It’s time to get 2024 done and dusted so I’ll finish up with favorite songs of the year. These are individual tracks from outside my top album choices – an opportunity to highlight additional artists who released recommendation-worthy music. The selection process for favorite songs can be… “fluid,” and putting them in ranked order felt overly forced. Instead, you’ll find twenty of my favorite songs from the year presented in random themed groupings.
Happy New Year. I hope you make time to find your own new music treasures in the year to come. Discovering and appreciating new music may not solve any of major our problems in 2025, but I guarantee it will make your year better.
Alt-Country Gems
“Dollar Bill Bar” by Sierra Ferrell
The current darling of Americana tries her best to warn us away, but like every other cowboy at that bar, there’s no resisting her dazzle and charm.
“Boombox” by Charlie Parr
A hootenanny celebration for all that goofy dancing we do when the spirit strikes.
“North Country” by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
The masters of Americana are at it again.
Indie-Rock That Put a Smile on My Face
“Davey Says” by King Hannah
Early 2000’s garage rock influenced with hooky guitars and deadpan vocals.
“Light On” by Dehd
From their third great album in six years, this track makes a strong argument there should be a genre called “bounce-around-the-room-rock.”
“Nothing/Everything” by The Lovely Eggs
An infectiously chipper song that will get you happily singing about the mundane, existential grind of life.
I Don’t Dislike All Pop Music
“Double Vision” by Night Talks
I’ve already gushed about this 80’s influenced pop candy and I still can’t get enough.
“Used to Lovin’ You” by Diane Birch
Sultry, mid-tempo dance floor groove sure to induce finger snaps and hip swivels.
“Sexy to Someone” by Clairo
Even us 50-somethings?
Punk Rock Down Under could be the Best Punk Rock
“Livin’ At Night” by Dunk Mums
This isn’t rocket science. There’s no defining of a new musical landscape here. This is the Ramones via Australia with a tinge of surf rock and it’s god damn fun!
“Personal Best” by Bench Press
Snarky post-punk anthem for all my Strava obsessed friends.
Hip-Hop with Wit
“Bukayo Saka” by Heems
“Only right wing I acknowledge is Bukayo Saka.” Name dropping one of the most likeable and talented players in the Premier League in a killer line – how was I not going to love this track?
“SHOWER SONG” by Tierra Whack
Quite likely the brightest talent in hip-hop today, Tierra Whack will bring a smile to your morning routine.
Proving Art Rock can be Catchy
“The World’s Biggest Paving Slab” by English Teacher
I’m clearly to old and out of touch to understand what these English kids are going on about but I kept singing along anyway.
“Hey Kekule” by Font
The funkiest nerd rock you’ll ever hear about a chemist from the 1800’s.
Classic Country Covers Made New
“Always on My Mind” by Tami Neilson
Neilson pulls off a wonderful album of Willie Nelson covers, highlighted by the deft, nuanced touch she puts into this all time classic.
“I Only Exist” by Kelsey Waldon
Two young voices honoring the art of country duets with a timeless track.
A Few More Treasures
“WSOD” by Shellac
Steve Albini’s death in 2024 was unexpected but his final album fronting his own band reminded us he certainly knew a thing about guitar-driven rock.
“Raat Ki Rani” by Arooj Aftab
I will continue to argue that Arooj Aftab has the most beautiful voice performing today. Paired against the pulsing piano line and the surging harps, it becomes even more mesmerizing.
“All in Good time” by Iron & Wine, featuring Fiona Apple
A call-and-response duet with two singular voices embracing the inevitable.
Not More Music Crap? 