Happy New Year!
As in previous years, I’m sharing my favourite music of 2025 with you. I’m a little late this time, and whilst I know we’d all rather look forwards than backwards, I hope you’ll stay with me and take a journey through some of my favourite releases from the past year.
My verdict on music in 2025? Pretty good. Chart music, for me, was generally pretty naff – there were a lot of songs that seemed to sit at Number 1 for a lifetime, and plenty of huge hits that did nothing for me. That said, there were many independent releases I really enjoyed, alongside some absolutely brilliant album releases. In fact, I’ve surprised myself with some of my favourite singles and albums of 2025.
The blog is split into sections:
- My favourite 15 single releases of the year
- My favourite 20 album tracks of the year
- My favourite albums of the year
There are also long-list versions of each section – songs I loved dearly but which just missed out on the shortlists.
If you’ve visited my blog at all during 2025, I want to say a huge thank you. Each post takes me a long time, and even the briefest visit genuinely means the world.
Wishing you a wonderful 2026,
Marc
Top 15 Single Releases of 2025
I found this really hard! There were so many brilliant single releases this year and it took me ages to shortlist them. There were also plenty of songs I loved which became huge this year but were technically released in 2024, so I didn’t include them.
Anyway, ranked in order, here’s my Top 15 single releases of 2025!
15. Sam Fender – Arm’s Length
Sam’s People Watching was one of my favourite albums of 2025, which surprised me, but I just thought the songwriting was exquisite. This soft-rock track is built around an earworm of a guitar riff and a hooky, instantly memorable melody, particularly the line “do you have to know me inside out?”
The song is full of Sam hallmarks – lovely guitar work, raw and earnest vocals – and I adore the outro, with its repeated “do you have to know me, know me, know me”, complete with almost Fleetwood Mac-like harmonies.
14. Chappell Roan – The Giver
It was between this and The Subway. I honestly adore both and there’s very little between them, but this uplifting, anthemic Country-Pop track always makes me feel damn good. With echoes of Shania Twain and The Dixie Chicks, this marks Chappell’s first real foray into country music and it’s executed perfectly.
It ticks all the classic country boxes – fiddles, banjo strums – while elevating things with pop-rock flourishes like electric guitars. A triumph of a song.
13. Ed Sheeran – Sapphire
I never doubt Ed’s talent, but his music can be hit and miss for me. That said, Play is one of my favourite albums of the year, which surprised me hugely. This is also the first time I’ve included an Ed track in my end-of-year review – and I’ve been doing this for ten years.
This song is beautiful and uplifting, seamlessly blending British pop with Punjabi musical influences. Joyful, unapologetic pop with Afrobeat rhythms at its core. Gorgeous.
12. Sabrina Carpenter – Tears
Similarly to the Chappell situation, it was incredibly close between Manchild and Tears. I settled on Tears because, whilst I began to tire slightly of Manchild after heavy radio play, Tears still sounds just as hot months later.
From the opening disco-pop piano riff, it’s playful, cheeky, a little filthy and irresistibly fun – all in classic Sabrina style. A pop triumph.
11. David Archuleta – Crème Brûlée
This song deserved better and really should have been David’s Espresso moment. David, of course, was a runner up on American Idol many moons ago and has enjoyed a solid career since. A couple of years back, he came out as gay, which has led to a brilliant EP this year full of sleek, flirtatious pop and suggestive lyrics – a real moment of self-realisation.
Crème Brûlée is full-on disco-pop, sitting comfortably alongside the likes of Sabrina Carpenter and Doja Cat, with funky rhythm guitars, cheeky lyrics and seriously sticky pop melodies.
10. SG Lewis & London Grammar – Feelings Gone
I love SG Lewis and really like London Grammar, so this collaboration was always going to be a win. This dance-pop smash blends SG Lewis’ polished electronic production with London Grammar’s beautiful, eerie sound perfectly, resulting in a triumphant slice of electronica with haunting vocals and hypnotic beats.
9. Little Simz – Free
I’ve absolutely rinsed this chilled, poetic track this year. I love the mellow atmosphere, the gorgeous low-key instrumentation: soft acoustic guitars, lo-fi beats, a prominent bassline and sweeping strings.
Clever wordplay and a fluid delivery document how the power of love can, quite literally, set us free.
8. Leon Thomas – Mutt
This silky R&B/soul hybrid is ridiculously catchy, with its woozy, almost drunk-sounding beats, clever sampling of Enchantment’s Silly Love Song and the earworm hook “she said take your time, what’s the rush?”
Written at the end of a relationship, the song was born while Leon had just moved into a new home and was observing his dog, drawing parallels between his pet’s behaviour and his own.
7. Haim – Relationships
I’ve absolutely rinsed this breezy track, with its groovy basslines, smooth vocals and instantly memorable melodies, which contrast beautifully with the song’s deeply introspective lyrics.
It’s a significant departure from the band’s usual pop-rock sound, instead leaning into something closer to ’90s R&B. Reportedly seven years in the making, you can really hear the care and thought that’s gone into every production choice.
6. LANY – Know You Naked
LA-based duo LANY return to their roots with this pop smash – the sound that made me fall in love with them in the first place. It’s a little naughty lyrically but also genuinely romantic, built around simple guitar riffs and thumping beats.
LANY haven’t evolved massively over the years, which I do have a slight issue with – many of their songs feel similar, both lyrically and harmonically. What sets Know You Naked apart is its production. It’s bigger, bolder and more brash than much of their catalogue, and I love it for that.
5. Perrie – Rollercoaster
Many fans criticised this and it ultimately ended up being left off Perrie’s debut album. I, however, absolutely adore it and have rinsed it throughout 2025.
Drawing comparisons to Mariah Carey’s pop-R&B sensibilities, with maybe a touch of Louise Redknapp thrown in, it’s a glossy pop record driven by tinny, carefree drums, punchy basslines and strong melodies. I’ve said it before, but I do feel the production could have been beefed up slightly – it’s missing a bit of extra padding from synthesisers or guitars – but it’s still a huge track and I love it.
4. Sam Ryder – Better Man
Sam Ryder really delivered this year with an excellent album. Better Man is an alternative-pop gem infused with blue-eyed soul and yacht-rock tones. Built around catchy piano riffs and organic instrumentation, it’s a song about the people who inspire us to be better.
Sam sounds phenomenal throughout, showing off his impressive vocal range, and the track feels genuinely uplifting. I also love the psychedelic ’70s-rock-tinged middle eight. An absolute triumph of a song.
3. Doechii – Denial Is a River
Oh my god, how I’ve loved this this year. Genius on so many levels – from its stripped-back hip-hop production with sharp keyboard stabs, pulsing bass and thick beats, to the brutally honest lyrics detailing the chaos and turbulence of her life.
Doechii introduces her therapist alter-ego and it works brilliantly, the two characters bouncing off each other with ease. Even the bizarre breathing-exercise outro is inspired.
2. Charlie Puth – Changes
Probably no surprise here. I was hugely excited for Changes from the moment Charlie began teasing it on social media, and I can’t remember being this excited for a song in a long time. When it finally arrived, it didn’t disappoint in the slightest.
With its warm chord choices, ’80s aesthetic (think Peter Gabriel), beautifully crafted melodies and the inspired inclusion of a gospel choir in the final choruses, it’s nothing short of euphoric. Charlie is a genius and I cannot wait for the new album.
1. Olivia Dean – Man I Need
For a song with such a soulful, organic sound to become a major chart hit in 2025 both surprises and reassures me. Olivia is hugely talented and truly deserves her flowers.
Man I Need is an absolute triumph, anchored by its irresistible “talk to me, talk to me” hook. Drawing from pop, R&B and gospel traditions, it’s understandably been compared to the likes of Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston.
The song of 2025.
Top 20 Album Track Releases of 2025
I’m a huge album-track guy more than a singles guy, to be perfectly honest. These are songs that appeared on albums released this year but weren’t officially released as singles. They may still have received some radio airplay or even appeared in the UK charts, however.
I wanted to whittle this down to 15 like the singles, but simply couldn’t – so here we are with 20 instead! These are in no particular order.
1. Ariana Grande – Warm
I ADORE this gorgeous song and have played it more than any other track in 2025. Blending pop with house, R&B and disco, Warm is an ethereal, uplifting song about finding peace with a partner.
The chords and the song’s overall tone perfectly match its title, and it is, without doubt, my favourite song of 2025.
2. Justin Bieber – Need It
I didn’t have Justin Bieber releasing two albums in 2025 that would become some of my favourites of the year on my bingo card, but here we are. Whilst Swag and Swag II are arguably a little long in runtime, somewhat bloated and tonally similar, I really adore this alternative R&B sound.
Need It isn’t showy or chasing a big pop moment. It’s understated, chilled and mellow, with gorgeous falsetto vocals gliding effortlessly over buried piano lines, hazy synths and skittering beats. Another track I’ve played endlessly this year.
3. Great Good Fine Ok & Danielle Bradbery – Appetite
To me, this song is pure spring/summer sunshine. Breezy, relaxed and a little cheeky, this groovy synth-pop track is driven by funky guitars and brilliant vocal interplay between Danielle Bradbery and Jon Sandler. I’ve absolutely loved this one.
4. Carole Ides – Dreams
This nostalgic, early-2000s pop-rock moment is hypnotic, euphoric and effortlessly catchy. With jangling guitars, a heavily distorted chorus and almost siren-like melodies, it’s well worth checking out.
5. Polly Money – I’m Not Proud
I ADORED this throughout 2025 and played it on repeat. A song about developing feelings for someone else whilst already in a relationship, the contrast between its guilty lyrics and sunny, upbeat sound works beautifully. Hugely addictive.
6. Nicotine Dolls – Touch the Ground
I’ve loved Nicotine Dolls ever since my mum came across them. Sam Cieri’s raspy, powerful vocals make them a compelling listen, and their brand of indie-pop really works for me.
Touch the Ground truly spoke to me last year. Its verses feel urgent and catchy before opening out into a dreamy, beautiful chorus built almost entirely around the refrain “I don’t want my feet to touch the ground”, paired with bluesy guitar riffs. A euphoric song about the heady beginnings of a relationship.
7. HAIM – Spinning
This groovy, Prince-inspired track is one of the highlights of HAIM’s 2025 album I Quit. It’s packed with bubbling synths, electronic percussion and the band’s signature rich harmonies.
8. Brett Eldredge – Forget About You
A beautiful track from American country singer Brett Eldredge. Using little more than warm guitar chords and his smooth baritone vocals, it’s a gentle, heartfelt song about missing an ex.
9. Sabrina Carpenter – House Tour
Whilst Man’s Best Friend wasn’t quite the triumph I’d hoped for, there were still some excellent tracks on the album. House Tour is one of my favourites – an ’80s synth-pop-inspired cut with clever lyrical metaphors. It’s classic Sabrina: cheeky, fun and polished pop.
10. Justin Bieber – EYE CANDY
Justin could easily have appeared on this list several times, but I managed to whittle it down to just two tracks. EYE CANDY is vocally reminiscent of early Michael Jackson, with Bieber’s voice gliding over minimalist instrumentation – just a handful of piano chords and a laid-back groove.
11. Shura & Helado Negro – If You Don’t Believe in Love
Shura is a firm favourite of mine, and her album I Got Too Sad for My Friends was a highlight of 2025. This soulful track, with glimmers of ’70s pop, stood out thanks to its live-feel production, rich harmonies and almost murmured vocal delivery. Gorgeous.
12. JADE – Self Saboteur
Several tracks from JADE’s album That’s Showbiz Baby could have made this list, but I narrowed it down to one. Self Saboteur is a pulsing electro-pop banger, driven by frolicking synths, mechanical beats and an almost robotic “you’re bringing heaven to me” hook. A brilliant take on self-sabotage in relationships, and worthy of being a single.
13. Antony Szmierek – Big Light
One of my favourite discoveries of 2025 was Antony Szmierek, a spoken-word artist delivering poetic lyrics over vibey electronic production. Big Light is euphoric, uplifting and utterly irresistible.
14. LANY – Last Forever
A classic LANY track that perfectly bookends their album Soft. This gentle synth-pop moment feels very ’80s in spirit, with mellow drum machines, swirling synths and a tight, restrained production style. A beautiful song about committing to someone for life.
15. Cat Burns – How to Be Human
I could have included several tracks from Cat’s album of the same name, but settled on the title track. It feels like the end credits of a coming-of-age film, driven by ’80s-inspired electronics – gated drums, pulsing synths and strong pop melodies. A brilliant track.
16. sombr – Canal Street
I loved sombr’s album, and this track was a particular highlight. A heart-wrenching song built around warm acoustic guitars and minimal piano chords. The real standout, though, is its powerful chorus, with stunning falsetto vocals on “And I tried to go on dates but none of them are you”, backed by swelling instrumentation. Melancholic, longing and beautiful.
17. Dijon – Yamaha
2025 was the year I really got into another Dijon song, The Dress – but as that was released in 2021, I went with this instead. Dijon’s music can be quite an intense listen, blending alternative R&B with unconventional production choices. Yamaha follows suit, but draws heavily from ’80s slow-jam power ballads, particularly in its chord progressions.
18. Lola Young – Why Do I Feel Better When I Hurt You
A tender indie-pop track exploring complicated emotions and recurring patterns in relationships. Pulled from Lola’s excellent album, it pairs moody production with sparse instrumentation. Introspective, vulnerable and refreshingly honest.
19. Sam Ryder – Eyes on You
A gorgeous closer to Sam’s excellent album, Eyes on You is a mellow indie-pop track with an absolutely exquisite chorus. Raw and introspective, it’s a beautiful reminder of the importance of being present.
20. Doja Cat – Gorgeous
Drawing heavily on ’80s aesthetics, this track blends synth-pop with pop and hip-hop influences. It’s a song about self-love without any hint of irony or cheesiness. Sonically rich, beautifully produced and a perfect nod to ’80s music.
Top 5 Albums of 2025
There have been some brilliant – and genuinely surprising – album releases this year. Here are my Top 5, with other albums I’ve loved in 2025 listed below.
5. Cat Burns – How to Be Human
I really love Cat Burns’ introspective, honest storytelling, her unflashy vocal delivery and the prominent role of acoustic guitar in her music. How to Be Human feels like a slight departure from that, but this is no bad thing.
It’s quite a long album by current standards, clocking in at 48 minutes across 16 tracks, and it feels very much like an album of two halves. The first leans into classic Cat – acoustic guitar-led indie-pop, complete with snippets of audio and voice notes. The second half is a little more pop-leaning.
The album as a whole documents the trials and tribulations of life, and there are some genuinely great songs here. It’s an album I’ve enjoyed hugely.
4. Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Perimenopop
Riding the wave of her return to the mainstream following Murder on the Dancefloor’s epic resurgence thanks to Saltburn, Sophie returned with this HUGE, unapologetically disco-pop record – arguably her most disco-heavy album in years.
From its tongue-in-cheek title to its fun, fresh and funky dancefloor energy, the album is a triumph. Whilst it was successful, I can’t help but feel it deserved even more attention. Crafted with an A-list team of pop songwriters, it’s still unmistakably Ellis-Bextor, complete with her trademark British enunciation and classic disco sensibilities.
3. JADE – That’s Showbiz Baby!
If I’m completely honest, I wasn’t expecting to love this album as much as I did. I enjoyed the singles released ahead of the album but wasn’t sure how I’d feel about a full body of work.
What I love most is how cohesive it feels without ever becoming boring. It blends electro-pop, disco, electroclash and synth-pop with interesting and adventurous production choices. Lyrically, it covers a wide range of themes and topics, and the overall tone of the album is one of self-empowerment and confidence. A really strong debut.
2. Sam Fender – People Watching
I always enjoy Sam’s albums more than I expect to. People Watching was one I returned to repeatedly during the darker winter months of 2025, particularly on days when I wasn’t feeling great mentally.
It’s a gorgeous album full of guitars, introspective storytelling and powerful, emotive vocals from Sam. Comforting, cathartic and beautifully written.
1. Justin Bieber – Swag II
I absolutely wasn’t expecting Justin Bieber to deliver my album of the year, but here we are. I enjoyed both Swag and Swag II, but found myself returning to Swag II far more often.
Critics dismissed both albums for their tracks sounding too similar to one another, but that’s actually part of what I love about it. The chilled, mellow alternative R&B atmosphere is exactly what I want from this record. Swag II doesn’t feel engineered for commercial success; instead, it feels like an album made for creative satisfaction and personal enjoyment.
Moody R&B, minimalist instrumentation, interesting production choices and the occasional pop melody sprinkled throughout – Swag II is a fantastic album.
Other albums and EPs I loved this year
- David Archuleta – Earthly Delights
- Justin Bieber – Swag
- Bon Iver – SABLE, fABLE
- Doja Cat – Vie
- Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
- Ariana Grande – eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days edition
- HAIM – I quit
- Amber Mark – Pretty Idea
- Polly Money – t-shirt nothing else
- PinkPantheress – Fancy That
- Sam Ryder – Heartland
- Antony Szmierek – Service Station At The End Of The Universe
- Ed Sheeran – Play
- sombr – I Barely Know Her
- Young Gun Silver Fox – Pleasure
- YUNGBLUD – Idols
The Long Lists
Here’s other songs I loved but didn’t get to include:
Favourite Singles of 2025 – Long List
Favourite album tracks of 2025 – Long List
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