The Best Songs Released in January 2024

Welcome to the first music round-up of 2024! I can’t believe we’re here.

Noteworthy album & EP releases:
can we start over?, Charlotte Sands
FISSION, Dead Poets Society
Going Through It, Eliza McLamb
The Death of Summer & Other Promises, Etta Marcus
Lola, Goth Babe
Saviors, Green Day
ORQUÍDEAS, Kali Uchis
Blue Raspberry, Katy Kirby
INSANO, Kid Cudi
MADRA, NewDad
Portraits, Quarters of Change
LIFF, RAFF, LOVE (Act II), Rafaella
What an enormous room, TORRES
IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT, Tristan
No Place Like Home, Vacations

In chronological order:

“Girls That Play” – Etta Marcus
Release date – January 10

Indie singer-songwriter Etta Marcus first appeared on my radar last fall with the single “Little Wing,” and I loved it so much, I started listening to the rest of her discography, unaware that she was gearing up for her debut album release, which dropped this past Friday.

“Girls That Play” was the final single leading up to the album drop, and it’s quite literally the definition of an ear worm for me. It’s a beautiful ode to female friendship, the ones that we develop at crucial moments in our lives that last until we die. In another life and a rework on the production, this is a Lorde song. Lorde, if you’re reading this, please cover this song!

It’s simultaneously a story that fits all eras of women and one that perfectly encapsulates young adulthood in the 21st century. If this song hasn’t had its moment on TikTok, I may have to start the trend myself. – Kristin 

“jesus christ in a mini skirt” – Meg Smith
Release date – January 10

If you’re anything like me and have dealt with the unnecessarily stressful tribulations of dating and the impossible standards we set for each other, you’ll love the cathartic release you’ll feel when listening to indie pop singer Meg Smith’s new track “jesus christ in a mini skirt.” The song is a hilariously precise take on unrealistic expectations and accepting that you’ll never meet them.

In just three minutes, Smith tackles the “Madonna-whore” complex and the trope of wanting to “fix” a damager woman (or man, though I’d argue this is an issue that primarily affects women in heterosexual relationships)—and manages to make the entire song catchy.  

“I’m sinking in a sea I swore I’d walk on / And I’m trying to be someone you’d want / All this timе I believed if i could just be / Jesus Christ, then you’d want me.”

– Kristin

“Nothing To Declare” – MGMT
Release date – January 10

I wrote a little bit about this song on our list of most anticipated albums of this year, and mentioned how surprised I was that I actually love a slow song. “Nothing to Declare” is a direct reference to walking through TSA at an airport, crossing borders and going places, since “the world’s my Fine de Claire,” or in simpler words, our oyster. But at the same time it acknowledges that sometimes, even though we know we’re full of options, we don’t even know where we want to go: “I can tell the pearl’s in there, and still, there’s nothing I can find.”

MGMT’s comeback after six years seems promising with a variety of sounds and styles in between each single they’ve put out so far, but I think this song in particular shows their growth and maturing greatly. At the same time it remains kind of innocent and naive, as Andrew VanWyngarden sings about wanting to leave home and explore more, without really thinking about what is being left behind.

It’s a nice parallel to their decision to leave their almost psychedelic roots and venture into a more acoustic and soft sound for this song and new project, and I really hope we get more of that adventurous spirit on Loss of Life. – Javi

“yes, and?” – Ariana Grande
Release date – January 12

While I wasn’t super excited either way about getting new music from Ariana Grande, I was preparing to listen to it when it dropped. “yes, and?” Is Grande’s first single since 2020 (not including any Christmas songs, deluxe releases, or soundtracks), and with many other pop stars gearing up to release music this year, I was ready to start paying attention.

I feel like overall there hasn’t been a ton of discourse on the track since its release, but maybe I’m just not as chronically online as I used to be. But I was immediately obsessed with this song after my first listen. It’s definitely a different, yet cohesive direction for Grande to take since her last album, Positions, opting for a more contemporary pop sound with dance elements that have performed well for other artists like Due Lipa, Jessie Ware, and Troye Sivan. “yes, and?” Was also co-written and co-produced by Max Martin, who, in my eyes, rarely delivers a dud. – Kristin

“Over You” – Vacations
Release date – January 12

Aussie boyband Vacations put out their third full-length album earlier this month, which already included some previously released bops like “Next Exit” and “Midwest.” The fourth track on the record though, one that is a little slower than the singles, is one that sort of reminds me of their earlier songs, but that also gives new fans a quick and easy look into their genre-bending discography.

“Over You” is about the anxiety that being completely infatuated with another person can cause, especially when the feeling feels a little one-sided (a much too familiar feeling might I say!) Lyrics like “these thoughts, they weigh a ton” and “playing by the rules, this weight on my shoulders, more power to you” perfectly describe the dynamic between the two people, and how it can sometimes be or feel completely out of our control.

It’s a “slow sway” song but also an energizing track, and definitely one that can shine on its own in the 10-song project. Distorted guitars in between verses and choruses make the song sound so unique in an mildly off-putting but interesting way. It’s almost like the odd sound shouldn’t be there, but the friction of it matches the feelings vocalist Campbell sings about, making “Over You” an enjoyable but also attention-catching song. – Javi

“Good People” – Mumford & Sons ft. Pharrell Williams
Release date – January 16

Mumford & Sons and Pharrell Williams dropped their collab “Good People” on January 16, making waves not just in music but also in high fashion. The track premiered during Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton menswear autumn/winter runway show at Paris Fashion Week, surprising everyone with this fusion of music and style.

“Good People” steps away from Mumford & Sons’ usual folk-rock sound, blending it with Pharrell’s R&B and hip-hop vibes. The result is a genre-blending track that defies expectations, showcasing a joint commitment to innovation.

Debuting during Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton runway show added a touch of sophistication to the collaboration. Mumford & Sons performed live as models strutted the runway, turning the event into a multimedia spectacle. “Good People” set the tone for a fashion-forward showcase, elevating both the music and fashion experience.

Lyrically, the song explores themes of unity and shared humanity, aligning with Pharrell’s positive messaging. Marcus Mumford’s soulful vocals and Pharrell’s smooth delivery create a surprising harmony, blending two distinct voices seamlessly.

“Good People” not only challenges musical boundaries but also blurs the lines between music and fashion. Presented at Paris Fashion Week, this unexpected collaboration sets a precedent for future artistic fusions. As the song continues to captivate audiences, its debut on the runway leaves a lasting impact on both the music and fashion industries. – Jesse

“Tiny Moves” – Bleachers
Release date – January 17

Indie-pop maestro Jack Antonoff’s Bleachers is back with “Tiny Moves,” a sneak peek into their upcoming self-titled album. Collaborating with the versatile Margaret Qualley for the music video adds an extra layer of magic.

“Tiny Moves” is classic Bleachers—catchy melodies, anthemic choruses, and Antonoff’s signature production. The track delves into personal growth and the small changes leading to transformative moments. Its lively tempo and emotional lyrics take listeners on a sonic journey of self-discovery.

The music video, starring Margaret Qualley and directed by Antonoff, seamlessly blends the song’s energy with Qualley’s expressive moves. As an actress, dancer, and model, Qualley amplifies the song’s emotional depth.

Qualley’s choreography in the video symbolizes life’s incremental steps—tiny moves shaping our identities. The synergy of visual storytelling, vibrant aesthetics, and Antonoff’s direction enhances the overall experience, offering fans a multi-sensory treat.

A personal touch adds to the vibe—casting Jack Antonoff’s wife, Margaret Qualley, in the lead role. It subtly nods to the intimacy and authenticity Bleachers infuses into their music. The collaboration showcases artistic chemistry, emphasizing that creative projects can be deeply personal.

As we await Bleachers’ self-titled album, “Tiny Moves” provides a tantalizing glimpse into their evolving sound and storytelling. With infectious energy, thoughtful lyrics, and a visually stunning music video, the track sets the stage for a standout album, solidifying Bleachers as a leading force in indie-pop innovation. – Jesse

“Burn The Hard Drive” – Jade Bird feat. Mura Masa
Release date – January 24

Whoever came up with the idea to mix Jade Bird’s syrupy-sweet vocals and Mura Masa’s extravagant production for “Burn The Hard Drive” deserves a very nice, very big raise. Bird’s lyrics about growing apart from a person you love (or once loved) are painfully accurate, but the way she sings them makes it feel almost reassuring that it’s just a natural progression. At the same time, Mura Masa’s choices in sounds makes it all sounds cozier, like this song was made with care.

In a cynical but also realistic way, the song acknowledges that sometimes closure is just no an option, and trying to forget is the only way to get through our get out of the pain; “there’s no goodbye, no right way to die,” “but erase moments one by one, if I had to choose there be nothing left to remind me of you.”

It’s a heartbreaking song about something far too common in life, approached from an almost “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”-y way, assuming that erasing every single trace from then in our lives is the necessary and logical step. It honestly makes me so sad, but it’s also so musically fun that I feel conflicted every time I listen to it. However, Jade’s way of evoking these (horrible) emotions makes the listening experience even better, so I guess it makes me suffer in the best way possible 🙂 -Javi

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