The Best Songs of 2024: From Rising Stars to Superstars, A Playlist to Capture the Year

It has been an exceptional year for moody guitar anthems, innovative Latin pop, breathtaking pop performances, and inspiring Afropop. According to Rolling Stone, the competition for the song of the summer is fierce, with established artists like Usher, Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar, and Kacey Musgraves delivering unforgettable tracks, while up-and-coming talents like Sabrina Carpenter and Carin Leon are making bold statements. The hip-hop scene is bustling with creativity beyond the usual feuds, and new country records are drawing inspiration from sources outside of Nashville. To capture this musical diversity, we have curated our (unranked) favorite tracks into a Spotify playlist.

Fontaines D.C., ‘Starburster’

With ‘Starburster,’ the Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C. reintroduces each instrument with a grandeur. Fuzzy synths form the base, followed by a lively piano, cascading background vocals, and an energetic drumbeat, all leading to a dramatic climax when Grian Chatten’s raw, edgy vocals kick in. Whether seen as a sonic departure or a bold reinvention, one thing is undeniable: Fontaines D.C. have returned and are operating at their peak.

Beyoncé, ‘Ya Ya’

This standout track from Cowboy Carter encapsulates the diverse spirit of late-eighties hip-hop within Beyoncé’s expansive view of American music. With a stomping, clapping beat and a Nancy Sinatra sample, embodies the rock-soul sass of Tina Turner, the Black-and-proud energy of James Brown, and the harmonies of the Beach Boys’ ‘Good Vibrations.’ By juxtaposing her family’s struggles with American economic, racial, and social hypocrisy, she creates a compelling anthem of freedom, resistance, and joy.

Kehlani, ‘After Hours’

Kehlani croons, “I’m-a hit the gas if you ready to go,” hinting at a romantic journey that could end in disaster, aligning with the theme of their upcoming album, Crash. In this moment of R&B splendor that lifts the club atmosphere, the future feels limitless. The track also brings back early-2000s nostalgia, as Kehlani rides the Coolie Dance dancehall rhythm that inspired numerous hits two decades ago, giving it a fresh twist and producing one of the best summer anthems of 2024.

Ariana Grande, ‘We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)’

After facing public scrutiny regarding her love life and her defiant response, ‘Yes, And?’, Ariana Grande showcases a vulnerable side in ‘We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love).’ This synth glitz catharsis, co-written and produced by Max Martin and ILYA, evokes memories of Robyn’s introspective dance-floor classic ‘Dancing on My Own.’ Whether speaking to the media, an ex-partner, or both, the song’s emotional mix of pain and hope shines like the lights of a club in tear-filled eyes.

Kendrick Lamar, ‘Not Like Us’

Among the diss tracks Kendrick Lamar directed at Drake this spring, ‘Not Like Us’ stands out as
the one likely to become a favorite at sporting events, club nights, and summer festivals, with
audiences enthusiastically joining in on every insult. Mustard’s catchy, brass-infused beat,
reminiscent of his early-2010s hits, sets the scene for Kendrick to deconstruct Drake’s image in
ways that may be ethically questionable but undeniably enjoyable to dance to.