Top 50 Songs of 2024
Been a little bit. It’s been yet another year of being unable to pursue this part of my life. Moving once again, spending many hours trying to find a better job, and slogging away at the job I was trying to get out of. I’m hoping this year is going to be a little different. I’ve changed jobs at the beginning of this year (2025), went down to part time and doing work that better suits my work flow. Trying to get into the field in at least a basic way, just had some training at a theater. And will pursue some other venues so maybe I don’t spend my time away at a grocery store. Going part time will also give me a chance to release some music. I’m going to work very hard this year to make it happen. I’m annoyed and tired of saying this over and over again. Granted, it’s just the way the world is now days and a lot harder than ever in America to climb up without grinding your life away. Even then, not guaranteed. On top of it, Tiktok has just gotten banned the day I’m writing this. Who knows how milky that sentence will get or not (leaving it in even tho I’m editing it on the 22nd lol). So the main way to market music on a social media is gone. Yeah sure, I still intend on using the gram but not happy about it. What I am happy about, though, is bringing all of those who read this (lol just me i bet) my top 50 songs of the year. I’ve heard a lot of people agree that it was a really good year of music and the best of the 2020’s so far (I’m in personal favor of 2021 still but it’s not by a landslide). I hope you give these a listen and enjoy them as much as I do.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7BznQJqPizlI30qKNi8UAj?si=030c7babc95245dd
50. Owen - “Beaucoup”
I was really craving these type of songs this year. The atmospheric songs that are all about this flying vibe. I needed hope this year that things could and, maybe, would get better. With political climate, social issues, and personal life, I needed a song that felt like hope but didn’t disregard the darkness at hand. And I felt this song placed itself on my list and fought for the “last place” spot. Sometimes this is the hardest spot to get because there’s a lot of songs that I felt barely didn’t make the list and so I have to choose which one makes it. I have to figure out where does the line get put and this song was the one that stuck with me throughout the year that I would like to include above the others. It’s a simple reverbed guitar but the song is mixed and balanced really well. Not too heavy handed on anything.
49. yeemz - “In the City”
yeemz has been such a great find this year. She uses her cello like a guitar and it’s such a refreshing sound within the folk/singer-songwriter genre. It’s mellow and has a low attack (or at least tracked that way) but she combines the two together and it’s a harmonious sound. And she ties it all together with her voice that feels built for the vibe that she has created. I’m excited to hear what yeemz can make going forward since she’s a relatively new artist.
48. Wallows - “Calling After Me”
My wife loves this type of indie rock and found this song early in the year and been rocking it ever since. It’s been in our lives for so long that I sometimes mistake it for being a song from last year. But if we put on our blend on Spotify, you can count on this one making both of us jam out to it. The guitar is brilliantly crafted through the song and really highlights how much it drives the song forward with its catchiness.
47. Pale Waves “Thinking About You”
Pale Waves has been another of my favorite finds from the year. They’ve made an album that’s super infectious. This was the highlight song for me. It’s the song that I feel encompasses the album as a whole and wants me to play their record again. The soaring chorus, giving off the feeling of love, and solid songwriting keeps me returning to this one. Can’t wait to hear more and dive more into their previous albums.
46. Cinemint - “My Valley”
I mixed a song for this individual a few years ago, think the only song I’ve managed to mix for someone lol. But I followed them on spotify and, most of the time, they make music that’s not my style and they are also still getting into the footing of what they want their music to sound like. But they’ll occasionally make a lo-fi like song and I love it when they do. They added dialogue over this one and I’m in love in the way they did it and the specific one they picked. And the synth sound that they’ve kinda attached to their name works wonders here. Hope to hear more from them in 2025.
45. Rosie Tucker - “Paperclip Maximizer”
This is one that I showed my spouse and she adored it and started playing it like crazy ever since she heard it. But it’s a solid song that really works its groove with the drums and guitar playing off another. I like how that rhythm really grounds the song and it can always return to it after a chorus to drive the song forward super well. And if you ever find out what a paperclip maximizer means, let me know. It sounds cool/good in a song but really don’t know what it could even mean.
44. Birdtalker - “Dogs & Rocks”
Ever needed a throwback to a 60’s sounding song, Birdtalker has got you covered. It’s verses are a little tame but, when that chorus hits, you gotta give it a good ol’ twist and shimmy. The song was good on its own just doing it’s thing and letting me dance to it but the icing on the cake is that key change for the final chorus. That type of keen songwriting is what makes me stick around with this band. It tells me about all the promise of what they can do with their songs in the future and how they know how to get a song to that extra level.
43. King Woman - “Bury”
When people say gothic rock, this is what I think of. King Woman has made quite the impression on me with their ominous sound. And what’s most impressive is this is the song I choose from this soundtrack (I Saw The TV Glow) that is stacked with incredible unique songs that were made for the film. I adored the film and the way it told its story but the soundtrack is what keeps me thinking about it. King Woman earns their way to the highlight as they create a song that builds and breaks itself with the perfected craft of gothic rock.
42. Towa Bird - “Wild Heart”
Usually I’m not too keen to TikTok songs; I didn’t even find this song on the app. But I can tell Towa Bird is good at creating songs for the app and/or short form content. And usually I would say that in a kinda snarky way but it’s clear that Towa Bird just makes songs this way. It feels so natural for her to make songs that rush in and rush out. But it’s all about that lasting impression of those few minutes it sticks around for and keeps me coming back. Her energy in the song is undeniable and it’ll have you jumping around with her.
41. St. Vincent - “Sweetest Fruit”
When people say it’s a good year for music, this is what they mean. St. Vincent puts out a pretty incredible album and full of great songs that would probably rank higher on my list if it didn’t feel like the competition wasn’t so fierce. But this is easily the highlight for me regardless of the competition. I love the complexity and how interwoven the layers are on this song and how they build off another. And the bridge shows how in control of the song St. Vincent is.
40. Shannon & the Clams - “Dali’s Clock”
It’s quite the underdog here. The band still dying to be discovered and a song that feels a bit like a left field pick given the songs they put out this year. However, this is the one that got stuck in my head the most. I adore the use of quiz clock type beat that gets spotlighted in the chorus that would seem like a gimmick that would get more annoying but it’s carefully created with added licks from the guitar. Had it popping in my head ever since I heard it.
39. Magdalena Bay - “That’s My Floor”
I must confess that I felt that the scene was falling head over heels for this record while I was not. I like the record, don’t get me wrong. I’m just not claiming it (spoiler) on my top list. However, I can recognize when a great song is made and this is the song that persuades me to what people were talking about. The techno indie rock track is a jam and a half incorporating the best elements of all the genres. Magdalena Bay really do showcase how good they are at forming amazing songs.
38. Wishy - “Love on the Outside”
Classic indie rock is what I found this year and Wishy was a great addition to the year. A solid set of verses to explode to a catchy chorus complete with great guitar work. Not much else you could ask for from a solid tune, not when the rhythm section is also bringing the song together as well as they are, which is really shown off during the bridge as they break it down multiple times.
37. Beef - “Behead Boy”
Jump right into another solid indie rocker that fills the listener with this whimsy fun that reminds you of the elementary years combined with teen years but the knowledge of the young adult years. It’s a clever little tune that doesn’t try to do more than it needs to nor overstays its welcome with it’s insanely catchy guitar work.
36. Good Looks - “Self-destructor”
Good Looks returned to the year end list with another great bar rock song. This band often reminds me of sunset summers and hanging out on patios. And while that’s not my favorite thing to do, the feeling of the air is something that sticks in your brain. Good Looks just know how to capture that aura. Maybe neighborhood rock is the better name. Sounds like mid 30 fathers making music when they can and then play them for their small suburb town after being a cover band for a couple years. Anyways, this song fully shows what all of those years of playing can get ya too. A song crafted by experience and tone. That is carefully made over the course of it’s 5 minute run time.
35. Madi Diaz - “Obsessive Thoughts”
Very few artists have been able to capture the feeling that The Swell Season gives me when I hear their albums. While Madi doesn’t quite hit the nail on the head all the time, there’s a handful of songs that give me the same feeling of complicated feelings and emotions about love and the struggle that yourself and a partner go through. She carefully chooses her words and made a song to have as an outlet for that raging emotion of passion, anger, and confusion. The poetry of raw human emotion that not many artists can articulate into words.
34. Tall Heights - “Still Feel The Same”
Tall Heights greeted me with this song, reminiscent of the misty mountains and indie folk along with a silky voice. Poignant lyrics and rich instrumentation entranced me into this band. It’s super well crafted song with a compelling composition and great use of unique instruments. It’s a song that you can live within and contemplate life with Tall Heights.
33. Dan Spencer - “Fat Vampire”
The song starts with such a primal scream that it’s hard to tell where the track is going. With influences of hardcore, pop punk, and pop rock, it feels like a miracle that this song manages to sound coherent but that’s what draws me to it. It’s such a unique song that feels so alive and the lyrics complement it the drive of the song well. Spencer has a knack for songwriting that is a great twist while still being relatively conventional.
32. slimdan - “Drank on Accutane”
oh slimdan. Songwriting has never sounded so good. It was hard to choose a sequel to pick for this list after the slam dunk on last year’s list. I landed on this song and slimdan has a great way of having the urgency and diction of a teenager writing music but has the self awareness of an adult. And I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. These are such honest songs that don’t overcomplicate themselves but don’t get too simple either. And then slimdan has such good intuition on what makes a song tick that it all comes together so well. Crafting interesting hooks and adding the right instruments at the right time, it gets me excited for what else he has in store.
31. Keni Titus - “think i got a bad idea”
While the world was having a brat summer and loving the girly pops, I was enjoying the alt scene of the girly pop summer. Still making pop songs just in a different font. Sure, this one is rock song too (and maybe more so) but the pop elements are what make this song worthwhile. Keni Titus is still making her mark and I wouldn’t be caught not being first on the block of supporting her. Even then, I only started listening when she about 200,000 less monthly listeners (rn is around 221,000).
30. Alisa Amador - “I Need to Believe (feat. Quinn Christopherson)”
This is probably the hardest song to place. Sometimes I hear it and I think it’s one the catchiest songs I heard this year that’s also an anthem. Sometimes it feels like bubblegum pop in the sense that it loses its flavor after a couple chews. I do think it normally lands in the spot of great anthem but I do caution over playing this song. Regardless, I love it almost every time I hear it. I do give a lot of credit to Alisa and Quinn for creating an amazing melody for this song that I think would have suffered greatly without it.
29. Mat Kerekes - “Along the Way”
I wonder how many fans of Citizen missed this album. I about did. Discover Weekly came in clutch. Mat has put out a quite a vulnerable and stripped back record that really feels like he’s reading his journal and playing right in front of you. But what really sells me on this song is the vocal performance. It shows how much the timbre of his voice is a part of Citizen’s identity and how much he works on his vocals to be as demanding and raw as they are.
28. Winnetka Bowling League - “Sha La La”
This band made a song that I have felt in my bones. It goes on about nostalgia of past times and talks about the stuff that isn’t rose tinted. Realizing that the older you get, the more complicated life gets. But it’s also a hopeful song that wants to move forward despite the increasing complexity and bleak future. Trying harder for the ones you love. It’s a simple song but it had an important role in my year.
27. Dirty Nice - “Like Best Friends”
And with all the events of 2024, this song never ceased to put a smile on my face. I have a feeling that this song can put a friend in your head where it feels like this song has the same vibe as that friendship. I’m glad I was able to see mine before he moved away (COWARD!) but I have this song to return to whenever I want to hang out with him again.
26. Billie Eilish - “Birds of a Feather”
Hey! There was no lead single for this album! It’s not my fault I liked the most popular one! I have to like the underdog! NOOOOOO! I really was pulled into this song the moment I heard it and I knew it was the best song before the streams showed it. Billie really did her best to do better on her performances and melodies and this song shows it off really well. It proves why she’s landed on my list so many years in a row. If she puts out music, she’s bound to make the list as her incredible catalogue of songs gets better.
25. Dua Lipa - “These Walls”
Flop era!? Who’s calling this a flop era when her numbers are this high? Dua Lipa still put out a decent amount of great songs! Sure, it’s not Future Nostalgia but she wouldn’t be one of the most streamed artists of 2024 if it was a flop era. And this song is the perfect example that she is still putting out amazing songs and that she’s not running out of any gas in the tank. Especially with that piano loop that I could listen to forever.
24. From Indian Lakes - “The Flow”
A incredibly well layered rock song that has me head banging the moment the song starts. And give plenty of neck breaks that are also designed beautifully. The melody does wonders to this song though and it would not be the same without. But the songs continuous momentum was what keeps me hooked to it. A song that I can hear instantly just by reading the title.
23. The Linda Lindas - “All in My Head”
This pop punk type of tune is something I’ve been craving for a good while. While it’s more punk than pop punk and doesn’t sound like the 2000’s version we all know, it still has all the same ingredients, including the infectious chorus. For a band with members so young, its still so crazy to me that they can write such great songs that doesn’t feel like I’m listening to someone as young as they are. Sure it still sounds like a young adult but not teenager. Definitely turning out to be the next gen Paramore in a way.
22. Vampire Weekend - “Connect”
This was another of those records that I heard people were really loving and I just liked. And again, this song is the reason I’ll hear them out. This song really reminded me what type of song Vampire Weekend is capable of creating and using their unique flavor to pull you in. I really enjoy the building of the song and how it follows a typical enough song structure but it’s like they shifted the energies in different places and it’s very interesting in a songwriting perspective and what they can do within one song. About the time you think the song has given all it can, it continues to give. Maybe having a good bass part is the secret.
21. Willobank Grove - “Universe”
One of my friends (Point Taken, was on last year’s list) has gotten me really into rock bands with a good brass section and this is one of those. Here, this band wrote a song that may be really hard to top themselves. It shows off the incredible drums, their insane female vocalist, and of course that tasty brass section. They all pull together to create a song that feels like a once of a lifetime. I would be a lie to say that this didn’t ruin the rest of their record since I adore this song so much. And I didn’t even mention the great lead guitar with it. If only I could hear this song live.
20. Foxing - “Greyhound”
It wouldn’t be a year end list without a song passing the 6 minute mark. Luckily, this year it only goes to a little over 8 minutes (for those impatient ones) and there’s only one song that goes this long. But Foxing did an impeccable job of creating an emo (not pop punk) prog song that leaves all the emotion within these 8 minutes. Creating a track that waxes and wanes and keeps the whole thing alive, it’s an epic of a song that builds itself into the bones and expertly utilizes the post production ambience and effects to finalize it all the while commentating on modern society.
19. Ben Bohmer, Oh Wonder - “The Sun”
It’s not fair that I love Oh Wonder so much. They simply are part of a song and I can’t help myself from loving it. The way they layer their vocals and write songs that fill me with such warmth. And for it to be a collaboration, utilizing that unique perspective on the band’s sound. The two projects create an amazing song that I have really enjoyed. But really I’m sure a lot of the credit goes to Ben and his amazing production skills and for laying the foundation for a wonderful song to be made.
18. Jettee - “The Adventure”
Alright so let’s get this out of the way. Jettee is the son of the bassist of my favorite band, Switchfoot. However, I did find Jettee through discover weekly but I wasn’t inclined to check the rest of his stuff out until I learned that the two were connected. I was going to keep Jettee as someone I would keep an ear out until I heard this song and then it all clicked for me. What I really love is the son’s perspective on this crazy life of being a touring rock band for a father. It feels like pulling back the curtains but that wouldn’t make a good song. It’s the beauty of what Jettee creates and the soaring chorus and the way it’s all said. Then trumpets at the end to wrap it all up, I can’t wait to see if they make more like this.
17. Orla Gartland - “Little Chaos”
Orla came out this year by challenging herself by making the best music she can. There’s a good influence of her band on here and how to balance all the different instruments of a song together. It’s not like her last album was bad in any way (it’s how I found her) but this one just turns everything to 11 as she’s a car barreling down the road with the best songs at hand. I love how cute this song is without sacrificing it’s rock tendencies or by not making a good pop song too. She really nailed it here and the energy behind it shows.
16. Green Day - “Bobby Sox”
I kinda regret not putting them on my list last year but made sure they got it this year. I think they nailed having a solid rock song that celebrates who the band is but not being cringe about it. Maybe because Billie perfects those vocals on this song that really sets him up with high expectations for the live performance of it. But who cares here, it’s a super great rock song that’s fun to sing along to and all the other bandmates also do their job great to make the song as killer as possible.
15. Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors - “Way Back When”
This band has managed to be pretty consistent for me whenever they release music, even on years where I feel the album was a bunch of b-sides released like a real LP. Anyways, this song was an exception from the album that really surprised me it didn’t make the part 1 of the album. It’s a cut to the heart on a reflection of time and also looking into the future of time that feels like it’s already gone because life goes by so fast. A fleeting feeling that has been on my mind also. Yet, Drew said it best so I’ll just let you listen.
14. I Love Your Lifestyle - “Plot Twist”
I about missed this album. I realized I wasn’t following the band and then a couple months later, they started putting out singles for the album. This Swedish emo punk band knows how to make exactly what they advertise themselves as. I can imagine the european venues head banging to their songs and sweeping the underground scene as they tour the continent. If this is your style, you’re in for a treat.
13. Kendrick Lamar, Lefty Gunplay - “tv off (feat Lefty Gunplay)”
Yes, this is the meme song. Yes, it is that good. Kendrick had plenty of songs to pick from his album but this one stands out because of the crazy beat that feels old school but in the modern era. I, too, would scream mustard over this beat. The flow over this beat is also just so incredible and expected from Kendrick. Alas, it never gets old. Gunplay does pretty well too. Not my favorite feature but he fills the role well and doesn’t bring the song down. A bit cringe at times but mustard is there for a reason.
12. Melt - “Fake Romantic”
I really have just adored this song. I feels like Valentine’s Day in all the good ways. It’s like the beginning of a high school movie or during the dance scene. But Melt got all the vibes right as they build a song that’s infectious and pink all over. The double female vocals is one of the nicest touches and keeps the song unique and interesting. It’s a song of bliss and light hearted love even though the lyrics are not that. It wears its heart on its sleeve and have adored it for that reason.
11. Remi Wolf - “Kangaroo”
Remi could be a lot nicer and making it easier to choose the song from her album as the “best” by not having an “all killer, no filler” album. Here, she creates cool and compressed verses that keep the track tight only to break all that tension in this explosion of a chorus that uses a cow bell in probably my favorite use. It’s so much fun to clap/tap along to and feel the energy of the song. Remi also layered almost every song of the album to the peak so each listen there’s a new part or instrument to hear and discover that makes the full sound. All on top of an incredible rhythm that she utilizes well in the bridge.
10. Mates of State - “Somewhere”
One of my first music genres that I got into was indie electronic pop in the early 2010’s. This song feels like a love letter back to those songs. So much so that I’ve questioned whether I’ve heard this song before and if this was a re-tracked version or a cover or not. I couldn’t find anything… mostly cause I wanted this song on the list so bad. It filled me with that feeling of delight, discovering music you love for the first time again. Finding something truly unique. Right before spotify consumerised music but during the digital age when music was just appearing online and was getting shared by “word of mouth”. Special time indeed.
9. Penny and Sparrow - “Mattering Ram”
I really am kicking myself for not listening to this album. I think I just heard this song whenever I had a lot of albums drop and it slipped through the cracks. This is the type of folk music I’ve been missing tho. Those lyrical tracks that just stick to their guns of a simple track and let the words guide the song (I still had to read, don’t worry). But a song that really contemplates life and doesn’t have an answer. But you feel the song in your gut and it just sits there and festers. I guess… join in me and my depressed knot of a stomach as I listen to this song again.
8. salute - “system”
salute has been one of my favorite finds this year. He makes music that sounds like a mix between club and 2000’s racing game (and maybe a little bit of SEGA in there) music. I’m on the latter group (racing) but I think both groups don’t care that the other genre was included. I wanna drive to it, they wanna dance to it. We both wanna get lost in the music. I have just enjoyed this song so much though, it’s really fun and having Rina Sawayama featured is how I found the him so it was a genius move for his choice of collaborators. To be fair, each collaboration feels well placed and utilized. Regardless, give salute a listen if you also like electronic music. You’re in for a ride.
7. Coheed and Cambria - “Searching for Tomorrow”
It’s always a great year when Coheed releases music. It’s an even better year when it’s this good. It’s a small call out to two decades ago but still keeping it fresh and new. There’s this razor edge on the track as they cut through this next era and showing no signs of aging. They went from young adults making music to adults making even better music without the downgrade of old rock stars who can’t play their classics anymore. Dynamic guitar and a drive, there is no stopping this song. Child of the Fence forever!
6. Jon Foreman - “In Bloom (feat. Joy Oladokun)
If there’s a song that felt like it’s album cover, it’s this one. But really, this song helped me with getting through the year. Jon’s amazing lyrics that play with words in new ways with a soothing but booming chorus. It’s been nice hearing Jon act like if he was a hippie in the 60’s and vibing out but still bringing that hope that he wants in his songs. It’s a song to keep on repeat.
5. Twenty One Pilots - “Next Semester”
A rocker and a thinker. I really do get shivers every time Tyler says “The yellow dashes in the street". It’s a great way to create imagery and have me picture myself in the situation, which is exactly what the song wants you to do. It’s a song where I hang on every lyric and it reminds me of all the road blocks I’ve crossed and how dreadful they have felt. But I’m still here today and taking on more as they come. It’s tiring but there will always be more and I love the emotion the song gives me. It keeps me going and points me in the other direction in the street.
4. Efterklang, Sonderjysk Pigekor - “Animated Heart”
This is the pinnacle of the lifting, soaring type song that I have been craving. Nothing could top this angelic song as it lifts me up to heaven for a brief moment. A song that I’ve been wanting to recreate in my own. It brings me so much peace. This girls choir that Efterklang has collaborated with to bring some of their songs to life and I think this was the one where it was all dedicated to making sure they had full focus within the song. The lyrics are simple but are so carefully chosen. The post production is as effective as it can be. I just wish the end wasn’t so noisy. Only complaint but perfect otherwise.
3. Ruby Duff - “Belong Here”
My guess is that you didn’t hear the best girl pop summer song this year. It’s this one. Maybe that’s why the summer didn’t hit for me was because this song was the song of the summer for me and it wasn’t even close. Ruby Duff nailed every aspect of the pop song and she has only just begun. The piano with the horns and the amazing vocals and amazing songwriting, man this song has it all. I’m left with so little words as I don’t even know what to compare it to. Give it a listen yourself.
2. That Woman - “Enough”
Okay, so it’s Oh Wonder’s solo effort from Josephine. Call myself out. But she created a song that’s exactly the type of song I would love to make. And a type of song that makes me fall in love instantly. She wrote the song super well with lyrics that don’t go into camp but still gets its message out with spoken word. An amazing use of piano with strings to create beauty and urgency and peace all at once. It allows the chaos to live within the peace and love. Josephine’s vocals in the chorus are layered so perfectly. I can’t help but love and fall in love every time I hear this song.
Richard Reed Perry, Little Scream, The Barr Brothers - “Live That Way Forever (From the Iron Claw Original Soundtrack)”
What a title lol. But if it wasn’t clear that this year had a lot of yearning and rock, well it all comes to this. A movie that also does the same. I couldn’t shake this song. I heard it at the beginning of the year (didn’t watch the movie until late summer) from Discover Weekly and it was playing all year long. If life was going well, LTWF. If life was struggling, LTWF. It was a song that made me not give up hope that things can get better, despite the hiccups and potholes in the road. A song that feels like it could have ended 3 times before it does. A vocal performance so raw from both artists, amazing but simple guitar, and a collaboration that really does feel like 3 people came together to make something special they couldn’t on their own. I give you the song that kept 2024’s seams together. A song that I rank as the winner of my year.