Well, thank God the worst list is done. They are the hardest to write. It is tough to be critically negative about music a majority of people like. Most of the songs have a minimal quality bar, leading to few easy targets. Especially this year. Pop music has been the best for a while. We found many great breakthrough artists that I hope can stick around. Many favorites also came back with quality material. Now let's rank the best.
Honorable Mentions:
- Million Dollar Baby by Tommy Richman (#8): I returned to this song more than I am proud of. Something about the old-school synthesizers and his falsetto makes it a super fun listen.
- Wanna Be by GloRilla feat. Megan Thee Stallion (#40): These MCs run this song with clever lyrics and interesting flows.
- Pretty Little Poison by Warren Zeiders (#60): Warren Zeiders did not need to go this hard. He really sells this toxic relationship with all of his might.
- Too Sweet by Hozier (#10): I am so surprised this man got a second hit out of nowhere. Hozier's powerful voice croons about how sweet his girlfriend who has a contrasting lifestyle from his.
- Stick Season by Noah Kahan (#11): The hardest cut from the top 10. Noah pines for an ex-girlfriend who left him and a presumably small town for something bigger. Thanks to the upbeat folk production, he can miss this girl without being too whiny or self-loathing.
10) Taste by Sabrina Carpenter (#86)
Introducing one of this year's biggest breakthrough artists: Sabrina Carpenter. I liked all three of Sabrina's hits, but this one is my favorite of the three. It displays her biggest asset. her sense of humor. She teases her ex-boyfriend's new girl. She was there first, and her man will always be thinking about Sabrina. Carpenter could come off as annoying in less competent hands, like with Morgan Wallen's song "Thinkin' Bout Me." However, the tone is much more playful, making it less sour. Plus, Sabrina Carpenter is a great actress. She can sell how petty she is being. Add in some slick production choices and you get this sneering song.
9) A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey (#2)
Shaboozey is an African-American country musician from Virginia. He was first put on the map by being on Beyonce's country album earlier this year. This exposure may have led to his big hit, which has been at the top of the Hot 100 for 19 weeks. He reworks the stupid 2004 crunk hit "Tipsy" by J-Kwon and makes it better. It seamlessly blends country and rap. He sincerely cares about both genres. The subject is subversive. He is stressed from working hard and goes to the bar to get drunk and forget about the stresses. This should be dark, but the song is a party. He enjoys the moment instead of worrying about life. Unfortunately, this song has novelty written all over it, and I can't see this man having lasting star power. Oh well, let's enjoy this song and not worry about the future.
8) Wildflower by Billie Eilish (#89)
I knew Billie Eilish was making the best list. I did not expect it to be this song (For the record, I expected "Lunch.") In this song, Billie comforts a female friend who was recently heartbroken by a now ex-boyfriend. To complicate the relationship, Billie is dating her ex-boyfriend. She wonders if she crossed the line by doing so. There are rumors this is based on a true story. I believe it. Billie sells the sadness and concern for her friend.
7) Surround Sound by JID feat. 21 Savage and Baby Tate (#113)
This song is originally from 2022. It flopped initially. Then, in 2024, it soundtracked a TikTok trend of girls twerking, and the song received a second life. JID is a talented rapper. He raps with complex rhymes and lyrics. However, he does not sound corny, like many lyrical rappers. His rapping is an impressive sight, so much so that I do not care what the song is about. After his verse, 21 Savage comes in with his own verse. He shows off his skills and he's equally impressive. Baby Tate, who is singing the outro, follows these two verses. After that, Part II. JID picks up the mic again and spits some more fire bars. Plus, I like the Aretha Franklin sample that starts the song. JID is the hope for rap's future. I hope he can stick around.
6) The Door by Teddy Swims (#110)
Fun Fact: Teddy Swims' other song, "Lose Control," is #1 on Billboard's year-end chart. That song is fine, I guess. He has a great voice, but everything else is not worth writing home about. Happily for us, he released this second single. This one has a cool, 60s-sounding production with a nice groove. I also like the lyrics a lot better. This song is better written. Teddy was in a relationship where he was much more devoted to it than she was. So tonight, he shows this girl the door and breaks up with her. He plays the part well. He sounds rightfully angry about it.
5) Pink Skies by Zach Bryan (#30)
The kids are in town for a funeral, and they have to clean out the family home. Zach reflects on some memories in this old house. And Zach sings directly to the dearly departed. He points out how she would be proud of them now. His voice is very warm and loving. I feel his love. Some theories suggest he is singing to his mother, who passed away when he was young. It may not be his best,(That bar is high.) but it's very solid.
4) End of Beginning by Djo (#47)
Djo is Stranger Things actor Joe Keery. He was born and raised in Massachusetts. After that, he attended college at DePaul University. As an actor, he spends a lot of time working in Los Angeles. In an interview, Keery said that this song is about growing up and yearning for the past. He feels this especially when he goes back to Chicago. I also can divide my life by where I live. Whether it's southwest Virginia, east Idaho, central Utah, or currently, Salt Lake City, I know how it feels to return to any of these old locations and be hit by a wave of nostalgia. This song is cushioned by a comforting 80s synthesizer that exudes just as much warmth as the lyrics. While I do not expect another album from him anytime soon because of his acting career, I want to hear more.
3) euphoria by Kendrick Lamar (#66)
When TV shows retroactively talk about the pop culture of 2024, one of the biggest topics will be the Drake-Kendrick Lamar beef. This ended with Kendrick rightfully mutilating Drake with accusations of pedophilia and exploiting other rappers for success. While "Not Like Us" is a fun victory lap, I am not comfortable with the pedophilia accusation, especially since they could ultimately be false. Also, "euphoria" has better punchlines. He accuses Drake of using ghostwriters, not caring for his son, sending a cease and desist to a previous diss track and being a poser. Kendrick fires at him over and over again. He even teases the next track. I just love Kendrick's lyricism. He can throw punches while also being funny.
2) Red Wine Supernova by Chappell Roan (#117)
This is the most interesting new name in pop this year. She could've been the thumbnail on this post, but The Last Dinner Party needs more attention in this country. She made this year's best sex jams. I have never really connected to sensual, smooth, and romantic jams. I am too awkward for those. I like them goofy, weird, and campy as hell. Chappell has all those things in spades. I also love the background vocals, the best ones I've heard in a while. This song is fun and queer.
1) Die With A Smile by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga (#62)
An important note is that I love a good throwback. I spent many of my formative years listening to classic rock and pop songs from the '60s and '70s, thanks to my parents. I am so happy Bruno Mars found this niche. He is a massive nerd who knows his stuff, as is his partner on this song. This is a '70s arena rock song. They both go all out on the singing, bringing every bit of passion. The lyrics are also nice. They show concern about being without each other and fit the '70s aesthetic very well. that is why this is my top hit song of 2024.
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