SZA's deluxe album 'S.O.S. Deluxe Lana,' released on December 20th, 2024, hit number one on the Billboard Albums Chart. It includes 15 new tracks, and SZA has hinted on social media that more tracks are coming soon, making it a significant release in late 2024.
Rosé's solo album 'rosie' blends influences from Taylor Swift and her K-pop background. Tracks like 'Apaté' showcase her catchy, fizzy pop style, while others, such as 'Two Years,' lean heavily into Taylor Swift-inspired songwriting. The album reflects her versatility but leaves some listeners questioning her artistic center.
Lauren Mayberry's solo album 'Vicious Creature' explores a broader range of sounds compared to CHVRCHES' synth-pop style. It includes punkier, spikier rock tracks like 'Sorry' and showcases her sardonic, self-aware lyricism. The album reflects her desire to experiment beyond the confines of her band's signature sound.
MTB's 'Solid Jackson' is a reunion album featuring pianist Brad Mehldau, tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, and guitarist Peter Bernstein. It combines deep reverence for jazz tradition with modern innovation. The album includes jazz standards and original compositions, showcasing the musicians' chemistry and mastery of their craft.
The Innocence Mission's 'Midwinter Swimmers' is their 13th album, continuing their legacy of gentle, indie folk music. The band, centered around the couple Karen and Don Peris, creates soft, beautiful, and deeply emotional songs. Their music has remained consistent and beloved for over 35 years, appealing to fans of timeless, heartfelt soundscapes.
SAULT's 'Acts of Faith,' released on Christmas Day 2024, blends R&B, gospel, soul, and contemporary classical music. Known for their mysterious approach, SAULT rarely performs live or gives interviews, and their albums often drop unexpectedly. The album is a feel-good, groove-heavy project that resonates with listeners seeking calming, transportive music.
Notable live albums from late 2024 include Dua Lipa's 'Live from Royal Albert Hall,' Natalia Lafourcade's 'Live at Carnegie Hall,' The National's 'Rome,' and Tori Amos's 'Diving Deep Live.' These albums showcase artists embracing live orchestral formats and delivering memorable performances.
In 2024, K-pop groups like Stray Kids and TWICE achieved significant chart success, with Stray Kids' album 'Hop' becoming their sixth number-one debut on the Billboard charts. The genre's global appeal and consistent chart-topping releases suggest a strong future, especially with the potential return of BTS in 2025.
There's been some great music released since the last New Music Friday episode in late November. So, on this slow January release day, NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and WRTI's Nate Chinen catch you up on the best albums we heard in December in between "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer."Featured Albums:• ROSÉ, 'rosie')• Lauren Mayberry, 'Vicious Creature')• Brad Mehldau, Mark Turner & Peter Bernstein, 'Solid Jackson')• The Innocence Mission, 'Midwinter Swimmers' )• SAULT, 'Acts of Faith')Visit npr.org/music) to see the long list of albums you might have missed in December, and stream our New Music Friday playlist.CREDITS:Host: Stephen Thompson, NPR MusicGuest: Nate Chinen, WRTIProducer: Simon RentnerEditor: Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedVice President, Music and Visuals: Keith JenkinsLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)