Spotify’s Best Songs For Travel 2024

Every adventure needs a good soundtrack, right? For me, music isn’t just something I play in the background. It’s a travel essential. Whether I’m cruising along scenic highways, walking through bustling streets, or sitting by a quiet beach, my Spotify playlist always sets the mood. It’s like every song gets tied to a specific memory, making my trips even more unforgettable.

This year, I noticed a huge change in my list. I used to be all about international hits, but this year, almost half of my favorites are OPM. OPM is alive and kicking across all genres! Whether it’s pop, R&B, rap, soul, or even bubblegum beats, Filipino artists are creating music that’s fresh, fun, and totally binge-worthy.

Here are my top ten songs of 2024 and why they’ve been my constant companions, wherever I went.

10. Marilag – Dionela

I am aware about the hate train online targeting Dionela due to his song’s cringy lyricism and word salad. But without hearing the words, there’s no denying that Dionela has powerful voice and that the Marilag has catchy melody. It’s refreshing to see him breathe new life into Pinoy R&B. Marilag is one of those songs I didn’t think I’d like as much as I do, but here we are.

9. APT – Rose & Bruno Mars

Rosé’s surprising collaboration with Bruno Mars took the world by storm. My bias in BlackPink is Rosé and I’m very happy with her surprising success this year. However, I hear some people disliking the song and saying that APT doesn’t make sense. But for me, APT is just pure fun. It’s light, playful, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Its lighthearted vibe and infectious energy make it a global hit. 

8. Apple – Charli XCX

Charli XCX always brings something different, and Apple is no exception. It’s fun, weird, and makes me want to dance around my room. The beat is futuristic but not too out there, and it just puts me in a good mood every time I hear it. At first, I thought that it was an old song that was just back on the trend because of the TikTok videos that associate it with Phineas and Ferb. The dance is cool. The song is cool.

7. Beautiful Things – Benson Boone

This song makes me feel everything. It’s emotional and raw, but also hopeful in a way that hits you right in the chest. Benson Boone’s voice is unreal, and the way the song builds up is just beautiful. No pun intended. I just read the lost of nominees from the 67th Annual Grammy Awards a while ago and I must say that Benson Boone deserves his nomination for Best New Artisrt award.

6. Takas – Teddy Corpus

Takas is neither a famous song on any online streaming platforms nor in TikTok, although I knew this song from travel reels, but I was easily hooked by this track as it evokes a sense of calm and nostalgia, blending folk-inspired melodies with heartfelt storytelling. Teddy Corpus has this knack for creating songs that feel personal, like he’s singing just for you. And it shoot me even more because I’m into traveling.

5. Palagi – TJ Monterde

Palagi is that one Filipino song that you don’t always talk about. TJ Monterde is that one artist who wasn’t as hyped as some contemporaries by the mainstream media like BINI, Maki, Dionela or SB19. But it is that song that you always choose to hear in Spotify. Palagi has this simple, heartfelt vibe that just stays with you. It’s not a song I shout from the rooftops about, but I catch myself playing it all the time.

4. Salamin Salamin – BINI

Let’s be real. 2024 is indeed BINI’s year. More people got to know them through the rise of last year’s Pantropiko, which was succeeded by this year’s Salamin Salamin, which combines catchy hooks with empowering lyrics, showcasing the beauty of the Filipino language in mainstream bubblegum pop. I’ve been following them since their early days, and seeing them rise to this level makes me proud.

3. Alibi – Ella Henderson

More than just a dance trend in TikTok, Ella Henderson’s Alibi is actually good and catchy. While I usually move on quickly from TikTok trends and songs, this one stuck. I don’t even know who Ella Hendersen is so there’s no bias here. It’s so addictive! There’s this mysterious vibe to it that I personally like. Something about the beat feels exotic like a blend of Egyptian and Latin sounds.

2. Please Please Please – Sabrina Carpenter

I can’t lie. I’m a big Olivia Rodrigo fan and I hate to admit that I’m attracted to her rival’s songs this year. Liking Sabrina Carpenter’s music feels like a bit of a betrayal. But The Short n’ Sweet album has a lot of good stuff like Espresso, Bed Chem and Taste. Please, Please, Please hits differently. It’s playful and catchy, with a bit of sass that makes it impossible to skip. Sabrina’s charismatic delivery create a nostalgic yet modern pop masterpiece.

1. We Can’t Be Friends – Ariana Grande

After a four-year songwriting hiatus to focus on Wicked, Ariana Grande finally released another album that still radiates her signature charm. I was torn between this and her version of Popular from Wickedbecause she also gave justice to that song. But Popular is still Kristin Chenoweth’s song and We Can’t Be Friends felt more like her. It’s the kind of song you play on repeat when you’re in your feels.