Top Ambient Albums of 2024
Music lists with “Top” in their title give me the heebie-jeebies. There are only so many hours in a day and only so much time to digest life, let alone music. For this reason, it’s imperative you understand that the albums listed below are the best ambient albums I’ve listened to in 2024 – your mileage may vary.
In no particular order, these are the top ambient albums of 2024
Best Ambient Albums of 2024
In uno spazio immenso – Grand River & Abul Mogard
In uno spazio immenso, is an excellent exploration of those familiar ambient soundscapes we love; weaving together ethereal tones, atmospheric drones, while staying grounded with an almost evocative sense of spatial depth. The album plays like a conversation between two complimentary entities: organic and the synthetic. But this on your list to check out as soon as possible.
Selected Jambient Works Vol. 1 – Cowboy Sadness
There’s nothing better in Ambient music than a little bit of snark. Cowboy Sadness has tapped into something here – a unique fusion of ambient textures and introspective Americana that doesn’t annoy me. It’s filled with layers of atmospheric drones, with a dash of twangy guitar and reverb-soaked melodies. They’ve crafted the ghosts of Montana, and in my opinion, some reassurance that those old ways are in the ground where they belong.
The sky was the color of a television tuned to a dead channel – Production Unit Xero
Following up last year’s Of Aethyr, Production Unit Xero brings us another emotionally taxing ambient album. PUX masterfully balances their own brand of digital dissonance with moments of bleak beauty that are stark and haunting. While at times the narrative of this album feels like a meditation on the intimacy of technology, other times it just makes me think of William Gibson. And that’s depressing as fuck. Definitely check this album out.
The First Machine – Infinity Frequencies
While the vaporwave aesthetic is definitely passé (that’s kind of the point), The first machine definitely rises to the surface and leaves you wanting more. This album is built around looping, minimalist soundscapes, and faint traces of mechanical hums. It hits the sweet spot in between ruin and nostalgia.
Portal Memories – Avith Ortega
Looking for a forgotten world? Look no further. Portal Memories is filled with delicate synth tones, soft static, and understated melodies that creates a soundscape that’s both haunting and familiar. Ortega’s use of sparse arrangements lets the music breathe, giving it a reflective, almost tactile quality – like running your fingers over old photographs. Stand out album.
Umbel – Loscil
Loscil has a lasting legacy within the Ambient community – releases like this cement that legacy. Umbel is a beautifully restrained ambient album that feels like watching light ripple across water. Every track builds slowly, layering itself with soft synths and gray textures that creates a sense of quiet; quiet motion. This is the kind album that doesn’t demand attention, but rewards it.
Reflections In Repose – Steve Roach
Speaking of legacy, the legend Steve Roach is back with deeply introspective album. There’s always been a subtle warmth in the way Roach layers his sounds – making the music feel like a gentle embrace from an old friend. But that’s what Steve is, an old friend. Reflections In Repose is perfect for those moments when you want to slow down, reset, and just let the sound wash over you.
The Quietus – How To Disappear Completely
This album’s creation wasn’t initially an album of remembrance, but it became one after one of the voices on this record, Lisa, took their own life shortly before the album’s release. Her voice appears on each track of this album as a sad reminder of the fragility of life. Overall, this album is balanced with every nuanced sound – be it a faint hum, a soft swell, or a distant battle cry – it feels like it was placed with care. Definitely check this album out.
Disconnect – KRM & KMRU
Turmoil. The word you’re looking for is turmoil. That’s what this album is – dangerous turmoil. The bass isn’t just a tool; for some, it’s a lifestyle. KRM & KRMU have crafted something tumultuous and brooding – something that speaks to everyone. Listen to this and let the pulsing drones and heavy bass melt all over whatever speakers you’re using. And pay attention.
marked – Klein
Looking for something a little different? Check this album out. It’s got everything you could want out of an Ambient album: guitar driven noise, carefully placed textures, soft melodies, sound collage and spoken word mashups. Klein has crafted something extraordinary with marked, and I can’t wait for their next release.
