As 2024 comes to a close, let’s take a trip through the tracks that defined the year.
From powerful global anthems to heartwarming local tunes, these songs kept us dancing, crying, and connecting through the universal language of music.
The Malaysian music scene has flourished this year, blending homegrown talent with international influences to create a dynamic, diverse soundscape. With streaming platforms booming and renewed interest in physical formats like vinyl, local artists have made waves both regionally and globally.
Here’s a look at 2024’s most unforgettable songs, the ones that dominated charts, sparked trends, and stayed on repeat in our playlists.
MALAYSIAN HITS
Rahsia Tuhan
Noh Salleh’s "Rahsia Tuhan,” released on September 6, 2024, is a heartfelt ballad exploring faith and personal struggles. Its rich arrangement of guitars, strings, and percussion highlights Noh’s versatility as a vocalist and producer, with Vega Antares contributing to the production.
Accompanied by a visually compelling music video directed by Radzi Rajudin, Rahsia Tuhan has struck a chord with audiences on platforms like Spotify and YouTube. The song’s emotional depth and captivating production solidify its place in contemporary Malaysian music.
Alamak Raya Lagi!
Released on March 7, 2024, by De Fam, "Alamak Raya Lagi!" brings festive cheer with its blend of catchy pop melodies and traditional elements, perfectly capturing the spirit of Raya.
The song celebrates themes of togetherness, making it a hit for family gatherings and a staple on local radio. With its vibrant energy and engaging lyrics, the track has gained traction on social media and streaming platforms like Spotify, solidifying its place as a festive favorite during Raya celebrations.
Ketipak Ketipung Raya
The duet "Ketipak Ketipung Raya," featuring Aisyah Retno and Aziz Harun, was released on March 22, 2024. This festive song blends traditional Malay musical elements with modern pop sounds to celebrate the essence of Raya.
The collaboration highlights the chemistry between the two artistes, creating a vibrant sound that appeals to younger and older audiences, drawing in more than 9 million views on YouTube.
Sah
"Sah," performed by Alfie Zumi and Sarah Suhairi and released on January 19, 2024, is a romantic duet that beautifully captures the essence of love and commitment. The song features smooth R&B influences paired with heartfelt lyrics about devotion and trust in relationships.
Alfie and Sarah's vocal harmonies create an intimate atmosphere that resonates deeply with listeners. This track has become increasingly popular on streaming platforms due to its relatable themes and melodic charm.
Sangkar Derita
Haqiem Rusli’s "Sangkar Derita," released on Feb 29, 2024, dives into themes of heartbreak and resilience. The lyrics convey a powerful narrative about overcoming emotional pain while reflecting on past relationships.
Haqiem’s expressive vocal style enhances the song’s emotional impact, making it relatable for anyone who has experienced heartache. The production features a blend of contemporary pop elements with deeper lyrical content, allowing it to stand out in playlists focused on emotional storytelling.
In the meantime, the international music scene also has been vibrant with a wide array of hits that have captivated audiences globally.
INTERNATIONAL SONGS
Birds of a Feather
Billie Eilish's "Birds of a Feather," released on May 23, 2024, showcases her signature blend of haunting melodies and introspective lyrics. The song explores themes of loneliness and connection, reflecting on how individuals often seek companionship in difficult times.
Eilish's ethereal vocals are complemented by minimalist production featuring soft synths and piano. The music video, which features stunning visuals that echo the song's themes, has garnered millions of views on YouTube. The track quickly climbed the charts, becoming a staple on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Espresso
It goes without saying that 2024 was the year of Sabrina Carpenter. Her song "Espresso," released on April 11, 2024, is the lead single from her sixth studio album, Short n' Sweet. The pop-funk track blends synth-pop and disco elements with empowering lyrics celebrating self-confidence.
Co-written by Carpenter, Amy Allen, and Steph Jones, and produced by Julian Bunetta, the song became a commercial triumph. It debuted at number ten on the Billboard Global 200, eventually topping the chart in June 2024—Carpenter's first number-one hit globally.
The song's infectious chorus and upbeat tempo made it a dance playlist favorite, while its vibrant music video gained immense popularity on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Short n' Sweet delivered multiple chart-topping hits. Singles "Espresso" and "Please Please Please" both claimed the top spot on the Billboard Global 200, with the latter marking Carpenter's first number-one on the US Billboard Hot 100. Meanwhile, the third single, "Taste," reached number one in the UK and number two in the US.
The album itself achieved widespread acclaim, topping charts in 18 countries, including the US, UK, France, and Australia. Impressively, all 12 tracks from Short n' Sweet charted on the US Hot 100, cementing Carpenter's rise as a global pop sensation.
Die With A Smile
The collaboration between Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga in "Die With A Smile," released on August 16, 2024, emerges their distinct musical styles into a soulful ballad that explores themes of love and resilience in the face of adversity.
The heartfelt lyrics emphasise cherishing moments with loved ones despite life’s challenges. The song features lush instrumentation with horns and strings that enhance its emotional depth.
It has performed well on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, resonating with fans who appreciate its poignant message.
We Can't Be Friends
Ariana Grande's "We Can't Be Friends," released on March 8, 2024, dives into the complexities of friendship and heartbreak. The pop ballad features Grande's signature vocal runs paired with relatable lyrics about navigating the aftermath of a broken relationship.
The production is characterised by soft piano chords and atmospheric synths that create an intimate listening experience. The song quickly climbed the charts upon release, becoming a favorite among fans for its emotional resonance.
Carnival
Kanye West’s collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign and ¥$ in "Carnival," released on February 15, 2024, featured an upbeat tempo with vibrant instrumentation that encourages listeners to celebrate their individuality. Its infectious energy has made it a popular choice for summer playlists across various streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
Not Like Us
Kendrick Lamar’s "Not Like Us," released on May 4, 2024, showcases his lyrical prowess as he tackles themes of identity and societal expectations. The track features intricate wordplay over a minimalist beat that allows his voice to take center stage.
Lamar’s thought-provoking lyrics challenge listeners to embrace their uniqueness while rejecting conformity. This song quickly gained traction on hip-hop charts and streaming platforms due to its powerful message.
Meanwhile, the K-pop scene continues to thrive, delivering a wave of chart-topping hits that have captivated fans around the world.
K-POP HITS
Power
G-Dragon's "Power," released on October 31, 2024 marks a triumphant return for the iconic artist. This high-energy track combines hip-hop beats with electronic elements, creating an anthemic sound that embodies confidence and strength.
The lyrics celebrate self-empowerment and resilience, encouraging listeners to embrace their individuality. G-Dragon's charismatic performance and the song's powerful production have made it a favorite on streaming platforms like Spotify and Melon, where it quickly topped charts.
APT
"APT," a collaboration between Rosé and Bruno Mars, was released on October 18, 2024. This song blends Rosé’s soulful vocals with Bruno Mars’ signature funk style, creating a catchy pop anthem that explores themes of love and longing.
The lyrics reflect a playful yet heartfelt narrative about romantic aspirations and the excitement of new relationships. The vibrant music video showcases stunning visuals and choreography, contributing to its popularity across YouTube and TikTok, where fans have engaged in dance challenges.
Rockstar
Blackpink Lisa’s "Rockstar," released on June 28, 2024, is an electrifying track that highlights her rap skills and dynamic stage presence. The song features a bold fusion of hip-hop and trap elements, with lyrics that exude confidence and ambition.
Lisa’s powerful delivery and the infectious beat make it a standout anthem for anyone striving to achieve their dreams. "Rockstar" has become immensely popular on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, resonating with fans who appreciate its empowering message.
Smart
Le Sserafim's "Smart," the second single from their third EP Easy, was released on March 5, 2024 and has quickly gained attention in the K-Pop scene. Showcasing an Amapiano style that fuses house music with African rhythms, the track highlights the group's evolving artistry and dynamic sound.
Written and produced by the collective 13, including Score and Megatone, the song's lyrics and upbeat vibe have resonated with fans worldwide.
Sheesh
Released on April 1, 2024, BabyMonster’s "Sheesh" is a fun and energetic track that captures the carefree spirit of youth. The song features catchy hooks and playful lyrics celebrating friendship and spontaneous adventures. With its vibrant production and engaging choreography in the music video, "Sheesh" has quickly gained popularity among younger audiences on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Magnetic
Illit’s "Magnetic," released on March 25, 2024, features an infectious melody paired with lyrics about attraction and chemistry in relationships.
The song combines elements of pop and electronic music to create a lively sound that resonates with listeners looking for feel-good tracks. Its catchy chorus has made it popular across various streaming services like Melon and Spotify.
Touch
Katseye’s "Touch," released on July 26, 2024, is an emotional ballad that showcases the artist's vocal prowess. The song explores themes of love and longing through heartfelt lyrics that connect deeply with listeners.
Its minimalist production allows Katseye's voice to shine as she conveys raw emotions. "Touch" has performed well on streaming platforms like Apple Music and Melon due to its relatable themes.
Armageddon
Aespa continues their streak of hits with "Armageddon," released on May 27, 2024. The track delivers powerful beats and intense lyrics about resilience and overcoming adversity, showcasing the group's bold and dynamic style.
Paired with intricate choreography and striking visuals, the music video for "Armageddon" has captivated fans, quickly climbing the charts on platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
Just weeks earlier, on May 13, 2024, Aespa released Supernova, a futuristic pop anthem exploring themes of empowerment and self-discovery. With its strong vocal performances and technology-inspired visuals, the song became an instant favorite, further solidifying Aespa's reputation as trailblazers in the global music scene.
Each song highlights the artists' distinctive talents while connecting with listeners through relatable themes and captivating melodies.
These tracks have dominated local charts and gained global recognition, leaving a significant mark on platforms like Spotify, Melon, Apple Music, and YouTube, as their reach continues to grow worldwide.