A First Look at HSD’s 2024 Year-In-Review Report
Hit Songs Deconstructed releases an end-of-year report that features detailed analysis of Billboard Hot 100’s top 10 hits.
This report looks at trends relating to genres, influences, tempo, key, lyrical themes, instruments, structure and more, helping you to proactively stay in tune with what’s on the rise, what’s in decline, and how the hit song landscape is rapidly evolving.
Overview
During 2024, 73 songs charted in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, 16 of which reached the coveted top spot.
Behind them were 51 performing artists, 206 credited songwriters, 122 credited producers, and 13 record labels.
Shaping their sound and vibe were six primary genres, 31 sub-genres and influences, 24 prominent instruments, and seven lyrical themes.
Folk Micro Trend
While still highly atypical, the inclusion of a traditional folk influence in Hot 100 top 10 hits rose to 7% of songs in 2024, the highest it's been since way back in 2013 when songs like "Ho Hey," "Story Of My Life," and "Wake Me Up" were dominating the charts. Notable representatives in 2024 include the #1s "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" and "Texas Hold 'Em."
Inward Looking Hits
Introspection-themed lyrics rose to their highest level in over a decade at one-third of songs. Interestingly, all of the #1 hits that touch on the theme stem from the country genre.
Longer Running Songs
The average length of Hot 100 top 10 hits in 2024 rose by 22 seconds over 2023 to 3:40, the longest it’s been since 2017. Driving this was the rise of the 4:00+ range, which was most common for the first time in over a decade at 29% of songs. A little over half were hip hop/rap hits, including five of Kendrick Lamar's. Taylor Swift accounted for five as well.
What else shaped the Hot 100 top 10 in 2024?
Download the Report Preview with free highlights from The State of the Hot 100 Top 10: 2024 Year-In-Review Report.
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