The Best Songs Released in March 2024

Happy unofficial start to the second quarter of 2024!!!!! While I was compiling the list of album and EP releases to listen to, I got unbelievably overwhelmed by not only its length, but how many of the albums I still need to listen to! But it’s a good problem to have. And I’m looking forward to the unbelievable amount of even MORE music coming in April: including Vampire Weekend, Lizzy McAlpine, Medium Build, Taylor Swift, and St. Vincent (to name a few).

Noteworthy album & EP releases:
Bright Future, Adrienne Lanker
Eternal Sunshine, Ariana Grande
Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé
Suddenly Okay, Blake Rose
Bleachers, Bleachers
All I Ever Want Is Everything, Blu DeTiger
another year, Brother Bird
NOTEBOOK FANTASY, Chicano Batman
A Cheetah Hunting In Slow Motion, Chloe George
Going Nowhere The EP, Cinders
Stargazing, crêpe girl
For Your Consideration, Empress Of
SKIN, Devon Thompson
Our Bodies Paint Traffic Lines, fanclubwallet
In Search of The Antidote, Fletcher
This Ain’t The Album, Flyana Boss
The Garden Dream, gglum
work in progress, Holly Humberstone
Unheard, Hozier
Everything I Thought It Was, Justin Timberlake
Car Sick, Laura Elliott
Handle With Care, Lindsey Lomis
Deeper Well, Kacey Musgraves
Birdwatcher, Kaleah Lee
The After Taste, Kenya Grace
THE COLLECTIVE, Kim Gordon
shed, King Isis
Stray Dog, Kristiane
GUTS (Spilled), Olivia Rodrigo
Acid Star, PEEL
UTOPIA NOW!, Rosie Tucker
Before It’s Gone, Salt Cathedral
Mind, Man, Medicine, The Salt Sisters
Bullhead, Slow Hollows
SUPERNOVA, Sophie Cates
Emily, Strawberry Launch
TYLA, TYLA
Tigers Blood, Waxahatchee
Rufus, Yot Club

In chronological order:

“we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” – Ariana Grande
Release Date – March 8

Every Ariana Grande release cycle, I find myself anticipating what’s to come from the pop star, only to be regularly disappointed in the final product as a whole. That’s not to say that Grande isn’t talented, she has certainly been one of the most influential women in pop for the last several years, but I personally vibe with her earlier work, specifically Dangerous Woman. But that doesn’t mean I don’t connect with any of the new album—I certainly do—just not most of it.

“we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” is so clearly the standout track from Eternal Sunshine, a beautifully understated breakup anthem that was co-written and co-produced with none other than Max Martin and Ilya Salmanzadeh, who both had hands in creating one of Grande’s biggest songs, “Problem.”

I think the main reason why I had high hopes for Eternal Sunshine is because so much of it was collaborated on by Max Martin, who I would state is probably the best pop producer of the last three decades. But I will accept this fate, as “we can’t be friends,” is that good of a track. I’m not sure if it actually samples Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own,” a song that I have stated is one of the best, if not the best pop song ever written, but the sonic similarities and themes that you can find in both tracks is enough to make me go feral. – Kristin

“Call Me After Midnight” – Bleachers
Release Date – March 8

Jack Antonoff’s version of The Artic Monkeys’ “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High” may not have as much of a “this is a staple song of the 2010s Tumblr generation” vibe to it, but that doesn’t mean it lacks its own contagious, wonderful vibe.

I’m pretty sure there are two main reasons why I was instantly drawn to this song after my first listen: the first being that the intro sounds remarkably similar to “Everybody Lost Somebody,” a track from Bleachers’ sophomore album, Gone Now, and the second being that it’s the song that most closely sounds like a Red Hearse track. For those of you who may not be as overwhelmingly involved with Jack Antonoff’s discography, Red Hearse is a side project featuring Antonoff, Sam Dew, and Sounwave: they released one album back in 2019, played only three shows in the US supporting it, and never released anything as a trio ever again.

But it’s obvious their collaborations didn’t end there: they’ve all worked on music with none other than Taylor Swift, and of course, this track: featuring additional contributions from Ryan Beatty and Kevin Abstract. “Call Me After Midnight” is the sonic standout from Bleachers, not to say it’s better or worse, but its dissonance compared to the rest of the album is quite obvious. I’m not quite sure about how the song came to be, but I’m ecstatic it made the final project (and it seems like other fans are too: it’s the second most streamed non-single off the album, only second to the first track off the album). – Kristin

“Calling After Me“ – Wallows
Release Date – March 21

As a massive, and I mean enormous, fan of Wallows’ 2018 Spring EP, a part of me is always expecting them to drop something similar and usually love the songs from each album that sound the closest to what songs like “These Days” and “Pictures of Girls” did. With that said, “Calling After Me” was them finally answering my prayers. 

The prominent guitar and riffs, along with the catchy chorus has turned this track into one of my favorites and is making me look forward to their new album Model even more than I already was (and I am always actively excited to get any new Wallows material). It seems like the boys have truly taken the time to perfect their craft in the past few years, experimenting with both what they know and what they’ve always wanted to try, and it’s really given us a wonderful, fun, and simply enjoyable product.

I just love a song that seems to be appropriate at any point, and that’s exactly what “Calling After Me” can become in my humble opinion. I love it and love to dance around my room to it, and I hope you do too! – Javi

“Knowing U Exist“ – Medium Build
Release Date – March 22nd

Nick Carpenter, also known as Medium Build, is rapidly carving out a place for himself in the music industry. Originally from Georgia and now based in Alaska, his career trajectory is undeniably impressive. With performances alongside acclaimed artists like Lewis Capaldi and FINNEAS under his belt, he’s set to reach even greater heights, including appearances at Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza this summer.

His album Country is set to drop on April 5, generating excitement among fans and critics alike. In the lead-up to its release, Medium Build has unveiled several singles, including “In My Room,” “Crying Over U,” “Cutting Thru the Country,” and the latest, “Knowing U Exist.” Each track showcases his distinctive fusion of soulful guitar work and introspective lyrics.

The song immediately grabs your attention with the line, “Fuck I just love laughing with you,” setting a powerful tone from the start. “Knowing U Exist” has a universality that resonates deeply. It captures intimate moments, like picking out snacks with someone you love. It delves into personal flaws with lines like “I get heavy and I think too much” and “I get anxious when the sun goes down.” The song strikes a profound chord, expressing the comforting presence of a loved one amidst life’s chaos. It’s a poignant exploration of love. 

The haunting violin melodies that weave throughout the song add an extra layer of emotion, enhancing its depth and resonance. “Knowing U Exist” is the kind of track you can listen to endlessly without losing its impact.

With the anticipation mounting for the release of Country, “Knowing U Exist” offers a tantalizing glimpse of what’s in store. – Jesse

“Obsessed“ – Olivia Rodrigo
Release Date – March 22

It’s been just three years since Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album, yet she’s already proving herself as a star with staying power in the music industry. Drawing from the likes of Taylor Swift (a comparison that’s been hashed out enough), songwriting remains her driving force, with Olivia constantly penning new material. So, it’s no surprise that her sophomore album, GUTS, offers more depth.

Currently on tour, glimpses into her live performances flood TikTok, giving fans a sneak peek into her evolving artistry. Among these performances is the previously unreleased gem, “Obsessed,” which finally saw the light of day on March 22nd as part of the GUTS (spilled) EP, featuring five unreleased tracks.

“Obsessed,” a three-minute rock anthem, delves into the complexities of infatuation with a current partner’s ex. Olivia boldly embraces the messy side of love, capturing the discomfort of jealousy with lyrics like, “I can’t help it, I got issues!” The track seamlessly fits into her thematic universe, embodying the raw emotion that defines her style.

What sets “Obsessed” apart is Olivia’s collaboration with Annie Clark of St. Vincent. Clark’s influence is evident in the evocative guitar arrangements and haunting background vocals, adding depth and sophistication to the track.

In essence, “Obsessed” not only showcases Olivia Rodrigo’s evolving artistry but also her willingness to explore new sonic territories. With each release, she cements her status as a contemporary music luminary, leaving audiences eagerly awaiting her next move. – Jesse 

“Cinderella“ – Remi Wolf
Release Date – March 22

Remi Wolf’s latest release, “Cinderella,” marks her return to the music scene since last year’s “Prescription.” With her powerhouse vocals and refreshingly original pop production, it’s hard not to get excited about anything she puts out. Her music has this infectious groove and playful energy that’s impossible to resist. Even when her lyrics, like “Like Cinderella making babies on the company’s dime,” veer into cheeky and eccentric territory, you find yourself just going along for the ride.

Jared Solomon, her co-producer known as Solomonphonic, brings his A-game with whistle sounds, chimes, and trumpets expertly woven into the mix, guaranteeing you won’t be able to keep still while listening. And if the song itself isn’t enough to captivate you, the accompanying music video adds another layer of whimsy and charm. Featuring Remi in a color-changing outfit reminiscent of a ballet dancer, dancing through fields and sharing the screen with Mac Demarco as an ice cream man, it’s a delightful visual treat that perfectly complements the song’s playful vibe.

In a recent Instagram announcement, Remi revealed that her sophomore album, Big Ideas, is set to drop on July 12th. Describing it as a collection of songs about love, lust, anger, fantasies, and everything in between, it’s clear that she’s pouring her heart and soul into this project. With its emphasis on vulnerability, detail, and intuition, “Big Ideas” promises to be a testament to Remi’s pioneering spirit and genre-bending creativity. – Jesse 

“Oh, Gemini“ – ROLE MODEL
Release Date – March 22

It doesn’t really feel right to talk about the (insane) amount of knowledge I have on Tucker Pillsbury (aka ROLE MODEL) and Emma Chamberlain’s relationship, especially now that they have been broken up for a while. But since this song is clearly about Emma (the Gemini in question) I must simply acknowledge the chokehold they had on me as a couple. They’re two of my favorite people ever, so their break up was already really sad to me, but getting to hear about it through good music? Boy, is it devastating.

“Oh, Gemini” is not only incredibly depressing, but it also marks a new chapter in Tucker’s career, musically and lyrically. While on his Rx album he got to mix his original f*ckboy persona with his new lover boy fame, now he can’t help but put the rawest of his emotions out there. The guy is going through it and he said “and you’re all gonna go through it with me!” Leaning into a more acoustic sound, he also gets to conceive a new level of vulnerability, allowing listeners to get a glimpse of a new side of the 26-year-old. I’m forever sad about the break up too, but I am thankful for this new piece of ROLE MODEL’s heart that we’re now lucky enough to get. – Javi

“II MOST WANTED“ – Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus
Release Date – March 29th 

Yesterday, Beyoncé dropped Cowboy Carter, the highly anticipated act ii to RENAISSANCE‘s act i. Originally set to kick off the album, Beyoncé’s decision to delay its release due to the pandemic underscores her unwavering faith in divine timing. Clocking in at a whopping 1 hour and 18 minutes, this labor of love, crafted over five years, is poised to etch itself as a historic milestone in Beyoncé’s illustrious career.

Dubbed as “Not a Country album. A Beyoncé album,” Cowboy Carter truly lives up to its billing as a multifaceted masterpiece. Listening to it feels like embarking on a cinematic odyssey, strolling through an art gallery, and attending a mesmerizing stage performance all rolled into one. Beyoncé seamlessly weaves together elements of Black History, Country Music History, and her own introspections, even daring to challenge the Grammys for overlooking her Album of the Year.

One track stands out in particular: “II MOST WANTED,” featuring the incomparable Miley Cyrus. Miley’s unexpected cameo sent shockwaves reverberating across the globe, with fans undoubtedly hitting repeat on the song. The collaboration surpasses all expectations, with Beyoncé and Miley showcasing a vocal chemistry that’s truly remarkable. 

Their seamless exchange of high notes truly solidifies it as an equal collaboration. This timing couldn’t be more perfect, especially with Miley’s recent Grammy wins and her current prominence in the spotlight. 

As they declare, “I’ll be your shotgun rider til the day I die” in “II MOST WANTED,” their unbreakable bond shines through. Here’s hoping for a music video or live performance—we should be so lucky. – Jesse