This year the Den hosted dozens of listening parties in store. Giving us the opportunity not only to connect with all new fan bases, but hear dozens of new albums that normally we would not even give a try.
First off- WTF is a listening party?
These are promotional events where record labels collaborate with independent record shops like ourselves to promote new albums. Typically, they will send promotional items for fans on top of being able to listen to the new album with other fans early.
Here are some of our TOP ALBUMS OF THE 2024 (not all had listening parties, they are just phenomenal albums that deserve your ears.)
RUNNER UPS INCLUDE:
Halsey, Four Years Strong & Billy Strings
#5- LAINEY WILSON: WHIRLWIND
This is the only country album making our list this year (I mean it's only a TOP 5, what to do expect?!) Lainey's fifth studio album, and honestly our first time listening to an entire album through for this artist. This album is jam packed with singles and takes you on a "whirlwind" of a story in its 51 minutes. Truly making country "Cool Again".
RECOMMENDED TRACK: "Hang Tight Honey"
#4: GREEN DAY- SAVIORS
RECOMMENDED TRACK: BOBBY SOX
#3: HARDY- QUIT!
This album has been SO UNDERRATED! Possibly due to the bland cover choice? Regardless, this album is a true masterpiece and features massive guest appearances from Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Knox, Fred Durst, Hank Williams III, and David Allan Coe. It is a followup to The Mockingbird & the Crow which was half a country album, and half a rock album. QUIT! cements Hardy in the Hard Rock world proving he can play in both worlds.
RECCOMENDED TRACK: JIM BOB
#2: LINKIN PARK- FROM ZERO
This is the first new album we have had from Linkin Park since the unfortunate passing of legendary front man, Chester Bennington. Emily Armstrong from Dead Sara has stepped in, and adds a great sound to LP. The band has stated multiple times how this is not a Chester replacement, but rather a rebirth for Linkin Park. The album had four singles before it's release, and has many to add yet. The band stays true to their original sound and does not compromise. If you are a fan of early LP (circa Hybrid Theory to Minutes to Midnight) you NEED to give this new album a spin!
RECOMMENDED TRACK: IGYEIH (I Gave You Everything I Had)
#1: JAX- DEAR JOE,
WHO?! I get it, after coming off #2 with a massive name like Linkin Park, who is Jax?! Well, she is an American Idol contestant from season 15 and viral TIk Tok star. You likely have heard her songs, "Victoria's Secret" or "90s Kids". This is her very first full studio album, coming in with an impressive twenty tracks. The album is very relevant (Hawk tuah), funny (interludes), but yet heartwarming (like my father), serious (a song for Chelsea) and full of warnings (HOW DARE YOU) that everyone should hear living in 2024. The biggest disappointment from this album that it is only available via CD or Digital!
RECOMMENDED TRACK: the new girl is a snake