We’ve selected a bunch of drum & bass and jungle tunes that were on heavy rotation for us throughout the year.
With the arrival of December comes that time of year when we all take stock and wonder where the last twelve months went. But more importantly, it’s the time to step back, rewind the year, and celebrate some of the best drum & bass music that made 2024 yet another unforgettable for the genre.
The year saw drum & bass tunes breaking barriers, climbing global music charts, and captivating audiences far beyond the usual circles, cementing the genre’s ever-growing influence on the global stage. 2024 showcased the incredible versatility and creativity that have defined drum & bass for over three decades.
So, we’ve decided to rewind the clock, dust off our thinking hats, and dive into the drum & bass tracks that kept us moving, grooving, and tapping our feet throughout the year. From euphoric and soul-soothing numbers to floor-shaking bangers, these have been our favorite drum & bass tunes of the year, in no particular order.
TEDDY KILLERZ – DO U L ME
Alongside his adventures with Souped Up Records, Benny V teamed up with the new look alias of The Prototypes early this year to form Roadblock Records. True to their reputation for crafting high-energy dancefloor anthems, they collaborated with the iconic Russian-Ukrainian duo Teddy Killerz on a standout release. ‘Do U L Me’ perfectly embodies Teddy Killerz’s signature style—heavy, dynamic, and irresistibly fun.
SHY FX & MR WILLIAMZ – GIDEON’S CHARGE (FT. KINGH)
For more than 30 years, starting with the legendary ‘Original Nuttah,’ Shy FX has time and again proven his unmatched skill in creating timeless tracks. This year’s standout, in our opinion, is his explosive collaboration with Mr. Williamz and KINGH. With Shy FX’s signature breakbeats setting the stage, ‘Gideon’s Charge’ feels like a powerful war cry, driven by the unstoppable force of jungle music.
WILKINSON – BREAK IT DOWN (FT. EMILY MAKIS)
Emily Makis has established herself as one of the most iconic voices in drum & bass, known for unforgettable anthems like ‘Phoneline,’ ‘Never Too Old’ and ‘Only You.’ Meanwhile, Wilkinson, a trailblazer in the genre for over a decade, has consistently pushed the boundaries of drum & bass.
Their first collaboration, ‘Break It Down,’ which dropped this year, is a showstopper. Starting with an emphatic intro featuring Emily’s vocals, the track ascends into a minimal yet high-voltage jump-up affair, which Wilkinson pulls off to perfection.
LYLY – CRASHING DOWN
This is a release that practically hit us out of nowhere. Hailing from Belgium, LYLY is a name destined to make waves in the coming years, as showcased by his ‘Fragments’ EP on Sinful Maze Recordings. A standout from the release, ‘Crashing Down’ is a bold, vocal-driven modern jungle track that pushes experimentation to its limits. The mid-track breakdown, followed by an explosive resurgence of drums, is nothing short of a sonic spectacle.
L-SIDE, MAKOTO & FRANK H. CARTER III – WHAT YOU WON’T DO FOR LOVE
Drawing inspiration from Bobby Caldwell’s iconic 1978 single ‘What You Won’t Do for Love,’ this track reimagines the timeless R&B classic with an electrifying jungle twist. Crafted by the dynamic trio of L-Side, Makoto, and Frank H. Carter III by using infectious Samba rhythms, Japanese melodic intricacies, and the soulful essence of the American R&B sound, the tune is one of the best jungle offerings of the year.
EFFY & MALL GRAB – ILUV – VIP
This track marks an unconventional foray into jungle territory. Mall Grab and Effy, primarily recognized for their high-energy house, techno, and garage productions, have transformed their emotive trance anthem from earlier this year into a jungle powerhouse. Packed with pulsating, hard-hitting breaks and anchored by a deep, impenetrable bassline, the remake retains the emotional intensity of the original while injecting it with raw, unrelenting jungle energy.
HIGH CONTRAST – LORD
Since its release, this track has been on repeat for us. A standout from High Contrast’s latest studio album, ‘Restoration,’ ‘Lord’ is the kind of tune that immediately screams “High Contrast” to any drum & bass enthusiast, even without knowing the title. Featuring a masterful twist on Bob James’ iconic sample from his 1975 classic ‘Dream Journey,’ High Contrast crafts a captivating liquid gem that’s truly unforgettable.
ANNIX X MEFJUS – SHAI HULUD
Our first reaction to this track was, “Where did this even come from?” Annix, known for their head-wobbling bangers, teamed up with Mefjus for a collaboration that no one could have predicted. Shai Hulud takes listeners on an intense auditory journey, drawing inspiration from the sandworms in Frank Herbert’s Dune series, as the title aptly suggests. This track feels like a playful yet powerful fusion of Annix and Mefjus’s creative forces, seamlessly blending dark, sci-fi-infused textures with raw, high-energy beats. It’s a standout for neurofunk fans and a must-have in any DJ’s arsenal.
SMG – OMGF
SMG has quickly made a name for himself in the drum & bass scene with his wonky, jumpy productions that have landed on some of the genre’s biggest labels. ‘OMGF’ is a prime example of his style, with its relentless pace, gritty basslines, and a chaotic yet precise arrangement. This heavy-hitting track has become a dancefloor staple, delivering an electrifying energy that stands out in DJ sets. ‘OMGF’ brings a perfect mix of chaos and excitement, fully capturing the raw power of SMG’s production style.
GREY CODE – BODIES
It’s almost as if Grey Code doesn’t realize that every release he drops inevitably becomes a sonic masterpiece. Renowned for his deep, atmospheric sound that effortlessly blends liquid and darker elements of drum & bass, Grey Code made his return to Metalheadz this year with the ‘Growing Pains’ EP. For us, ‘Bodies’ emerged as the standout track, showcasing his versatility. It effortlessly navigates a range of moods while remaining firmly rooted in the deeper, more rugged side of drum & bass.
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