Thank you for joining me for another year of modern synthpop. We’ve already named Sleek Teeth the year’s best new act, watched the year’s best music videos, and counted down my favorite songs of the year. Now onto the full-length format. The list below represents my 25 favorite albums of the year.
The album format feels a bit like an endangered species in the streaming era. Many artists frequently release singles to maintain visibility and income. Often, an album is simply a collection of those singles, which sorta betrays the cohesive nature I love about the album experience. You’ll see a few of those on my list. You’ll also see albums that defy the trend, offering immersive and cohesive experiences alongside standout singles.
Here’s to another year of celebrating synthpop together. I’ll see you in 2025. Can’t believe we’ve reached a quarter of a century. Stay tuned for my monthly song countdowns, new music Fridays, interviews, and more. Follow me on Facebook if you’d like to keep up with new posts.
25 Italoconnection – Midnight Confessions Vol. 2
The maestros of Italo disco return with Midnight Confessions, Vol. 2. Italoconnection deliver an intensely upbeat collection that dazzles with electronic arpeggios and exquisite synth riffs. Highlights include “The Wait,” an indulgent symphony of twinkling melodies and charming vocals, and “Live Forever,” a soaring anthem with Francesca Gastaldi’s stunning vocals layered over bright, blippy synths—proof that Italoconnection can sound remarkably modern while staying true to their retro roots. Then there’s “Europa,” a spoken-word track that playfully lists synthpop legends like Eurythmics and The Human League, offering a nostalgic nod to the genre’s history.
24 Project Pitchfork – Elysium
Dark electro titans Project Pitchfork conclude a trilogy of albums they began in 2018 with Akkretion. Elysium is a fittingly grand finale with a strong environmental undercurrent that lends it crucial relevance—each track closes with the sound of crashing waves, and lyrics like “We’ll take a summer walk in winter” contemplate life in a warming world. Peter Spilles’ gruff vocals remain at the helm, which sounds unsettling on tender ballads like “Melancholia” and “Learning to Live.” It’s a diverse set, and he feels most at home on club-friendly anthems like “Unity,” a rousing love letter to the dark scene, and “Der Tanz,” which pulses with a classic house beat reminiscent of DJ legends like Peter Rauhofer and Junior Vasquez.
Listen: Spotify
23 LEATHERS – Ultraviolet
Canadian artist Shannon Hemmett, the keyboardist and backup singer for ACTORS, steps into the spotlight with her long-awaited debut album as LEATHERS. Ultraviolet compiles years of singles and EP tracks into a haunting collection that feels like a brooding synthpop fever dream. Hemmett’s ethereal vocals float over atmospheric soundscapes, blending shimmering synths, moody guitars, and nocturnal beats. It’s full of hypnotic songs like the seductive “Fascination” and the hazy “Runway,” which conjures roadtrip vibes out of evocative lyrics. Dreamy ballad “Day for Night” stands out for its delicate beauty and radiant synths. Ultraviolet is a spellbinding debut that was worth the wait.
22 Klack – Modern Production
What even is an album in 2024? The streaming era has rendered a mininum number of songs pointless, so a release like Modern Production might technically count as a mini-album, but it has enough good songs and a seamless vibe to render it among the year’s best. The Wisconsin duo show off their diverse influences on songs like “Unity of the Beat,” with tumbling beats and echoey lyrics characteristic of classic New Beat, while “Weight of the World is a bona fide synthpop jam with verse-chorus-verse structure and infectious vocals. And then there’s “Let’s Go to Berlin.” Modern Production’s closing track spins a hilarious narrative set to technoid electronics about exploring the German capital, complete with unsuccessful attempts to get into Berghain and a mistaken encounter with Daniel Myer. Also, currywurst.
21 Priest – Dark Pulse
Swedish synth enigmas Priest delve into darker, experimental techno territory on their fourth album, Dark Pulse, trading the industrial grit of Body Machine for gloomier, bone-shaking club sounds. “Burning Love” ignites the energy with explosive beats and whiplash electronics, delivering a high-octane dancefloor banger. “Black Venom” toys with slinky synth riffs and a fun-as-hell mutant sample that chants, “Let me out.” The album’s best moment, “Demon’s Call,” provides a smooth, mid-tempo contrast, wrapping pulsating synths around a catchy, ’80s-inspired chorus to create a joyous confection of pure synthpop. Dark Pulse captures Priest’s ever-evolving sound with intriguing boldness.
20 Kanka + Bodewell – Stroboscope
Two veterans of the EBM scene, Uwe Kanka of Armageddon Dildos and Martin Bodewell of Orange Sector, join forces for Stroboscope, an album that pays homage to late ’80s and early ’90s club sounds via addictive electropop with industrial underpinnings. The opening pair of tracks alone demands your attention: 2022’s “Believe” remains a synth-buzzing anthem of electropop perfection, while this year’s “I Am the One” matches its energy with a pounding EBM beat, blasting synth riffs, and insane hooks. The album takes a darker, grittier turn on “Techno Club,” a maelstrom of energetic rhythms and shouty vocals about muscles that recall classic Nitzer Ebb.
19 Aiboforcen – Between Noise & Silence
Between Noise and Silence by Belgian act Aiboforcen is an ambitious double album packed with tracks and guest vocalists, including Mari Kattman and Emke of Black Nail Cabaret. There’s even a remix by Patrick Codenys of Front 242. It’s a sprawling collection that delivers several undeniable anthems. “Executions” bursts with ringing bells, full-throttle electronics, and sublime vocals reminiscent of VNV Nation’s Ronan Harris. The duet “Everything” explores fractured relationships with tender male and female voices trading verses over whamp-whamp pads, while “I’m Talking to You” is a maelstrom of swirling electronics that soars with Emke’s powerful vocals.
18 Sacred Skin – Born in Fire
The easy listening vibes of yacht rock are enjoying newfound popularity with retro-minded audiences. So it’s no surprise to see that untapped ‘80s influence make its way into modern synthpop. Los Angeles duo Sacred Skin craft stylish, cinematic sound that merges the smooth grooves of yacht rock with the bombast of synth-rock. Notable cuts include “Call It Off,” with twinkly keys and a funky bass line, and “Surrender,” a bombastic anthem with a massive chorus and layers of keys. “The Lights” rounds out the set with ecstatic synth lines that feel euphoric. Born in Fire is a high-gloss blend of guitars and synths that plays more like a lost movie soundtrack than a traditional synthpop record, conjuring neon-hued images out of The Lost Boys or Miami Vice.
17 Pet Shop Boys – Nonetheless
There’s a sort of sadness that hangs over Pet Shop Boys’ fifteenth studio album. Most of the songs—even the higher-tempo disco numbers—take a somber turn, wading into themes about aging and loneliness. They’ve given us vital gay perspectives in the past, but Nonetheless offers their most queer storytelling yet, especially on the album’s best songs. “Why Am I Dancing” wonders how we got here over a shuffling beat, “New London Boy” mines nostalgia from a young man’s arrival in the city, while “A New Bohemia” longs for fresh experiences. New producer James Ford adds orchestral arrangements to every song—bits of horn here, strings there—which classes up the joint. It’s a poignant return to form for the Boys, proof they’ve still got good stories to tell.
16 Beyond Border – Gathering
Beyond Border continue their Welcome to the Future trilogy with Gathering, an album that plunges into darker, more turbulent territory. Futurepop anthems like “Radiant” and “New Start” deliver the thick beats and soaring, emotionally driven lyrics we expect of the German project, but the album also tackles weightier themes. “Hate Myself” confronts self-loathing, while “Fever” closes with a startling gunshot. Thankfully, Gathering balances the heaviness with moments of hope, like “Let’s Just Live,” an uplifting ode to personal acceptance. There’s also a magnetic guest vocal from j:dead on “Part of Me” that further complements the band’s evolving sound.
Listen: Spotify
15 BLACKBOOK – Radio Strange
BLACKBOOK’s sophomore album, Radio Strange, builds on their debut with another monumental collection of bangers, this time crafting a more consistent set of songs centered on themes of identity and embracing your differences. Tracks like “You Are Strange” and “Normal” tackle these ideas head-on, pairing clever lyrics—“You’re strange / So strange / I hope you never change”—with the duo’s trademark knack for massive hooks. The Swiss act also expands their sonic palette, venturing into synthwave territory on “The City Sleeps” with a massive, reverberating riff, while “Beautiful Lies” delivers a delightful ’80s pastiche complete with glorious sax solo.
14 Dancing Plague – Elogium
Oregon’s Dancing Plague isn’t for everyone, but the confrontational singing style is captivating for those who can handle it. Frontman Conor Knowles delivers the deepest, most cavernous vocals I’ve ever heard—an abrasive, gravelly baritone that sounds like it’s bellowing straight from Hell. The intensity of his voice contrasts beautifully with the sparkly synths and clashing beats that transform his tracks into dark dancepop whomps. Highlights from Elogium include “Shadow Self,” with its larger-than-life hooks and biting refrain, and “Echoes of the Void,” a thumping industrial track with unsettling tones that grow increasingly sharp. Love it or hate it, Dancing Plague’s fearless approach leaves a lasting impression.
13 TR/ST – Performance
How do you follow-up a monumental double album that documents your shame spiral into self destruction? For TR/ST, that means joining a new label, the influential Dais Records, and working with a new producer, the Los Angeles-based musician Nightfeelings. Robert Alfons’ distinctive nasally vocals remain the focal point, but the sound of Performance is somewhat understated, lacking the frenetic energy and chaotic nature of TR/ST classics like “Sulk” or “Bicep.” It’s no less engaging. “Regret” throbs with dense electronics and an arpeggiated synth riff that recalls The Knife’s “Silent Shout.” The album’s stunning “Warp” masterfully builds tension with pulsing blips, bleeps, and thumps.
12 Black Nail Cabaret – Chrysanthemum
Hungarian dark synth duo Black Nail Cabaret take a more experimental and, at times, chaotic route on Chrysanthemum. Vocalist Emese Arvai-Illes dials back the muscular acrobatics of their previous album, allowing composer Krisztian Arvai to shine. Rumbling bass, shifting tempos, and inventive soundscapes dominate the record, from the bleeping staccato tones of “Never Enough” to the stalling car engine sounds of “Neurons.” The album’s dark standout, “Autogenic,” kicks into high gear with propulsive beats and rattling electronics, while other key moments include the dirge-like beauty of “This Home Is Empty” and “Teach Me How to Techno,” a joyous celebration of electronic music.
11 Ashbury Heights – Ghost House Sessions Vol. 1
Ghost House Sessions, the long-awaited collection of oddball tracks from Ashbury Heights, finally arrived this year—and what a beast. Enough songs for two discs. A promised second volume. Guest stars galore. The collection is held together by dynamite songwriting and a range of compelling themes. Ashbury tackle mental illness on the slinky, sinister “Spectres from the Black Moss,” explore personal empowerment on “Is That Your Uniform,” and celebrate individuality on “One Trick Pony,” a spirited track featuring the always delightful Marc Massive. While many of the best songs on Ghost House Sessions were previously released singles, there’s plenty of fresh material, from the propulsive energy of “Stalker” to the introspective glamor of “Sleeping With a Knife.”
10 Male Tears – Paradísco
California’s Male Tears headed into their fourth album, Paradísco, with a new lineup and reinvigorated sound. Now a quartet, the band trade the tougher edges of their earlier work for blippy, exuberant Italo and freestyle sounds of the ’80s, evoking the vibe of an unhinged retro dancefloor. The album’s best moments include “Talk to Me,” a delightful confection of captivating vocals and pure ’80s joy, and “This Party Ends in Tears,” which bursts with buoyant synth riffs and melodramatic flair. “Regret 4 Nothing” rounds out the record with a soaring, sugary melody that feels equally at home in a goth club or in a roller disco. It’s an infectious celebration of vintage nostalgia and the most fun Male Tears has sounded yet.
9 White Noise TV – New Dawn
German duo White Noise TV breathe fresh life into futurepop. New Dawn, their brilliant third album, balances dense electronic soundscapes with enchanting vocals and forward-thinking arrangements. Tracks like “Equalizer” and “Drowning Winds” shine with gorgeous melodies, contemplative lyrics, and mid-tempo beats. “Deep Waters” takes the album into darker, more foreboding territory, while “Bend the Knee” exemplifies the band’s modern approach to futurepop with clever synth effects, strong songwriting, and carefully placed media samples. With New Dawn, White Noise TV showcase futurepop’s ability to evolve, crafting a sound that feels both vibrant and modern.
8 CZARINA – Empire
“I’ve never felt soooooooo alive,” CZARINA bellows on the electrifying opening track of Empire. And you believe her. Building on the groundbreaking symphony of sounds she crafted with Arcana, she takes her vision further, encasing it in a tidier cosmic theme. Prog-rock arrangements collide with intricate layers of electronics and baroque flourishes, while her operatic vocals continue to be her secret weapon. “Dark Star” is a powerful anthem to resilience, while “Ghost Machine” and “Exoskeleto” channel inspiration from sci-fi and anime to deliver rabble-rousing mechanical beats and intricate electronic soundscapes. There are still moments of exceptional innovation: Album closer “Beyond the Veil” integrates actual samples of Saturn’s rings. Empire solidifies CZARINA’s place as one of the most imaginative artists in the scene today.
7 Normal Bias – Kingdom Come
Normal Bias dropped a welcome surprise with Kingdom Come, a full album of “industrial body funk.” Across eight tracks, the American duo blend funky, powerful beats with sharp synth arrangements—there are mesmerizing chords bouncing all over this thing. Matt Weiner’s charismatic vocals convey Depeche Mode charm, while Chris Campion’s production keeps things fresh with strong rhythms and dynamic layers. Crucial moments include “Holy,” a sleek track that channels Violator-era DM, “Falling Down,” a shimmering synth-driven groove, and “Embody Control,” a sinister club banger with warped vocal samples that hover across its dark, funky beat. Kingdom Come is an electrifying listen and proof that this pairing is something special. I hope they stick together.
6 Kite – VII
The much-heralded debut album from Swedish synthpop giants Kite arrived with a slight disappointment: we’d already heard every song. Known for releasing EPs, the duo’s shift to a full-length format still feels triumphant. VII plays like a greatest hits collection, unified by the warm, dynamic tones of Kite’s analog synths and Nicklas Stenemo’s unmistakable voice. Essential tracks like the furious “Panic Music,” the chaotic “Changing,” and the passionate “Losing” are a testament to their dynamite songwriting, while introspective songs such as “Tranås/Stenslanda” and “Teenage Bliss” trace a subtle narrative of their upbringing. A proper album experience may still be pending, but Kite remains the best synthpop band in the world.
5 Urban Heat – The Tower
Texas trio Urban Heat defy easy categorization on The Tower, blending darkwave moodiness, synthpop melodies, industrial chaos, even flashes of metal. Frontman Jonathan Horstmann’s impressive vocals and undeniable charisma—evident in their live shows and these recordings—keep the album scorching from start to finish. Opening track “Take It to Your Grave” exemplifies their anti-genre approach with crunchy guitar riffs and strong synth melodies. The album’s best moments come later: “Right Time of Night,” built on industrial beats and knob-twisting electronics, joins the vampire canon. Meanwhile, the guitar-driven “Seven Safe Places,” the album’s least synthpop track yet still among my favorites, shines with gorgeous melodies and sublime lyrics about seeking shelter together. Urban Heat live up to their name—they’re one of the hottest bands on the scene today.
4 Allie X – Girl With No Face
Don’t overlook Allie X. The Canadian pop star lives in a topsy-turvy wonderland where candy-coated gloss meets gothic intrigue. Girl With No Face caught my attention with “Off With Her Tits,” a chaotic banger full of unhinged glee—and a timely nod to gender-affirming care. Her personal mantra, “Weird World,” pairs confessional lyrics about her oddball identity with a bright, showy melody. Elsewhere, “John and Jonathan” and “Galina” lean heavily into ’80s influences, built around exquisite synth riffs that wouldn’t feel out of place among the era’s finest New Wave. The album shifts gears into Portishead territory with “Saddest Smile,” a haunting track featuring an eerie, old-fashioned contralto reminiscent of Beth Gibbons. She may not have a face, but Allie X has unparalleled vision.
3 Sydney Valette – The Healer
French artist Sydney Valette crafts something uniquely cohesive with The Healer, an album that explores the cycle of trauma and recovery in relationships. Every track supports its central theme, from feelings of isolation in “So Lost” to the explosive confrontation of “The Avenger.” The album’s stellar club banger “Pharmakon,” unleashes a maddeningly progressive beat full of savage energy, punctuated by cold, piercing tones. Play it loud. Its title track wobbles with punk energy and rich, oddball sound elements, including a creepy spoken word climax that sounds like a desperate plea for help. “The Wanderer” slows the tempo but amplifies the tension with a startling narrative about a lost soul adrift in trauma. All of that combines to make The Healer a sharp, creative collection that demands to be heard as a complete work, hits hard, and lingers long after listens.
2 Vidéo L’Eclipse – Begin Repress Depart
There’s a moment in “Go Blind,” a deep cut from Vidéo L’Eclipse’s majestic sophomore album, where a subtle noise whooshes across the soundmix, like a spaceship crashing into the track. It’s a fleeting detail, easy to miss, but emblematic of the Swedish duo’s attention to craft. Composer Robert Tingelöf layers elegant, sophisticated synthscapes with menacing undertones and uplifting flourishes, while Jonas Peterson—whose rich, inviting baritone ranks among the best in modern synthpop—anchors the album with unforgettable performances. Highlights abound, from the delicate evolution of last year’s “Almost There” to the melodic, ominous beauty of “Frozen Solid.” Even the opener, “Let It Begin,” blends Cold War electronics with a soaring chorus assisted by Swedish compatriots e:lect. With Begin – Repress – Depart, Vidéo L’Eclipse solidify their reputation as one of the most sophisticated and emotionally resonant acts in the genre.
1 MATTE BLVCK – Vows
MATTE BLVCK open Vows with deep, rumbling bass and pummeling electronics—a relentless blast of energy that sets the tone for what’s to come. The San Diego trio’s sophomore effort cements their place at the forefront of modern dark synth music. Past comparisons to imperial-era Depeche Mode—especially on tracks like last year’s “Midnight & Angel”—remain a useful starting point, but Vows shatters any notion of imitation. MATTE BLVCK’s sound is more vibrant, more energetic, often more punishing than anything their influences have produced. Thanks to the band’s colossal percussion and razor-sharp programming, every moment feels explosive, from the bonkers opener “Pupula Duplex” to the ferocious title track, which delivers an unforgettable hook: “I’m not afraid of my shadow.” Even the album’s instrumentals—often dreaded filler—crackle with purpose and excitement, maintaining the album’s unstoppable momentum. Ronnie Moorings of Clan of Xymox joins for “BTTR,” an exhilarating collaboration driven by staccato synth chords that hit like a shockwave. With Vows, MATTE BLVCK push their sound to its most intense and innovative heights—a sonic furnace of dark synth excellence that is the best album of the year.
