The Hits of 2024: A Year of Artistic Triumph and Economic Transformation

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2024 will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in contemporary music history, where tracks transcended borders, genres blended seamlessly, and artists reinvented their craft to capture the attention of a global audience. On the world stage, Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter emerged as the definitive anthem of the year, while in France, Petit Génie dominated playlists. Meanwhile, in the United States, the rise of country music in the charts solidified its enduring appeal, as Latin and Afrobeat genres continued their relentless expansion across international markets.

Behind these tracks lies a music industry in perpetual transformation: billions of streams recorded, records shattered, and unprecedented economic dynamics reshaping the value of music. In 2024, it wasn’t just about what we listened to—it was also about how music became a strategic asset. Music catalogues soared to historic highs, redefining the rules of the game at the intersection of artistic creation and financial opportunity.

Let us delve into the songs, trends, and evolutions that shaped this remarkable year, balancing creative brilliance with structural innovation.

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The Global Hits of 2024 and Their Impact on the Music Industry

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Spotify’s Global Top 10 in 2024 spotlighted artists whose music transcended borders and resonated universally:

• Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter

• Beautiful Things – Benson Boone

• Birds of a Feather – Billie Eilish

• Gata Only – FloyyMenor, Cris Mj

• Lose Control – Teddy Swims

• End of Beginning – Djo

• Too Sweet – Hozier

• One of the Girls – The Weeknd, JENNIE, Lily-Rose Depp

• Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift

• Die with a Smile – Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars

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Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso dominated charts with over 2 billion global streams, cementing her status as a rising pop star. Billie Eilish continued to shine with Birds of a Feather, while Benson Boone captivated audiences worldwide with his heartfelt ballad.

The diversity in genres was striking: from Latin-infused pop hits like Gata Only to introspective anthems like End of Beginning by Djo, these tracks encapsulated the musical essence of 2024, showcasing the ever-expanding palette of popular music.

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The United States: A Melting Pot of Musical Diversity

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In the U.S., the year’s music preferences reflected an eclectic mix of genres, from country and rap to Latin pop:

• Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter

• Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar

• A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey

• I Had Some Help (feat. Morgan Wallen) – Post Malone

• MILLION DOLLAR BABY – Tommy Richman

• Good Luck, Babe! – Chappell Roan

• Beautiful Things – Benson Boone

• Birds of a Feather – Billie Eilish

• I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Musgraves) – Zach Bryan

• Stick Season – Noah Kahan

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Kendrick Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us emerged as a new anthem for hip-hop, demonstrating how artistic clashes can amplify a song’s reach. Meanwhile, Zach Bryan and Morgan Wallen highlighted the rise of the country crossover genre.

Post Malone, known for his artistic versatility, ventured further into country music with I Had Some Help, a collaboration with Morgan Wallen that cemented his status as a genre-defying artist.

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France: The Rise of Homegrown Talent

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Spotify France’s Top 10 revealed the dominance of French-speaking artists:

• Petit Génie – Jungeli, Imen Es, Alonzo, Abou Debeing, Lossa

• Imagine – Carbonne

• SPIDER – GIMS, DYSTINCT

• Beautiful Things – Benson Boone

• Gata Only – FloyyMenor, Cris Mj

• Aucune Attache – KeBlack

• MAMI WATA – Gazo, Tiakola

• FLASHBACK – Favé, Gazo

• Position – Franglish

• SOIS PAS TIMIDE – GIMS

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The success of Petit Génie illustrated the vibrancy of the French urban music scene. GIMS, with two tracks in the Top 10, further cemented his influence, while MAMI WATA by Gazo and Tiakola underscored the growing prominence of Afro-rap in shaping French musical identity.

Emerging Trends in 2024

The Rise of Country Crossover in the United States

In 2024, country music reached a new milestone with the emergence of country crossover—a genre blending traditional country roots with pop, folk, and even R&B influences. Tracks such as I Remember Everything by Zach Bryan featuring Kacey Musgraves and Stick Season by Noah Kahan exemplified this trend, captivating a younger and more diverse audience. These songs resonated not only with traditional country fans but also attracted listeners from other genres, driving streams and revitalizing physical album sales, often overlooked by other musical styles.

Taylor Swift, globally renowned for her pop productions, also contributed to this revival. With tracks like Cruel Summer still dominating international charts, she seamlessly reintegrated subtle country elements into her music, harking back to her roots. Her massive influence on streaming platforms, coupled with her role as a cultural ambassador, amplified the reach of country crossover to a global audience, showcasing the effectiveness of a strategy that skillfully balances nostalgia with modernity.

Two unexpected figures also marked this transition: Beyoncé and Post Malone. Beyoncé, known for her ability to navigate across genres, surprised fans with country-inspired sounds in her track Texas Hold’Em. The song rapidly climbed the charts, broadening the genre’s appeal. Similarly, Post Malone, with his track I Had Some Help featuring Morgan Wallen, seamlessly merged the emotional essence of country with his signature style, proving that the genre can integrate successfully with contemporary sounds like rock, rap, and R&B.

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This resurgence of country crossover reflects the evolving tastes of American music audiences, where genre boundaries are becoming increasingly fluid. Through bold collaborations and the innovative efforts of iconic artists, country music is no longer confined to niche or regional appeal; it has become a global force, reaching audiences who, just a few years ago, might never have considered listening to the genre.

The Global Impact of Latin and Afrobeat Influences

In 2024, Latin and Afrobeat genres solidified their positions as dominant forces within the global music industry. Tracks such as Gata Only by FloyyMenor and Cris Mj and MAMI WATA by Gazo and Tiakola exemplify this rise, driven by infectious rhythms and captivating melodies. These genres, powered by international collaborations, successfully transcended cultural and linguistic barriers, capturing the attention of an ever-growing global audience.

Latin music, already well-established, continues to dominate streaming platforms and social media, while Afrobeat, originating from West Africa, has emerged as a global phenomenon thanks to artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid. Strategic collaborations between local and international artists have played a pivotal role in this expansion, making these songs even more universally appealing.

Beyond their musical success, these genres embody a celebration of cultural diversity and generate significant economic impact. In 2024, they were no longer fleeting trends but foundational pillars shaping the future of global music.

The Boom in Music Catalogues: Why 2024 Was a Record-Breaking Year

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In 2024, music catalogues cemented their position as financial mainstays within the music industry, reaching record-breaking transaction volumes. These collections of publishing and master rights became coveted assets, valued for their stable revenue streams from streaming, sync deals, and licensing. Read our article ranking the 25 biggest music rights catalogue deals in the history of music.

Taylor Swift continued to dominate headlines, expanding her control over her back catalogue in a deal worth an estimated $200 million, bringing the total value of her rights to $1.5 billion. Universal Music Group also made waves by acquiring the catalogues of emerging artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and The Kid LAROI, with deals exceeding $100 million each.

Streaming, now accounting for over 65% of global music industry revenue, played a pivotal role in bolstering the appeal of these catalogues. Tracks by Taylor Swift amassed over 36 billion streams in 2024 alone, while Billie Eilish’s catalogue surpassed 25 billion streams, solidifying the value of their respective rights.

Interested in exploring how to invest in music catalogues and contribute to the industry’s evolution? Discover our assets on Bolero and start investing in music today.

In the years to come, 2024 will be remembered as a turning point in the democratization of music rights investment and the creation of a virtuous model for artists and composers. As Olivier Lesnicki (Le Motif) remarked in February 2024:

“Bolero’s technology introduces a new model that enables artists to secure liquidity on terms far more advantageous than those offered by traditional institutions and established companies.”

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Looking Ahead to 2025: A Year of Creativity and Transformation

2024 was a year of vibrant musical diversity and significant economic evolution, but it is merely a glimpse of what lies ahead. As we step into 2025, several powerful trends are poised to further redefine the global music landscape:

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• Bold creativity without boundaries: Artists are continually pushing the limits of their craft, merging genres, and exploring innovative narratives. We anticipate an explosion of hybrid works that blend tradition and modernity. Whether through international collaborations, technological experimentation, or deeper connections with fans, creators will continue to surprise and set new artistic standards.

• A global stage for emerging sounds: While Latin and Afrobeat genres remain cornerstones of global music, 2025 could see the rise of fresh musical currents from underrepresented regions such as Southeast Asia, East Africa, and the Balkans. These areas hold untapped sonic treasures that could captivate audiences worldwide and contribute to a richer, more inclusive global soundscape.

• The growing strategic importance of music catalogues: Following record-breaking transaction volumes in 2024, the competition for catalogues is expected to intensify. Emerging talents and established icons alike will leverage their rights to fund ambitious new projects, from immersive tours to innovative concept albums, underscoring the evolving synergy between artistic ambition and financial strategy.

• Technology as a creative enabler: Artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms will transform not just how we consume music but also how it is created. From generating new sounds to offering deeply personalized experiences, these tools promise to unlock previously unimagined possibilities for both artists and listeners.

• The democratization of investment: Platforms like Bolero will play a critical role in making music rights investments more accessible, allowing fans and financial participants alike to become active contributors to the industry. Imagine a world where every listener has a stake in the success of the artists they love, creating a deeper, more meaningful connection between creativity and commerce.

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As we enter this new year, one thing is certain: music is no longer just an art form or a source of entertainment. It is an economic force, a cultural connector, and a field of boundless innovation.

2025 represents an extraordinary opportunity to build on the foundations laid in 2024. Together, we will continue to support artists, empower fans, and champion a more inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking music industry. The future of music is more interconnected and inspiring than ever—and we are excited to be part of this ongoing transformation.

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