Another year is almost over and it’s the traditional time to reflect back on what musical treats have nourished us over the last twelve months.
2024 has been a strong year for women in mainstream music, from Taylor Swift’s epic Eras tour to some stunning breakthrough pop performers like Chappell Roan, Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter. In country music Lainey Wilson won the coveted Entertainer of the Year award and there was also awards for newcomers Ella Langley and Megan Moroney in the genre too. None of these artists appear on my personal lists but I have been heartened by their success.
In terms of my own listening, I always veer towards comforting, introspective, poetic indie and Americana, adding some soft soul and folk with an occasional blast of epic pop or barnstorming country tunes for good measure. This year gave me much sustenance with the return of some of my all-time favourites, alongside a few newer artists who helped me through.
Some of these tracks may have been released in 2023 but I count any song on an album released this year for this list. I have also included only one song per artist (excluding collaborations).
A welcome return from Americana award winning Mindy Smith with a glorious little ode to all those who like to take it slow and appreciate the hushed beauty of the world they live in.
19) Brittany Howard – I Don’t
Brittany Howard’s soulful vision flowered into something startlingly different on her album ‘What Now’ and ‘I Don’t’ felt like a little moment where her voice swirled into something heavenly.
18) The Secret Sisters – Paperweight
The hugely underrated The Secret Sisters always have one earworm on every album which I find myself humming long after I’ve stopped listening. This time it’s Paperweight, where they use a clever metaphor to describe domestic bliss, with their trademark harmony sounding better than ever.
17) Kaitlin Butts – Come Rest Your Head (On My Pillow)
Kaitlin Butts broke through this year by bringing joy and sass to alt-country, but it was actually this beautiful ballad that stood out, nicely supported by legend Vince Gill.
16) The Last Dinner Party – The Feminine Urge
I always love to see any all-girl band triumph and it was a joy to witness The Last Dinner Party go from supporting First Aid Kit in 2023 to absolutely smashing it by selling out venues and releasing an album of complete tunes that also asked interesting questions most notably on The Feminine Urge.
With a unique, virtuoso guitar playing style all of her own, Yasmin Williams’s ‘Harvest’ is an instrumental delight that sounds like autumnal hues of colour radiating out through your speakers.
14) Hurray for the Riff Raff – Hawkmoon
Telling their life story of being a teenage runaway in song, Hawkmoon isn’t afraid to look in the mirror and ask questions about who you are and how you built up a way to survive. Just a gorgeous vocal from Alynda as well.
13) Sarah Jarosz – Runaway Train
Aiming to write a song that sounded like a country radio song from the 90s, Sarah Jarosz absolutely brought that era back to life with this stand out track from her Grammy nominated album. Look out for a return of her much beloved supergroup I’m With Her later this year.
12) Sierra Ferrell – American Dreaming
I must say I’ve been neglecting Sierra Ferrell this year mainly due to the fact that her social media has been a little alarming, what with her posting about conspiracy theories and wanting to buy a tinfoil hat. But on this classic sounding traveling song her obvious vulnerability comes through and it’s heartbreakingly revealing.
11) Gillian Welch & David Rawlings – The Day the Mississippi Died
Along with ‘Hashtag’ these two songs from the ‘Woodland’ album contained the kind of wistful, knowing, wisdom that makes Gillian Welch and David Rawlings just two of the best to ever do it. A brilliant song about trying to appreciate your neighbour and raise your spirits even when the world seems bleak.
10) Maren Morris & Julia Michaels – Cut!
Damn if this wasn’t just the blast of absolute musical relief that I needed when things were tough – an outpouring of female solidarity with anyone going through it. And a blast of a running song as well, which is always welcome.
9) Lizzie No – Heartbreak Store
Lizzie No started the year out perfectly with this sweet Americana ballad about sharing your pain that manages to be both compassionate and wryly funny at the same time. Great video too from a stand out performer and long time favourite of the blog.
8) Waxahatchee – Right Back to It
Finally a Grammy nominee after her triumphant album ‘Tiger’s Blood’, Waxahtchee had a brilliant year from start to finish. On the lead single her and MJ Lendermen sound like the kind of world weary cool kids who love life and each other even though they know they probably should be more cynical. Musically this is Katie at her most accessible, with the floating banjo and the repeated refrain that feels timeless already.
7) Laura Marling – Child of Mine
I’ve long believed Laura Marling to be a once in a generation genius and it has been a privilege to hear her grow up in song. On her astonishing ode to motherhood ‘Child of Mine’ she conveys the utter joy of her baby in a way that feels like the most revolutionary thing. Just perfect.
6) Madi Diaz & Kacey Musgraves – Don’t Do Me Good
Another brilliant song that I’ve listened to all year and haven’t got tired of yet. Together their voices just work perfectly and they create a majestic melancholy which is unmatched. I was lucky enough to see both these artists on tour together in May (although the only sad thing was they didn’t end up performing this one!).
5) Beyoncé – Texas Hold Em
The whole Beyoncé country album debate felt like the worst kind of online culture war but what was left after all the dust settled was the music and this absolute tune in particular felt like she’d taken the banjo and catapulted it into the future, creating an infectious hoedown that rose above it all and soared. There’s no way Beyoncé’s ever been to a dive bar though, no way, sorry.
4) Adrienne Lenker – Sadness as a Gift
A late entry to my listening this year and every time I heard the song I felt myself involuntarily welling up. Sometimes a song just hits you like that, and you just have to be thankful for that little moment of catharsis. A gift indeed.
3) Miranda Lambert – Dammit Randy
Top 5 song of the year based on the title alone, but yes it is also just a brilliant slice of joy from start to finish. A perfect fuck you to everyone who ever underestimated you. Turn it up!
2) Lucy Rose – This Ain’t the Way You Go Out
Inspired by the words of a charity worker who reached out to her when she was suffering from severe physical pain, this song pays it forward, offering the listener the same advice. A devastatingly beautiful song from one of the best albums of the year.
1) Kacey Musgraves – Deeper Well
Some songs just save your life, when you didn’t even know you needed saving. So many times this year I’ve taken a deep breath, listened to Deeper Well and felt myself being brought back to life. In the end there just couldn’t be any other song at number one.
Listen to the songs here, in no particular order:
Highway Queens 