2024 was an elite year for music enthusiasts—a time when artists across varied genres pushed boundaries, became stars, and solidified their legacies. To celebrate the year in sound, I’ve compiled my definitive list of the Top 30 Songs of 2024. Here are my two rules: every song has to have been released within the 2024 calendar year, and each artist is limited to just one spot on the list (including features). With these criteria in mind, let’s dive into the songs that defined 2024.
- Messy – Lola Young
Messy delivers the same vicarious thrill you feel overhearing a couple argue in public—“She did what? With who? No way.” Lola Young’s ode to a crumbling relationship captures the uncut in-between moments of being human, filled with vivid details that pull you into the disarray. Amid the chaos, there’s an underlying hope that she finds clarity and balance in the aftermath.
- Get it Sexyy – Sexyy Red
Dearest reader, not everything has to be that deep, some songs are just fun. If you’re one of those people who can’t stand Sexyy Red’s music and you’re under the age of 30, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you’re on the anti-fun side of history. Thankfully, it’s not too late to switch sides.
- Perfume – The Dare
Following his production-credit on Charli XCX and Billie Eilish’s electric Guess, substitute teacher-turned-alleged indie-sleaze revivalist The Dare has been blowing up. Pulsating, flirtatious tracks like Perfume exemplify exactly why the people are having so much mindless fun. Is The Dare just an LCD Soundsystem derivative? Is the indie-sleaze revival even a thing? I don’t know if The Dare has the momentum to stick around, but if he keeps putting out tracks like this, I hope so.
- trauma – 2hollis
Trauma feels like a sonic shot of adrenaline, beeping and buzzing with nervous energy, throwing you into a whirlwind of glitchy soundscapes and fragmented beats. Then, right at the halfway mark, it takes a sharp turn—the instrumental flips into something equally intense but unexpectedly electronic, creating a sensation of organized chaos.
- Imaan – Mustafa
Imaan, from Sudanese-Canadian creative Mustafa, is about two people exploring their relationship with God and simultaneously exploring the bittersweet nature of what reads to be a forbidden romance. The layers of folk and Sudanese production mixed together with Mustafa’s bedside delivery create some of the most peaceful harmonies of the year.
- Galina – Allie X
Inspired by a lost relationship with a naturopathic specialist, Galina is broadly about relying on someone who pulls the rug out from under you. Allie X’s full-throated delivery and this track’s cacophony of 80s-inspired sounds create a song that is as powerful as it is danceable.
- The Feminine Urge – The Last Dinner Party
Who wants to talk about generational trauma? UK rock outfit The Last Dinner Party does. The Feminine Urge explores the relationship between mothers and daughters, and the gash that “the mother wound” can leave on children. High art with a low barrier to entry? Count me in.
- BIRDS OF A FEATHER – Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish needs no introduction at this point. BIRDS OF A FEATHER is one of the many platinum-certified feathers in Eilish’s cap, and in my opinion, the best song she’s recorded to date. Despite the song’s straightforward narrative, FINNEAS’s production and Billie’s vocal acrobatics create an ethereal sound for the listener.
- Shade – Yeat
On his fourth album, 2093, Portland rapper Yeat transports us to a soon-to-come dystopia, where he plays the role of the “Psycho CEO,” a brooding, hypercapitalist supervillain. The actual concept is light on details, but heavy in terms of vibe. Shade is the pinnacle of the record, with Yeat’s dejected lyrics and the track’s futuristic instrumental, situating you in his hectic headspace. Some songs are begging to be reviewed, while some songs just need to be heard.
- Little Homies – Vince Staples
Little Homies is written as a guide for the Black boys of tomorrow and how they can move in a world with danger lurking around every corner, especially for us. “Life hard, but I go harder,” Staples proclaims on the hook, turning his resilience into a rallying cry.
- Hell of a Ride – Nourished by Time
Rarely has an artist with so little music to their name impressed in such a short time. Once you hear Hell of a Ride, you’ll understand. Baltimore artist Nourished by Time mixes critiques of late-stage capitalism with production hazy enough to confuse the Cocteau Twins. On the hook he belts “Goodbye, Baby Goodbye,” but hopefully we’ll be hearing from Nourished by Time for a long time.
- Lithonia – Childish Gambino
Donald Glover’s final album as Childish Gambino might have been a mixed bag, but Lithonia has held a permanent spot in my rotation since its release in July. It takes a truly remarkable song to evoke deep emotion in a listener without any context of the song’s narrative, especially since this track is written from the perspective of a character in an accompanying short film tied to the album. Whether it’s a cry for help or a celebration of freedom, Lithonia lingers in the space between, with raw, unfiltered emotion.
- Alesis – Mk.gee
Mk.gee’s Alesis is an earnest exploration of inner duplicity, a sonic dive into the struggle of reconciling conflicting parts of oneself. While it resists straightforward interpretation, it’s impossible not to reflect on its layers, making it relatable to anyone who has wrestled with any degree of cognitive dissonance. Alesis feels deeply personal, yet universal, capturing the complexities of self-awareness in a way that lingers long after the final note.
- Darling, I (feat. Teezo Touchdown) – Tyler, The Creator
Darling, I dives into Tyler’s complicated feelings about commitment, balancing the push-and-pull of leaving or staying. It’s immediately catchy, with Teezo Touchdown delivering a masterful assist throughout the song that adds even more depth to the track. Regardless of whether Tyler ends up cuffed or not, I just want him to be happy.
- The Kill – Maggie Rogers
Maggie Rogers dives deep into the feeling of mutual blame in a failed relationship on The Kill. Comparing making the decision to break someone’s heart to a hunter stalking its prey is a beautiful metaphor, perfectly capturing the calculated tension and inevitable pain that comes with letting love unravel. This cut is a bittersweet reminder that even the act of letting go can feel like a deliberate, devastating strike.
- Magic I Want U – Jane Remover
Magic I Want U might be the closest we’ve ever come to what “internet music” truly sounds like. Jane Remover seamlessly blends grunge and digicore into something entirely her own, further proving how unafraid she is to take risks. It’s adventurous, genre-fluid, and feels like a snapshot of the future of music. By this time next year, she’ll be a star.
- Knock Yourself Out XD – Porter Robinson
Porter Robinson takes a sharp, self-aware jab at the dichotomy between self-image and public perception on Knock Yourself Out XD. Equal parts self-deprecating and confrontational, the track humorously skewers both Robinson and his critics. On the hook, he pointedly asks, “Why should you keep letting yourself be let down?”—a challenge to fans and haters alike. It’s a clever, introspective piece that showcases Robinson’s knack for blending vulnerability with forward thinking, catchy production.
- Saturn – SZA
SZA’s gorgeous voice and Saturn’s lush instrumentals mask the existential dread that lies at the core of Saturn. Lyrically, she sounds weighed down by the mere act of being human—something a lot of us can relate to. “There’s got to be more, got to be more,” she pleads on the bridge, capturing that universal longing for meaning. For anyone reading this who feels the same way, take her advice to heart: “Find something worth saving, it’s all for the taking.”
- Please Please Please – Sabrina Carpenter
Jack Antonoff once said that Sabrina Carpenter has one of those voices that feels like it’s existed forever, and on Please Please Please, it’s easy to see what he meant. Blending twangy yacht rock with a touch of R&B, the track finds Sabrina pleading with her partner not to make a fool of himself. She sells each line with effortless charm, letting her personality shine through in every note. Welcome to superstardom, Sabrina!
- Sexy to Someone – Clairo
Sexy to Someone captures the universal desire to feel desirable, wrapped in Clairo’s warm, inviting voice. With a smooth, 70s easy-listening instrumental and a super infectious melody, the track is a fine piece of sophisti-pop. It’s effortlessly cool yet emotionally resonant—a balance that Clairo continues to perfect every time.
- Holy, Holy, – Geordie Greep
Geordie Greep of Black Midi fame delivers a theatrical masterpiece with Holy, Holy. It’s like a twisted little play within a song, centered on this absurd Broadway show. Greep’s commitment to this satire is nothing short of remarkable, skewering the damage toxic masculinity has inflicted on men in society with razor-sharp precision. Despite the semi-repulsive subject matter, the song’s instrumentation is captivating, making it impossible to look away from the chaos.
- 16 CARRIAGES – Beyoncé
16 Carriages traces Beyoncé’s rise in the music industry, reflecting on the immense sacrifices she’s made to become the icon she is today. With her voice oscillating between power and delicacy, she lays bare the relentless touring and pressures she’s faced since she was just 15. It’s an unflinching look at the cost of fame, pulling back the curtain on the personal toll behind her superstar persona. A powerful testament to the resilience and dedication it takes to reach—and stay at—the top.
- For Cryin’ Out Loud! – FINNEAS
For Cryin’ Out Loud! captures the sound of fighting to make your relationship work, and balancing the push and pull of exhaustion and romance. FINNEAS perfectly channels the emotional highs and lows, creating a track that feels real. The live instrumentation here is standout, with the horns adding a rich, vibrant texture that elevates the song’s emotional depth. It’s a beautifully crafted reminder of the effort love takes—and why it’s worth it.
- either on or off the drugs – JPEGMAFIA
JPEGMAFIA pushes boundaries once again with either on or off the drugs, sampling an AI-generated 70s R&B cover of Future’s Turn Off the Lights. Proving once again rappers can be both experimental and deeply introspective, Peggy reflects on the inescapable reality of sitting with himself, whether he’s sober or high. It’s an innovative and emotionally raw highlight of the year, showcasing his ability to turn even the strangest source material into spectacular art.
- Beaches – beabadoobee
Beaches is a heartfelt song dedicated to the joy of finding your place and your people. Beabadoobee masterfully captures the beauty of embracing change, both in your emotions and your future. The track’s 90s indie-rock influences shine through in its warm, shimmering guitars, giving this song an uber-nostalgic feel. “Don’t wait for the tide just to dip both your feet in” is the best line I’ve heard all year, a powerful reminder to seize opportunities as they come.
- Angel Of My Dreams – JADE
Angel Of My Dreams is JADE’s stunning solo debut since leaving Little Mix, and what a debut it is! This song’s structure is downright insane for a pop track, bending the rules in ways that feel so fresh even in today’s oversaturated landscape. Lyrically, JADE dives into her love-hate relationship with the music industry–an industry she relies on to create and survive, but also one that has taken its toll on her. That tension fuels the song’s emotional core, and this track’s pulsing electronic production amplifies its intensity. The fact that JADE nailed something this extraordinary on her first try only solidifies her place as a star in her own right.
- Cry for Me – Magdalena Bay
Cry for Me is a sprawling disco odyssey that feels as dreamy as it does deliberate. Magdalena Bay’s evocative lyrics leave plenty of room for interpretation, inviting listeners to find their own meaning within the track’s lush soundscapes, and there is much meaning to find. The second half of the song is pure magic, exploding into a sensational, genre-defying cascade of rhythm and melody.
- euphoria – Kendrick Lamar
Euphoria is Kendrick Lamar at his peak, packing double and triple entendres into six minutes of a relentless, surgical takedown of Drake. These kinds of criticisms have been thrown at Drake before, sure, but never all at once, and definitely not by someone as talented and magnetic as Kendrick. It’s like watching Kendrick engage in a holy war, completely undressing someone piece by piece with his words. History will remember Euphoria as Kendrick’s mission statement in his quest to eliminate Drake from the culture. It’s not just a diss, it’s a declaration of dominance, delivered with unmatched precision and artistry.
- Good Luck, Babe! – Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan became a household name this year, and with Good Luck, Babe!, her only release of the year, she delivered perfection. Good Luck, Babe! is a breakup anthem that cuts deep, chiding a closeted lover for her inability to be herself. The line “You have to stop the world, just to stop the feeling” is devastating, perfectly capturing the resigned heartbreak of loving someone who can’t be themselves. Roan’s voice carries every ounce of emotion, especially in her belting at the end—it’s flawless. I’m so glad we live in an era where pop music can tell stories like this, and I’m so glad we live in an era with Chappell Roan.
- Sympathy is a knife – Charli xcx
Sympathy is a knife perfectly captures the brat aesthetic that dominated this summer (and even seeped into a certain failed presidential campaign). Brat isn’t just about attitude; it’s about finding courage in vulnerability. Charli embraces this fully, propelling her insecurities to the forefront of her music persona in a daring, defiant move. The track is rabid, unraveling a chaotic mix of paranoia and anxiety, and the self-made narratives that spin out of control in your own head. As the song spirals out in its final moments, it transforms into something raw, messy, and beautiful. This is Charli at her most fearless—and it’s the perfect track to top this year’s list.
You can find playlists of these songs here:
The opinions expressed within this piece represent the views of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jefferson Independent.
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