Author's note: This blog was written by yours truly, with no assistance from AI. AI just doesn’t work for me, since it doesn’t inject puns, wordplay, or go off on tangents. My approach takes longer, but it definitely reflects my style… for better and worse!
I’ve been keeping track of my Top 10 favorite songs of the week for 30 years now, since January 1995. Let it be noted for the record that I started this project at three years old…or perhaps (just!) a couple of years after that. Please don’t do the math! In any case, I’ve been blogging about my favorite songs of the year for about half as long, since 2009. In the early days of my year-end countdowns, I recorded audio cassettes (remember those!) with my top tunes. Now, I share my rambling commentary about the top tunes via my blog. It’s a fun way to look back at the past year, remembering the songs that resonated with me for the previous 12 months. Keep in mind, these are current songs from the past year, as I often spend a lot of time also listening to songs that span many years ago. Each of the songs on my Top 40 list spent multiple weeks on my weekly chart, and many of these tunes also went all the way to number one on my weekly charts, as noted in the song recaps below.
And now, as the legendary Casey Kasem, used to say, on with the countdown!
NOTE: Each of the songs is linked below, but there is also a Spotify playlist, in reverse Top 40 order, if you want to have the "true countdown experience!"
40. Selfish Justin Timberlake
It's nice to have Justin Timberlake back on the charts again! Unfortunately, Justin was in the news earlier this past year for a DUI. This song has nothing to do with that DUI, but some might say the title is apropos. In any case, this is classic JT sounding in top form as usual! This is Justin‘s first appearance on my countdown since 2018 when he had the number nine song of the year, Say Something, with Chris Stapleton.
39. Digging in the Dirt Sheryl Crow featuring Peter Gabriel
Some of you might remember the original version of this song from Peter Gabriel, way back in 1992 on the Us album. Had I been keeping my top list of favorite songs then, this likely would have been in my Top 10 that year. This song is gritty, dark, introspective, with a lot going on lyrically and melodically. The song certainly suits Peter Gabriel‘s persona, but on paper, I wasn’t sure how this one would work, since Sheryl Crow obviously has a rather different persona and vocal quality from Mr. Gabriel. It actually works pretty well! For what it’s worth, I still prefer the original version, but I do like Sheryl’s take on the song, and it’s nice to hear her duetting with Peter. Sheryl Crow had a new album this past year, and this was my favorite song on that album. Peter Gabriel was just on my charts last year, but this is Sheryl’s first appearance since Love is Free, way back in 2008! Welcome back, Sheryl!
38. Up On You Mr. Big
Justin Timberlake, Sheryl Crow, and now, Mr. Big! It’s like a homecoming of sorts, with these classic artists appearing on my year end charts for 2024! Mr. Big had their biggest chart success on the Billboard Hot 100 back in 1992, with To Be With You. Apparently, they really like you, since now they want to be “up on you.” After all these years, Mr. Big still sounds good! If you’re looking for an upbeat rock tune, this may fulfill that need, at least until a bit later in the countdown!
37. I Wrote Your Name (Upon My Heart) Sting
Yet another vintage artist in my year-end countdown! And these are all 2024 songs! Some might say that Sting's voice sounds a little “rougher” than it usually does on this song, but to me, it works perfectly for the tune. Like so many of the songs in his canon, this is another one with great production, lyrics, and melody. Sting hasn’t been away too long, as he was last at number 40 for the year 2022 with Rushing Water!
36. Bundle of Joy Lenny Kravitz
Another new song, by another vintage artist! This is the first of three appearances by Lenny on my year-end countdown. It’s a rock song with a lot of funk and soul, or I guess you could also say it’s a funk song with a rock edge. However one describes it, one descriptor is appropriate in any case, and that’s “fun!” This is a song that will keep you tapping your toes, and feeling good, and we could all use more of that these days!
35. Northern Attitude Noah Kahan
This is the perfect introspective song for listening to on these long, cold nights in the winter season! It paints a picture that is often rather bittersweet and heavy, yet it also features some lighter moments, humor, and hope, too. Songs like this that paint a picture of a slice of life are the reason why so many of us gravitate to music in the first place. Noah Kahan is a newcomer on my chart, but I am hoping for more new music from him in the future. This tune also has a bit of a Lumineers feel to it. If you like that group, this is a tune that will likely resonate with you as well.
34. Get Down New Kids on the Block featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff
Diana Ross is strong on this one, but that is certainly not a problem! Her 1980s hit, Upside Down, is sampled and prominently featured on this tune by New Kids on the Block. This is a song I discovered on an online New Zealand radio station, Retro Hit Radio, that features retro artists and songs. As you may have noticed, or will notice as this blog continues, my listening habits are kind of all over the place! And part of that is due to the fact that I listen to a lot of different platforms for music. I love discovering new artists and new songs, but I also love hearing what vintage artists are doing, as many of them are still releasing wonderful new music every year. Some platforms only highlight the newest artists, but I am more for exploring new songs, regardless of the age of the musician. Whether they are still too young to vote, eligible for AARP membership, or collecting Social Security benefits, I am all ears for good music from any and all musicians!
33. This Is Me...Now Jennifer Lopez
As I mentioned a moment ago, there are many sources for the songs on my countdown, even radio commercials! The first few times I heard snippets of this song was on a commercial for a J Lo documentary. After hearing the commercial multiple times, I had to find the whole song. I like it! This is J Lo‘s first appearance on my countdown since 1999, when she had the number 34 song of the year with If You Had My Love. Talk about going back in the way back machine! She sounds great on this song; it is definitely more of an adult contemporary song, and less of a dance song, but for some of us, that certainly is no problem. Plus, this song features an ellipsis in the title, and that’s also pretty cool. For what it’s worth, I don’t know how many songs on my countdown have featured ellipses over the years, but that will be another research project for another day. At the rate I’m going in getting this blog written, it may not be completed until July 2029!
32. Pink Pony Club Chappell Roan
This is the lowest-ranked number one hit of 2024 on my countdown, and that’s due to timing. It only entered my charts in late November, and so it hasn’t had much time to rack up a lot of chart points…yet. But don’t feel too badly for this artist, since she has another appearance later on in my countdown, at a significantly higher position. I think this is the first time that ponies, and specifically pink ones, have been in one of my year-end countdowns! Chappell has a great vocal range, engaging performance style, and lyrics to match! This song will get in your head and won’t quickly depart. I consider that a good thing, but opinions on “earworms” do vary, so listen, or not, accordingly!
31. Not Strong Enough boygenius
Love this trio of three, with their songs featuring great harmonies, smart lyrics, and cool production. Boygenius is on my bucket list of artists and groups I would like to see in concert, but there are no current dates. Perhaps that will change in the year to come? In the meantime, I will save my concert funds, as I indulge in their music and sing along. If you see me out and about singing along, feel free to join in, or let me know if you find a concert date!
30. Take Me Home, Country Roads Lana Del Rey
This is a repeat from my Top 40 songs of 2023, as it was released late that calendar year. There is no denying that the original by John Denver will always be the definitive and best version, but Lana does a really pretty interpretation, that exposes this masterful tune to new listeners. Her unique singing style and storytelling ability definitely add a freshness to her version. And, speaking of concerts, Lana is yet another artist I would love to see live at some point. I better start saving my money!
29. The People's House Bon Jovi
Welcome back Bon Jovi! The last time that Bon Jovi appeared on one of my year-end countdowns was way back in 2007, when they had the number three hit of the year with (You Want To) Make a Memory. This year, they were back with a tune that acts as a great reminder and motivator about our political system, and who the government is for… the people. Whether you are happy with the way the 2024 elections came out, or perhaps you are feeling disenfranchised, this song can be a great reminder to everyone about the power of the people, and how every voice is critical and worthwhile when it comes to making meaningful and positive change. And, for what it’s worth, this song is fun, too. Doing the important work doesn’t have to be miserable! This song spent one week at number one in early November 2024 and eight total weeks on my weekly charts.
28. Woman's World Katy Perry
Is this a serious song, or a joke? The verdict still seems to be out! At one point, it seemed like Katy Perry could do “no wrong” when it came to her music releases. These days, it seems she can do “no right.” There are definitely a lot of “haters” out there these days when it comes to Katy Perry and her music. For what it’s worth, I don't understand it, but I don’t follow her every move as some folks do, so maybe one of my readers can enlighten me? In the meantime, I will sit back and enjoy this tune. It’s light, and fluffy, and fun. But is it supposed to be a joke, or not? The video is pretty over the top, and I guess that’s where more of the confusion sets in. And, of course, each song can be taken by itself, and that may lead to one perception, versus watching the video of the song, which can often lead to a vastly different perception and response. OK, onto the next song, or I will never get this blog completed! My cat, Roger, is staring at me intently as I write; he knows I am easily distracted while working on this project…and others as well!
27. Ahead of the Game Mark Knopfler
To the Dire Straits fans out there, this is one hell of a jam to check out! Mark Knopfler still sounds in top form all these years later, and demonstrates how much of a true artist he has always been…and still is. This is a song to listen to when you want listen to quality music. It definitely has a very bluesy feel to it, and, as I get older, I resonate more with that sound. The song is relaxing, yet thought-provoking with its smart lyrics. Love the guitar on this one and Mark sounds just as good as he did when he was with Dire Straits 40 years ago. Highly recommended.
26. Dancing Star Pet Shop Boys
To continue on the theme about artists sounding as good now as they did 40 years ago, I reintroduce you to the Pet Shop Boys. They have always been wonderful storytellers, and this song is certainly no exception! This song features an electric beat, engaging lyrics, danceability (title is spot on!), and the high energy that PSB has long been known for. Turn this one up at your next party, and both the old and new fans will be dancing along!
25. Boy In Love Elliot James Reay
I’m always happy to see a young artist take on the sounds of yesteryear. The last few years, that artist has been Stephen Sanchez. I really love how he incorporates the classic sound of music from the 1940s and 1950s into his music. This year, newcomer Elliot James Reay does that with this tune. The song sounds fresh and new, while also harkening back to a much earlier time, even before some of us were yet here on planet earth! The video is fun, as is the song, and I appreciate any artist that doesn’t overly rely on auto tune or other equipment that often masks out the organic and human feel of the music. Unfortunately, there are some songs that sound so perfect, but they sound like they’ve been created by a computer, with little to no human intervention. I like a computer for doing my taxes, but not for creating my music, thank you very much! This song is still currently on my weekly charts and spent two weeks at number one earlier in December.
24. Cool About It boygenius
This is the second appearance by boygenius in my year-end countdown, and it’s a rather melancholic tune. Sometimes, a melancholic tune is just what the doctor ordered though. Perhaps you’re having a down day, or perhaps you need some time to yourself to reflect on things? Songs like this are a great comfort in many ways. The harmonies on this tune are fabulous, and the lyrics will likely resonate with many, especially those who have dealt with relationship challenges. That is certainly one of the wonderful things about music, no matter your mood, there’s always going to be a song that resonates with you and your feelings as they are in that moment. This song spent one week at number one in early 2024, but an additional two weeks at number one in 2023. But for those of you, keeping track at home, the points from 2023 don’t count towards 2024! No wonder boygenius are melancholy!
23. Don't Forget Me Maggie Rogers
I won’t forget you, Maggie! Maggie‘s music definitely harkens back to the sound of the 1970s singer songwriter. Although she is a young artist, she definitely has an old soul when it comes to the lyrics and production quality in her music. This particular tune would’ve sounded right at home on AM radio in 1975. This is the kind of music that resonates with yours truly. Get a cup of hot tea, a blanket, and let Maggie’s voice envelop your world. This song spent one week at number one in the spring of 2024, with 13 total weeks on my charts. And, check her out in concert if you get a chance. I was fortunate enough to see her in San Francisco a couple of years ago, and it was a great show!
22. That's So True Gracie Abrams
This is another artist that has a Taylor Swift sound to her music. But some of us are definitely all right with that, since we like that sound! This is a relatively new song on my weekly charts, but it did spend one week at number one this fall. The lyrics are fun, sassy, and light. Not every song has to be serious! In fact, it’s all about the balance, right? One of my challenges in 2024 was listening to too much news. Obviously 2024 was a very news-heavy year, and so we needed songs to counterbalance that heaviness. Or, at least, I did! And for what it’s worth, that’s so true!
21. Get Your Smile On John Oates
Daryl Hall and John Oates have been recording for decades, but the happy story came to an end in 2024. There were lawsuits, allegations, and just a lot of unfortunate sadness between the two gentlemen this past year. In any case, it doesn’t sound like we will see them performing together live anytime soon, nor will we hear any new songs credited to the duo. That being said, the song title for this solo effort from John almost seems a bit ironic. But, perhaps not, since he may be happier, and smiling more, without his former partner in the picture? Of course, Jimmy Smiles has to like this song simply for its title, right? But my like for this song is deeper than that. It’s fun, upbeat, and John Oates sounds like he’s having a great time singing it. Even when times are tough, we can often find reasons to get our smile on. Thanks for the reminder, John! This song spent one week at number one on my charts this past winter, with a lucky 13 total weeks on my charts.
20. The Girl That I Call Home Tears For Fears
Tears For Fears continues to be an active and engaging group! It’s good to see (and hear!) them recording new music again, and more importantly, music that continues to evolve, and yet retain their unique sound as well. I love the musical introduction and build up on this song. It’s almost like you’re getting ready to watch a major motion picture. This is their first appearance on my year-end countdown since 2021, where they had the number 36 hit of the year with Tipping Point. As with their other songs, the lyrics tell an engaging story, while Roland’s unique vocals, and the overall production are the icing on the cake. I’ve seen them in concert before, but I’m certainly not opposed to seeing them again. Based on my concert list, I may need to pick up a second job soon. Roger is encouraging that as well. Of course, he may also be encouraging that, so I’m out of the house more frequently. A cat’s life is so complicated!
19. Texas Hold' Em Beyonce
Some listeners had mixed feelings on Beyoncé taking on the country genre with her recent album. It’s interesting how some artists are pigeonholed by their listeners and/or labels into only producing a certain sound, but I like it when artists take creative risks in evolving their sound. This song is still very much Beyoncé, even if it is in a genre she doesn’t normally record. Her vocals are perfect for this tune, the lyrics are smart and fun, and I think it’s a real winner! It sometimes feels like artists shortchange themselves, if they’re limiting themselves to only producing what they think their record label, or existing fan base, wants to hear. There’s always the risk that some audience members might disappear, But, at the same time, is the artist recording only for the fan support, or for themselves? I guess it’s all about the balance again! In any case, this song spent 11 weeks on my charts, and one week at its peak position of number two in the spring of 2024.
18. Bad Chem Sabrina Carpenter
Although this song title could describe the academic grade situation in my freshman year of college, that’s not quite the case with this first appearance by newcomer Sabrina Carpenter in my year-end countdown. Once again, relationships, and in this case, relationship fantasies, make good fodder for pop music. They allow the artist to tell their story, with often very resonant and entertaining results. How many of us have ever been tempted to do something that might not be so good for us, especially in terms of a relationship? This song fancifully explores that option. The production on this song sounds light, while the lyrics often reflect otherwise. In any case, this song is still on my weekly charts, as it debuted late in the calendar year, and spent two weeks at number one in November.
17. Better Days Zach Bryan Featuring John Mayer
This is just a really pretty song, with wonderfully real and optimistic lyrics. And if that wasn’t enough, it is performed by two top-notch musicians who sound really good together. This is another song where the superb guitar playing is also a big part of the song’s attractiveness. These are often very challenging times, and there is much to dislike everywhere, but at the same time, we can also choose to focus on ways to make these the “better days.” Songs like this give us hope! This is John Mayer’s first appearance on my year end chart since 2021 when he had two Top 10 hits, Last Train Home and Wild Blue. And this is Zach’s first time on my countdown. Here’s hoping these two collaborate more in the future! Although this song didn’t reach number one on my weekly charts, it did spend 4 (frustrating!) weeks at number two, with a total of 12 weeks on my charts in the summer.
16. Murder on the Dancefloor Sophie Ellis-Bextor
This song is this year’s Running Up That Hill! Originally released in 2001, it became popular this year…23 years later. I love Sophie’s voice and the quality production on this tune. It definitely stands out from the other songs on this countdown, but that could be at least partially due to when the song was first written, produced, and released. It has that early 00s sensibility…for whatever that’s worth! My understanding is that there were no actual deaths or homicides on said dance floor, so you can safely indulge in this one. I guess if you’re concerned, you could follow this one up with The Safety Dance. You’re welcome. This song spent one week at number one on my weekly charts, with a total of 13 weeks this past spring.
15. Human Lenny Kravitz
Lenny Kravitz has most definitely answered the call of needing more songs that celebrate and embrace being human. This is a fun song, with lyrics that commemorate the human spirit. It’s high energy and worthy of frequent listens, especially if you need the proverbial kick in the butt to get moving and revel in your humanness. Play it on a Monday morning…or whenever you feel like you’re dragging…Lenny won’t let you down! This song spent a long 21 weeks on my charts, peaking at number two for three weeks in late summer and early fall.
14. One Woman Eric Clapton
Eric always sounds good, and this record is certainly no exception! It’s a slow jam, and highly recommended Sunday morning listening or whenever you have the time to let it envelop you. Let the laidback melody, lyrics, and mood take you into Eric’s world. This song spent 14 weeks on my weekly charts, with one peak week at number two in the autumn.
13. Set My Heart On Fire (I’m Alive x and The Beat Goes On) Majestic, The Jammin Kid, and Celine Dion
This is my favorite dance song of the year, or should I say “dance songs” plural since it’s a mashup of several tunes, including a song initially done by Celine Dion called I’m Alive. I dare you to try listening to this song without tapping your feet…it’s just not possible! It’s wonderful to hear a “new” song from Celine, even if the sampled song is from 2002! Celine was also prominently featured in the 2024 summer Olympic Games in Paris, and that was a treat for all of us who have missed hearing that beautiful voice. This song spent only 11 weeks on my weekly charts, but it debuted at number one and spent five weeks there. This is Celine’s first appearance on my chart since A New Day Has Come was the number 4 song of 2002.
12. TK421 Lenny Kravitz
If you believe in reincarnation, then it appears (sounds) like Prince is back as Lenny Kravitz! This song would have sounded totally at home on FM Top 40 radio in 1985, and that’s a very good thing, at least to this Gen X listener! Rock, pop, and soul influences come together to make this a guaranteed winner. And it sounds like Lenny is having a blast on this tune as well. If the artist is having fun, it makes it so much more likely that the listener will also join in on that fun! Oh, and TK421 is the identification number of an imperial stormtrooper from the Star Wars franchise…and of course, I already KNEW that, and didn’t need to look it up on Wikipedia. Oh, oh, here comes the lightning now to strike me down! This song spent a long 17 weeks on my chart, with three weeks at number one, where it debuted in the summer.
11. Lose Control Teddy Swims
It’s the number one Billboard Hot 100 hit of 2024. It was ubiquitous and certainly overplayed…but it still sounds fresh and commands attention, with Teddy’s smooth and smoky vocals, dramatic production, and lyrics to which many listeners can relate. The test of a really good song is how good it sounds after being played so much. This song passes that test with flying colors and will likely be considered a “standard” in the years to come. Check back in with me in 2034, and we can discuss how well the song sounds then! This tune spent only one week at number one on my weekly charts, but a long 20 weeks total in the first 5 months of the year.
10. Die With A Smile Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
One of my 2025 New Year’s resolutions is to finish this damned blog, so now I’m getting my butt back in gear, as we enter the Top 10 songs of the year on my favorite songs countdown of 2024! This is the highest-ranking non-number one hit of the year on my countdown. It had a healthy 17 weeks total on my charts, with six long weeks at its peak of number two during the fall. This is a wonderful pairing of two voices that sound so good together. I really love the groove and production quality on this one; it’s a softer and quieter song than Bruno Mars or Lady Gaga usually perform, but the strong vocals command the listener’s attention. And, there are some of us who still like the softer, adult contemporary style of music. What can I say, guilty as charged!
9. Lunch Billie Eilish
Billie continues to be a regular fixture on my year-end countdowns, and this year is no exception, with both of her appearances in the Top 10! There are certainly lots of double entendres in this lunch special, and that’s what makes the song so damned engaging and fun to listen to. Plus, as usual, Billie sounds like she’s having a lot of fun in the song and that always makes it more entertaining as well. This song spent a sweet 16 weeks total on my charts, with three weeks at number one during the summer. If you’re having a tough day, take a lunch break, with Billie…
8. Good Luck, Babe! Chappell Roan
This song really grew on me the more I heard it. I really like Chappell's voice and vocal qualities. There’s definitely some Taylor Swift influence here, and again, I am more than OK with that. This song is fun to listen to, as well as sing along with. Plus, this song features an exclamation mark in the title. So far on my countdown, we’ve had a song with an ellipsis in the title, and now a song with an exclamation mark. It’s like a punctuation lover’s dream come true! In any case, relationship difficulties prove to be great inspiration for fun songs. But, even if you’re not suffering from one of those relationship challenges, this song is pretty awesome. The song spent a total of 17 weeks on my chart, with one week at number one in the fall.
7. Running Norah Jones
I’m listening to this song on New Year’s Day, 2025, and it’s the perfect way to kick off the new year! I have long adored Norah’s vocal quality, vibe and musical style, and this song continues my adoration fest. Each of her songs is unique, yet always features her very characteristic musical style. Although her sound is soft and laid-back, this is not background music. Norah draws the listener in, like a storyteller that keeps you hanging on for the next word. OK, now I’m back to having to look for a second job, since I want to see her in concert as well! This song spent a long 22 weeks on my charts, with three weeks at number one in the spring. This is Norah‘s first appearance on my year-end countdown since she appeared at number nine for the year of 2020 with I’m Alive. But, it’s a different I’m Alive” than the one previously referenced by Celine Dion!
6. Fortnight Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone
I know, you’ve all been waiting for Taylor Swift in my year-end countdown! She has had at least one hit in my Top 40 of the year now going all the way back to 2012, when she had the number nine song of the year with We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together. Like many of her songs, this specific one is a grower, with each listen yielding new aspects and elements and surprises. This one is kind of special too, since it’s a duet with Post Malone; his vocals add additional nuance ad atmosphere to the song. This is Post’s first time on one of my year-end countdowns. This song spent only two weeks at number one, but an additional long six weeks at number two, with a total of 19 weeks on the chart in late spring and summer.
5. Scared To Start Michael Marcagi
This is another good song for a new year! Often the things that might help us move in a new direction, or help propel us forward, are those things that maybe we are fearful of, or scared to start. Acknowledging that fear is the first step, and then conquering it is the next! This song just might help in that endeavor. Michael is a newcomer to my charts, and I really love the message and production quality on this song. This song spent a long 20 weeks total on my charts, with only one week at number one, but an additional four weeks at number two. Here’s hoping each of us try something new in 2025, and especially something that maybe we previously were scared to start!
4. Turn The Lights Back On Billy Joel
First, there was Billie, and now there is Billy! I was so excited to hear new Billy Joel music this past year! When this song was first released in early February, I listened to it immediately, and it made me so happy. I love the vulnerability and the honesty in the lyrics, the production is superb, it’s like classic Billy Joel in 2024 packaging! The song pulls you in from the opening notes, and you can’t help but become part of Billy’s world. This song debuted at number one on my weekly charts in February, and spent six long weeks there, with a total of 20 weeks on my charts. I would love to hear this song live in concert someday. Although I’ve seen Billy several times in concert, including once with Sir Elton John, on The Piano Men Tour, I would not be opposed to a concert redux!
3. Birds Of A Feather Billie Eilish
It feels weird to say this is “classic” Billie Eilish, since that makes it sound like she’s been making music for decades, but there’s definitely an old soul quality about her and her music style, and this is a song that definitely features all the “Billie attributes,” including that soft, whispering vocal style. There are some listeners who don’t really resonate with that style, but I find it to be intriguing, and a refreshing alternative from other contemporary vocalists. In any case, I guess “birds of a feather” stick together, and I am firmly in the Billie fan club, or would that be “flock?” This song had the longest weekly run on my charts, with a full half year, or 26 weeks on the charts, with a peak position at number one for three weeks, where it debuted in the summer.
2. Too Sweet Hozier
Hozier is back! This song features smart lyrics with a sweet melody…beware if you have any dietary restrictions on sugar! At first, I was thinking how different this tune is from his 2014 song, Take Me To Church, which was my number 30 hit that year. But then, I realized that maybe it’s not THAT different, since it is yet another tune that is witty and lyrically rich! Like so many other songs on this countdown, this one is also about relationship challenges, which ensures relatability for a lot of listeners out there. This song spent 23 total weeks on my chart, with two weeks at number one, and an additional three weeks at number two in the late spring and summer. Hoping to hear more from Hozier in the future…we need more of his unique vocal style, and smart and entertaining take on the world around us!
1. Please Please Please Sabrina Carpenter
And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for, the number one hit of 2024, on The Smiles Countdown! Before I even get to the song itself, let me share some impressive chart statistics. This song spent nine incredible weeks at number one on my weekly charts, it’s only the fourth song in my chart history, going all the way back to 1995, to spend that many weeks at number one*! It spent an additional 5 weeks at number two, and a total of 19 weeks on my chart, which likely would’ve been longer, had it not debuted later in the year (September). Like several other songs on my countdown, this song kept growing on me. I really love the 1980s production quality that complements Sabrina’s vocals. It’s very much a true pop song, with smart lyrics, and the sass in Sabrina’s vocals that make this a winner! I always appreciate a good pop song, and this one definitely checks all the boxes. It’s also a relatively short song (3:05), and I guess you could say both the singer at 5 feet tall and song length are fun size! In any case, it’s a lightweight song, and we could use more of those lightweight and fun moments these days.
Sometimes music offers comfort and solace, and sometimes it can just be a fun and mindless escape. In any case, I hope this countdown has provided you with each of these opportunities. Let me know what you think of this countdown. Are there songs I am missing? What do you think of the songs I’ve selected? Are there additional concerts I should be checking out in 2025? What musical treats or earworms will be the next big thing? Let me know at Jimmysmiles07@gmail.com.
Be well, keep listening to the music, and keep smiling!
*The three other songs that have each spent nine weeks on my chart since its inception in 1995 are:
Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman? Bryan Adams (1995)
This is a very romantic piece with Bryan sounding in top form!
Invisible Clay Aiken (2004)
This song is rather creepy, lyrics-wise, but I really like the production quality and Clay's vocals on it.
Cupid's Chokehold Gym Class Heroes Featuring Patrick Stump (2007)
This is just a really fun hip-hop tune about being head over heels in love...and it samples the classic Breakfast in America by Supertramp, too. Win win!
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