2024 has been one of the best years for music in quite a while, in my opinion. I had more really good albums to review and there were quite a few other decent ones, and only a few not very good ones I heard. When it came to songs, there were unfortunately a lot of charting songs that just did nothing for me, but there were more than enough good ones from the albums and from my own listening to make this a hefty list.
With that brief introduction, these are my favourite songs from 2024!
Image by Annette Meyer from Pixabay
You will notice many of these songs come from albums I have reviewed. Also, there are no cover versions – that is a list to follow. My rules were simple – one song per artist for this list, released in 2024, no live only tracks. That’s it. And there are 25 songs here, so not much talking from me.
Listed in order of song title. My favourite songs of 2024.
Over 50 years after his seminal ‘American Pie’ McLean is still releasing new music that is just so much fun to listen to.
’Annabelle’ by Jen Cloher
I am something of a Jen Cloher fan, and this single was a nice way to keep her music there this year. Very nice, with that build that doesn’t go OTT.
’Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)’ by Dasha
One of only two country tracks on the list, this song just made me take notice from the first time I heard it. I like its story and I like Dasha’s singing.
’Cut The Bridge’ by Linkin Park
It might take some time for me to get used to the new Linkin Park singer, but songs like this are certainly going to help.
’Drone: No Drone’ by The Cure
I was not ready for a new Cure album to be as good as it was, and for this song to be so amazing. My childhood returns…
’Drunk’ by Maggie Rogers
One of the best pop albums of the year, this song still stands out to me. Rogers should have done better on the charts.
’Dark And Velvet Nights’ by David Gilmour
His voice does not seem to have aged and his guitar playing is as sublime as ever. One of the very best of the year.
’Ego’ by Halsey
A very 1990s indie rock feel and one of the many strong tracks on a good collection, one I feel should have done more, chart-wise.
’Eternity Has Failed’ by Bruce Dickinson
Amazing album and this is my favourite track from it, one of my favourite tracks from the whole year. That voice, just… wow.
’Florida!!!’ by Taylor Swift feat. Florence &The Machine
Yes, another country song. But Keith Urban has just continuously released great music for years, and this track is really good.
’Good Luck, Babe!’ by Chappell Roan
I was late to the Chappell Roan party, and this song is just a lot of fun. I’ve gone back to listen to her older stuff and she’s quite good.
’Irregular’ by Cloning
I discovered Cloning through social media and they are quite the act. I enjoy their sound and the lyrics, and will keep an eye on them. Recommend you do, too.
’Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça Ira!)’ by Gojira
Way to go, France! What a song to pick as the official Olympic Games anthem! Just superb.
’Panic Attack’ by Judas Priest
How can a band that has been around for 50 years produce music this damn good? How can Rob Halford still sing like that? Actually, I don’t care – I just enjoy the ride.
’Power Of The Triforce’ by Dragonforce
Dragonforce is amazing. They are also the only artist who appears here and the covers song list. From one of my top albums of the year.
’Ratatata’ by Babymetal X Electric Callboy
One thing I love is being introduced to music outside my normal remit, and discovering music that is amazing. And so, this song.
’Shine On’ by Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks
In the end, True was my favourite album of the year, and this is my favourite song from that collection. It was always good, but it has grown on me so much since its release.
’Something Whispered Follow Me’ by Nightwish
Nightwish’s Yesterwynde album was so very good, and this track was the pinnacle of the album for me. Love the band; this continues that.
’Sympathy Is A Knife’ by Charli XCX
This was the year of Brat and, while not a personal favourite, the album was still quite good and this was my favourite track from it.
’The Summer Of Hate’ by The Dandy Warhols
The Dandy Warhols keep releasing music I just really like, and this track comes from a strong album that more people should have got into.
’Turn The Lights Back On’ by Billy Joel
A comeback song, with the sound harkening back to his piano-led heyday. Maybe not the best song of the year, but to hear him singing again makes this for me.
’Two Friends’ by Amy Shark
Probably my favourite pop album, Shark just continues to deliver the goods. This is a song that should have been better known.
'Ulveham' by Gåte
Had to include two Eurovision songs this year, as Norway’s entry was (and even then only just) my my second favourite from 2024 . Symphonic rock – what’s not to love?
There we have it, twenty-five of my favourite songs from 2024. Such a great year for new music. Covers songs list to follow! And I reckon there is definitely something here for everyone to enjoy.