We begin each new year with a celebration of the highest quality and most meaningful music released in the year-gone-by. Did you keep up on all the new well-crafted faith-inspired music from 2024 (yes there was a lot)?  Don’t fret – we will help point you the the best-of-the-best… as hand-picked by our amazing UTR Critics Panel.  In fact, the list of the Top 11 Gourmet Albums of 2024 is releasing on January 15.  These seven albums were LOVED by our critics, but fell just outside our Top 11 list.  Still, we thought they are worthy to be spotlighted as 2024’s Honorable Mentions.

[These are listed in no particular order.  To qualify, must be a Christ-following artist, and the project released between 12/1/23 and 11/30/24.]

FOLK! (Part 1) – Rend Collective

It’s hard to believe this band from Northern Ireland has been playing together for over 20 years.  This well-oiled machine dropped a new EP in October 2024 that is sure to make your soul dance.  One of our critics stated: “Rend Collective’s latest is a true joy to listen to and leaves a lasting impact.”

[SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Mat Kearney – Mat Kearney

One of our panelists describes this May 2024 release as: “With silky smooth pop sensibilities, the self-titled release from Mat Kearney hits themes of nostalgia, seasons of change, and the steadiness of faith and committed love.” This batch of songs are designed to be enjoyed on repeat.

[SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Scars To Prove It – Remedy Drive

This band originally from Lincoln, Nebraska have been touring and rocking venues for nearly 27 years.  Their latest album flexes their mature songwriting and passion to speak out against slavery. One critic called it “a powerful rock-infused release that captures the battle for justice in the world.”

[SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Liberated – Joshua Luke Smith

“This UK-based artist is doing something spectacular in Christian music, seamingly blending hip-hop, gospel, blues, and spoken word into a unique listening experience,” shared one panelist.  This project will remind you (with impressive lyrical prowess) of God’s closeness to us and the hope we have in Him.

[SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Wild Beautiful Dangerous – Aryn Michelle

Aryn describes her August 2024 album as a musical story of scripture from Genesis to Jesus to Revelation. One critic describes it as “an impressive vocal performance skillfully produced.” Another critic called it “a sonically beautiful journey reminding us of the hope of all things being made new.”

[SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Jungle in the City – Gable Price & Friends

This band is not afraid to rock but also a secret weapon of being able to address spiritually provocative themes.  One of our panelists said, “Hyper self-aware, filled with just the right amount of snark and sass, and yet insatiably focused on the Light, Jungle in the City is a pop-punk must have.”

[SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Pixelated Haze – Dawson Hollow

They’ve been releasing music since 2018, but this Missouri-based folk-rock band only landed on our radar this last year. This 15-track album showcases clever songwriting and genre-bending execution.  One critic said, “This bridging of Americana, folk, rock, indie pop, gospel, and alt rock fully grabbed my attention.”

[SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Enjoy diving into these seven highly recommended albums.  We’d. love to hear from you!  Are any of these picks new-to-you?  And which ones are you especially enjoying?

Stay tuned for our “Top 11” list coming on January 15.