In 2024, rock legends delivered some of their finest work yet. David Gilmour’s Luck & Strange brought family and nostalgia together with fresh soundscapes, while Nick Cave’s Wild God captured raw, cinematic beauty. Green Day’s Saviours tackled social issues head-on, and The Cure’s Songs of a Lost World marked a haunting return. From Slash’s blues-infused powerhouse to Liam Gallagher and John Squire’s indie super-collab, this year’s standout albums prove that rock remains as vibrant and evolving as ever.
David Gilmour (Rock Album of the Year)
The 5th solo outing from David Gilmour is very much a family project with lyrics written by wife, the author, Polly Samson - who has contributed lyrics to all her husband's solo work as well as the last two Floyd albums - but also youngest daughter, Romany adding vocals to two of the tracks. The additional influence of co-producer Charlie Andrew may well have proved pivotal in coaxing a great album from Gilmour. Arguably Floyd's finest moments came from the friction between Gilmour and Waters - in Charlie Andrew, he's found a voice to challenge the go-to guitar solo and lengthy fade out. Not that Luck & Strange is without those components, but there is so much more: harp skips over the album, strings and choirs lift it and there's swampy blues chugging beneath Gilmour's signature solos. It may be inevitable, certainly understandable from a septuagenarian that much of the album looks back, often recalling a childhood and growing up in 20th century and expressing the hope that such golden times aren't gone forever. That said Gilmour sounds at peace and still with something to say in his time in life.
By David A, Head of Music and Tech
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Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Wild God
Nick Cave & The Bad Seed's new album is a powerful exploration of grief, love, and magical genius. Throughout 'Wild God' (originally rumoured to have been named Joy), the songs can be described as almost cinematic, featuring a choir and a symphony of different instruments. The combination of the hymnal nature of these songs and Cave’s honest yet emotional voice makes for a gut-wrenchingly beautiful yet devastating album. As we listen through the perfectly curated tracklist, the tension builds as he seems to disappear among The Bad Seeds, rather than standing apart as he usually does. 'Wild God' is full of wonder, whimsy and storytelling. It represents an attempt to embrace positivity and to fall in love with life and happiness again after his battle with grief. Although his grief remains present throughout the album, it feels as if Cave is acknowledging it as a part of himself and moving forward. At its core, the album embodies love, painful optimism, and self-aware acceptance.
By Saoirse H, Community Executive
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