2024’s Raves & Faves: The Best Popular Culture of the Year
2024 was awash in pop moments (“brat summer”) and ephemera (“very mindful, very demure”) with no single trend or figure dominating or defining the year. Fine by me! There was room for a little bit of everything. In my annual survey of the best popular culture of the year I identify some of outstanding music, books, television, and film I encountered with nods to concerts and museums. I hope it serves as an appreciation and a starting place. A note about film—many “prestige” films are released in late fall and winter in anticipation of awards season so my takes reflect the timing and are by definition incomplete. As the Oscars approach next March I expect to expand and share additional reflections. Until then, enjoy!
Musical Moments
Albums
Black Americana, Country, & Roots
The last few years have seen the increasing presence of Black artists in the Americana, country and roots music scenes including Allison Russell, Kane Brown, and 2024 phenom Shaboozey. Two of my favorite albums contribute mightily to this burgeoning tradition. First, there’s Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter. In case you’re asking yourself is she’s “gone country” the answer is: Not exactly. Instead, Beyoncé transcends genre on this highly personal, textured, and idiosyncratic approach to American popular music. Her interpretation of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and the Beyoncé-fied tunes “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” are surrounded by inventive songs with surprising turns that defy everything you thought you knew about pop music. Instead of conforming to genre expectations she thumbs her nose at it and reinvents herself in the process. Second, is the promising debut of newcomer Brittney Spencer whose My Stupid Life stands out immediately for being unafraid to bear her truth (title track, “Bigger than the Song,” “Reaching Out”) while still making room for a little fun (“I Got Time,” “A Night in”). In October I saw Ms. Spencer and her band open for Marcus King in Boston and her robust musicianship and soulful songs won everyone over. She
Rocking Away
After injecting contemporary rock music with some Southern attitude and soul in the Alabama Shakes, Brittany Howard delved into more introspective and eclectic musical territory on 2019’s Jaime one of the decade’s best. On the even bolder and more focused What Now? rock, funk, classic soul, house, and ambient pop speak and listen to each other resulting in a contemporary funk-rock masterpiece. Seeing Ms. Howard perform her dynamic and invigorating show at the Roadrunner in Boston in late September really solidified how adaptable and relevant her music is in multiple contexts.
The New Pop Queen
Though Roan has steadily built a fan base through social media and independently released music on her major label debut Chappell Roan: The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess queer, feminist pop reaches a new apex of emotive and erotic expression. Spunky, catchy, and compulsively melodic songs like “Feminomenon,” “Hot to Go” and “Pink Pony Club” are so distinctive they instantly distinguish her as a singular talent. The keenest of ears recognize her nods to Kate Bush, Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, and 80s synth pop and her unique perspective. That the best pop single of the year, “Good Luck Babe” was released separately from the album tells us her debut is just the beginning.
Still Swinging
Several veteran jazz musicians across generations released notable albums this year. On A Kiss for Brazil Karrin Allyson builds on her previous success recording Brazilian pop (2008’s Imagina—Songs of Brasil) on this intricate mix of surprising and familiar Brazilian songs aided ably by the voice and guitar of Brazil’s Rosa Passos. Bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding earned two Grammy nominations in 2023 for her collaboration with pianist Fred Hersch and rightfully earned another one for Milton + esperanza a lovely and intimate jam session recorded with legendary composer and vocalist Milton Nascimento. Though Rebecca Kilgore is best known for interpreting swing era standards with remarkable intelligence and vibrance she is equally adept interpreting the hip songs of singer-songwriter, and her former collaborator, Dave Frishberg who died in 2021. The beloved writer of jazz classics like “Peel Me a Grape,” “My Attorney Bernie,” and “I’m Hip,” Frishberg’s songs require emotional intelligence, a sense of irony and a delicate touch which Kilgore displays masterfully on A Little Taste: A Tribute to Dave Frishberg. Jazzmeia Horn displayed remarkable poise and maturity on her acclaimed 2017 debut A Social Call and her third album Messages finds her continuing to stretch her talents as a composer. Comprised of mostly original songs—many with a spiritual bent—she is at her best on inspired originals like the anthemic “Sing Your Own Song,” the ingenuous “Voicemail Blues,” and the sizzling spoke sung song “Flip’d the Switch.” British newcomer Raye’s performance of her original songs on Saturday Night Live last April was so distinctive I was compelled me to listen to her 2023 album My 21st Century Blues. On Live at Montreux Jazz Festival she defies a host of singer-songwriter conventions showcasing a dynamism and flexibility worthy of a jazz singer on this thrilling concert album.
Five more fine albums:
Blame it on Eve (Shemekia Copeland)
Earth Mate (Julia Fordham)
JPEG Raw (Gary Clark Jr.)
Let’s Walk (Madeline Peyroux)
My Ideal (Catherine Russell)
Favorite Singles and Album cuts
“360” (Charlie XCX): Great for getting ready for the club.
“Bigger than the Song” (Brittney Spencer): The most relatable song about the personal poignance of pop music.
“Bodyguard” (Beyoncé): Layered, sexy, fierce—might be her best song yet.
“Espresso” (Sabrina Carpenter): It’s easy to get swept away by this ridiculously catchy and slyly clever jam.
“Good Luck Babe” (Chappell Roan): Betray Chappell Roan at your own risk!
“Let’s Walk” (Madeline Peyroux): A beautiful anthem about the inspired energy of organizing for civil and human rights (inspired by Black Lives Matter according to Ms. Peyroux in concert).
“Make it Me” (Mickey Guyton): Somehow Guyton, a talented country singer-songwriter, wrote the best roller rink anthem in years.
“Sing Your Own Song” (Jazzmeia Horn): Inspiring without being corny Horn’s anthem is your new “fight” song.
“To the End of the Earth” (Gary Clark Jr.): A beautifully crooned romantic ballad by the well-regarded blues, rock, and R&B singer.
“What Now” (Brittany Howard): Located somewhere between heartache and kiss-off this song is the ultimate in throb pop.
“You Stepped out of a Dream” (Samara Joy): The luscious voice of jazz singer Joy finds new colors in a swinging orchestral version of the beloved standard.
Notable concerts (in the Boston area)
Audra McDonald: February 27, 2024 at Symphony Hall
Dianne Reeves, Chucho Valdes, and Joe Lovano: May 4, 2024 at Berklee College of Music
Brittany Howard and Michael Kiwanuka: September 30, 2024 at Roadrunner
Madeline Peyroux: November 10, 2024 at City Winery
What Makes It Great? With Rob Kapilow: George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue featuring Clay Stephenson with the Berklee Contemporary Symphony
Books
Fiction
James (Percival Everett)
While many distinguished authors have drawn on canonical works as a foundation for their original work (e.g., Gloria Naylor’s adaptation of Dante’s Inferno for her novel Linden Hills) it takes immense dexterity and audacity to rewrite an enduring classic and say something new. Blending satire, homage, and inversion Everett’s reinvention of Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn turns a litany of American racial and literary tropes about language and authorship inside out to interrogate the cultural prejudices and distortions language has enabled.
Biography
Becoming Ella Fitzgerald: The Jazz Singer Who Transformed American Song (Judith Tick)
Musicologist Tick worked on this biography of the “First Lady of Jazz” for years and her thoroughness shows. Her scholarly approach manages to both reach beyond hagiography by placing Fitzgerald’s formidable career in proper creative, social, and industrial contexst, and present her life and in engaging, accessible prose. A definitive portrait of an era defining musical artist.
Non-Fiction
Cue the Sun: The Invention of Reality TV (Emily Nussbaum)
New Yorker TV critic Nussbaum traces the roots of so-called “reality” television from 1950s radio series through contemporary series like Survivor with stops at benchmark series like PBS’s docuseries An American Family and MTV’s paradigmatic The Real World. Nussbaum balances broad overviews of the genre’s evolving shape over the decades with intimate attention to the most pivotal reality series productions. Blending historical details drawn from interviews with incisive analysis, Cue adds a significant chapter to how we understand television’s history and development.
The Atlas of Car Design: The World’s Most Iconic Cars (Jason Barlow)
While you may not know the Jaguar E-Type, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, or Lamborghini Countach by name you undoubtedly know them by sight. Whether encountering cars on the street or witnessing their gleaming contours through media cars are an indelible part of our visual memory. You don’t have to be an automotive enthusiast to be curious about them. For those seeking to know more about great car design Barlow’s Atlas is the first serious book to explore the most important and influential designs from all continents since the automobile’s emergence in the late 19th century through the early 2020s. Visually stunning and eloquently written it elevates the notion of a “coffee table” book.
Television
Sitcoms:
Sitcoms remains the most exciting genre in contemporary television. Network, cable, and streaming services feature an abundance of series with varied comedic approaches to careers, family, friendship, and romance. The best includes the following:
Abbott Elementary (ABC): The best network sitcom of the 2020s manages to take seemingly common storylines—co-workers Janine and Gregory finally consummate their long brewing sexual tension, hard edged Melissa forms a secret bond with a guinea pig, etc.—and render them with fresh, gentle humor.
Hacks (HBO): In season three Hacks deepens the connection between comeback comedian Deborah and Ava, her confidante and lead writer, while other relationships, particularly Deborah’s with her COO Marcus falter. On the verge of a career breakthrough Deborah’s chances are nearly undermined by poor choices from her past. Despite Ava remaining her greatest champion she returns to an earlier pattern of taking Ava for granted which does not end well for her. Season four is going to be fire.
Nobody Wants This (Netflix): I‘m not usually a big “rom-com” viewer but I enjoyed the chemistry and tension between Adam Brody and Kristen Bell in this burned-by-love-podcaster (Bell)-meets-hot-rabbi (Brody) comedy. Their parents, siblings, and exes add some nice bits of color but I’m here for the couple.
Somewhere Somebody (HBO): Television comedy has rarely told stories as intimate, nuanced, and casually funny as Somewhere Somebody. The third and final season finds Fred paying more attention to his health, Tricia recovering from her divorce, Joel discovering the joys and challenges of his relationship with Brad, and Sam facing her deepest fears about her self-worth. A sense of generosity and friendship anchors each episodes as the series builds to its finale.
Drama:
Industry (HBO): When this drama about nakedly ambitious young financial analysts/traders/bankers (whatever!) working at a London firm debuted in 2020 I ignored it. Then a story in New York magazine about season three intrigued me and it turns out to be a pretty messy, fabulous trip. You might not understand the intricacies of the transactions themselves (who really does?) but you’ll definitely recognize all the juicy tensions among its ensemble—the drama is prime.
Mini-Series:
Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
Richard Gadd’s television adaptation of his acclaimed one man show has the look and feel of a typical steaming era “quality” mini-series in tone and feel, initially. As he dramatizes his personal experience being stalked and exploited, in pursuit of fame, you realize you’re witnessing a remarkable story that stands apart narratively and emotionally. Every time you think you know where its going the narrative takes unexpected turns and opens new doors.
Black Doves (Netflix)
While it might seem flippant to call a series about spies and mercenaries executing lethal missions throughout London tender and even funny this six-episode thriller, starring Keira Nightley and Ben Wishaw, series defies expectations.
Interior Chinatown (Hulu)
Jimmy O. Yang and Ronny Chieng lead a talented ensemble in this 10-episode adaptation of Charles Yu’s award-winning novel. Astute in its observations about Asian-American (mis) representation and media clichés it’s a layered, often brilliant, story that rewards your time and attention.
Notable “genre” programs and specials:
Comedy Specials:
Hasan Minhaj: Off with His Head (Netflix)
Just for Us (Alex Edelman) (HBO)
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City music Hall (Netflix)
Ramy Youssef: More Feelings (HBO)
“Fake News”:
The Daily Show (Comedy Central)
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
Documentaries:
Stax: Soulsville USA (HBO)
Will & Harper (Netflix)
Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary (HBO)
Film
Outstanding Films:
Anora (Directed by Sean Baker)
Between the Temples (Directed by Nathan Silver)
Challengers (Directed by Luca Guadagnino)
Emilia Perez (Directed by Jacques Audiard)
His Three Daughters (Directed by Azazel Jacobs)
Hit Man (Directed by Richard Linklater)
Janet Planet (Directed by Annie Baker)
A Real Pain (Directed by Jesse Eisenberg)
Thelma (Directed by Josh Margolin)
Tuesday (Directed by Daniel Pusic)
Outstanding Performances:
Anora (entire ensemble)
Challengers (entire ensemble)
Emilia Perez (entire ensemble)
Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg (A Real Pain)
Natasha Lyonne (His Three Daughters)
Leslie Manville (Queer)
Zoe Ziegler (Janet Planet)
“Qualified Recommendations” or Uneven Prestige Films I’ve seen:
Each film below has elements that work successfully but the overall execution is marred by flaws in concept, direction, and/or tone that makes it a frustrating or disappointing experience.
Babygirl
Love Lies Bleeding
Nightbitch
Queer
Prestige Films I haven’t seen (yet):
The Apprentice
The Brutalist
A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Dahomey
A Different Man
Hard Truths
Nickel Boys
Sing Sing
Wicked
Museum Experiences
Firelei Báez (career survey)—Institute of Contemporary Art (Boston)
Notable Musicians Lost in 2024
Frankie Beverly
Angela Bofill
Eric Carmen
Duane Eddy
Abdul “Duke” Fakir
Kinky Friedman
Roy Haynes
Cissy Houston
Tito Jackson
Bernice Johnson Reagon
Jack Jones
Quincy Jones
Kris Kristofferson
Steve Lawrence
Dave Loggins
John Mayall
Melanie
Sergio Mendes
Mojo Nixon
Liam Payne
Chita Rivera
David Sanborn
Marlena Shaw
JD Souther
Maurice Williams
COPYRIGHT © 2024 VINCENT L. STEPHENS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.