We Rank the Best Songs of 2024 and It Was Really, Really Hard

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I don’t want to disrespect all the other years, but it seems like 2024, musically, is when we’ll all have game again (word to Abby Lee Miller). At least that’s what the year’s biggest hits might indicate. Music this year has been dominated by nail-biting rap beefs, plus a return to public recognition of the classic pop star (thank you, Ms. Carpenter). And we’ve seen a list of names that were unrecognizable this time last year become chart staples. That leaves us with a wealth of choices in the “best of” decision-making process.

What are the metrics that determine whether a song is well-known enough to define the year? First, there’s cultural impact. Songs that make it into everything from presidential campaign ads to sorority recruitment videos are definitely up for “song of the year” status. Then there are those fickle chart rankings—this year we saw a handful of chart mainstays and a few incremental risers. Then, of course, there’s the question of quality. So, based on all three boxes, we went ahead and rated the best songs. Ready to find out who took the top spot? Read on.

13. “Girl, so confused featuring lorde” by Charli XCX

Legendary collaborations materialize when you’re working on a remix. No one expected Lorde to jump on brat a track that Charli XCX wrote about their complicated relationship. But when did she do that? Legions of frenemies around the world felt represented by the misunderstandings and underlying tensions that both artists explored in the song.

12. “HISS” by Megan Thee Stallion

I’d like to give Megan Thee Stallion full credit for starting Kendrick’s massive 2024 feud with Champagne Papi. Her January single featured verses that supposedly attacked both Drake and Nicki Minaj, and it opened the floodgates of the beef. If we’re going to judge the impact, “Hiss” was a little agent of chaos that could.

11. “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish

On a more friendly note, Billie’s sweet ode to her companions truly had Instagram Reel footage in a choking grip. And with good reason. Everyone’s rotation needs a heartfelt and endearing mood-booster, and Billie oh-so-dutifully delivered on 2024.

10. “Diet Pepsi” by Addison Rae

Part of the song’s magic is how surprising it is to come from TikTok legend Addison Rae — but much more is in its well-crafted synth beats and overall sensuality. This version (and its music video) felt pretty daring, and also marked a welcome departure for Addison from her previous sound (though I’m sending my respects to “Obsessed”). Hopefully, more Rae bangers will follow.

9. “Risk” by Gracie Abrams

Try listening to this and not letting it get stuck in your head for 7-10 business days. If you can, congratulations on having some real brainpower. Dramatic anthems of longing are the best kind of anthems. Gracie clearly got the memo and responded accordingly. (“I love you, I’m sorry,” anyone?)

8. “Drifting” Omar Apollo

If there were a “Most Romantic Songs of 2024” subcategory, this sweet melody would rank very high — the lyrics are wedding vow material. It’s the gem on Omar’s July 2024 list. God said no album that is further enhanced by the beautiful and brilliantly arranged music video.

7. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey

If this song’s Billboard Hot 100 ranking is any indicator, people are *deeply* craving some honky tonk action. “A Bar Song” rocketed into bona fide stardom this month, becoming one of only 45 songs in Hot 100 history to spend more than 10 weeks at No. 1. (Harry Styles’ “As It Was” and Adele’s “Easy On Me” are members of the club.)

6. “we can’t be friends (wait for your love) (acoustic (live from Jungle studio))” by Ariana Grande

Ari’s strongest moments are A) her autobiographical and B) when she gets to show off her vocal skills. That’s why this live acoustic remix is ​​such a two-pronged gift. The original song was already a wonder on eternal sun, so the added drama provided by Ariana’s running and live vocal gymnastics makes this version even cooler.

5. “Euphoria” by Kendrick Lamar

While it’s quiet, given all the media buzz and dance challenges “Not Like Us” has spawned, “Euphoria” was the true star of this year’s inevitable rap beef. Little did we know that this drop would be far from the end of Kendrick’s misery…

4. “II MOST WANTED” by Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus

There is no world in which a Beyonce/Miley collaboration would be anything other than perfect. But the nostalgic, Fleetwood Mac-esque “final” energy in this song makes it both perfect AND fun little diversion for Bey. (Miley doesn’t feel How new to this. Thanks to “The Climb”). This really stands out Cowboy Carter record.

3. “Taste” by Sabrina Carpenter

One hit is lucky. The second is a sign that people should probably start paying attention, but the third? All in one year? That’s a truly historic streak. Post “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” we knew she was here to stay. But when Sabrina is happy, they start fighting – and the insanely catchy jingles on this single are proof of that.

2. “Juna” Clairo

Clairo was the latest bedroom pop boss of the summer. After releasing “Juna” in July 2024, the jazzy single made the rounds on TikTok and reached No. 1 status less than a month later. The little trumpet section on it is, quite frankly, iconic.

1. “HOT TO THE END!” by Chappell Roan

Nothing builds a strong sense of community like a sweet little dance (see: Macarena, Cupid Shuffle, Wobble, and more). With that in mind, Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO” and its choreography have managed to joyfully unite the masses in 2024. Play it at weddings, frat parties, or dive bars—watch it elicit the same sleeper agent activation response from every fan. It’s pop perfection!

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