Lots of good music has come out thus far in 2024. Here are 30 of my favorites that reached peak popularity in the first half of this year (or are still climbing).
Five years after then president of The Recording Academy proclaimed that women need to step up, the ladies have responded with “How’s this, jerkface?” Women dominate this year’s Grammy nominations. More importantly, all but two of the top 20 songs on my year-end list are led by female artists (with one guy showing up to provide guest vocals). That’s a record, I think, but don’t quote me on that. I’m too lazy to check. I don’t have a deep analysis for this phenomenon, but I do have a deep appreciation for the talent and diversity of these women (not that women have ever been underrepresented in my annual tallies). The highest placing male acts on my 2023 list are none other than The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Yes, you read that right. The legends are back, and they still can show the young-uns how it’s done. With their song “Angry,” The Rolling Stones have achieved a remarkable feat: the longest span from first appearance to most recent appearance in my year-end surveys. In 1981, my first year of making such lists, the group placed with “Start Me Up.” The 80s are also well represented by Kylie Minogue and Madonna, each of whom made a triumphant return to my list after long absences. Welcome back, ladies! And last but not least, let’s give a round of applause to Megan Thee Stallion, who has been in my top five for five years in a row. That’s a record, I think, but don’t quote me on that. I’m too lazy to check. Now, without further ado, here is my list of the best songs of 2023. Enjoy!
Ice Cream Man. – RAYE
vampire – Olivia Rodrigo
Kill Bill – SZA
Bongos – Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion
Not Strong Enough – boygenius
Flowers – Miley Cyrus
Escapism. – RAYE & 070 Shake
Paint the Town Red – Doja Cat
Lipstick Lover – Janelle Monáe
Nobody Gets Me – SZA
Dance the Night – Dua Lipa
Shirt – SZA
AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM – Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar
What Was I Made For? – Billie Eilish
Padam Padam – Kylie Minogue
Cobra – Megan Thee Stallion
Brenda Put Your Bra On – Ashley McBryde, Caylee Hammack & Pillbox Patti
Angry – The Rolling Stones
Now and Then – The Beatles
Cool About It – boygenius
RATATA – Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo
Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd – Lana Del Rey
Herewith I present to you my top 30 tracks of 2023 thus far, with an asterisk: no more than one song per artist is allowed. It’s only fair that SZA share the spotlight.
