FROM SEOUL TO SWEDEN: 6 STANDOUT SONGS OF 2024 (SO FAR)
Spanning North America, South Africa, Sweden, and Japan, here are 6 standout tracks of the year so far.
1. “My Hands in the Water” by Amanda Bergman
Bergman and her band take their time in this trancey, indie-pop composition, slowly building a beautiful and psychedelic landscape, much like the Swedish countryside where they reside.
And then the chorus hits—one of those once-in-a-lifetime cosmic hooks that every songwriter hopes to tap into. But for Amanda Bergman, it’s second nature.
In a track full of treasures, it's the calm and easy demeanor radiating from Bergman that shines.
2. “Criminal” by TAEMIN
With 'Criminal', Seoul-based pop sensation TAEMIN delivers a slick electronic anthem.
The journey starts with whisper-like vocals overtop a subtle pulse, and evolves into a full-on dance frenzy.
This dark-pop smash makes it obvious why TAEMIN is a star to even the brightest of the K-Pop stars.
3. “When U Saw Love” by ELIO
Highlighted by an irresistible chorus and a propulsive, bouncy groove, this entrancing electro-pop track perfectly complements ELIO’s introspective, laid-back spirit.
While she keeps much of her personal life under wraps, including her early years in Wales and eventual move to Canada, ELIO’s sound and talent are an undeniable force.
4. “ファッションディレイ (Fashion Delay)” by Sakusen 53
Sakusen 53 is a leading force in Osaka, Japan’s flourishing left-field/hyper-pop scene.
Unrelentingly committed to her craft, the artist consistently delivers thrilling, pop-infused electronic arrangements that are at once tender, aggressive, and trancey.
‘Fashion Delay’ is a whimsical swirl of meditative, mantra-like verses, erratic drums, pulsing bass, and frantic, sorrowful vocals not to be missed.
5. “Meant” by Hovvdy
This dreamy, transcendent ballad feels like a cosmic cruise through the heart of the South.
In “Meant”, Hovvdy beautifully layers acoustic and electronic textures, blending booming bass and whirling synths into an atmospheric anthem.
The verse’s hypnotic melody, contrasted by a big chorus lift, will stop you in your tracks.
6. “Water” by Tyla
In her mesmerizing Popiano masterpiece, Tyla effortlessly weaves a patchwork of house, soul, pop, and gospel—a multicultural collage that captivates from start to finish.
With this distinctive and infectious energy, the young artist has limitless potential to elevate the spirit of South African music on the global stage.
From K-Pop to Psychedelia to Popiano, I hope you find something to enjoy here.
-Andy / We Speak in Colors