CTRL+ALT+Repeat: Songs That Defined 2024
2024 seemed to be the year of the pop song. With an abundance of catchy hits that implant themselves in the minds of the masses, this year undoubtedly fostered an extra sense of excellence when it came to singles. From iconic collabs to timeless tunes, here are some addicting tracks — pop and beyond — that defined Off the Record’s 2024.
“Are You Looking Up” - Mk.gee
Reegan Johnson, Co-Editor in Chief
Mk.gee in Denver this year. Photo by Grace Moioli.
Listen to this song the first time, you get struck by the murmured chorus and the jagged guitar solos. But the second time around, or 249 times like me, listen closely, and you’ll notice just how introspective this song is. Begging you to question your life's motivations and those of others, the stream-of-consciousness lyricism lands with a heavy impact as he examines the nuanced purposes of life.
“How're you gonna waste it all/ When somebody's playing to no one every night?” he challenges, his words pushing to make the most of every opportunity, no matter who’s cheering you on. In a time of consistent commotion, Mk.gee provides a much-needed dose of perspective and a fresh reminder to look up and ask “why.”
“Cinderella” - Remi Wolf
Brooke Shapiro, Music Extras Editor
Powerhouse vocalists have always been a bedrock in pop, making singers who can belt with clarity or graciously execute riffs stand out as popstars. While Remi Wolf’s undeniable talent has been on display since her time as a contestant on “American Idol” in 2014, it seems she’s finally been given her flowers this year with the release of her third studio album Big Ideas, featuring lead single “Cinderella.” Written as an affirmation to Wolf that she was her “own fairy godmother,” “Cinderella” serves as a reminder that in times of change, you can still be in control of your own enjoyment.
What better outlook for 2024 is there? And between Wolf’s solo tour, her time as an opener for Olivia Rodrigo, a stop at NPR Music for a Tiny Desk Concert and performances at festivals like Lollapalooza and All Things Go this year, it certainly seems like Wolf’s glass slipper of pop stardom fits.
“Too Sweet” - Hozier
Nymisha Mattapalli, Contributor
Hozier at Moon River Music Festival last year. Photo by Blake Crandall.
After the release of Hozier’s third studio album Unreal Unearth in 2023, “Too Sweet” was released as part of a deluxe EP this year. Hozier’s discography is quite well known, but “Too Sweet” was Hozier’s first Hot 100 No. 1. Its success could be attributed to its infectious bass tones and playful lyrics, or perhaps its appeal is in Hozier’s signature romantic lyrics as he sings about observing and admiring a lover. As he told Variety Magazine, “It’s something fun and immediate and doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s part of its appeal.” And, after ten years in the music industry, his first No. 1 single is certainly a sweet commemoration.
“Good Luck, Babe!” - Chappell Roan
Avery Heeringa, Contributor
Many fresh faced pop stars have tried to recapture the jubilance of ‘80s synth pop, but none have done so with such innate ease as Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” Released just months after her 2023 debut LP The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, Roan’s single about still longing for a girl in denial about her sexuality is a whirlwind of bouncy pop bliss.
One of the key cornerstones to Roan’s monumental year, the song is an enchanting blend of contemporary pop’s bedroom vulnerability and melodrama, with an emotive bridge that gives way to a chorus sung entirely in falsetto. Good luck — no pun intended — to anyone aiming to strike gold at their local karaoke bar with this one.
“Espresso” - Sabrina Carpenter
Maddy Yen, Contributor
Dubbed the song of the summer, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” took over the industry with its nonsensical lyrics and infectious beat. The single was released alongside a vintage summer music video and the very next day Carpenter played it on the main stage of Coachella. Produced by Julian Bunetta, “Espresso” spent an impressive 32 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 List and had everyone singing “I’m working late cause I’m a singer.” Despite the immediate popularity, Sabrina, in an interview with Variety, said, “I was completely alone in wanting to release ‘Espresso.’” Ultimately Sabrina was trusted and this single paved her later success with Short n’ Sweet and her accompanying tour. Is it that sweet? I guess so.
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” - Billie Eilish
Brooke Shapiro, Music Extras Editor
It is undeniable that Billie Eilish gave every dynamic duo — platonic, familial or romantic — a new anthem this summer with “BIRDS OF A FEATHER.” A chart-topper from her third studio album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” is an exploration of what it means to love someone “’till the day that [you] die.” From throwing compliments to carrying caskets, the love letter of a song displays Eilish and her brother Finneas’s mastery of poignant songwriting. It’s not a new fact that Finneas is a talented producer, but details like a theremin melody and a chopped up lyric from Happier Than Ever track “Getting Older” being used as a reverberation in the second verse add that extra touch of brilliance to the song. “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” had listeners sticking with Eilish since its May release.
“Girl, so confusing remix” - Charli xcx and Lorde
Dany Mireles, Staff Writer
Charli xcx on the Sweat Tour this year. Photo by Henry Redcliffe.
Blending their signature styles into a mesmerizing track, Lorde and Charli xcx created an anthem that defined summer 2024 with “Girl, so confusing.” With Lorde’s introspective lyricism contrasting Charli’s hyperpop sound,the singers created a push-and-pull dynamic that feels cohesive. The song’s production perfectly mirrors its themes of vulnerability and sensibility, with vocal call-and-responses and playful synth lines. This song is a bold collaboration that captures self-awareness and a clear demonstration of girls supporting girls.
“Image” - Magdalena Bay
Arna Churiwala, Staff Writer
Alternative pop duo Magdalena Bay made waves this year with the release of their second album, Imaginal Disk. Specifically, lead single “Image” gained widespread acclaim for its. capture of both futuristic and nostalgic vibes. Filled with deep synths and a twinkling melody, the track brings back something wonderfully reminiscent of Empire of the Sun. Singer Mica Tenenbaum exclaims, “Ooh, so hot/Meet your brand new image,” in a catchy, fun chorus that is simultaneously eerily dystopian given the current climate of the world.
“Juna” - Clairo
Logan Goettemoeller, Senior Writer
Clairo on stage in NYC this year. Photo by Mia Barić.
Bedroom pop sensation Clairo undeniably charmed listeners with the release of her third studio album back in July. As a sultry and romantic testament to the feeling of falling in love, Charm portrays tenderness and passion on an entirely new level through its elegance, most strikingly on the hit track “Juna.” As fans celebrated the beautiful vulnerability of “Juna,” the song became a viral hit on TikTok. Diehard fans, music critics and Clairo newcomers alike were all united in the intimate feeling of wanting to “go dancing / (You make me wanna) try on feminine / (You make me wanna) go buy a new dress / (You make me wanna) slip off a new dress,” giddily blushing to a track that so perfectly conveys the feelings of butterflies emerging from your stomach as the infatuation of a newfound crush takes over.
2024 was no doubt an incredible year for Clairo, and we can guarantee that we’ll be falling in love over and over again with “Juna” for years to come.
“it’s ok, i’m ok” - Tate McRae
Madison Avery, Music News Editor
Tate McRae rose to the top of pop over the past year and is still continuing to grow in popularity. Known for her sharp choreography and catchy pop tunes, McRae served that and more in her single “it’s ok, i’m ok”. The music video went viral on TikTok, grabbing everyone’s attention and some claiming she’s bringing back fun, iconic pop music videos. Seen strutting down the streets of the city, McRae is arrested naked, riding in the back of a cop car. She then escapes and successfully tricks the police as she’s seen in a new outfit greeting fans. Fans could not stop talking about how great McRae looked and how iconic the song is. “it’s ok i’m ok” is about your ex moving on to a new girl but you’re just happy you aren’t with him anymore. McRae sings, “And she be like, ‘He's so perfect’ / I be like, ‘Oh, what version?’” preparing to warn the new girl that this man is not the good guy he makes himself out to be.