Music in 2024 gave us some amazing songs that everyone seemed to be playing. A few special tracks stood out and became the year's soundtrack. From songs that blew up on social media to amazing comeback hits, here are the top five songs that won over our ears and hearts.
1. "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter
When it came out: April 11, 2024
Who made it: Sabrina Carpenter, who first became known as an actress, has built a strong music career. "Espresso" was the first single from her album Short n' Sweet and made her more famous than ever.
"Espresso" is a fun song that mixes pop and disco sounds, making it the perfect track for the summer. It was released right before she performed at the big Coachella music festival. The lyrics are clever and confident, comparing her effect on a boy to how coffee keeps you awake. She sings that she's the reason he can't sleep at night. Its playful vibe made it a huge hit on social media and radio stations everywhere.
2. "Beautiful Things" by Benson Boone
When it came out: January 19, 2024
Who made it: Benson Boone became famous by posting videos on TikTok and was briefly on the show "American Idol." He was later signed to a record label started by the lead singer of Imagine Dragons.
"Beautiful Things" is a song full of emotion that connected with people. It’s about being so happy with your life and relationships that you become afraid of losing it all. The song starts off soft and quiet, but then builds into a loud, powerful chorus where Boone sings about his fears. Because it was so relatable, the song went viral on TikTok even before the full version was released.
3. "Birds of a Feather" by Billie Eilish
When it came out: May 17, 2024
Who made it: Billie Eilish, a worldwide star famous for her often dark and moody music, surprised fans with this happy and romantic song from her album Hit Me Hard and Soft.
This pop song has a fun, retro feel and is about wanting to be with someone you love forever. Eilish and her brother, Finneas, who write her music together, wanted to create a sweet love song with a twist. The track became even more popular when it was used in the trailer for the TV show Heartstopper, as it fit perfectly with the show's story about young love.
4. "Lose Control" by Teddy Swims
When it came out: June 23, 2023
Who made it: Teddy Swims first got noticed for posting amazing cover songs on YouTube. "Lose Control," from his first album, was the song that made him a mainstream star.
Even though it was released in 2023, "Lose Control" took its time and became one of the biggest hits of 2024. It’s a soulful song about a love so intense that it feels like you're losing yourself in the relationship. Listeners were drawn in by Teddy's incredibly powerful voice and the raw emotion he sings with. He said the song was inspired by a past relationship where he felt this way.
5. "Good Luck, Babe!" by Chappell Roan
When it came out: April 5, 2024
Who made it: Chappell Roan had an amazing breakout year. This was her first new song after her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess became a surprise hit.
This is a big, energetic pop song that sounds like it came from the 1980s. The song tells a story about saying goodbye to a female ex-lover who is trying to deny her true feelings by dating a man. With its powerful chorus and Roan's bold performance, the song quickly became a fan favorite and an anthem for the queer community. She performed it live at Coachella, where it was a huge crowd-pleaser.
