2024 has been another great year for music and it’s time to look back at some of the best tracks released this year.
The music landscape has been dominated by pop breakthroughs, with Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX enjoying major global success with the likes of Good Luck Babe, Espresso, and 360.
Fontaines D.C. have been another success story, with “Favourite” and “Starburster” propelling the Irish band to new heights in 2024, taken from their album of the year contender, “Romance”.
However at Northern Chorus we focus our annual Top 10 lists on what has been happening up north, and after plenty of deliberation we have settled on our Top 10 Northern Songs of 2024…
10) KEYSIDE – RUNAWAY
Kicking us off is up and coming Liverpool outfit, Keyside, who enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2024. Runaway was the stand-out release, even capturing the attention of Blossoms who gave the band a shout-out on their podcast and a support slot on their tour. Melodic and catchy, check out the track below and see why many are tipping the group for bigger and better things.
9) DICTATOR – HL7
The Dictator boys returned this year on top form, with HL7 the pick of the bunch. The Snuts meet Twenty One Pilots, this Scottish group have been destined for the bigger stages since releasing their Rubik’s Cube EP in 2022, and two years on they continue to go from strength to strength. This track followed another stellar release in ‘Almost Famous’, and if you haven’t checked them out yet then here is a taste of what to expect.
8) CATFISH & THE BOTTLEMEN – SHOWTIME
It has been a year of ups and downs for the enigma that is Catfish and the Bottlemen in 2024. Cancelled shows at the last minute and full tours being scrapped with no formal announcement, but we did see the release of their first new music in five years. Showtime was quintessential Catfish, and whilst not pushing boundaries it appeared lyrically a statement of intent and musically the Catfish we know and love.
7) HOOTON TENNIS CLUB – BORN, DIED
Hooton Tennis Club are back – one of the most underrated indie bands of the 2010’s. The Wirral group returned with “Born, Died”, and it had essences of everything that gained the band a loyal following back in 2015/2016. We can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for the band, with a back catalogue worth delving into if you are hearing the name for the first time. Check out the comeback track below!
6) BROOKE COMBE – THE LAST TIME
We are just a month away from the eagerly anticipated debut album from Scottish singer-songwriter, Brooke Combe, and in 2024 we were treated to plenty of tastes of what to expect. Our favourite was “The Last Time”, with Brooke’s soulful tones shining once again. This rise has been years in the making, and 2025 promises to be a landmark year for this talented artist.
5) THE LATHUMS – NO DIRECTION
Album number three is waiting in 2025, but 2024 saw The Lathums play some huge shows and release some equally as impressive new music. The controlled chaos of No Direction was the highlight, with Alex’s vocal range and the musicianship of the band front and centre. The Wigan group have always been keen to turn their hands to a good accompanying music video, and you can watch the single’s eerie offering in all of its glory below.
4) COURTEENERS – SOLITUDE OF THE NIGHT BUS
Courteeners were back on top form this year, with their critically acclaimed “Pink Cactus Cafe” record combining Liam Fray‘s songwriting with the pop-focused production of Joe Cross. Solitude of the Night Bus was the lead single, and the band’s best release since “The 17th” eight years ago. The track is already a live favourite, and a personal favourite of Fray’s, and it was the statement of intent that ignited a fresh energy around the Manchester band.
3) THE ROYSTON CLUB – THE PATCH WHERE NOTHING GROWS
Kicking of our top three are Wrexham indie band, The Royston Club, who backed up their incredible debut album with an instant indie floor-filler. Now regularly opening their live shows, “The Patch Where Nothing Grows” was a statement release, signifying a band who are not resting on the laurels of a successful debut breakthrough and are ready to step things up with album two. You can check out the track below and watch out for more new music in 2025…
2) BLOSSOMS – I LIKE YOUR LOOK
Narrowly missing out on the top spot this year are Blossoms with “I Like Your Look”, which saw the Stockport quintet team up with CMAT. It was released just before new album “Gary” landed, and to the unfamiliar ear could be mistaken for one of the most arrogant songs of all time. But anyone who knows Blossoms understands that this track and video capture what the band are all about – they are at the top of their game and they are having fun with mates in the process. It provided a curveball in the band’s sound and was part of one of this year’s most impressive album releases.
1) SAM FENDER – PEOPLE WATCHING
Last but not least, our winner in 2024 is Sam Fender! The pressure was mounting on Sam’s comeback release, as the Geordie singer-songwriter took time away to perfect his third chapter following the monumental success of “Seventeen Going Under”. And what a release it was. “People Watching” is the Sam Fender that fans fell in love with, comparable with the likes of “The Borders” and the title track mentioned above. There are clear Springsteen influences and Fender’s heart-on-sleeve lyricism. Could we be seeing this in a Pyramid Stage headline set next year? We certainly think so…
So there are our Top 10 Songs of 2024, with a mix of up and coming artists and established bands and musicians. Have we missed your favourite? Have your say!
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