best of MP2K's Best of 2024 | Top 20! #1 reveal

[MP2K]

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

As the year winds down, and the world continues to be a shitshow, 2024 music offerings wasn't too shabby.

The scene was vibrant, diverse, and full of surprises. It's time to reflect on some of the standout moments in music for me.

 

Countdown:

I will be ranking Top 224 Songs, and that's probably all I got in me. I'll consider Albums list if I can get up to at least 10 that were and I'm also considering doing a Top 100 Redux 04-23' where I'll be re-ranking and resharing my lists for the past 24 years. Don't quote me on this!

 

Criteria: No more than 8 entries per artist * no more than 3-4 unofficial singles (hard decisions for many) * October 2023 – December 13th, 2024 * No genre hang-ups as my vibe and ear changes every year.

 

First entries coming later today! I'll also get to your countdowns soon. 

 

Edited January 5 by MP2K

[prézli]

hello

[JGibson]

Hello and Merry Christmas. 

[Brandon]

Merry Xmas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MP2K]

Onto the postings...

 

In this set: Introspective ballads, bold anthems, and genre-blending tunes.

Summary: Camila Cabello's DREAM-GIRLS transported listeners into a world of lush, cinematic pop with her The-Dream sample, while Doja Cat's DISRESPECTFUL embodied fearless, genre-defying confidence with its bold beats and razor-sharp lyricism. Tyler, The Creator's Sticky, featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne, was an unpredictable, high-energy track that blended all their unique styles with Tyler's signature eccentricity. JMSN's Soft Spot was a delicate exploration of vulnerability wrapped in atmospheric R&B. Meanwhile, First Date by Deep Thrills captured the excitement and nervousness of a new connection through its shimmering indie-pop sound that reminds me of 3OH!3's My First Kiss with Ke$ha. Hinds' Coffee brought a lighter, more carefree energy, while Sinking Boat by Infinity Song echoed a deeper, more reflective sentiment. Yves Tumor's Limerence was an ethereal exploration of desire, and Kim Gordon's BYE BYE offered a raw post-punk release. Is it pos-punk or is it hip-hop? The emotional honesty in Fousheé's 100 bux and Hailey Knox's On Nothing resonated with those navigating their own paths, while songs like Bon Bon by Fcukers and Round by Two Shell, featuring Sugababes, captured a more experimental side of the year's electronic and dance scenes.

 

201.    Camila Cabello - DREAM-GIRLS
202.    Doja Cat - DISRESPECTFUL
203.    Tyler, The Creator - Sticky (feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne)
204.    Sasha Keable - Take Your Time (feat. 6LACK)
205.    Joey Valence & Brae - JOHN CENA
206.    JMSN - Soft Spot
207.    Deep Thrills - First Date (feat. Paper Idol, and XKYLAR)
208.    serpentwithfeet - Damn Gloves (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
209.    Infinity Song - Sinking Boat
210.    Fontaines D.C. - Here's The Thing
211.    Dehd - Alien
212.    Benson Boone - Slow It Down
213.    Fcukers - Bon Bon
214.    Two Shell – Round (feat. Sugababes)
215.    James Blake - Thrown Around
216.    Yves Tumor - Limerence
217.    Kim Gordon - BYE BYE
218.    Fousheé - 100 bux
219.    Hailey Knox - On Nothing
220.    Twenty-One Pilots - Overcompensate
221.    Junior Varsity - New York
222.    Sans Soucis - Sexed & Sexual
223.    Hinds - Coffee
224.    Charly Bliss - Back There Now

[MP2K]

 

In this set: Sonic experimentation and emotional exploration

Summary: Usher's Ruin brought a smooth blend of R&B, heartbreak and afrobeats, showing his timeless ability to deliver raw emotion through powerful vocals. Muni Long's Make Me Forget was a haunting ballad, skillfully weaving themes of escapism and personal reflection. Incredible vocal performance. Sabrina Carpenter's Bed Chem captivated with its hypnotic blend of pop and ode to classic R&B hits from Tamia, while Moses Sumney's Vintage stood out as a poetic and ambient masterpiece that explored longing and self-discovery. Charli XCX's Mean Girls injected an infectious dose of pop rebellion, while B2b further showcased her boundary-pushing approach to modern pop. The collaboration between Justice and Tame Impala on One Night/All Night was a dreamy, psychedelic journey that swept me into a world of electro-infused bliss. Say Goodbye by Future Islands gave us an atmospheric reflection on relationships and farewells. On the rap front, J. Cole's Crocodile Tearz delivered introspective storytelling per usual, while Vince Staples' Étouffée offered a gritty, yet introspective look into his world. Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj's FTCU marked her triumphant return, full of tag worthy bars.

 

177. USHER – Ruin (feat. Pheelz)

178. Muni Long - Make Me Forget

179. Sabrina Carpenter - Bed Chem

180. J. Cole - Crocodile Tearz

181. Moses Sumney - Vintage

182. Charli xcx - Mean girls

183. Future Islands - Say Goodbye

184. WILLOW - b i g f e e l i n g s

185. Remi Wolf - Toro

186. Fontaines D.C. - In The Modern World

187. Vince Staples - Étouffée

188. Nicki Minaj - FTCU

189. Key Glock - Let's Go

190. Normani - Lights On

191. TWICE - Strategy (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)

192. Salute & Piri - luv stuck

193. Justice & Tame Impala - One Night/All Night

194. DESTIN CONRAD - SAME MISTAKE (feat. Alex Isley)

195. Kendrick Lamar - dodger blue (feat. wallie the sensei, siete7x, roddy ricch)

196. 4batz - act ii: date @ 8

197. Genia - Give

198. Nilüfer Yanya - Just A Western

199. The Lemon Twigs - They Don't Know How To Fall In Place

200. Charli XCX- B2b

 

 

[MP2K]

In this set: Bold declarations, unapologetic, and personal growth across all genres

Summary: Tems' Gangsta brought some street yet soulful energy, capturing the complexity of love and resilience, while Clairo's Sexy to Someone explored themes of self-empowerment and finding beauty in one's identity through its dreamy, indie-pop sound. Beabadoobee's Take A Bite delivered an irresistibly catchy alt-pop anthem, full of youthful energy, while Tyla's Safer offered an introspective R&B track about finding security and self-worth. Madison Beer's 15 MINUTES resonated with anyone navigating the pitfalls of fame and relationships, its vulnerable lyrics paired with cinematic production. Jamie xx's Life was an emotionally charged, genre-defying track that blended house, electronic, and pop in a way that felt simultaneously nostalgic and fresh that's to Robyn. Omar Apollo's Less of You exuded emotional depth with a smooth, melancholic delivery, while Little Simz's Mood Swings took a more reflective approach, capturing the highs and lows of human connection. FLO's In My Bag gave us their first real urban single that was an empowering anthem of confidence and self-reliance, while The Thin Grey Line by $uicideboy$ offered a raw and gritty look into inner struggles. Songs like Hater's Anthem by Infinity Song and Boy Bye by Chlöe proved that 2024 was a year of unapologetic self-expression, with both tracks full of fiery confidence and resilience.

 

153. Tems - Gangsta

154. Clairo - Sexy to Someone

155. beabadoobee - Take A Bite

156. Tyla - Safer

157. Allie X - You Slept On Me

158. Chappell Roan - Naked In Manhattan

159. Tanerélle - I Wish

160. Madison Beer - 15 MINUTES

161. Jamie xx - Life (feat. Robyn)

162. Sasha Keable – AUCTION (feat. DESTIN CONRAD)

163. Kendrick Lamar - reincarnated

164. Omar Apollo - Less of You

165. FLO - In My Bag (feat. GloRilla)

166. Little Simz - Mood Swings

167. $uicideboy$ - The Thin Grey Line

168. Kendrick Lamar - meet the grahams

169. KAYTRANADA - Witchy (feat. Childish Gambino)

170. Nilüfer Yanya - Like I Say (I runaway)

171. 1010benja - Twin

172. Maggie Rogers - The Kill

173. Infinity Song - Hater's Anthem

174. Chlöe - Boy Bye

175. Lay Bankz - Tell Ur Girlfriend

176. Normani - Big Boy (feat. Starrah)

Edited December 26, 2024 by MP2K

[Alldeezy]

201.    Camila Cabello - DREAM-GIRLS
220.    Twenty-One Pilots - Overcompensate
177. USHER – Ruin (feat. Pheelz)

179. Sabrina Carpenter - Bed Chem

188. Nicki Minaj - FTCU

190. Normani - Lights On

191. TWICE - Strategy (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)

155. beabadoobee - Take A Bite

160. Madison Beer - 15 MINUTES

176. Normani - Big Boy (feat. Starrah)

 

 

[JGibson]

154. Clairo - Sexy to Someone

155. beabadoobee - Take A Bite

179. Sabrina Carpenter - Bed Chem

212.    Benson Boone - Slow It Down
220.    Twenty-One Pilots - Overcompensate 

 

My favorites  

 

 

 

 

 

[Mr. Blue_Shirt]

Sticky, Here's The Thing, Make Me Forget, b i g f e e l i n g s, Lights On, B2b, 15 MINUTES, Life, Boy Bye, Big Boy

 

[Renzo_]

Many good songs. My favorites are TOP, Fontaines, Sabrina and Kim Gordon.

[Renzo_]

Many good songs. My favorites are TOP, Fontaines, Sabrina and Kim Gordon.

[Brandon]

Overcompensate 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MP2K]

We Still Don't Trust You by Future & Metro Boomin was an atmospheric track that explored distrust and the darker side of fame – super left for them. Rico Nasty's Arintintin and JPEGMAFIA's SIN MIEDO delivered unapologetically fierce and genre-defying sounds, with both artists pushing the boundaries of rap and punk. Meanwhile, the gays flourished with Conan Gray's bop Lonely Dancers and Omar Apollo's smooth, sensual Glow. Sabrina Carpenter's Juno embraced emotional vulnerability, and Tyla's ART mixed energetic pop with a touch of vulnerability. Allie X's Galina offered an intriguing blend of alt-pop, while LISA's Rockstar added a fierce, global flair to the year's hits.In the world of hip-hop and R&B, Get It Sexyy by Sexyy Red and MASC by Doja Cat offered confidence-driven anthems that dominated clubs and my household. Leon Thomas's MUTT provided a smooth, sultry vibe, and Bryson Tiller's Whatever She Wants delved into the complexities of desire proven he still has it after a few letdown tracks post TRAPSOUL. Megan Thee Stallion's Roc Steady was a surprise high-energy track that added to the year's celebration of women owning their power.

Meanwhile, in the realm of introspective pop and alternative music, Don't Worry Bout Me by Maina Doe and Love Me JeJe by Tems were soulful, emotionally rich tracks that offered reflections on self-love and personal growth. Matt Champion's debut Slug offered a more melancholic take on the complexities of life, while The Smile's Read The Room delivered a brooding commentary on social dynamics.

 

127. Future & Metro Boomin - We Still Don't Trust You (feat. The Weeknd)

128. Rico Nasty – Arintintin

129. JPEGMAFIA - SIN MIEDO

130. Sexyy Red - Get It Sexyy

131. Doja Cat - MASC (feat. Teezo Touchdown)

132. Leon Thomas - MUTT

133. Foster The People - Lost In Space

134. Bryson Tiller - Whatever She Wants

135. LISA - Rockstar

136. Conan Gray - Lonely Dancers

137. Biig Piig - Favourite Girl

138. Omar Apollo - Glow

139. Maina Doe - Don't Worry Bout Me

140. Tems - Love Me JeJe

141. Billie Eilish - L'AMOUR DE MA VIE

142. Allie X - Galina

143. Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well

144. Matt Champion - Slug

145. Bat For Lashes - The Dream of Delphi

146. Soft Launch - Piano Hands

147. The Smile - Read The Room

148. That Mexican OT - 02.02.99

149. KAYTRANADA - More Than A Little Bit (feat. Tinashe)

150. Sabrina Carpenter – Juno

 151. Tyla - ART

152. Megan Thee Stallion - Roc Steady (feat. Flo Milli)

[Alldeezy]

 

131. Doja Cat - MASC (feat. Teezo Touchdown)

135. LISA - Rockstar

136. Conan Gray - Lonely Dancer

141. Billie Eilish - L'AMOUR DE MA VIE

150. Sabrina Carpenter – Juno

 

[JGibson]

133. Foster The People - Lost In Space

135. LISA - Rockstar

141. Billie Eilish - L'AMOUR DE MA VIE

143. Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well

150. Sabrina Carpenter – Juno

 

 

[MP2K]

 

Bubbling Under

 

101. Jae Stephens - Body Favors

May be an odd comparison but to me Jae Stephens successfully channels the catchy, danceable energy of 2000s R&B and pop, reminiscent of the work that producer RedOne helped shape during that era. Her other offerings were weak though.

102. Camila Cabello - HE KNOWS (feat. Lil Nas X)

Great fusion of sounds from this unexpected pairing. Production did a lot of heavy lifting for sure.

103. Beyoncé - TYRANT (feat. Dolly Parton)

Very curious about this track when the intro came on. Jaw dropping when the beat dropped. One of the many heights of CowBoy Carter when we're talking about something you could dance to.

104. FLO - Shoulda Woulda Coulda

So many FLO sounds could make the cut. FLO's ability to weave vulnerability and empowerment is so sick. Let's get into the off-putting, distorted beat reminiscent to Timbaland that took a while for us stans to appreciate its greatness. But first, that transition from Nocturnal though! They put on a great vocal back and forth delivery towards to end to bring everything home.

105. ¥$ - *** SUMN

Kanye is so trash now this relies heavily on the production - dark, heavy 808s, electronic sound effects, and distorted synths. It's a club banger.

106. Dua Lipa - Training Season

This doesn't really miss a beat from her usual smashes. When this comes on I don't want to turn it off, I just don't actively go for the play as much.

107. Griff - Anything

This was a late bloomer that sold me quick. Love the emotional atmosphere then the unique blend of pop, electronic, and indie influence that bursts.

108. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Field of Vision

King Gizzard's one of the best bands in modern music. They just have a unique ability to blend different genres and create a soundscape that's an eargasm. You always get 3-4 songs in one.

109. Addison Rae - Diet Pepsi

Such a catchy sparkling pop song.

110. Beyoncé - TEXAS HOLD 'EM

Another one that was fun while it lasted. I appreciated this more overtime. Made me worried about the album, but when the album finally hit, boy did she outdo herself.

111.  Sabrina Carpenter - Please Please Please

There's elements that I really like, the shimmery production at moments and the hook. I just don't care for the verse delivery as much, there's some emptiness in the track that keeps me from truly LOVING it.

112. Ravyn Lenae - One Wish (feat. Childish Gambino)

Ravyn continues to push the sounds of experimental r&b while blending a bit of neo-soul. But she has more coming.

113. Shygirl - mr useless

Was a top song for me at the top of the year for a while. Sounds reminiscent of 90s electronic.

114.  Kesha - JOYRIDE

A bop that a lot could have peaked higher if I prioritized it a but more. Decent comeback.

115. Ariana Grande - yes, and?

I go back and forth with whether I like this or not. I like it enough. The intro is undeniable.

116. Orville Peck - Midnight Ride (feat. Kylie Minogue)

Orville continuing to be my favorite male voice in "country," but this is great dance music. Kylie? You did it again.

117. 21 Savage - all of me

21 isn't my favorite lyrist but his musicality is great, he eats up a sample.

118. ScHoolboy Q - Yeern 101

Intricate production and creative delivery and flow.

119. Jack White - That's How I'm Feeling

A satisfying return to Jack White's roots, channeling the raw energy and blues-infused rock that made him a household name.

120. Magdalena Bay - That's My Floor

Sleek with blend of electronic textures, they know how to make a Dream Pop bop.

121. Bleachers - Tiny Moves

This offers the same anthemic energy, heart-on-sleeve, indie-pop style that characterized FUN.'s hits, while adding Antonoff's unique flair for vulnerability and cinematic production.

122. 21 Lil Harold - Sundown (feat. JID)

Not many non-TDE rappers will make many appearances from here on but this one pulled my heart strings. It's emotionally charged from its production to the two reflecting on their struggles to rise above and battling with inner demons.

123. LP - Long Goodbye

LP takes me on an emotional journey. Her voice is, as always, the centerpiece of the song. Her distinctive, raspy tone delivers every lyric with depth, vulnerability, and emotional resonance. This song sounds like a classic movie closer.

124. Kelela - Holier - JD. REID Remix (feat. Shygirl)

Kelela ended the Raven era on a high with a boundary pushing track, something that isn't new to her and Shygirl's feature is the perfect foil to Kelela's softness.

125. Local Natives - April Remix (with Emotional Oranges)

Emotional Oranges changed the whole landscape of this song. Local Natives embraced a different, sultrier vibe here, blending their indie-rock roots with smooth, groovy R&B influences and it felt natural.

126. Empire Of The Sun - Music On The Radio

Fits seamlessly into their catalog, atmospheric, nostalgic but still a bop.

[Renzo_]

Sabrina, Jack White, Local Natives, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard

[JGibson]

That's How I'm Feeling + Tiny Moves + Diet Pepsi + Please Please Please + Texas Hold 'Em + Training Season + Tyrant 

[Alldeezy]

He Knows + Training Season + Diet Pepsi + yes, and? + Music On The Radio

[MP2K]

 

77. St. Vincent - Broken Man

The track starts with haunting, minimalistic production and focuses on her voice leading the track with themes of brokenness and emotional rawness. Then production just explodes towards the end. Love stuff like that!

78. HYUKOH - Young Man

Such an interesting find that reminds me of the early 00's when indie music ruled the scene. This is indie rock with smooth, guitar riffs, delicate vocals and laid-back melodies, creating a reflective and nostalgic track. It's super catchy and easy to get into.

79. Megan Thee Stallion - Otaku Hot Girl

Megan is embracing a playful, nerdy side while still maintaining her signature confident, in-your-face style and giving her doubters that animation in her delivery people mistake as flow switch. The clever anime wordplay, and fun upbeat production. How can you hate? What more do you want?

80. Vampire Weekend - Mary Boone

The song's clever wordplay and upbeat, sophisticated vibe are typical of Vampire Weekend's eclectic approach to indie pop. It's the consistency every era for me.

81. Muni Long - Made For Me

We were in a drought of catchy R&B love ballads that radiate intimacy and connection. This is a smash. The song explores joy and fulfillment of finding a soulmate and has a mainstream appeal. Its only flaw is lack of an actual bridge to bring it all home.

82. Charli XCX - Talk Talk (feat. Troye Sivan)

A sleek, high energy, electro-pop collaboration between Charli XCX and Troye Sivan. We love them together!

83. FLO - Walk Like This

FLO exuded a whole new form of confidence with this one that made me both excited but nervous about where the era was heading. This is what you call ***** and tongue in cheek done well. The track's infectious energy and memorable bridge make it a standout anthem. This could have been released in 2002, 2007 or right where it did in 2024 because of its nostalgic but modern feel.

84. Ravyn Lenae - Love Me Not

"Love Me Not" explores themes of emotional distance and introspection. Mixture of lush sounds, a bit of distorted touch to the vocals and haunting mid-tempo mixed in one.

85. Doechii - NISSAN ALTIMA

Doechii's bold and charismatic delivery really gave her the comeback she needed to turn this era around after her previous bops (flops). It's a fun, upbeat anthem with memorable hooks and a dynamic flow that's appealing to all.

86. Kendrick Lamar - tv off (feat. Lefty Gunplay)

"tv off" will be trumping "Squabble Up." It's undeniably a stadium bop from start to finish. You know the memes! The song dives deep into themes of self-awareness, media consumption, and the impact of technology on society. Kendrick's insightful lyrics are complemented by Gunplay's raw, gritty verses, making the track a thought-provoking exploration of modern-day distractions.

87. Megan Thee Stallion - BOA

I thought this was a great sample that didn't rely on Gwen too much. It's playful, it's fun and catchy. Not to mention the Music Video is phenomenal and propels it into a grower. Would be even bigger if it followed "Big Foot" because it's definitely a kicker to Nicki's confidence, whatever was left of it.

88. RAYE - Genesis

Powerful, soulful, anathematic and theatrical! A striking reminder of RAYE's versatility as an artist and her ability to blend different genres seamlessly. Not many are doing this.

89. FLO - AAA

"AAA" is beyond sexy, their vocal chemistry is the best we've since the veterans Destiny's Child, the hook is catchy, they have strong vocal harmonies throughout the song that bounce off each other effortlessly, and the production sample was beyond what I would expect from them. These girls are GROWN now.

90. Don Toliver - BANDIT

Atmospheric, trap-infused track that highlights his distinctive autotuned vocals. This is the punch I wanted Travis Scott's FEIN to actually give.

91. WILLOW - Symptom of Life

The track is raw and reflective, and really highlights WILLOW's vocals as one of the best in indie rock and alternative r&b. offering Love the authenticity as she navigates her identity and the challenges of life.

92. Ariana Grande - We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)

This took a while to grow on me but I learned to appreciate the track's minimal production that allows her vocals to shine, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere. I can't help to also think about "Dancing On My Own" comparisons.

93. FKA twigs - Eusexua

FKA twigs is back with her dark, avant-garde electronic production that really highlight her ethereal vocals adding a layer of intensity. Love the build up to this track.

94. Charli XCX - Sympathy Is a Knife (feat. Ariana Grande)

I never thought a Charli XCX and Ariana Grande would happen let alone be this much fun.

95. Beyoncé - II HANDS II HEAVEN

The production is lush, tender and atmospheric, allowing Beyoncé's powerful vocals to soar. Love the journey of this track and the R&B section of the song after a stream of experimental country sounds. A great break, a great comeback of traditional 00s Bey.

96. Omar Apollo - Spite

The production is laid-back but nuanced, with subtle guitar riffs and a steady beat creating a reflective mood. Omar has a great ability to blend emotional depth with catchy melodies. I can't help but to think of Frank Ocean on most of his tracks, maybe he's continuing his legacy?

97. Tinashe - No Broke Boys

Short and sweet, chef's kiss pop and r&b summery beat. Should have been an immediate follow up to "Nasty."

98. Charli XCX - Guess (feat. Billie Eilish)

This one was a grower. The collaboration really showcases both artists' unique styles, with Charli's hyperpop influences blending with Billie's whispery, introspective vocals.

99. LISA - New Woman (feat. Rosalía)

Love a great catchy girls empowerment track. This year was full of surprise female collaborations. It's bold and energetic, with LISA's rap verses and Rosalía's flamenco-inspired vocals creating a unique, cross-cultural sound.

100. Blondshell - Docket (feat. Bully)

Discovered Blondshell last year or so, and I'm hooked in. This is a gritty, indie rock track with raw, unpolished energy. Blondshell's emotive vocals driving the track's intensity while Bully adds a layer of grunge-inspired sound, making the song feel both nostalgic and fresh.

[JGibson]

Guess + Broken Man 

[Renzo_]

Vampire Weekend + Blondshell 

[Lee!!]

Overcompensate, Sexy To Someone, Take a Bite, 15 Minutes, Training Season, Texas Hold Em, Tiny Moves, Broken Man, Genesis

[Alldeezy]

Talk Talk + Genesis + No Broke Boys