By Gretchen Hartenstein | January 2, 2025

After a semester-long hiatus from writing for the blog, I figured there was no time like the new year to jump back in. Although I am a tried and true WVUD-devotee, I’ve taken inspiration from my second favorite radio station, WXPN’s, Top 15 Albums of the Year. As much as I wish I could say I’ve listened to 15 full albums released in 2024, I would be lying to you. So, on this the second day of January in the year 2025, I’ve decided to present you, dear reader, with the Indecisive Hour’s top 25 new songs of 2024. I hope that perhaps this will be some encouragement to check out something you haven’t heard before in this new year and reflect on some of the fantastic music that 2024 brought us.

25. “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” – Billie Eilish

While I have to admit that I’m getting a little tired of this song due to its major popularity and trendiness, that could not stop “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” from making my list. I found it to be an extremely refreshing release for Billie Eilish and, when I heard it the first time, I didn’t even recognize her voice. This song is softer and more emotional than what I’m used to hearing from Eilish, heavy hits like “bad guy” and “Happier Than Ever.” Perhaps it’s the simplicity of the song that threw me too. I find Eilish’s tracks to often be either complex and technologic or rather bare but BIRDS OF A FEATHER lacks complexity in its steady drum beat, tambourine rhythm, and easy acoustic melody that underlay the whole song. Being only a sporadic listener, I found it different to hear raw, romantic lyrics in her song. She speaks of love so deep that to lose her lover to death would leave her nothing else to live for. And then of course, the phrase that Eilish made internet famous: “I’ll love you till the day that I die.” It turns out that she and her brother/songwriting partner, Finneas, purposefully created this juxtaposition within the lyrics, a deep love song that is also dark and beautifully sad at the same time.

24. “Pink Lemonade” – Sub-Radio

It’s still surprising to me that Sub-Radio isn’t more popular than (I think) they should be. I’m certainly biased, but there’s just something addictive about their indie-pop sound, infused with a hint of punk-rock. The band released this sunny-sounding tune in late September and it would have been a killer summer anthem had it preceded the season. Sub-Radio has a knack for bringing home unapologetic, punchy grooves that harken back to the early days of the 2010’s in the best way possible. Despite hailing from D.C., their sound feels like California to me – beachy and bright, endless pops of color and easy-going kind of greatness that makes me yearn for whatever they cook up next.

23. “Creeping on the Dancefloor” – The Zutons

The Zutons’ 2024 album, The Big Decider, was the first new music from the England-  based group in 16 years. I have WXPN to thank for introducing me to this tune and I was taken with it from the opening riff – simple yet driving, then supplemented charmingly by some cowbell and lead singer David McCabe’s gravelly vocals to really hook you. My favorite lyric in the song is undoubtedly this: “Gina likes to party, puts on her favorite pants.” Just this additive alone makes me think that Gina, whoever she is, sounds like a super cool person to hang out with. I mean, she’s got favorite pants – favorite party pants at that. Regardless, this song lives up to its name in my book as it makes me want to crank it up on the dance floor.

22. “National Treasure” – Barns Courtney

“National Treasure” kicks off Courtney’s 2024 album, Supernatural, and the song is unmistakable from the very beginning for its loose, tinny-sounding guitar that seems to reel you in and put you on edge at the same time. One of the things that I think Courtney excels at in many of his best known tracks is to the ability to produce a driving and darkly hypnotic groove that keeps his listeners sucked in. “National Treasure” follows suit and packs a punch with its deep, heavy bridge that only leaves you wanting more.

21. “Too Sweet” – Hozier

From my perspective, “Too Sweet” turned out to be Hozier’s most mainstream hit since “Take Me To Church” swept the board back in 2013. A decade later, the Irishman presented us with this earthy, vibey tune that we all can’t seem to get enough of. Hozier takes inspiration from the Irish phrase “too sweet to be savory,” and uses the song to give voice to the feelings of rejection toward someone who has their life together just a little bit too much. He presents a stream of so-called bad habits and quietly defends them, a subtle rebellion to charm even the most Type-A people out there…or maybe it’s just that awesome bass lick. Put simply, the song is a straight-up vibe and I think that’s what has drawn so many listeners in. Though, I have been thoroughly amused by many of the misheard lyrics that have also resulted. Now half of my brain wants to hear “I’ll take my whisk and leave” every time I hear the chorus.

20. “Bright Lights” – The Killers

If I’ve been craving anything lately, it’s a new album from The Killers, which we haven’t gotten since 2021. Admittedly, I never really got into Pressure Machine but it’s music akin to the masterpiece that is their 2020 album, Imploding the Mirage, that I long for with a burning passion. While I didn’t get the album that I wanted in 2024, “Bright Lights” was a fair consolation prize with its sparkling percussion and energy. Over the past few years, the band has made sure we don’t forget about them, releasing the single “Your Side of Town” in August of 2023, their compilation album, Rebel Diamonds, in December of 2023 (which I must say was a rather cruel joke to someone constantly on the lookout for a new album from them), and now we have “Bright Lights” to tide us over until the next album. But even without the tiny doses of new music, The Killers are simply unforgettable and I attribute some of this to lead singer, Brandon Flowers, his incredibly distinctive voice, and he has the uncanny ability to fill any lyric he sings with emotional power. Regardless of how long they make us wait, you better believe I will still be ready and chomping at the bit for that new album.

19. “She Flows Like H2O” – Capital Cities, Alex Rzyan

It’s funky, it’s techno – I love it. I’m not a big Capital Cities listener and I really only know their ever-popular hit, “Safe and Sound” and their less mainstream banger from the same album, “Kangaroo Court,” the latter song being my preference in this comparison. I don’t have a lot of specific reasons for loving this single…I just do and it’s great to enjoy some music that’s a little bit different in  genre to what I’m used to hearing.

18. “House Parties” – Dawes

It’s undoubtedly the lyrics from brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith that capture my attention when it comes to Dawes’ music. They always seem to find unexpected ways to be relatable and “House Parties” is not lacking in the honest thoughts and cheeky takes that I’ve come to adore (particularly their calm, subtle judgement of Kanye West – that gave me a good laugh the first time). This particular song addresses the less glamorous realities of traveling, which seems so simple but it’s something that everyone can understand, especially with something as romanticized as travel. The Goldsmiths speak of sunburn at the beach, exhausting trips to New York City and seem to encourage their listeners to think…why? I love this song because I find it grounding. I’m a homebody myself and travel isn’t always my forte, so it feels nice for someone else to acknowledge the challenges that come with it but also to just bring us back to the smaller, simpler things in life, using the lyrics to contrast with the hustle and bustle of travel and tourism.

17. “feelslikeimfallinginlove” – Coldplay

Preceding their October album release, Moon Music, Coldplay released “feelslikeimfallinginlove” as a single in June. In my opinion, the song truly does feel like falling in love. Martin and the band captured the both hesitation and fear, as well as the deep wonder and euphoria in this track. I don’t think I even realized it was Coldplay the first time I heard it but it still has the same sweeping, celestial beauty that I’ve come to associate with their music.

16. “Howling at Wolves” – Stephen Sanchez

“Howling at Wolves” came with a collection of five new songs on Sanchez’ Angel Face (Club Deluxe) album that became available in April. As a big Sanchez fan myself, it was such a treat to be gifted with new additions to an album that I already revere as one of my favorites of all time. This song is a wonderful burst of energy from this saccharine crooner, once more showcasing his incredible capability and range. It pays homage to one of Sanchez’ favorite bands and biggest inspirations, indie-rock group Lord Huron. Sanchez has certainly captured many hearts with his mid-century swagger and his persona as “The  Troubadour” and “Howling at Wolves” is merely another iteration of his ability to take his listeners back in time.

15. “Blue Over You” – Mason Ramsey

I am a sucker for music that takes you back in time…and admittedly for a crooner as well. Mason Ramsey has been steadily rising to fame on the country music scene, performing on prestigious, national stages such as the Grand Ole Opry, the Grammy Awards, CMA Awards, and several other events and festivals. I hadn’t even heard his name until I stumbled upon this, his most popular song, in the spring. Ramsey is recognized for his vocal resemblance to 20th century country star, Hank Williams, and also for his remarkable youth. But he certainly doesn’t sound like he’s 18 when you hear him sing. It’s not all that often that we get to hear classic-sounding ballads like this anymore, so “Blue Over You” was a welcome change to my listening habits with its throwback feel. I’m not so much a fan of classic country music but I sure am interested to see where Ramsey goes as his popularity continues to skyrocket.

14. “The Kill” – Maggie Rogers

I have to be honest…this is the one song on the list that I really haven’t listened to all that much. So how, you may ask, did it make its way to my number 14 song? I didn’t really give it a huge amount of attention until this December when I watched parts of Maggie Rogers’ set from this year’s Bonnaroo Music Festival and I was reminded just how badly I want to be obsessed with her (the reasons why I hold back not are a story for another time but in short, they don’t have anything to do with Rogers herself). I’m enchanted by her energy on stage and the dichotomy of two ex-lovers that she presents in this song, that way that both parties were at fault for the demise of their relationship. It’s a beautiful and harsh reality that Rogers tackles in an undeniably catchy tune.

13. “FRI(END)S” – V

K-pop group BTS’ member, V,  came out of left field in March with this charmingly punchy pop song that deviates from what have become his rainy-day jazz tendencies when it comes to his solo music. As a BTS fan, I’m used to hearing V’s unique, sultry tone in tandem with his six fellow members but there’s just something so different about hearing him sing a full solo song in English rather than his native language of Korean. Not to mention he’s been actively serving in the South Korean military for the past year. I don’t pretend to know how all the member of the group have managed to release solo music during their time in mandatory military service but needless to say, it is impressive.

12. “Happy” – Something Corporate, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness

This song might just be my favorite gut punch of the year. Now don’t get confused – Andrew McMahon and Something Corporate are more or less one in the same. Having been the frontman of both Something Corporate and punk-rock band Jack’s Mannequin, Andrew McMahon and his current Wilderness bandmates embarked on a reunion tour with both bands this past year. In July, “Happy” hit streaming platforms. It’s the simple chorus of “I just wanna be happy, happy, I’m trying but it’s never enough” that really hits me in the feels. For me, it connects to my feelings (much anxiety and anticipation) about my future career path as I start my final semester of college because in the end, whatever it ends up being, I just want to do something that makes me happy.

11. “Slow Dance” (feat. Sofia Carson) – Jimin

I must admit…I only know Sofia Carson from her appearance in the Descendants movies. But, as embarrassing as that may be, I cannot deny that she blends perfectly with the likes of Jimin, another BTS powerhouse. In his small assortment of solo work, this is Jimin’s first collaboration with a female singer and I think it’s simply magical. Carson’s breathiness pairs so well with the breezy vibe of the song and Jimin gets to utilize his powerful range. In my opinion, it’s yet another combination of two well-matched singers and the result is three minutes of affectionate bliss and unmatched easy vibes.

10. “I Guess Time Just Makes Fools Of Us All” – Father John Misty

This song feels like the opening overture of a musical when it begins. It feels like the start of a story. And, in a way, it is. XPN DJ Eric Schuman called it a “songwriting tour-de-force” in XPN’s mega list and, given that the whole song feels like a poem, I have to say I agree. Josh Tillman (pseud. Father John Misty) underlaid a disco beat in this song merely for the reason that it was so “uncalled for” on the track. In each verse, he presents a new type of story to illustrate his overall point: time really does make fools of us all at one point or another. It’s a genius collection of many different tales across the eight and a half minute song and each offers a view into ideas that really make you think.

9. “Barefoot on the Dancefloor” – Moon Taxi

Moon Taxi manages to capture a moment in time with this easy, breezy, beachy tune. You may recognize the band by their 2018 hit, “Two High” but I think they’ve lent themselves to enticing a new audience with this song. It’s very much a slow, intimate song, one that‘s for swaying on the dancefloor with your lover on a summer evening. I just want to note that during the year, I kept mistakenly thinking that this song was from reggae-based singer, Mihali, whose music I’ve also been listening to this year. Then, ironically, Moon Taxi appeared on Mihili’s most recent solo release in mid-December…coincidence?

8. “Baby Blue Bathing Suit” – Stephen Sanchez

Sanchez definitely set the tone for the summer when he released this single in May. He took a stab at writing a Beach Boys-inspired tune and the result is a sunny sensation that still carries the vintage, throwback feel that Sanchez does so well. And, to top it all off, it packs a killer, euphoric key change, the likes of which I couldn’t have dreamed to be blessed with. Nothing made me happier than to enjoy this soaring serenade in the lead-up to the summer.

7. “Say It Like You Mean It” – Sleater-Kinney

It’s good. I like it. There, I said it like I meant it. In all seriousness, Sleater-Kinney does come with one of my favorite stories of the year. Over the summer, I worked at The Queen Theater in Wilmington and I was scheduled to work Sleater-Kinney’s concert at the end of July. And I would have done so but, as circumstances might have it, one of the members of this female duo had lost her voice and thus, the concert was cancelled. And while this was disappointing, it did bring up an ironic realization that I cannot take credit for. If you know Sleater-Kinney, you may be familiar with their 2019 song, “Can I Go On.” On that night, it turned out they could not.

6. “Can’t Stop Talking” – The Struts

I’d heard good things about The Struts for a while and finally got around to listening to their music this fall. I saw they had just released this single and decided to try it out.  “Can’t Stop Talking” began a fixation for me that I still find myself in the depths of as The Struts have quickly risen to be one of my current favorite artists. I’m obsessed with their unapologetic lyrics and their English rock sound. Their songs have boundless energy and they’re electrifying in their punchy sound. And of course, they’re incredibly cheeky, like any good English rock band should be. They’re fun and entertaining just to listen to and I’m still bumming that I couldn’t take the opportunity to see them live in Harrisburg this past October.

5. “Caesar on a TV Screen” – The Last Dinner Party

This badass female quintet rose to popularity this year with their smashing debut album, Prelude to Ecstacy. The album as a whole has an orchestral-type feeling but I was immediately drawn to the unique structure of “Caesar on a TV Screen.” It has what feels like three distinct and recurring musical themes, reminding me of the classical pieces that I have studied in various music theory and history courses. I’m fascinated by the theatricality of this musical decision and enchanted by the way it works so well for the song. These ladies are not afraid to say what’s on their minds and “Caesar,” like the majority of the album, subtly highlights the strength of women and confronts sexism by putting females on top, our own version of Caesar himself.

4. “Housewarming” (feat. Brandi Carlile) (The New Recording) – Lucius

Like its name, “Housewarming” just feels warm to listen to, with its light, acoustic flow and the soothing, folky voices of Lucius and later, Americana legend Brandi Carlile herself. The duo’s vocals and lyrics take the spotlight over a quiet instrumentation and I love the way that the words celebrate the humanness of a romantic partner, not only as a lover but also as a friend. I feel that these lyrics describe something like what real love should be: accepting the flaws of the other and acknowledging the struggles that come along with a relationship, but also how the willingness to put in the work can make all the difference. And all of this comes together in the feelings of comfort, familiarity, and love that Lucius feel is the essence of making a home, wherever you are.

3. “I Like It” – Stray Kids

They were my top artist of the year on Spotify, so they had to make it into my top three and this is a song that I’ve been obsessed with since Stray Kids released their new album, ATE, in July. I find that I keep coming back to their music because they seem to always cook up something unexpected with their new tracks, something you didn’t expect from them and yet, they never disappoint. Despite being on a Korean album, the majority of “I Like It” is actually in English and it is essentially alluding to the nature of a casual dating experience, the reluctance to commit. I enjoy the clever way that they play around with using the words “like” and “love” in these lyrics because it’s a great way of symbolizing what a situation like this can look and feel like – roundabout and complex. Just take the line “Love that I like you, but I don’t wanna love.”

2. “Me Before You” – Bleachers

I’m still in awe of this beautiful, seemingly timeless track from Bleachers. It’s been one of those that has grown on me steadily as I’ve listened to it more and more and I was even lucky enough to experience it live this summer when I saw Bleachers perform in Philadelphia. Frontman Jack Antonoff explained on Bleachers’ Off The Record TikTok series that the song describes a lonelier time in his life and that he feels we humans have a habit of revisiting our past through the lens of where we are in life. “Me Before You” is meant to channel that feeling and to find the beauty in being alone and to appreciate it for what it is. I’ve always felt like Bleachers has the ability to capture what the East Coast sounds like in every song that they make, but this is the one that grips me the most when it comes to this idea. I don’t know if it’s the characteristic saxophone inclusion or simply the brain of a man from Jersey, but it is perhaps my favorite thing about Bleachers’ music.

1. “Fainted Love” – Conan Gray

I’ll start with a disclaimer here: You will never hear me shut up about this album as a whole and I found it incredibly difficult to choose just one song from it to crown my list. But “Fainted Love” has a very special place in my heart: it was the first song I ever listened to from this album, the song that Gray opened his Found Heaven tour with, and the song I simply never get tired of hearing. All of the songs from this album carry a very distinctive 80’s pop-rock sound, from the abundance of synth beats to the kick-drums and I truly cannot get enough of it. Gray took inspiration from 80’s songs for this album and this track was originally called “Faded Love” when he first wrote it. He channeled the feeling of settling for love that isn’t what you deserve, but it’s better than being alone; a love that’s faded and toxic. But “faded” didn’t feel quite right, so he changed it to “fainted” because of the way it sounded like “fated.” If you happen to be interested in reading more about Gray’s Found Heaven album, check out my album review right here on the WVUD blog.