Songs of the year, number 1: Billie Eilish - LUNCH (Official Music Video)

Billie Eilish's 'LUNCH' is taken from her third studio album, the critically acclaimed Hit Me Hard And Soft. Like much of the album, it's an initially unassuming piece that sees the previously electronica focused Eilish swap samplers and machines for guitars. I wasn't sure about this at first because it felt, on first listen, as though Eilish was being perhaps steered towards a kind of universal pop direction that ironed out her previously displayed (and very endearing) idiosyncrasies. I'm still not sure to what extent that's the case, or if it's simply that she was very young when she started out and that this is all part of the growing process, but I was slightly discombobulated on the first listen.

'LUNCH's strength as a single is that it is an insidious ear worm that lodges itself gradually over time, which then prompts you to return to the song again and again. And it's when you return to it that you begin to realise what a subversive slice of pop it is. At once funny and self depreciating, there's a sweetness at the heart of this girl crush anthem that makes it as irresistible as its melodies and hooks. It will be interesting to see what she does next. 

Songs of the year, number 2: Allie X - Galina [ft. Empress Of] (Official Video)

While I was personally disappointed by Allie X's 2024 album, Girl With No Face, it would be fair to say that it was a mood thing rather than a musical thing: Allie X has, this year, homed in on a kind of early 80s dark synth sound that just wasn't chiming with me, but which was perfectly serviceable from a musical perspective. It is, to be fair, very hard to dislike an artist who pens a mentalist slice of 80s industrial called 'Off With Her Tits'. 

The crystalline pop of 'Galina' also has its origins in 80s synth pop but it shimmers and shines in a way that sees it transcend its origins and become a dark pop anthem in its own right. The addition of Empress Of on the single version adds texture and additional layers to what was already a darkly complex piece. As is always the case with Allie X, the result is complex, sophisticated synth pop with a beating heart. Tremendous. 

Songs of the year, number 3: Charly Bliss - Nineteen

While Taylor Swift, for a number of good and bad reasons, dominated the news in 2024, her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, seems to have divided opinion with some perhaps seeking a more obviously pop sound than what Swift chose to provide them with. 

As such, it was an odd moment when, later in the year, US band Charly Bliss released their album Forever, because it really does sound like the Taylor Swift album that never was. Or the lovechild of everything that was good about John Hughes movies and mid 1980s pop. 

In recent years Charly Bliss have moved increasingly away from the bouncy 'bubblegrunge' sound of their earlier releases and, by last year, were hurtling full speed towards planet pop. It's fair to say that Forever and, especially, 'Nineteen' bear the hallmarks of that collision.

An unashamedly romantic, full on pop ballad, 'Nineteen' isn't ashamed to be what it is: A sentimental pop song with a big heart. It was born to be the final slow song at teenage dances, the one you weep to when you break up with your first big love, the one you sing blind drunk on New Years Eve. In short, it was built to soak up your emotions like a sponge and throw them right back at you with stardust and glitter. 

Songs of the year, number 4: Wasia Project - Is This What Love Is? (Visualiser)

Young brother/sister duo Wasia Project are comprised of William Gao and Olivia Hardy. The swooping, soaring, dreamy indie anthem that is 'Is This What Love Is?' was released as part of the duo's 2nd EP Isotope earlier this year and instantly proved itself to be an atmospheric classic. While much is expected of the band they are, wisely, taking it slowly and building their sound at their own pace. It is fair to say that their debut album, when it comes, will have been worth waiting for. 

Songs of the year, number 5: Nick Mulvey feat. Golshifteh Farahani and Arooj Aftab - Freedom Now (Lyr...

While protest songs can sometimes come across as didactic and heavy handed, UK singer/songwriter Nick Mulvey's collaboration with Iranian superstar Golshifteh Farahani and Grammy award winning Pakistani artist Arooj Aftab has wisely stuck to a simple, universal message of freedom for all. The song was released in the first few months of 2024 as a fundraiser for the refugee charity Choose Love.

While it would be easy to try and suggest that the song is tying itself to specific battles around the world for freedom, with some suggesting it's for Palestine, or Ukraine, or for the women's rights movement in Iran, the beauty of the song is that it transcends all of the specific contexts anyone would seek to put upon it by sticking to a simple, straight forward message: Liberty. As they sing "Only Freedom will do."

Songs of the year, number 6: Pom Pom Squad - Spinning (Official Video)

Pom Pom Squad was unfortunate to see her debut album, 2021's Death Of A Cheerleader, a very credible, sophisticated slice of joyous punk pop, be eclipsed by the success of the similarly punk pop sounding Olivia Rodrigo and her album Sour. Rodrigo also shared Mia Berrin's interest in cheerleading iconography, and the word sour seemed to well represent Berrin's feelings when she heard/saw Rodriogo's work, not to mention the coverage of the young star all over the world's press. 

Three years on and Rodrigo has released two highly successful albums while Berrin has re-grouped, returning with her own second album Mirror Starts Moving Without Me. Her experiences over the past three years have informed her sound as well as her lyrics, with 'Spinning' striking a more sophisticated tone than 'Lux' or 'Red with love'. It's the sound of a young artist growing up and, while it's a shame that some of the wildness and youthful hedonism has gone, it's a sure sign that Pom Pom Squad is here to stay. 

Songs of the year, number 7: ZZZAHARA - GHOSTS (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This charming slice of scuffed understated indie comes courtesy of US singer/songwriter Zzzahara, formerly guitarist with Eyedress, Simps and US Velvet. 'Ghosts' is a woozy tale of a post relationship haunting that has echoes of mid 1990s Pavement, but the vocals help it to soar above its influences, resulting in a shimmering anthem. 

Songs of the year, number 8: Zoe Graham - Even Though I'm Scared (Visualiser)

One of a number of singles the Glasgow singer/songwriter released this year, 'Even Though I'm Scared' showcases a growing maturity in Graham's songwriting, with a strong bridge and soaring chorus. It's a sophisticated slice of indie rock that her heroine KT Tunstall would have been proud of. 

Songs of the year, number 9: Sabrina Carpenter - Espresso (Official Video)

In a year when we were spoilt for choice when it came to summer anthems, Sabrina Carpenter's 'Espresso' was the true anthem of summer. Frothy like its coffee namesake, the track bounces along in a flurry of soft vocals and mild sass, irresistibly worming its way into your earlobes and heart. Certainly Carpenter was very much the face of 2024 in many ways, knocking out number one single after number one single, and you can fully expect to be hearing her songs on overseas karaoke and club playlists for years to come. 

Songs of the year, number 10: Childish Gambino - In the Night ft. Jorja Smith & Amaarae (Audio)

This stylish collaboration between US rapper and auteur Childish Gambino, UK R&B diva Jorja Smith and American-Ghanian singer/songwriter Amaarae has all the hallmarks of a summer anthem. Which is saying something in a year that was really quite crowded with summer anthems (shame there was no summer really...). 'In The Night' has an irresistible hook that really complements the light, bouncy energy of the track overall, guaranteeing it will be stuck in your head for days afterwards. 

Songs of the year, number 11: BIG SPECIAL - BLACK DOG / WHITE HORSE (Official Video)

Taken from the black country bands debut album PostIndustrial Hometown Blues, 'Black Dog/White Horse' is a slice of moody, brooding, highly atmospheric melodic post punk. They've recently been collaborating, and touring, with John Grant and have not long returned from a set of European and Australian live dates. Further live dates, with John Grant, will be happening in January. Definitely ones to watch. 

Songs of the year, number 12: LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌) 'EASY' OFFICIAL MV

Le Sserafim made their Korean debut in 2022 but didn't make their English language debut until last year. 'Easy', taken from the EP of the same name, was a massive critical hit earlier this year, earning the K Pop band oodles of coverage and attention. The song is glitchy pop ear worm at its best, with a hook that will not give in and strong beats. It's fair to say we'll be hearing from them again soon. 

Songs of the year, number 13: Efterklang – Plant (Official Video) ft. Mabe Fratti

Danish indie gods Efterklang returned this year with an album of thoughtful songs, of which 'Plant' was the standout. An unassuming, gently anthemic track, 'Plant', which features backing vocals from Mabe Fratti, weaves it's way into your soul like a cat made of mist and smoke. Elegant and understated indie perfection. 

Songs of the year, number 14: Dua Saleh - want (Official Video)

Sudanese American artist Dua Saleh will be embarking on a massive US and (much shorter) European tour in the new year, including two UK dates (London and Manchester). Their album, I Should Call Them, is out now and 'want' was very much it's calling card. A forthright tale of lust and obsession, it's propulsive electronic beats and glitchy R&B flavours made it a sure fire attention grabber. Expect to hear more from Dua in 2025. 

Songs of the year, number 15: Desire - Dangerous Drug

This epic slice of glacial electronica was one of a number of new tracks the Canadian duo released this year. Spacious and stylish, it glides along on half whispered vocals and chunky 80s synths. A classic. 

2024 End of Year Roundup

 

Photo by Ankhesenamun on Unsplash

Welcome to my 2024 end of year roundup. It's been a funny year for several reasons, and this is going to be a shorter post than usual, but rest assured that my annual songs of the year series of posts will be coming soon.

Gigs

I didn't go to many gigs this year, in fact, the only gig I did get to was Helen Mccookerybook and David Lance Callahan at the Tallyrand in Levenshulme in April. I could have gone to see Allie X play at Gorilla and, while I did consider going, in the end I ruled it out because I wasn't that keen on the new album. 

Album of the year

The Last Dinner Party, Prelude To Ecstasy

Perhaps the most hotly anticipated debut album of the year, nay decade. And they did not in any way disappoint. 

A tight, highly atmospheric album of glam rock inspired melodramas and anthems which satisfies on every level. 

Event of the year

Florence + The Machine, Symphony of Lungs at the BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall.

It goes without saying that I would have loved to have attended this concert, but as it was taking place in the early days of September on a weekday, I had absolutely zero chance of getting the time off work. I'm not sure I could have afforded the ticket, hotel and coach or train fares anyway. Luckily the BBC broadcast it twice, once live on Radio 3 and secondly about a month later on BBC2, where this unique 'Symphony of Lungs' could be appreciated in its full sumptuous sonic and visual splendour. It's being released on vinyl and CD in March, so naturally I have it on pre order. 

Books I've read and loved this year

Tamora Pierce, Tortall: A Spy's Guide

Tim Mohr, Burning Down The Haus

Paul Hanley, Sixteen Again

Oliver Postgate, Seeing Things

Kirk Field, Rave New World

Lizzy Stewart, Alison

Chris and Jenn Sugden, High Vaultage

DBC Pierre, Vernon God Little

John Green, The Fault In Our Stars

Top 5 Detective TV Show themes 

5) Sister Boniface Mysteries

4) Death in Paradise

3) Mrs Sidhu Investigates

2) Whitstable Pearl

1) The Turkish Detective

Articles I've found interesting/enjoyable this year

How the rental crisis is threatening the UK's music scenes by Laura Molloy (NME)

I am facing my second no-fault eviction in two years. Renting is broken by Ruby Lott-Lavigna (Open Democracy)

The Death of Shame by Jonn Elledge (The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything)

After 14 years of dead ends, here are three ways Labour can rejuvenate UK public transport by Jonn Elledge (The Guardian)

295 Days Gone by Jonn Elledge (The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything)

Fad's Army by Jonn Elledge (The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything)

I, for one, will mourn Twitter by Jonn Elledge (The New Statesman)

multi-storied #36: The idyll by Samanth Subramanian (multi-storied)

Memoir Draft: Chapter 1. Going into Care by Matt Taylor (Underclass Hero)

'Blue Plaque' at Walthamstow Tesco honours lettuce that outlasted Liz Truss by Martin Belam (The Guardian)

Songs of the year will begin on the 10th of December