My Top 24 Songs of 2024
2024 was the best year for music in recent memory, with songs that pushed boundaries, became personal soundtracks to unforgettable moments, and demanded to be played on repeat. These tracks embody a mix of artistry and emotion that truly defined the year for me. In no particular order, here are 24 songs that stood out and earned a spot on my personal list of favorites from 2024.
DENIAL IS A RIVER - Doechii
Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal is easily one of the best projects of the year, full of standout tracks that make picking a favorite nearly impossible. But DENIAL IS A RIVER grabbed me from the first listen in August and hasn’t let go since. The song’s structure and execution are both so interesting, with Doechii weaving a story through a conversation with her therapist alter ego– it feels like listening to one of your best friends tell you a story. And who else is doing breathing exercises on a song?
either on or off the drugs - JPEGMAFIA
either on or off the drugs is a perfect example of AI music done right. It’s one of those tracks that grows on you more with every listen, revealing new layers each time. The beautiful strings woven into the production add a surprising elegance for a JPEGMAFIA song, making it as captivating as it is innovative.
the giver - MAVI
MAVI delivers a poignant exploration of heartbreak, reflecting on the pain of seeing someone you cherish move on with someone else. The Giver is an all around great song showcasing MAVI’s exceptional artistry, from his typical intricate lyricism and effortless flow to the sentimental beat and compelling music video. His ability to capture a universal experience in such an extraordinary way with such raw, audible emotion in his voice makes this song hit that much harder.
Hey Jane - Tyler, the Creator
Hey Jane is Tyler’s songwriting and storytelling at its best, and that’s exactly why it earned a spot on my list. It’s a reminder of why Tyler remains one of the most compelling voices in music today—his ability to pair vulnerability with bold creativity is unmatched. If you’re not paying attention, you might miss it. This song is like the auditory version of those 2012 “when you see it, you’ll shit bricks” memes. The meaning completely went over my head on the first listen, but once it clicked and my jaw hit the floor, I realized just how unique and clever the concept truly is.
Die For Me - Jean Dawson, Lil Yachty
Jean Dawson’s album Glimmer of God struck me as one of the most interesting albums of 2024, and its lead single, Die For Me, embodies everything that makes it so compelling. The track is an eerie and bold blend of styles, showcasing his incredible versatility of sound while delving into themes of existential loneliness and the yearning for connection before its too late.
Sienna - The Marías
Never has an artist captured so perfectly the residual feeling of losing someone you thought would be forever. Sienna is dreamy and emotional, weaving a story that’s heartbreakingly personal as she reflects on an imagined future. It’s the kind of song that sticks with you, beautiful in its vulnerability and aching honesty, while hitting you like a punch in the gut.
Étouffée - Vince Staples
Dark Times is full of all-time Vince Staples songs, including Étouffée. With a catchy hook and sharp-as-ever lyricism, Vince reflects on how far he’s come from the struggles of his past. Instead of sinking into darkness, the track strikes a celebratory tone, keeping it all the way 100 with fans and those who doubted him. It feels like a full-circle moment, showcasing Vince’s ability to turn introspection into something uplifting without losing his edge.
I Just Can’t Be Alone (with Billy Lemos) - Lexa Gates
Lexa delivers an effortless performance where she nonchalantly floats over an elegant, beautifully crafted beat. Her laid-back delivery pairs perfectly with Billy Lemos’ lush production, making this a must-listen track for anyone who appreciates jazz rap. Her attitude shifts throughout the track while she tackles the age-old question: do you love the person, or do you just not want to be alone?
Dafodil - Jamie xx
Breezy, soulful and hypnotic, Jamie xx creates a rich and spacious soundscape on Dafodil. The song’s gentle progression allows both the samples and the guest features to seamlessly shine, weaving through layers of calming vocals and textured instrumentation. A mesmerizing breakdown anchors the track, tying everything together. It’s the kind of song where your favorite part changes with every listen, always offering something fresh to appreciate.
Te Mata - Kali Uchis
A song that reinforces the idea that music transcends language, Te Mata hits with raw emotion before you even look up the translation. Her voice carries such power, and the music backing it amplifies every feeling—you can tell this is something important. Kali so beautifully captures the pain of enduring a toxic relationship and the liberation that comes with finally breaking free. In Kali’s words: “You know this one’s about really, you know when you let people hurt you and damage you and then finally you draw boundaries and now you’re the bad person.”
mouthy - Bricknasty, F3miii
In the absolute best way possible, mouthy evokes the same feeling as listening to a Brockhampton song back in 2017. It’s weird, lowkey beautiful and will be stuck in your head for hours just after one listen. The unpredictable shifts in tone and rhythm, paired with subtle atmospheric layers in the production, make it a sound that’s as refreshing as it is unforgettable.
Slug - Matt Champion
Speaking of Brockhampton, Matt Champion’s Slug stands as some of the best solo work to come out of the group post-breakup. The track is irresistibly catchy, with his vocal range on full display as he transitions from raspy verses to soaring high notes over a vibrant, danceable beat. Exploring the emotional weight of uneven relationships and blending his unique style with fresh energy, it’s a standout that shows Matt thriving on his own terms.
Cactus Water - Channel Tres
Channel Tres has been in a lane of his own for years, and Cactus Water is him at his best– vibrant, upbeat and addictive. A nasty bassline pulls you right in, paired with his smooth, almost seductive vocals. The track is rooted in funk and quickly became a personal favorite for its effortless groove and carefree vibe. Released in June, Cactus Water captures the essence of summer with ease.
Girl, so confusing featuring Lorde - Charli xcx
The Lorde remix of Charli xcx’s “Girl, so confusing" is the perfect example of turning speculation into art. After fans theorized that the original song was about Lorde, the two artists confirmed the rumor in the best way possible—by working it out on the remix. The contrast between their styles creates the perfect balance while capturing the complexity of emotions that come with being a girl… SO CONFUSING!!
HOP OUT CHO FEELINGS - Kal Banx, Smino, Buddy
This song is SMMOOOOTTTHHHH!!! The track flows effortlessly. Kal Banx’s slick, airy production sets the stage for Smino and Buddy to bounce off each other with their laid-back yet commanding deliveries. Dare I say this is one of Smino’s best performances.
Beaches - beabadoobee
Beaches is an inspiring anthem about not letting fear stand in the way of your dreams. Drawing from her own experience of reaching out to legendary producer Rick Rubin to collaborate on the very album this song is a part of, the track captures the vulnerability and bravery it takes to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown. In the best way possible, it sounds like it’s straight out of a movie from the 2000s, with a nostalgic and cinematic charm that complements Bea’s beautiful-as-ever vocals. Fresh nostalgia.
Not Like Us - Kendrick Lamar
This list would simply not be complete without the inclusion of the song that completely rocked the industry and arguably altered the career trajectory of one of the biggest artists in the world for the worst... Not Like Us was impossible to ignore, and for good reason. Kendrick’s sharp lyricism and fearless commentary sparked endless conversations, cementing its place as the most talked-about song of the year. And it wasn’t just the lyrics that hit hard—the track was ridiculously catchy too.
Witchy - KAYTRANADA, Childish Gambino
Witchy was the undeniable highlight of Timeless, the soundtrack to my summer. KAYTRANADA’s signature, immediately recognizable production style combined with Gambino’s smooth, dynamic vocal delivery creates something truly special– it’s easily the best thing to come out of the 2024 Childish Gambino renaissance. After seeing what KAYTRANADA can do on a full-length collab album like KAYTRAMINÉ, this track leaves me wanting a KAYTRABINO project– their combined artistry is just that good.
places to be - Fred again.., Anderson .Paak, CHIKA
As a fan of both Fred again.. and Anderson .Paak, this was a collab that I never saw coming, but it worked out better than I could have ever imagined. Fred again.. has an amazing chemistry with every artist he works with, and Anderson .Paak somehow manages to sound fantastic in any genre. This track is the result of masters of their craft coming together to create something truly special, with a joyful, infectious energy that’s impossible to resist.
Sticky - Tyler, the Creator
Sticky is loud, demanding and impossible to ignore– it’s the hit Tyler deserves. GloRilla, SexyyRed & Lil Wayne each bring their own flair to the track, delivering short and punchy features that seamlessly complement Tyler’s energy without overstaying their welcome. Amid an album filled with some of Tyler’s most vulnerable and introspective moments, Sticky serves as a bold reminder of his unwavering confidence and command.
Neverender - Kaytranada Remix - Justice, Tame Impala, KAYTRANADA
The original was great on its own and already a personal favorite of the year– but adding KAYTRANADA’s signature polished, laid-back sound takes it to another level. His production enhances the lush soundscape created by Justice, complementing Kevin Parker’s reflective lyrics about the cycle of pain and regret over a past relationship. It’s an irresistible blend of emotion and sonic texture.
MUTT - Leon Thomas
MUTT was on repeat to close out my summer. Then Leon Thomas added Freddie Gibbs to the remix, and it went triple platinum on my Spotify. It’s an all-around great R&B song that finally lets Leon shine in his own performance, stepping out of the shadows of writing for other artists. It’s the kind of track you want to play in the car, in the shower, or while cleaning—it fits any moment because it is just that good.
Burn - ¥$
Somehow, amidst the mess that was Vultures, Kanye and Ty Dolla $ign managed to deliver Burn—easily one of the catchiest songs of the year. With Ty’s smooth, melodic hooks, Kanye’s sharp production flair, and a solid rap verse from Kanye himself, the track emerges as one of Vultures’ standout highlights. Clocking in at just 1:51, the duo cuts to the chase and wastes no time delivering the album’s most memorable performance.
