Well, hello again.
It’s crazy that 2023 just didn't exist, hey? I never got around to posting my playlist last year but I did make one, so here it is for posterity's sake—there are some real bangers on there.
What's important is that we're back! 2024 was a year, alright. I am contractually obligated to tell you that my debut book of poetry is coming out with Wolsak & Wynn this (!!) spring, and even typing that sentence is so exciting and terrifying at the same time, and I hope that you all read it but also that nobody does, you know?
Anyway, I spent a lot less time listening to music this year than I usually do and engaged instead with a lot of long-form content, mostly video essays. But there was still a lot of music to love, so let's dive in. You can listen on Spotify and read thoughts on my favourites below.
I have been a fan of Gracie's for a hot second now—see my 2021 playlist, which featured extreme deep cut "Feels Like"—but this year she really blew up in the public consciousness. She opened for Taylor on the Eras Tour, put out an album that did some numbers, and inspired a loooot of discourse about how she's a nepo-baby-Taylor-Swift-wannabe. I don't disagree! That notwithstanding, and I take no pride in saying this, I loved The Secret of Us and "Risk" was my most-played song this year. It's just a generic, fun, upbeat bop about falling in love headfirst and it was unfortunately made specifically for me.
I know we are still talking about Ariana's performance in Wicked (showstopping, incredible, she was made for the role, I need Part II and I need it now)—but she also put out an album this year! Eternal Sunshine was my favourite record she's put out in a long while and "Supernatural" is by far my favourite track. It's one of those songs that feels both lyrically and sonically cohesive—floaty, ethereal, euphoric. This song is for general vibing, late-night drives and consciously ignoring everything I know about Ariana's personal life in order to properly enjoy it.
If I had done last year's write-up, you would know that Noah was one of my top artists of the year, and I had the privilege of seeing him in concert this spring. It was an unbelievable show and hearing this song live genuinely made me emotional. All my love. Stick season forever.
Favourite lyrics: "when forever was a sentence, sentence to death / oh, when you were a running tear, I was a drop of sweat / and the edges of your soul I haven't seen yet / now I'm glad I get forever to see where you end"
Speaking of Noah's concert, Jensen McRae opened for him when I saw him back in March. I've been aware of Jensen's music for a bit now and was excited to see a snippet of the then-untitled "Massachusetts" go viral on TikTok; the first time I heard the full song was when she performed it at this concert. It was Jensen's first stadium show and we all put our lights up—she could barely finish the song because she was so choked up looking out at the crowd, and we all cried with her. I am very, very excited to see what she does next.
Favourite lyrics: "at least I'm treading water, not about to drown / I'm not trying to find you, babe, you're just around / everything reminds me of you even now, even now, even now"
Despite my best efforts, Taylor was still my top artist this year according to my Spotify Wrapped. I don't remember listening to very much of her music this year—in my opinion, Tortured Poets was indulgent, bloated and overall Not Good—but it did have a few standouts. "loml" is one of those. It's such a bleak and compelling song, and beautifully explores the complex feelings that come in the aftermath of a failed relationship. "The Black Dog" is also in this category and another repeat listen from the album.
Now that the Eras Tour is over, I hope Taylor takes a break for a while. And that someone convinces her to hire an editor for her next album.
This was kind of the year of "I knew her before she was famous"—first with Gracie and Jensen, and now Sabrina. I put "Exhale" on this random playlist from 2019 and it has been so fun to watch Sabrina's rise to the top ever since. Short n' Sweet is stacked with hits from top to bottom, but "Juno" stood out to me on a first listen and I come back to it whenever I need a shot of serotonin in my day.
Good Luck, Babe! - Chappell Roan
Now here's someone I can't say I knew before she was famous—but like everyone else and their mom, I was absolutely obsessed with Chappell in 2024. Her meteoric rise to fame has been fascinating and richly deserved, and although I do love Midwest Princess (quickfire favourites: "Red Wine Supernova," "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl," "HOT TO GO!"), "Good Luck, Babe!" propels me into the stratosphere every time. Plus I get to remember this TikTok every time I listen to it, which increases my enjoyment by tenfold at least. I cannot wait to fight in the Ticketmaster queue the next time she tours in Vancouver, and to follow her wherever she decides to go next.
Nothing to be Scared Of - Kacey Musgraves
Deeper Well was a sleeper hit for me in 2024, and this—the last song of the album—was one that I returned to many times this year.
I’ve found that the more good things I have going, the more fear I entertain on a daily basis; the more amazing people enter my life, the more worried I become about having to say goodbye. I’ve been working hard on taking a deep breath and allowing myself to be present with my loved ones. Showing them my baggage and letting them help me unpack it. Offering to do the same. There’s nothing to be scared of, not here. I am taking that love and certainty with me into 2025, and I hope you are too.
Bonus track - “When E’re She Looked at Me”
This is cheating because it’s technically a song from 2025, but I am freshly off the plane from a week and a half in London with my best friend, and during the trip we booked tickets on a whim to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a little musical that is new to the West End.
I knew almost nothing about the show going in but cried all the way through it and then booked tickets to see it one more time before we flew out. It’s a Celtic/folk musical based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story, performed by some of the most talented musicians you will ever see on a stage, and it absolutely ripped my heart out before reminding me—and I know this sounds cheesy—that life is beautiful and we should appreciate each and every moment that we get with the people we love. I know, I know. But that is truly how it made me feel and now I will not shut up about it for the rest of my days. “When E’re She Looked at Me” is a raucous pub song that I have been humming ever since I heard it for the first time, and now you have to hum it too. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.
