As 2024 comes to a close, Sam Millne picks his personal top 20 songs to come out of Merseyside this year.
With so many brilliant releases coming out of Merseyside and slightly beyond in 2024, it has been hard to narrow them all down to a shortlist.
Here, you will find Sam’s personal picks using just one song from each artist.
Let us know your favourites from the year in the comments and social media!
#20 Sing Your Tears by Jamie Webster
Jamie Webster began the year with his third studio album, 10 For The People. Sing For Your Tears is classic Webster in that he manages to combine emotionally-driven lyrics with a melody that is easy to learn.
#19 Punchline Fistfight by The Kairos
A headline tour, releasing of their best songs and growing popularity – not a bad year for The Kairos who were seriously impressive at their O2 Academy headline gig.
#18 When You Cry by Reignmaker
Reignmaker released another excellent EP in 2024 as Spring Again launched them into an electric headliner at the Arts Club Theatre. When You Cry is probably the pick of their work this year.
#17 Halfway Boys by Tom Collins
Halfway Boys is a brilliant example of raw storytelling made all the better by a well-written chorus. When the song starts, you simply have to sit and take notice of the words.
#16 Left Turn by Morgan Wood
Simple but effective, Left Turn is an excellent song by Morgan Wood. You may often find the repetitive, indelible chorus running round your brain after listening.
#15 Weight In Gold by Room Two
Room Two enjoyed their best year yet, releasing their fantastic EP, No Hard Feelings. Opening the release is this single, Weight In Gold, that seamlessly infuses harmonica with overdriven guitars and a memorable chorus.
#14 Brand New Day by Dovegate
Dovegate take their music to a new level when they go into the studio. Influenced heavily by the likes of Cast and Oasis, Brand New Day is a showcase of what the trio-turned four-piece band can produce.
#13 Songs & Poetry by The Sway
The Sway played their biggest headline show ever in October and took the roof off the room with a high-energy set containing this new tune, Song & Poetry.
#12 I’ve Got My Eye On You by Hannah Weedall
Hannah Weedall continued to show why she is one of the best young songwriters on Merseyside. We’ve gone for I’ve Got My Eye On You for this list, but all four of her 2024 releases were excellent.
#11 Sneak Attack by Euan Blackman
With a brilliant blend of synths, Sneak Attack is arguably Euan Blackman’s best song yet. If you haven’t seen him live yet, make sure you do in 2025!
#10 promenade by Michael Aldag
Promenade is catchy pop tune that will have its chorus stuck in your head. It’s been another successful year for Michael Aldag, releasing debut album ‘sorry for everything’.
#9 Can We Go Faster by The Kowloons
The Kowloons are an excellent four-piece who write songs influenced heavily by past Liverpool music. Can We Go Faster is one of their best so far, but there’s plenty to come.
#8 Hole In My Home by Red Rum Club
Red Rum Club know how to write an anthem and they’ve hit the jackpot again with Hole In My Home. Even they seemed surprised by the crowd’s rendition at their arena show in April!
#7 Icarus by The K’s
The opener to arguably the album of the year, with strings, Icarus introduces us slowly into a fast-paced tune. This was a bold choice and it paid off.
#6 Runaway by Keyside
One of the fastest-growing groups in the region, Keyside’s 2024 releases sent them to the next level. Runaway was just one of five great new songs put out by Keyside this year.
#5 Leave The Light On by Caitlyn Eve
In many ways, Leave The Light On is the perfect single; you’re in quickly, the hooks are catchy and the vocals powerful – another fantastic release from Caitlyn Eve.
#4 The Wheel by Katie Nicholas
The Wheel is a beautifully written piece by prolific songwriter Katie Nicholas. Chiefly made up of acoustic, strings and wonderfully harmonised vocals, you can’t help but get swept away by this track.
#3 Home (I Want You Forever) by The Cheap Thrills
There were several singles we could have picked from The Cheap Thrills who played two incredible headline shows in Liverpool this year.
We’ve gone for Home because of the brilliant lyricism that keeps it relatable to others while reminding us of Liverpool.
#2 First Smile Ever by Cast
Cast are back! Well, they never really left but their music is now sounding more like their late 1990s releases.
With a tour supporting Oasis approachig, hopefully they can be loved by a new generation of fans.
#1 The Patch Where Nothing Grows by The Royston Club
The Patch Where Nothing Grows gets better with every listen.
This is a single that seems to take all the best bits of the Royston Club and cleverly blend them into one epic. The way the group transition between parts using Tom Faithfull’s versatile vocals is an example for all.
Anthemic and musically excellent at once, The Patch Where Nothing Grows takes No. 1 spot for 2024.
Mersey Music 