Every year, new songs and albums are released or become more popular due to movies, TV shows, and even social media. These new songs not only influence the music taste of many, but Gen Z students may be more heavily influenced. As we head into the new year, we wanted to look back on all of the best songs that stood out the most to the students here at Armuchee High School.
Within the ninth grade, student’s opinions on the best songs varied from country music to rap. Freshman Aubrey Smith, said, “I consider Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter the best song of 2024 because it was very popular during the summer, and I love summer.” Aubrey chose this song specifically because it reminded her of her favorite season and helped her remember some of the best moments of the year. On the other hand, Freshman Riley Millican, said, “Dirt Cheap by Cody Johnson because it’s a very good song and it got me through an emotional time this year.” Unlike Aubrey, RIley chose his best song of 2024 because of the hardships and obstacles it helped him get through. Finally, freshman Jakari Turner said, “Ice Attack by Future and Metro Boomin was the best song of 2024 because I like both of the artists and the song makes me feel very hype.” Jakari’s choice wasn’t about what it reminded him of, or about what got him through tough times, but simply because it builds up his energy and excitement. Overall, the ninth grade choices demonstrate how each person is very diverse in their music taste and the reason they like certain songs.
Next, the tenth graders were interviewed. Sophomore Olivia Casey said, “Good Graces by Sabrina Carpenter was the best song of 2024 for me because I love the album and this song was one of my all time favorites.” Kennedy Falk said, “I think End of the Beginning by Djo was the best because it really demonstrates and represents 2024 over all.” Opposing Olivia’s reason for her song, Kennedy picked this song not specifically because it was her favorite, but because it displayed and reminded her of 2024. Another Sophomore, Briley Mullinax said, “What I consider to be the best song of 2024 would have to be Die with a Smile by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga because it was so iconic. It is also a very unique song, so it will always remind me of 2024 specifically” Similarly to Kennedy, Briley chose this song because it reminded her of 2024. In the tenth grade, songs were commonly picked because they were either personal favorites or reminded students of the year in a whole.
In the upperclassmen grades, the songs that were chosen consisted of new pop, country, and older songs that were popularized. Junior, Sarah Perry said, “Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield because it was a very happy song and it was universally known.” Unwritten was released in 2004, but because of the movie “Someone Like You” and social media platforms, it became very popular in 2024. The song fits into the Pop R&B genre, and like Sarah said, was a very happy upbeat song, creating a vibe for everyone to sing and dance to. Another junior, Amilia Hamilton said, “Can’t Hold Me Down by Ty Myers because I love his music and this was definitely one of my favorites.” Although Ty Myers released his first song in 2023, he started getting more popular in 2024. Senior Shari Torres said, “Supernova by Chappel Roan because I think she is one of the best new artists in 2024 and this is my favorite song by her so far.” Shari’s reasoning was similar to Amilia’s because they both chose from a newly popular artist from 2024. Finally, Chrissy Brynteson, senior, said, “The song I consider to be the best of 2024 would have to be House Again by Hudson Westbrook because it was definitely one of my favorite songs of the year.” Like most of the other students, Chrissy chose her song simply because it was her favorite.
Overall, student’s opinions on music here at Armuchee High School are very different. Although everyone’s best songs varied, most of the reasons for their choices consisted of the same things.We can’t wait to see all of the new hits and sad songs that become popular during 2025 so we can see the similarities and differences of what songs students choose at the end of the year.
