It’s finally that time of year again – the moment Spotify turns our listening habits into a personal highlight reel. Sure, we’re all belting out Billie Eilish and The Weeknd, and are no strangers to Lavender Haze – or haze in general – but what about other songs that caught fire on our sunny island? The 2024 Wrapped spilled the tea!
From the ones that became kopi shop classics, to the tunes blasting from that one person’s Bluetooth speaker at the void deck, I’m here to zoom in on what made Singapore sing and sway this year. So who made the cut? Stick around to find out!
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Top Artists of 2024 in Singapore
Taylor Swift
Quick – pretend to be shocked! Taylor Swift dominated Spotify Wrapped 2024 globally and, of course, here in Singapore too. Her name popping up as one of our top-streamed artists was as predictable as hawker centre queues at lunchtime.
This year, her reign came with the super duper successful Eras Tour and the release of her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department. Not only did it become the most-streamed album worldwide, but it also gave us all the feels – and apparently, a lot of replay value.
Singaporeans, in particular, couldn’t get enough of Cruel Summer. Whether it’s the memorable chorus or the scream-it-out-loud bridge, it’s a song taylor-made for car rides and summer road trips. I may not be a Swiftie (please don’t come for me), but love her or not, you’ve got to admit, Taylor knows how to craft a hit. I’m sure her songs were the soundtracks to many people’s 2024 memories! Argue with me all you want, but this year was, once again, Taylor’s era.
Jay Chou
Step aside to make way for the “King of Mandopop,” Jay Chou! I hear this name pop up often amongst my Chinese friends, and now it’s easy to see why. For over two decades, this Taiwanese superstar has been blending R&B and hip-hop with a traditional Chinese sound, putting out music that resonates with fans across generations.
His latest album, Greatest Works of Art, dropped with a bang in 2022 – and soon after, Won’t Cry became a crowd favourite. Jay’s unique style and thoughtful lyrics just hit different for so many people! From ruling local streaming charts to his unforgettable performance during his Carnival World Tour, Jay is another talented musician who holds a special place in the hearts of Mandopop fans in Singapore – and worldwide, for that matter!
Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars. The singer we can always count on for a soulful ballad or a funky dance number – a household name at this point! There’s been no new album from him, that was never a problem for Bruno! His timeless catalogue’s been racking up streams like it’s still 24K magic in the air.
Recently, Bruno smashed Spotify’s record for the most monthly listeners, clocking a whopping 136.1 million. With collaborations like Die With A Smile alongside Lady Gaga (an anthem for the hopeless romantics) and APT. with Blackpink’s Rosé, it’s no wonder. I can’t tell you how often I hear APT. playing these days, and yet, somehow, no one’s getting tired of it. But hey, when it’s Bruno and Rosé, what’s not to love?
Whether you’re in the mood to dance or cry it out, Bruno’s got your back with options for days. Having tapped into R&B, pop, funk, or soul, he’s the epitome of a versatile artist! Is there anything he can’t pull off? Bruno, oh, Bruno – the man that you are.
Ariana Grande
Need I introduce the queen who’s been a staple in so many of our playlists for years? Naturally, Ariana Grande made waves in Singapore with her latest album, Eternal Sunshine. With its mix of heartfelt ballads and infectious pop beats, it’s a testament to her knack for creating songs that really stick with you and me.
One track that stood out for Singaporeans this year? we can’t be friends (wait for your love). This poignant midtempo ballad dives into longing and heartbreak, hitting listeners – especially anyone who’s fought to keep a connection alive against all odds – right in the feels. Whether you interpret it as a letter to a past love or a subtle reference to Ariana’s relationship with the media, there are layers to this emotional song. Add the synth-pop melody and EDM influences alongside her unmatched vocal prowess and you’ve got a track you can’t skip.
The rest of Eternal Sunshine didn’t disappoint either. Drawing inspiration from the 2004 film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the beautiful album captures the highs and lows of love with a blend of disco, house, pop, and R&B influences. It’s Ari doing what she does best – connecting with her fans on a deep level while providing them with new shower concert material. She’s clearly still in her prime – kudos to her!
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter’s taken Singapore by storm, and Espresso is the proof! This feel-good track isn’t just the talk of the town here – it’s sitting proudly as Spotify’s global top song with a staggering 1.6 billion streams. From its upbeat tempo to Sabrina’s signature witty lyrics, the song’s gone viral on TikTok and beyond. Have you caught yourself humming to its melody, too? It’s one of those songs we’re going to find so nostalgic in the future – it’s already a karaoke favourite amongst my friends!
The entire album, Short n’ Sweet, is just as memorable and playful – and she’s currently touring it, much to the delight of her fans. Anyone remember her from her Thumbs days? Sabrina’s rise in the industry is long overdue, and if we’re using Espresso as the gauge, she’s probably brewing up more bangers to keep us wrapped around her finger. This has been the year for pop princesses, hasn’t it?
The Weeknd
Now this guy’s in a league of his own. The Weeknd’s success keeps soaring – courtesy of his distinct sound. With over 30 billion streams in 2024 alone, he’s the second most-streamed artist globally – and that kind of popularity doesn’t come without some special talent. His spin on alternative R&B has made his music instantly recognisable! I wouldn’t say I’m familiar with his discography, but I can usually tell it’s a Weeknd track as soon as it starts playing.
This year, One Of The Girls was on constant replay, with its star-studded lineup featuring Jennie from BLACKPINK and Lily-Rose Depp. It’s the perfect example that shows off The Weeknd’s ability to fuse moody production with introspective lyrics, tied together in the presence of his signature falsetto. It’s hard to mistake him for anyone else! Whether it’s about heartbreak, self-reflection, or dreamy escapism, The Weeknd’s songs have a magnetic quality that pulls you in – and keeps you there.
Coldplay
Is it even a list of top artists in Singapore without Coldplay? I’m convinced they’ll be loved forever – and their Music of the Spheres World Tour seconds that notion. Known for their spectacular live performances, Coldplay created a breathtaking experience for fans in Singapore this year. From digital fireworks to vibrant confetti, their show was simply magical. I wasn’t there myself, but I think I’ve lost count of how many Instagram stories I saw of the entire stadium singing along to Yellow. What a moment!
Coldplay, be it their extensive discography or their immersive concert experiences, has always reached far and wide, connecting with all ages. Like, come on. Our parents probably loved them before we did! And yet, here we are, another generation rocking out to their serotonin-boosting music. I think that’s the universal appeal that keeps their fanbase growing.
As a band lover through and through, I understand it all too well. Coldplay’s impact on contemporary music isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Whether you were singing your heart out to Fix You in a crowd of thousands or finding solace in it on a quiet night, their music will always be our companion. Long live Coldplay!
Billie Eilish
Okay, okay – I’ll admit. I did fall off the Billie Eilish bandwagon for a bit earlier this year. But then she dropped her Hit Me Hard And Soft album, and I made up for it – because Chihiro was all I could listen to for days on end. How does she just keep getting better? Every year, I’m more and more proud of how much she’s grown, both as an artist and as a person.
This year, Singapore’s collective favourite track of Billie’s was Birds of a Feather – it even ranked third among the most-streamed songs on Spotify in Singapore for 2024! I believe Billie, like The Weeknd, is in a lane of her own as well. The way the production of her music blends pop, electropop, and alternative influences creates a unique sound that’s all hers!
And with her haunting melodies that explore mental health, love, and complex emotions, her music feels like an anchor in a sea of noise – a source of comfort and understanding. Her music has always been a safe space, reflecting personal experiences many of us can relate to.
I’ll be honest – she’s one of the handful of pop artists I actually listen to and genuinely enjoy. I just love her raw, candid approach to songwriting, which has been by my side through my early teen years. Billie, you deserve all the praise and critical acclaim that comes your way!
Justin Bieber
Of course, we can’t forget the man himself. Some may even call him the face of 2010s pop culture. That’s right – it’s none other than Justin Bieber! He’ll always be relevant, truly. He’s spanned multiple genres – pop, R&B, EDM, rap? He’s done ‘em all. Beliebers, remember the craze when Justin was featured on Private Landing by Don Toliver? It felt like 2013 Bieber had come back to us! His sound has evolved over the years, but he still embodies that same energy that made us all obsessed back in the day.
And who could ignore STAY – his collaboration with The Kid LAROI? That track was seriously everywhere – and it’s still popping in Singapore. Like many others, I had an intense Justin Bieber phase waaay back – and I’m not sorry about it! From his early days as a YouTube sensation to his current global stardom, he’s built himself a legacy that will never fade. And for as long as his suave vocals are alive and well, he’ll continue to impact the music industry.
Jung Kook
I can’t even begin to process how much Jung Kook has evolved since he’s branched out from BTS! No surprise here – he’s ranked as the second most-streamed K-Pop artist globally on Spotify for 2024 – only behind his own group! His solo work has skyrocketed his popularity, with songs from his Golden album, like Seven (feat. Latto), Standing Next to You, and 3D (feat. Jack Harlow) amassing billions of streams. I can’t deny it – they’re quite catchy. And don’t even get me started on how the choreographies for Seven and Standing Next to You were blowing up on TikTok!
I remember this phase when my friends would randomly break into singing “Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday” – the iconic line from Seven’s chorus – and at one point, I thought my ears were going to fall off. Not that I’m complaining, though!
We’ve all seen Jung Kook shine as part of BTS, paving the way for K-Pop globally, but I admire how he’s carved out his own sound, blending pop and R&B. And I’m sure ARMYs will agree! Yes, he’s still fulfilling his military service (if he’s in the army, does that make him one of us?), but I can’t wait for his return. His voice is smooth like butter, and his dance moves? Impeccable. I know the wait’s tough, but let’s be patient and give Jung Kook the warmest welcome back when he hits the stage again!
Special Mentions
Of course, with all these incredible artists, we can’t forget to show some love to our homegrown stars too! Shoutout to JJ Lin – who released 絕不絕 this year – and Stefanie Sun, two legends who have been steady pillars in the local music industry for years. Every time their names pop up, it’s a reminder of just how much talent we have on our little red dot.
On the topic of shoutouts, The Astronaut by Jin and Who by Jimin were also among the top tracks in Singapore this year, even though these two BTS members didn’t make the top artist rankings. Honestly, I didn’t expect them to gain so much traction here, with BTS being on a long-term hiatus, but that might just be because I’m no longer a hardcore fan. Don’t get me wrong though, I’ll always love their older sound (it’s just a matter of taste!), and they’ll forever have a special place in my heart. Evidently, their solo work still has the Bangtan magic fans adore!
What took me by greater surprise, though, was the huge impact Magnetic by ILLIT had in Singapore – a prime example of fresh faces (and voices) stepping into the spotlight.They only debuted this year, but they already have a pretty massive following, and Magnetic’s viral choreography has been all over social media. I find the “killing part,” as they call it, so cute – but kinda tricky. If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a shot!
Anyhoo, ILLIT is one to watch. I have no doubt they’ve got a bright future ahead of them, and I can’t wait to see what they do next. I mean, with K-pop dominating playlists in Singapore, I think it’s safe to say that it’s a genre that’s here to stay!
So there you have it – a snapshot of some of the music that shaped our year here in Singapore! Whether it’s the artists we’ve grown up with, new ones making their mark, or K-pop tracks we just can’t get enough of, music continues to be a language that connects us all.
And hey, if your own Spotify Wrapped didn’t quite hit the mark this year, don’t sweat it – there’s always next year to discover new favourites and build the playlist of your dreams. Who knows what 2025 will bring? One thing’s for sure – music will keep evolving and reminding us why it’s such a big part of our lives. Until then, happy listening!
Couldn’t find any of your favs here? Check out the full Top Artists of 2024 Singapore, you might just hear them on shuffle! What did your Spotify Wrapped look like? Let us know via our socials on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok!
Visuals Courtesy of Spotify and Universal Music Singapore.
