As 2024 winds down, I am happy to share what I consider to be 20 of the finest Canadian album releases over the last 12 months. As always, I am not chronicling the BEST albums – I’ll save that task for the paid professionals out there – no, these 20 albums represent those that earned way beyond an average number of spins here at GDW HQ this year.
It is an incredibly daunting task to select just 20 albums from the hundreds out there, and the list is finalized based on personal intuition as opposed to some convoluted and empirical scientific formula. There are bound to be glaring omissions, as I have not kept a running scorecard through the year, so please accept that my choices are largely subjective and of personal preference (with some obvious contenders simply missed or not yet fully heard).
So, without further ado, here are 20 of my personal favorite Canadian albums from 2024. As always, these are not ranked in any order, but I’m simply sticking to the same approach as previous years and listing alphabetically by artist/band first name. The hardest task of all shall follow – selecting my Top Four choices, and the announcement of the GDW Album of the Year next week.
Abigail Lapell: “Anniversary”
Having followed her career for many years, Abigail finally lands a spot here in our Top 20 albums list, and believe me, this collaboration with co-producer Tony Dekker is both a work of art and a game changer.
Brooks & Bowskill: “Blissful State Of Mind”
Where the 2023 debut album from this Cobourg, ON duo was a nostalgic vintage country affair, this second outing pushes boundaries to epic new levels – 40s style flute accompanying strings, come on!!!
Bywater Call: “Shepherd”
If you are a fan of the rock-soul-blues genre and are seeking out the most authentic sounds right now, this Toronto 7-piece should be high on your list. This third studio album obliterates all expectations.
Chorus Of Courage: “Always By Your Side”
Every year, we seem to find an album that begs you to sit up and take notice. Cindy Doire’s vision to connect victims of violence with a who’s-who list of artists to tell their stories is beyond outstanding.
Cuff The Duke: “Breaking Dawn”
Talk about a pinch me moment when the Oshawa indie rockers announced this album – one that was LONG overdue – one that was 12 YEARS in the making. Welcome back Cuff – you’ve been missed!
Elliott BROOD: “Country”
The second half of a dual album concept (following “Town”), this ON alt-country trio deliver another outstanding collection of tunes written about things that matter most during the pandemic lockdowns.
Jill Barber: “Encore”
The last time BC artist Jill Barber released a French language album, it earned top honors as the GDW album of the year. Jill repeats the magic, this time covering French language classic ‘chanson’ tunes.
Jim Cuddy: “All The World Fades Away”
Yeah, yeah, before you assume that the Blue Rodeo co-frontman was handed an easy hall-pass here, trust me, this sixth studio album from Jim Cuddy is an absolute gem that was long overdue.
Joel Plaskett: “One Real Reveal”
Plaskett redefines his identity with this collection of minimalist lyrical content, sparse instrumentation, and poetic moments. No “Emergency” or “Thrush Hermit” anywhere to be found – but you’ll love it.
Laurence Nerbonne: “Le ciel est beau regarde les nuages”
The fourth album from this Montréal-based JUNO-Award winning artist draws together her own past pop and hip-hop influences to create possibly her finest work to date since “XO” landed back in 2016.
Le Roy, La Rose et le Lou[p]: “Self-Titled”
This talented QC trio elevated our blood pressure during their dazzling live performances, making this compilation of live cuts from several shows the perfect keepsake to relive those fond memories.
Leif Vollebekk: “Revelation”
A game-changer for this QC artist, this is Leif’s finest work to date (in my opinion), with sublime cinematic arrangements, rich soundscapes, and lush orchestration. Don’t skip over this one, just don’t.
Les Cowboys Fringants: “Pub Royal”
Following the tragic loss of Karl Tremblay in November 2023, this posthumous (and very likely final) release from these Québecois icons was always going to be a lock for any 2024 year-end list.
Lisa LeBlanc: “Live avec L’orchestre symphonique de Québec”
One of our most anticipated shows for 2024 was seeing Lisa LeBlanc (and band) perform “Chiac disco” with a full symphony orchestra. This recording of one of those shows was a must for this list.
Orville Peck: “Stampede”
Stating that all country artists must release an album of duets, several ‘big hitters’ join Orville here. “You’re an Asshole, I Can’t Stand You (and I Want a Divorce)” with Margo Price is an absolute gem.
Projet Jacob: “En été, en hiver”
One of the year’s biggest surprises comes courtesy of Jacob LaFrance, with this Francophone country-folk debut album that authentically replicates the sounds of the late 60s/early 70s California scene.
Ruth Moody: “Wanderer”
Marking her return following a decade-long hiatus, this collection of folk-pop tunes from the former Wailin’ Jenny hits you right in the feels, and truly deserves to stay on repeat for months on end.
Sadie Campbell: “Metamorphosis”
An artist unknown to us prior to April, the roots-soul tunes from BC-born (now TN-based) Sadie Campbell found on this stunning collection very quickly became a victim of excessive repeat cycles.
Terra Spencer: “Sunset”
The fourth studio album from this Nova-Scotian is also the fourth to earn a spot here in our annual Top 20 albums list. Solid songwriting, solid musicianship, and perfect in every way – all four of them!!!
The Hello Darlins: “The Alders & The Ashes”
Teasing us with a taste of new tunes on a 2023 EP, the Calgary Americana band delivered an epic sophomore release this past spring, sharing 17 new tunes – and hinting of much, much more to come.
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
