With 2024 now wrapped, Spotify's annual list of the most listened songs, artists, podcasts & audiobooks is out for review. While the performers behind each single are recognised by this list each year—and rightly so—the contributions of the talented producers, mixing experts, and engineers behind each track are often overlooked.
Here's our tribute to the unsung heroes between Spotify's Top Tracks of 2024.
"Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter
Produced by Julian Bunetta
"Espresso" was absolutely everywhere in 2024, racking up over 1.7 Billion Spotify streams globally since its release on April 12. Veteran pop producer Julian Bunetta is responsible for laying down the foundations of this track, and his back catalogue is extensive and features some of the most-listened to songs of the past 20 years.
Other Songs produced by Julian Bunetta:
- Night Changes by One Direction
- Lose Control by Teddy Swims
- These Days by Rudimental, Jess Glynne, Macklemore & Dan Caplen
2. "Beautiful Things" by Benson Boone
Produced by Evan Blair
Benson Boone’s heartfelt ballad, "Beautiful Things," emerged as an anthem of vulnerability and resilience in 2024. The track clearly resonated with listeners, who streamed the song over 1.7 Billion times since its January release. Produced by Evan Blair, the song features a highly-layered soundscape typical of his production style.
Other Songs Produced by Evan Blair:
- Boyfriend by Dove Camperon
- Die First by Nessa Barrett
- I Hope Ur Miserable Until Ur Dead by Nessa Barrett
3. "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" by Billie Eilish
Produced by Finneas O'Connell
Produced by Eilish's brother Finneas O'Connell, this track’s sparse instrumentation—a hallmark of the sibling duo's style—ensures the vocals are given centre stage. Subtle distortions, vocal harmonies, and unpredictable transitions keep the listener captivated, clearly demonstrating Finneas’ production chops.
Other Songs Produced by Finneas O'Connell:
Finneas has been involved in the production of almost every song Billie Eilish has released, with a few exceptions: "Fingers Crossed", "I Didn't Change My Number", "I Love You", and "Idontwannabeyouanymore".
4. "Gata Only" by FloyyMenor and Cris Mj
Produced by Big Cvyu
A reggaeton-infused banger, "Gata Only" solidified its place as a club staple in 2024, particularly in LATAM. Big Cvyu lays down a high-energy anthem, characterized by syncopated beats and infectious rhythms.
Big Cvyu has produced a number of other huge dance floor tracks, racking up over three million monthly listeners in his own right as a producer alongside a stream of charting singles with collaborators.
Other Songs Produced by Big Cvyu:
- Bailando by El Jordan 23 and Standly
- De Las Torres (Remix) by El Jordan 23, Pablo Chill-E, and Marcianeke
- Cabaña by El Jordan 23 and Ugly Duck
5. "Lose Control" by Teddy Swims
Produced by Ammo and Julian Bunetta
Ammo and Julian Bunetta’s collaborative efforts result in a sound that is both soulful and contemporary. The duo’s production layers Swims’ rich, textured vocals over a backdrop of carefully crafted synths and dynamic percussion.
The track’s standout feature is its seamless transitions between explosive choruses and subdued verses. Ammo’s knack for crafting punchy beats and Bunetta’s melodic sensibility shine through, making "Lose Control" a standout in Swims’ discography.
Other Songs Produced by Ammo:
6. "End of Beginning" by Djo
Produced by Joe Keery and Adam Thein
Joe Keery’s solo project Djo continues to push creative boundaries, and "End of Beginning" is no exception. Co-produced with Adam Thein, the track blends retro psychedelic rock influences with modern indie pop. Thein’s precision in balancing analog warmth with digital clarity gives the song its distinctive character.
The track’s immersive production invites repeat listens, revealing new details with each play.
Songs & Albums Produced by Adam Thein:
7. "Too Sweet" by Hozier
Produced by Hozier, Bekon, Chakra, Sergiu Gherman, and Peter Gonzales
Hozier’s "Too Sweet" was produced by a veteran team featuring Bekon, Chakra, Sergiu Gherman, and Peter Gonzales, with vocal and instrumental layers being used extensively; a signature of the band's sound. It's a formula that has worked for a long time, and it continues to draw audiences consistently.
Other Songs Produced by Bekon:
What Else Was Trending in 2024?
We've focused on a handful of the biggest tracks of last year in this post, but the streaming industry continues to expand year over year. Multi-billion counts would have been unheard of until recent years, and now it's common to see multiple tracks with streaming figures in the 5+ billion listen range every year.
For more of the past year's most listened, head to Spotify. And remember, it takes a team to top a chart; don't forget to check the credits and acknowledge the work that producers and engineers put in to support every release.