mxdwn’s 40 best songs of 2024 was put together over numerous hours of thoughtful devotion to our readers and staff. Organizing this list is always a difficult feat due to the copious amount of notable music released, but the songs that are chosen and their ranking reflects this year’s energy and sonic ingenuity across genres. 2024 was a unique year with its share of turbulence and breakthroughs, but on this comprehensive list there is a song that each can relate to acting as a mirror for their own individual experience. Music has the power to break language barriers, connect people across continents, help cope with grief and evoke deep emotions. This year’s top song pick is “A.F. Day” by Serj Tankian which has a message that encapsulates society’s attitude and reflection of angst. So, without further ado, we hope you appreciate our top 40 songs and find solace, affinity and a new favorite.

– Eve Pierpont

40. Glixen – “Lust”

“Lust” by Glixen is a dark, seductive alt-rock track that blends shimmering guitars and synths with brooding, ethereal vocals. It’s a hypnotic exploration of passion, desire and the raw intensity of human connection.

– Garren Groeniger

39. Waxahatchee – “Right Back To It”

Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield settles into her country-indie rock sound on this romantic duet with the help of guitarist MJ Lenderman. The pair croon about reigniting an old-flame over a melodic banjo, slow drums and the occasional accompaniment of an electric guitar riff.

– Antara Holloway

38. Jamie xx ft. Romy & Oliver Sim – “Waited All Night”

“Waited All Night” mixes different genres together in a shockingly flawless way. It is trilling and intoxicated yet still has the power to make listeners self-exanimate their whole existence.

– Eve Pierpont

37. julie – “Very Little Effort”

“Very Little Effort is full of eccentric sounds that make it a very intriguing song in the best way possible. It’s notable fluctuations and heavy use of drums put it in its own amazing category.

– Eve Pierpont

36. Kim Gordon – “BYE BYE”

“Bye Bye” merges trap beats with urgent synth-squeals and bursts of guitar chaos. Kim Gordon’s signature delivery lists consumer items, creating a hypnotic, anthem that’s both abrasive and oddly infectious.

– Drew Della

35. Full Of Hell – “Doors To Mental Agony”

On this ditty, Full Of Hell brings extreme metal vibes, providing an ear-bleeding vocal performance and maddening instrumentation that adds to the non-stop musical insanity the band is known for. 

– Caitlin Stoddard

34. The Last Dinner Party – “Nothing Matters”

“Nothing Matters” is a lush, baroque-rock masterpiece. Theatrical vocals, intricate instrumentation, and poignant lyrics create a modern anthem of liberation, wrapped in timeless elegance that propelled the band to stardom.

– Ric Leczel

33. Justice ft. Tame Impala – “Neverender”

“Neverender” is euphoria in a song. Backed with Parker’s vocals, the song combines pulsating electronic beats with a lush and psychedelic dance production. The collaboration invites a sense of euphoria and introspection, a continuing vibe in all of Justice’s music.

– Paul Chaparro

32. PIG – “Crumbs, Chaos & Lies”

“Crumbs Chaos & Lies” blends industrial noise, gritty vocals, and a darkly theatrical atmosphere, creating a scathing critique of modern chaos. PIG’s commanding presence drives this intense track to its unsettling climax.

– Garren Groeniger

31. Jack White – “That’s How I’m Feeling”

“That’s How I’m Feeling” displays White’s ability to weave bluesy swagger with punk explosiveness. As the opening bass line encapsulates a strut of confidence before White clears the table in a huge, rowdy chorus.

– Mark D’Alessandro

30. Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”

Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” secures its place on our annual song of the year list with its introspective lyricism, minimalist beats and sharp commentary. The track rose to fame at a meteoric pace and stands equally as strong within the context of the Kendrick versus Drake beef as it does without.

– Marissa Alvarez

29. Julie Christmas – “Supernatural”

What starts off deceptively as a dirge on “Supernatural” proves itself as the perfect tapestry for Julie Christmas to utilize her trademark vocal dexterity for explosive moments of passion and raw emotion. It’s an infectious bombast that builds a serpentine vibe evoking the best of space amidst three-and-a-half ultra tight minutes.

– Raymond Flotat

28. The Smile – “Teleharmonic”

“Teleharmonic” is a track that seems to slow down time. Thom Yorke’s trademark haunting vocals and poetic lyrics gain a new light with the floating electro-ambient instrumentals. Assisted by bandmates Johnny Greenwood and Tom Skinner this forms a song with the ability to entrance its audience.

– Rhys Heraghty

27. Vampire Weekend – “Mary Boone”

Passionate and nostalgia driven, “Mary Boone” by Vampire Weekend is an idyllic sonic landscape centered on an artist trying to make it in New York City. Lyrically, the song symbolizes a bygone era and encapsulates a longing for the past. Listeners will be quickly enthralled by Ezra Koenig’s intense, raw emotional vocals. 

– Michael Cainghug

26. Bad Omens ft. Wargasm – “Hedonist”

Listeners in search of an intense anthem — rife with an unprecedented blend of industrial rock and metalcore — will take refuge in “Hedonist.” As Bad Omens and Wargasm align forces for this dark and intense song, a flawless mixture of haunting lyrics and high-voltage instrumentals catapult this track to its coveted spot as the 26th-best Song Of The Year.

– Kelly Catlin

25. Beth Gibbons – “Floating On A Moment”

“Floating On A Moment,” the lead single to Beth Gibbons brilliantly received debut album, styles itself as an ode to death— or rather the fleeting time in between now and then. Gibbons takes an existential perspective on the track, one that is imaginatively diverse and laboriously lush in its chamber-pop influenced instrumentation.

– Brett Ray Brose

24. Kerry King – “Trophies Of The Tyrant”

Kerry’s “Trophies Of The Tyrant” is horrifyingly terrific, featuring vocals that bring forth the feeling of a deep, undying vengeance. King and his drummer blast listeners’ ears with heavy, heart-stopping instrumentation, highlighting their top-notch musicianship. ‘Trophies Of The Tyrant’ is a great example of how righteous metal truly is in the right hands.

– Caitlin Stoddard

23. Kacey Musgraves – “Cardinal”

Kacey Musgraves brings poetic symbolisms to a cardinal in her opening song on Deeper Well, “Cardinal.” Musgraves is wondering and believing throughout this song if this cardinal is connecting her to “the other side.” Musgraves builds layers of delicate and wistful harmonies  as the song goes on, and so does her connection to the cardinal.

– Nicole Sacks

22. Pale Waves – “Glasgow”

Combining loss and liberation, Pale Waves delivers a stirring indie-pop anthem with their track “Glasgow.”  Exploring the bittersweet realization of moving on from love, the song balanced unfiltered fragility with an underlying sense of resilience. This track illustrates the band’s evolving creativity as a powerful addition to their musical repertoire.

– Kiera McCord

21. Maggie Rogers – “It Was Coming All Along”

“It Was Coming All Along” showcases Maggie Rogers’ remarkable ability to pair lush instrumentation with poignant storytelling. As one of the most unforgettable songs of the year, her soaring vocals pull listeners in to create a powerful journey of acceptance and transformation, expressing the inevitability of change.

– Kiera McCord

20. Tyler, The Creator – “Noid”

Instrumentally wrapped in a stuttering guitar riff sampled from a Ngozi Family song from 1977, Tyler, the Creator’s “Noid” is a psychedelic fusion of funk and hip-hop as he opens up about his paranoia of people disturbing his peace. From “triple checking” if he locked his front door to constantly looking over his shoulder, “Noid” is a manic anthem filled with anxiety-driven bars that is extremely relatable living in the digital world.

– Greg Poblete

19. Devin Townsend ft. Jamey Jasta – “PowerNerd”

The title track PowerNerd featuring Jamey Jasta is a high-octane anthem that perfectly encapsulates Devin Townsend’s knack for blending intensity with playfulness. Bursting with frenetic guitar riffs, pounding rhythms, and Jasta’s powerhouse vocals, the track is an adrenaline-fueled musical ride from start to finish. Townsend’s quirky, tongue-in-cheek delivery adds a unique layer of charm to the chaos, while the song’s intricate melodies and dynamic shifts keep listeners hooked. Both aggressive and irresistibly catchy, PowerNerd is a true celebration of unbridled creativity, showcasing Townsend and Jasta’s remarkable synergy as they fuse blistering energy with a melodic undercurrent for an unforgettable experience.

– Sammy Garcia

18. Billie Eilish – “Skinny”

Billie Eilish questions her existence as a pop star, but more fundamentally, as a woman on “Skinny.” She laments, “the old me is… the real me, and I think she’s pretty.” At 21, Eilish is transitioning into adulthood and perhaps unready to shed her youthful, albeit often depressed younger self. With a pure voice and a bed of guitars and strings, “Skinny” opens Hit Me Hard And Soft with one of Eilish’s most introspective moments. Coming fresh off of “What Was I Made For,” she is no stranger to writing songs about existential crisis, but “Skinny” is more than questioning one’s purpose, it yearns for a reconciliation between the past and present.

– Paulson Cheung

17. Ulver – “Hollywood Babylon”

Ulver’s “Hollywood Babylon” revels in the hypnotic atmospherics the band has been perfecting progressively these last twenty years. It’s delicate in its introduction, but evolves into brooding perfection on its bridge. Lead singer Kristoffer Rygg darts around the pulsating electronic atmospherics and snarls an intriguing line in the refrain, “You never know who’s watching you / No one will get away / Don’t fuck with America / They’ll shoot you anyway / You have the right to protect yourself / Protect yourself Don’t fuck with America,” likely a nod to the fragile and violent state of U.S.A. led culture in 2024. A time where nobody can agree and everyone feels attacked.

– Raymond Flotat

16. Chelsea Wolfe – “Whispers In The Echo Chamber”

Ethereal, atmospheric and haunting, “Whispers in the Echo Chamber” hears Chelsea Wolfe cutting ties with the parts and people of the past that no longer serve her. Industrial influences shine with the use of dissonant synths while Wolfe’s vocals float across “But you only know the one I’ve been / I’ve shed a thousand skins since then / … That shit does not define me.” The song slowly but assertively builds up to a head-shaking cacophony of looming bass, intense guitars, impending drums and dramatic synths that stops right at the buildup, leaving listeners hanging and craving the intensity even more.

– Riley Wilkerson

15. Phantogram – “Happy Again”

“Happy Again” by Phantogram is a profound song that is sure to touch the listener’s soul. As deep and devastatingly true the lyrics are about feeling lost and how it can be hard to believe things will get better during the darker times in life, eventually things change and the light will shine through. While Phantogram does not steer away from making music that resonates, this song is on a different level. Different parts of Sarah Barthel’s balanced and sweet vocals shine through on the song, making it that much better. The lyrics are catchy and the instrumental is gripping.

– Eve Pierpont

14. Gojira ft. Marina Viotti – “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)”

Gojira made history this summer by being the first metal group to perform during an Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris with the song “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!).” The track is a grand, theatrical piece filled with screeching guitars, heavy drums, and an epic choir arrangement. Combining elements of opera and headbanging music, the song is a mix of modern and classical tropes, even interpolating a French Revolution chant. The song is triumphant as the fierce instrumentation causes whiplash barely allowing any time to breathe within the three-minute runtime. Although aggressive on the surface, “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” is a joyful anthem that aims at bringing people together through the language of heavy metal music.

– Greg Poblete

13. Laura Marling – “Child Of Mine”

English folk singer/songwriter Laura Marling dedicates the heartfelt acoustic ballad “Child Of Mine” to her daughter. The song serves as a promise always to protect Marling’s daughter throughout her life no matter what. Even at the sight of her child crying in her sleep, Marling bargains with the angels to watch over her daughter in those moments when she might not always be around. The instrumentation is raw with only vocals over an acoustic guitar, but Marling’s performance is enchanting as if singing a lullaby directly to her child as she falls asleep. “Child Of Mine” is tender and sweet like a warm kiss on the forehead.

– Greg Poblete

12. Charli XCX – “360”

“I went my own way, and I made it,” Charli XCX declares on “360.” Call it a premonition, as no one could have expected Brat to explode pop culture the way it did. Naming every single it-girl that has crossed her path, XCX solidifies her status as a cultural tastemaker on “360”, while showing everyone exactly how effortlessly she stays here. Its sparse production and airtight groove gives XCX’s auto-tuned vocals a surround-sound quality. As XCX sings about not caring what people think, she gives enough space for the listener to understand—you don’t become an it-girl, you simply decide to be one.

– Paulson Cheung

11. Opeth – “§1″

Opeth’s “§I” opens the album with a mesmerizing blend of atmospheric intensity and intricate musicianship. Clocking in at nearly six minutes, the track introduces the album’s overarching themes of mortality and reflection, weaving somber melodies with bursts of progressive energy. Mikael Åkerfeldt’s haunting vocals guide the journey, seamlessly transitioning between ethereal passages and crushing riffs. The dynamic shifts and meticulous arrangements lay the foundation for the epic narrative to unfold, offering listeners a glimpse of the emotional depth and complexity that define the entire record. §I is a stunning introduction to Opeth’s masterful opus.

– Sammy Garcia

10. HEALTH – “Be Quiet & Drive (Far Away)”

Last year, industrial rock band HEALTH released their fifth studio album RAT WARS which sat triumphantly atop our Album Of The Year list. This year they’ve released an expanded version of the record that features a plethora of collaborations including “The Drain” with Bad Omens, “Free To Die” with Filter and a remix of “Ashamed” with CHVRCHES’ Lauren Mayberry. One of the standout tracks on RAT WARS ULTRA EDITION, however, is the band’s cover of Deftones’ iconic 1997 single “Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away).” Recorded and released as a part of the Spotify Singles program, their dreamy reimagining of the classic track is the epitome of what makes a high quality cover, maintaining a delicate balance of paying tribute to the original version while faithfully carrying out your own vision, infusing your sonic identity and claiming it proudly. HEALTH sets aside the guitar forward approach Deftones took on the song and instead injects it with danceable electronics, bouncing synths, an abrasive breakdown and Jake Duzsik’s smooth, ethereal vocals. The song has since become a staple in their live sets, popular with fans and critics alike.

– Skyy Rincon

9. Godspeed You! Black Emperor – “Grey Rubble – Green Shoots”

The final track of Godspeed You! Black Emperor’s recent album, “GREY RUBBLE – GREEN SHOOTS” is the most straightforward in its thematic approach, leading to a gut wrenching portrayal of conflict. The album as whole deals with the destruction and death happening in the Gaza strip. The title of the album cites the death toll number as of February 13th, 2024 (28,340 at the time). The intro might remind a listener of what they might hear when an alarm sounds. In this case, the alarms mark death from the sky. Slowly the track descends, and continues descending with sparks of drums, like life flickering out. Until finally, little to nothing remains. These are the sounds of destruction and despair, a soundtrack for the aftermath. Not asking for acknowledgement but demanding it, from a population that has a recent track record of apathy and blind eyes.

– Rhys Heraghty

8. Knocked Loose ft. Poppy – “Suffocate”

“Suffocate,” the third single from You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To, exemplifies Knocked Loose’s fearless innovation. Partnering with genre-defying artist Poppy, the track melds ferocious hardcore punk and crushing metalcore with unexpected flourishes. Bryan Garris’s visceral growls collide with Poppy’s distinctive screams, crafting an interplay as dynamic as it is unsettling. The song’s intensity crescendos with a reggaeton-inspired breakdown—a daring twist that has polarized listeners. While some hail it as groundbreaking, others dismiss it as a gimmick.

Regardless of the debate, “Suffocate” has left an indelible mark, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance and climbing Spotify’s Viral 50 chart. The collaboration broadens Knocked Loose’s appeal without diluting their hardcore roots, proving their commitment to evolution within the genre. Both chaotic and boundary-pushing, “Suffocate” is a bold, experimental statement that reaffirms the band’s position at the forefront of modern heavy music.

– Ric Leczel

7. Mannequin Pussy – “I Got Heaven”

The lead single from their album of the same name, “I Got Heaven” is a standout track by Mannequin Pussy. Deliciously distorted, fuzzy and teeming with energy just waiting for the first percussion drop, “I Got Heaven” is a message about finding divine power all around, including in yourself. The overdrive is immediate and continuous but despite this, there is no shortage of rhythmic drive. A thick, resonant bassline is the heart of this song, steering it throughout its many twists between punk and indie rock. However, the most exceptional aspect of “I Got Heaven” is the song’s ability to marry catchy melodies with the pure noise, aggression and energy that punk rock is known for. Marisa Dabice’s vocals whiplash between her signature loud, almost yell-singing, to softer, light sound reminiscent of an indie rock singer-songwriter. While Dabice has always utilized both vocal techniques, this single features a seamless transition between the two, with her even switching styles between back-to-back verses at times. Head-bangable, thrashable, while still being able to sing along, it’s no wonder why “I Got Heaven” is finishing 2024 as the band’s most popular track on streaming services.

– Riley Wilkerson

6. Fontaines D.C. – “Here’s The Thing”

Featuring pop grunge and attitude, “Here’s The Thing” by Fontaines D.C. has made waves with international audiences with this go to banger. Opening with an energetic production, the song explores deep problems within a relationship. Lyrically, the song intertwines human connection with the underlining fear of being vulnerable. From the jagged guitar opening to Grain Chatten’s impressive storytelling, the introspective lyrics capture a wild moment, pleading for compassion and turmoil. “Here’s The Thing” is not just an anthemic rock song, it is a raw and honest exploration of a relationship that is often troubled.

Sonically, the intense emotion delivered by Chatten’s vocals will resonate with listeners on a deeper level, echoing their pain with them. This kind of empathy is prominent within the chorus and its repetition throughout the song. “I know you’re right” and phrases such as: “I feel your pain/it’s mine as well” emphasize the protagonist sharing the experience with that person. The song dives into the complications of human connection and struggle; it is a realistic portrayal of a  relationship that coexists between empathy and vulnerability.

– Michael Cainghug

5. Childish Gambino – “Lithonia”

“Nobody gives a f***” Donald Glover tweeted ahead of releasing the lead single for his fifth studio album, Bando Stone & The New World. He then spread the message across his other social platforms, even going as far as to make it his IG bio. When fans finally got ahold of the track on July 2, what they heard was a melancholic pop-rock track narrating the woes of fictional character Cody LaRae. The song weaves between first- and third-person POV, taking the listener through heightened emotions of pessimism, anguish and longing in exactly three minutes. The Atlanta rapper wails over charged guitar riffs, punchy piano synths, a climatic drumbeat that continues to swell as you travel deeper into the world of Cody LaRae. 

While the LaRae character may be fictional, the emotions portrayed in “Lithonia” hit home for many. The chorus, echoing the line “nobody gives a fuck” communicates a harrowing realization for the character. It seems as though no matter how hard they try, or what they do, heartbreak and disappointment lurk behind every corner.

– Antara Holloway

4. The Cure – “Alone”

How does one begin an album after a 16 year absence? Particularly one for a group with multiple Grammy nominations under its belt, currently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and that has served as a primary inspiration for subgenres such as goth, shoegaze, and emo in a career that has spanned 45 years? “Alone” finds The Cure sparking Songs of a Lost World in an cynical yet tranquil tone. It opens with a nearly 3:30 expanse of the band’s signature wall of droning guitars, synthesizers, and percussion layering together in creating a dreamlike atmosphere before Robert Smith delivers the opening lines. In setting the tone for The Cure’s most recent project, Smith croons on about the anxieties of the current tumultuous time period in complement to the expansive instrumentation present in “Alone.” Lyrically Smith projects an ethereal, dystopian tone in delivering lines such as: “The fire burned out to ash/And the stars grown dim with tears. The ghosts of all that we’ve been/We toast with bitter dregs to our emptiness. As they have done for decades, The Cure presents their audience a vast landscape of darkness while showing the beauty within.

– Mark D’Alessandro

3. Better Lovers – “Superman Died Paralyzed”

“Superman Died Paralyzed” is a song as much about death as it is about life. Better Lovers lead vocalist Greg Puciato touches upon the thanatophobia of the human psyche, one fraught with more questions than answers, more anxieties than peace. And yet, the one anticipated theme missing from the lyricism is existential nihilism. Instead, the lyrics urge benevolent introspection, as if to offer solace in the fact that yes, we will all meet the same inevitable fate, but we might as well enjoy what we have while we’re here: “When success becomes an illusion / How will you live your day? / No metric left except love and survival / Will not be anything more.” Sonically, the track is relentless with heavy guitars, propulsive drums and a mosh-worthy breakdown. Kicking off with feedback adds to the authenticity of the song, contributing a rawness that transitions flawlessly in a live setting. About a minute in, a crushing, wordless breakdown urges headbanging and thrashing before giving way to a more melodic undercurrent. Puciato’s vocals return as strong as they began, reaching both high peaks and guttural lows with ease as has come to be expected of a singer of his caliber. The song reaches its conclusion with a satisfying layer of distortion.

– Skyy Rincon

2. Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA – “Luther”

Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s collaboration on “Luther” features an impeccable fusion of lyrical depth, vocal brilliance, and innovative production. The track masterfully intertwines Kendrick’s razor-sharp verses with SZA’s ethereal voice, creating a captivating, poignant, and powerful dynamic. “Luther” explores themes of perseverance, identity, and collective struggle, drawing parallels to the enduring legacy of civil rights leaders while anchoring its narrative in contemporary challenges. Kendrick’s lyrical delivery is both introspective and incendiary, dissecting societal pressures and personal triumphs precisely. At the same time, SZA’s soaring chorus adds an emotional resonance that lingers long after the song ends. The production, a rich blend of soulful instrumentation and modern hip-hop elements, sets a contemplative yet triumphant tone, with layered melodies and subtle nods to gospel traditions that amplify the track’s thematic weight. This track highlights the unparalleled synergy between Kendrick and SZA and solidifies their standing as artists who consistently push boundaries and create music that is as impactful as it is unforgettable.

– Marissa Alvarez

1. Serj Tankian – “A.F. Day”

Earning the coveted title “Song of the Year” is no small feat, but Serj Tankian’s “A.F. Day” is a powerful and emotionally charged track that hooks its claws into listeners and refuses to let go. Demonstrating a stunning display of Tankian’s impeccable vocal range and raw, unabating lyrical talent, this phenomenal track is complete with intricate, poignant instrumentals from its inception.

“A.F. Day” tackles heavy subjects but does so in a way other artists only aspire to, each lyric rife with unwavering honesty and unparalleled urgency. Tankian’s musical style is one of brutal honesty, shining a bright light on what matters most — political corruption, social inequality, and universal struggles shared by mankind. He doesn’t sugar coat and he doesn’t pull his punches, and that’s putting it lightly. From the track’s inception, Tankian’s impassioned delivery is on full display, each word more thought-provoking than the next, forcing the listener to evaluate not just the music, but the world around them. There’s no denying that “A.F. Day” enraptures listeners as a solo track while challenging the music industry with its relentless sincerity.

Aside from Tankian’s provocative lyrics and evocative vocal delivery, the song’s production work is just as impressive. Listeners who crave a dynamic shift in tone and intensity won’t be disappointed with what “A.F. Day” has to offer; its guitar riffs are as infectious as Tankian’s vocal stylings, the entire track a masterclass and a testament to his musical prowess.

But it isn’t just Tankian’s high-octane energy or the battering effects his lyrics have on the human psyche. It’s how effortlessly “A.F. Day” resonates with listeners, a metaphorical gut punch that burrows deep beneath the skin and refuses to let go. Tankian’s highly emotive performance, coupled with his harrowing vocal delivery, make “A.F. Day” worthy of its spot as “Song of the Year,” a reminder to anyone who’s ever felt marginalized that they’re heard, and their voices matter.

– Kelly Catlin

Featured Image Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat