Best Queer Music of 2024

Some retro trends are making a big comeback. Low-rise jeans and cargo pants, for instance. And a growing fascination with the movie The Outsiders.

Also measles. Bullying. And global fascism.

Cool cool cool.

But other, far better things have boomeranged back this year. We’re seeing a rich return to 90s R&B sounds, a resurgence of Y2K dance grooves, and a bounty of new art from seasoned musicians and debut ingenues alike. At the helm of this resurgence: LGBTQ+ artists.

In no particular order other than a solid flow for this Spotify playlist, here are 20 of the best songs by queer performers in 2024.

PEOPLE STILL SHOW UP by Maren Morris

Nashville was largely good to Maren Morris. But with the rise of Trumpism and rampant bigotry, Morris left the official country music machine behind – and she’s never sounded better. The bi Texan has delivered one of the grooviest bops of the year. Hopefully this single portends another full album soon.

For fans of: Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini

GOLD COAST by Moses Sumney

Part model, part angel, all artist, Moses Sumney is one of the most exciting artists of the decade. Californian, Ghanaian-American, and aromantic, Sumney’s perspective as a composer and poet is insightful and highly valued. It’s no wonder he’s been in demand by high-art industry darlings like James Blake and Solange.

For fans of: serpentwithfeet, Yves Tumor, Sevdaliza

WHAT NOW by Brittany Howard

Brittany Howard delivers the bourbon-burned grit that’s hallmark to so many intersecting American music genres. As an award-winning former member of the band Alabama Shakes, Howard — an out lesbian from Athens, Alabama — has struck out on her own exhilarating solo career. She may not be as interested in stardom as she is in her craft, but her talent certainly warrants recognition.

For fans of: Alabama Shakes, Michael Kiwanuka, Me’Shell Ndegéocello

GREEN LIGHTS by Michaela Jaé

Since her groundbreaking performance as ballroom icon Mother Blanca on Pose, it’s been clear to mainstream audiences that Michaela Jaé (also known as MJ Rodriguez) can sing. Her nimble falsetto counterbalances her powerful chest register, offering her solid range and depth. Currently in her pop vixen era and costarring in the TV show Loot, it’s such a delight to see our favorite Jersey girl winning.

For fans of: Jennifer Lopez, Michael Jackson, Aaliyah

GUESS feat. Billie Eilish by Charli XCX

Charli likes boys, but after being outed last year, the world now knows Billie is bi. And while outing someone without their consent is never okay, we’re relieved Billie hasn’t shied away from the world. In fact, the young Angelino has had a couple banner years with an award sweep for her Barbie ballad “What Was I Made For?”, a successful new studio album Hit Me Hard and Soft, and making her own indelible mark on the phenomenon that was Brat Summer.

For fans of: Troye Sivan, Shygirl, Sophie

QUICK LICK (TEQUILA REMIX) by COBRAH and Ayesha Erotica

Dubbed the “lesbian queen of Sweden’s fetish scene,” COBRAH is officially Europe’s kinkiest monarch. And that’s saying something. Teaming up with Ayesha Erotica, COBRAH has given us the queer cunnilingus dance anthem we crave and deserve.

For fans of: Yaeji, Doechii, cupcakke

READY by The Oozes

The Oozes are likely the queerest punk band you’ve ever heard. Hailing from Manchester and London, the group’s two transmasc members carry the through line for this genderfuck banger. Promoters and club owners, book this band for a North American tour. It’s time. We need them. So badly.

For fans of: Dorian Electra, Bikini Kill, Slutever

BREAKDOWN by Ms. Boogie

Even after retiring her previous moniker Jay Boogie, Ms. Boogie still spits bars and takes no prisoners. Brooklyn’s cherished Dominican-Colombian goes hard in “Breakdown” with energizing trans irreverence and zero apologies, rocketing up from her decade-long discography to new rap heights.

For fans of: Latto, Mykki Blanco, Lil Kim

SOBER by Bartees Strange

Artists love Bartees Strange, and for good reason: he’s a musician’s musician. Born in England, raised in Oklahoma, and now living in DC, this bi performer’s transitory past has influenced his writing perspective with gravity and reflection. Your playlists will be better off with a little Strange in them.

For fans of: Julien Baker, Durand Jones, Liz Phair

CITY OF EROS by Gentleman Reg

Yes, “City of Eros” is stunningly gorgeous. Yes, you may recognize it from its original off-album release in 2008. Yes, it made its way to this 2024 roundup, because Reg Vermue smartly re-released the song on his retrospective album Songs I Already Sang. And no, there’s no way in hell we could overlook a Shortbus alum after two decades of incredible work. Give a gay Canadian his flowers.

For fans of: Sufjan Stevens, Feist, Jay Brannan

HÍBRIDO by Andre Van Drunen

Brazilian artist Andre Van Drunen has steadily released studio recordings since the height of the covid-19 pandemic. This slew of single releases has proven his talent as a singer and songwriter, but “Híbrido” showcases his striking aptitude for composition. He reports to SGS that he identifies as LGBTQ+, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to count him among queer genre-bending artists. We just hope for a full-length album soon. Robert Glasper, call him.

For fans of: Willow, Björk, Jon Batiste

PARIS, TAL VEZ? By Álex Anwandter

After a stint with the band Teleradio Donoso in the 2000s, Chile’s own Álex Anwandter went solo to pursue many passions, including film, music video direction, and songwriting. Now based in Los Angeles with a burgeoning music career, the queer artist’s Spanish-language song repertoire is ever-growing and oh-so-danceable.

For fans of: Juliana Gattas, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Gepe

DRIP SWEAT feat. Channel Tres by KAYTRANADA

Is there anyone sexier than Louis Kevin Celestin? Honest question. Because when you combine his talent for singing, rapping, producing, and DJing some of the best music in the industry, it’s understandable how other artists clamber to work with him — and how fans of all genders swoon. Gay, Haitian-born, and Montreal-raised, the artist known as KAYTRANADA now lives in Los Angeles. 

For fans of: Childish Gambino, Anderson .Paak, The Internet

HEAT by Tove Lo and SG Lewis

Bi icon and Swedish pop duchess Tove Lo (pronounced “TOO-veh LOW”) turned up the temp with her sexiest single to date. A feast of skin and queer sensuality, “Heat” is easily one of the gayest music videos of the year — and so spicy, YouTube has blocked its preview permissions due to an age restriction. So follow the hyperlink above and dig into the song that had this year’s Pride celebrations in a sweaty chokehold.

For fans of: Robyn, Moby, David Guetta

ELECTRIC LIPS by Carissa Rae

After being outed in 2022 (again: stop. outing. people.), Carissa Rae Martin publicly came out as queer. Her divorce from ex-husband Michael Alvarado also meant that their band, Us the Duo, had split. But Rae’s solo career has slowly percolated in the last couple years, delivering soulful R&B-inspired pop. Smooth as honey and just as sweet.

For fans of: Tori Kelly, Janet Jackson, Faith Evans

PRETTY LOW FOR A PRETTY LONG TIME by Namoli Brennet

It’s not often we have trans trailblazers in the American folk music space. But since her first album in 2002 and 13 studio albums since, Namoli Brennet has developed her discography with soft poetry and a powerful 8-instrument talent. Brennet has lived all across the US and has toured the world.

For fans of: Catie Curtis, Mya Byrne, Brandy Carlile

HOLDUP feat. Claud by Ethan Tasch

There are many icons in the now-burgeoning “bedroom pop” genre, and Chicago native Claud Wintz is one of them. This year, the non-binary singer-songwriter teamed up with Ethan Tasch to release a track with pure vocals set to impressive instrumentation. A complete vibe.

For fans of: Iron & Wine, girl in red, Clairo

PLUTO by Raveena

In a time when genuine joy itself feels revolutionary, Raveena Aurora released a bubblegum candy dazzler reminiscent of an early 2000s R&B/pop groove. A pansexual Queens local born to Punjabi migrant parents, Raveena regularly practices mindfulness and loving kindness meditation, making it no surprise that her music offers a refreshing invitation to float above the noise.

For fans of: Victoria Monét, Ariana Grande, Brandy

GOOD LUCK, BABE! by Chappell Roan

You know that thing when you perform for daytime outdoor audiences for years in Missouri, writing your own songs and taking vocal lessons while hoping beyond hope that your career takes off, creating your first studio album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess with critical accolades but a quiet commercial release in 2023, only for your career to skyrocket the following year because everyone in the music industry finally catches up to fans all over the world who adore a young lesbian pop star writing and performing her own catchy, meaningful songs, becoming an “overnight” success (10 years in the making) and juggernauting to the top of the charts, garnering a slew of Grammy nominations because you’re just that good?

It’s that thing.

We’re so excited for Roan’s rise to music iconography, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.

For fans of: Annie Lennox, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga

GIVE IT UP FOR LOVE (TRIPOLISM REMIX) by Gossip

Washington’s own Gossip — fronted by queer feminist icon Beth Ditto — is back. After a slew of dance-rock-cum-post-punk revival albums released every few years from 2001 to 2012, the band took a break for solo projects and other endeavors. But this year, they’ve reunited for the album Real Power, and it’s exactly that. The Danish musical group Tripolism has reimagined Gossip’s original “Give It Up for Love” with an even sexier dance anthem. And with 2024 coming to a rocky close, it’s just what we need to see us into the future.

For fans of: Sleater-Kinney, Benny Benassi, Kate Bush