To celebrate the last year in music, 828newsNOW reached out to our colleagues at the Asheville Media Group to ask about their favorite albums. Read what your favorite reporters, radio personalities and salespeople loved to listen to in 2024 in our list below:
“As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again” by The Decemberists
Their first new album in 6 years did not disappoint! Lyrically one of the best, and sonically it’s a beautiful journey, especially the last track “Joan in the Garden” clocking in at 18 minutes long!
— Jordan Coppinger, 98.1 The River
“Big Splash” by Supatight
Hands down my favorite album release of 2024 was Supatight’s newest release, titled “Big Splash.” It’s of the broody funk variety, with a mix of vibey jams and funky dance beats.
— Jamie Knox, Media Advisor
“Dark Matter” by Pearl Jam
A band that I’ve grown up with all my adult life released a new album this year. When you are a similar age to the artist/band, the topics and the music typically fit with your place in life. This album did that for me. Moments of rocking, just feeling a rhythm and singing along to lyrics that describe a lot of where you are or just were in life. It brings a smile to my face when I listen.
— Shawn Eckroth, Media Advisor
“Deeper Well” by Kacey Musgraves
I would say Deeper Well by Kacey Musgraves was my favorite of 2024. Its lyrical message about comfort and care. Appreciating simplicity and finding solace in it.
Fav tracks: “Cardinal,” “Lonely Millionaire,” “Giver/Taker,” “Jade Green.” Especially “Jade Green”!
— Matthew Register, Traffic Manager
“Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind” by Oliver Anthony
It’s been a harsh year. From a society in turmoil to the reminder of how precious life is with Hurricane Helene, I’m not really in the mood for merriment this holiday season. I’d rather reflect on how hard life has been. I want someone to preach it how it is, not how it should be. “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and Hallmark don’t feel right this year, but sullen passages from Ecclesiastes do.
In his first studio album, Oliver Anthony doesn’t seem satisfied with the world as it is. He gained immense popularity overnight with his anthem “Rich Men North of Richmond” last year, a ballad that rails against the government for seemingly forgetting who they were instated to govern. Anthony’s new album is filled with other heartbreaking melodies that turn inside you longer than it takes to churn butter. While there might be a smile mixed in between the shattered windowpanes, Anthony’s tears are never truly wiped away. And he doesn’t expect you to wipe away yours either. The Virginian cares more about preaching from the rocking chair the way only a good ‘ole Appalachian man could, allowing you to feel however you need to feel this holiday season.
— Jacob Vander-Weide, 828newsNOW Reporter
“In the Shadow of the Holy Mountain” by Blind Pilot
Blind Pilot is one of my favorite bands of all time for their stirring, soul-healing folk melodies. In their first new music since 2016, the Portland, Oregon band has delivered a hopeful, soulful album with songs that reflect on time, family and heart.
I’m especially partial to “Pocket Knife,” “Just a Bird” and “One Drop.”
Try going in blind, pilot. Happy listening.
— Pruett Norris, 828newsNOW Reporter
“Made by These Moments” by Red Clay Strays
Overall it is a great Sophomore album by a band that is really good live. We’ve had the pleasure of seeing perform twice in Asheville in the last year. The song “I’m Still Fine” hit home with me after Helene passed through the Asheville area. The lyrics, “God’s not giving me up, no, I’m just fine, It’s just a matter of time, Though I don’t feel my sadness, I know it should be there, maybe I’m too tired to care, But I’m still fine.”
— Shawn Eckroth, Media Advisor
“No Name” by Jack White
A jaw-dropping, surprise album this year from guitar extraordinaire Jack White left his fans reeling from excitement. The high energy, guitar heavy album is perfect. Skip no tracks, put the album on repeat, and let Jack White envelope you with his new, retro- garage rock sound.
— Jordan Coppinger, 98.1 The River
“Ohio Players” by The Black Keys
The duo of over 20 years really embraces their favorite genres on this record. With help from friend and legendary musician, Beck, the Black Keys open collaboration shines through sounding fresh, re-invigorated and excited! Mixing blues, rock, cumbia, and hip-hop, “Ohio Players” is a Black Keys dance party!
— Jordan Coppinger, 98.1 The River
“One of a Kind” by The Heavy Heavy
The debut album from this 5-piece band from the UK. Their sunshine pop sound of the 60’s is equally unique and familiar. Strong vocals, catchy guitar riffs, and thoughtful lyrics, make this band’s debut album something very special, almost as if they are “One of a Kind.”
— Jordan Coppinger, 98.1 The River
