I miss 2024 already.
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magdalena bay had the best pop album of the year
That Beach Bunny song kicks ass glad you included it.
I’ve never once agreed with Todd….i watch every video call me Sisyphus
nailed it Todd! I love your overall theme with this video
As an old guy man I miss rock music…. Maybe I mean songs with hooks, melodies, bridges, changes ups. I can't stand the flat droning crap. But I am old and apparently my ears work but you kids like your drones, while you play with your drones.
This was really nice. Thanks, Todd.
There is a part of me that wants to start an egg timer for Todd now😂
I don't know how I keep falling for the fake sponsor read setup
when i'm sad, i imagine mitt romney crying in his office to pink pony club with the lights off
Hey nice list but what did u actually think of We can’t be friends
### *The Top Ten Best Hit Songs of 2024*
#### *10. Sabrina Carpenter – "Espresso"*
Sabrina Carpenter officially became a pop A-lister with "Espresso," a song that was inescapable in 2024. Despite not being an immediate favorite, its catchy lyrics and Sabrina's playful confidence made it a defining track of the year. Her acting background helped her lean into the song's arrogant yet fun tone, and while its groove was almost "boringly perfect," it never got old.
#### *9. Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus – "II Most Wanted"*
Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus delivered a beautiful outlaw love ballad that was sadly overlooked due to lack of promotion and a missing music video. The song stood out in a year where country music was being redefined, with Miley’s southern twang blending perfectly with Beyoncé's presence. Its absence from Beyoncé’s major performances may have hurt its reach, but it remains one of the best songs of the year.
#### *8. Kendrick Lamar – "Slow Down"*
Kendrick Lamar capped off an already huge year with GNX, an album designed for mainstream success. "Slow Down" showcased Kendrick's ability to balance commercial appeal with lyrical depth, proving that even when embracing a more accessible sound, he still outshines his competition. The track became an anthem for disengaging from the chaos of modern media, driven by infectious energy and an unforgettable beat drop.
#### *7. Charli XCX – "Apple"*
Charli XCX finally found mainstream and critical alignment with *Brat*, her best-received album to date. While much of the album was about partying and reckless fun, "Apple" delved into a deeper, emotional complexity, focusing on generational struggles and family tension. Despite its poppy and danceable exterior, the track’s introspection resonated deeply, making it one of the year's standout hits.
#### *6. Kendrick Lamar – "Not Like Us"*
Although only ranked sixth, "Not Like Us" was undeniably the song of 2024. A brutal and scathing diss track aimed at Drake, it wasn't just a rap beef moment… it became a cultural event. With DJ Mustard's production backing him, Kendrick delivered the defining anthem of a victorious underdog taking down a villain. If rap battles had national anthems, this would be it.
#### *5. Billie Eilish – "Birds of a Feather"*
Billie Eilish took a surprising turn with "Birds of a Feather," a song that didn't immediately sound like her. Ditching her signature whispery delivery, she showcased a new level of vocal confidence, crafting a timeless love song that transcended its era. While some may have missed the usual Billie edge, this was a pop masterpiece that will be played at weddings and proms for generations.
#### *4. Sabrina Carpenter – "Make Me (Juno)"*
Sabrina Carpenter returned with another standout track, this time bringing 80s Fleetwood Mac vibes into the mix. "Make Me (Juno)" was cheeky, confident, and undeniably fun, proving that she could push boundaries without forcing it. With a killer guitar solo and effortless charm, this song became a low-key fan favorite, even without an official single release.
#### *3. Tyler, the Creator – "Sticky"*
Tyler, the Creator delivered his version of a Dirty South anthem with "Sticky," a track that somehow blended intricate beat changes with mainstream appeal. Featuring two of the hottest female rappers and a surprise Lil Wayne verse, the song shattered expectations and became Tyler's most radio-friendly hit yet. The track’s gender-fluid energy and anthemic horns solidified it as a true standout.
#### *2. Chappell Roan – "Good Luck, Babe!"*
No one saw Chappell Roan’s meteoric rise coming, but "Good Luck, Babe!" sealed her as 2024's breakout artist. A queer anthem about heartbreak and self-worth, it took the classic "you’ll regret this" breakup song and gave it a new perspective. The emotional weight and powerful bridge made it one of the most cathartic listens of the year.
### *Honorable Mentions:*
– *Kendrick Lamar & Future – "Like That"* (Another highlight from GNX)
– *Luke Combs – "Ain't No Love in This Town"* (A surprisingly great country song in a complicated genre)
– *GloRilla – "Problem Nam"* (A banger that deserved more recognition)
– *Charlie XCX & Lorde – "Work It Out (Remix)"* (A rare and refreshing song about making explicit content)
– *Muni Long – "Wildfire"* (A track proving she's a modern R&B powerhouse)
– *Taylor Swift – "Fortnight"* (Even the most streamed song of all time wasn’t quite top ten-worthy)
#### *1. Chappell Roan – "Pink Pony Club"*
Originally released in 2020, "Pink Pony Club" finally got its well-deserved moment in 2024, cementing Chappell Roan as the pop star of the year. The song's youthful optimism, theater-kid energy, and coming-of-age queer fantasy made it an emotional rollercoaster for listeners of all backgrounds. The journey from small-town dreaming to finding your people in a big city resonated deeply, making it the perfect anthem for anyone who’s ever felt out of place.
*This was the song we needed in 2024.*
Good Luck Babe is the first song in a long time that made me believe that music is an emotional, transcendent experience.
4:24 every night before bed😊
It pays to befriend Taylor Swift, well at least musically, sorry Deadpool. Apple is in Just Dance, which might just save it from the TikTok ban.
Dude i love apple from brat best song on there
Best, best of list Todd has done in a long time. Not filled with a bunch of country songs i never heard of in and outside the internet.
Great list as always, I love the way you review music! Always look forward to your content.
what no chappell roan? oh, OH
wonderful collection here, gracias
i'm an avid pop listener, but i just cant get behind espresso at all, man… it's not even that i have a problem with sabrina; i LOVE taste, juno and please please please. espresso is just pure schlock to me
When it hit number two, I thought to myself “oh I hope he picks pink pony club instead of good luck babe”.
and it ends up being even better than I thought it would.
Todd's lists is my Grammy's, but I'm never ever disappointed, unlike the Grammy's.
I'm a little sad, lonely queer, and that "Keep dancing" line hit me somewhere deep. IDK why or how since that's not a very emotional thing to say.
Thank you, and I'm sorry for rambling
Todd's favorite artists according to his year-end lists UPDATED 2024:
1. Billie Eilish (41 Pts)
2. Ariana Grande (35)
3. Bruno Mars (31)
4. Kendrick Lamar (26)
5. Chappell Roan (25)
6. Cardi B (18)
7. The Weeknd (17)
Least favorite:
1. Maroon 5 (-46 Pts)
2. Jason Derulo (-34)
3. Justin Bieber (-26)
4=. David Guetta (-23)
4=. Lil Dicky (-23)
6. Kanye West (-22)
7. will.i.am (-18)
A few weeks ago I saw a video of some dude claiming half the songs on this list from female artists were the worst of the year, citing strange reasons for disliking them and critiquing them in a way that made it clear he was only there to hate on successful women and not actually analyze or acknowledge the song. It left such a terrible taste in my mouth. So, thank you for including most of them on your list and acknowledging their rightful places in the charts, this video left me with a lot more hope. You always deliver on these vids!!!
I keep thinking about the line regarding 'Birds of a Feather', that this song feels like it has always existed. It hits on the same wavelength as "Running Up That Hill" by Kate Bush.
I'm glad that Todd appreciates the same style of Fleetwood Mac. That era is my favorite.
I’ve never been so happy to see what was in the number one spot. I’m more of an indie/prog listener, but The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is some of the best pop music I’ve ever heard.
wtf was that xD
I am obviously too old for this list. I couldn't even make it to number 8. Garbage.
Hey Todd, the whole part of pink pony club… I wasnt expecting to cry. Thank you for your kind words, it was just so beautiful to hear all that. Im pretty scared as a lesbian, scared that they'll declare my marriage void or despite me being here legally since my teens and married to an American, I'll still get deported.
I try tovfind my positivity where I can, and this video made me so hopeful that I have others out there watching out for me.
Oh my only complain about the video was not enough Charli 😂
"TS Airlines" is the most underrated thing from this entire video
Is it sad I literally don't know any of these outside of the "Certified Loverboy, Certified Pedophile" line from Not Like Us. Man, I must be getting old
As soon as I saw the opening on the Pink Pony Club video, I agreed, and then as soon as the first note hit, my eyes welled up. Chappell is so talented and I'm so glad she's getting her roses.
I have been listening and going to Chappell Roan for a long time! It's crazy that I saw here in a room of 150 people in Portland OR! That will never happen again and i am so happy but also so sad!!!