Hear More From Us!
Riffs on 2024: The Stories Behind the Year’s Biggest Pop Songs

Riffs on 2024: The Stories Behind the Year’s Biggest Pop Songs

  • By Chris Fafalios
  • January 3, 2025

As a producer of a podcast all about pop music, I’ve learned a lot about how songs resonate and leave their mark on culture. My name is Chris Fafalios, and I produce Riffs on Riffs, a show that explores one pop hit each week, uncovering the connections and influences that shape the music we love. This article highlights some of the biggest songs of 2024, a year when pop music made a massive comeback in a big, big way. From chart-dominating anthems to unforgettable viral hits, 2024 was a standout year for the genre. Here are a few of my personal favorite pop hits from the year, along with an episode from my friends Joe and Toby that dives deep into the story behind each track.

Beyoncé "TEXAS HOLD 'EM"

2024 saw Beyoncé back at it again with TEXAS HOLD 'EM, a country-pop anthem that defies every expectation and somehow still makes perfect sense. Packed with twangy riffs, powerhouse vocals, and a chorus that feels like a backyard singalong, the song is just one highlight from her groundbreaking album Cowboy Carter. Featuring collaborations with legends like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton alongside rising stars like Tanner Adele, the album dives deep into the roots of country while boldly pushing the genre forward. With nods to trailblazing Black artists and a fearless approach to breaking boundaries, Beyoncé reminded us that music knows no limits.

Listen to the episode of Riffs on Riffs about “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM”

Sabrina Carpenter "Please Please Please"

Sabrina Carpenter’s 2024 hit “Please Please Please” is the kind of song that sticks with you after just one listen. It’s catchy as hell, but it’s also packed with that gut-punch vulnerability that makes a pop song really hit. The lyrics perfectly capture the messy mix of heartbreak and bruised ego, while the chorus practically begs you to sing (and cuss) along. Sabrina’s vocals are polished but raw enough to feel real, and the production strikes this cool balance between shimmering synth-pop and stripped-down acoustic vibes. It’s another reminder that she’s way more than just a former child star—she’s a total force in pop right now.

Listen to the episode of Riffs on Riffs about “Please Please Please”

Billie Eilish "BIRDS OF A FEATHER"

The first time I heard Billie Eilish’s “BIRDS OF A FEATHER,” I was duckpin bowling at Pins Mechanical in Pittsburgh, and it stopped me in my tracks. Something about the haunting melody and those vivid, poetic lyrics had me hooked immediately—it’s one of those songs that feels like it’s reaching right into your soul. Billie and Finneas absolutely nailed it with this one, blending that minimalist sound with an emotional punch that sticks with you. I was so happy to see this song blow up because it’s just that good. Of course, I had to insist that Joe and Toby do an episode all about it, which they happily obliged.

Listen to the episode of Riffs on Riffs about “BIRDS OF A FEATHER"

Shaboozey “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”

Shaboozey’s 2024 hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" was everywhere, and it’s easy to see why—it tied the all-time record for 19 weeks at #1 on the Hot 100. With its clever twist on J-Kwon’s "Tipsy," the track became the ultimate drinking anthem, blending country and hip-hop in a way that felt fresh and unexpected. Shaboozey’s rise to fame was fueled by a mix of diverse influences and smart marketing, which helped push the song to the top. Along with its catchy beat, "A Bar Song" sparked debates about auto-tune, race in country music, and how the song is bridging cultural divides, changing the game in the process.

Listen to the episode of Riffs on Riffs about “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”

LL COOL J “Murdergram Deux (feat. Eminem)”

LL Cool J's "Murdergram Deux (feat. Eminem)" is the kind of track that reminds you why LL will forever be the G.O.A.T. It’s pure fire—hard-hitting beats, bars for days, and that undeniable chemistry between LL and Eminem that makes you wish they'd teamed up more often. The song is a throwback to the gritty, raw energy of the '90s, with LL still spitting with the hunger and skill that made him a legend. Eminem brings his signature intensity, making this collab feel like a masterclass in hip-hop. Toby and Joe, both huge LL fans, were so stoked for his 2024 comeback and dive into all things LL in this episode, exploring his lasting impact on hip hop and the fire he’s still bringing.

Listen to the episode of Riffs on Riffs about “Murdergram Deux (feat. Eminem)”

Rediscover the Songs You Thought You Knew

Riffs on Riffs has always been about the thrill of musical discovery, that tingle down your spine when a perfect melody kicks in. Every chart-topper is a sonic time capsule. Hosts Toby Brazwell and Joe Watson crack it open, dig beneath the surface, decode those cryptic lyrics, and unearth the hidden gems in its musical DNA. You never know where Riffs is going to lead, but's going to be a fun journey! Tune in wherever you get your podcasts... and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for current updates!

Keep Reading

The Podcast That Changed the Future for Military Families

Podcasting

An episode of Unsolved Histories called What Happened to Flight 293?, hosted by Feliks Banel, has led to bipartisan legislation in Congress.

Read Full Post

Keep Ya Head Up: Ideastream Public Media releases season two of their award-winning podcast, Living For We.

Press
Ideastream Public Media announces the release of video podcast Living For We, Season 2: Keep Ya Head Up. This season, which premiers February 11th, 2025 explores the most pressing mental health epidemic facing the greater Cleveland area: gun violence.
Read Keep Ya Head Up: Ideastream Public Media releases season two of their award-winning podcast, Living For We.

Leah Haslage Shakes Up Wedding Traditions in Cleveland Magazine!

Shows

Leah Haslage, host of the wildly popular Bridechilla podcast, was recently featured in Cleveland Magazine, discussing modern wedding trends and how couples are tossing outdated traditions over their shoulders and trying something new.

Read Full Post

Streaming with Station: A New Era of Evergreen Episodes

Industry

Station opens the gates for fans to dive into episodes, connect with hosts and fellow listeners, and grab exclusive, podcast-themed swag.

Read Full Post