The Gr8est of 2024: 8 Songs That Defined the Year (2024)

Whether we were belting out the same two lines over and over again in the shower, discovering new artists on repetitive TikTok scrolls, crying in our car, or vibing at late-night parties, these eight tracks became impossible to escape—and, honestly, we didn’t mind. Years from now, hearing these songs will take us right back to the chaos that was 2024.

8. “End of Beginning” by Djo

Who knew that Stranger Things‘ very own Joe Keery would not only have musical talent, but come up with this absolute gem of a song that made us all pine for Chicago — regardless of whether or not we’d ever even stepped foot in the city? Introspective without being a drag (a rare feat), this synth-soaked anthem begged to be played on repeat, soundtracking everything from the daily commute to moody journal sessions.

7. “APT” by Rose and Bruno Mars

The ultimate collab we didn’t know we needed until it dropped—Rose and Bruno Mars brought their A-game to “APT.” With a unique beat and an addictive chorus, this song became an instant fan favorite and went on to live in our heads rent-free for the rest of the year.

6. “Espresso” / “Please Please Please” / “Juno” by Sabrina Carpenter

How do you pick just one song from Sabrina Carpenter when Short and Sweet dominated our Spotify playlists since “Espresso” debuted at Coachella? 2024 was the year Sabrina erased any lingering labels of being “just” a Disney star (or that girl Olivia Rodrigo [allegedly] sang about). From opening for Taylor Swift on The Eras Tour to releasing hit after hit after hit, Carpenter pretty much cemented herself as one of the biggest pop girlies of the decade.

5. “Good Luck Babe” by Chappell Roan

2024 was the year that the world finally discovered the immense talent that is Chappell Roan. She grabbed our attention with tracks from her 2023 album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess — such as the fun and infectious “HOT TO GO!”, the glorious gay anthem “Pink Pony Club”, and the heart-wrenching “Casual”. Amid her explosive rise, Roan gifted us with “Good Luck Babe,” a bittersweet track that proves she’s not just a one-album wonder. We can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in 2025.

4. “Randomantic” by James Reid

With a catchy beat and relatable lyrics, it’s easy to see how this song became the unofficial anthem for all the hopeless romantics. But really, we can credit all the EJ Obiena fan edits for bringing this bop to our attention. The fan edits were so pervasive that Obiena quickly became known as “Mr. Randomantic” on Tiktok. Now, months after the Olympics, “Randomantic” is still on our playlists, and we can’t help but think of the nation’s favorite pole vaulter every time we hear it. Thanks for the memories, James Reid.

3. “Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Tiktok may have been the platform for this song’s revival, but let’s not forget that “Maps” was already a certified banger back in the early ’00s. As soon as we aging millennials hear the intro’s iconic guitar riff and beat, we know it’s time to turn up the volume and get ready to belt out the oh-so-tragic lyrics. In 2024, younger generations associate the song with a cute little dance, so sure, the song’s drama might be lost in translation. But hey, if it’s gets the young ‘uns to appreciate this masterpiece, we’re all for it.

2. “Maybe This Time” by Sarah Geronimo

Another oldie-but-goodie that made a comeback in 2024 thanks to Tiktok, “Maybe This Time” has been a go-to karaoke song since the ’80s, when it was first released. It returned to the charts in 2014, when Sarah Geronimo released her version of the song. Then, this year, a bizarre Tiktok dance trend (originated by Tiktok user Ralp Xyrel Villaruiz) catapulted it back into the mainstream. The dance made it on Showtime. It made it to an actual Sarah Geronimo performance. It was weird. It was everything. It was 2024.

1. “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish

Known for her moody and often haunting sound, Billie Eilish surprised us all with this upbeat and dreamy track off her 2024 album Hit Me Hard and Soft. With its romantic lyrics, ’90s-esque production, and rare belting from Eilish, “Birds of a Feather” showed a different side of the artist, making our hearts soar in the process.

Which songs do you think should have made this list? Tell us about it in the comments!