Top 25 Alt-Soul Songs of 2024: A Celebration of Artistic Brilliance
ALT. Soul - Realm Music
2024 has been a banner year for alternative soul (alt-soul), a genre that blends traditional soul with experimental sounds, R&B, and eclectic influences. Alt-soul artists continue to redefine the sonic landscape, delivering music that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant. As we unveil our top 25 alt-soul songs of the year, we spotlight tracks that embody the genre’s innovation and highlight our Artists of the Year: Maeta, FLO, and Sasha Keable.
Here’s a deep dive into five standout tracks and the artists making waves in 2024.
1. Fist Bump – Durand Bernarr
Durand Bernarr’s “Fist Bump” is a testament to his signature style: funky, irreverent, and rich in vocal artistry. The track explores themes of camaraderie and shared experiences, wrapped in a groovy, bass-heavy production. Bernarr’s ability to infuse humor and heart into his music makes this an unforgettable entry in our top 25.
2. Ain’t Sad About It – LAYA
LAYA has mastered the art of balancing vulnerability with strength, and “Ain’t Sad About It” is no exception. The song is an anthem of self-reclamation, celebrating emotional independence and resilience. With its lush harmonies and retro-inspired production, it’s a standout that speaks to listeners navigating life’s complexities.
3. Want 2 – Laila!
Laila! delivers pure magic with “Want 2,” a sultry and introspective track about yearning and desire. Her airy vocals float over a dreamy, minimalist beat, creating an intimate soundscape that invites listeners to sink into her emotional world. This song solidifies her place as one of the genre's most exciting emerging voices.
4. Here We Go – Coco Jones
Coco Jones has had an unstoppable year, and “Here We Go” is a shining example of her ability to blend soul with contemporary influences. The track is upbeat yet soulful, featuring powerful vocals and a hook that sticks. It’s a celebration of self-assuredness and determination, making it a fan favorite.
5. Alright – Victoria Monét
Victoria Monét’s “Alright” radiates warmth and optimism, offering listeners a moment of solace and hope. Known for her intricate songwriting, Monét shines with lyrics that inspire and production that feels both fresh and timeless. “Alright” is the soundtrack to finding peace amidst chaos, a much-needed anthem for 2024.
1. Maeta: The Powerhouse Vocalist
Maeta’s meteoric rise in 2024 has been nothing short of phenomenal. Her ability to channel raw emotion into every note has set her apart in the alt-soul world. This year, she captivated fans with her genre-defying album, weaving elements of jazz, R&B, and soul into a cohesive masterpiece. With hits like “Endless Night” and “Turn Me On,” Maeta has proven she’s not just an artist but a force to be reckoned with.
2. FLO: The Alt-Soul Trio Redefining Girl Groups
British trio FLO has been breaking barriers, redefining what it means to be a girl group in the modern era. Their seamless harmonies, relatable lyrics, and bold experimentation have won them a global fan base. Tracks like “Get It Till I’m Gone” and “In My Bag” showcase their knack for storytelling and boundary-pushing production, making them a standout in 2024.
3. Sasha Keable: The Soulful Storyteller
Sasha Keable has solidified her status as one of the most authentic voices in alt-soul. Her lyrics delve deep into personal experiences, connecting with listeners on a profound level. In 2024, Keable’s introspective album, featuring standout tracks like “Why” and “Auction,” garnered critical acclaim, cementing her as a defining voice in the genre.
This year’s alt-soul scene has been characterized by bold experimentation and genre-blurring. Artists are fearlessly incorporating electronic, funk, and hip-hop elements while staying rooted in the emotional depth that defines soul music. These innovations have allowed for a diverse array of sounds, from the groovy escapism of Durand Bernarr’s “Fist Bump” to the introspective beauty of Laila!’s “Want 2.”
The rise of platforms like TikTok and Bandcamp has also amplified alt-soul voices, giving artists greater creative control and fans direct access to their music. This democratization of music has played a key role in bringing artists like LAYA and Coco Jones to the forefront.
While we’ve spotlighted five tracks, the full list of our top 25 songs includes a wealth of talent pushing the genre forward. From underground gems to mainstream successes, each track is a testament to the innovation and emotional resonance of alt-soul.
“Fist Bump” – Durand Bernarr
“Ain’t Sad About It” – LAYA
“Want 2” – Laila!
“Here We Go” – Coco Jones
“Alright” – Victoria Monét
And 20 more transformative tracks that showcase the year’s best.
2024 has proven that alt-soul is more than a genre—it’s a movement. Artists like Durand Bernarr, LAYA, Laila!, Coco Jones, and Victoria Monét continue to set the bar high, while Maeta, FLO, and Sasha Keable remind us that the future of soul is in good hands. As we celebrate the top 25 alt-soul songs of the year, we look forward to what these artists—and the genre as a whole—will bring in 2025.
What were your favorite alt-soul tracks of the year? Let us know in the comments!
What is ALT. Soul? A Vibe by Joint Jams Radio
ALT. Soul is more than a genre—it’s a feeling, a fusion, and a journey into uncharted musical territory brought to you by Joint Jams Radio. Imagine the raw emotion of soulful R&B, the poetic edge of pop rap, and the boundary-pushing spirit of alternative music, all colliding in perfect harmony.
This isn’t your typical playlist—it’s a curated soundscape where genres intertwine, breaking rules to create something beautifully unexpected. ALT. Soul is for the seekers: those who crave beats that groove, lyrics that resonate, and melodies that stick with you long after the last note fades.
From smooth vocals dripping with emotion to innovative rhythms and thoughtful bars, ALT. Soul offers a refreshing escape into a world where creativity reigns supreme. It’s where the heart meets the edge, and where the familiar evolves into something completely new.
Ready to explore the sound of the future? Tune in to ALT. Soul on Joint Jams Radio.
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