The year 2024 has been spent doing the things I love, one of which is listening to music. Whether it’s in the car on a long night time drive or blasting my favorite artists with my friends, studying on a Sunday morning in my bedroom letting the music get me through it, or letting the tunes guide each stride as I go for a run, music is the motivation through it all. These top five artists all led me through this year.
Coming in at number one is Lana Del Rey. She has been my number one listened to on Spotify since 2022, and she still takes the number one spot on my ranking today. Lana Del Rey is a 39-year-old singer, most known for her popular song, “Summertime Sadness.” Although it is not as popular, my all time favorite song of hers is “Paris, Texas” (feat.SYML). With her 60.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Lana Del Rey is beloved by many. Her music is extremely versatile, as it can be listened to anywhere, at any time. Whether it is when studying, on a long walk, or just relaxing in my room, her songs are on a constant repeat.
Next, coming in at number two is Chappel Roan. Chappel Roan is a 26 year old singer and songwriter who has recently blown up for her catchy music and entertaining performance skills. She plays on a constant loop when I just need a little pick me up. Screaming her lyrics with my friends are memories I never want to forget, pushing her high up in my ranking. The single “Love Me Anyway” has to be my all time favorite and I cannot seem to ever turn it off. Chappel Roan is able to tell a story through her music, which is why she is so exciting to listen to.
This next artist(s) is best served when on a long night time drive and can make anyone want to go dancing in the rain. The band Cigarettes After Sex comes in as my third most listened to this year. Their lead singer Greg Gonzalez has a soothing voice that can almost cure any of my stress. The band is able to get me through some of my deepest thoughts, with their romantic songs. Although their songs are considered sad, I find them to be refreshing and calming. “Tejano Blue” will forever be stuck in my head and live within me rent free. Cigarettes After Sex’s songs leave you wanting more and in my mind they could never be overplayed.
Next on my list is a blast from the past, with her first album blowing up in 1996–Fiona Apple. The 47-year-old American singer and songwriter has a voice that never fails to blow me away. Even though I just recently started listening to her music this year, it ranks high on my list. Her sad, but powerful songs play on a constant loop in my head. Her catchy tunes and the beat of her music is perfect for walking around town on a fall morning. Although basic, as it is her number one played song on Spotify, my all time favorite song of hers is “Paper Bag,” from her album “When the Pawn…” . This song’s lyrics are engraved inside my brain and I can always catch myself humming the melody at any time. Fiona Apple is a staple on my Spotify all of this autumn season.
Last, but not least, coming in at number five is one of my favorites since 2022–TV Girl. TV Girl is an alt pop band whose music is not only catchy but filled with deep meaning. Their songs range from sad to exciting and upbeat. When I’m looking for something a little more sad, I turn to their songs like “It Almost Worked.” If I’m in a more joyful mood, I tune into “Lovers Rock.” TV Girl’s music gets me through that hard winter slump that we all have. Their music is what I listen to when walking in the halls through school, or sitting up in my bed late at night. “Louise” is my all time favorite song from them due to its beautiful melody and interesting lyrics. It is no secret that TV Girl is a catchy band, which is why it had to make my top five list.
All of this music is part of the little joys I find throughout my day, especially this year. When all seems wrong, turning on a tune never fails to bring up my mood, which is how I confidently cruised through 2024.
