cure - Just Like Heaven

03. Pet Shop Boys- It’s a Sin

04. Depeche Mode - Never Let Me Down Again

05. Prince - Sign O’ the Times

06. The Jesus and Mary Chain – April Skies

07. Siouxsie & The Banshees - The Passenger   

08. Depeche Mode - Strange Love

09. Black - Everything is Coming Up Roses          

10. U2 - With or Without You

11. The House of Love - Shine On

12. Pink Floyd - Learning to Fly

13. The Pogues - Fairy tale of New York

14. M/A/R/R/S- Pump Up the Volume

15. Suzanne Vega – Luka

16. INXS- Need You Tonight

17. The Smiths - Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before

18. Madonna - La Isla Bonita

19. Pet Shop Boys & Dusty Springfield ‎- What Have I Done to Deserve This?  

20. Sinead O’ Connor - Troy 

Best of 1987- The Album List

Let's dive into the 1987 Albums campaign! This year marked an interesting crossover period where music styles from the first half of the decade began transforming into new genres, creating fresh musical opportunities and providing stages for new talents.

In terms of innovation, MTV Europe was launched, and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" became the first single released on CD, while the cassette tape continued to rise in popularity.

Synthpop was still prominent in the mainstream, with Erasure and Pet Shop Boys maintaining its presence. The pop hits from the emerging Stock Aitken Waterman pop factory, including Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up," became chart-toppers and contributed to making it the best-selling single of the year.

On the other hand, House music was slowly growing and taking over dance floors, providing a fresh and dynamic sound. Simultaneously, indie pop/rock was flourishing, offering more diverse and alternative forms of music.

At the Brit Awards, Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel received honors for Best Female and Best Male, respectively, showcasing the diversity and richness of the musical landscape in 1987.

Best of 1985 - Top 50 Singles List

The year 1985 was the year of big charity concerts and records. Following up on the release of "Do They Know It’s Christmas Time" from 1984, the big Live Aid concert was organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for relief of the ongoing Ethiopian famine. The event was held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London, UK, and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, US. Also inspired by Band-Aid, USA for Africa band project released "We Are the World", a song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. 

Among the best-selling albums this year was Dire Straits’ album Brothers in Arms, which at the same time was the first ever album to be released on CD. Jennifer Rush had the best-selling single in the UK with "The Power of Love" while in the USA, Madonna and George Michael both solo and with Wham! ruled the charts. 

With 1985 New Wave completely faded, knocked out by guitar-driven rock most notably by the Jangle rock which in this period of time was popularized as College rock with R.E.M. and The Smiths paving the way. On the other hand, Electronic music was transforming into new rhythms with the emerging Chicago house and Detroit techno that would give hits in the years to come.

01. Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill 
02. The Smiths - How Soon is Now? 
03. Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls 

04. The Cult - She Sells Sanctuary 
05. Depeche Mode - Shake the Disease 
06. Killing Joke - Love Like Blood 
07. Simple Minds - Don't You (Forget About Me) 
08. New Order - The Perfect Kiss 
09. The Cure - Close to Me 
10. Talk Talk - Life's What You Make It 
11. a-ha - The Sun Always Shine on TV

12. Grace Jones - Slave to the Rhythm
13. The Cure - In Between Days
14. Echo & The Bunnymen- Bring on the Dancing Horses
15. Jesus and The Mary Chain - Just Like Honey
16. Tears for Fears - Everybody Wants to Rule The World
17. Madonna - Into the Groove
18. Siouxsie and the Banshees - Cities in Dust
19. King - Love and Pride
20. David Bowie and Pat Metheny Group - This is not America

Best of 1985- The Album List

The year 1985 was the year of big charity concerts and records. Following up on the release of "Do They Know It’s Christmas Time" from 1984, the big Live Aid concert was organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for relief of the ongoing Ethiopian famine. The event was held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London, UK, and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, US. Also inspired by Band Aid, USA for Africa band project released "We Are the World", a song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. 

Among the best selling albums this year was Dire Straits’ album Brothers in Arms which at the same time was the first ever album to be released on CD. Jennifer Rush had the best selling single in the UK with "The Power of Love" while in the USA, Madonna and George Michael both solo and with Wham! ruled the charts. 

With 1985 New Wave completely faded, knocked out by guitar-driven rock most notably by the Jangle rock which in this period of time was popularized as College rock with R.E.M. and The Smiths paving the way. On the other hand, Electronic music was transforming into new rhythms with the emerging Chicago house and Detroit techno that would give hits in the years to come.

Best of 1982 - The Album List

The rise of synthesizers continued to shape the landscape of pop music, gaining dominance and emerging as a potential formula for future success. The Human League maintained their chart-topping presence and received the BRIT Award for Best Breakthrough Act, solidifying their status as pioneers of the synth-pop movement. Inspired by their success, other bands such as Depeche Mode, Yazoo, and Soft Cell adopted synthesizers as primary instruments, contributing to the launch of the Second British Invasion in the United States.

This musical invasion introduced new styles, rhythms, and stars to American audiences, with acts like Duran Duran, The Human League, Eurythmics, Billy Idol, and more making a significant impact. However, the era also saw the dissolution of some iconic bands from the late '70s and early '80s, including Blondie, Adam and The Ants, ABBA, and Japan, marking the end of their influential musical journeys.

Best of 1981 - Top 50 Singles List

Following the tragic death of John Lennon in December 1980, the world was still in mourning after the loss of one of the most influential musical masterminds of all time. All this did also had impact on the charts as where his biggest hits "Woman" and "Imagine" could be found again. Even Roxy Music paid tribute to him by covering "Jealous Guy".

Apart from this, the charts were still dominated by the rising stars of 1980, Adam and the Ants, while The Police had more hits. Human League re-formed this year, exiting the dark phase and releasing "Don't You Want Me Baby" which together with Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" helped to emblem the music style which would in the coming years be known as Synth-pop.

Along with the increasing popularity of synth driven music, the New Romantic movement slowly grew to fame as new kids adopted synths and started wearing lipstick. Perhaps the biggest event of the year was the launch of MTV, which aired "Video Killed The Radio Star" by The Buggles. The song became a huge hit and a symbol for the new platform, which would give the music industry a new face and dimension.

 

01. Ultravox- Vienna 
02. The Cure- Charlotte Sometimes 
03. The Human League- Don't You Want Me 
04. Siouxsie and the Banshees- Spellbound 
05. New Order- Ceremony 
06. Soft Cell- Tainted Love 
07. Talking Heads- Once in a Lifetime 
08. Duran Duran- Planet Earth 
09. Ultravox-The Voice 
10. Japan- Quiet Life 
11. Depeche Mode - Just Can't Get Enough 
12. Simple Minds- Love Song 
13. Kraftwerk- Computer Love 
14. The Specials - Ghost Town 
15. Heaven 17 -We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang 
16. David Bowie - Up The Hill Backwards 
17. Kim Wilde - Kids in America 
18. Depeche Mode- New Life 
19. Men At Work - Down Under 
20. Soft Cell - Memorabilia 

Reissue: The Cure: Classic Album Selection (1979-1984)

The Cure will release a five box CD set entitled "The Cure: Classic Album Selection (1979-1984)" this month. This 5CD box set includes mini-LPs housed in an attractive slipcase and provides the perfect album anthology of The Cure's career spanning the classic period 1979-1984 and includes:'Three Imaginary Boys', 'Seventeen Seconds', 'Faith','Pornography' and 'The Top'. The Box Set will be released in the UK on December 5, 2011 and it is available on pre-order.

 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Classic-Album-Selection-1979-1984-Cure

Best of 1981- The Albums List

The year 1980 was marked by a profound sense of loss with the tragic death of John Lennon in December. The music world mourned the passing of one of its most influential figures, and Lennon's iconic hits like "Woman" and "Imagine" reappeared on the charts as a tribute to his enduring legacy. Roxy Music also paid homage with a cover of "Jealous Guy."

Despite the somber atmosphere, the charts were still lively with the sounds of rising stars like Adam and the Ants, while The Police continued to dominate. Human League made a notable return, emerging from a dark phase and releasing "Don't You Want Me Baby." This, coupled with Soft Cell's "Tainted Love," played a crucial role in defining the emerging genre known as Synth-pop.

Simultaneously, the New Romantic movement began to gain traction, with young artists embracing synthesizers and distinctive fashion choices, including lipstick. A groundbreaking moment in the music industry occurred with the launch of MTV, featuring "Video Killed The Radio Star" by The Buggles as its inaugural video. This song became a symbol of the new platform that would reshape the music industry, ushering in a new era of visual storytelling and musical dimension.

Best of 1980 - Top 50 Singles List

It was an interesting year at the crossroads, still very influenced by the 70s music and culture, but also slowly opening the doors to the new decade and adopting new trends and styles. Blondie, ABBA, The Police and The Jam still ruled the charts. David Bowie scored his second number one hit this year, while Kate Bush became the first British female artist to have a No.1 album. It was also a sad year in music as the music world lost two very influential musical artists and iconic figures. Ian Curtis of Joy Division hanged himself just days before the US Tour kick off and John Lennon was shot dead outside his apartment building in New York City, both leaving their families and thousands of fans in mourning and sorrow. The year ended with John Lennon's song "Just Like Starting Over" reaching number one in the UK charts, announcing the new decade.

01. Joy Division- Love Will Tear Us Apart 

02. Visage- Fade to Grey 

03. Orchestral Manouvers in the Dark- Enola Gay 

04. Joy Division- Atmosphere 

05. David Bowie- Ashes to Ashes

06. The Cure- A Forest 

07. Spandau Ballet- To Cut A Long Story Short

08. Blondie- Atomic 

09. The Korgis - Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometimes 

10. Siouxsie and the Banshees- Happy House 

11. Peter Gabriel- Games Without The Frontiers 
12. Robert Palmer - Johnny and Mary

13. John Foxx- Underpass

14. Martha and The Muffins- Echo Beach

15. The Clash - Train in Vain
16. The Jam- Going Underground

17. Kate Bush- Babooska 

18. The Ramones - I Wanna Be Sedated

19. Bauhaus - Dark Entries

20. Ultravox- Passing Strangers 

The Melody of Robert Smith

Crystal Castles have teamed up with Robert Smith to record a song which is rumored to be their next single. The song is a track on their second album which was remixed and given a new life with Robert Smith's vocals. "Not In Love" is actually a cover of 80's New wave band Platinum Blonde.  

Best of 1980- The Album List

The year 1980 marked a fascinating intersection, straddling the influences of the 1970s while gradually embracing the emerging trends of the new decade. Chart-toppers like Blondie, ABBA, The Police, and The Jam continued to dominate the music scene. Notable achievements included David Bowie securing his second number one hit, and Kate Bush becoming the first British female artist to claim a No.1 album.

However, amidst the musical successes, 1980 also witnessed tragic losses that left an indelible mark on the industry. Ian Curtis of Joy Division tragically took his own life just before the band's scheduled US Tour, while John Lennon, an iconic figure in music, was shot dead outside his New York City apartment. These losses left families and legions of fans grieving.

The year concluded with John Lennon's posthumous release, "{Just Like) Starting Over," topping the UK charts, serving as both a poignant farewell and a herald of the new decade.

The Cure- '4:13 Dream'

The long awaited Cure album whose release date has been delayed few times is set to be released on October 13th, 2008. The album is entitled '4:13 Dream' and four singles were already released during the year and two of them were featured here.Here is a little reminder of the beautiful artwork.