The Best Alternative Songs Of 2024

Akansha Kakkad
Updated May 16, 2024 11 items

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Voting Rules
Only songs that were released in 2024.

Explore the sonic landscape of 2024 with this ranked list of the best alternative songs of the year. Alternative music fans everywhere are ranking their favorite recent tracks, while also considering commercial success, critical acclaim, and pop culture impact. These songs made the list because they pushed the boundaries of the genre, resonated with listeners, and consistently found their way onto playlists.

To celebrate the vast spectrum that alternative music covers, this list includes a variety of new alt songs, like melancholic indie anthems, beat-focused synth-pop tracks, and grunge-inspired rock hits. The shared trait among these varied songs? They all managed to criss-cross the boundaries of traditional pop music, daring to be distinctly unique while resonating with the music lovers who have cast their votes.

And now, it's your turn to have a say. Review the currently ranked best alternative songs of 2024 and decide if the list aligns with your perspective. Is your favorite at the top where it belongs? Or has it been wrongly overlooked? Cast your vote and shape the direction of this list. And remember, any interaction with the list, sharing, voting, or commenting, contributes to the collective voice representing the alternative music scene of 2024. 

Latest additions: Overcompensate
Help shape these rankings by voting on this list of The Best Alternative Songs Of 2024
  • Too Sweet
    1

    Too Sweet

    Hozier
    21 votes

    Before the release of his EP Unheard, Hozier's song “Too Sweet” went viral on TikTok. The song describes a relationship that was not meant to last. 

  • Broken Man
    2

    Broken Man

    St. Vincent
    18 votes

    Released as a single from her album, All Born Screaming, St. Vincent's “Broken Man” challenges gender presentation norms and expectations. The song features drumming by the lead singer of the Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl. 

  • Capricorn
    3

    Capricorn

    Vampire Weekend
    15 votes

    Featured on their album, Only God Was Above Us, Vampire Weekend's “Capricorn” describes the melancholia and nostalgia associated with growing pains. The ballad features acoustic guitar and keyboard instrumentals. 

  • Nothing to Declare
    4

    Nothing to Declare

    MGMT
    7 votes

    Alternative Indie duo MGMT's “Nothing to Declare” lyrically describes a psychological journey while traveling. The music video is inspired by '90s European Independent cinema and features Inga Petry, a TikTok disability activist born without arms. 

  • Beautiful People (Stay High)
    5

    Beautiful People (Stay High)

    The Black Keys
    7 votes

    “Beautiful People (Stay High)” describes the tension between striving for personal fulfillment and battling inner conflict. Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney wrote the song with singer, Beck and music producer, Dan the Automator.

  • All in Good Time (ft. Fiona Apple)
    6

    All in Good Time (ft. Fiona Apple)

    Iron and Wine
    13 votes

    Iron and Wine's duet with singer-songwriter, Fiona Apple on “All in Good Time” is featured on the duo's album, Light Verse. The song engages in a musical dialogue to make peace with the journey of life's struggles and successes. 

  • OMG
    7

    OMG

    Suki Waterhouse
    13 votes

    Suki Waterhouse mixes pop and rock in her latest anthem-style single “OMG.” The song lyrically and tonally reflects the shifting emotions of relationships.  

  • Overcompensate
    8

    Overcompensate

    Twenty One Pilots
    10 votes

    Hip-hop-inspired “Overcompensate” is the latest single from the duo act Twenty One Pilots' highly-anticipated seventh album Clancy. The single has reached the No. 1 spot on alternative radio stations. 

  • Modern Girl
    9

    Modern Girl

    Bleachers
    10 votes

    “Modern Girl” incorporates ‘80s saxophone with modern lyric references such as OnlyFans. The song is played in the last season of Netflix’s Sex Education. 

  • Neon Pill
    10

    Neon Pill

    Cage the Elephant
    9 votes

    Cage the Elephant's “Neon Pill” lyrically recounts the legal incident one of the band members was involved in 2023. The song also alludes to how drugs impacted the lead singer, Matt Shultz's life. 

  • Mustang
    11

    Mustang

    Kings of Leon
    7 votes

    Known for their belting choruses, Kings of Leon's “Mustang” features a line primed for the radio. The band released their album When You See Yourself as an NFT, or non-fungible token.