“Music is like music to my ears,” words spoken by a true poet. It’s me, I’m the poet. As someone who’s constantly listening to music and recommending it, it’s safe to say this year is sounding like one of the best for music so far. These, however, are my favorite releases, which is code for music that you’ll thank me for recommending.
“Homesick” by Noah Kahan with Sam Fender
“Homesick” is part of Noah Kahan’s 2024 deluxe-edition release of his original Stick Season album, titled Stick Season (Forever). At first listen, the track is everything representative of a classic indie rock, coming-of-age track. Kahan’s naturally acoustic voice paired with Fender’s intense vocal and range gives the song an endless amount of emotions of homesickness, growing up, and childhood. To anyone wanting a good cry and yelling session, this is the song to do it to. And if not, it’s just a feel-good song when it comes to its instrumentals. The guitar build-up in this is something anyone can appreciate.
Live from Spotify Studios by Niall Horan
Directioners unite! Aside from my insane One Directioners and their solo career obsessions, if there’s anything Spotify does right, it’s inviting their artists to record at Spotify Studios. What I love so much about these albums, and Horan’s in particular, is that they take super upbeat and energy-induced songs and just slow them down for a good, simple acoustic session that is beautiful nine times out of ten. This album is also one of my favorites of the year so far because Horan plays both his old and new music, so it’s like listening to a mini concert. And in case anyone was wondering, he is touring at the moment. If you’re in the mood for a time capsule of Horan’s music and some good acoustics, I highly recommend Live from Spotify Studios.
“Training Season” by Dua Lipa
In case you were wondering what the song of the summer is, let me introduce you to it. There’s no denying Dua Lipa is the pop girl of the summer, and she didn’t miss this year. “Training Season” is classic Dua Lipa. It has the overall essence of pop radio music that is just so addicting you find yourself singing along without knowing that you know the lyrics. “Training Season” is just that song you get out of your seat or stop in your tracks and dance to, even if it’s just a head bop or full-out Dua Lipa at the 2024 Grammy’s choreography.
“Your Apartment” by Wallows
Probably my predicted song of the year, “Your Apartment” by Wallows. If you want go-to teen angst, indie rock, just-broke-up-with-your-partner (or want to fake that scenario) vibes, this is the song for you. Coming back from a two-year hiatus, Wallows did not come to play with their new sound or music. Lead singer Dylan Minnette takes the majority of the vocals on the track with Braeden Lemasters and Cole Preston on background vocals and the majority of instrumentals. In general, the song portrays lighter instrumentals to contrast Minnette’s deeper vocals, which pairs really well when Minnette takes a higher range but still keeps that lower register. Overall, if you’re looking for a song to angry-stomp to, karaoke your heart out to, or reminisce on the apartment of your dreams, this is your song.
“Igual Que Un Angel” by Kali Uchis with Peso Pluma
I couldn’t end this list without mentioning one of my favorite Latin-styled songs. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Kali Uchis or Peso Pluma before this release, which is why I’m so obsessed with this track. Both have super angelic voices on the track, which is ironic considering its song title, and both have voices that are completely opposite to one another but just naturally fit together. Unlike most songs on this list, this song is just so easy to like. It’s simple Latin music that any non-Latin listener can enjoy. Definitely a track that will get you into both the artists if you aren’t already and will take you on a deep dive into the rest of Uchis’ album.
If you looked at my recent listening history, you’d probably find all these songs and more 2024 releases. In today’s music world, it’s hard to find new and unique songs that make you want to keep listening. Lucky for me, and you, these songs are everything unique and more. No need to thank me. I already know these songs are going to change any listener’s life.