The title says it all! I made you all a little playlist which, as all playlists are, is more for me to get all my obsessions out in a healthy manner. But genuinely this was the year of legendary hip-hop beef and a return of pop to the centre of the cultural zeitgeist in a way that had me feeling like maybe 2010 wasn’t that long ago. But as much there was a healthy dose of sincerity at the core of many of the year’s best tracks, the first slot has to go to a true masterclass in unburdened pop songwriting…
10. “Diet Pepsi” – Addison Rae
9. “THE BADDEST” – Joey Valence & Brae
“THE BADDEST” is emblematic to me of what makes Joey Valence & Brae’s tone so infectious: it’s equal parts tongue-in-cheek internet culture and braggadocio. In a modern hip-hop landscape that’s so often dominated by trying to one up other emcees with elaborate storytelling and sly disses, JVB have picked up where artists like the Beastie Boys left off in revelling in all that would typically disqualify them from the “coolness” the genre exudes. The self proclaimed “baddest in the club” have 7-Up in their cup, rock Vans, and find their ultimate inspiration in Spongebob and Danny Phantom while riding one of the freshest beats of the year.
8. “Lithonia”- Childish Gambino
The standout single from Gambino’s latest (and final?) record is by far his most passionate and focused effort since the release of “Me and Your Mama”. Starting slow under a soft organ, the track explodes at the revelation of the apathy Gambino – potentially in the mind of a character from a teased companion film that has yet to surface – feels from those around him. By the time gorgeous layers of harmonies accompany the rock instrumentation, Glover has once again crafted an emotional tidal wave that crashes over the listener in the way only he can. Maybe he feels like no one cares but this is a song worthy of attention.
7. “Oontz” – MICHELLE
Indie pop group MICHELLE struck gold this year on this excellent track from their Songs About You Specifically record. It wastes no time drawing you into an energetic tale of spited love before hitting hard with one of the best choruses of the year. The soft melody that starts the hook feels like it concludes before building to yet another peak, showcasing not only the group’s superior songwriting abilities, but their understanding of where to feature each vocalists for maximum impact. They’re a group to watch and embrace.
6. “Russian Roulette” – Porter Robinson
It’s not often that someone can pull off a lyric about a monkey pissing in its own mouth as a reference to the way celebrity culture can each you up and spit you out but that is the best way to encapsulate Porter Robinson’s work this year. His startling sincerity and playfulness brought forth a refreshing blend of EDM and 2010s pop that made its way into my mind and never left.
“Russian Roulette” is the crown jewel of his 2024 record, delving into his insecurities and self-sabotaging behaviour before transforming into a therapy exercise reminiscing on all the reasons he’s thankful for his life. There may not be a more emotionally potent moment in music this year than when he first declares: “I want to live I don’t want to die”.
5. “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” – Billie Eilish
A song that I’m sure will be the bane of retail workers for the next decade and, yet, not without cause. Billie and Finneas have honed the best parts of their signature sound, allowing Eilish’s whispered vocals to float over the breezy beat before unleashing her full vocal ability in the back half. The MGMT-esque synth chords that lightly accompany the song’s climax add this sense of vibrance to the whole track which not only contrasts the approaching darkness of the sentiments Eilish is expressing but also evoke the feeling of first love. Really smart work.
4. “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
There’s not much left to say about “Not Like Us” which, if we’re going by sheer virality, is probably the song of the year. It’s enjoyable, scathing, endlessly witty, and the celebration at the end of the most notable rap feud of the last ten years. This spot also could’ve easily gone to “euphoria”, the singular “meet the grahams”, or Lamar’s latest narrative epic “reincarnated” which attests to the truly incredible streak he’s been on in 2024. Bring on the Super Bowl.
3. “Right Back to It (feat. MJ Lenderman)” – Waxahatchee
MJ Lenderman had a successful year in his own right but his collaboration with Waxahatchee truly stole the show. Her whip-smart songwriting that seems to fill nearly every pocket of empty space creates a sense of momentum that is often lacking in stripped back ballads. The way their voices harmonize on the hook also suggests that they were made to sing together. It’s so natural and gorgeous you may find that you’ve reached the end of the track and forgotten to breathe. It feels transcendent in a way that most songwriters only dream of.
2. “Sympathy is a knife” – Charli XCX
In the year of BRAT, there are probably fifteen different songs that could cover a list like this and, even if Lorde’s verse on the “girl, so confusing remix” is one of the best moments in pop music of the year, I personally have to give the edge to “Sympathy is a knife”. The track is roaring with insecurity and jealously, with Charli belting the chorus as if it’s the last song she’ll ever write.
Her desperate confessions of intrusive suicidal thoughts and wishes of heartbreak for her peers feel abnormal in a pop landscape that’s more “that’s that me espresso” than “volatile at war with my dialogue”. It’s her honesty and ear for complimentary, forward-thinking production that are best showcased here for my money – and what made BRAT the pop-culture juggernaut it is.
And if you don’t believe me, listen to the sheer emotion of Charli’s delivery in her SNL performance.
1. “Good Luck, Babe!” – Chappell Roan
But 2024 was also the year of Chappell Roan, even if the majority of her slew of radio-ready singles were released in years past (that “Casual” never made it on one of my past lists will be something I regret for quite some time). Luckily, she saved the best for last. “Good Luck, Babe!” is as cheeky as its title may suggest but conceals much deeper feelings of jealousy under it’s pony-pink surface.
Perhaps what makes it so incredible is how emblematic it is of the subtle genius of Roan’s songwriting. In a ballad about denial and regret, she never comes out looking like the heroine. There’s a tongue-in-cheek jaded nature about how flippantly she address the whole issue – “it’s fine it’s cool” or “I TOLD YOU SO”.
And Dan Nigro decorates the whole piece in achingly romantic synth-y production and string accompaniment that make her heartbreak feel cinematic. When Chappell flips into her falsetto on the hook it’s too late. You can’t help but feel the weight of her hurt and the hold she still has on you. I told you so indeed.
Thanks for reading!