Voting closes:
Song of the Year
Which track has played soundtrack to your 2024?
About the award:
Singles can make or break an artist. Whether it’s their first or their tenth, leading singles set the tone for the album ahead and often give listeners a first glimpse into the vibe of the release ahead. This year, they’ve been in plentiful supply.
The Nominees:
Beautiful Things – Benson Boone
Benson Boone’s song Beautiful Things, released in January 2024 as the lead single for his debut album Fireworks & Rollerblades, has resonated widely due to its reflective lyrics and emotional depth.
The track centres on themes of gratitude and the fragile, precious moments in life, which struck a chord with audiences worldwide. This led to its impressive chart success, including reaching #1 in multiple countries, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, and multi-platinum status in markets like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter
Espresso, released on April 12, 2024, shot into the charts and rapidly achieved pop notoriety. The song’s infectious energy and catchy lyrics, particularly the memorable line “That’s that me espresso,” have made it a firm favourite among fans and critics alike.
It debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Global 200, later reaching the top spot, marking Carpenter’s first number one hit. It also debuted at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, eventually peaking at number three, with critics praising the track for its catchy hooks and vibrant production qualities.
Us – Gracie Abrams feat. Taylor Swift
This poignant duet dives into themes of heartbreak and the complexities of failed relationships, with help from production by Aaron Dessner, known for his work with Swift on her albums Folklore and Evermore.
Taken from Gacie’s second album, The Secret of Us, Us has been well-received both commercially and critically, further solidifying Gracie Abrams’ rising status in the music industry while showcasing Taylor Swift’s continued influence and artistry on the next generation of pop princesses.
Birds of a Feather – Billie Eilish
The song explores complex feelings about love and self-perception. Eilish describes it as both poppy and sad, emphasizing the juxtaposition between its upbeat sound and the emotional weight of its lyrics.
It recently topped the pop radio airplay chart, marking its fourth consecutive week at number one. The song also achieved significant chart success internationally, reaching the top positions in countries such as Canada, Germany, and New Zealand. Eilish and her brother Finneas, who co-wrote the song, initially set out to create a traditional love song but ended up infusing it with their unique twist.
The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived – Taylor Swift
Upon its release, The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived debuted at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and peaked there, but the track took on a life of its own once it was swept up into the TikTok algorithm.
Unlike other tracks from The Tortured Poets Department, The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived made its way through the For You Page like wildfire. During the European leg of the Eras Tour this summer, it was also a much-anticipated moment for fans, being heard by onlookers from outside the various stadiums.
Hot To Go – Chappell Roan
Taken from the 2023 smash-hit album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, Hot To Go has cemented Chappell Roan’s status in the pop scene after a string of live performances this summer. The song showcases her playful energy with a catchy chorus designed for audience participation, embodying a confident and flirty vibe that’s utterly infectious in nature.
Commercially, Hot To Go peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100, #6 in the Official UK chart, and #5 in Ireland. Yet, much like Taylor Swift, the track has come into its own thanks to its use across social media content.