As 2024 draws to its natural conclusion, Flying Out HQ has been knee-deep in our annual tradition of assembling our Albums of the Year. It’s a process we take on with a mixture of serious intent and lighthearted chaos—a recipe that combines the science of our opinions, sales figures and the occasional dabbling in pagan magic. After hours of debates, playlists on repeat, and plenty of coffee (and maybe something stronger), we’ve emerged with a list we’re proud to call our own.

2024 has been another incredible year for music. With every month bringing a flood of new releases, the challenge wasn’t finding enough great albums but deciding how to include them all. From experimental debuts to future masterpieces, this year’s list showcases the sheer breadth of creativity that makes us excited to walk into the shop every day. We’ve crowned one clear Record of the Year (because we have to ya know) and compiled a healthy list that celebrates the breadth of 2024’s musical brilliance. So, think of this as a musical almanac for your slow-browsing pleasure— a chance to spark some reappraisals or help you uncover something new for your stereo.

It's also a bit of a celebration of the community we’re so lucky to be part of. Thanks to all artists, labels, distributors and most of all you and all your passion for discovering and sharing music. We hope these records will bring as much joy, comfort, and inspiration to your life as they have to ours. It’s been another extraordinary year for releases and we are only scratching the surface but here's a selection of albums that moved us, surprised us, and made us press repeat.

We also want to take a moment to express our gratitude to the incredible Toby Morris, whose design work has turned this almanac into something truly special.

BOOKS