Today's Album/Song of the Day

1. Romance -- Death Kink, Fontaines D.C., 2024

Oh my goodness, y'all, I'm not gonna lie -- I did not want to like the new Fontaines D.C. album. Nope. I resisted the hype with all my might. I tend to gravitate toward female voices and really feel connected with bands with strong independent female energy -- Fontaines D.C. music is so very not me in so many ways. Of course, it's absolutely karma that I ended up head over heels in love with Romance and with this band.

Not only did Romance become an instant favorite with me when it dropped a few months ago, it triggered a deep dive into the Fontaines catalog and I emerged from the rabbit hole as a huge fan. I can't get enough of these Irishmen. I love that my relationship with the Fontaines started with this album, the band's fourth, and I got to know them by going back in time. It's like seeing pics of your person as a kid -- a very special experience indeed.

The Fontaines D.C. album, Romance, is No. 1 on my Top 10 Instant Superstar Albums of 2024. With the exception of Beth Gibbons, Kim Gordon, and Lauren Mayberry -- all famed frontwomen for iconic bands, btw -- the albums on my Instant Superstars list were (relatively) new artists to me and [instantly] had me at first listen. You get it, right?

Listen to new music, friends! Start with Romance -- trust me -- listen today.

Top 10 Instant Superstar Albums of 2024

1. Romance, Fontaines DC

2. Bright Future, Adrianne Lenker

3. This Could Be Texas, English Teacher

4. Pink Balloons, Ekko Astral

5. Lives Outgrown, Beth Gibbons

6. The Collective, Kim Gordon

7. 3+5, Melt-Banana

8. Stampede, Orville Peck

9. No Obligation, The Linda Lindas

10. Lauren Mayberry, Vicious Creature