Records of 2024
This year’s listening journey was as complexity as life. It carried me across a vast landscape of genres and emotions, often shaped by the contours of discourse and the weight of real-world events. From the tender embrace of pop ballads to the electrifying pulse of electronic dance tracks. From the sweeping majesty of classical requiems to the shadowy depths of film scores. I did notice that each note seemed to echo themes of love, identity, and resilience, timeless, and I guess this year, feelings I made a point to notice.
What strikes me most is the way this year’s records balanced precision and vulnerability. There is beauty in the meticulous craft of production, but equal power in the rawness of emotion that seeps through. I also noticed an interplay of opposites: melancholy paired with euphoria, the quiet of intimacy set against the grandeur of orchestration, the root of tradition interwoven with the innovation. They remind me of the dualities we all navigate, how we hold joy and sorrow, simplicity and complexity, all in the same breath.
“Slut!” (Taylor’s Version) - Taylor Swift
“Slut!” (Taylor’s Version) has this dreamlike quality, conjuring the serene intimacy of a quiet Los Angeles shoreline with waves lapping against the sand. The production itself feels delicate, a careful balance of restrained treble and softened tones that cradles Taylor Swift’s voice, allowing it to hover. It’s as if the song holds its breath, suspended in a moment that refuses to break. I love the melodic hook before the bridge as it blooms into something irresistibly tender. It feels like an ode to admiration, this celebration so timeless and personal that it seems made for overlaying onto snapshots of love: fleeting smiles, sunlit glances, the texture of the lover you never want to forget.
Yeah 10x - Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
Emerging from the cultural zeitgeist Challengers film, Yeah 10x stands as a striking embodiment of the film’s audacious exploration of masculinity, identity, and unapologetic camp. The track pulses with a fierce vitality, electrified by Boys Noize’s dynamic mixing, and infusing the piece with a kinetic energy that compels movement, much like the tennis sport itself. I love the relentless bassline, a steady, throbbing undercurrent that holds the track together, taut with tension, before surging toward an exhilarating crescendo. Layer upon layer of riffs and sampled sounds ripple through the composition, each one evoking Tashi’s bold, multifaceted persona. In its daring and depth, the track invites you to cheer. Not only for its infectious rhythm but for the profound explorations it unearths in its unapologetic swagger.
Requiem in E-Flat Minor: II. Dies irae - Jozef Kozlowski
Jozef Kozlowski’s Requiem in E-Flat Minor: II. Dies irae emerges as a profound testament to the brilliance of lesser-known repertoire, brought to vivid life through the artistry of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. In this performance, the orchestra displayed both their technical virtuosity and their dedication to uncovering hidden treasures of classical music. The chorus stood at the heart of the piece for me, commanding attention with breath and note. Meanwhile, the interplay between the restrained tenors and the swelling strings mid-movement created a beautiful contrast, a moment of dynamic tension that lingered as the requiem continued its course. This performance resonated deeply for me, rekindling memories of my own connection to the orchestra during my postgraduate years. Supporting the ensemble in those formative days remains a cherished part of my career, one that bridged my personal journey with Singapore’s thriving arts scene. It’s a reminder of the collective effort that breathes life into art, and a quiet acknowledgment of the small role I’ve played in shaping something far greater.
How Sweet - NewJeans
How Sweet encapsulates the paradoxical allure that defines NewJeans: a melancholic heart wrapped in the shimmering glow of 90s electronica. Rooted in the indie dance soundscape, the track dances between contrasts, pairing its infectious beats with a lowered chorus melody that defies pop conventions, an almost somber note. Beyond its production, How Sweet resonates as a poignant reminder of the intricate interplay between artistry and the context in which it is born. The track reflects not only NewJeans’ creative evolution but also the band’s navigation of external challenges and questions of agency. Perhaps this record is also a testament to resilience, a symbol of the enduring spirit that infuses their work against the difficult challenges they’ve had to navigate through.
Hum - Composed by Thomas & Julia Newman
This haunting theme from Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, gives insight into the tangled depths of familial dysfunction and cultural introspection. The interplay of female voices imbues the melody with a dual symbolism: a wistful echo of the brothers’ lost innocence and a fragile reflection of their inner turmoil. The vocal layering underscores the narrative’s central themes; the hollow ache of abuse, the scars of absent parenting, and the murky truths shaped by popular culture.
Thomas Newman’s atmospheric brilliance finds an exquisite partner in his daughter Julia Newman’s fresh perspective. Together, they weave a composition that lingers like a memory, equal parts tender and unsettling, mirroring the story’s layered complexities with musical empathy.
Meet Cute - Composed by David Fleming
Meet Cute opens Mr. & Mrs. Smith with a playful yet intricately layered introduction, perfectly capturing the series’ fresh exploration of marriage and espionage. David Fleming’s composition plays with contrasts really well, weaving percussive elements that echo the restless energy of Thomas Newman’s American Beauty with sweeping legato strings that nod to the timeless glamour of spy cinema. The record mirrors the series’ central theme, the delicate entanglement of domesticity and deception. By juxtaposing disruption with allure, Fleming creates a musical score that not only introduces the characters but also invites the audience into the nuanced world they inhabit, one where love and lies exist in constant tension, where deceit and espionage go hand-in-hand.
360 - Charli XCX featuring robyn & yung lean
360 celebrates the transformative power of collaboration, amplifying the original track’s infectious energy while introducing fresh layers of depth. Charli XCX’s Brat defined 2024’s pop culture and algorithm, but the remix album elevated the record further, showcasing the malleability and creative potential of its core sound. Robyn’s unmistakable vocals and the conversational interplay of rap verses bring new dimensions to the track, adding tension and playfulness. Anchored by a flawlessly constructed production (I love that pulsing riff intertwining seamlessly with bass thumps) 360 continues to shine as a testament to Brat’s accessibility and enduring influence on the pop landscape.
we can’t be friends (wait for your love) - Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande’s we can’t be friends (wait for your love) is a poignant club ballad that dances between heartbreak with euphoria. Echoing the emotional resonance of Robyn’s Dancing On My Own, the track captures grief and longing through its pulsing bass, shimmering synths, and Grande’s delicate, almost whispered delivery. The song’s emotional climax lies in its final chorus, where a moment of silence prepares the ground for a sweeping crescendo. Here, layers of harmonies, vibrating strings, and Grande’s repeated, aching refrain “I’ll wait for your love” combine to create an outro that is both cathartic and bittersweet. This is where Ariana shines as an artist, revealing a growing maturity in her ability to intertwine vulnerability with grandeur.
AETERNA - Performed by Coldplay
AETERNA exemplifies Coldplay’s enduring spirit of musical exploration, reaffirming their artistry despite the polarising discourse about their evolving sound. As part of Moon Music, the track is a nostalgic yet forward-looking journey, channelling the energy of 90s-inspired basslines and modulated vocals to create an immersive sonic landscape. But the brilliance lies in its celebration of curiosity, this refusal to be constrained by expectations, radiating a joyful self-assurance. I’ve always looked up to Coldplay as a kind of manifesto for creative freedom, a reminder to push boundaries and embrace your own journey of self-expression.
HOT TO GO! - Chappell Roan
HOT TO GO! by Chappell Roan is a burst of uncontainable energy, a record that embodies the joy and defiance of desire and self-expression. Relentless buzz synth and a driving tempo create an irresistible invitation to move, while Roan’s powerful vocals, soaring effortlessly through high-octave choruses and playful spoken interludes, infuse the track with vibrancy. As an anthem, it resonates deeply with its message of authenticity and individuality, encouraging listeners to explore their rown desires with celebration. Roan has always shined in her confident assertion of autonomy outside of music, making HOT TO GO! a refreshing, celebratory call to unapologetic self-empowerment.
us. - Gracie Abrams featuring Taylor Swift
us. by Gracie Abrams, with Taylor Swift’s unmistakable touch, is a tender exploration of longing and possibilities lost. Abrams’ delicate voice draws listeners into a narrative rich with romantic lyricism and a bridge that rushes like a fleeting moment of joy, like running freely through a park. Co-written with Taylor Swift, the song bears her signature emotive depth and lyrical cadence, creating a seamless duet of nostalgia and yearning. On a personal note, us. evokes memories of discovering new identities and shared adventures, like the beautiful rides I once took with my partner through the roads in Sydney.
New Woman - LISA featuring Rosalía
New Woman marks a pivotal moment in LISA’s career, showcasing her individuality and creative depth as both a performer and a vocalist. In a year where Blackpink members explored their solo artistry, this track stands out for its ingenuity and boldness. LISA’s vocal technique shines, while the production, spearheaded by Max Martin, is a masterclass in dynamic layering. I really love the clever sampling of LISA’s verse melody as a second-melody in the chorus, creating this rich, textured soundscape. Rosalía’s feature adds an unexpected yet seamless transition, a “song within a song”, highlighting the evolution of K-pop songwriting into a more fluid and experimental form.
What is this feeling? - Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and the Wicked Cast
What is this feeling? serves as a brilliant introduction to the magic of _Wicked’s_ cinematic adaptation, showcasing the collaborative artistry that has made it the most successful Broadway film adaptation of all time. This record, strategically released prior to the film, not only highlights the remarkable vocal interplay between Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande but also captures the vibrancy of the larger cast in an ensemble performance that is truly captivating. The song’s impeccable choreography and witty songwriting open the world of Wicked to a wider audience, setting the tone for the film’s immersive experience. As a lover of musicals, especially ensemble numbers like Stick to the Status Quo, I find What is this feeling? to be a joyful celebration of theatrical storytelling, and I can’t wait for the second chapter next year.
Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter
Espresso captures the essence of modern lounge-pop, embodying the breezy, feel-good soundscape that has become a hallmark for this era’s accessible music. Rhythms flow effortlessly, underpinned by intricate counter-melodies that weave together with an inviting charm, perfect for those sunlit moments of weekend drives or unhurried afternoons. Juxtaposed with tracks like Don’t Smile, which delves into a quieter, more introspective lo-fi mood, Carpenter’s latest album becomes a testament to her versatility. She moves fluidly between the lighthearted and the introspective, crafting a body of work that reflects both her depth and adaptability as an artist. Having witnessed her open for Taylor Swift, it’s impossible to ignore the magnetic quality of her live performances. Her vocal prowess, paired with an easy, playful connection to her audience, cements her place as one of pop’s most compelling young voices.
Birds of a Feather - Billie Eilish
Birds of a Feather represents a daring yet profoundly rewarding evolution for Billie Eilish, offering one of the most heartfelt and universally resonant love songs in recent memory. Vulnerable and expansive, her vocals rise with an unguarded sincerity that feels both intimate and monumental, delving into the joy and profound connection that love can bring. The minimalist production—a clear, unembellished arrangement reminiscent of a homemade recording—wraps the track in an unvarnished honesty, as though it were a quiet confession shared between lovers or collaborators.
On a personal level, this song strikes a rare chord, evoking memories of my partner and cherished friendships. It captures that indescribable exhilaration of sharing love—those fleeting, perfect moments where life feels impossibly full and achingly fragile all at once. For me, Birds of a Feather is more than just a song; it is a quiet anthem of the year. Stripped of pretense, it transcends production, embodying authenticity, simplicity, and an unfiltered truth that lingers long after the final note fades, echoing in the spaces where love leaves its mark.