We are passionate about helping you discover music that connects with your heart, mind, and soul — and there were many new projects to keep up with in 2024 alone.  But don’t worry – we got you… for the 16th consecutive year, our 10-member panel of music critics scoured the world of well-crafted, faith-inspired music to find and vote on the best of the best.  It’s our most-loved annual tradition at UTR!  At the bottom, we also share a wider list of top recommended albums from our critics (over 40 extra!) because there’s much worth exploring. Your comments and feedback are always a welcome addition as well. Without further ado, we are proud to present to you UTR’s Top 11 Gourmet Albums of 2024.

[Albums qualify if by an artist who is a Christian, has over 50% new material, and is released publicly between 12/1/23 and 11/30/24.]

1.  The Prodigal – Josiah Queen

We are just as shocked as you!  Not because this talented young artist doesn’t deserve this honor.  We just hadn’t heard of this artist until his debut album was released in late May 2024 (at the age of 21) and went to #1 on the Billboard Christian Charts.  One of our panelists said this project “shows amazing depth and maturity.” Another described it as “honest and endearing.” Yet another said, “This is the future of Christian pop at its finest.”  The Prodigal is the #1 best gourmet album of the year!  [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

2.  Anthem Sprinter – John Van Deusen

If you need a dose of faith-fueled, spiritually honest, artistically rich songs that avoid the standard formulas, put this album on repeat.  One of our critics stated, “At times chaotic and still oddly cathartic, these pop rock tunes are full of guitar riffs and the angst of a young man who once couldn’t get out of his own way.” Another critic loved Anthem Sprinter because it “explores the complexities of love and life through raw, thought-provoking lyrics and gritty instrumentation. ”  [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

3.  Manna – Chris Renzema

His “Part 1” partial album made our Top 11 list last year, but his full-length version of Manna (from March 2024) couldn’t be denied.  It was described by one UTR panelist as “a heartfelt and vulnerable expression of someone still hungry to follow after God, but doing it honestly.”  A different critic called it, “Prophetic, self-deprecating and beautifully crafted, Renzema articulately crafts a safe space for people to believe in Jesus amid their pain, doubt and cynicism. ”  [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

4.  Slow Parade – Gileah Taylor

This was a new-to-most-of-us breakout artist this last year, releasing this stellar sophomore album 8 years after her debut.  One panelist described Slow Parade as “beautiful, real, and refreshing.”  Another rejoiced: “What a lovely surprise this understated and gorgeous album has been for me the last 9 months. It may not be your cup of tea, but if subtle, sweet, and expertly crafted singer-songwriter vibes with arresting vocals are your thing, this could be your new favorite album.”  [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

5.  In Bloom – Jon Foreman

Whether in a solo setting or as Switchfoot front-man, getting a new batch of songs from this prolific songwriter is NOT a surprise.  The stunner is that Foreman continues to elevate his craft with songs that rival some of his career bests.  One of our curators labeled In Bloom as “peaceful, mystical and hope-filled, yet disarmingly honest. This album is a true gift in a disillusioned world.” Another loved it because of “creative musicianship, insightful lyrics, and memorable melodies.”  [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

6.  Rosemary Hill – Sixpence None the Richer

“It’s both vintage Sixpence and at the same time fresh and new with Leigh Nash’s vocals as enchanting as always,” applauded one critic.  What a treat to not only get new music from this iconic band, but a master class in excellence.  One panelist described this October EP as “musically rich, nostalgic sounds, and modern themes.” Another shared, “THIS reminds us that they are much stronger writers and performers than a mere global pop smash or two might indicate.”  [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

7.  Every Kind of Uh-Oh – Charlie Peacock

Even though this 6-time Grammy Award winner wasn’t planning on making a new album in 2024, sometimes inspiration hits and cannot be ignored. One UTR panelist proclaimed, “Peacock sets a standard in composition, craft, and lyricism to which any smart and soulful artist should refer.”  Another believed Every Kind of Uh-Oh is a much-listen because “the lyrics are layered, honest, and picturesque with warm Americana arrangements.” [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

8.  Insomnie – Moon Bride

The artist formerly known as Carly Taich took on a new stage name in 2024 and released one of the most compelling, quirky, creative collections of songs from any artist.  One UTR panelist described Insomnie as “eclectic but intimately engaging and poetic.”  Another proclaimed, “A brilliant alt-pop record that tells the compelling tale of an unsettled, sleep-deprived mind struggling with life and faith.”  If you are tired of the same old, this project is a healthy dose of originality.  [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

9.  A New Reality – Sarah Kroger

One of the reasons why one seeks out high-quality faith-inspired music is to seek genuine spiritual encouragement – and this release has it in spades.  One UTR panelist noted, “Hope-filled and worshipful, these songs help you reflect on the state of your heart with open-handed willingness.” Another added, “Sarah Kroger’s latest release is memorably transparent, holding well the tension of the reality of our circumstances with the holy weight of hope in Jesus.”  [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

10.  Catto – Ruth Naomi Floyd

“An important and timely release with Ruth’s powerful vocals and world-class jazz musicians that tells the tragic story of Octavius Valentine Catto,” described one UTR critic.  With exquisite jazz arrangements, Floyd recounts the history of Catto, who was murdered in 1871 for promoting voting rights for African Americans. One panelist said, “This will capture you entirely.”  Another shared, “The concept never overwhelms the creative flow. This is a revelation.”  [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

11.  The Other Thomas – The Other Thomas

This May 2024 release brought a compelling new voice into our purview.  One panelist exclaimed, “Great voice, killer songs, timeless production, and a winning sense of existential dread pervades this set – recalling everything I love about Future Islands, Killers, and even shades of Springsteen here and there. What the heck!?” Another chimed in, “Full of heart and soul and passion!” Another stated: “Music that sounds both retro and modern with well-written engrossing songs that kept me thoroughly engaged.” [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

What do you think of our critics’ picks of the Top 11 gourmet albums of 2024.  Our panel has a wide taste and interest in music, so narrowing down a collective list to just 11 picks is an interesting ride.  This also means that there were over three dozen albums cited by our critics that did not make the list above.  So we are giving a quick nod to each of these as an extended “best of the year” list.  The first seven listed are our Honorable Mentions, but the rest are listed in no particular order.

  • FOLK!, Pt. 1 – Rend Collective
  • Mat Kearney – Mat Kearney
  • Scars to Prove It – Remedy Drive
  • Jungle in the City – Gable Price & Friends
  • Wild Beautiful Dangerous – Aryn Michelle
  • Pixelated Haze – Dawson Hollow
  • Liberated – Joshua Luke Smith
  • Sawtooth Star – Kylie Dailey
  • Temitope – MEFA
  • The Rain Falls Sideways – Benjamin Daniel
  • Man on Fire – Luke Bower
  • The Other Side – T-Bone Burnett
  • Blue Dreams – Holly Arrowsmith
  • Child of God – Forrest Frank
  • Strangers No More, Vol.2 – Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors
  • Unplugged, Vol. 1 – nobigdyl
  • When it Rains – Taylor Armstrong
  • All the Difference – Skye Peterson
  • JOY JOY JOY JOY JOY – Paul Zach
  • Wild God – Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
  • ReFormation – Stephanie Staples
  • Stories – Jonathan Allen Wright
  • Love – Young Oceans
  • Close To Home – Caroline Cobb
  • Interloper – Zane Vickery
  • Patreon Sessions – The Choir
  • Slow Change – Justin Carlson
  • For You – Daniel Yates
  • Like Flowers in the Sun – Antoine Bradford
  • Be Kind – The Royal Foundry
  • Headwaters – Andrew Osenga
  • Henny Penny – Allie Crummy
  • Marigold – The Hillbilly Thomists
  • Love – Young Oceans
  • Purified Love – Madison Ryann Ward
  • Church – Cory Henry
  • Shade of Indigo – Zach Winters
  • Friends Like These – Dan Stirling
  • Facing Eden – Hope Newman Kemp
  • Beloved – Anchor Hymns

If you’d like listen to the Top 11 Gourmet Albums audio countdown, check out Episode 107 of the Gourmet Music Podcast (releasing the week of JAN.21).

We LOVE getting your feedback. In fact, lists like these are mostly good discussion starters.
a) What is your overall reaction to the Top 11 list?  What do you agree with? Which albums, in your opinion, are missing?
b) Are there any albums that you’ll try out (or give a second chance) based on this list?