"It’s a song that warps and folds the space-time continuum of rock n’ roll, sounding effortlessly familiar, as though you’ve been singing that chorus your entire life."
Rollicking debuts, legendary rap beef, punk house party starters, honky-tonk troubadours and new club staples, 2024 has supplied us with endless tunes, our favourite musicians delivering ear worms left right and centre. Whether an established or emerging artist, standalone single or an album centrepiece, there have been hits from every genre leaving their mark on our Rough Trade community, finding their way onto our playlists and turntables alike.
This year, with the absence of our usual Counter Culture compilation (hopefully back for 2025), we wanted another way to gather our favourite songs from the year that reflect a mixture of the current cultural landscape, emerging sounds and who we're excited to hear more from as we enter 2025. While our favourite Albums of 2024 examines bodies of work, this list acts as a more granular look at moments and memories from a year at Rough Trade. Stick the playlist on and dive right in with us.
A tough but bountiful exercise. Explore our Top 40 Songs of the Year, as selected by our staff, in no particular order.
Prize Draw for CALM
Enter our charity prize draw for your chance to win 15 individually signed vinyl albums, with all proceeds donated to Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and featuring artists from this list!
Apple
Charli XCX
One of the more bouncy and melodic numbers from the hi-NRG pop/dance hits of BRAT. A bit of a sleeper hit until TikTok picked it up and did its magic with it. THAT viral dance is really just as famous as the song, but like all of Brat the song does really SLAP all by its sweet self.
Georgia, Rough Trade Office
BYE BYE
Kim Gordon
Love this strange, unexpectedly catchy track, its industrial feel and the simplicity of its words (a list of mundane objects to take along when going away). The Collective has been on a lot this year!
Heloise, Rough Trade Office
The Drift
This song does what it says on the tin. Drifts into your consciousness, your playlists, your on repeat and never leaves. deary make beautiful music and this one really highlights what a strong set of tracks the Aurelia EP turned out to be.
Georgia, Rough Trade Office
In The Modern World
Fontaines D.C.
Sweeping, grand and gorgeously composed, In The Modern World is the crown jewel in Romance's crown. It's the song that Grian Chatten was born to write and a future classic in waiting.
Emily, Rough Trade Office
Not Like Us
The cultural impact of this song (and the other disses that came with it) is so important that it propelled an already superstar-level artist into a new level of stardom and lowered the artist's credibility that he was dissing so much that he lost an insane amount of fans and respect from the hip hop community. Kung Fu Kenny strikes again!
Jamie, Rough Trade East
Only One
Palpable storytelling, lush genre synthesis, Cassandra Jenkins cultivates moments of peace and inspiring power on anticipated new album My Light, My Destroyer. Lead track Only One is a soul-soother, made to be returned to again and again.
Georgia, Rough Trade Office
Docket
Blondshell ft. Bully
Co-written by Blondshell's Sabrina Teitelbaum and Bully's Alicia Bognanno, this is one of, if not THE indie-rock collaboration of the year. 100% banger with a monster hook and honest lyrics about recklessness, distance and shifting perspectives. Fiercely excellent - hit repeat on repeat.
Emily, Rough Trade Office
R&B
One of the earliest singles released from English Teacher's outstanding debut, This Could Be Texas, the irony and wit of this song title and its lyrics are not lost on us, as talented songwriter and front woman Lily Fontaine attacks racial and music industry stereotypes with true deadpan post-punk finesse. The energy builds and builds riding an addictive bass line and infectious guitar riff - this band mean serious business and this is the perfect example of how they execute it.
Georgia, Rough Trade Office
U Should Not Be Doing That
The first track to come out from Amyl and the Sniffers in three years, on 7” with a majestic pic of Amyl (Amy Taylor) dressed up, pissing and smiling to the camera in front of the boys, setting the tone of the new album Cartoon Darkness. The Australian band’s energy, humour and raw lyrics are still there and their live performance are stronger than ever. Go see them!
Heloise, Rough Trade Office
DENIAL IS A RIVER
No one can help but bounce along to this song. Doechii is the breakout star of female hip-hop the world has been waiting for. The storytelling is reminiscent of the true hip-hop greats, her flow and use of voices clearly influenced by her label home (TDE) founder Kendrick Lamar. This is my favourite track on Alligator Bites Never Heal by far and I can't wait to see what's next from here (debut next year?!) P.s. you must watch her Colbert Late Show performance. Real art.
Georgia, Rough Trade Office
Police Scanner
Police Scanner is a standout track that artfully blends avant-pop with a collage of eclectic sounds, creating a unique and immersive listening experience. The song's intricate production and emotionally resonant lyrics are a gateway to Chanel Bead’s superb debut album Your Day Will Come, that has blessed the office and store stereo many times in 2024! The track's layered instrumentation and innovative use of samples showcase Chanel Beads' distinctive approach to music-making.
Lawrence, Rough Trade Office
Kingdom Come
One of the most beautiful riffs I have ever heard, Cindy Lee has been killing it for a long time. The highlight of Diamond Jubilee, an unbelievable album (getting a deserved vinyl release in Feb 2025)
Noah, Rough Trade Bristol
She Cleans Up
Father John Misty
IT'S A BANGER! If you love a groovier QOTSA number or enjoy the music of Beck, then this is for you. Huge track to arrive in our lap toward the close of the year. Thank you Josh Tillman.
Albums of the Year #11
Chris, Rough Trade West
I Can't Dream Anymore
This is a belter. And you can smell that Paul Institute production from a mile off. A heart-aching ballad thats also smooth, chilled-out R&B, with 80s sensuality, yet futuristic sounding synth. Fabiana Palladino's full self-titled debut was on heavy rotation in the office this year, but this track was the one that really shone.
Albums of the Year #20
Rough Trade On The Rise
Georgia, Rough Trade Office
It's Rough On Rats (If You're Asking)
Jack White
It could really be any track off No Name - Jack White on top form and one of the most exciting marketing campaigns of the year.
Nigel, Rough Trade Office
Alesis
Mk.gee's soul-stirring vocals make for one of the most raw and emotive numbers on Two Star & The Dream Police. Sad but comforting at the same time, smooth but biting, cutting through his trademark atmospheric instrumentation. Once you enter Mk.gee's world of sound, you will be sure to have this on repeat for the foreseeable.
Georgia, Rough Trade Office
Chaperone
Mermaid Chunky
This year’s biggest banger about a recent divorcée? The energy from this track is infectiously joyous, an 8-minute-long epic that turns into the weirdest, most wonderful song of 2024.
Mathilde, Rough Trade Office
Charlie Potato
This song is just fascinating, a mind-blowing flash. The whole album Pomegranate is a masterpiece which a lot more people will discover over time!
Curt, Rough Trade EU
Holy Holy
What to say about Geordie Greep? Straight out the gates post-black midi breakup, this goes some way to tempering the hearts of midi die-hards, albeit with something totally fresh for The New Sound. Cosmopolitan oddball avant-rock with a decent dose of the wacky.
Emily, Rough Trade Office
The Boss
Man/Woman/Chainsaw
Innovative, unique and fun. One to watch for 2025.
Amelia, Rough Trade Denmark Street
Hell of a Ride
An instant classic; anyone lucky enough to catch any of his shows this year following the release of Erotic Probiotic 2 will know how magnetic a performer he is and just how special the thing he's doing is - so much potential.
Matt, Rough Trade Denmark Street
Good Luck, Babe!
Our favourite rhinestone cowgirl. Let's be real it's been hard to escape Chappell Roan this year and why would you want to? This 2024 single from her is a true pop princess anthem for the history books. The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess arriving to vinyl this year has also been a highlight.
Georgia, Rough Trade Office
Death
Tis the season to be jolly, here's a song called and about death! Sam Blasucci is one-half of the excellent and much underrated California-based Mapache. Taken from his second solo record, Real Life Thing, Sam is undoubtedly one to watch if you're into classic, timeless songwriting. For fans of Gram Parsons, Van Dyke Parks, Nilsson, Steely Dan and Todd Rundgren. Sumptuous!
Jamie, Rough Trade East
Bon Bon
Seeing Fcukers live this year changed me as a person. Bon Bon is the catchiest song of 2024 for me, Reminding me of all the good times and fun nights out.
Marieke Hulzinga, Rough Trade East
BONUS TRACK: Homie Don't Shake
A welcomed reminder that the glory days of electro-indie are still alive and kicking. This track caught my attention with the effortlessly cool, soft vocal complimenting the heavy bass lines in a big way, whilst paying homage to Beck's huge Devils Haircut riff. This track performed live lights up the dance floor and I predict big things for 2025. Check out the EP Baggy$$.
Jordan, Rough Trade Warehouse
Trouble and Misery
The Rough Trade country contingent has dwindled in recent years. Since Tom and Jof left I've found myself to be an increasingly rare breed. As lonesome as that can be I've come to taking solace in the amount of satisfaction I get from discovering a new honky tonk troubadour. Trouble and Misery is from his second album of 2024, Visions of Dallas and 15th in 10 years! Busy man. Distorted guitars play over the top of slick acoustic ones. Crockett shows how low he can go. Face it, this is the closest you're gonna get to a new Lee Hazlewood song. The show at Rough Trade East in May was proof that sometimes, all you need for a great night, is a million-dollar smile, an oversized Stetson, and some country rock.
Alex, Rough Trade Office
This Can't Go On
I saw Bill play this at End Of The Road Festival just after my best friend Macca died. Macca's favourite song was The Killing Moon, so the line "I walked all night to the Killing Moon" hit home. This single-handedly got me through this time! What a beautiful song from a beautiful album.
Rich, Rough Trade Office
Rollin In
You can lose yourself in Plunge by Sam Evian, he has encapsulated classic melodies in and laid-back vocals in each and every song on the album...and this one has a sax solo in it!
Locks, Rough Trade East
Joy
In a year of resilience, Joy echoes this. The gig. The album (Wild God). The Q&A at King's Place. All personal highlights for me.
Bruce, Rough Trade East
Image
It’s a perfect blend of retro synth-pop and futuristic disco that feels fresh but also comfortingly familiar. The production is so slick, and Mica Tenenbaum’s vocals are both dreamy and emotionally charged, pulling you into this introspective yet danceable world of Imaginal Disc. What makes it stand out is how it feels so personal yet universal—touching on themes of identity and connection in a way that really sticks with you. It’s catchy and innovative. Magdalena Bay have deservedly had a breakout year and Image is an all-time classic!
Lawrence, Rough Trade Office
All Pleasure
Never gonna get sick of the ride / you’re the love of my life
A truly nourishing, emotionally weighted rock song. This band, a blistering beacon for acceptance, deserve all the success that comes their way. Add them immediately to your “Must see live in 2025” list because they absolutely slap.
Emily, Rough Trade Office
Potions
Lakz
Potent ear worm from rising South London-based Lakz, Potions already had dance floors around the world shaking before its official release. Lakz is one to watch.
Kieran, Rough Trade East
Massachusetts
Jensen McRae
One to watch for 2025! McRae’s ability to write haunting, emotional songs is right up there with the likes of Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. Her unique mix of folk, indie, and pop, makes her an artist you won’t want to miss.
Sam, Rough Trade Office
Fox Hunt
What a country pop banger from Trail of Flowers! Sierra Ferrells' image is iconic, she looks like a country version of Alice in Wonderland. If 2024 was the year for Chappell Roan, 2025 is the year for Sierra Ferrell.
Locks, Rough Trade East
Take Guilt
Junior Brother
As the only release by Junior Brother in 2024, this is a potent statement by the Irish alt-folk act. A grand dissection of the privileges enjoyed by the white citizens of a wealthy nation, like Ireland, at the expense of minority groups is as pertinent as ever.
Adam, Rough Trade East
Do You Wanna
2024 truly was the year for Danish experimental musicians and Astrid Sonne is the name everyone’s been raving about. This album is exceptional, carrying much of the 20-something, NTS listening, The Face reading folk throughout the year. Merging her classical training with Mica Levi-inspired, wonky pop writing, Do You Wanna is a standout highlight-an existential musing paired with stark chords passed among strings, guitars and piano, all fused by that now iconic, crunchy drum beat. Hygge wave is alive and thriving, skål!
Mathilde, Rough Trade Office
EUSEXA
The title track of the much anticipated 2025 LP. Twigs does trance so well here! So ready for this album where its beating heart is the club and the freedom of the dance floor. What a way to get us hyped for it.
Georgia, Rough Trade Office
Fine Art
The story behind this track is as good as the track itself and emblematic of everything that makes KNEECAP KNEECAP: radical, creatively adept, energetic and tantalisingly addictive. A band doing great things for the Irish language, their impact on the cultural sphere of 2024 commendable. Next up: Oscars?
Emily, Rough Trade Office
Seed of a Seed
Long awaited single from Haley Heynderickx's most recent release via Mama Bird Recordings. It's a powerful evocative folky single, that brings feelings of warmth and soothes the winter blues. With the release on vinyl in the early new year, this is one to keep an eye out for in stores!
Kerenza, Rough Trade East
On My Knees
Of all the MJ Lenderman songs from Manning Fireworks, this one really resonated with me. Those Supersonic drums at the start, the ripping Ragged Glory riffs. It’s a song that warps and folds the space-time continuum of rock n’ roll, sounding effortlessly familiar, as though you’ve been singing that chorus your entire life, and like a lot of MJ’s songs it is deeply desperate, crudely funny and bespattered with bodily fluids and pop culture references - any song that can encompass Travolta’s bald head surely has to be the song of the year.
Paddy, Rough Trade Office
Golden Bridge
A gem of a track from The Mess We Seem To Make. I believe Golden Bridge is a song of the year as it presents themes of mental health and overcoming hardships and the happiness that comes along with overcoming this. It shows an emotional intimacy with the listener with beautifully written lyrics.
Elliot, Rough Trade East
Prize Draw for CALM
Enter our charity prize draw for your chance to win 15 individually signed vinyl albums, with all proceeds donated to Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).