2024 was a huge year for music fans across the globe. New artists made waves among the different scenes, we saw some amazing EP and record releases, so how can I narrow it down to just 10 songs? I figured it would be a little selfish to just put all of my personal favorites on here, so I developed some criteria. Each song has earned its ranking based on meaningfulness, technical proficiency, popularity (mainstream OR underground), and each song needs to have first debuted in 2024.
10. I like the way you kiss me by Artemas – Tiktok sensation Artemas gained traction this year for his unique vocal performance. He artificially pitched and sped up his voice, leading to an iconic sound. From a technical standpoint, i like the way you kiss me is a masterclass in producing music in the digital age. Vocal effects, electronic instrumentals, and more make this one of the most impressive songs of 2024.
9. Buttons by Lyn Lapid – Lyn Lapid’s single was a refreshing take on love song pop. In a year filled with intense instrumentals, yearning ballads, and large-production pop songs, Buttons opts to use soft vocals and beautiful yet simplistic instrumentals, reminiscent of 2020 bedroom pop. This influence was an aspect I really missed among the pop tracks to come out this year, and Lyn Lapid appeared to not only satisfy that craving but exceed all expectations.
8. Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter – Although I expressed that I missed the old influences of pop with Lyn Lapid’s track, that doesn’t mean I’m not a fan of the current pop era. What better example of 2024’s pop scene than Sabrina Carpenter? Espresso was the song of the summer, with vibrant vocals, bouncy instrumentals that exude fun, and, of course, iconic lyrics. Carpenter has had a near-perfect year for her career, and Espresso demonstrates why that success is so deserved.
7. Big Dawgs by Hanumankind – Big Dawgs was the confidence-boosting anthem of the year. Not only is this song fun, clever, and incredibly catchy, it also showcased the genre of Indian Hip-hop to the mainstream American audience. Big Dawgs has already seen even more success with a hit music video and a remix featuring A$AP Rocky.
6. Obsessed by Luna Day – In a year full of pop revelations and evolution, it gets easy for fantastic songs to be overlooked. Luna Day is the best artist that debuted in 2024, a take that I will forever stand by. Luna Day’s music rollout has been nothing short of fantastic, every song without fail has been filled with Day’s unique style and charisma. Obsessed falls into a musical niche that can only be described as “Gothic Pop”. It’s rare that an artist is able to stand out like this in a year defined by a very specific sound in the pop scene.
5. Good Luck, Babe! by Chappell Roan – No discussion of 2024 is complete without Chappell Roan. She is the underdog story that captivated millions across the world. This story means much more than just a pop star getting the recognition she deserves, it represents how the music industry is opening itself to queer experiences. We have watched the shift from begrudging tolerance to a celebration of identity, giving a platform for more queer artists to embrace themselves.
4. DENIAL IS A RIVER by Doechii – Doechii is having a moment and it is beyond deserved. Doechii has proved herself as an extremely talented storyteller, lyricist, rapper, and overall creative. Her 2024 album Alligator Bites Never Heal has cemented itself as one of my favorite albums of the year. DENIAL IS A RIVER stands out from the rest of the tracks for its unique tone and Doechii’s legendary performance. I can’t do the song justice, so if you haven’t already, go watch Doechii and Issa Rae perform the song live on the Genius youtube channel.
My Top 3 of 2024
2024 was a wild ride for music fans. So which 3 songs can really encapsulate not only the sound that made up this past year, but also shaped the culture of 2024?
3. Sexy To Someone by Clairo
Clairo’s return to music with the release of her 2024 album Charm was nothing short of fantastic. Indie artist Clairo had been on a 3 year hiatus from music since her 2021 album, Sling. Her long-anticipated return managed to exceed the already high expectations. Charms takes Clairo’s vocal style and composition then enhances every aspect to reflect how much she’s grown since Sling. The track Sexy To Someone shows her proficiency with creating fantastic instrumentals, the piano part making the track so catchy and iconic, as well as shows Clairo’s ability to not only sing, but perform, her vocals. The use of layering vocal tracks, expertly written verses, and more make Sexy To Someone one of the highlights of 2024.
2. Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar
Not Like Us is the magnum opus of the biggest event in music culture this year. Kendrick vs. Drake is a moment in music history, it brings back the roots of combative Hip Hop in a way that we haven’t seen in over a decade. Kendrick Lamar brings this rivalry to a halt with the release of Not Like Us. An angry, fun, hate-filled, celebratory anthem of defining who deserves to participate in the music industry and condemning people who abuse their success. The clever writing defines each song of this era, and Not Like Us really displays Kendrick Lamar’s proficiency as a writer. It’s witty and fun while also tackling a serious issue in the industry. I’m looking forward to watching Lamar perform with SZA at this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show.
1. 360 by Charli XCX
Brat summer this, brat summer that. Charli XCX’s smash hit brat was nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. However, the impact of brat is not the only reason that the standout track 360 claims the crown of #1 song. Charli XCX is part of a movement in the music industry. In fact, Charli XCX’s success is spearheading this change. Pop has always been defined by strong women with iconic vocals such as Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Britney Spears. However, it was understood that these women were never in full control of their careers. Women have always been a fundamental part of modern pop, but 2024 saw the shift to women truly being in charge of pop music. Charli XCX demonstrates this perfectly. The album brat embraced the reality of adulthood as a woman, in all of its messy and disorganized glory. Charli XCX created songs that are unashamed in their honesty, and each one is easily a club classic as well. As a female fan of the music industry, brat was exactly what popular music needed, and it is a part of a much-needed change in how the industry regards women.
