25. NOKIA by Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR
Released on Valentine’s Day, this hit made its way into everybody’s life — whether it was on the radio, in public or on their ‘For You Page.’ Although not particularly groundbreaking, it was a great and catchy song that later became a great summer anthem.
24. So Easy (to Fall in Love) by Olivia Dean
2025 was the year that everybody fell in love with Olivia Dean. This track was the perfect follow-up to her summer single rollout and perfectly conveys her smooth, silky voice and dreamy, bluesy melodies that confirm that it truly is so easy to fall in love with her.
23. Pool by Samia
Indie darling Samia asks the right questions on this song where she explores her existentialism and ponders over how much time she has left before her inevitable demise. The haunting harmonies that chant “How long?” in the background perfectly describe how being in that state feels, and her NPR Tiny Desk performance alone gets this one on the list.
22. Swan by Not for Radio
María Zardoya brings a similar soundscape to her solo debut as she does with her band, The Marías. Zardoya is both a writer and producer on this bittersweet, desperate ballad and the magic still appears all over the production and the quality of the lyricism.
21. Suzanne by Mark Ronson & RAYE
RAYE has been compared to Amy Winehouse since she broke the internet in 2023, so this modern-day “Valerie” has been long overdue. Mark Ronson brings a certain funk that complements RAYE’s voice so incredibly well, and this was a great take on Winehouse’s style while still offering her own signature flair.
20. Burning Blue by Mariah the Scientist
Mariah the Scientist pours her heart out on this emotional anthem which is moving by both her voice and her words. Her metaphors are smart and one listen will incredibly move the average listener.
19. Feeling by Billie Marten
This refreshingly optimistic song feels like you’re listening to a live band play in a tiny theater in London. Released in late spring, it was a nice reminder that the sun is shining and to seize the moment. Before disappearing into the bluesy instrumental, she cries, “I am on my way, into the feeling.”
18. Tennis by Lily Allen
Lily Allen spares absolutely zero details about the state of her marriage with actor David Harbour on this nostalgic, UK 90s style song about discovering that her partner has been unfaithful after searching through her phone. The emotion on this track is raw and the vocal performance is top-tier.
17. Dearly Missed by Searows
After laying low for over a year, Searows returns with a more rock-influenced sound and he has never sounded better. The dynamic contrast and sweet desperation join together to create an emotional rollercoaster and I am awaiting the release of his sophomore album in early 2026.
16. No Broke Boys by Disco Lines & Tinashe
Carefree, shimmering and summery. Putting Tinashe on a House beat automatically creates a banger and of course, it proved to be the most anthemic and liberating song of the year.
15. Shooting star by Audrey Hobert
Audrey Hobert’s debut over the summer was one-of-a-kind and she brings so much personal identity to the music she makes. Notably in between musical keys, this song was made for one thing — forgetting about your worries and dancing.
14. New York by Addison Rae
Against all odds, Addison Rae’s first album following her rebrand was incredibly well-received by both critics and fans. The opening track off of this self-titled LP was shockingly sensational and set a spectacular foundation for the rest of the album.
13. Nettles by Ethel Cain
The lead single off of Ethel Cain’s second studio album is devastatingly sweet with a run-time of a whopping 8 minutes. It was the perfect introduction to the heartbreak of the record and the quality of her melodies are improving and getting more interesting as she progresses.
12. Parachute by Hayley Williams
After her split with Paramore bandmate Taylor York, Hayley Williams released 17 singles; then, eventually pieced together an album with this track as the outro. Everything that’s great about Williams’ music is highlighted on this track and I predict it will become a timeless breakup anthem.
11. Cross Your Mind by Shelly
The collaboration project between Clairo, Claud, Noa Getzug and Josh Mehling has only released four songs in the span of five years – all of them originally written in 2020. This dreamy and innocent track resonates heavily with teens facing the struggles of growing pains and moving forward beyond high school.
10. 4X4 by Travis Scott
Travis Scott’s standalone single release was a solid return and preview to his (at the time) upcoming collaboration release. It’s loud, it’s dramatic and undeniably smooth with an unstoppable energy behind it.
9. Doggy by Geezer, Love Spells & Truly Young
Dominic Fike and Kevin Abstract teamed up with Love Spells and Truly Young for this contagious, innocent, somewhat scornful and fun release about hating the name of your ex-partner’s dog. It’s not only funny and overall relatable, but also creates such a unique and magical soundscape.
8. Tonight by PinkPanthress
PinkPanthress dominated with her album release and has had numerous trends on TikTok for her songs since. The first single she released is by far her best work, and the beat and electronic vocals are unsurprisingly infectious.
7. AHHH MEN! by Doja Cat
With her long-awaited return to pop, Doja Cat’s take on the 1982 Storm Rider main theme highlights some of her best rapping and melodic abilities. There’s so much personality and charisma packed into the music, and the funk does not disappoint.
6. The Subway by Chappell Roan
The studio version of the song that Chappell Roan had originally debuted at the GovBall festival in New York City tugs at the heartstrings just as much as the live performance. Showcasing some of her best vocals and storytelling in her discography, this song’s legacy will live on forever in queer culture.
5. Kitchen by SZA
SZA’s extension of her 2022 album SOS was a staple and recurring album in the rotation. This song in particular reveals a more dreamy and whimsical take, and without surprise, SZA’s voice works impeccably with that specific style. The track is exceptionally comforting, as she uses a kitchen as a metaphor for a safe space for vulnerability and raw honesty.
4. Have a Baby (With Me) by Daniel Ceasar
The lead single off of Daniel Ceasar’s album Son of Spergy is the apex of his career – it’s hard to believe he will ever be able to outdo himself. The tender sentiment of pure, sort-of animalistic love shines brightly and his ability to express emotion is unlike any other.
3. The Abyss by The Weeknd (feat. Lana Del Rey)
Across both of their long careers, The Weeknd and Lana Del Rey have collaborated several times on each other’s albums. Because of this, there was no surprise that Del Rey was one of the surprise features on The Weeknd’s new release and it shows the same chemistry that they have always exhibited when working together.
2. Shapeshifter by Lorde
Few listening experiences will ever top the first time I heard this gritty, introspective masterpiece that shows Lorde at her most sharp-eyed and focused on her vision. The way that she reveals details about her life so cleverly is breathtaking and observing her genius is nothing short of magnificent.
1. Dracula by Tame Impala
As time moves on, it only becomes clearer that Tame Impala will truly never disappoint. On this groovy spooky track, Kevin Parker creates an audible atmosphere that could not be replicated by anybody else. The way Parker’s production makes you feel is hard to describe, but it’s definitely unlike any other emotion that music typically manifests.