As we wrap up another incredible year in music, I wanted to take a moment to share some of the standout songs that have been on repeat for me throughout 2024. While the past year has presented a few personal challenges that have limited my ability to post as much content on the blog as I would have liked to, music has remained a constant source of inspiration for me. It feels only fitting to give these tracks the recognition they truly deserve. From emerging talents to seasoned veterans, this year's musical landscape has been rich, vibrant, and wonderfully diverse.
If you're a Spotify subscriber, check out the accompanying Spotify playlist so you can easily listen to SoundThread Music Blog's Top 40 Tracks of 2024.
Here are my top 40 tracks that have left a lasting impact this year. I encourage you to explore each one and experience the magic they hold. Thank you for being a part of the SoundThread Music Blog community. Here’s to another year of incredible music!
HAFFWAY | "Whatever He's On" - This high-energy, infectious track was a staple in my earbuds throughout 2024, and Spotify confirms it as my most-played song of the year. Nashville-based indie/soul singer-songwriter Sam Westhoff has elevated his HAFFWAY project to incredible heights this year, thanks to this standout track and his remarkable album Lady Lou & All Her Friends.
CAROLINE KINGSBURY | "Take My Phone Away" - Why this incredibly talented singer-songwriter isn't yet a household name is beyond me - but I have a strong feeling 2025 will change that! I'm absolutely obsessed with this ultra-catchy track from Caroline's fantastic I Really Don’t Care! EP.
SYML | "The Walker (with Space)" - The "with Space" version of this inspirational SYML song is graced with such gorgeous atmosphere and beautiful piano accompaniment and haunting backing vocals. "...walk on with your burden | I will walk with you..."
BIRKSIE | "Tug Of War" - The debut single from Birksie, the new music project from Nashville-based singer-songwriter Quinn Lewis. "Tug of War" is an upbeat, attention-grabbing track that soars with an electrifying chorus. If this song hooks you, be sure to dive into the rest of Birksie’s debut album, Bloom.
RYAN WRIGHT | "Songs I Don't Like" - Taken from the Virginia-based singer-songwriter’s latest album, I Was Happy, "Songs I Don’t Like" delivers a melodic, ultra-smooth indie vibe with just the right touch of edge.
PURE XTC | "Mood Ring" - Mood swings, mood rings, and pulsing synths take center stage in this infectious and dynamic track from Kansas City-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Taylor Hughes.
FRIDAY PILOTS CLUB | "Spectator" - Moody and cinematic, "Spectator" delivers a compelling message about stepping up and taking control of your life rather than remaining on the sidelines. With bold riffs, tight vocals, and powerful melodies, the track weaves these elements together into something fresh and unforgettable.
ECKOES | "Lose My Mind" - Over the past year, London-based Eckoes has delivered three mesmerizing singles, and "Lose My Mind" is a standout. Featuring her emotive, ethereal vocals intertwined with a captivating blend of pulsing electronica, dynamic beats, and infectious rhythms, this track is pure magic. I can't wait for her highly anticipated album coming next year.
PEYTON McMAHON | "These Days" - If you haven't yet listened to Baton Rouge-based singer-songwriter Peyton McMahon, I guarantee you'll be blown away by his passionate, from-the-heart vocals, and superb songwriting. "These Days" is a powerful track that delves into life's crossroads and the weight of decision-making. With its slow build to an anthemic chorus, it's sure to give you goosebumps.
AARON LEE TASJAN | "Dylan Shades" - Nashville-based singer-songwriter and musician Aaron Lee Tasjan, a rising star in the indie scene, creates a mesmerizing cosmic soundscape on his latest album, Stellar Evolution. The upbeat and melodic "Dylan Shades" stands out with its infectious, synth-laden chorus and nostalgic lyrics reflecting on high school days and the captivating mystery of a secret love interest.
ELEVEN POINT TWO | "Fake" - In this anthemic track taken from Escape Velocity, the latest concept album by LA-based alt/indie-pop duo comprised of siblings Taylor and Jon Siegel, emotive vocals and heartfelt lyrics take center stage, delivering a standout moment that will have you singing along after just one listen.
AMISTAT | "A Moment In The Sun" - The alt-folk duo of siblings Josef and Jan Prasil craft a serene acoustic masterpiece in "A Moment In The Sun." This soft, atmospheric track features intimate, harmonized vocals and heartfelt lyrics that evoke pure emotional bliss.
PLÀSI | "All Of Me" - Greco-Swedish singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Plàsi creates a stunning atmospheric ballad with "All Of Me." Taken from his breathtaking EP Salamina, the track explores the courage to embrace change and take bold steps in a new direction.
LITTLE VISITS | "Stay Away" - This upbeat, melodic, and emotionally charged track from Michigan-based band Little Visits (a.k.a. Noah de Leon) fuses indie rock with an edgy, alternative sound. With powerful, driving rhythms and introspective lyrics, "Stay Away" delves into themes of emotional distance and internal struggle.
JUSTS | "Baltajos Palagos" - This electrifying, pulsating single from Latvian indie musician Justs (Sirmais) absolutely rocks. Roughly translating to "In White Sheets," it's a standout track from a purely musical standpoint. The song’s energy and brilliance make it deserving of an English version, one that could help bring this exceptional piece to a wider international audience.
MIKI BERENYI TRIO | "Vertigo" - The debut single from the new music collective led by former Lush vocalist Miki Berenyi is a beautifully crafted blend of indie rock and lush (pun intended!) atmospheric soundscapes. Miki's distinctive, emotive vocals are the perfect finishing touch, elevating this enchanting debut track to something truly special.
SEAWIND OF BATTERY | "New Moon" - Taken from Mike Horn's latest album, East Coast Cosmic Dreamscaper, the mesmerizing instrumental "New Moon" takes listeners on a captivating journey through cosmic country—a genre that blends traditional country with ambient and psychedelic influences.
VIRENS | "From The Fire" - Birmingham-based indie pop duo Virens, the musical collaboration of James New and Louisa Connolly-Burnham, has crafted a series of mesmerizing, ultra-catchy indie pop ballads over the past few years. "From The Fire," a powerful anthem about resilience and transformation, follows in the same vein - its infectious melody will have you singing or humming along in no time.
HUDSON TAYLOR FORD | "Love Left" - This heartfelt ballad from Brooklyn-based indie artist Hudson Taylor Ford captures the emotional depth of lost love, blending soulful vocals with expansive guitar arrangements that crescendo into a soaring, melodic chorus.
YOUNG RITUAL | "Wild Child" - Nashville-based alt/indie singer-songwriter Dylan Grantham delivers a soaring, electrified rocker with a nostalgic '90s vibe in this standout single from his latest EP, You Don't Have to Try So Hard.
ADAM CASANOVA | "Good Sport" - LA-based singer-songwriter Adam Casanova delivers a vibrant, feel-good anthem with "Good Sport," blending catchy pop melodies, upbeat rhythms, and a prominent electric guitar presence. The song's playful lyrics explore themes of rolling with the punches and tackling life’s challenges with a positive, resilient attitude.
LO MOON | "Water" - With the title of their latest album, I Wish You Way More Than Luck, woven into its lyrics, "Water" stands out as one of the recent highlights from LA-based indie/post-rock band Lo Moon. The track’s bouncy, upbeat vibe pairs beautifully with Matt Lowell’s heartfelt, slightly melancholic vocals, which effortlessly glide over the song’s catchy sonic hooks and driving bassline.
SIXTEN | "Atlantic" - Formerly known as Strandels, Scandinavian sibling duo Sixten and Tova Strandel continue to craft shimmering, breezy indie-pop gems infused with warm, acoustic-based soundscapes. A prime example is "Atlantic," a standout track from their latest EP, Misemotional.
NEED FOR SPEED | "Green Lights" - Crisp, analog-style synthesizers, a bold bassline reminiscent of Ultravox's "Vienna," and ultra-smooth vocals captivate the listener from the very first note. This polished synth track is a celebration of finding beauty in life's simplest moments.
HAZLETT | "Shiver" - With delicate acoustic arrangements, atmospheric production, and Hazlett's emotive vocals, "Shiver" delves into vulnerability, longing, and the profound weight of unspoken emotions.
MOTO BOY w/ PIKKO | "Satanic Love" - This hauntingly beautiful track from Moto Boy's latest album, Drown Out the Noise, weaves hypnotic melodies with romantic, ethereal vocals, crafting a dreamy and melancholic soundscape.
SUN COLONY | "Deserted Place" - With shimmering guitars and a fresh, vibrant sound, California-based alternative/shoegaze band Sun Colony delivers a polished, modern take on late 80s/early 90s alternative and goth rock.
DREAMDNVR w/ HEARTS & COLORS | "When Lights Go Out (Acoustic)" - This beautiful, haunting acoustic track is a captivating collaboration between DREAMDNVR and Hearts & Colors. With melodic vocals and a melancholic atmosphere, its infectious melody will linger long after the song ends.
POST RADIO | "Sans Alternative" - Chicago-based musician and producer John Morton’s project Post Radio delivers a dreamy, ethereal vibe with "Sans Alternative," the lead single from his latest album, Backyard Romances. Shimmering, lo-fi production and a chilled-out atmosphere create a mesmerizing, dream-like soundscape.
TOLEDO | "Zelda" - This mellow indie-pop track delves into the emotional aftermath of a breakup, exploring themes of anger, loss, and isolation. With their signature bright acoustic guitar sound and warm reverb, Toledo creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere while crafting heartfelt songs that resonate with listeners.
MEHRO | "Reason To Live" - Beautifully blending atmospheric indie-folk with poignant lyrics, this upbeat and infectious acoustic track from LA-based Mehro delves into the internal struggle between seeking purpose and confronting existential despair.
EIGHTY NINETY | "Yourself" - Indie-pop duo Abner and Harper James deliver "Yourself," a pulse-pounding, emotionally charged single exploring the quiet disconnect that can linger between two people, even in close proximity. The track profoundly captures how easily moments slip away when one is not fully present or giving oneself wholeheartedly.
ANGUS POWELL | "Postcard" - Written in Berlin and inspired by a return to his home in Wales, this delicate and warm acoustic track from Angus Powell reflects on the wistful longing to "live in a postcard" and immerse oneself in its idyllic simplicity.
STILL CORNERS | "Today Is The Day" - This dreamy, Western-tinged track from Still Corners captures a sense of renewal and timelessness, with lyrics that embrace life's cycles and the beauty of the present moment, evoking vivid imagery of desert sunsets and drifting tumbleweeds.
MERE CHILD | "Storms" - Brighton-based dreampop singer-songwriter Aimee Herbert captivated listeners over the past year with two mesmerizing tracks. In "Storms," her soft, melancholic vocals shimmer delicately, rising to ethereal heights as the song unfolds.
IONNALEE | "Innocence Of Sound" - This synth-driven, melodic single from Ionnalee delves into themes of sacrifice, resilience, and self-discovery, celebrating the transformative power of music and creative expression.
MALIN ANDERSSON | "Ships In The Night" - UK-based Scandinavian singer-songwriter Malin Andersson delivers a hauntingly dreamy track, where her mesmerizing vocals effortlessly glide over a breezy, atmospheric acoustic backdrop. The song reflects the feeling of constantly questioning whether you're in the right place at the right time.
PRISMATIQK | "Heart" - prismatiqk's new single "Heart" blends melancholic vocals with a captivating dance beat, exploring feelings of vulnerability and hopelessness in a relationship. The track is a mix of desolation and exhilaration, featuring a delicate piano hook and pulsing bassline, and is part of their upcoming EP Refractions.
SAFARI ROOM | "Promise To No One" - This powerful anthem about embracing change, taking risks, and stepping out of one's comfort zone is taken from Safari Room's album Time Devours All Things. The track features an energetic Eighties-inspired riff and an infectious chorus, paired with Alec Koukol's soaring vocals and warm guitar riffs, making it one of the standout songs on the album.
JACK MANLEY | "Smack Water" - This intensely personal track recounts Jack Manley's harrowing experience of a near-fatal overdose, building steadily with fierce electric guitar riffs and a vibe reminiscent of Frank Black and the Pixies.