24 for 24: All the Alt Things’ Favorite Singles of 2024

Ordinarily, I’d come up with some fluffy introductory paragraph that’s overflowing with bad puns and worn-out cliches. As it is, though, it’s been a long year and I’m mentally exhausted. So, I’ll give it to you short: 2024 is over and we figured that calls for a compilation of our favorite singles (and albums!) from the past year. We hope you enjoy it. And if you don’t, we hope that you resolve to improve your attitude and opinions in 2025. Happy New Year! – Mala

“Big Dawgs” – Hanumankind

KAY KORVID: “Big Dawgs” is the last song I would have expected to become obsessed with this year. It’s just not the style I usually go for, but (dammit, tiktok!) I got caught by the intro. It’s so damn catchy and now it’s my hypest hype song. Hanumankind’s flow is just so satisfying, and the music video is an insane act of physics. The camerawork on a Wall of Death is truly something to behold. Overall, Hanumankind’s music prompted a mighty need to listen to more Indian music for the rest of the year. This song will go down as one of my most intensely enjoyed songs in my Spotify’s history. I mean, there’s a reason it got him famous overnight, and he deserves every bit of it.

 

“Bright Lights” – The Killers

MALA MORTENSA: The Killers have a strong inclination toward crafting larger-than-life singles (hello, “Mr. Brightside”?) and this one didn’t disappoint. “Bright Lights” is an adrenalized, stadium-ready showcase of eclectic instrumentation and snappy hooks that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of sentimentality. But despite its flashy exterior, this song has a markedly gritty, “rubber meets road” atmosphere that fuels its intensity. It calls to mind the fervency of locking in on the one thing that makes your life whole, letting the world blur in your peripherals as you shoot toward it. 

 

“Crossroads” and “Crossroads (Reimagined)” by Faun Flora

SKIPPY: ​Dream pop has never known such hazy beauty as Faun Flora. Every song feels like a distant memory with a hook you want to relive again and again. This is particularly true in “Crossroads”. Released in two versions, this single sounds like the radio-ready version while “Crossroads (Reimagined)” is more orchestral and movie soundtrack-worthy. The crooning, melancholic vocals mix with ethereal synths and become a transcendent experience that is everything a song in the dream pop genre could ever hope to be. How fitting that this release just happens to be about dreams and memories, spoken of in lines of whimsical poetry.

 

“Dawnbreaker” – Fellowship

MAXWELL JEFFRIES: After the success of their explosive debut record, British power metal cohort Fellowship are out to show the world how fresh the well-trodden genre can sound in 2024. The first single from their new album, The Skies Above Eternity, “Dawnbreaker” is a dancey banger packed full to the brim with quality. From shreddy yet tasteful guitar solos to soaring melodies, the song is among the finest power metal singles in recent memory. Vocalist Matthew Corry really elevates the track into a class of its own, however. He expertly avoids many of the genre’s vocal pitfalls both in performance and lyricism in a fresh of fresh-air approach.

 

“Depression Pants” – Upon Your Dead Body (ft. Adjust the Sails)

MALA MORTENSA: Every once in a while, I stumble on a new track that hits hard enough to trigger a text blast. I think Kay’s response to my excitement summed this one up perfectly: “Comparing Doritos to cathedrals wasn’t something I expected to hear this morning, but you’re right, this hit.” I could’ve told you that Efrain and Shane have chemistry – once upon a time, I had the pleasure of habitually participating in a (debatably overactive) group chat with them. But the combination of Upon Your Dead Body’s frenzied theatricality and Adjust the Sails’ characteristic sardonicism is a masterclass in synergy. It’s like an unexpected mashup of The Venetia Fair and The Front Bottoms that we never would have asked for, but actually always needed. 

 

“Fall in Love Again” by Paradise Drive

SKIPPY: If you are looking for a prolific artist to follow so you can get your new music fix every one to two months, look no further. It was difficult to choose just one song by these guys because Paradise Drive released SEVEN singles in 2024, but the #1 pick of 2024 was “Fall in Love Again.” This band never fails to impress with vocals like Coldplay, instrumentals reminiscent of classic rockers like Journey and Boston, and straightforward lyrics. This song came out on top because it felt like listening to the best parts of the radio from several eras all at once.

 

“Freakshow” – Royal Republic

MAXWELL JEFFRIES: Whilst Royal Republic’s fantastic record, LoveCop, narrowly missed out on being included in my picks for ATAT’s best albums of 2024 list, I simply had to include “Freakshow” as one of my favourite singles of the year. Everything about the track is hard to resist. The 80s hard rock vibe, vocal harmonies and wah-wah guitar in the verses are all certainly excellent, however, it’s the stomping riff found in the chorus that really ties this track together. Combined with the Def Leppard-esque exclamations of “Freakshow!”, this section of the song is unstoppable and positively contagious. Bonus points for the lyric “MTV? You couldn’t even get on the radio with a face like that.”

 

“Gibberish” – KAYPAIGE (ft. Lin Njoroge)

KAY KORVID: Guys, as a person who loves linguistics I will never not be obsessed with “Gibberish”. The amount of times I have turned this song on just as an excuse to explain how linguistically incredible it is may be too many. Not only is it catchy as hell, but KAYPAIGE spends half of it singing utter nonsense syllables that fit within the phonological range of the English language. The product is delightful and clever and showcases KAYPAIGE as an incredible artist with a diverse repertoire. “Gibberish” is cute, it’s girlypop, it’s sparkly, it is everything to me. The day this song doesn’t put me in a good mood is the day I die.

 

“Heavy is the Crown” – Linkin Park

MAXWELL JEFFRIES: When Linkin Park announced their comeback, many fans (including myself) were skeptical about the idea of the band continuing without the monolithic vocal presence of Chester Bennington. However, these worries were soon put to bed as Mike Shinoda and co. delivered some truly great singles from their 2024 album, From Zero—with the greatest of the bunch being “Heavy is the Crown”. Energetic riffs, bouncy string samples and excellent vocal performances—especially from new vocalist, Emily Armstrong—take the listener straight back to the vibe of the band’s early nu-metal hits. The chorus in particular is a real earworm that will have you singing along by the second repetition.

 

“Hollow High” – Archetypes Collide

​SKIPPY: ​“Hollow High” challenges the complacency found too frequently in a comfortable state of being. This is a no-brainer for a top single of 2024. The verses consist of no more than 9 words each and yet they bring the weight of meaningful existence to rest on your shoulders. Archetype Collide’s brilliant songwriting is part of what garnered the attention of Beartooth’s Oshie Bichar, and it would appear they’re on track to continue questioning the status quo.

 

“I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (ft. Morgan Wallen)

MAXWELL JEFFRIES: Post Malone had a fairly massive 2024, even by the lofty standards set by his previous success. As mentioned in my contributions to 24 for 24: All the Alt Things’ favorite albums of the year Malone’s most recent outing, F-1 Trillion, completely blindsided me with how good it is. I really didn’t think Austin Post had a country album in him! The signs were there from the very first single though. “I Had Some Help” is a delicious slice of pop-country as accessible as it is quality. The song has smashed the charts worldwide, and for once I seem to agree with the general consensus! With its lush production and instant melodic appeal – it’s definitely one of my most listened-to tracks of 2024.    

 

“Insane” – Tony Berk

SKIPPY: Detroit pop singer/songwriter Tony Berk may not have an extensive catalog, but he’s making every hit count. He released two singles in 2024, but the one that stands out is his latest titled, “Insane.” It starts with the sound of a distorted music box, and from there, everything about the production underlines the main line—“everybody wants to feel a little bit… insane.” With a disturbingly relatable message about being trapped under someone’s thumb through gaslighting and manipulation, this song is well-executed artwork, a display of provocative poignancy.

 

“(leave me) with my mind” – bennie

KAY KORVID: bennie was one of the new artists I found in 2024, with “(leave me) with my mind” being the catalyst to my feverish consumption. This single captures the feeling of driving down backroads when I feel lost. It’s cathartic and nostalgic in a way that leaves my chest aching. It’s comforting, it’s melancholic, and I was scream-singing the chorus of this song by the end of the first listen. “(leave me) with my mind” is a perfect window to bennie’s music. Acoustic forward, choral, and solitary. I listen to his music anytime it rains or the sun sets in just a certain way. 

 

“Live It Up” – Silly Goose

MAXWELL JEFFRIES: Silly Goose, the bastard love-child of Beastie Boys and Limp Bizkit, demolished 2024 with the release of their raucous EP, Bad Behavior. Despite some stiff competition, the standout track here is definitely “Live It Up”. Featuring some hilarious lyricism, ‘get the fuck up’ riffs and even some tongue-in-cheek voice notes to boot, the song is an absolute cheesy delight. It’s difficult to listen to “Live It Up” without a Silly Goose-induced smile plastered across your face. Excellent stuff.

 

“Mirror Muscles” – Soft Play

MAXWELL JEFFRIES: British two-piece punk outfit Soft Play kicked off their 2024 with the mighty release of “Mirror Muscles”—a beefy ode to all things “gym.” Featuring a simple but equally crushing main riff and witty, testosterone-fuelled lyricism, “Mirror Muscles” fits comfortably among the band’s finest releases. I’d go as far as to say that it only narrowly misses out on being the crowning jewel of the group’s latest album Heavy Jelly (the stellar “Punk’s Dead” slightly pipping it to the post). On “Mirror Muscles” though, singer Isaac Holman employs his usual vocal snark excellently and the crunchy guitar tone from Laurie Vincent serves the track well. For these reasons, the song is certainly one of my punk highlights of 2024!        

 

“Nu Delhi” – Bloodywood

MAXWELL JEFFRIES: After the release of their debut album, Rakshak, Bloodywood burst onto the international scene with their unique blend of nu-metal, traditional Indian instrumentation and vocals. Since then, fans have been eagerly anticipating the band’s next release, wondering how the group could possibly top tracks like “Gaddaar” and “Dana-Dan.” Well, the answer came this year. Bloodywood didn’t just match the quality found on Rakshak, they may just have one-upped it. “Nu Delhi” is possibly the best song the band have released so far. The production is slicker, the riffs weightier and the instrumentation, tighter. It’s an impressive improvement and sets the band up for world domination in 2025. 

 

“Old Soul” – Gnome

MAXWELL JEFFRIES: Antwerp power-trio, Gnome, may at first seem like a novelty act with their pointy red hats and tongue-in-cheek music videos. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The band offers a unique brand of groove-laden heavy rock that goes toe to toe with the greatest groups in the genre. “Old Soul” sees Gnome deliver a stomping track worthy of any rock fan’s time. The song is a true wall of sound with headbang-provoking rhythms from the get-go. The funky switch-up in the middle of the song is a great surprise and sets up an intense finale with a reprisal of ‘that’ riff. You’ll know the one.

 

“RATATATA” – Electric Callboy and BABYMETAL

MAXWELL JEFFRIES: Electric Callboy are on top of their game in recent years. They’ve been delivering hit after hit, with the likes of “We Got The Moves”, “Hypa Hypa” and “Pump It” receiving widespread acclaim. BABYMETAL have basked in similar success of late, with recent releases seeing the band’s popularity boom. This sustained trajectory for both acts has only continued with the release of “RATATATA”, an absolute delight of a collaborative effort between the two bands.

If everything Electric Callboy is known and loved for could be condensed into a single track, it’d sound something like this. It truly is lightning in a bottle. Their unique blend of europop and metalcore has never sounded better. BABYMETAL also slot perfectly into the formula here, offering a contrasting yet complimentary flavour that heightens the song’s already infectious atmosphere. Two bands have never worked so well together!

 

“Recipe for Disaster” – Honey Revenge

MALA MORTENSA: It’s no secret at this point that Honey Revenge have modern pop rock in a chokehold. It’s just been hit after hit since their debut in 2021 and “Recipe for Disaster” doesn’t pull any punches. Like your liveliest friend at the party, it’ll grab you by the shoulders and shake you into a groove. But that’s not to say it’s all surface-level fun. Much in line with its bubbly and bold predecessors, this single exemplifies Honey Revenge’s predilection toward incisive narratives capable of resonating with anyone who’s experienced being human for at least a day. 

 

“The Serpent and the King” – Judas Priest

MAXWELL JEFFRIES: Industry veterans Judas Priest may mostly be septuagenarians these days, but that clearly doesn’t stop them from giving fans some of their strongest material to date. “The Serpent and the King” is a prime example. Featured on their 2024 record, Invincible Shield, the track is a real highlight on an album that is packed full of blistering metal moments. Rob Halford has no right to be delivering vocal performances like this at his age. His aggressive wailing would be impressive for someone thirty years his junior. The rest of the band are no slouches either, with Scott Travis pounding away at the drums relentlessly and Richie Faulkner penning one of the best riffs since his stint in the mighty Priest began.

 

“strangeluv” – Nightlife

MAXWELL JEFFRIES: “strangeluv” came as a complete surprise to me in 2024. I’d never heard of nightlife before, but the Baltimore group’s infectious blend of Issues-flavored metal and DNCE’s pop sensibilities immediately hooked me. Easily cracking my own personal top 5 songs of the year list, “strangeluv” is unrelenting in delivering funky grooves, sticky-sweet choruses and glossy production. The effortlessly groovy bass lines that underscore the track make it impossible to stand or sit still whilst listening. Pair this with the soulful vocals, excellent drum flourishes and some great guitar moments and “strangeluv” is a must-listen track from 2024. I’d also highly recommend listening to the single’s B-side, as “i/o” continues the good vibes with a dance-influenced song that perfectly compliments “strangeluv”.      

 

“Sucks 2 Suck” – Alpha Wolf (ft. Ice-T)

MAXWELL JEFFRIES: Nu-metal inspired music has seen somewhat of a revival in recent years, spearheaded by bands such as Bring Me The Horizon, Falling in Reverse and Architects. Whilst the aforementioned bands get a lot of credit for bringing the genre into a modern setting, no one does it quite like Alpha Wolf. Hailing from Tasmania, the band fuse modern metalcore with classic nu-metal swagger on “Sucks 2 Suck”. Breakdowns galore, angst-laden lyrics and a fantastic feature from Ice-T make for one of the best tracks of the year. 

 

“Swear To God That I’m (FINE)” – Winona Fighter

MAXWELL JEFFRIES: Adding to an already incredible year for pop-punk was Winona Fighter’s accomplished track, “Swear To God That I’m (FINE)”. Coming in at a compact 2:18 runtime, it packs all the best elements of the genre into a neat and tidy package, including with punky bass lines, octave guitar leads, perhaps the catchiest chorus of 2024. The instrumentation is tight and serves the song with surgical, streamlined precision. However, what really keeps me coming back to this track is the vocal performance though. Singer Coco Kinnon has an excellent tone that merges the vocal flexibility of someone like Olivia Rodrigo with the aggressive grit of Emily Armstrong.  If Winona Fighter aren’t on your 2025 radar as a fan of pop-punk, they should be. Their debut album My Apologies To The Chef releases on February 14th!

 

“Touch Dirt” – The Undertaking!

SKIPPY: ​The gents of The Undertaking! are explosive and have a relentless honesty that they sow into their music. “Touch Dirt” is a chaotically contemplative approach to processing grief and loss. “No reflection like the floor!” Frontman Austin Visser yells, considering the loss of his friend and the reality that life must be pursued moment-by-moment because the future is not promised. This is my favorite single of 2024 because it had me staring at the floor considering my own life for several minutes after the song was over, and I imagine that’s exactly the effect they were going for.