Linkin Park Emptiness Machine

Best Songs of 2024


It’s that time of year, y’all! Time for my annual “Best Of” lists for both albums & singles. I used to just do albums but since the consumption of music is now heavily weighted toward streaming, many artists are focusing more on singles than albums. Part of me finds that sad but I also understand the logic & realize we must adapt with the times or else get left behind. In order not to ignore the many excellent songs that are either stand alone singles or on yet to be released albums (or are part of an album but I either didn’t love the rest of the album or never got around to checking it out), it only seems fair to make two different posts nowadays. Keep in mind that this post (& the forthcoming albums post) will be heavily weighted toward rock/metal since that’s my favorite genre of music. Also keep in mind that music is my favorite hobby but it IS just a hobby- I’m not a professional music reviewer with all the time in the world to check out every new album/song/artist. So without further ado, & in no particular order, here are my choices for best songs of 2024!

  • Bleeders by Black Veil Brides: It’s no secret that BVB is one of my all time favorite bands. I saw them live twice in 2024, which makes for a total of four times now, & I’d still pay to see them again in a heartbeat. I’ll never understand the hate they’ve received over the years because they are truly talented musicians. Bleeders was inspired by vocalist Andy Biersack’s obsession with Sweeney Todd, as you can easily tell by the incredibly well done music video. During the Bleeders tour this past Spring, Andy even had a microphone with an imitation razor blade on it to fit the Sweeney Todd theme. Genius. Did I mention this is one of the band’s heaviest songs to date? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AThcMJmiTXI&ab_channel=BVBArmyVEVO
  • Paralyzed by Sleep Theory: This quartet from Memphis can seriously do no wrong. These guys have never made a bad song but this might be their best one yet. It does an excellent job of, at various times, featuring all 3 vocalists- lead singer Cullen Moore as well as bassist Paolo Vergara & guitarist Daniel Pruitt. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXK3zww_k6U&ab_channel=SleepTheory
  • The Emptiness Machine & Heavy Is the Crown by Linkin Park: Linkin Park was one of the first rock bands I ever liked but I cannot claim to be a “super fan.” Nonetheless I was intrigued to see the band make a return this year. To be perfectly honest, I haven’t checked out the full album yet but these two singles are without a doubt fantastic work (I’ve heard a few of the other songs & was less impressed with those). I for one am happy to see Emily take on the lead singer role in such an iconic band for my generation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRXH9AbT280&ab_channel=LinkinPark
  • Mud by Dorothy: Ah, Dorothy, yet another artist who is incapable of producing a bad song. But I’ll confess that her last album or two didn’t speak to me the way her first two albums did. This song, however, is probably my favorite of hers to date. It’s heavy, it’s fun, it’s incredibly catchy, & it features some killer screams from Dorothy. What’s not to love? As the lyrics say ” You ain’t living life ’til you’re down in the mud/Now if your crown ain’t bent & your halo ain’t crooked/You might as well be six feet in dirt, yeah/Some call it danger, some call it trouble/I call it digging deep without a shovel.” Yes, girl!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBmbb2d84VE&ab_channel=DOROTHYVEVO
  • Rockstar by Hardy: I’ll also confess that Hardy’s 2024 album just didn’t do it for me like his previous album did. But this song is a certified banger. And the music video is brilliant, featuring Hardy & his band dressed up as & paying homage to various classic bands, everything from AC/DC to Queen to Limp Bizkit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ_xpKAjOS8&ab_channel=HARDYVEVO
  • Indifferent by Megan Moroney: I don’t keep up with modern country very well but I did come across this song this year & was immediately impressed. From what I can tell, it’s the ladies who are doing the best work on the country side of things these days. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwbSy6Wr0kE&ab_channel=MeganMoroneyVEVO
  • Creating Monsters & Fake Ass Friends by Set It Off: Set It Off have been going strong for over a decade but I was late to the game & only discovered them through Octane in 2023. They had multiple fantastic releases that year & did the same this year. Creating Monsters honors vocalist Cody’s jazz background & even pays homage to the classic tune It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing. Former band geeks like me, yes, you will swoon when you hear it! Fake Ass Friends is incredibly catchy & now that I’ve seen SIO in concert, I can attest that both songs go hard live. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9vQw1cB0MI&ab_channel=SetItOff
  • Live Not Fantasize by Tetrarch: Tetrarch is very open about being heavily influenced by nu metal & the likes of Korn & Slipknot. Those influences are very easy to hear in their music. What I love about Tetrarch is that I am more intrigued by their take on those influences than by the original bands (not that I don’t appreciate Korn & Slipknot- I do). This song might be their best release yet & has me very hungry for their upcoming album this year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THNrPzS8I2M&ab_channel=NapalmRecords
  • A Banger a Day Keeps the Doctor Away by Solence: I discovered this song thanks to Octane’s test drive. I just happened to be driving when it came on & I was immediately entranced. Solence are a Swedish band who have plenty of serious songs but also aren’t afraid to cut loose & be silly – a la Electric Callboy. This song is a play on the old phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” You absolutely MUST watch the music video to appreciate the full comedic value of the song. But don’t get me wrong, the MUSIC is seriously good too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-nZ9L057Js&ab_channel=BetterNoiseMusic
  • Hang Tight Honey by Lainey Wilson: Lainey’s album probably deserves a full listen- I really need to get around to that. But in the mean time, I can attest that this song is loads of fun. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIzEdmRgu14&ab_channel=LaineyWilson
  • Pray by Old Flame/Jonny Craig: Yes, Jonny Craig is a former addict who did some terrible things while addicted to heroin. BUT he has now maintained long term sobriety & shown true remorse for his previous sins, so I for one am happy to give him another chance. There’s nothing I like better than seeing people conquer their demons, & I truly believe Jonny is doing that. I actually never listened to any of his older music anyway. But his voice is no doubt stellar & this song does an excellent job of showcasing it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU2uNfDpKKI&ab_channel=SBGRecords
  • Say What You Will by Myles Kennedy: Myles is another artist who can do no wrong if you ask me. Alter Bridge was one of the first rock bands I ever loved & are still a favorite of mine. However, this song comes from Myles’s solo album & it’s a great one for when you feel discouraged. Video is fun too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_LXR96kh9s&ab_channel=MylesKennedy
  • Soft Spine by Spiritbox: “Soft spine! You all deserve each other! Your god will sort you when you die!” Courtney held nothing back with the rage in this song, & I AM HERE FOR IT. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80VTmBAnTSE&ab_channel=riserecords
  • Ghost by Minute After Midnight: I know nothing about this band (or solo project?) but I discovered this song on Octane & have been addicted to it ever since. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZYUN3FDylA&ab_channel=%E9%A0%AD%E5%B4%A9%E5%A3%8A
  • New Way Out by Poppy: I have mixed feelings about Poppy but this song is a certified banger, no doubt about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqVNYcaS-3E&ab_channel=Poppy
  • Pretend by The Plot In You: Here’s a band I’m only just now getting into, even though I know they’ve been around for a long time. If you’ve never listened to them before, this song is a good place to start. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlY8qK1A9Ls&ab_channel=FearlessRecords
  • Hollywood Forever by Hollywood Undead: Hollywood Undead is a band that I frankly did not take seriously until I saw them live in 2022. Suddenly I could not ignore their talent any longer. These guys put on an incredibly fun show that you should absolutely be sure to see someday if you haven’t. Their latest song features three full verses- each performed by a different band member- & reflects on their career, all the way from the dirty streets of LA to where they are today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0trg8w9Wtsw&ab_channel=HollywoodUndead
  • Going Places by Sick Puppies: 2009’s Tripolar by Sick Puppies was a phenomenal album but I’ll confess I’ve not followed them closely since then, especially once the original lead singer left the band. However, this song has me back in the fold, so to speak. I’ll be the first to admit that this was a slow burn for me. The first time or two I heard it, I honestly didn’t like it. But it kept getting stuck in my head & after a few more listens, I couldn’t help myself- it’s just fun! Also the second verse talks about growing up in a small town & longing for a bigger world- I can’t help but relate to that! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_tLQrNZyKk&ab_channel=SickPuppies
  • Good in Goodbye by Catch Your Breath: This one is a real tearjerker, something Catch Your Breath have quite a knack for it seems. It was partly inspired by the death of guitarist Teddy Herrera’s grandmother who was influential in supporting the band in their early days. Unfortunately Teddy was not able to get to Mexico to see her in person before she died. As the chorus says,
    • “Where’s the meaning in a heartbreak? Where’s the lesson in the loss? Darling, through all the pain what have we gained? ‘Cause I’m still searching for silver lines/ Maybe the scars you gave Make me strong one day Down the line/I guess I’m trying to find The good in goodbye.” Whew, heavy stuff.
  • Mayday by Three Days Grace: Say what you want about this band but they were definitely a gateway band for me & many others as teenagers/20 somethings. To have original vocalist Adam Gontier return to the band alongside current vocalist Matt Walst is something fans have been clamoring for for ages but never thought we’d actually see. With a bass line intro that is very reminiscent of their classic hit Animal I Have Become, this song is a new instant hit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5hWEa1w6Z8&ab_channel=ThreeDaysGraceVEVO
  • God’s Image & Bestrafe Mich by Mike’s Dead: Mike’s Dead is swiftly becoming a new favorite of mine. His voice & music remind me of both Marilyn Manson & Motionless in White, so obviously I can’t help but like him. But he’s by no means a copycat- don’t get me wrong. Check out any of his work & you’ll quickly see what I mean. Fair warning, both of these songs/videos are not for the faint of heart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L8zhLGiUuw&ab_channel=MikesDeadVEVO
  • Nu Dehli by Bloodywood: Bloodywood have done it again- made another bloody brilliant song! This one honors the city of New Dehli, the capital of India. But yes, there are definitely some nu metal influences in this song, which I assume is why they spelled the title as they did. There’s plenty of their signature Indian flavors here too of course. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3C9NwGKgq4&ab_channel=Bloodywood
  • Whiplash by Architects: Architects are one of those bands that I constantly see other bands reference & yet I’ve never listened to them much myself. However, this song is one I can’t get away from since it debuted just a few months ago. Warning, it’s HEAVY- headbanging to it may indeed give you whiplash. It will be worth it though. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c67cjKK_08M&rco=1&ab_channel=Architects
  • Kid of Darkness by Slaughter to Prevail: I have mixed feelings about this band but this song slaps. The guitars really do it for me. I don’t think I need to warn you that this one is heavy because that’s standard for this band. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNJtJrbFeWw&ab_channel=AlexTerrible
  • Sincerity by Butcher Babies: I’ve never gotten into this band before but this song has been all over Octane lately, & I’m loving it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b–E1yQAnkU&ab_channel=ButcherBabies
  • Bad Omen by The Haunt: I discovered this band a few years ago when I saw them open for The Hu. I adored them live but must confess that I often find their recordings to be a little too polished for my taste. They just don’t always capture the raw grit that I heard when I saw them live. Having said that, this song is phenomenal. Annabelle may be young & tiny but she has a BIG voice & they did a great job capturing it on this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HAox__XprY&ab_channel=TheHaunt
  • Belly Up & Black Road by Return to Dust: If, like me, your favorite grunge band is Alice In Chains, boy, are you in for a treat with these guys! Not only does this band channel AIC with their guitar tones but the dual vocalists also create harmonies that are eerily reminiscent of Layne Staley & Jerry Cantrell. Shockingly, these guys are only in their early 20s. But their 90s influences are strong, & I couldn’t be more excited to see what the future holds for this band. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JAS6mXWKTk&ab_channel=ReturntoDustVEVO
  • Another Ghost by Upon A Burning Body: This is one of UABB’s softer songs in terms of the music/vocals but it’s one of their heavier songs in terms of the subject matter. The song was inspired by the opioid epidemic & is a touching testament to those who’ve been made ghosts by it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hMmXRiOUh0&ab_channel=UABBTV
  • Judas Mind by Seether: I’ve never followed Seether regularly but from what I know of their work, I feel safe saying this is one of their heaviest songs to date. It has their signature guitar tones but with a lot heavier vocals than I remember from Shaun in the past. It’s brilliant. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERZA81acxD4&ab_channel=Seether

Lastly, I’d like to honor my favorite covers, remakes, & collaborations of the year.

  • Fall Forever by Nik Nocturnal & Paula Carragosa ft Matt Heafy: Woah! Matt Heafy can sing/growl like THAT?! Yep, he sure can. So glad Nik & Paula chose him to feature on this track. And let’s not forget the impressive guitar work here from Nik & Paula (possibly my favorite metal couple). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKILFvblLhY&ab_channel=NikNocturnal

Well, that’s it! I could probably add some more but I have to end it some time, & this has taken me HOURS already. Happy listening!

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