NPR Music chose 124 best songs for 2024 because 100 songs were not enough to capture the year's rich musical landscape. The number 124 felt right and was chosen to highlight a broader range of standout tracks.
Clairo's song 'Sexy to Someone' is significant for its charming and relatable message about quietly yearning for a connection, which resonates with many listeners. It showcases her strong melodic sense and polished production, making it a standout track on her album 'Charm.'
Tinashe's song 'Nasty' is powerful because it combines self-assuredness with a fun and infectious sound, blending pop and R&B. It became a viral hit on TikTok and resonated with listeners for its raw honesty and the romantic notion of finding someone who truly understands you.
The song 'Kid' by Great Grandpa stands out because it is a deeply emotional and gut-wrenching track about pregnancy loss. The song's multiple sonic shifts and the artists' raw processing of their feelings make it a powerful and moving piece of music.
Laura Marling's song 'Patterns' is considered breathtaking for its beautiful guitar work, profound lyrics, and the way it explores the cyclical nature of life and motherhood. The song's subtle and offbeat approach to these themes, combined with Marling's evocative vocals, makes it a standout track.
The score for 'Challengers' by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is significant because it enhances the movie's intense and dramatic atmosphere, making every tennis match feel like a high-stakes event. The score also works as standalone music, with tracks like 'Match Point' becoming popular dance tracks.
The main message of The Smile's song 'Don't Get Me Started' is about the age of blame and deflection, where individuals refuse to take responsibility and instead point fingers at others. The song reflects on the idea that the real problem often lies within oneself, and it critiques the online persona that can't be fully known or understood.
Our special coverage of the year in music continues with a look at the best songs of 2024, featuring Clairo, Tinashe, Chief Keef, Laura Marling and more.See NPR Music's complete list of the 124 best songs) of the year.See NPR Music's list of the 50 best albums).Enjoy the show? Tell a friend and leave us a review wherever you get podcasts.Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: [email protected])Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)