We’re about half way through 2024, which means I’ve got an excuse to do a list; because everybody loves lists. Rather than the usual best ofs, I thought I’d show some love to some hidden gems. So, from art punk to poignant hip-hop, here’s 20 of the year’s best songs that you may have missed. You can find these songs and many more on No Frills Reviews’ Big 2024 Playlist.
Perennial Up-tight
Like a post-hardcore interpretation of a Motown classic as played by The Who in the mid-60s.
Spielmann 10,000 Hours
The synth-pop Springsteen. The lo-fi Fender. Taken from his debut EP, Leeds’ Spielmann delivers alt-pop oddities masked with stadium-sized choruses.
NAHreally & The Expert Why Don’t You?
Massachusetts rapper NAHreally implores you to get off your arse and try it (whatever it is) against a psychedelic backdrop that’s straight out of The Beatles’ Revolver, from Dublin producer The Expert.
Benedict October Lust for life
A cosmic, baroque pop ballad that’s part Father John Misty, part Leonard Cohen from the Dutch indie crooner.
Jenny Parrott The Other Cheek
Otherworldly, electro-tinged gentle acoustic beauty from the Texan folk experimentalist. Seriously, just listen to that voice.
Paul Crowe Ayda
Hints of Van Morrison from the Liverpool songwriter as he elevates this ode to the women in his life into a mystic epic; like he’s revealing the secrets of life.
Āthmaan ft. Nonazz & Mersum Khokar Raatein
Young producer Āthmaan, delivers hip-hop with an Indian flavour. On this R&B-style highlight from his debut album deep, smokey rap contrasts with a sugary sweet chorus.
LOVECOLOR Hearts on Fire
Dreamy, euphoric cool from this upcoming synth-pop duo; like something off the Drive soundtrack.
Holiday Sidewinder ft. Kim Wilde Cliffhanger
The least hidden of these gems; this features 80’s sensation Kim Wilde, plus she even has her own wiki page. But, this is still a big summer pop sensation that’s gone under the radar. Is it just me or is this not loads more catchy than Espresso?
Zim Gimme Your Love
A laid-back, wistful slow jam pining for love that’s yet to come, from the Ohio rapper.
New Ghost Wayfarer
Like Karen O fronting My Bloody Valentine. The Sheffield band deliver a slow-burn shoegaze epic.
Kieron Smith Sac de rêves
A nostalgic ode to friendship which sounds like The La’s crossed with Oasis’ The Importance of Being Idle.
The Problem With Kids Today What Else Could I Say
Scuzzy, riff-filled, anthemic garage punk.
Magana Beside You
A warped amalgamation of dream pop and freak folk as sweet, sweet melodies emerge from a disorienting haze.
Rhys Langston & Steel Tipped Dove still to this day
Two genre-bending experimenters from the hip-hop underground combine to deliver a smooth R&B croon atop minimalist jazz ambience.
The Klittens Eye Contact
Wide-eyed indie-pop sweetness meets fuzz-soaked post-punk gloom in a mesmerising mix from this upcoming Amsterdam quintet.
Oliver Hohlbrugger ft. Pål Jackson Velveteen
Appropriately titled as the Norwegian singer-songwriter channels Velvet Underground cool with a hint of Bowie in there as well.
Craig Redpath ft. Hels Pattison Orange Sun
On the title track from his debut EP, the Newcastle songwriter briefly channels local hero Sam Fender before taking a psychedelic U-turn that hints at Stone Roses and early Verve.
Thrillhouse Smile
Bittersweet indie-folk beauty from the reliably anthemic Brighton band.
Milc & TELEVANGEL Just One More Time
A gorgeous beat sets the scene for an outpouring of emotions as the Portland rapper grieves and pays tribute to an old friend. Simply the most heart-rending hip-hop song of the year so far.
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