Popular 2024 Songs You Probably Missed

If you’re a music lover always on the lookout for hidden gems, you’ve come to the right place. While radio airwaves and Spotify editorial playlists are filled with familiar hits, some incredible tracks from 2024 slipped under the radar. Despite not going viral on TikTok or dominating the charts or social media trends, these songs still performed remarkably well, racking up millions of streams. From Kygo’s tropical remix magic to Linkin Park’s emotional comeback, RAC dove deep into this year’s musical catalog to put together a list of outstanding tracks that didn’t get mainstream attention – but still found success. Whether you’re discovering Billy Joel’s nostalgic single or Canadian pop princess Charlotte Cardin’s soulful ballad, these tracks are sure to shake up your playlists. Let’s explore the must-hear songs you may have missed!

Whatever – Kygo (feat. Ava max)

Number of Streams: 334,261,989

Tropical House Icon Kygo released a self-titled album in 2024 containing some upbeat, energetic and danceable songs. The most streamed song from the album is “Whatever”, featuring Ava Max, the pop singer known for her hit “Sweet but Psycho”. The song is a remix of Shakira’s “Whenever, Wherever” with a different structure and tropical house elements like vocal chops, side-chain compression, marimba-like plucks and the typical four-on-the-floor kick drum pattern. It wasn’t used massively on social media platforms like TikTok, which is why many people could have missed out on this release.

The Emptiness Machine – Linkin Park

Number of Streams: 183,212,065

Making a comeback in the music world, Linkin Park hit the ground running with the release of their new single “The Emptiness Machine”, which will be part of an upcoming album coming out November 15, 2024. Linkin Park accurately named their eighth studio album From Zero, to represent a new start for the band. This will be the first album with new members Emily Armstrong on vocals, Colin Brittain on drums, and without core band members Rob Bourdon and the late Chester Bennington.

Feelslikeimfallinginlove – Coldplay

Number of Streams: 124,677,153

This song from Coldplay’s 10th studio album “Moon Music” is the record’s most-streamed track on Spotify, and for good reason. The lush yet simple sounds of “Feelslikeimfallinginlove” work perfectly well with lead singer Chris Martin’s vocals. It blends elements of Coldplay’s signature sound – bright piano lines, atmospheric synths, and anthemic choruses. The layered mix of guitars, synths, and percussion creates a full, dynamic sound that builds energy throughout the song. With its fresh, modern production, the song appeals to both longtime fans and new listeners, proving its popularity among audiences worldwide.

Turn the Lights Back On – Billy Joel

Number of streams: 14,017,904

Iconic New York musician Billy Joel, known for his hits such as “Piano Man” and Uptown Girl (among many others), made a comeback in 2024 by releasing a brand-new single. “Turn the Lights Back On” captures the haunting, melancholic piano and vocals that defined his classic slow ballads, touching the hearts of fans who remember him in his prime. The music video uses modern artificial intelligence technology to amazingly recreate the look and feel of the late 70s, even featuring Joel as his younger self.

Call Me Up – Daydreamers

Number of Streams: 8,804,811

Greatly influenced by The 1975 and clean 80s guitar riffs, the U.K.-based pop group Daydreamers released five songs this year, with “Call Me Up” as the track that could be their breakthrough. The song has gained major traction in the U.K., especially after the band shared teasers to build hype for the release. The track has resonated especially in cities like London where it has received airplay on BBC Radio 1, boosting its visibility among indie music fans. Daydreamers haven’t made a big splash across the pond quite yet, and “Call Me Up” might be the hit that’s flown under the radar for listeners worldwide.

Rest – Dean Lewis (feat. Sasha Alex Sloan)

Number of Streams: 8,763,042

The melody and minimalist production of “Rest” is simple, yet haunting. It’s easy to follow and feels instantly memorable, allowing the listener to focus on the personal lyrics and intimate emotions of the track. Containing the typical I, V, min VI, IV chord progression that is universally loved, “Rest” sounds pleasant and heartfelt. Again, no mainstream media paid much attention to the song,but it’s been widely used for weddings – so much so that the artists released a wedding version.

Lonely with Our Love – Charlotte Cardin

Number of Streams: 3,878,439

Off of her EP A Week in Nashville, this emotional piano-driven song is about feeling a gap grow between lovers without necessarily wanting to acknowledge it. The production is polished yet understated, allowing Charlotte Cardin’s voice to shine, while creating an atmospheric and moody soundscape that complements the song’s emotional depth. This approach aligns with contemporary trends in pop and indie music, making it both modern and accessible. This song is a hit for several reasons, with the singer combining her unique artistry, powerful vocals, and relatable storytelling.

Phantom – Tycho

Number of Streams: 1,157,508

Tycho, the project created by Scott Hansen, is known for its distinct blend of ambient, electronic, and downtempo music, creating soundscapes that are both atmospheric and emotionally resonant. Inspired by the 80s and retro sounds, Tycho’s music often features lush analog synths, organic guitar lines, and subtle yet intricate beats, which evoke a sense of calm and introspection. The project’s musicality is deeply tied to Hansen’s background as a visual artist, with the music often reflecting a cinematic quality that mirrors the serene landscapes in his artwork. The simplicity and subtle progression of “Phantom” make it an ideal soundtrack for moments of relaxation or focused work, highlighting Tycho’s ability to craft music that feels both expansive and deeply personal.