With nearly half of 2024 behind us, it’s looking unlikely that anyone will top Taylor Swift’s record sales, that anyone will write a diss-track grimmer than “Meet the Grahams” or that anyone will cancel an arena tour more unhappily than Jennifer Lopez just did hers. What we will get over the next 6 1/2 months are more great songs (and more terrible ones) that go on to define the year. Yet mid-June presents an opportunity to take stock of what’s already come.
Here, in alphabetical order by artist’s name — and with a Spotify playlist at the end that collects them all — are the 24 best songs of 2024 so far. Beyoncé, “II Hands II Heaven” Months after “ Cowboy Carter’s ” release, this sprawling yet intricate electro-country fantasia still feels like it’s revealing itself. Laci Kaye Booth , “Cigarettes” A song about thwarted ambition that should broaden this country songwriter’s professional horizons.
Camila Cabello feat. Playboi Carti, “I Luv It” Never underestimate the motivating force of a few years without a hit. Sabrina Carpenter, “Espresso” “Me espresso” may end up the year’s best pop neologism — but let’s not overlook the linguistic invention in “Walked in and dream-came-true’d it for you.
” Diiv, “Brown Paper Bag” Savor the bad vibes of a world in decline. Billie Eilish, “Birds of a Feather” The shimmering guitar? The shoulder-rocking beat? The breathy vocal runs? Let Billie bop. Ernest feat.
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