Chicago has long been a magnet for music lovers across the nation. With its vibrant music scene and a plethora of talented artists, it continues to shine brightly. From large-scale concerts to intimate performances, Chicago offers a diverse range of musical experiences that leave audiences in awe.

Uncover the Magic of Chicago's Musical Landscape

Best Empathizer: Jason Isbell at Salt Shed, Feb. 29

In the live rock 'n' roll setting, it's often challenging to discern song lyrics. However, Jason Isbell's shows are a different story. His ability to make every word resonate with the audience is truly remarkable. At his two-night late-winter run at the Salt Shed, he exuded empathy, understanding, and compassion. Weeks after filing for divorce, he was in fantastic spirits and delivered his finest local concert in years. With his band, especially the new bassist Anna Butterss, he turned in a performance that was nothing short of extraordinary. His skills as a relatable storyteller and his innate ability to convey the lives of the overlooked were on full display.Jason Isbell, right, with 400 Unit guitarist Sadler Vaden perform at the Salt Shed in Chicago on Feb. 29, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Best Role Model: Olivia Rodrigo at United Center, March 19

The field of aspiring female pop stars is constantly expanding, and heartache seems to be a common theme. But Olivia Rodrigo stands out with her directness, authenticity, and panache. At her concert at the United Center, she demonstrated how to overcome relationship traumas and navigate other coming-of-age concerns with energy and enthusiasm. Backed by an all-female band, she embraced her role model status with confidence and enthusiasm. Through her music, she broadcasted messages of self-empowerment and personal freedom.Olivia Rodrigo performs her song, “Bad Idea, Right?” during night one of the Guts World Tour at the United Center in Chicago on March 19, 2024. (Trent Sprague/for the Chicago Tribune)

Best Actor: Mitski at Auditorium Theatre, March 21

Mitski's performance at the Auditorium Theatre was a sight to behold. Transforming the stage into an avant-garde cabaret, she assumed the guise of a toy soldier and executed a series of dramatic routines. Her odd gestures, poses, and dance moves, enhanced by mood lighting and props, added a new dimension to her songs. Steeped in cynicism and black humor, her symbolic antics conveyed the doubt, desperation, and dread that we all face in life. Mitski brought the ancient arts of pantomime and satire back to life.Mitski performs behind a curtain near the beginning of her performance at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago on March 21, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Best Fountain of Youth (tie): Judas Priest at Rosemont Theatre, May 1, and Metallica at Soldier Field, Aug. 9

Judas Priest, with over 50 years in the music industry, still embodies heavy-metal beliefs and delivers an electrifying performance. Their streamlined spring show defied the median age of their members and showed their support for outsiders and the overlooked. Singer Rob Halford screamed with piercing luster, and the rhythm section of Ian Hill and Scott Travis created a solid foundation. Metallica, on the other hand, tapped into their own sources of inspiration during their two-concert stand at Soldier Field. Benefiting from a low-slung stage and crisp amplification, they attacked with conviction and even channeled the essence of their late bassist Cliff Burton. The band gave Chicago a live interpretation of their epic “Orion” and focused on their peak creative period.Judas Priest performs at Rosemont Theatre on May 1, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Metallica performs at Soldier Field on Aug. 9, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Best Revivalists: Green Day at Wrigley Field, Aug. 13

The idea of an artist performing a signature album in its entirety is no longer novel, but Green Day took it to the next level by tackling two landmark LPs (“Dookie” and “American Idiot”). At Wrigley Field, they didn't just rehash past glories; they played with blistering urgency and maintained laser focus. Their performance forced fans to consider the evolution of the records' messages in the present sociopolitical climate. Five recent tunes that seethed with dissent added to the excitement.Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day performs at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Aug. 13, 2024. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune)

Best Visionary: Missy Elliott at Allstate Arena, Aug. 22

Missy Elliott arrived in Rosemont as a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and an innovator. Her Out of This World tour was a testament to her freaky imagination, originality, and charisma. From the costumes to the backdrops and the dance squad, everything was vibrant and full of swagger. She delivered a masterclass in tempo and her lyrical flow was hypnotic. She showed no fear in challenging any challengers to her hip hop throne.Missy Elliott and her dance team perform at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont on Aug. 22, 2024, as part of her Out of This World: The Experience tour. (Bob Gendron for the Chicago Tribune)

Best Intensifier: Julien Baker at Thalia Hall, Sept. 23

Julien Baker chose a different approach for the opening night of her tour. Instead of ironing out kinks, she delved deep into her catalog and demonstrated the power of delicate singing. Her raw, anguish-laden songs, which may seem flat on record, came alive on stage. Her physical reactions and desire to get everything right added to the intensity. This was a memorable tutorial in what courage, decency, vulnerability, and hope sound like.Julien Baker preforms her song “Bloodshot” during night one of her tour at Thalia Hall in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. (Talia Sprague/for the Chicago Tribune)

Best Truth-teller: Anohni and the Johnsons at Symphony Center, Oct. 12

Anohni's performance at the Symphony Center was a powerful statement about the state of our biosphere. She fearlessly reported on the fragility of our environment and our responsibility for it. Her singing was beautiful and soulful, making her bravery and honesty even more palpable. In a sea of sadness and grief, she emerged as a truth-teller who refused to be silent in the face of injustice.Anohni, of Anohni and the Johnsons, performs at the Chicago Symphony Center on Oct. 12, 2024. (Vincent Alban/for the Chicago Tribune)

Best Stylist: Usher at United Center, Oct. 28

Usher knows how to command a stage and leave a lasting impression. Despite a minor misstep with a strip club sequence, he still exuded style and grace. From grinning and roller skating to modeling suave threads, he was a sight to behold. His fluid dance moves and effortless charm made him a true style icon.Usher performs during night one of his three night stay at the United Center as part of the Past Present Future Tour on Oct. 28, 2024. (Talia Sprague/for the Chicago Tribune)Bob Gendron is a freelance critic.