Gigantic Picks: The Best Songs, Albums and Gigs of 2024
Posted on Friday 27th December 2024 at 14:00
Written by
Bethan Boast
2024 has been a year of significant musical milestones, with vinyl sales continuing to rise and viral moments shaping pop culture. Charli XCX ignited BRAT Summer, a global sensation fuelled by the release of BRAT and its TikTok-dominating single "Apple". Fans flooded the platform with viral dances and creative spins on the song, making it one of the defining pop moments of the year. Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter made history as the first-ever female artist to occupy the entire top three of the UK Singles Chart simultaneously. Her chart-topping track "Taste" was joined by "Please Please Please" and "Espresso", cementing her as a powerhouse of modern pop.
Live music continued its triumphant return, with Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage drawing record crowds and venues across the UK hosting unforgettable performances. And if that wasn’t enough, Oasis fans were treated to the ultimate surprise when their reunion announcement sent their classic singles soaring back into the top ten. Iconic hits like "Wonderwall" and "Don't Look Back in Anger" re-entered the charts, proving the enduring power of Britpop.
At Gigantic, we’ve seen it all this year—intimate gigs, explosive arena shows, and albums that have stayed on repeat. Our team of music enthusiasts has pulled together their highlights to celebrate the songs, albums and gigs that truly defined 2024.
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Sam Potts – Event Management
Song: "Everything and Nothing" - SOFT PLAY
Heartfelt yet oddly uplifting, a punk band using violins and mandolins—what’s not to love?
Album: WOOF. - Fat Dog
I've had this on repeat—it gets me pumped every time, raw and raucous!
"We’re all just dogs gnashing our teeth at the MOON!!!!"
The highlight track is "Closer to God".
Fat Dog tour dates 📅:
- Wednesday 19th February 2025: Fat Dog - SWX, Bristol
- Saturday 22nd February 2025: Trawsnewid: Transform - Aberystwyth Arts Centre
- Saturday 1st March 2025: Fat Dog - Academy, Manchester
- Thursday 22nd - Sunday 25th May 2025: Bearded Theory - Catton Hall, Walton-on-Trent
- Saturday 24th May 2025: Dot to Dot Festival - Various Venues, Bristol
- Saturday 24th May 2025: Live at Leeds In The Park - Temple Newsam, Leeds
- Sunday 25th May 2025: Dot to Dot Festival - Various Venues, Nottingham
Fat Dog tickets are on sale now!
Gig: The Wood Brothers @ Bodega, Monday 5th February 2024
Jano Rix was playing both drums and keys—some of the most impressive musicianship I’ve ever seen. You wouldn’t know by listening that one man was playing both.
The highlight track was "Postcards From Hell".
James McBride – Business Development and Project Lead
Song: "Strange World" - La Luz
Beautiful harmonies, heavy fuzz, and organ—what’s not to love?
Album: A Dream Is All We Know - The Lemon Twigs
The D’Addario brothers are at their absolute best here—an album I couldn’t stop listening to.
Gig: Glass Beams @ Earth Theatre, Sunday 7th April 2024
Amazing show at a fantastic venue I’d never been to before—it was a close second to seeing Girls Aloud at the arena.
Bethan Boast – Digital Marketing Manager
Song: “Good Luck, Babe” - Chappell Roan
This track is pure pop perfection. It’s one of those rare songs that grabs you instantly and never lets go. I've had it on repeat and I’m convinced I’ll never get bored of it. Every part of this song feels just right—a true modern pop masterpiece.
Album: The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess - Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan’s meteoric rise this year has been nothing short of spectacular. The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is a tour de force of clever songwriting, irresistible hooks, and emotional honesty. Every track is a standout—there’s no filler here, just one great song after another. The album perfectly captures the essence of joy, heartbreak, and unapologetic self-expression.
Gig: James Blake @ Glastonbury Festival (Woodsies), Sunday 30th June 2024
James Blake’s Glastonbury performance was insane. I hadn’t kept up with his work in recent years, so I wasn’t expecting to be completely floored—but I was. His set was a hauntingly beautiful blend of electronic textures and raw emotion, creating a soundscape that felt both intimate and expansive. It was a powerful reminder of just how innovative and moving his music can be.
Simon Cranswick – PHP Developer
Song: "Mea Culpa (Ah! Ca ira)" - Gojira @ Paris Olympics
For context as much as sheer quality, Gojira’s performance of "Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira)" at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
Album: Last Will and Testament - Opeth
A vintage year for prog and tech metal, with incredible releases from Ihsahn, DVNE, Nile, and Blood Incantation. Just edging it for me is Opeth's Last Will and Testament. The prog-metal masters are back to their best, merging their early 2000s death metal roots with their recent classic prog sound, delivering their strongest release in two decades.
Gig: Baroness @ Rock City, Thursday 28th November 2024
Amy Davis – Customer Service Manager
Song: "Everything and Nothing" - SOFT PLAY
Album: Romance - Fontaines D.C.
Gig: Liam Gallagher @ Definitely Maybe Tour 2024
Sarah Moore – Head of Marketing
Song: "Lithonia" - Childish Gambino