Say what you will about the year as a whole; at least 2024 was an excellent year for music. The music released in 2024 took so many of us by the hand and guided us through all the chaos this year showed us. As a result, this piece was tough to put together. From some of the best bluegrass music this world has ever seen to ripping punk music, soul-evolving electronic, life-affirming indie music, and some classics thrown in for good measure, 303 Magazine’s music desk staff has listened to so, so much music this year. Nevertheless, each member of the desk sorted through all they heard in 2024 and chose the favorite songs they listened to this past year.
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Sierra Ferrell — “American Dreaming”
While just about every song on Miss Ferrell’s early 2024 release, Trail of Flowers, is something special in its own right, the album’s opening track, “American Dreaming,” is the true standout for me. It’s a song that I believe captures what a lot of young American people are feeling. It feels almost claustrophobic at first, the pressures and monotony of the long and winding road turned almost oppressive. But the song builds, leading to this powerful crescendo that feels like glass breaking, chains ripped from their mounts, liberation. The song deals with this idea of reconciling the traditional “American Dream” with what it truly feels to be alive in this country today and all the conflicted emotions such a comparison may elicit. I think the song hits me so hard because of its profound hope. It’s something that I’ve needed this year and that I think many others have as well.
Billy Strings — Highway Prayers in its entirety
I tried, but I simply couldn’t pick a single song off Billy Strings’ Highway Prayers, so I chose them all. The album is amazing. I don’t care if you’ve never listened to a lick of bluegrass in your life; this is the music that exists inside the soul of humanity. I was lucky enough to be present at Strings’ Renewal Festival out in Buena Vista this year. While Strings himself had to cancel his set in which many of the albums’ songs were to be debuted live due to his wife going into labor about 30 minutes before he was supposed to go on, we that got there early on Thursday night were treated to the studio version of the album played in full along to an animated movie/music video of sorts. It was mesmerizing. From the first acapella words of the album’s opener, “Leanin’ on a Travelin’ Song,” it really is just banger after banger. You’ve got the rollicking psychedelia of “Gild the Lily,” the outlaw odyssey that is “Seven Weeks in County,” the trip that is “Stratosphere Blues/I Believe in You,” the sheer, piercing badassery of “Leadfoot,” the pick-fest of “Cabin Song,” the stoner tune “MORBUD4ME,” I mean it just keeps going. I could talk about this album forever.
Amyl and the Sniffers — “U Should Not Be Doing That”
I’ve been a fan of Amyl and the Sniffers for a while now, following them pretty closely as the years have gone on. I genuinely believe they are one of punk/hard rock’s most valuable modern assets and that’s largely due to their complete dedication to individuality, embodied by frontwoman Amy Taylor’s “fuck you” attitude that oozes out of every lyric that screams from her mouth. It’s exhilarating to watch. That being said, I think their latest album, Cartoon Darkness, is their best work to date, and the track “U Should Not Be Doing That” is the best song on the album. It has this bluesy bass line that just rattles the chest and gets you moving. The bass line, coupled with classic rock guitar riffs and some truly interesting drum parts, all serve to back Taylor up, and she spits venom at all those who hate on her for being who she is. I struggle to think of a band as badass as Amyl and the Sniffers and “U Should Not Be Doing That” proves exactly why that is.
Maggie Rogers — Don’t Forget Me (song and whole album)
Maggie Rogers always knows how to bring the nostalgia out with the sound of her voice and her narrative lyrics. Each song is like a window into her life. She writes about past lovers, relationships, and her own soulful evolution as she develops in her career and as a human being. Her single “Don’t Forget Me” dives deep into the pressures surrounding the expectations of adult relationships and delivers the message oh so beautifully. It’s subtle yet relative to the human experience that all of us pass through.
BTTRFLY Quintet — Marauders
BTTRFLY Quintet is a jazz band consisting of Dominic Lalli from Big Gigantic, Adam Deitch and Eric Benny Bloom from Lettuce, Hunter Roberts from Break Science and Borahm Lee from Break Science and Pretty Lights. Together, blending each and every one of their talented minds, their music has a creative flair with a mellow and mesmerizing tone. Marauders, and their album Coast, is music that you can have on at all times of the day.
The Dip — “Slow Sipper“
A classic, upbeat six-piece band, The Dip never goes out of style. Whatever the mood, I always find myself coming back to their song, “Slow Sipper.” With soft, smooth and sultry undertones, this song has everything I’m looking for when I want to get lost in the notes. An epic horn section featuring two saxophones and a trumpet never hurts, either.
WEEKENDS — “I (Eye)“
WEEKENDS’ latest track, hands down, is my favorite song of 2024. It takes me back to seeing them at DIY warehouse shows and parties in my early to mid-twenties when their raw energy left such a huge, lasting impression on me. As a two-piece, their setup is so unique, i.e., they switch between guitar and drums and lead to backing vocals, creating distinct and personal touches no matter who’s taking what position per song. That kind of trust and synergy, especially as a duo, is incredible to witness, both live and in their recordings. This song perfectly captures what makes them special. It’s dark indie rock with vocals that are both moody and fun, accompanied by backing vocals that add exciting blips and extra texture. The chorus, where they chant “I, I, I, I, I” together, feels like a powerful declaration of unity, a bond between two best friends that made a pact to stick together forever, which has shown true, even by still releasing incredible music a decade and a half later from their first release. The fuzzed-out guitars and the heavy, focused drum beats blow past all expectations and make it a truly unforgettable song. This track feels like something special that is meant to convey a memory that’s meant to last a lifetime.
Vampire Weekend — “Connect“
Vampire Weekend’s “Connect” is my second favorite song of 2024. Lyrically, it’s perfection from the lines “You’re elegantly wasted” and the raw desperation in Ezra Koenig’s final “I need it now” hits with so much weight. The track feels like a futuristic take on the indie sleaze era, bringing a classy yet whimsical energy that I couldn’t resist revisiting several times throughout the year. The playful piano and clever wordplay are what really hooked me. One day, on a grey, rainy morning, I found myself staring out the window into a cloudy backyard patio, the house dark and quiet, and the song playing softly in the background. That familiar piano intro I’d listened to so many times before sneaked in at the perfect moment for me. At that time, it meant everything from the colors to the atmosphere, it felt like I was living inside the song. It’s a little random, maybe even kinda crazy, but it’s a moment I’ll always associate with this track.
Tycho – “Totem”
Tycho’s “Totem” takes the spot as my third favorite track of 2024. I’m an absolute sucker for songs that begin with snippets of something other than music. Within this song, people are talking in the background, which adds an interesting narrative, and I love how it sets the scene. In this case, I imagine Scott Hanson (Tycho) at a party before heading out on a drive to channel his creativity into art, music, and passion. The track feels layered with curiosity and purpose, a reflection on self-growth while keeping someone or something important in mind. What makes Totem resonate so deeply is how it embodies some of my favorite things. This includes road trips, nature, self-reflection, health, happiness, and the joy of creation and innovation. The pristine simplicity paired with a forward-thinking urgency makes it feel like a call to grow and develop for the things we love most. The ending is so perfect: the beats and synths drop into this serene, minimalistic ease that’s so stunningly beautiful. It leaves me with a sense of calm and fulfillment. Honestly, I love it so much.
The Black Crowes and Lainey Wilson — “Wilted Rose”
The worlds of rock and country meet — with Chris Robinson and Lainey Wilson sharing vocals — on this lyrically dark song. Instrumentally backed by legends The Black Crowes, the song features Robinson’s classically crooning vocals, with newbie superstar Wilson creating ethereal harmonies throughout. The femme’s vocals amplify the haunting story of a lonesome woman and showcase a mystifying contrast between hers and Robinson’s voices. We’re accustomed to what The Black Crowes do, and Wilson has recently created her own musical identity, but the combination of the two is something gloriously fresh and beautifully chilling.
Rapsody and Erykah Badu — “3a.m.”
The sensual love anthem of the year is brought to you by Rapsody and the “Queen of Neo-Soul,” Erykah Badu. When we think of rap we don’t typically think of sweet, soft or sensual, but this track is all of those things with Rapsody’s too-cool rhymes. Plus, industry veteran Badu is known for being real hard, yet silky-smooth around the edges, and she undoubtedly works that same magic in this song. It’s a modern-day love song by two iconic women that can be both bumped real loud or experienced as easy listening, going in whichever direction the vibe or mood moves it.
Sierra Ferrell — “Lighthouse”
Everything about this song is explosively pleasant. From Sierra Ferrell’s sweet yet raspy vocals to the clean instrumentation to the lovingly endearing lyrics, this tune is everything one could want from an inevitably timeless folk-grass song. Ferrell has been releasing a seemingly endless string of wonderful songs and albums in recent years, and this work is another standout masterpiece that proves her talents and prowess as a singer, songwriter, musical persona and indefatigable industry female.
The High Hawks — “Mother Nature’s Show“
The lovechild of Leftover Salmon’s Vince Herman and Railroad Earth’s Tim Carbone — along with keyboardist Chad Staehly, bassist Brian Adams, drummer Will Trask and guitarist Adam Greuel — The High Hawks are a rockabilly dream. This particular song is the title track off the supergroup’s sophomore album, though it’s certainly not its only hit-wonder. From “Somewhere South” to “Top Shelf, Rock Bottom,” or any of the raucous tunes in between, this album will take you higher. The High Hawks exemplify what it means to blend genres and styles, all while having one hell of a good time. You’ll recognize the fun-loving vocals of Herman and the incendiary fiddling and picking of Carbone, all with the added twang and twist of Staehly, Adams, Track and Greuel.
Mk.Gee — “Alesis”
“Alesis” is one of those songs that found me at the perfect time. It’s a track about self-reflection, struggle, and discovery, with raw, relatable lyrics that cut to the core. In many ways, the song mirrors the messy, unpolished nature of the narrator’s journey, breaking away from the hyper-perfection often associated with pop music. Hearing an artist who isn’t afraid to be messy, loud, and brash at times feels like witnessing the rise of a new punk attitude in music—refreshing, rebellious, and real.
Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers — “Jesus Gave Me Water”
Sam Cooke and The Soul Stirrers’ 1951 track “Jesus Gave Me Water” marked a pivotal moment, with the 19-year-old Sam Cooke taking the reins as the new frontman. When I first heard a live cover of this song, I was immediately floored, and I couldn’t resist diving deeper. Discovering the original version, sung by the young, illustrious Sam Cooke, captivated me for weeks. There’s something profoundly unique about his voice—mature yet raw, it’s difficult to find anything that compares across any generation. His delivery is flawless, with each note crystal clear, and every vocal choice is intelligent and inspiring, allowing his talent to shine at full throttle.
The 1975 — “Guys”
This is one of those songs that feels impossible to remove from my top tracks. It has this curious way of inserting itself into the most impactful moments of my life, as if it’s the perfect soundtrack to my own monumental experiences. It’s a love song, but not just to a person—it’s a love song to life, to friendship, something you don’t hear often in music. Yet, it’s such a fundamental part of the human experience that every time I hear it, it strikes a deep emotional chord. The songwriting is sweet and personal, yet so relatable in its subtlety and nuance. I wish I could hear this song for the first time again, but in a way, every time I listen to it, it feels like I’m experiencing it anew.
Dominic FIke — “Babydoll“
Dominic Fike’s “Babydoll,” from his Don’t Forget About Me, Demos album, is a track that resonates with anyone grappling with the aftermath of lost love. Fike’s smooth vocals and sultry pleas for what he’s been denied feel as conflicting as they are relatable. Released in 2018, the song carries a guilty pleasure vibe, drawing listeners into its emotional vulnerability. While the lyrics don’t suggest acceptance after a breakup, they strike a chord with the need to voice unfiltered emotions so they don’t turn to action: “I can’t go on, Babydoll, been waitin’ on calls and flippin’ through stations, I’m outclassed and this outrageous.”
Gotts Street Park — “Tell Me Why“
“Tell Me Why” by Gotts Street Park, featuring Olive Jones, is a sultry, soul-stirring plea wrapped in longing and desire. Jones’s vocals exude vulnerability and passion, turning every whisper into an intimate confession to a love interest. The track feels like a promise—both tempting and believable—made from a place of yearning: “Love my baby, never gonna let you down.” Jones’ soulful delivery pairs effortlessly with Gotts Street Park’s slow-building, understated brilliance, creating a hypnotic atmosphere. This standout from their 2023 album has earned its place in heavy rotation, embodying the perfect blend of emotion and artistry.
Terry Presume – “Act Up“
The groove hits instantly with Terry Presume’s “Act Up” off his 2021 EP. The track exudes a level of confidence and authority, supporting Presume’s promise to upend the day of his subject. Presume’s delivery instills an undeniable self-assurance in listeners, making you curl your upper lip as the mantra “I’m gonna make you act out today” oozes playful provocation. It’s a declaration of power and mischief, channeling the thrill of throwing someone off balance—especially when indifference is all but subtle. Equal parts petty and potent, this anthem of instigation is a reminder that stirring the pot can feel pretty satisfying every now and then.
We at 303 Magazine’s Music Desk wish you a Happy New Year! We can’t wait to keep listening to great music in 2025!
2024 Recap: 303 Magazine's Music Desk Writers on the Songs They Listened to Most in 2024 – 303 Magazine
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