The Best New Music Releases We Loved in December

We’ve finally made it to the end of the year, and although the flood of summer music releases has slowed down to a steady drip, that doesn’t mean December’s new songs are anything less than stellar. From Sky Ferreira’s highly anticipated return to Rebecca Black’s new banger, and SZA’s deluxe album LANA, there’s plenty to get excited about.

Oh, and of course, we couldn’t forget to throw in a few holiday jams to get us in the festive spirit.

As the countdown to the New Year begins, these are the tracks we’ll be playing on repeat.

“Leash” by Sky Ferreira

Finally, a new Sky Ferreira song for 2024! The indie icon’s latest track is a synth-heavy hit that brings '80s vibes while reflecting the themes of power and submission in the A24 film Babygirl. Sky is truly back, and we couldn’t be happier.

“30 for 30” by SZA (feat. Kendrick Lamar)

We’ve all been waiting for SZA’s deluxe album LANA, and the collaboration with Kendrick Lamar was absolutely worth the wait. Fresh off their earlier collab on “Luther,” this track just proves that these two artists can do no wrong together.

“Strategy” by TWICE and Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion’s hype energy on “Left, right, left, right, do it to the beat!” really brings this track to life. You can’t help but groove to the rhythm, and Megan’s fiery presence makes it a song you’ll keep playing over and over.

“Sugar Water Cyanide” by Rebecca Black

Rebecca Black, best known for her viral 2011 hit ‘Friday,’ has made a major shift to the club scene. “Sugar Water Cyanide” has a driving beat with playful chants, making it the perfect track for anyone wanting to dance their way through winter.

“El CLúB” by Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny is back, reflecting on an ex while enjoying the club scene. This track features a melancholic bridge before it transitions into a reggaeton finish, making it feel like a night out with Benito himself.

“Archangel” by Olly Alexander (Years & Years)

“Archangel” gives you that euphoric, club-like moment when you and your friends come together for a dance. The third single from Olly Alexander’s upcoming album Polari is a true celebration of love and joy, and a triumphant return for the former Years & Years frontman.

“Sugar in the Tank” by Julien Baker and Torres

Julien Baker teams up with Torres in this beautiful southern-tinged ballad. “Sugar in the Tank” is an atmospheric love song filled with imagery like ‘I love you swimming upstream in a flash flood wondering when I’m gonna drown.’

“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” by Lady Gaga

Yes, you read that right—Lady Gaga dropped a rock version of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” If you ever wondered what a Christmas anthem would sound like in Gaga’s powerhouse voice, here it is. It’s nothing short of perfect.

“Bundle by Bundle” by Burna Boy

Need a last-minute song to round out your New Year’s Eve playlist? Look no further than Burna Boy’s “Bundle by Bundle.” This track is an instant crowd-pleaser with its inviting rhythm and infectious string elements.

“toxic till the end” by ROSÉ

ROSÉ channels Avril Lavigne in this Y2K-inspired pop-punk anthem. It’s the perfect head-banger for fans of that early 2000s sound, and the music video features a cameo from Evan Mock of Gossip Girl fame.

“see through (remix)” by Amelia Moore (feat. Coco Jones, Absolutely, and Samara Cyn)

Amelia Moore’s viral track “see through” gets a remix featuring Coco Jones, Absolutely, and Samara Cyn. With Moore’s signature hook and the smooth vocals from her collaborators, this remix is a standout.

“All of Me” by NAO

NAO’s “All of Me” is pure magic. The track feels otherworldly, with hypnotic repetitions, ethereal arrangements, and rumbling thunder that elevate this R&B love song to another level.

“Hoe-nouns” by Simon (feat. Thundercat and reggie)

With Thundercat’s signature bass and Simon’s unique flow, this track is a little weird, a little cool, and entirely unforgettable. It’s a funky collaboration that you didn’t know you needed.

“On My Mama (Christmas Medley)” by Victoria Monét

Victoria Monét’s Christmas medley gives her debut album a warm, festive twist. Though we’re missing lyrics, the instrumental arrangements are cozy enough to make this one perfect for an impromptu yuletide karaoke session.