Our lists of the top albums and EPs of 2024 have already been released, but selecting the best singles of the year is not as straightforward. There were artists, both mainstream and indie, who released albums that didn’t make the cut but had standout songs worth recognizing. Pop culture saw significant moments outside the traditional album format, with celebrities sparking internet controversies and releasing remixes to resolve conflicts. From cheerleaders to enigmatic figures, songs that captured the essence of the present and nostalgic tunes that took us back in time, here are the 25 best songs of 2024.
25. Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Boys Noize, ‘CHALLENGERS [MIXED]’
The collaboration between Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Boys Noize for Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers soundtrack stands out for its propulsive energy and eroticism conveyed through throbbing techno beats. The Boyz Noise mix captures the tension and essence of the original score in a gripping and disorienting manner, offering a unique listening experience.
24. Christian Lee Hutson, ‘After Hours’
Christian Lee Hutson’s ‚After Hours‘ paints a vivid picture of heaven, blending various musical elements to create a warm and ethereal sound. The song blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, exploring themes of memory and emotion with poignant lyrics and intricate instrumentation.
23. Porter Robinson, ‘Cheerleader’
Porter Robinson’s ‚Cheerleader‘ combines anthemic melodies with introspective lyrics, delving into the complexities of the fan-artist relationship. The song explores themes of fame, attachment, and emotional dependence, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the dynamics of celebrity culture.
22. Taylor Swift, ‘But Daddy I Love Him’
Taylor Swift’s ‚But Daddy I Love Him‘ showcases her sharp songwriting skills and self-awareness, drawing inspiration from her country roots while tackling themes of judgment and love. The song’s playful yet biting lyrics, coupled with dynamic production, create a captivating narrative that reflects Swift’s unapologetic approach to storytelling.
21. Sour Widows, ‘Staring Into Heaven/Shining’
‚Staring Into Heaven/Shining‘ by Sour Widows is a poignant indie rock ballad that navigates the complexities of grief and acceptance. The song’s expansive instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics capture the emotional journey of mourning and finding solace in the face of loss.
20. Kim Gordon, ‘Bye Bye’
Kim Gordon’s ‚Bye Bye‘ transforms a mundane packing list into a haunting and mesmerizing track, showcasing her iconic vocals and experimental production. The song’s eerie atmosphere and hypnotic beat make it a standout piece in Gordon’s discography.
What could you find in her suitcase, you wonder? Just the basics really: blue jeans, earplugs, medications. She reminds herself to take pants to the cleaner, and later hilariously remembers to bring money for the cleaner too. Despite mentioning clothing brands like Bella Freud and Eckhaus Latta, there’s nothing extravagant about it all. Yet, it’s a dark and rich experience that captivates you without revealing where she – or the audience – might be going.
FKA twigs‘ new single, ‚Eusexua‘, attempts to capture an indescribable feeling through poetic lyrics. Co-produced with Koreless and Eartheater, the song explores themes of loneliness and transcendence with a minimalistic beat and spare keys. While she hesitates to call it love, twigs can’t help but use that word in a moment of vulnerability. The song effortlessly traverses emotional distances, showcasing twigs‘ ability to connect deeply with her audience.
This Is Lorelei’s track ‚I’m All Fucked Up‘ stands out with its infectious melody and fragmented lyrics that evoke memories and recklessness. Nate Amos skillfully weaves together disjointed lines that resonate with a sense of empathy for one’s past self. The song’s irresistible beat draws listeners into a world of introspection and nostalgia.
Father John Misty’s ‚Screamland‘ challenges his usual skepticism with themes of faith and optimism. The song builds up to a climax before abruptly ending, leaving listeners with a sense of uncertainty and surrender. BJ Burton’s mixing adds a fractured quality to the track, hinting at hidden depths beneath its surface.
Phosphorescent’s ‚Revelator‘ delves into themes of weariness and vulnerability, with Matthew Houck expressing his struggles with creativity and personal growth. Backed by lush instrumentation, the song reflects on the challenges of overcoming self-doubt and finding inner strength. Despite its introspective lyrics, ‚Revelator‘ shines as one of Houck’s most powerful compositions.
Magdalena Bay’s ‚Death & Romance‘ captures the tumultuous nature of relationships with its groovy pop sound and dense production. The duo explores the delicate balance between infatuation and disillusionment, creating a euphoric yet fragile atmosphere. The song’s infectious energy and introspective lyrics make it a standout track that lingers in the mind long after it ends.
Young Jesus‘ ‚Rich‘ is a poignant exploration of privilege and inheritance, with John Rossiter delving into the complexities of his upbringing and family history. The song confronts difficult questions about mental health, trauma, and the role of art in shaping one’s identity. Rossiter’s raw honesty and introspective lyrics make ‚Rich‘ a standout track that demands attention and reflection. His voice is so manipulated that you can’t tell if he’s reminiscing, aging, or reverting to childhood – free from all burdens, even if just for a moment.
13. Fashion Club featuring Perfume Genius, ‚Forget‘
The saying goes, forgive but never forget, a concept Pascal Stevenson explores on the lead single from her second album. Can self-forgiveness be achieved by creating distance between your past self and the person you aspire to be? The song poses the question of whether changing oneself truly changes anything. It also offers a reason to be kind, even if it means shaking up your world.
12. Fontaines D.C., ‚Starburster‘
Inspired by a panic attack in London’s St Pancras station, ‚Starburster‘ is a catchy yet peculiar song. The frontman lets his dissociative spiral take control while the band navigates a trip-hop beat. The unfiltered mania in the song is both anxiety-inducing and exhilarating.
11. Tinashe, ‚Nasty‘
Tinashe’s hit single ‚Nasty‘ explores the transition from desire to desperation, becoming one of the standout pop hits of the year. The singer’s deadpan delivery and infectious melody make the song both relatable and memorable.
10. Merce Lemon, ‚Will You Do Me a Kindness‘
‚Will You Do Me a Kindness‘ delves into the overwhelming feeling of loneliness and the search for relief. The song showcases Lemon’s lyrical prowess and emotional depth, offering a cathartic release through fiery solos.
9. Clairo, ‚Sexy to Someone‘
Clairo’s ‚Sexy to Someone‘ exudes warm intimacy and soul-folk vibes, providing a relatable experience for listeners. The song highlights the power of feeling attractive and the comfort of staying in or going out.
8. Jessica Pratt, ‚World on a String‘
Jessica Pratt’s ‚World on a String‘ features meticulous and commanding lyrics set against a gorgeous melody. The song challenges perceptions and evokes a sense of wistful iridescence that lingers long after it ends.
7. Sabrina Carpenter, ‚Espresso‘
‚Espresso‘ captivates with its frothy pop absurdism and catchy nu-disco beat. Carpenter’s quirky yet matter-of-fact lines and unique metaphors make the song instantly memorable and addictive.
6. Adrianne Lenker, ‚Real House‘
On Bright Future, ‚Real House‘ showcases Lenker’s introspective songwriting and emotional depth. The song is followed by ‚Sadness as a Gift,‘ further solidifying Lenker’s place as a standout artist. The contrast in styles makes me question if the beginning of the album is too intense to handle, and what gratitude can still be found in its heartbreaking sadness. ‚Real House‘ is so minimalistic that it borders on formlessness, so raw and intense that it feels like an invasion of personal space. The song, filled with Nick Hakim’s echoing piano and Lenker’s spoken word, delves into childhood memories, dreams, and tears – both figurative and remembered, like the first time she saw her mother cry. The core of the song lies in the gap of time between its main characters, mother and daughter: „I never thought we’d go this long,“ she addresses her directly. Is it time moving along, or Lenker herself? Regardless, finding clarity in darkness feels like finding a sense of home.
5. Kendrick Lamar, ‘Not Like Us’
In a series of diss tracks that were more divisive than unifying, ‘Not Like Us’ stood out as an unexpected rap hit. Despite its controversial lyrics, it became the longest-running No. 1 song on the Billboard Rap chart history. Mustard’s energetic production keeps the song pulsating, but it’s Lamar’s flow that captivates with each listen. ‚Not Like Us‘ is complex and challenging, but Lamar effortlessly delivers accusations with precision, making it more enjoyable than expected. While its initial impact has faded, it now feels like a celebration of what unites hip-hop culture, rather than just another victory lap from Lamar.
4. MJ Lenderman, ‘She’s Leaving You’
In ‚She’s Leaving You‘, MJ Lenderman explores the coping mechanisms of a familiar character – a man going through a breakup or a midlife crisis, or perhaps both. The central mantra of „We all got work to do“ lingers in the mind, while the title phrase echoes hauntingly throughout the song. Lenderman’s empathy turns ‚She’s Leaving You‘ into an anthem rather than a caricature, urging the protagonist to move forward before the darkness consumes him.
3. Chappel Roan, ‘Good Luck, Babe!’
The unreciprocated love in ‚Good Luck, Babe!‘ may be fleeting, but its impact is profound. Chappel Roan’s vocal theatrics and poignant lyrics create a powerful emotional journey, culminating in a triumphant roar of frustration. The song shifts from empathy to triumph, revealing a sense of satisfaction in saying „I told you so.“
2. Waxahatchee feat. MJ Lenderman, ‘Right Back to It’
Könnte sie wirklich den Vers singen, den sie anscheinend komplett an Charli getextet hat, was die Antwort „Fucking hell“ total gerechtfertigt hat? Die Zusammenarbeit hat nicht nur die wahrgenommene Barriere zwischen den beiden Künstlern abgebaut, sondern auch die Fassade sorgloser Starheit, jedes „Mädchen“ und Ausrufezeichen sowie ein Stich von Empathie. A.G. Cooks nervöser, klirrender Beat liefert Treibstoff für das Drama, ist aber umso packender, weil er die Distanz zwischen den inneren Monologen der Sängerinnen verengt. Der Song handelt nicht davon, dass zwei der größten Stimmen der Branche in perfekter Harmonie zusammenkommen; es ist kein „happily ever after“. Er geht viel tiefer, sendet in Echtzeit Unsicherheiten aus, die sich möglicherweise nicht identisch für beide Parteien manifestieren, aber dennoch von zahllosen Menschen geteilt und allgegenwärtig sind, deren Leben nichts mit ihren zu tun hat. Die glauben, etwas zu sein, aber nicht ganz. „Ich glaube, ich weiß, wie du dich fühlst“, mehr als ein Versuch, Mitgefühl zu zeigen, ist immer eine wirklich wilde Vermutung. Lorde und Charli lassen es sich lohnen.1. Charli XCX, ‘Girl, so confusing featuring lorde’