2024's Greatest Hits (According to Me)
As 2024 draws to a close, let’s take a moment to look at a few of the tracks I had in rotation, shall we?
59,492 minutes.
That’s how much of my year I’ve spent listening to music as of December 29 — over 41 days filled with 5,420 songs from 2,090 artists. And while this number will likely grow before the year ends — given that music practically plays in the background of my entire day — I want to pause and reflect on the tracks that have genuinely been my ride-or-die companions this year.
Saying, “My musical journey since breaking free from the confines of only listening to rap has been a whirlwind,” feels like an understatement of epic proportions. If there were a "2024 Wrapped" for downplaying life-changing moments, I’d be topping the charts — no contest.
Music has always been my time machine. Each song, lyric, and beat is a portal to a moment, a feeling, a place. These are the songs that stayed with me, their rhythms weaving into the fabric of my days.
5. T.W.I.N. - Narrow Head
I’m quick to move on if the first 30 seconds of a song don’t grab me. Honestly, I’m all about the beat, but if it hooks me, I’ll stick around long enough to dive deeper into the lyrics.
As I like to say, “If the beat is wack, I walk away and don’t turn back. If it makes me sway, I’m more likely to stay.” But I digress.
When I first heard “T.W.I.N.” by Narrow Head, the instrumentation didn’t grab me. I actually remember feeling let down — I was so hyped for a new track from them. It wasn’t until this year — while revisiting their entire discography for the umpteenth time – that I stumbled on it again.
I wish I’d been more patient the first time because the chorus is where the magic happens. The steady instrumentation melds beautifully with Jacob Duarte’s laid-back vocals. Then comes that droning, wavering guitar riff in the chorus's second half, which ultimately won me over.
It was a classic “Wait… maybe I actually love this song?” moment. Afterward, I dove into the lyrics, which seem to tell the story of a grieving son grappling with the loss of his father.
The title “T.W.I.N.” stands for “the way is narrow,” which is both the chorus's last line and the song's closing lyric. It’s a phrase reminiscent of a scripture from the Christian Bible, and the band also used it in a tribute post for a friend who had passed away.
This song is a hauntingly beautiful ode to death and the devastation it leaves behind. Let me put it this way: if someone’s in charge of my send-off, make sure this plays as they lower me into the ground.
4. Chasing Monsters - Iamthecoffin.
This song was the soundtrack to my entire summer. I’m pretty sure I discovered it through DJ X on Spotify — a fantastic feature everyone should check out — and it was love at first listen.
Iamthecoffin. is a garage punk band from California that delivered some of the best indie rock I’ve ever heard before mysteriously disappearing off the radar.
“Chasing Monsters” might not be one of their more well-known tracks, but it’s forever one of my favorites. It perfectly captures the essence of a young-love summer romance that blossoms into a full-blown relationship — an anthem for the kind of love that makes you feel unstoppable. The lyrics tell a story of devotion and the lengths a lover would go for their partner.
It’s the ultimate driving song: windows down, sunroof open, wind in your hair – the kind of moment that makes you feel like you’re starring in your own indie film.
And yes, I’ve already decided: this will be the song for my first dance whenever I get married.
3. Vapor Drunk - Old Coke
The production of this song might be a bit rough around the edges, but it’s undeniably a modern shoegaze masterpiece.
It opens with dreamy, ethereal vocals and a delicate, wispy guitar riff – chords that evoke the heart-swelling rush of looking at someone you’re falling for.
This one has a permanent spot on my “songs i want played @ my wedding” playlist. Oh, to be blissfully vapor-drunk, lost in the moment with someone you love.
2. Träumerei - Trauma Ray
Trauma Ray was a slow burn for me. My first introduction to the band was through their EP, “[trauma ray].” While I enjoyed the music, the only track that really stood out was “Starve,” so I didn’t feel compelled to dive deeper into their discography.
Fast forward to January of this year, when I attended Not Stock in Fort Worth. The lineup was stacked, and Trauma Ray was on it. I’ll admit — I wasn’t exactly thrilled. I only knew them as the band with that one EP I sort of liked, and I didn’t recognize any of the songs they were playing.
That all changed at the end of their set. They began playing the opening chords of “Träumerei,” and something shifted. I found myself nodding along, tapping my foot. Then came the chorus, and — no exaggeration — I felt like I started floating. I pulled out my phone to record it to find the song later. As soon as I got to my car after the show, I Shazammed it and discovered one of the best songs I’ve ever heard.
Since then, Trauma Ray has had me in a musical chokehold. They have an incredible ability to add depth and dimension to their music, standing out in a genre as saturated as shoegaze.
“Träumerei,” which clocks in at just under six minutes, is, in my opinion, one of the greatest shoegaze songs ever. It takes every hallmark of the genre and amplifies it, but somehow, it all works. From the vibrant, layered guitars and understated vocals about reuniting with a lost loved one to the heavy bassline and steady, hypnotic drums, the song turns grief into something achingly beautiful.
Even though it’s one of their longer tracks, every second feels intentional – every moment is worth it.
1. Stay - Narrow Head
Not to be dramatic, but Narrow Head reshaped my entire musical outlook.
For some context, I’ve been playing guitar for about six years, though it wasn’t until late 2020 — my junior year of high school and the later stages of the pandemic — that I started taking it seriously. Here’s my hot take: there’s only so much you can do with rap songs on guitar. So, I started exploring new music, hoping to find something inspiring.
Somehow, I ended up diving into heavier music and quickly became obsessed with Deftones. Whenever I find a song I love, I go all in, hyper-fixating on the artist and listening to everything they’ve ever released, precisely what happened with Deftones.
After devouring their entire discography, I relentlessly searched for bands with a similar vibe, but nothing quite scratched that itch. Then, in early 2021, everything changed.
I wish I could claim I discovered Narrow Head all on my own, but the truth is, it was thanks to a friend’s Snapchat story. He posted a screenshot of “Make It Hurt” with a caption comparing it to a Deftones track. Naturally, I had to check it out.
I loved it instantly. From there, I dove into Narrow Head’s entire catalog, and that’s when I stumbled upon “Satisfaction.” Words fail to capture what that album did to me — it’s transformative. To this day, it remains in my favorite albums of all time.
Buried in the middle of the album is “Stay,” one of the most extraordinary songs ever created.
The song masterfully blends shoegaze and grunge influences, creating a heavy, ethereal atmosphere. Its opening riff immediately sets a melancholic yet entrancing tone, drawing listeners into a sonic world of longing. The lyrics, simple yet evocative, grapple with themes of emotional vulnerability and the struggle to hold on to meaningful connections.
It’s the kind of track that lingers long after it ends, replaying in your mind like an unresolved memory. For me, "Stay" became a companion during this year's quieter, introspective moments, a song that provided solace and a sense of connection when I needed it most. Its haunting beauty is a reminder of how music can articulate what words often cannot.
Narrow Head has genuinely changed my perspective on what alternative rock — and music in general — can be.
From the bold beginnings of January to the reflective tones of December, these songs remind me that music doesn’t just accompany life – it amplifies it. If you’re curious, I’ve compiled these tracks into a playlist. Perhaps you’ll hear echoes of your own year in these songs, or maybe they’ll inspire you to create your own soundtrack.
Here’s to another year of melodies, memories, and moments worth repeating.
Check out my most listened-to tracks in one playlist linked below!