As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to look back at the songs that defined the past 12 months.
Music has always been a big part of our lives, and this year gave us plenty to enjoy, from emotional ballads to energetic dance hits.
Artists pushed boundaries, told personal stories, and gave us tracks that stayed in our heads and hearts.
Before we step into 2025, let’s celebrate the songs and albums that made 2024 unforgettable.
These are the anthems that shaped the year, connected us with others, and brought joy, reflection, and excitement.
Charli XCX shook things up with her daring hyperpop sounds, while Beyoncé showed what a country-inspired album could really be.
Billie Eilish brought deep feelings to her music, and Kendrick Lamar once again proved he’s a world-class storyteller.
As we look back at the top 10 songs of 2024, we’ll talk about what made each one special, the stories behind them, and why they touched so many people.
1. Charli XCX – “Track 10” (From the album Brat)
Charli XCX’s Brat album was everywhere in 2024, and “Track 10” was the cherry on top.
This song hit like a jolt of electricity—a wild mix of emotional lyrics and club beats.
Charli poured her insecurities into every word, and that’s a huge reason why this song was such a hit.
The Los Angeles Times called it “chaos and emotional turmoil set to a club soundtrack,” and honestly, they nailed it.
The production, led by AG Cook, had a fresh, hyper-pop sound that pulled us all onto the dance floor.
So, it’s no surprise this song became a cultural phenomenon.
“The louder you play it, the more honest it gets,” wrote Rolling Stone, perfectly summing up why this track hit so hard.
2. Beyoncé – “Texas Hold ‘Em” (From the album Cowboy Carter)
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter was a love letter to the Black roots of American folk music, and “Texas Hold ‘Em” was its shining star.
The way the song blended acoustic guitars and harmonicas with Beyoncé’s powerful vocals created a track that felt timeless and fresh.
The Times called it the “best piece” on the album, and we couldn’t agree more.
The song’s story-driven lyrics captured themes of love and resilience, and her collaborations with legends like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson were an added touch we never knew we needed.
This bold statement about identity and heritage connected with listeners across the board, and it will only continue to touch the hearts of listeners.
3. Billie Eilish – “Murky Waters” (From the album Hit Me Hard and Soft)
Billie Eilish’s “Murky Waters” from her third album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, was an emotional rollercoaster, and that’s likely an understatement.
The song starts slow, with Billie’s soft voice drawing you in, but then it hits you with waves of raw intensity.
It’s like she’s singing straight from her soul, and you can’t help but feel every word.
Critics couldn’t stop raving about it.
The Guardian compared it to Joni Mitchell’s Blue, calling it “a deeply personal masterpiece.”
Billie’s ability to mix vulnerability with boldness made “Murky Waters” one to remember—one of those songs you listen to on repeat because it speaks to something deep inside.
4. Fontaines D.C. – “Favourite” (From the album Romance)
Fontaines D.C. took their sound to new heights with “Favourite,” perhaps the best track from their album Romance.
This song was big, bold, and impossible not to sing along to.
It had everything: sharp lyrics, infectious energy, and a stadium-worthy vibe.
The band worked with producer James Ford to polish their gritty sound without losing their edge.
Mojo magazine called it “a perfect mix of risk and accessibility.”
Whether you were a die-hard fan or a newcomer, “Favourite” had a way of getting stuck in your head and staying there.
It was the song that proved Fontaines D.C. could take on the big leagues.
5. Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso” (From the album Short N’ Sweet)
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” was a burst of energy that showed off her playful side.
This track from Short N’ Sweet embodied embracing independence and having fun, with a funky beat that made it impossible to sit still.
Sabrina’s clever lyrics and effortless charm made it one of the most talked-about songs of the year.
“A smart, funny, and cheerfully merciless take on bad relationships,” said the New York Times.
And they’re right—this song was a vibe.
Sabrina’s transformation from a Disney star to a pop powerhouse felt complete, and “Espresso” was the perfect track to showcase her growth.
6. Kendrick Lamar – “Justin” (From the album GNX)
Kendrick Lamar doesn’t miss, and “Justin” was no exception.
This song from his surprise album GNX hit hard, as it tells a gripping story about street life and lost potential.
Kendrick’s razor-sharp storytelling painted vivid pictures as usual, but this time, it feels captivating in a way we haven’t seen from him.
And the track’s stripped-down production let Kendrick’s lyrics shine.
LA Times called it “a brilliant take on the risks and heartbreaks of urban life.”
Give it a listen, and you’ll see exactly what they mean.
7. Cindy Lee – “Ghost Frequency” (From the album Diamond Jubilee)
Cindy Lee’s “Ghost Frequency” was like nothing else in 2024.
This haunting track from her album Diamond Jubilee felt like a transmission from another world.
With its eerie melodies and ghostly vocals, it was beautiful and unsettling.
Despite being released exclusively on YouTube and Bandcamp, “Ghost Frequency” made waves in the music world.
Stereogum called it “a lost transmission from a ghostly pirate radio station.”
Cindy Lee’s unique approach to music and her ability to create such an atmospheric piece set her apart in a big way.
8. MJ Lenderman – “Stolen Lottery Ticket” (From the album Manning Fireworks)
MJ Lenderman’s “Stolen Lottery Ticket” was a heartfelt indie rock gem.
This track from Manning Fireworks combined jangly guitars and witty lyrics to tell a story that was equal parts funny and bittersweet.
MJ’s knack for capturing the quirks of everyday life made this song stand out.
The New York Times praised the song’s warmth and relatability, calling it “a tender exploration of flawed characters.”
9. Doechii – “Snake Charmer” (From the album Alligator Bites Never Heal)
Doechii’s “Snake Charmer” was a bold, boundary-pushing track that showcased her talent for blending genres.
This song from Alligator Bites Never Heal was dynamic with its rapid-fire verses and hypnotic beat.
So, it makes complete sense how critics loved the song’s creativity and energy.
“Snake Charmer” explored themes of betrayal and resilience, reflecting a personal and powerful undertone.
Doechii proved she’s a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop world, and this track was a major highlight.
10. Taylor Swift – “Hollow Poet” (From the album The Tortured Poets Department)
Taylor Swift’s “Hollow Poet” was the emotional heart of her ambitious 31-song project, The Tortured Poets Department.
This haunting ballad stripped things back to basics, letting Taylor’s poetic lyrics and delicate vocals take center stage.
It was a song about doubt, vulnerability, and the struggles of being an artist.
Esquire called it “a masterful exploration of self-reflection.”
Fans loved how personal and raw the song felt, proving once again that Taylor has a way of turning her deepest emotions into music that connects with millions.
“Hollow Poet” was a highlight reel moment in an already incredible career.
Full List of Top Albums of 2024
- Charli XCX – Brat
- Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter
- Fontaines D.C. – Romance
- Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard And Soft
- MJ Lenderman – Manning Fireworks
- The Cure – Songs Of A Lost World
- Cindy Lee – Diamond Jubilee
- Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood
- Kendrick Lamar – GNX
- Sabrina Carpenter – Short N’ Sweet
- Tyler, The Creator – Chromokopia
- Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Wild God
- Beth Gibbons – Lives Outgrown
- Mk.Gee – Two Star & The Dream People (tie)
- Jessica Pratt – Here In The Pitch (tie)
- Vampire Weekend – Only God Was Above Us
- Adrianne Lenker – Bright Future
- Doechii – Alligator Bites Never Heal
- Clairo – Charm
- Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department (tie)
- Nala Sinephro – Endlessness (tie)
- English Teacher – This Could Be Texas
- The Last Dinner Party – Prelude To Ecstasy
- Magdalena Bay – Imaginal Disk
- Nilufer Yanya – My Method Actor
- Pom Pom Squad – Mirror Starts Moving Without Me
- Sleater-Kinney – Little Rope
- Common & Pete Rock – The Auditorium, Vol. 1
- Kali Uchis – Orquídeas
- Koe Wetzel – 9 Lives
- Grace Cummings – Ramona
- Kerry King – From Hell I Rise
- Megan Moroney – Am I Okay?
- Allie X – Girl With No Face
- Various Artists – Silver Patron Saints: The Songs of Jesse Malin
- Charley Crockett – $10 Cowboy
- RM – Right Place, Wrong Person
- Cavalier – Different Type Time
- Porter Robinson – SMILE!: D
- Camila Cabello – C, XOXO
- The Hard Quartet – The Hard Quartet
- Floating Points – Cascade
- NSQK – ATP
- Hinds – Viva Hinds
- Adeem the Artist – Anniversary
- Liquid Mike – Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot
- Xavi – NEXT
- Claire Rousay – Sentiment
- Vince Staples – Dark Times
- Peso Pluma – Éxodo
- Ice Spice – Y2K
- Maggie Rose – No One Gets Out Alive
- Sexyy Red – In Sexyy We Trust
- Charly Bliss – Forever
- This Is Lorelei – Box for Buddy, Box for Star
- Schoolboy Q – Blue Lips
- Elucid – Revelator
- Maggie Rogers – Don’t Forget Me
- Arooj Aftab – Night Reign
- The Red Clay Strays – Made By These Moments
- Helado Negro – Phasor
- Allegra Krieger – Art of the Unseen Infinity Machine
- Sierra Ferrell – Trail of Flowers
- Omar Apollo – God Said No
- John Cale – POPtical Illusion
- Shaboozey – Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going
- Brittany Howard – What Now
- Ayra Starr – The Year I Turned 21
- Towa Bird – American Hero
- RaiNao – Capicu
What Were Your Favorite Songs of 2024?
And there you have it—the best songs and albums that made 2024 such a memorable year in music!
But music is personal, and everyone connects to songs in their own way.
So now it’s over to you—what were your favorite songs of 2024?
Were there any hidden gems that you couldn’t stop playing?
Did any of the tracks on this list take you by surprise or become your go-to anthem this year?
Music has a way of bringing us together, and sharing our favorites is part of the fun.
Share this list with your friends and family to see if their top picks match yours.
Let’s keep the conversation alive as we get ready to see what 2025 has in store for music lovers everywhere.
Here’s to another year of amazing tunes and unforgettable moments!
