Ah the age of twenty-four. That magical time when you’re still young enough to not take life too seriously but old enough to know that you should. You’re no longer a wide-eyed college kid but you’re not quite a full-fledged adult either. It’s a time of transition and growth and there’s no better way to express that than through music. Here’s a list of some of the best songs about being twenty-four.
Singles Celebrating Age Twenty-Four
| Song | Artist |
|---|---|
| 24K Magic | Bruno Mars |
| 24 | Jem |
| 24 Hours | Tee Grizzley |
| 24 (Live) | Coldplay |
| 24 Frames | Jason Isbell |
| 24 Hours | Sky Ferreira |
| 24 Hours | Toby Keith |
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24-Centric Albums and Mixtapes
Turning 24 can be a humbling experience that depending on where you are in life can make you feel invincible or rather insignificant. But lucky for those facing the quarter-life crisis many talented musicians have decided to pay tribute to being a 24 year-old in their music. From albums to mixtapes here are some of the best musical projects to capture the highs and lows of 24-dom.
For example ‘Exposition 24’ was released by stanky-souled MC Tom Misch. Misch’s album dives right into the heart of the 24-year old’s experience and covers the struggles joys and revelations that go along with being 24. Fans of soulful hip-hop with a jazz-tinge and mellow vibes will definitely love this one.
Likewise Atlanta native Mike Volpe’s mixtape ’24 Hours 7 Pounds’ captures the experience of a restless 24-year-old striving for success both in love and in life. It’s a reminder that life is a journey not a destination and offers some hard-hitting rap beats to express this mindset.
There’s also the 2010 debut by La Hara entitled ’24 Hours 24 Minutes’. As La Hara’s first album it definitely captures the theme of 24 exploring the transitions and transitions a person makes over those 24 hours. Lyric-driven and soulful it’s a beautiful homage to post-millennial music and gives voice to the feelings many 24-year-olds can relate to.
Last but not least is Aloe Blacc’s ‘In My 24’s’. It’s a bouncy vibrant and captivating album that explores a variety of 24-themed topics. With production reminiscent of ’90s hip-hop Aloe Blacc definitely knows how to get his message across.
These albums and mixtapes are proof that being 24 can be carefully curated properly interpreted and beautifully highlighted through music. So the next time you feel doubly-conflicted about this thing called ‘adulthood’ remember that you have an entire musical oeuvre devoted to the predicament.
Anthems About Being Twenty-Four
Turning twenty-four is a major milestone of adulthood and it’s only appropriate that the occasion should be commemorated with some rousing anthems. From classic rock to alternative to pop there are plenty of songs to express the unfettered joy uncertainty and recklessness that comes with leaving one’s early twenties behind. Here’s a list of some choice tunes to accompany you in your twenty-fourth year.
Lana Del Rey’s “24”—the namesake of this article—is a wistful ode to a simpler time. With the unmistakable vocal stylings of Ms. Del Rey and the stirring tune this song is the perfect companion to anyone feeling existential at the prospect of one more year of adulthood.
Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” off his smash hit album Slippery When Wet is a classic anthem for twenty-something moxie. The song is an embodiment of never giving up and being proud of who you are. Truly there’s no other song better suited to capturing the pumping adrenalin of your new-found independence and the confidence it brings.
Third Eye Blind’s “Semi-Charmed Life” is an alt-rock classic that’s been around for nearly 30 years. It’s the ideal soundtrack for the naughty and irresponsible adventuring of your twenties and captures the peculiar mix of chaos and greater meaning that comes with reaching one’s mid-twenties.
‘The Middle’ by Jimmy Eat World will take you back to the halcyon days of your high school emo phase—a fitting tribute since at 24 you’ve officially become an adult and the time of carefree teenage years is officially a memory.
Last but certainly not least is Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” The quintessential party song and ultimate power anthem this classic will keep you dancing and singing all night long as you celebrate making it to your twenty-fourth year in style.
Music Videos On the Topic of Being Twenty-Four
Twenty-four is that age where all of us are a little bit caught between being a carefree teenager and a responsible adult. It’s a strange middle-ground that many of us experience. As such there are tons of amazing music videos out there depicting the trials and tribulations of a young 24-year-old. From Drake’s ‘Hotline Bling’ to Miley Cyrus’s ‘Party in the USA’ you’re guaranteed to find something that reflects on your own personal experience and brings out a sense of nostalgia.
If you’re feeling a little bit melancholic or just in the mood for a good soul-stirring song American folk-rock band Bon Iver’s ‘Holocene’ will be your perfect companion. The haunting tune is a perfect reflection of our journey from youth to adulthood and the bittersweet realization that the boys and girls we used to be are now gone.
On the other hand if you’re looking for something rousing and energetic then turn up the volume on ‘24K Magic’! This Grammy award-winning song by Bruno Mars has all the elements to get you grooving as it celebrates the fun and freedom that comes with being 24. So whether you’re exploring the depths of your newfound maturity or embracing the oddities of youth Bruno Mars has got the soundtrack for you.
Finally if you’re on the fence about turning 24 and the idea of adulthood still feels overwhelming Billie Eilish’s ‘Bad Guy’ will help you find perspective. It’s a song about rising above the fear and becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be. With its catchy hook and meaningful lyrics it’s sure to get you off your feet in no time.
Regardless of what genre of music you enjoy songs about being 24 are an ideal way to reflect on your journeys and make sense of it all. So if you happen to be 24 or just curious about what it feels like these music videos will provide you with insight and some great tunes to boot!
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