Compiling this list of 20 memorable singles always starts out as a daunting task, given how many fabulous tunes are released over the course of the year. But, for myself, I am not quite as consistent with my song tracking as I would lead you to believe – making it extra hard to look over my accumulation of sticky note scribbles, scratch pad missives, and streaming playlist histories that are, for the most part, simply haphazard in nature – to whittle down 20 that stood out for me. And don’t get me started with the ‘February’ bias here…
As always, this is by no means a list cataloging the best 20 singles from 2024 – but rather a purely subjective revisiting of the Canadian tunes that led to the battering of the repeat button when first encountered (and then some). Due to the time needed to prepare this recap, singles released after mid-November are ineligible for consideration – and like last year, these are not ranked here in any order but are instead listed alphabetically by artist/band first name.
Adrian Sutherland: “My Rebel Spirit” (January)
When a new year starts with a repeat-button friendly hit tune from Adrian Sutherland, you know things are looking up as midwinter beckons – better still was the news of Adrian’s upcoming second solo album, released less than a couple of months later.
Ariane Roy: “Si je rampe” (April)
Having heard Ariane perform this tune during our first Le Roy, la Rose et le Lou[p] experience in 2023, with the formal release of the single this past April came our hopes of much-anticipated new music from this highly talented emerging Québec City artist.
Aysanabee (ft. Raye Zaragoza): “Come Out” (January)
Another solid year of music and live performances from this Toronto-based Oji-Cree artist, when we needed an appropriate new single for a Valentine’s Day feature, Aysanabee (along with US artist Raye Zaragoza) scored straight A’s with this stunning duet.
Boston Levi: “Pretty Little Heartbreak” (May)
Nothing beats preparing for a pending summer road trip by selecting your own fresh-hot jam that morphs into that perfect anthem for the entire season – and let’s be honest, a little blue-collar rock and roll from Perth, ON rocker Boston Levi adds plenty of extra credibility.
Boy Golden: “Here To Stay” (April)
Appreciating Liam Duncan’s unique brand of cosmic country over the years, this surprise shift to a whimsical banjo-laced folk troubadour was not on my 2024 bingo card – but as unexpected as this sounds, once bitten, forever smitten… Fabulous stuff out of Manitoba.
Celeigh Cardinal: “Over And Over” (April)
There should be a standalone category for that one song that bursts from the speakers, and while you recognize the voice, you can’t recall just who, because it’s so different from their conventional sound. This was THAT tune – give the award to Celeigh right now.
Chorus Of Courage: “Sweet Little Hummingbird” (February)
A unique musical project, envisioned by artist/therapist Cindy Doire, that brought survivors of violence together with artists who honor their stories, while every tune on the album that followed is magnificent, it is this debut release (ft. Julian Taylor) that kickstarted it all.
Geneviève Racette: “Same Old Me” (February)
Why, oh why is Montréal, QC singer-songwriter Geneviève Racette not yet a household name? Having just released her latest album, this hauntingly beautiful ballad tackling self-reflection and self-doubt perfectly captures everything we love about this artist.
I, The Mountain: “Carry On” (July)
When seeking out an essential summer jam this past July, the timely arrival of this brief – but bodacious – 120 second ditty checked all the boxes. Guaranteed to have you cranking the volume dial and singing the catchy chorus at the top of your lungs every time…
Kelly-Ann: “Overthinking” (February)
For us music bloggers, nothing beats the rush of discovering an incredible vocal talent so early into a new year and knew that we’d struck gold when encountering this stunning ‘anti-love’ ballad from emerging Montréal indie-folk artist Kelly-Ann. Outstanding!
Lou-Adriane Cassidy: “Dis-moi dis-moi dis-moi” (October)
Following a run of great shows with Le Roy, la Rose et le Lou[p], Cassidy’s adopted ‘wolf persona’ lives on in her upcoming third studio album, signaling a shift from folk and grunge roots into mainstream pop territory – a space where this artist shall certainly thrive.
Misty Blue: “Subtle Divine” (February)
Having referenced my passion many times here for 90s era alternative pop-rock, I considered myself honored to be approached by emerging Toronto indie-rockers Misty Blue asking if we’d share this tune – one that led to a fabulous trip down memory lane.
Mo Kenney: “Bad Times” (September)
Marveling at Kenney’s return to their musical roots with their “From Nowhere” album, this gorgeous soft-pop tune grabbed my attention upon first listen, easily convincing me that this could have been a long-lost gem from Kenney’s timeless 2012 debut album.
Nicolette & the Nobodies: “Show Up” (February)
As a card-carrying member of the vintage ‘croon and twang’ country music club, once the vocal pipes of Guelph, ON artist Nicolette Hoang burst unannounced from my car speakers last spring, I was convinced that Tammy Wynette’s ghost was calling out to me.
Projet Jacob: “La rivière” (May)
While I was never actively craving a French language tune that offered 60s era sounds reminiscent of The Byrds – this three-minute folksy-pop affair sure checks the boxes with plenty of jangly guitars and soft-spoken vocals that wash over you. Woodstock beckons.
Quote The Raven: “Already Gone” (February)
Shame on me for keeping the music from this Newfoundland duo in a holding pattern for the longest time, but after hearing their Ron Hynes tribute last year, Quote The Raven earned my full attention. This early 2024 release is one of the finest ballads you’ll hear.
Rachel Davis & Darren McMullen: “River And The Road” (March)
While there is never a shortage of great contemporary-traditional music coming out of the Maritimes, when Coig bandmates Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen (recently married too – congratulations) share new music, the whole world truly needs to take notice…
Sadie Campbell: “Second Chance” (April)
While easily admitting that every new tune can be our ‘go-to’ track once you hear it (until the next one comes along), from the second Sadie’s potent rock-soul vocals hit the airwaves, this one got under my skin immediately – and trust me, it’s still there, even now.
Tennyson King & Lindi Ortega: “Where I Make My Home” (April)
If ever there were awards for the most unexpected collaboration of 2024, I’d be all in on this pairing of two musical nomads. Extra props to folk singer Tennyson King for convincing his good pal, alt-country artist Lindi Ortega back to the spotlight. Such a gorgeous ballad.
The Manic Boys And Girls Club: “Sorry” (June)
Toronto siblings Bela & Fernando Ferreira have been creating some of the finest indie-pop music for several years, with a natural flair for the cinematic in sound, style, and the visual elements in their videos. They really should be a household name by now, in my opinion.
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
