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The year 2024 has been, to put it mildly, very chaotic, not just with world affairs or political landscape but in regards to every artistic aspect. However, even in periods of global unease there will still be quality output produced, and to celebrate these instances we'll focus our discussion specifically over 2024 in the world of recorded music and its importance because beyond catchy songs often are messages about what those artists felt and believed during production times, making all song a window into both artist soul and also their own unique perspectives which can bring something interesting if carefully analyzed; Let's see why and how such specific types of media are often far more meaningful than a random beat or hook.
When analyzing 2024’s releases what becomes incredibly apparent is its complete disregard over specific genres as several musicians mix very contrasting music elements that could never have existed together before or at least, would never achieve critical or public success before; this mixing and mashing has opened doors to a completely unique world where several old formats combine together to bring unique stories and perspectives by their creators.
For example, Bashy’s 'Being Poor Is Expensive’ uses psychogeography over London with sharp social critiques through modern fiscal approaches or, Magdelena Bay uses classic pop mixed with heavy progressive rock while Charli xcx pushes her established fanbase for new territories that push what she can be, all of them without feeling as forced creative decisions or as generic trends, rather that are unique values which do enhance any listeners appreciation due to new artistic explorations on various topics from old genres. It now seems clear that many in 2024 understood, its now better to simply let the message decide which style to explore rather than relying over what style might create better sales numbers which elevates music beyond mere simple background beat loops. This change creates both new soundscapes but also presents deep reflection to both creators as well as a dedicated, careful listening session.
However, even beyond those more high-profile, high-energy artists there’s incredible value to explore further. Artists such as Waxahatchee’s 'Tigers Blood' blend classic intimate themes while Ashe’s 'Willson' provides more indie perspectives within folk storytelling or Tyler, the Creator who does a masterfully balance over very personal takes and how they affect life to present their unique perspective all with a unique voice while highlighting, it’s a world in a state of total and often rapid transformation all without completely separating each other into generic boxes or clear pre defined territories.
While musical genres and personal tones may drastically change from album to album many underlying themes are repeated, and those underlying aspects serve an even greater value when analyzing multiple separate creative sources because by repeating similar messaging they highlight those as key focal points of that time frame, giving them even greater cultural and real world context of each year; especially 2024 where some may find ‘dark messages’. All of those ‘ dark’ aspects also seem designed to make connections through shared struggles.
When considering albums such as Chat Pile – Cool World and the message it presents is impossible not to feel a sense of hopelessness, a rage that mirrors modern world chaos but on the other end Tyler, the Creator offers similar topics ( like existential crisis ) but through more self reflective approaches making both of those messages seem somewhat interconnected as if different methods of reacting to very real fears or existential chaos, even King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard provides a familiar melancholic feeling. The key idea is this: Artists tend to often mirror reality and these new releases are designed with underlying messages that aim at connecting their experience to a large core audience. Even through very opposite approaches they can often share those similar characteristics by talking directly to feelings of modern era’s uncertainties. Through different lenses these artists seem to present very important points about modern culture’s limitations and frustrations within its present systems but rarely as overtly clear messaging which then leaves it all up to a dedicated listeners' interpretation with a mix of emotional engagement alongside analytical observation over social changes.
Music always has reflected back to social or political elements from every past era and these newest releases only emphasize it, from albums like James – Yummy and the openly discussion about a tech and climate change dominated world which, on top of everything discussed with personal turmoil tends to now all become interwoven; highlighting also why ‘older’ production or music is constantly being explored and used for inspiration within these modern music choices by new up and coming musicians.
As previously discussed many core ‘2024’ musical releases show a clear focus of creating a space of connection, where the listening process often carries both artistic experimentation ( exploring past eras in different approaches ) as well as more philosophical themes, giving new levels of listening engagement as you become not simply a consumer but an active and engaged partner of each artist and that added focus is incredibly important when regarding artistic expressions, making it more a two-way dynamic between creator and listener. Music tends to reflect more about those that created, by the environment and social factors rather than acting in a isolated context.
As demonstrated with this particular year of recorded music ‘best albums’ what separates a great album isn't technical skills but its willingness to be more transparent. Its about personal, human values being shared through that artistic endeavor that goes beyond just entertainment since it reflects back the audience’s own real human feelings but placed as a personal unique perspective, and it is through that shared collective approach which does creates such incredibly unique works that make people react in an extremely passionate manner ( like the fans often write on each specific review or the reasons they praise specific styles), its about more than just a collection of sounds: these are deeply complex explorations of shared and similar experiences, often reflecting back through unique tones and messages, all of those small details serve as time capsules about that specific cycle, those specific artists and most often those specific type of audience they are designed to interact with at core foundations.
This type of analysis is never simply a praise for an album itself as each song can carry as much weight as entire long narratives so, all artistic decisions and directions are always interconnected with the greater world or social contexts for them to fully deliver messages that make those music styles as powerful as their initial reception often are, both from a critical analysis or those heartfelt reviews directly from people impacted from their unique art and perspective. That’s their hidden ‘power’ and their real long standing value, which they share and become important from all different type of individual perspectives as the result of one art product which should always go deeper than a simple beat.