So, here they are, my Top Twenty Songs of 2024 – not an easy choice with so many great albums/songs around. I’m sure to have missed a number of releases this year with my being ‘out of the loop’ here in Cyprus. Do let me know of any albums/artists I may have missed.
There may be new names on this list for some of you and some exciting songs waiting to be discovered. There is also the return of artists I’ve featured in previous years. Whilst some of these songs were released this year, some were released a few years ago!
If something does take your fancy, don’t just add it to your Spotify Playlist – download the track or, better still, buy the CD/Vinyl and/or go and see the artist live.
As always, my choices are an eclectic mix – it’s always difficult to place them in order as some are fairly recent releases and won’t have the same number of plays the older songs have.
So, make yourself a brew, open a can or fill a glass and sit back and enjoy some fabulous musical talent for the next hour or so!
You can also listen to these songs on my Spotify Playlist
1. WHITE HORSE Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton is no stranger to these pages and has featured several times over the years. You may recall I named White Horse as my song of the year in 2023 (when it had just been released as a single in the November). However, in 2024, it was named the CMA Single and Song of the Year (I’m so ahead of the game) and so, for the first time ever, I have the same number 1 as my song of the year two years in a row. White Horse is from the album Higher, released in November 2023. Stapleton has the rare honour of crossing over from country to rock to blues, but it’s his voice which has always been his foremost musical gift – which is why he won his 16, 17 & 18 CMA Awards in 2024 for the best male vocalist, alongside best song and best single.
This love is gettin’ kind of dangerous
Feels like it’s a loaded gun
My-my, it’s turning like a cloud of dust
My heart always wants to run
2. BROKEN Walter Trout (with Beth Hart)
2024 saw a welcome return for Walter Trout and his album Broken. The terms ‘journeyman’ and ‘stalwart’ have been tossed at Trout over the years, but the man is simply a legend of the genre. Irrespective of the traumas he’s had to overcome, he’s a brilliant guitarist and songwriter. Thankfully, this ‘elder statesman’ of the blues-rock world throws his heart, soul, and the proverbial kitchen sink into everything like he always has and this album includes some of the most raw and black-and-blue songs of his career. Broken is the album’s title track featuring the amazing vocals of Beth Hart and it is a match made in blues-rock heaven. And if it ain’t broke, why fix it?
Pieces of myself just seem to break awayAnd I lose a little moreI lose a little more every dayAnd my kaleidoscopic mindIt will not let me see what I left behindAnd what is there in front of meNow I find myself down hereDown here on my kneesWon’t somebody put me back together pleasePut me back together because
I don’t wanna be broken, I don’t wanna be brokenI don’t wanna be broken anymore
3. CALIFORNIA SOBER Post Malone
Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion album must be one of the most surprising records to be released in recent years. American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer Malone released a full-on Country album! Yes, you’ve read that right. A Country album and, for what it’s worth, my album of the year for 2024! It would be easy to treat this album as a novelty, but it’s just not. F-1 Trillion is a bold and successful foray into country music for Malone, blending traditional sounds with his own unique twist, and solidifying his place as a genre-bending artist with broad appeal. On an album of several stand out songs, the most fun moment is the Chris Stapleton collaboration California Sober – a rootsy romp with killer harmonies. I said earlier in the year this would be great live and so I was proved as it kicked off the CMA Awards in Nashville in November.
4. AIN’T NO LOVE IN OKLAHOMA Luke Combs
Taken from the film Twisters (and an album of the same name – which is quite fantastic if you’re a Country fan). I’m not a great fan of Grammy-nominated country musician Luke Combs However, I have to say, Combs delivers a fabulous stonking, high octane Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma. Written especially for the film, this is sure to feature at the top of any CMA charts for 2024.
5. THINK I’M IN LOVE WITH YOU Chris Stapleton (with Duo Lipa)
Think I’m In Love With You was released as the second single from Chris Stapleton‘s fifth Album Higher in February 2024. Stapleton plays a unique brand of Country, Blues, Soul and Rock and when Stapleton sings Think I’m In Love With You live to/with his wife and mother to their five children, Morgane – not once breaking eye contact – it’s obvious he/she/they connect with every single audience member present. However, an even better version, to my mind, is his collaboration with Dua Lipa at the 59th ACM Awards – one of the best duets I’ve heard in a long time.
I think I’m in love with you
I didn’t know it at the time
I know what I wanna do
It’s makin’ me lose my mind
I thought about thinkin’ it through
And every time I do I find
I wanna make your dreams come true
I think I’m in love with you
I’m in love with you
6. SOMEONE QUITE LIKE YOU Sam Outlaw
Sam Outlaw released the long awaited Terra Cotta in April 2024 (his first offering since 2021’s experimental Popular Mechanics) and it a return to his definitive SoCal Country style which celebrates the roots of country and folk music, while incorporating contemporary influences. Musically, there are several catchy melodies, where acoustic guitar, pedal steel and orchestral sounds intertwine. I really enjoy Outlaw’s thought provoking lyrics – especially the honesty of Heart and Soul and his lapse of faith as he grew older. So many good songs to choose from, but went for this upbeat Gerry Rafftery(ish) track in the end!
7. SILHOUETTE IN A SUNSET Elles Bailey
Award winning Roots/Americana singer/songwriter Elles Bailey released her fourth studio album, Beneath The Neon Glow in 2024 and is another collection of deep and soul searching songs drawing on her eclectic range of influences from old school blues, roots, and outlaw country to soul, southern rock and gospel. Silhouette In A Sunset however, changes the mood completely as its acoustic opening immediately sets a thoughtful and melancholic tone. This is a very special song which is not only one of my favourites this year but which sets a high bar for emotional ballads.
8. LIAR Jelly Roll
Jelly Roll has exploded onto the Country Music scene in the past couple of years after moving away from rap, hip-hop and grunge which “weren’t good for my mental health.” It’s no secret that Jelly’s life was turned around from drugs and prison when he walked into a church and became a Christian. Many of Jelly’s songs reflect his life’s experiences and the catchy Liar is no exception.
I can hear you in my head
In my bed when I’m dreamin’
You try to be my friend but you’re blowin’ smoke
Oh and now I ain’t scared of tellin’ you where you can go
‘Cause I know You’re nothin’ but a liar
9. GOING HOME (THEME FROM LOCAL HERO) Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes
Mark Knopfler’s new special extended recording of his anthemic Going Home (Theme From Local Hero) features an unprecedented line-up of some of the greatest guitarists in history. ‘Legendary’ does not begin to cover it – David Gilmour to Ronnie Wood, Slash to Eric Clapton, Sting to Joan Armatrading, Bruce Springsteen to Pete Townshend, Nile Rodgers to Joan Jett, Brian May to Tony Iommi, Joe Walsh and younger artists such as Connor Selby and Sam Fender and many more jaw dropping names. The track opens with Jeff Beck’s final recording. Beatles icon Ringo Starr is on drums along with his son Zak Starkey – Sting completes the rhythm section on bass. With artwork designed by Sir Peter Blake this release is a landmark in rock music history. Proceeds went to the Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America.
10. YOU’RE ONLY LONELY J.D. Souther
J.D. Souther (John David) may be an unknown artist to many (I have several of his albums) but his catalogue includes several ‘classic’ songs he wrote or co-wrote for the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor alongside his own solo projects. He is also a member of the songwriters Hall of Fame. J.D was also an actor and appeared in the TV series ‘Nashville’ adding some much needed gravitas as well as contributing his songs. J.D died in September aged 78 yrs – hence the inclusion of You’re Only Lonely (one of my faves) in his honour in my list for 2024. FYI, you can listen to twelve of J.D’s best songs, according to Rolling Stone Magazine, here
When the world is ready to fall on your little shouldersAnd when you’re feeling lonely and smallYou need somebody there to hold youYou can call out my name… when you’re only lonelyNow, don’t you ever be ashamed, you’re only lonely
11. ME OR TENNESSEE Marcus King
Fans of Marcus King might get a bit of a surprise when they give his new record a spin. The South Carolina native built his success on his growling voice and crunching guitar – King’s last LP, 2022’s Young Blood, was a rugged set of Seventies guitar rock, on his new one, King switches things up and brings out the soulful side of his sound — leaning less on guitar and more on piano, strings and R&B vocal stylings. Mood Swings is an emotionally investing album, looking at issues of mental Health, Death and separation! It has taken me a while to get into the album and I’m still not sure I’m a great fan. However, Me or Tennessee is a fun and energetic full swing gospel tune – and who know King could play keys as good as this?
12. WHY ME? Kris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson, singer-songwriter and actor, died in September at the age of 88 yrs – hence the inclusion of Why Me? (one of my faves) in his honour in my list for 2024. Did you know that KK was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to the University of Oxford but followed a military career and became a Captain in the 8th Infantry Division as well as being a helicopter pilot and a Ranger? KK turned down a teaching post at West Point Military Academy to follow his ambition to be a country singer. Many millions of us are pleased he followed his heart!
Why me Lord, what have I ever doneTo deserve even oneOf the pleasures I’ve knownTell me Lord, what did I ever doThat was worth loving YouOr the kindness You’ve shown
13. YOURS Post Malone
Another track from Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion album. Yours is a particularly sweet track about Malone watching his daughter getting married. “One day I’ll give her away, but buddy that don’t mean she’s yours,” he sings. It’s worth bearing in mind that Malone’s daughter is only two years old – so he’s certainly planning/thinking ahead! This song will pull at the heart-strings of any father who has a daughter.
I don’t know who you are
But one day I’m going to
And it’s gonna break my heart
When she gives hers to you
And it won’t be tomorrow
But it’s gonna be too soon
When I walk her down that aisle and do what
Daddy’s have to do
14. LATE ’88 Deacon Blue
Late ’88 is the new single from Deacon Blue and fondly remembers the care-free excitement of the band’s early days. It is also the year when I first heard them and purchased ‘Raintown’ – my first ever CD – which then began a life long love of all things DB and Billericky Ross. This is a great song from their new album to be released in March 2025 followed by a tour. Somehow, and very sadly, I don’t think I’ll get to see them this time round.
I can’t recall I can’t recall why,
but we seemed to do it all
And it all seemed so easy
But that was long ago
When we didn’t even care
About what we didn’t know
Never thought about tomorrow
15. STRAIGHT LINE Keith Urban
You either love or hate Keith Urban Whilst recognised as an exceptional guitarist, he is not often recognised for his song writing. Straight Line was the first single from his album High and it’s a catchy tune! Urban says that Straight Line was “… a song born of wanting to break out of routine and feeling like somewhere along the line, life lost some colour and excitement”. Urban added that it “is about getting it back again – a message of taking back your life and driving out from under the dark cloud”. He remarked that the song “represents an energy and spirit that became a through line” for the entire album. And he’s right – High is definitely an album worth looking out for.
16. 24 HOUR BLUES Joe Bonamassa
17. ROCK ‘N’ ROLL STAR Oasis
Oasis hit the headlines this year for a number of reasons. Firstly, the Gallagher boys announced a worldwide reunion tour in the summer of 2025. Of course, the PR about ticket sales wasn’t good as the Ticketmaster algorithm charged exorbitant prices for standard tickets because of demand. Oasis said they didn’t condone this – but I’ve not heard of any refunds! The second reason the Gallagher boys hit the headlines was because Definitely Maybe celebrated its 30th anniversary. I couldn’t let the anniversary pass without acknowledging that in my songs of 2024. So, my fave track from that album is …
18. ‘TIL IT RUNS DRY Holly Williams (with Dierks Bentley)
This is a song I missed first time around and heard it on Absolute Country when visiting the UK in August! Holly Williams is an American singer-songwriter and musician and is almost Nashville Royalty – she is the granddaughter of Hank Williams Sr., the daughter of Hank Williams Jr. and half-sister of Hank Williams III. ‘Til It Runs Dry is taken from her 2013 album Highway and is co-written with Dierks Bentley.
Hot as hell, cold as ice
This ferris wheel that we call life
With a past I could erase,
but I’ll serve it up on a silver plate
19. MY JESUS Anne Wilson
Anne Wilson’s My Jesus must be one of the most unlikely Country Hits of recent years. Wilson is one of Nashville’s most inspiring young trailblazers – mixing the heart of Contemporary Christian Music, and the sound of Country. Finding her musical mission in the wake of tragedy, Wilson explains the story behind the song: “A few years ago, I went through a season of tragedy. My older brother, Jacob, who was my best friend and someone I looked up to in every way, lost his life in a car accident at the age of 23. That night I heard God’s voice so clear and He spoke to me for the first time. He said, “Anne, are you going to trust me or not?” I answered, “Jesus, I trust you.” In an instant, Jesus lifted the heavy weight off and told me that He would give me everything I need to get through this. Jesus began to show me that He was a personal God. When people hear to this song, I want them to feel that Jesus is personal; and while our stories may look different, the same Jesus that I call “My Jesus” can be your Jesus too.”
Are you past the point of weary
Is your burden weighing heavy
Is it all too much to carry
Let me tell you ‘bout my Jesus
Do you feel that empty feeling
‘Cause shame’s done all its stealing
And you’re desperate for some healing
Let me tell you ‘bout my Jesus
20. SANS DE´SEPOIR Hannah White
Hannah White is no stranger to my songs of the year. In 2024 Hannah made the commitment to release a single a month – not an easy task, given she’s been touring (with Paul Carrack and Jools Holland – no less) and running the Sound Lounge music venue/cafe. Sans Desepoir or ‘Without Despair’ was released in August. Hannah sings in French with confidence and gives a perfect delivery of a 60’s style production. I love it.
“La même histoire, Toi tu t’en vas Je ne sais pas pourquoi, pourquoi” or “It’s the same old story, You’re leaving and I don’t know why, oh why”
“Sauf une douleur je connais si bien” somehow seems less heart breaking than “I am begging you, this time don’t go”
“La vie, l’amour, J’en souffre toujours, Montre moi le couloir d’une vie sans désespoir” or “I always suffer from life and love show me the way to a life without despair”
There is no video available for this song but if you click here you can listen to it on Spotify
Bonus Track. WILLY WELSH The Bond
I recently became re-acquainted with the music of ‘The Bond’ (through a remastered digital release) the brain child of Manchester’s Geoff Mann artist, musician, poet, playwright, vicar, husband, father, friend. It is said that Geoff packed more into his thirty-six years than most do in three-score and ten, releasing fifteen albums, performing hundreds of concerts, exhibiting at ten galleries, caring for his family and church members. The lyrics of Willy Welsh (don’t be put off by the title – it’s an ‘in joke’) are ones I’ve put on a certificate for every child I’ve baptised in 27 years. How amazing is that? These are printed below FYI. The song may not be to everyone’s taste – ‘prog rock’ and not too dissimilar from Bill Nelsons Red Noise and Twelfth Night (he was a member for a few years). Willy Welsh is taken from the album One By One (originally released in 1987). You can listen to the song on Bandcamp here
A Baptism Blessing
I’d like to wish you well, I’d like to wish you happiness,
I’d like to wish you peace of the everlasting kind,
I’d like to wish you love, rich and deep and plentiful,
I wish you all the joy of a free and quiet mind.I’d like to wish you hope, to see beyond the storm clouds,
I’d like to wish you faith, a faith that you can share,
I’d like to wish you health, courage and compassion,
I wish you all the vision of a heart equipped to care.I’d like to wish you friends, who’ll love you as they find you,
I wish you sense to see forgiveness that is true,
I wish you endless strength, to learn to love your enemies,
For what you hate in them has all been found in you.I’d like to wish you patience, endurance and humility,
To hold to what is good – amongst the lies that tease you,
I’d like to wish you life, safe for an eternity,
In short I wish you all, that you can find in Jesus.(Adapted from a song by Geoff Mann)
Yes. he does look a bit like me in my younger days, doesn’t he?
So, there you have them – my Top Twenty of 2024. Were any of your choices included? Have I made any significant omissions?
With three songs in the top five Chris Stapleton has set some kind or record that I don’t think will be repeated anytime soon! But hey, it’s Chris Stapleton …
Have a great 2025 checking out some of the above artists, seeking out new ones and supporting live music wherever you live – it is a lifeline for the artists and venues.
Be blessed!
You might also be interested in:
You can also find a few more lists on Spotify – search for revpacman!
Here’s a couple of articles you might find interesting!
Post Malone: F-1 Trillion
Chris Stapleton’s All American Road Show
revPACman 