Gordon’s lyrics are a mix of mundane tasks and cryptic imagery, painting a picture of someone on the edge of leaving a life behind. “Bye bye, goodbye/ I’m outta here,” she deadpans, the repetition turning from a casual farewell to a mantra of escape. The song’s tension builds steadily, with a spoken-word outro that feels like a final declaration of independence. It’s a departure in more ways than one, and Gordon makes sure it leaves an impact.
19. Dijon, ‘I Love You, Goodbye’
Dijon’s music has always been marked by its emotional honesty, but ‘I Love You, Goodbye’ takes it to a new level. The song captures the complexities of a breakup, the mix of love and pain that comes with saying goodbye to someone you care about. Dijon’s soulful voice is raw and vulnerable, conveying the depth of his emotions with every note. The production is sparse and intimate, putting the focus squarely on his vocals and lyrics. It’s a heartbreaking song, but also a beautiful one, capturing the bittersweet nature of endings and new beginnings. In a year filled with breakup anthems, ‘I Love You, Goodbye’ stands out as one of the most poignant and powerful.
18. Rosalía, ‘Saoko’
Rosalía’s ‘Saoko’ is a masterclass in genre-blending, combining elements of reggaeton, flamenco, and electronic music to create a sound that is uniquely her own. The song is a celebration of Latinx culture and identity, with Rosalía’s powerful vocals leading the way. The production is dynamic and infectious, with pulsing beats and lush instrumentation that keep the energy high from start to finish. ‘Saoko’ is a party anthem, a song that demands to be danced to, but it’s also a statement of pride and defiance. Rosalía’s lyrics are a celebration of her roots and a rejection of anyone who would try to diminish or erase them. It’s a bold and empowering track, one that cements Rosalía’s status as one of the most exciting artists working today.
17. Phoebe Bridgers, ‘When The Party’s Over’
Phoebe Bridgers has never been one to shy away from dark subject matter, but ‘When The Party’s Over’ takes her introspection to a new level. The song is a haunting meditation on death and loss, with Bridgers’ ethereal vocals floating over a sparse, atmospheric backdrop. The lyrics are devastating in their simplicity, capturing the emptiness and despair that can follow a tragedy. Bridgers’ voice is a beacon of light in the darkness, offering comfort and catharsis in the face of overwhelming grief. ‘When The Party’s Over’ is a deeply emotional song, one that lingers long after the music fades away. It’s a reminder of the power of music to heal and to connect us to our most vulnerable selves.
16. Lorde, ‘Solar Power’
Lorde’s return to the music scene was one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, and ‘Solar Power’ did not disappoint. The song is a breezy, sun-soaked anthem that captures the carefree spirit of summer. Lorde’s vocals are as captivating as ever, floating effortlessly over a lush, tropical-inspired production. The lyrics are a celebration of nature and self-discovery, with Lorde embracing her own power and agency. ‘Solar Power’ is a joyful and empowering song, one that invites listeners to dance and revel in the beauty of the world around them. It’s a perfect encapsulation of Lorde’s unique artistry and a welcome return for one of pop music’s most innovative voices.
15. Lucy Dacus, ‘Kissing Lessons’
Lucy Dacus has always had a knack for storytelling, but ‘Kissing Lessons’ is a masterclass in narrative songwriting. The song follows a young girl as she navigates her first crush, capturing the excitement and uncertainty of young love. Dacus’ lyrics are vivid and evocative, painting a picture of awkward encounters and stolen glances. The production is warm and intimate, with gentle guitar strums and Dacus’ tender vocals creating a sense of intimacy. ‘Kissing Lessons’ is a sweet and nostalgic song, one that will transport listeners back to their own teenage years. It’s a reminder of the power of first love and the magic of those early, formative experiences.
14. SZA, ‘I Hate U’
SZA is known for her unflinching honesty and vulnerability, and ‘I Hate U’ is a prime example of her ability to lay bare her emotions. The song is a searing indictment of a toxic relationship, with SZA’s raw vocals cutting through the sparse, haunting production. The lyrics are brutal and unapologetic, expressing the pain and anger that can come from being mistreated by someone you love. SZA’s voice is a weapon here, her words sharp and cutting as she lays bare her heartbreak and frustration. ‘I Hate U’ is a powerful and cathartic song, one that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt betrayed or let down by a partner. It’s a reminder that sometimes the strongest thing you can do is walk away, even if it hurts like hell.
13. Japanese Breakfast, ‘Slide Tackle’
Japanese Breakfast’s ‘Slide Tackle’ is a masterclass in genre-blending, combining elements of indie rock, dance-pop, and R&B to create a sound that is uniquely her own. The song is a celebration of resilience and self-empowerment, with Japanese Breakfast’s ethereal vocals soaring over a propulsive, danceable beat. The production is dynamic and infectious, with shimmering synths and pulsing basslines that keep the energy high from start to finish. ‘Slide Tackle’ is a defiant anthem, a song that demands to be danced to and sung along with. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to deal with life’s challenges is to dance through them, and Japanese Breakfast’s infectious energy makes it impossible to resist.
12. Mitski, ‘Working For The Knife’
Mitski’s ‘Working For The Knife’ is a haunting meditation on ambition and self-destruction, with the singer’s ethereal vocals floating over a sparse, atmospheric backdrop. The lyrics are a raw and unflinching look at the sacrifices we make in pursuit of our goals, the ways in which we can lose ourselves in the pursuit of success. Mitski’s voice is a beacon of light in the darkness, offering comfort and catharsis in the face of overwhelming pressure. ‘Working For The Knife’ is a deeply emotional song, one that lingers long after the music fades away. It’s a reminder of the toll that ambition can take on our mental health, and the importance of finding balance and self-care in a world that demands so much of us.
11. Snail Mail, ‘Madonna’
Snail Mail’s ‘Madonna’ is a powerful meditation on the complexities of female identity, with Lindsey Jordan’s emotive vocals soaring over a lush, atmospheric production. The song is a celebration of strength and resilience, with Jordan’s lyrics exploring the ways in which women are often forced to contort themselves to fit societal expectations. The production is dynamic and infectious, with shimmering guitars and driving drums that build to a cathartic climax. ‘Madonna’ is a defiant anthem, a song that demands to be sung along with and embraced. It’s a reminder that women are multifaceted and complex, and that their voices deserve to be heard and celebrated. Snail Mail’s infectious energy and raw emotion make ‘Madonna’ a standout track of the year.
10. Mitski, ‘The Only Heartbreaker’
Mitski’s ‘The Only Heartbreaker’ is a devastating portrait of a toxic relationship, with the singer’s haunting vocals laying bare the pain and anguish of being trapped in a cycle of love and destruction. The song is a raw and unflinching look at the ways in which we can become entangled in relationships that are harmful to us, the ways in which we can lose ourselves in the pursuit of love. Mitski’s voice is a beacon of light in the darkness, offering comfort and catharsis in the face of overwhelming heartbreak. ‘The Only Heartbreaker’ is a deeply emotional song, one that will resonate with anyone who has ever been in a toxic relationship. It’s a reminder of the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, even when it feels impossible.
9. Halsey, ‘Girl Is A Gun’
Halsey’s ‘Girl Is A Gun’ is a powerful anthem of empowerment and self-assertion, with the singer’s fierce vocals cutting through a propulsive, danceable beat. The song is a celebration of strength and resilience, with Halsey’s lyrics exploring the ways in which women are often underestimated and undervalued. The production is dynamic and infectious, with pulsing synths and driving drums that build to a cathartic climax. ‘Girl Is A Gun’ is a defiant call to arms, a song that demands to be sung along with and embraced. It’s a reminder that women are powerful and fierce, and that their voices deserve to be heard and celebrated. Halsey’s infectious energy and raw emotion make ‘Girl Is A Gun’ a standout track of the year.
8. Phoebe Bridgers, ‘That Funny Feeling’
Phoebe Bridgers’ ‘That Funny Feeling’ is a haunting meditation on existential dread and the anxiety of modern life, with the singer’s ethereal vocals floating over a sparse, atmospheric backdrop. The lyrics are a raw and unflinching look at the ways in which we can feel disconnected and overwhelmed by the world around us, the ways in which we can lose ourselves in the pursuit of meaning. Bridgers’ voice is a beacon of light in the darkness, offering comfort and catharsis in the face of overwhelming uncertainty. ‘That Funny Feeling’ is a deeply emotional song, one that will resonate with anyone who has ever grappled with depression or anxiety. It’s a reminder of the power of music to heal and to connect us to our most vulnerable selves.
7. Big Thief, ‘Spud Infinity’
Big Thief’s ‘Spud Infinity’ is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, with Adrianne Lenker’s haunting vocals painting a vivid portrait of love and loss. The song is a raw and unflinching look at the complexities of human relationships, the ways in which we can hurt and be hurt by those we care about. The production is sparse and intimate, with gentle guitar strums and delicate percussion creating a sense of intimacy. ‘Spud Infinity’ is a heartbreaking song, but also a beautiful one, capturing the bittersweet nature of connection and disconnection. In a year filled with breakup anthems, ‘Spud Infinity’ stands out as one of the most poignant and powerful.
6. St. Vincent, ‘The Melting Of The Sun’
St. Vincent’s ‘The Melting Of The Sun’ is a powerful meditation on the passage of time and the impermanence of life, with Annie Clark’s ethereal vocals floating over a lush, atmospheric backdrop. The lyrics are a raw and unflinching look at the ways in which we can be shaped and changed by the world around us, the ways in which we can grow and evolve as individuals. Clark’s voice is a beacon of light in the darkness, offering comfort and catharsis in the face of overwhelming uncertainty. ‘The Melting Of The Sun’ is a deeply emotional song, one that will resonate with anyone who has ever grappled with their own mortality. It’s a reminder of the power of music to heal and to connect us to our most vulnerable selves.
5. Mitski, ‘The End’
Mitski’s ‘The End’ is a powerful anthem of resilience and self-empowerment, with the singer’s haunting vocals soaring over a propulsive, danceable beat. The song is a celebration of strength and resilience, with Mitski’s lyrics exploring the ways in which we can overcome adversity and find the light within ourselves. The production is dynamic and infectious, with shimmering synths and driving drums that build to a cathartic climax. ‘The End’ is a defiant call to arms, a song that demands to be danced to and sung along with. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to deal with life’s challenges is to dance through them, and Mitski’s infectious energy makes it impossible to resist.
4. Arlo Parks, ‘Softly’
Arlo Parks’ ‘Softly’ is a powerful anthem of self-acceptance and self-love, with the singer’s soulful vocals cutting through a lush, atmospheric production. The song is a celebration of vulnerability and authenticity, with Parks’ lyrics exploring the ways in which we can embrace our true selves and find peace within our own skin. The production is warm and intimate, with gentle guitar strums and delicate percussion creating a sense of intimacy. ‘Softly’ is a defiant call to arms, a song that demands to be sung along with and embraced. It’s a reminder that true strength lies in vulnerability, and that our flaws and imperfections are what make us human. Arlo Parks’ infectious energy and raw emotion make ‘Softly’ a standout track of the year.
3. Mitski, ‘Heat Lightning’
Mitski’s ‘Heat Lightning’ is a powerful meditation on love and loss, with the singer’s haunting vocals painting a vivid portrait of heartbreak and longing. The song is a raw and unflinching look at the ways in which we can be consumed by our emotions, the ways in which we can lose ourselves in the intensity of a relationship. The production is sparse and intimate, with gentle guitar strums and delicate percussion creating a sense of intimacy. ‘Heat Lightning’ is a heartbreaking song, but also a beautiful one, capturing the bittersweet nature of connection and disconnection. In a year filled with breakup anthems, ‘Heat Lightning’ stands out as one of the most poignant and powerful.
2. Lorde, ‘Mood Ring’
Lorde’s ‘Mood Ring’ is a powerful anthem of self-discovery and self-acceptance, with the singer’s ethereal vocals soaring over a propulsive, danceable beat. The song is a celebration of vulnerability and authenticity, with Lorde’s lyrics exploring the ways in which we can embrace our true selves and find peace within our own skin. The production is dynamic and infectious, with shimmering synths and driving drums that build to a cathartic climax. ‘Mood Ring’ is a defiant call to arms, a song that demands to be danced to and sung along with. It’s a reminder that true strength lies in vulnerability, and that our flaws and imperfections are what make us human. Lorde’s infectious energy and raw emotion make ‘Mood Ring’ a standout track of the year.
1. Mitski, ‘Working For The Knife’
Mitski’s ‘Working For The Knife’ is a powerful anthem of resilience and self-empowerment, with the singer’s haunting vocals soaring over a propulsive, danceable beat. The song is a celebration of strength and resilience, with Mitski’s lyrics exploring the ways in which we can overcome adversity and find the light within ourselves. The production is dynamic and infectious, with shimmering synths and driving drums that build to a cathartic climax. ‘Working For The Knife’ is a defiant call to arms, a song that demands to be danced to and sung along with. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to deal with life’s challenges is to dance through them, and Mitski’s infectious energy makes it impossible to resist.
Each of these songs captures a different facet of the human experience, from love and loss to resilience and self-acceptance. They are a testament to the power of music to connect us to our emotions and our shared humanity, and a reminder of the ways in which art can help us navigate the complexities of life. These songs may not have all been chart-topping hits, but they are each a masterpiece in their own right, deserving of recognition as some of the best music of 2024.
The song is a sprawling epic, with shifting dynamics and emotional depths that reveal themselves with each listen. Rossiter’s vocals are raw and vulnerable, adding to the sense of intimacy and honesty in the lyrics. It’s a powerful exploration of privilege, family, and the complexities of personal identity. ‘Rich’ may not have the mainstream recognition of some of the other tracks on this list, but its emotional impact is undeniable. But ‘Real House’ is the standout, a song that feels like a spiritual successor to ‘Not’, a standout from her solo debut abysskiss. Lenker’s voice is delicate and haunting, accompanied by sparse instrumentation that allows her lyrics to take center stage. The song explores themes of identity, home, and the passage of time, with Lenker reflecting on her childhood home and the memories it holds. The emotional depth of the song is palpable, drawing the listener in with its raw vulnerability. Lenker’s ability to evoke such complex emotions with simple yet profound lyrics is truly remarkable, making ‘Real House’ a standout track of the year. Her verse, which she reportedly wrote in a single day after hearing the song, is a marvel of emotional intelligence and lyrical precision. “I know what it is to be lonely,” she sighs, before drawing a connection between her own struggles and Charli’s. It’s a moment that feels like it could only have happened in a song like this, where the stakes are so high that the only way out is through. The two pop stars circle each other warily, never quite resolving their differences but finding a kind of solace in the shared experience of being misunderstood. By the time the song fades out with a final “Girl, so confusing,” you’re left wondering whether it’s a question or a statement, a plea or a declaration. Maybe it’s all of those things at once. And maybe that’s the point.
¿Podría estar cantando realmente el verso que aparentemente le envió por completo por mensaje de texto a Charli, lo que justificó totalmente la respuesta “¡Maldita sea”? La colaboración desmanteló no solo la barrera percibida entre las dos artistas, sino también la fachada misma del estrellato despreocupado, cada “chica” y punto de exclamación así como un golpe de empatía. El nervioso y estridente ritmo de A.G. Cook proporciona combustible para el drama, pero es más cautivador por la forma en que estrecha la distancia entre los monólogos internos de las cantantes. La canción no trata de dos de las voces más grandes de la industria uniendo fuerzas en perfecta armonía; no es un final feliz. Corta mucho más profundo que eso, transmitiendo en tiempo real inseguridades que pueden no manifestarse de manera idéntica para ambas partes, pero que son compartidas y pervasivas para muchas más personas cuyas vidas no se parecen en nada a las suyas. Quienes se creen ser algo, pero no del todo. “Creo que sé cómo te sientes”, más que un intento de compasión, siempre es un verdadero y salvaje supuesto. Lorde y Charli hacen que valga la pena el esfuerzo.