In 2024, the music landscape has been full of genre-blending hits, breakout artists, and bold statements. Both Pitchfork and NME have unveiled their lists of the year’s top tracks, showcasing a wide range of sounds, from indie rock to K-pop and everything in between. While Pitchfork’s list embraces the cutting edge of alternative music, NME celebrates a global mix, highlighting international stars alongside Western icons.
As we close out the year, these rankings give us a glimpse into the evolving sound of 2024 and the songs that defined it.
Pitchfork's Top 10 Songs of 2024
10. Jane Remover, "Magic I Want U"
Dead Air
Jane Remover was ahead of the curve in the recent wave of “internet artists,” combining tactile guitar sounds with a producer’s touch. Her track "Magic I Want U," the standout of her four 2024 singles, shatters genres and effortlessly blends sludgy guitars, trap elements, and breakbeats into a timeless anthem. As with her eclectic NTS show, which spans from Mk.gee to Britney Spears, the song feels both weightless and immersive, posing a question that many can relate to in the digital age: “Are the things happening on your phone as real as the real world?”
9. Charli XCX, "Girl, so confusing" (featuring Lorde)
Atlantic
"Girl, so confusing" is a poignant exploration of identity and projection, a recurring theme throughout Charli XCX’s BRAT album. This track centers on Charli’s introspection about her relationship with a woman who seems ambivalent toward her, even though they share many similarities. What makes this track stand out is Lorde’s guest feature—her aloofness revealed as a self-protective mechanism, marking a nuanced conversation about the performances women are forced to adopt throughout their lives. This song exemplifies empathy, illustrating the learning curve from girlhood to womanhood.
8. MJ Lenderman, "Wristwatch"
MJ Lenderman
MJ Lenderman’s “Wristwatch” is a brilliant character sketch, capturing the isolation of a man consumed by materialistic pursuits. Through his character study, Lenderman critiques contemporary manhood and the damaging influence of figures like Andrew Tate and Joe Rogan. The track is a masterclass in blending personal introspection with social commentary.
7. Sabrina Carpenter, "Espresso"
Island
Sabrina Carpenter redefined the "love-as-drug" trope with her infectious hit “Espresso.” This track takes the caffeine metaphor to new heights, creating a bouncy disco vibe filled with whimsical wordplay and playful irreverence. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to stand out in a pop landscape that often prizes earnestness, proving that a bit of fun can make a song unforgettable.
6. skaiwater, "rain"
GoodTalk
The drop on "rain" is a game-changer. What starts as a wistful ballad with atmospheric melodies quickly transforms into a powerful, bass-heavy onslaught, mixing influences from Lil Uzi and Playboi Carti with the unrelenting energy of underground producers. This unexpected shift is what makes “rain” a mind-bending listen every time.
5. Still House Plants, "M M M"
Bison
Still House Plants’ “M M M” is a genre-defying piece of work, blending slowcore R&B with free-improvised post-hardcore. The track balances a delicate tug-of-war between metronomic rhythm and unruly production, capturing the messy beauty of their experimental rock. This song feels like a magnificent thesis statement for their album If I don’t make it, I love u.
4. Jessica Pratt, "Life Is"
Mexican Summer
Jessica Pratt’s “Life Is” evokes a deep sense of nostalgia, effortlessly channeling the sounds of a bygone era without feeling forced. It’s a retro gem that sounds like it’s always been a part of the musical landscape, with its natural reverb, warm strums, and soothing bongos creating a dreamy atmosphere that transports listeners to another time.
3. Chappell Roan, "Good Luck, Babe!"
"Good Luck, Babe!" is a bold, empowering anthem from Chappell Roan, swapping the usual breakup melodrama for righteous indignation. The song is a searing critique of compulsory heterosexuality, turning heartbreak into an act of defiance. Roan’s brilliant mix of tone, from the empathetic “hate to say I told you so” to her melodic mastery, makes this track a true standout, resonating deeply within queer pop culture.
2. Waxahatchee, "Right Back to It" (featuring MJ Lenderman)
Anti
Katie Crutchfield’s embrace of modern country, blending it with her Southern roots, shines through on “Right Back to It.” It’s a love song that grounds itself in truth, eschewing the fantasy narratives of Nashville for something more raw and real. The collaboration with MJ Lenderman amplifies the track's magnetic charm, grounding the emotional weight in unflinching authenticity.
1. Kendrick Lamar, "Not Like Us"
Spotify cover for "Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is not just a chart-topping hit—it’s a brilliant example of his mastery in political rap. Produced by DJ Mustard, the track features a lively beat that carries Kendrick’s viciously intelligent lyricism, including a sharp critique of Drake. “Not Like Us” is a blistering commentary on the state of modern rap and power dynamics, cementing Kendrick’s place at the top of his game.
NME's Top 10 Songs of 2024
The differences between NME’s and Pitchfork’s top 10 songs are stark, with NME showcasing a broader range of genres and global influences. While Pitchfork sticks largely to English-language acts, NME’s list features a notable international flair, including Korean pop. Additionally, songs in each list often appear in very different rankings. For instance, Jade’s “Angel Of My Dreams” is ranked 5th on NME’s list, yet it only sits at 92nd on Pitchfork’s.
10. Megan Thee Stallion, "Hiss"
Hot Girl Productions
2024 saw Megan Thee Stallion reclaim her narrative with "Hiss," a fiery, unapologetic anthem that marks the start of her new "Megan" era. Full of venom and energy, the song is a statement of empowerment after her tumultuous legal battles, reminding us why Megan remains one of hip-hop's most formidable forces.
9. Aespa, "Supernova"
SM Entertainment
Aespa’s "Supernova" delivers a cosmic explosion of sound, combining surging synths and confident vocals to create a track that feels as larger-than-life as its name. With a bouncy electro beat and catchy hook, "Supernova" confirms Aespa’s ability to dominate new musical landscapes while maintaining their distinctive style.
8. Beyoncé, "16 Carriages"
Blair Caldwell
Beyoncé continues to push boundaries with "16 Carriages," a track that feels both intimately personal and universally resonant. Her unmatched ability to blend vulnerability with strength makes this song a standout in her 2024 catalog.
7. Mk.gee, "Alesis"
Mk.gee’s "Alesis" invites listeners into his unique sound world, marked by haunting melodies and enigmatic lyrics. The track's haunting production and straightforward, urgent questioning make it one of the most quietly stunning moments of 2024.
6. English Teacher, "Albert Road"
Andy Ford for NME
English Teacher’s “Albert Road” combines nostalgia with ambition, delivering a bittersweet ode to small-town life and the desire to break free. The song captures the tension between stagnation and aspiration, with Lily Fontaine’s vocals striking a perfect balance of irony and sincerity.
5. Jade, "Angel Of My Dreams"
Conor Cunningham
Jade's “Angel Of My Dreams” is a pop masterpiece, showcasing the singer’s deep understanding of both pop culture and music production. The track blends the electroclash energy with an angelic chorus, creating a captivating song that explores Jade’s complex relationship with the music industry.
4. Charli XCX, "Girl, So Confusing" remix (with Lorde)
Atlantic
Charli XCX’s collaboration with Lorde on the remix of “Girl, So Confusing” is a cultural event. The remix amplifies the original’s themes of identity and insecurity, with both artists confronting the projections imposed on them by the world. Their collaboration deconstructs the so-called rivalry between them and turns it into a moment of shared artistic triumph.
3. Fontaines D.C., "Starburster"
Theo Cottle
Fontaines D.C. brings the intensity to another level with “Starburster,” a chaotic and anxiety-ridden track that reflects the band’s most extreme musical tendencies. Inspired by lead singer Grian Chatten’s panic attacks, the song delivers a feverish and vivid representation of inner turmoil.
2. Kendrick Lamar, "Not Like Us"
Kendrick Lamar’s "Not Like Us" takes aim at Drake with scathing precision. The track is an explosive club hit, with Lamar’s ruthless dissection of his rival as the centerpiece. Produced by DJ Mustard, the song showcases Lamar’s lyrical prowess and sets a new bar for rap beefs.
1. Chappell Roan, "Good Luck, Babe!"
Chappell Roan’s "Good Luck, Babe!" is more than just a hit; it’s a defining moment in queer pop. Roan delivers a striking anthem with empathy and emotional depth, confronting a lover’s denial of their queerness. With its infectious chorus and profound message, "Good Luck, Babe!" solidifies Roan’s place as a rising star in the pop world.
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