Nothing Matters by The Last Dinner Party
It’s been an extraordinary year for London group The Last Dinner Party, who shot to stardom with their first single, Nothing Matters. Some may dismiss them as an industry plant, but the fact is Nothing Matters is a baroque rock stunner. The final minute alone is a tour de force with its killer guitar solo, breathtaking vocals and even some trumpets for good measure. This song has it all.
Bewitched by Laufey
Laufey made headlines in September when her viral sophomore album Bewitched broke records for a jazz album, albeit a jazz album with strong pop leanings. The title track closes the record and is a blissful orchestral piece that evokes deep romance by way of fluttering violins and a delicate acoustic guitar. A must-listen for fans of classic Disney soundtracks.
Everybody’s Saying That by Girl Ray
Girl Ray pivoted to disco in August with the fantastic Prestige, an album led by this stellar single. It’s an outrageously fun pop track, with cheeky rhythm guitar and squiggly synths that manage to sound endearing rather than naff. Beware: listen to this chorus once and you’re never getting it out of your head.
You Are Not My Friend by Tessa Violet
Tessa Violet’s outstanding sophomore album, MY GOD, ran the gamut from unstoppable confidence to vulnerable self-examination. Punky closer You Are Not My Friend is most definitely the former – a belting rock anthem that will hit all the harder for any listeners fresh out of a messy breakup.
One That Got Away by MUNA
US indie pop band MUNA hit the big time this summer with a joint slot with Boygenius at Gunnersbury Park and look set for even bigger things in 2024. Their April single One That Got Away was one of their very best, a sticky piece of synth pop complete a lethal synth bass line.
Any Time of Day by The Lemon Twigs
The Lemon Twigs turned many new fans on to their classy, retro sounds with their critically acclaimed fourth album, Everything Harmony. This beauty of a track is perhaps the pick of the bunch, a succinct but smartly written old-fashioned pop song replete with a timeless falsetto chorus.
