The Best Tracks You Might’ve Missed in 2024
After an incredible run of releases back in 2023, it was hard to believe that there would ever be a year with quite as much musical presence and excellence to follow. Nonetheless, this past year proved to be an unprecedented behemoth in terms of music releases; artist after artist dropped new albums at record speeds with a flurry of exciting additions to their discographies. The biggest names like Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tyler, The Creator dominated the charts with unrivaled authenticity and musicianship with some of the biggest projects of their career, while popular indie artists like Magdalena Bay, Peach Pit, and Clairo continued to flourish and reach new heights of critical success in addition to their musical excellence. It’s no doubt that music fans have developed a huge backlog in their queues while trying to make it through the plentiful selection of albums and tracks 2024 has gifted to music fans.
Even though it’s already difficult to keep up with what’s going on in the mainstream music scene, up-and-coming artists also had showstopping years that deserve huge portions of the spotlight. With brand new singles, debut records, comebacks albums, and a plethora of other compositions, the hidden gems of 2024 have by no means failed to dazzle bright. Whether you’re into indie rock, hyperpop, or folk, there’s certainly a large collection of tracks right up your alley that you just haven’t quite discovered yet. Here’s a few highlights of some of the best tracks you might’ve missed upon their initial releases earlier this year, but you should definitely have on repeat as we head into the new year.
“Just the Thought” by Lia Pappas-Kemps
Lia Pappas-Kemps returned to the music scene this year after a nearly three-year release hiatus, announcing the release of her debut EP, Gleam, in October. Upon listening to the project, the wait proves to have been absolutely worth it. Gleam feels mystical and magical as listeners fall into the delicate world that Lia Pappas-Kemps has created. “Just The Thought” exemplifies her debut project, showcasing the signature blend of singer-songwriter style lyricism alongside the rustic production that harbors a husky soft rock air. Pappas-Kempas ruminates poignantly about betrayal and intimacy for a former lover in the track, singing “Silk and lace / In your crooked / Hollow wake / In the evening I shall pace / And I shall wander in the mornings.” “Just The Thought” is simply beautiful.
“Garden” by Holden McRae
Superglue, the first EP release from singer-songwriter Holden McRae, dropped back in August and offers a smooth blend of indie rock, folk, and pop through five new tracks. While the whole project is a testament to McRae’s capabilities as a songwriter, “Garden” excellently demonstrates McRae’s range of abilities through both its production and vocal performance. The track captures a suave balance between the dreamy synths and piano juxtaposed with the certain edge that slices through with the guitar and drums. McRae ties these elements together with his flawless vocal control, utilizing a crisp rasp in the verses while switching to his gentle and breezy head voice as the chorus takes off for the clouds. “Garden” is a wispy and warm reflection about falling in love with someone who turns you into a “Head full of flowers / Heart in bloom,” solidifying it as one of the coziest tracks of the year.
“carbonhead” by tracey brakes
Album cover for my twee monsters.
Hyperpop artist tracey brakes proved her incredible understanding of the mechanics of sound on her debut record, my twee monsters, which was released in October. Playing around with an eclectic and eccentric hyperpop sound intertwined with playful twinges of EDM and Dubstep, tracey brakes asks how one can navigate through life amidst complex struggles with one’s relationship and identity. The closing track “carbonhead” encapsulates a cathartic release to all of the varying themes throughout the album. It stands out as one of the most personally written and intricately produced tracks throughout the record, compelling listeners as brakes divulges how “I don’t know why, but I feel like something’s gnawing at me / And it’s dying to come through.” The lyricism poignantly investigates the impact of transphobia on transgender women and the difficulties of navigating life amidst constant ridicule and discrimination for one’s identity. Brakes proves in “carbonhead,” and throughout the entirety of my twee monsters, that her music is authentic, raw, and gorgeous.
“Horseshoes & Hand Grenades” by Cody Belew
With artists like Greta Van Fleet and The Struts hitting the road this year, the glam rock genre certainly was on the rise throughout 2024, and Cody Belew is no doubt a major proponent in establishing the refreshing and refined elegance of the genre throughout his music. Belew lit up the summer with the release of “Horseshoes & Hand Grenades” back in May, breathing a vivacious spirit into the scene through the passion that radiates from his music. Featuring a classy arrangement of piano, strings, and drums, Belew envelopes listeners into a rapturous celebration of queer love. With a little bit of twang and the infectious energy from Belew’s astounding vocal performance in the track, there’s no denying that Cody Belew and his Southern charm will stick around for years to come.
“Slow” by The Braymores
Indie rock nostalgia oozes from The Braymores, a Chicago-based band that began making a name for themselves last May. Their 2024 record, Who You’d Have Been — released back in September — boasts a wide range of energetic instrumentation, powerful vocals, and vibrant tonal colors. The track “Slow” takes on a darker sonic tinge with a steady and groovy rock beat that instantly catches the attention of listeners. All of the elements of the track work perfectly together to capture the attention of listeners; the dynamics of the vocals, the rhythm, and the composition are immersing and versatile in the best way, emphasizing even the most subtly impactful moments of the band’s story-telling. In an album bound to be full of eventual classics, “Slow” sticks with listeners and is an absolutely must listen to track from 2024.
These are just a handful of standout tracks from last year that you’re going to want to make sure you have on your 2025 playlists. Off the Record’s “The Best Tracks You Might’ve Missed in 2024” playlist showcases these tracks and 25 more hidden gems released in the past year, featuring the work of Ben Hohner, Isabell Pless, Edgehill, Noah Sties, and more.