The 50 Best Songs of 2024 So Far
3.5 hour playlist, all genres! Liner notes, music videos, and links to all vinyl variants.
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The 50 Best Songs of 2024 So Far
I see a lot of bitching and moaning about the current state of music, and sure, some things are bleak. But saying there's nothing new to get excited about? Nonsense! Here are 50 tracks that prove otherwise.
Let’s dive into the best sounds of the year so far, and don’t forget to follow the full playlist below.
50. St. Vincent - “Broken Man”
All Born Screaming on vinyl: Clementine | UO Exclusive Black/White Split | White | Black
To start us off, we have Annie Clark taking the helm as producer for the first time on her eighth St. Vincent album. First single “Broken Man” sounds like a mix of PJ Harvey and Nine Inch Nails.
49. Magdalena Bay - “Death & Romance”
No album announced yet.
Magdalena Bay picked up right where they felt off from 2021 debut Mercurial World with “Death & Romance,” a glittery pop anthem anchored by frontwoman Mica Tenenbaum’s angelical vocals.
48. Yellowcard, Hammock - “Only One“
A Hopeful Sign on vinyl: Pastel Pink
There’s been a lot of revisited and reinterpretation albums recently and most suck because they sound so close to the original, just slightly different (aka worse).
Yellowcard went another route with A Hopeful Sign, enlisting post-rock band Hammock to help them completely rework Yellowcard classics into something wholly different and emotionally significant.
47. Jamie xx, Robyn - “Life”
In Waves out September 20. Get Vinyl: White and Black | Black
Jamie xx is back with a new album, In Waves, nine years after his classic debut, In Colour. I’m pumped for this record, every single has been a banger, and newest track “Life” sees Jamie tap Robyn for a music match made in club heaven.
46. Glass Beams - “Mahal”
Mahal EP on vinyl: Orange | Black
This is light some incense and gaze at the stars music. If you dig the psychedelic vibes of Khruangbin, you’ll jive with Glass Beams.
45. Spiritual Cramp, White Reaper - “Whatever You Say Man”
One off single, split 7-inch
Spiritual Cramp and White Reaper dropped two of the best punk rock albums of 2023, and now they’ve teamed up to deliver an absolute anthem. I'd kill for a full collaboration album from these two.
44. Discovery Zone - “Mall Of Luv”
Quantum Web on vinyl: Black
Discovery Zone, the experimental pop project of Berlin-based musician JJ Weihl, has gifted us "Mall of Luv," a catchy, dream pop earworm that's been stuck in my head for months.
43. Loma - “How It Starts”
How Will I Live Without a Body? out June 28. Get Vinyl: Transparent Smoke
The trio of Emily Cross and Shearwater’s Dan Duszynski and Jonathan Meiburg are back from near breakup for their second album, featuring the mesmerizing first single, "How It Starts," with a captivating crescendo that I absolutely love.
42. Pearl Jam - “Waiting For Stevie”
Dark Matter on vinyl: Crystal Clear | Black
Pearl Jam’s “Waiting For Stevie” is a throwback to 90’s Pearl Jam, a stadium filling rocker that should be a setlist staple for years to come.
41. Florist - “Riding Around in the Dark”
I Saw The TV Glow on vinyl: Clear Pink Swirl
The best movie soundtrack of the year, hands down, is I Saw The TV Glow, a throwback to when soundtracks featured original songs from buzzworthy artists. This A24 film boasts an all-star lineup, including yeule, Caroline Polachek, The Weather Station, Drab Majesty, Phoebe Bridgers, Snail Mail, and my personal favorite track from Florist.
40. The Last Dinner Party - “Caesar On A TV Screen”
Prelude to Ecstasy on vinyl: Marble | Ivory | Oxblood Red | Black
While there’s a raging debate on whether British female quintet The Last Dinner Party are industry plants, their musical prowess is undeniable. They've crafted a theatrical and opulent soundscape, churning out glam rock anthems reminiscent of legends from David Bowie to Queen to Florence + The Machine.
39. Gulfer - “Vacant Spirit”
Third Wind on vinyl: Vacant Yellow
RIP to math-rock band Gulfer, who called it quits after dropping one of my favorite albums of the year, Third Wind, back in February. What a way to go out.
“Vacant Spirit” is my favorite of the bunch, featuring a lovely mix of Minus the Bear guitar-taps with a Futures-era Jimmy Eat World sequence in the back half.
38. KAYTRANADA, Childish Gambino - “Witchy”
TIMELESS on vinyl: Black
Canadian electronic music producer Kaytranada teased a snippet of this Childish Gambino featured beat a few years ago and it was worth the wait.
37. Charli xcx - “360”
BRAT on vinyl: Silver | Black
“360” is the hyper club banging opener of Charli xcx’s BRAT, which has exceeded all expectations and is currently Metacritic’s highest rated album of the year so far.
36. English Teacher - “R&B”
This Could Be Texas on vinyl: Black
Leeds band English Teacher just dropped a wildly original debut. It’s an easy comparison, but if you’re into Black Country, New Road, you’ll dig this too.
35. Alcest - “L’Envol”
Les Chants de l’Aurore on vinyl: Transparent Yellow
French post-black metal band Alcest goes shoegaze heavy on “L’Envol” (translates to “Flight”), a beautiful slow burner that features Parannoul-like crescendos.
34. Your Old Droog, Method Man, Denzel Curry, Madlib - “DBZ”
Movie on vinyl: Marquee | Black
Three hip hop legends go crazy on a Madlib beat, what could be better?
33. Erika de Casier - “Lucky”
Still on vinyl: Clear | Black
“Lucky” is the gorgeous liquid drum and bass beauty off Still, the third album from Copenhagen’s Erika de Casier.
32. Little Kid - “Bad Energy”
A Million Easy Payments on vinyl: Coffee Swirl | Brick
It’s tough to nail down one song to highlight among numerous standout moments in Little Kid’s A Million Easy Payments: the slow burner “Bad Energy” is a marvel of songwriting, the back-half of “Beside Myself” features an euphoric amalgamation of cellos and flutes, and the single “Somewhere In Between” features one of the catchiest melodies of the year.
31. Sam Evian - “Rollin’ In”
Plunge on vinyl: Water Blue | Red (Autographed) | Black
Sam Evian wanted to channel the anything-goes vibe of The Beatles' Get Back sessions; he recorded live to vintage tape for a late 60’s, early 70’s vibe that makes it all sound familiar yet fresh.
30. Future, Metro Boomin, Kendrick Lamar - “Like That”
WE DON’T TRUST YOU on vinyl: Red Smoke | Black
Future and Metro Boomin use their signature strengths on WE DON’T TRUST YOU to create several trap bangers, none more appealing then the Kendrick Lamar featured “Like That.”
This is essentially where the whole Drake vs Kendrick beef started. Back in October 2023, Drake and J. Cole released “First Person Shooter,” where Cole shouts out himself, Drake, and Kendrick as rap’s big three. Kendrick uses his verse on “Like That” to reject that idea: “motherfuck the big three, n***a it's just big me." More on this coming true later in this list.
29. DIIV - “Soul-net”
Frog In Boiling Water on vinyl: Melting Amber | Red | Green | Black
DIIV’s most ambitious work yet, meticulously put together with attention to detail in every politically charged lyric, chord, and melody. These ten tracks are drenched in beautiful reverb, with guitar melodies that offer an instant dopamine rush, with “Soul-net” my favorite of the bunch.
28. Annabel - “Defense Mechanism”
Worldviews on vinyl: Sea Blue | Pink/Red
Ohio band Annabel return for the first time in nine years with Worldviews, an Americana indie-emo record featuring one hell of a catchy chorus in “Defense Mechanism.”
27. Hurray For The Riff Raff - “Hawkmoon”
The Past Is Still Alive on vinyl: Glow in the Dark | Orange
The Past Is Still Alive, Alynda Segarra's ninth Hurray for the Riff Raff album, weaves a narrative from Segarra’s wild childhood to the trials of adulthood, culminating in the hard-earned wisdom of the present. Here’s Segarra on “Hawkmoon”:
“Hawkmoon” is a song about running away — a trans song, and memories of the first trans woman I ever met. Miss Jonathan was a German rapper, poet, and train-riding crusty homeless kid who loved to wear the skimpiest outfits she could get away with and was a surprisingly great shoplifter. We became best friends for a winter, before I learned to play music in New Orleans, and I would ride shotgun in her beat-up car and search for abandoned houses to sleep in. Meeting her changed my life and opened doors in my mind about gender, though it would take me many, many years to feel free enough to expand within myself. I have always wanted to honor her, since I have not seen her in decades and wonder if she is even alive. She suffered a lot of violence the last time we saw each other, and I think about her often.
26. Lo Moon - “Connecticut”
I Wish You Way More Than Luck on vinyl: Clear with Tortoise Shell | Marble | Black
Lo Moon is such a great band that’s not talked about enough. Their third outing, I Wish You Way More Than Luck, doesn’t have a weak spot among the nine tracks; “Connecticut” is my favorite, featuring a gorgeous drum-laden climax.
25. Kamasi Washington, Andre 3000 - “Dream State”
Fearless Movement on vinyl: Red and Blue | Black
We’re halfway through the list so it’s time for a jazz break courtesy of legendary saxophonist Kamasi Washington and new flautist Andre 3000.
24. Wisp - “Pandora”
Pandora EP on vinyl: Milky Clear
Nineteen-year-old Natalie Lu, known as Wisp, is a shoegaze artist who recently blew up on TikTok. I just want to say, “thank you, teens,” because I’m loving this new shoegaze resurgence. Exhibit A: Wisp’s debut EP Pandora and the intoxicating title track.
23. Liquid Mike - “Pacer”
Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot on vinyl: Black
Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot by Marquette’s Liquid Mike is a compact powerhouse, delivering 13 dynamic tracks in a tight 25-minute span. I love these guys; they manage to reinvigorate the punk rock spirit with a nod to the glory days of Blink 182, with the sardonic wit of Fountains of Wayne. Excited for what’s to come!
22. This Is Lorelei - “Dancing In The Club”
Box for Buddy, Box for Star on vinyl: Red
Nate Amos of Water From Your Eyes has recorded hundreds of songs under the This Is Lorelei moniker in the last decade, and new album Box For Buddy, Box for Star is his first attempt at a traditional full-length album. Two songs in particular I love here: “Where’s Your Love Now” and “Danicing In The Club,” which I gave the nod to due to the Steely Dan reference.
21. MJ Lenderman - “She’s Leaving You”
Manning Fireworks out September 6. Get vinyl: Orange | Green | Black
This best song of 2024 candidate is hot off the press; this week, MJ Lenderman announced his follow-up to 2022’s Boat Songs would be dropping in September, and the news was accompanied by single “She’s Leaving You,” a typically catchy jam by a guy who’s fully in the zone right now.
20. L’Impératrice, Maggie Rogers - “Any Way”
Pulsar on vinyl: Tangerine | Black
French nu-disco band L’Impératrice sit somewhere sonically between Daft Punk and The Marias (who appear soon in this list). Add Maggie Rogers to the track and now you’re really speaking my language.
19. Parannoul - “Gold River”
No album announced yet.
The enigmatic South Korean shoegazer is back, cranking the fuzz to 11. His epic wall of guitars and drums doesn’t just play—it ascends to the heavens.
18. MGMT - “Nothing To Declare”
Loss of Life on vinyl: Opaque Pink | Blue Jay | Black
MGMT’s instant psych-pop classic Loss of Life weaves together the most exquisite elements of their previous catalog into a single, coherent tapestry. Single “Nothing to Declare” is such a pleasant listen, almost a cross between Elliott Smith and Pink Floyd.
17. Nilüfer Yanya - “Method Actor”
My Method Actor out September 13. Get vinyl: Amber | Green
Nilüfer Yanya’s PAINLESS was one of my favorite albums of 2022, recalling to mind Silent Alarm-era Bloc Party. She makes a jolting return with near-title track “Method Actor,” featuring her typically nasty guitars that flood your brain with dopamine.
16. Chappell Roan - “Good Luck, Babe!”
No album announced yet. 7-inch sold out.
It shows the talent of Chappell Roan to take what’s essentially a “Last Christmas” beat and transforming it into one a smash song of the summer hit.
15. Khruangbin - “May Ninth”
A LA SALA on vinyl: Soleil | Wetlands | Black
Psych-rock trio Khruangbin goes for a more subdued sound on their single “May Ninth,” and it pays off. It's perhaps the song I've had on repeat the most this year, sounding like pure music therapy.
14. Dehd - “Mood Ring”
Poetry on vinyl: Frost | Black
Chicago three-piece Dehd dropped their latest sun-kissed album last month, and the highlight is the hazy, disco-tinged “Mood Ring.”
13. Heems, Lapgan, Your Old Droog - “Sri Lanka”
LAFANDAR not yet on vinyl
Heems’ collab with beatmaker Lapgan was the most fun I’ve had listening to a new rap album this year. Your Old Droog is back again on this list with two killer verses on “Sri Lanka.”
12. Good Looks - “Can You See Me Tonight?”
Lived Here For A While on vinyl: Magenta
I could have chosen any track off Lived Here For A While, perhaps the easiest listen of the year. No slog, no pretentious experimental detours—just 40 minutes of pure, good vibes.
11. SPRINTS - “Literary Mind”
Letter to Self on vinyl: Orange | Red | Black
Dublin four-piece SPRINTS dropped their debut way back in the first week of 2024 and single “Literary Mind” is still stuck in my brain.
10. The Marias - “No One Noticed”
Submarine on vinyl: Iceberg | Iridescent White
"No One Noticed" from The Marias' stellar sophomore album, Submarine, is a melancholic gem. The ethereal vocals float over a mellow guitar beat, building to a mid-song crescendo and intertwining with a wobbly drum pattern, perfectly capturing her unraveling mind.
9. Mannequin Pussy - “Sometimes”
I Got Heaven on vinyl: Clear with Black Smoke | Black
The Philly quartet throw a perfect game on the A-side of I Got Heaven, with the first five tracks some of their most intoxicating cuts to date.
8. Rosie Tucker - “Lightbulb”
UTOPIA NOW! on vinyl: Violet + Evergreen
Kicking off the album with the line “The lightbulb is updating / And I sit in the dark,” Rosie Tucker navigates our technocapitalism maze with a blend of wit and wisdom that's as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
Rosie does a good job balancing pop sensibilities with a sharp, cultural critique that’s both intellectual and accessible. If it’s not AOTY, it’s definitely a nominee for some of the best lyrics you’ll hear this year.
7. Been Stellar - “Sweet”
Scream From New York, NY on vinyl: Black
Channeling the angst of post-pandemic city life, Been Stellar blends massive garage rock riffs with ethereal shoegaze melodies and laid-back vocals. Instantly addictive and memorable, the A-side from opener "Start Again" to the mesmerizing "Sweet" is a knockout stretch of tunes that showcases the band's gritty, cathartic energy.
6. Clairo - “Sexy to Someone”
Charm out July 12. Get vinyl: Blue Marble | Purple Marble | Yellow | Pink | Purple | Black
Indie pop darling Clairo is back with her third album, Charm, co-produced by Leon Michels (of The Dap-Kings and El Michels Affair). The first track is a jazzy-psych delight that feels like it could've slipped right off Vampire Weekend’s latest record.
5. Fontaines D.C. - “Favourite”
Romance out August 23. Get vinyl: Clear | Black
I nearly broke my "one song per artist" rule for Fontaines D.C., who’ve already dropped two bangers this year with "Starbuster" and "Favourite"—each a classic in its own right, yet worlds apart.
4. Mount Kimbie - “Dumb Guitar”
The Sunset Violent on vinyl: Orange | Magenta and Black Marble | Black
Mount Kimbie ditched their signature post-dubstep for indie art rock, with fuzzy guitars and delightful chord changes. I’ve been hooked on single "Dumb Guitar" since the first listen.
3. Waxahatchee, MJ Lenderman - “Right Back to It”
Tigers Blood on vinyl: Clear Red | Black
Yeee-haw, nothing is more in my wheelhouse than a Waxahatchee x MJ Lenderman duet. This track feels like it’s been around forever.
2. Vampire Weekend - “Mary Boone”
Only God Was Above Us on vinyl: Blue and Black, UV Graffiti Sleeve | Clear | Black
Ezra Koenig, Chris Tomson, and Chris Baio follow up their 2019 double album Father of the Bride with a promise of “10 tracks, no skips,” and they delivered, as Only God Was Above Us sits #1 on The Wax Museum’s AOTY Leaderboard.
If I had to pick a favorite among this collection of all killers, no fillers, I’ll chose the incredible arrangement of “Mary Boone.”
1. Kendrick Lamar - “Not Like Us”
No album announced yet.
There's no contest for the top spot: Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is the diss track heard 'round the world. Smashing streaming records, it's the fastest song to surpass 100 million streams in history.
It's surreal that a song calling Drake a pedophile and a colonizer might be up for Song of the Year at The Grammys. Credit to DJ Mustard for crafting such an unbeatable beat.
The music highlight of the year has to be Kendrick’s live-streamed concert at The Forum last week. Dr. Dre introduced “Not Like Us,” and Kendrick proceeded to play it five times in a row, effectively ending Drake’s career and crowning himself the undisputed king of hip hop.
🎧 The Best Songs of 2024 So Far on Spotify | Apple
Hey friends, thanks for reading! Let me know what your favs of 2024 are so far; comment and send some recommendations my way!
Do me a solid and forward this newsletter to any music lovers in your life! 🙌
Appreciate the tunes. Gonna listen to your playlist. Here’s my Q2 in playlist format.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3MqXKz6H6Y77HZHds5EiAZ?si=UommVb5US6ezjHcGLpm5VA&pi=u-qdw3lxSeTQ2v
It's interesting how much music is out there! I listen to a LOT of new songs yet I don't know most of what you have listed here. Where do you generally find your new music?