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Phoenix FM presenters choose their favourite albums and tracks of the year …
Alan Johnson
Album: Becky Hill – Believe Me Now?
The significance of Becky Hill’s position in dance music – evident from her impressive back catalogue of collaborations with the likes of Sigala, David Guetta and Joel Corry, and not forgetting her uncredited vocals on Wilkinson’s Afterglow not long after she rose to prominence on The Voice – is affirmed on this, only her second studio album. Her naturally powerful voice works well on anthems such as Multiply and Swim as well as on Linger, with its nod to early ‘00s trance; but for me Becky sounds most at home on drum ‘n’ bass tracks such as Disconnect with giants of that scene, Chase & Status, and Indestructible alongside a DJ/producer who she described as a long-time hero, Andy C.
Track: Sonny Fodera, Jazzy & DOD – Somedays
The world can feel like a dark place at the moment, even for those not directly affected by the worst of the inhumanity that seems so prevalent, but with its positive energy the right music never loses its power to bring just a little counterbalance. There’s nothing especially profound about it and it may not stand the test of time, but – even though it may seem like “all the world is going crazy” – as another year draws to a close this track’s simple optimism that “it’s gonna be alright” inspires a hope to embrace.
Andy Furneaux
Album: Leon Bridges – Leon
I’m a huge fan of those great old soul vocalists – Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Johnnie Taylor and the like. Leon Bridges would have no problem sitting alongside these vocalists! In fact, when i first heard ‘Coming Home’ in 2015, i thought it was an old soul classic! I eagerly awaited the new album, released in October of this year – I wasn’t disappointed. Killer cuts for me are That’s What I Love, Never Satisfied and Ghetto Honeybee. This gentleman has a wonderful voice.
Track: Shonda English – There Wouldn’t Be A Me
A wonderful gospel singer. The album this is lifted from – Travelin’ – was actually released in 2023, but this terrific single saw its release in 2024 and this track has everything! Grooves along nicely with some great instrumentation that is extremely catchy from the get go. The vocal is superb and it’s one of those songs that’s so uplifting, once heard you cannot get it out of your head. Thoroughly enjoyable for somebody like myself that loves this genre of music.
Andy Gardener
Album: Bored At My Grandmas House – Show & Tell
Bored At My Grandmas House, AKA Amber Strawbridge from Leeds has moved on from her early lo-fi recordings with spectacular effect on this debut album, a collection of shimmering dream pop goodness full of guitar hooks and harmonies. Amber didn’t get to tour this album this year but I can’t wait to catch these songs live next year when she supports Soccer Mommy all over Europe.
Track: Blossoms – Gary
Telling the story of an inflatable gorilla stolen outside a garden centre in Scotland, Blossoms remind me of Madness when they dominated the airwaves with their classic pop singles. The video is as good as the old Madness ones too, starring Rick Astley and Everton manager Sean Dyche.
Andy Gilson
Album: Jools Holland and Rod Stewart – Swing Fever
A great nod to the swing era.
Track: Kim Wilde – Trail Of Destruction
A good track, the whole Wilde family getting in on this single.
Antonia Jones
Album: FLO – Access All Areas
My pick for Album of the Year 2024 is Access All Areas by FLO—and yes, I kind of cheated because it also highlights some of my 2024 ones-to-watch! With collaborations featuring the likes of Cynthia Erivo—Tony, Emmy, and Grammy-winning star of The Color Purple and Wicked—and Memphis rapper GloRilla, this album is a powerhouse.
When the British R&B trio FLO first dropped “Cardboard Box,” their stunning vocals and harmonies blew me away. Their debut album delivers everything I hoped for, blending R&B with trap influences and self-affirming lyrics. They’ve earned their flowers, including being the first ever group to win the BRIT Rising Star Award in last year. I’m thrilled to see homegrown talent shine, and you can bet I’ll be playing more from this amazing album. Well done, ladies!
Track: Swedish House Mafia, Alicia Keys – Finally
I love summer anthems that set the tone for the weekend, and Finally by Swedish House Mafia and Alicia Keys is a perfect pick. This reimagining of Kings Of Tomorrow’s 2000 classic blends colourful melodies with Alicia’s amazing vocals. It’s upbeat, uplifting, and always gets listeners in a great mood. It’s such a feel-good track that never fails to energise the show.
Ben Simmons
Album: Wicked Movie Cast, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande – Wicked: The Soundtrack
Track: Benson Boone – Beautiful Things
I love the power and passion of his voice and the change from fairly quiet to rocking out. And his crazy somersault antics when he performs.
Bob Simpson
Album: The Last Dinner Party – Prelude To Ecstasy
As one of the Boomer generation I’m not too much in touch with current music trends as far as albums are concerned, but one of this year’s releases got my attention after the release of the lead song “Nothing Matters” by The Last Dinner Party.
The lyrics are not really radio friendly and a radio friendly version would take too much away from the song! The album is a touch gothic with echoes of Kate Bush and as a debut album it’s a very strong start. Standout tracks: Nothing Matters, Portrait of a Dead Girl, Sinner.
Track: Michelle Ward – I Love To Dance
So I must declare a personal interest here! Our very own Michelle Ward is a great friend and has recently released this great dance track accompanied by an excellent video. It gets me dancing (well Dad dancing!) and there’s no need to say more than that!
Chris Stagg
Album: Opeth – The Last Will And Testament
Swedish Death Metal kings Opeth have returned to reclaim their crowns with their brand new album The Last Will And Testament. The first new material in 5 years from Mikael Åkerfeldt and the gang, The Last Will And Testament is immediately notable in the Opeth catalogue before even listening for 2 reasons; It’s the first concept offering since 1999s Still Life and it’s a much anticipated return of Åkerfeldt’s Death Metal growls, last used in the studio all the way back for 2008’s Watershed.
Set in the early 1900s, The Last Will And Testament is a concept album, revolving around a will reading of a mysterious patriarch, where throughout the piece, secrets and scandals are revealed. The album, is heavy, but despite not being their heaviest, is easily one of their darkest. Creepy funeral dirges, ethereal ghost like voices, Åkerfeldt’s beautiful clean vocals and terrifying growls, add to the beauty and tension of this complex masterpiece.
Track: Linkin Park – The Emptiness Machine
For many years, we believed that Linkin Park was no more. The tragic death of phenomenal frontman, Chester Bennington left fans around the World broken. No one could possibly replace Chester. A few months ago, Linkin Park teased a special announcement. They performed a live set in front of a small crowd, with new material and a new singer, something we thought we would never see. But this isn’t replacing Chester; this is a new era and new sound for Linkin Park.
New singer Emily Armstrong is emotive, powerful and an incredibly talented singer in her own right, who not only brings new sonic dynamics, but is also capable of Chester’s range. The Emptiness Machine brought me chills and tears to my eyes, hearing Linkin Park perform again with a passion and ferocity we thought had been lost. This sounds like a classic Linkin Park track but with something new… Emily Armstrong and a renewed fire from the band. Emily and Linkin Park, honour Chesters’s memory, while dropping an incredible lead track from a brilliant album. I can’t wait to see what’s next for them.
Daren Mootoo
Album: Mark Butcher – Always Somewhere
Mark’s third album and the first since the Covid-inspired “Now Playing” showcases a new sound, encouraged by producer Pete Smiley. Opening track “Always Sing” sets the tone; an atmospheric, almost dark sound reflecting the troubled times we are living in. “As the Sun Hits the Sea” another standout track. Great musicianship and outstanding production makes this one of the albums that keeps you hooked track after track.
Track: Tears For Fears – The Girl That I Call Home
There’s been a recent resurgence in bands from the 80s, highlighted by the line ups at this year’s Glastonbury festival. Amid all the nostalgia, my pick for Single of the Year is the Tears For Fears offering “The Girl That I Call Home”. Although a brand new track, from the opening refrain the sound is unmistakably them with all the big sound production, chord progression and soaring vocals that they trademarked forty years ago. Play on repeat!
Daniel Gregory
Album: Jaubi – A Sound Of Heart
Choosing the album of the year was a tough decision among A Sound of Heart by Jaubi, Analog Love by Dabeull, and Sacred Love by Galathea. In the end, I decided on A Sound of Heart. This instrumental quartet from Lahore, Pakistan, has enchanted me with their distinctive blend of jazz and traditional North Indian music. Their sound is exotic and intricately layered, and has me dreaming of far off places. It’s the first album from that region that has truly captured my attention, and I’ve been captivated ever since.
Track: Rap Shar 3 – Saudi Rap
I first came across this song on social media, and very much like my album choice, I was blown away by its infectious nature, and that it was out of a region that I would not normally associate with this genre. I adore the way it has once again blended two musical cultures to make a truly unique piece of music that’s simply full to the brim with bounce.
Emma Marns
Album: Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter
Lasting proof that Queen Bey really can do anything. Breathing fresh life into country music with catch catchy tunes and THAT updated version of Jolene.
Track: Sabrina Carpenter – Please Please Please
I love the vintage vibe and she’s such a breath of fresh air on the music scene.
Gareth Williams
Album: The Cure – Songs Of A Lost World
There was always only going to be one contender for my album of the year. 16 years after the last album, Robert Smith finally released Songs Of A Lost World into the wild. Sonically the album is a true sequel to Disintegration, huge epic songs of isolation, loss and musings on mortality. Many of the songs had already been played live, but the eight tracks together form a cohesive body of glorious gothic gloom.
Track: Sunday (1994) – Tired Boy
The EP I’ve listened to most this year was from a relatively new band. Sunday (1994) are a band that hail from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, and amazingly combining LA with Slough more than works, with simply gorgeous songs, chiming guitars, dreamy vocals and clever lyrics with nods to both countries. Hints of The Sundays and The Cure with a bit of Americana, but still with a sound very much their own, I’m still kicking myself for missing their Camden gig in September. Phoenix put the track Softly on the A-List earlier in the year, but just pipping it to my song of the year is Tired Boy, the track that opens the aforementioned self titled EP (which I missed out on the CD of the EP as well, must do better next year)!
Ian Cash
Album: Jack White – No Name
I first heard the first song, That’s How I’m Feeling, from this superb album when on holiday in Spain in August and straight away you knew this would lead to a belting album. From first track, Old Scratch Blues, it’s 43 minutes of pure, blues and guitar based quality and Jacks voice is on point the whole way through! If you’re a fan of the White Stripes give this a listen as it’s superb!
Track: Travis – Gaslight
What a return from Travis this year; LA times was nearly my album of the year, but lost out. Gaslight is so upbeat and bounces along joyfully from the moment it’s starts and doesn’t stop all the way through. It’s in my top 5 most played songs of 2024 and my kids love it too, a welcome return from Fran and the boys! I highly recommend the album too.
Jo Bailey
Album: Orla Gartland – Everybody Needs A Hero
Orla is a singer/songwriter from Dublin. Her second album Everybody Needs A Hero is an album that solidifies her position as one of the most exciting talents around.
What truly sets Orla’s indie/pop/folk album apart is its coherence. Orla’s tracks are never safe and predictable – that’s why her fanbase reaches far and wide.
Recently Orla was outspoken on the cost of being a gigging artist. The issue with artists touring abroad is that it often leaves them flat broke, yet it was important to her not to let her fans down.
Track: Daisy Veacock – Float Right Back To You
Daisy has released multiple singles and an EP this year, playing to sell-out gigs and many festivals over the summer. Float Right Back To You is a song that explores how crushes can often be so much better in your head than in reality.
Her vocals flow like poetic verses. The track’s brass section injects a retro jazz warmth, yet it’s juxtaposed with a fresh pop/alt vibe. Daisy visited the studio for a drive live session and I was blown away by her raw talent.
I want to give a shout out here – there were so many great singles from our local artists, including Katy For Kings, Josie Beth, Sophie Griffiths and not forgetting the debut single from my fave Essex Boys Monumental.
John Chubb
Album: Beth Gibbons – Lives Outgrown
An incredibly atmospheric selection of songs by the former lead vocalist of Portishead.
Track: Kate Nash – Heartbeats
An innovative artist who has been around for some years now, and is still sounding really good.
Kev Piggott
Album: David Gilmour – Luck and Strange
David claims this is his best work since Dark Side of the Moon, and I agree. Featuring his daughter, Romany, who plays the harp and provides lead vocals on the track Between Two Points, the album seamlessly blends deep reflections on love and mortality with Gilmour’s timeless guitar sound. If you enjoyed Dark Side of the Moon, this album will be right up your street.
Track: Ilsey – No California
A soulful, bittersweet track with heartfelt lyrics and Ilsey’s captivating vocals. Simple yet powerful, it’s perfect for late-night vibes and reflective moments. This song is about yearning, heartbreak, and looking for new adventures.
Madeline Christy
Album: Jeorgia Rose – Blooming
English rose Jeorgia spoke on behalf of all girls on the modern dating scene when she sang about the J name curse on her track Undertone, which can be found on her debut album Blooming. The entire project takes listeners through a journey of heart break and healing, supported by some great country pop production!
Track: Jake O’Neill – Best Kinda Bad News
Our own UK Chris Stapleton; Jake’s music is full of southern south (considering that he’s a northern lad). Best Kinda Bad News is a track that has been wearing down my needle this year!
Mandy Cullen
Album: The Cure – Songs Of A Lost World
This was their first new music for about 2 years, I think, but it is well worth the wait. The opening track ‘Alone’ is dark and atmospheric and exactly the sort of thing you’d expect from them. Move on the track 3, ‘A Fragile Thing’ and I’m transported back to the 80s, this one definitely has the feel of a single release. ‘I Can Never Say Goodbye’ is an absolute masterpiece and the final track, appropriately titled, Endsong is epic at over ten minutes long. It was a tough choice this year, but this is a quality album and as an old school Cure fan, Songs of A Lost World gets my vote for album of the year.
Track: Shaboozey – A Bar Song
Nothing too technical in this one as my choice as single of the year, just a good old fashioned catchy tune, 3 minutes long and one that will get you tapping your feet and singing a long before you know. And it will probably give you an earworm. Simply great fun. Yeah, me and Jack Daniels got a history too.
Michelle Spencer
Album: Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard And Soft
The variety of songs on the album blend emotional depth with catchy energy. The songs move between ballads like “Birds of a Feather’ to electrifying tracks like “LUNCH,” an upbeat, sapphic anthem celebrating joy and self-discovery. This diversity reflects Billie’s growth as an artist. I’m always amazed at the range and talent of Billie at such a young age.
Track: Hozier – Too Sweet
This song captivates me with its bass rhythm throughout and its soulful lyrics. Hozier’s honey-like vocals leave you wanting to replay the song over and over.
Michelle Ward
Album: Church of Trees – Transcience
I discovered Church of Trees via long-time host of Synth City on Phoenix FM, Rob Harvey. Over the years Church of Trees have sent a beautiful mixture of tracks to my Eat my Brunch show.
They’re a Canadian synth band and this is their 7th album. It’s a sonic fusion of synth, electro-rock, indie pop, and ambient. The band have charted in Japan as well as Canada. As always, open your ears to some new music – the independents are ruling the airwaves.
Track: James Smith – Molly
Molly is a cheeky little tune with a blinding hook. I first heard the track on Tik Tok and a creative video (James is standing in a market singing to the camera as people walked by). The chorus hook is so catchy, infectious. I had to hear the whole song and I have played it to within an inch of its musical life.
I was lucky enough to get James into the studio for a live music performance. James was excellent live and a great lad to chat to. He has supported Robbie Williams this year, released his incredible and just appeared on Strictly Take Two performing live. Next year is going to be massive for James. His album Common People is out now.
Mike Porter
Album: Charlie XCX – Brat
This is the first time I’ve listened to Charlie’s work properly, but oh my god what a talented singer.
Track: Morgen Wallen – Love Somebody
Very catchy tune, I keep finding myself humming it without realising it.
Nick Field
Album: Pet Needs – Intermittent Fast Living
An album that captures a year of panicking about everything, while trying to keep a sense of humour about it all, perfectly. Great to see these guys doing so well this year.
Track: Republica – Hallelujah
The chorus line “We’re gonna come alive like we never went away” sums it up perfectly. Still as ‘Ready To Go’ as they ever were in their 90s heyday.
Patrick Sherring
Album: Lady Blackbird – Slang Spirituals
A powerful collection of memorable tracks that speak of both vulnerability and self-determination. Hear it once and you will play it again and again.
Track: Coldplay – We Pray
This track was first heard at the astounding live set at Glastonbury. Featuring guest artists and strings, it is a monumental expression of hope amid uncertainty.
Paul Golder
Album: Fightmilk – No Souvenirs
No Souvenirs is the London band’s third album and picks up where 2021’s Contender left off. Loud and shouty power pop with great hooks, witty lyrics and added poignancy.
Track: Half Happy – Bloom
A band from Cardiff who feature this track on their debut EP Conversation Killers. Part indie, part dream pop, but all of this song is absolutely gorgeous. And it was released on my birthday too!
Richard Connelly
Album: Coldplay – Moon Music
Coldplay’s long awaited album Moon Music is yet again another masterpiece. It offers a real mixture of sounds showcasing the talents of the musicians whilst capitalising vocally on the bands front man Chris Martin. The album offers something for everyone. Without a doubt they are still one of the best bands around. It’s been twenty four years since their debut album Parachutes was released and it looks like the boys are here to stay.
Track: Pet Shop Boys – Feel
After hearing this track from the pet shop boys it instantly took me back several decades. I felt an intense feeling of nostalgia whilst revelling in the idea I was once again young and free. Their unique sound was ever present – a great comeback from the lads.
Rob Harvey
Album: Black Nail Cabaret – Chrysanthemum
This dark pop duo from Hungary have released another world-class album of tracks with melodies and atmospheres that are unique. This album to me is full of songs of sultry, assertive, thought-provoking verse and oh so, toe tappingly delightful.
Track: Isaac Howlett – House Of Cards
This artist is the main man in a popular UK electronic band called Empathy Test, and this is Isaac’s first solo release. This track has a very modern whirling pop sound with a great thoughtful lyric, I feel it deserves to be heard across the globe, more and he deserves solo great success.
Roy Tyzack
Album: Richard Hawley – In This City They Call You Love
Another of his albums whose title gives a nod to his native town of Sheffield. Despite being influenced by the Britpop era and having played with such notable bands as Pulp, Richard’s songs cannot be pigeonholed as many other artists can. His appeal is truly cross-generational and his relaxed voice and superb, laid back attitude is both inspirational and exciting, as is his songwriting. The album is one that your teenage sons and daughters would like but would be equally as ‘at home’ with a more mature audience and I include myself in that category. I would recommend this album so give your ears a treat!
Track: Richard Hawley – Prism In Jeans
Choosing my favourite track was not easy with such wonders as Do I Really Need To Know and Heart Of Oak, but I have settled on Prism In Jeans, a song of exuberance and positivity yet gentle on the ear and slightly reminiscent of a bygone era.
Scott Ross
Album: Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department
It has to be this lady. Every track is a winner.
Track: Coldplay – feelslikeimfallinginlove
A band that’s been around for no less than 27 years. Written and produced by members of the band, it was the lead single from their 10th album, and reflected just what they do best, a love song with moody verses and a blood-rush chorus that you’ll remember after a single listen.
Spencer Carter
Album: Julia Fordham – Earth Mate
Just sneaked in before the end of the year and I’ve been patiently waiting for this. As a lifelong Julia fan, her ability to transform you with breathless vocals and a musical charm that’s like a warm blanket on a snowy day, this is an album that is both sensual and powerful. After all these years, she continues to deliver and this latest release is a welcome addition to her back catalogue.
Track: The Lottery Winners feat Reverend and the Makers – You Again
This glorious slice of pop perfection sees lush guitars, infections synths overlaid with rich, energising vocals with a clear nod to the late 80s pop era. Ticks every pop box for me and I defy you not to get invested and sing along.
Steve Roach
Album: Benson Boone – Fireworks & Rollerblades
I love its blend of evocative imagery and emotional resonance. The album’s songs combine uplifting melodies with lyrics that evoke nostalgia, youthful freedom, and the thrill of life’s fleeting, vibrant moments.
Track: Benson Boone – Beautiful Things
This is a tender and uplifting track delivered with heartfelt lyrics and a soothing melody. Its simplicity and emotional depth create a resonant listening experience that lingers long after the song ends.
Steve Robertson
Album: Anna Clyne – Shorthand
This year’s release from the British born composer is a retrospective of her string works by some of the world’s top musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma and the orchestra The Knights.
Track: Billie Eilish – Birds Of A Feather
The song of the summer for me from the American – and a Grammy nomination. Again, going by the songs I’ve listened to most this year, this song high up on my streaming platforms this year.
Tony Smith
Album: Peggy Gou – I Hear You
The debut album from the South Korean DJ and singer, released in June. It includes the sensational single I Go as well as Nanana, one of my most requested tracks while I’m DJing. The album also includes a collaboration with Villano Antillano.
Track: Sonny Fodera, Jazzy & DOD – Somedays
The song was released in July for the summer dance season, a great dance track with an old skool Ibiza vibe.
Vic Damhar
Album: Caribou – Honey
It’s been a remarkable year for electronic music enthusiasts with captivating live performances and new releases from DJ/ Producers/ Artists such as Four Tet, Floating Points, Fred Again and Jamie XX. Additionally, this year saw the highly anticipated seventh album “Honey” from Canada’s own Dan Snaith, further solidifying his reputation as one of the country’s most accomplished musical talents.
If you want to dance or just put on some music that can lift your mood, this is the album to listen to. Honey is a subtle display of electronic joy. It is 40 minutes of dance magic that showcases Caribou at its best! I can’t wait to see Caribou during their sold-out gigs in February at the Roundhouse.
Track: Khruangbin – May Ninth
The video and song by Khruangbin are absolutely wonderful. Their music embodies a sense of spirituality, calmness and mindfulness.
I discovered Khruangbin’s music during the pandemic, their music seemed to possess a certain healing power. This track, from their latest album A La Sala is a subdued set of sounds that is both haunting and beautiful, providing a therapeutic experience for the soul.
Xanthe Bearman
Album: The Cure – Songs Of A Lost World
I love Robert Smith – his voice on this album is still as amazing as ever. All the tracks are so good – heart breaking, moody, beautiful, and dark. My favourite track is I Can Never Say Goodbye. Even if you’ve never heard The Cure before, this is a great album to start with.
Track: Duran Duran – New Moon (Dark Phase)
Always great to hear one of my favourite bands from the 80s releasing a new tune. This is a reimagined version of the brilliant New Moon On Monday from 1984 – no, I can’t believe it’s 40 years ago either!
