This Year's Best Music Releases & 2025 Predictions
Plus, my prediction on what music will look like as we enter 2026.
If you thought 2024 was a good year for music, get ready for 2025.
Pop reigned in 2024, and now we’re about to dine on a smorgasbord of genres.
When I compiled my best-of list six months ago, narrowing down songs from a stellar year was a challenge I admit was too much. So, to give 2025 the credit it deserves, my best-of list comes in two installments.
Happy listening!
“Drums of Death” FKA twigs
FKA twigs’ EUSEXUA was the way to kick off the year and “Drums of Death” was the perfect preview of the near-perfect album. (At least according to Pitchfork.) The song stays true to twigs’ promise to honor club music with her latest album, with the intro of “Drums of Death” so intensely drawn out you forget a lyric hasn’t been uttered. It’s in the same school of New Order’s “Blue Monday,” an ‘80s dance classic.
“Punish” Ethel Cain
God bless Ethel Cain. She knew exactly what she was doing while recording Perverts and even told us very plainly that her next album would be a sonic shift.
Most tracks on Perverts aren’t representative of my typical listening experience, and that’s the point. In a now-deleted tumblr post, Cain laments on art being meme-ified, a feeling that no doubt led to Perverts’ experimental style.
“i feel like no matter what i make or what i do, it will always get turned into a fucking joke. it’s genuinely so embarrassing. … i’m honest to god so turned off by so much of the way peope engage with the shit i do…”
So she blew everything up and told fans to fucking deal with it.
Cain’s soft vocals and haunting pop still exist in tracks like “Punish” and “Amber Waves,” however, the rest of the album is an eerie exploration of ambient drone. Many users have deemed the album unlistenable, and then there’s my brother, who listened to it at night in a detached garage during an intense Midwest winter.
“Devil’s Music” Chaparelle
I never thought I’d see the day I’d list a country artist as having my favorite new album, but here we are. Chaparelle is not the kind of country you typically hear on the radio today. Instead, the band pulls from sounds from the past. Country’s earliest influences are represented, including “Devil’s Music,” which is jolted with a dose of blues. You know, the genre that influenced all American-born genres. Anyway, go watch Sinners.
“D.O.A.” St. Vincent
St. Vincent may be between albums, but that doesn’t mean she’s going to stop releasing music. “D.O.A.” is an original song for the Death of a Unicorn soundtrack and exactly what you’d want from St. Vincent. Fast-paced and brash with a gooey center, “D.O.A.” is a pleasant surprise.
“Sugar Water Cyanide” Rebecca Black
YES, THAT REBECCA BLACK.
Contrary to many people’s belief, Black has built a successful music career for herself. Finding herself welcomed and adored in queer spaces, Black (who is queer herself) has leaned into hyperpop, following in the footsteps of other queer icons like SOPHIE, Charli xcx, Slayyyter and more.
Does Black do anything forward-thinking in our latest batch of songs? No, but I don’t really want that for her. I want what the “Sugar Water Cyanide” video conveys here: Black being happy, carefree and herself. It’s the least she deserves after we were unfathomably cruel to her nearly 15 years ago.
“Stateside,” Pink Pantheress
There are Gen Z members who say they love the early 2000s, and then there’s PinkPantheress. Her smooth, R&B-infused pop is reminiscent of radio’s greatest era, and her style is so on the nose I am embarrassed for her as an elder millennial.
She makes it work, though. Her voice and melodies bring to mind Janet Jackson during her All for You and Damita Jo eras, while “Stateside” tips its hat to Estelle’s 2008 track, “American Boy.”
“AI Girlfriend” Flume & JPEGMAFIA
Eight months after releasing his fifth full-length album, JPEGMAFIA gifts us with another release, this time with electronic artist Flume. Collaborations are a strength for JPEGMAFIA, who joined forces with Danny Brown on 2023’s Scaring the Hoes.
Flume and JPEGMAFIA’s EP’s We Live In A Society is an example of how artists can push each other creatively. It’s the most interesting these two have ever sounded, all thanks to each other.
“Cuntology 101” Lambrini Girls
You think I’m a cunt? Good.
The slur used toward women has evolved, thanks to ballroom culture and the LGBTQ+ community. Once a compliment for ballroom performers, “serving cunt” has become nestled in our modern lexicon.
Punk rockers Lambrini Girls play an ode to serving cunt on “Cuntology 101,” which runs through a list the band’s members identify as ‘cunt.’ Brat summer did a number on all of us and now we are witnessing the consequences of what living loudly looks like in art.
“Dirty Boyz” Viagra Boys
I love stupid songs that fucking rip, which is why I have become a rabid Viagra Boys fan in recent years. “The Bog Body” off the band’s latest album, viagr aboys, is the perfect example:
Do you even know the difference between a swamp and an ancient bog?/ In a bog you are pickled; in a swamp you would decompose
L M F A O
Truly the content I crave in my songs. So, when I say it was a challenge choosing a favorite, believe me.
I ultimately chose “Dirty Boyz” for its beat and how the lyrics remind me of a mixture of The Lost Boys and the Wild Boys in 2015’s Mad Max. The connecting thread between the three is reckless behavior. What would you do if you didn’t fear death? How would you act if death represented salvation? The Viagra Boys show us.
“Killah” Lady Gaga ft. Gessaffelstein
Did I listen to Mayhem at midnight? Yes.
Did I stay up until 4 a.m. to live stream a Coachella performance? Uh huh.
So I’m going to be nice and upfront with you here: I cannot be objective about Gaga. With the critically acclaimed Mayhem, though, it’s a little easier now that the world is reminded that Lady Gaga is one of the greatest performers of our generation.
“Killah” is particularly special because it represents the influences that got her here. The prominent guitar riff is directly pulled from David Bowie’s “Fame,” and there is no question about “Killah” being a funk song, with listeners likening it to Prince’s “Sign O the Times.” Some have even said Gesaffelstein’s production mirrors that of Nine Inch Nails on “Closer.”
The track is a gem on Mayhem because it sounds completely new while being uniquely Lady Gaga. Simultaneously, it shows us how Gaga got here and where she’s headed.
“Cold Heart” Nilüfer Yanya
It was “Like I Say (I runaway)” that caught my attention and My Method Actor, Nilüfer Yanya’s third studio album, that made me stay. Best for Phoebe Bridgers fans who like things a little harder, “Cold Heart” relies on synth and a drum machine to drive its melody and give Yanya’s hushed voice lift.
“Mega Circuit” Japanese Breakfast
Is that… more twang I hear? Yes, yes it is. On “Mega Circuit,” Japanese Breakfast shows how country influences can elevate and dramatize a song. The lyrics don’t stray far from the genre’s storytelling roots, building a rich world with lines as simple as Barreling ‘round the mega circuit/Kicking mud off ATVs.
That’s country music, baby!
“I Want You (Fever)” Momma
Choosing just one song from Welcome to My Blue Sky took some time and a few walks around the block. A neck-and-neck race between “Ohio All the Time” and “I Want You (Fever),” the latter emerged victorious because it does not reference Ohio.
The band’s fourth studio album sees an evolution from its typical grungy indie rock. Tracks are sleeker and more melodic, with “I Want You (Fever)” being a perfect example. It’s like the song was made for a ‘90s teen film or WB promo ad.
“Pretrial” (Let Her Go Home) Fiona Apple
Fiona Apple’s first original song in five years is a tribute to the women affected by pretrial detention. Inspired by her volunteer experience as court watcher, Apple details how the justice system tears families, particularly BIPOC families, apart. Apple never half-asses anything, so naturally the song has a raw emotion that elicits a visceral response, reminding us how the best protest songs move us to act.
“Smoke Break” Rico Nasty
I am serious when I tell you: Watch. This. Artist.
Not hip-hop, not pop, not rock, Rico Nasty crosses genres so effortlessly on LETHAL that it’s easy to forget you’re listening to one album. She’s reminiscent of Willow Smith and her ability to leapfrog from genres while keeping the album cohesive.
I texted with my friend Adryan the day this album was released and was giddy to discover we shared “Smoke Break” as our favorite track.
“G.I.R.L.” 8485 & Danny Brown
I will listen to anything with a Danny Brown feature, and “G.I.R.L.” is not an exception. Brown’s verse takes what would be a run-of-the-mill hyperpop bop up a few notches. Oh, and the music video rules.
“Ashes to Ashes” Magdalena Bay
Perfectly executed Bowie covers are rare. For every “Man Who Sold the World” by Nirvana, there’s a “Heroes” by The Wallflowers.
Magdalena Bay understands the assignment when it comes to a Bowie cover. Glam, weird and infectious, the duo parallels the theatrics that made Bowie a star in the early 1970s. Magdalena Bay’s “Ashes to Ashes” is close enough to the original to be instantly recognizable, but different enough to have its own personality. The result is a tribute by artists who know their source subject.
I’m woman enough to admit I teared up on my first listen.
“Girl Class” Um Jennifer?
Um Jennifer? is one of the best parts of 2025, with “Girl Class” being the gateway drug. Eli and Fig met at a party and shortly after, birthed the vengeful god, Jennifer. Music is their sacrifice to her. I think I got that right? I’m pretty sure I got that right.
“Girl Class” is special because it so casually and earnestly discusses gender presentation and wading into a territory that feels right but is also new. The listener is pulled into an endearing phone call between two friends, with one asking advice on how to be a girl. Trans listeners feel seen, and cis listeners gain a deeper understanding of gender identity without harassing their trans friends.
“777” L.A. WITCH
I truly do not know if this song is objectively good. All I know is I am comforted by how the beginning guitar riff mimics the sound a wave runner makes on water.
“Southern Life (What It Must Be Like")” Sharon Van Etten
“Southern Life (What It Must Be Like)” is easily the most psychedelic composition in Van Etten’s catalog and the result of jam sessions with her band. The members’ influences on Van Etten led to her latest album, which is her most musically diverse to date.
“Headphones On” Addison Rae
No, I’m not proud of this. Or maybe I am? I’ve worked to avoid becoming an Addison Rae fan, but the TikTok star-turned-singer knows her strengths and limitations well. She’s not belting a verse anytime soon, so she sticks to tempos and octaves in her rage. I respect that.
The first three singles (“Diet Pepsi,” “Aquamarine” and “Headphones On”) off her upcoming album, Addison, have been heavily compared to Madonna’s critically acclaimed album, Ray of Light. Fine, I’m seated.
“True Religion” Shygirl
Congrats are in order for PinkPantheress, who appears on this list twice—once as a main artist and here as a featured artist. But this entry is NOT about PinkPantheress, it’s about Shygirl and her excellent EP, Club Shy Room 2, a perfect 10 in my book. “True Religion” emerged as the victor for how every verse and chorus is more infectious than the last.
“Wanna Start a Band?” Sleigh Bells
At this point, my Sleigh Bells loyalty is rooted in nostalgia. Do I miss the indie sleaze era? Yeah, I do. So I guess I’m not expecting or even wanting artistic growth. Let me sit and remember the days when Grand Rapids felt like a fever dream and Treats was the only album I allowed in my car’s CD player.
“23:42” Rachel Chinouriri
OK, now this is a summer tune. Admittedly, I have not paid as enough attention to Rachel Chinouriri as I should. That’s changing with “23:42” and her Little House EP, which also includes “Can we talk about Isaac?” The latter conjures the indie-pop sound artists like Kate Nash and Lily Allen conquered in their respective debuts.
“No Desert Flower” Julien Baker and Torres
This may be getting repetitive, but I hope you like country because the floodgates opened and they ain’t closin’ anytime soon. Julien Baker and Torres combine their talents and shared Tennessee roots to craft a country album that tosses the Nashville Sound out the window and leans into the twang.
Choosing one song from Send a Prayer My Way was difficult, but I settled on “No Desert Flower” for these two lines:
When the going’s tough, I won’t cower
And all the passing years won’t wash us away
“Lost Time” Lucy Dacus
Well, speaking of Julien Baker.
Dacus’ latest album, Forever Is a Feeling, chronicles the two falling in love and making their relationship official. After watching Baker and Dacus have their version of a rock star summer camp in 2023, this album seems personal for fans. Like when your two favorite characters in a show end up together. (Not to reduce their relationship to fictional characters, but you get the idea of the feeling I’m conveying.)
I chose “Lost Time” because it ripped my heart out, thinking about the concept of lost time in general. How much time and opportunities have we lost because of fear?
And that BRIDGE?!
Damn, Luce.
“Next to Nothing” Aly & AJ
I’ve been hooked on Aly & AJ since they evolved to a darker pop sound in 2017. In the years between, the sisters’ artistic evolution has been commendable. With each album, you hear the duo finding themselves, with 2025’s Silver Deliverer only leaning into more California sounds, particularly those inspired by Silver Lake’s folk-country artists. Turn on the “Next to Nothing” for a taste.
“Gold Rush” Lucius
Over time, Lucius has proven its uncanny ability to mix blues, country and pop in a blender and add some sparkle on top. “Gold Rush” is a perfect example of the band executing these three genres. (And sounding like early Sheryl Crow in the process.)
“Safe Word” Halsey
If their latest singles—including a duo with Evanescence’s Amy Lee—are any indication, Halsey may be reading toward another rock era. (This is also wishful thinking on my part.)
“Safe Word” hits like a punch to the face, with the artist leaning into brat-punk vibes. Like all great punk songs, “Safe Word” clocks in at a swift two minutes and 12 seconds, with Halsey making the most of every second.
“Poppy” Model/Actriz
I’m going to be transparent, this is where my music tastes get a little outside the box. Model/Actriz relies on heavy industrial sounds in its latest album and “Poppy” is no exception. While Model/Actriz’s album is best listened to as a whole, “Poppy” is most single-like.
“Eckhaus Latta” Maddie Jay
My brother introduced me to Maddie Jay’s debut, I Can Change Your Mind, and described it as a “slow burn.” He was right, because by the time the listener gets to “Eckhaus Latta,” Jay is about ready to scream “HAVE YOU BEEN LISTENING TO ME?!” OK! OK! Now I am!
“The Leader” Dog Race
Admittedly, I don’t know much about this band and it looks like I’m not the only one. With a debut EP releasing next week and a modest 4,039 Instagram followers, I’m identifying Dog Race as a ‘you heard it here first’ band. “The Leader” has not left my head in two weeks, by the way.
“2 shots of patron” Sophie Hunter
I typically turn my nose at white people wading into hip-hop, but I’ll give Sophie Hunter a pass. Her relatively small catalog explores multiple pop and hip-hop subgenres, even playing with industrial rock sounds. For “2 shots of patron” in particular, she infuses soul with beats reminiscent of early ‘90s hip-hop. Keep playin’ with those genres, Soph.
“Do My Dance” Moonchild Sanelly
I’m gonna need American audiences to become familiar with Moonchild Sanelly. Best known in South Africa and the United Kingdom, Sanelly’s sound is a combination of pop, hip-hop, electronic and soul. Her music is so youthful and energetic that I was taken aback at her age. This is not ageism, let me be clear. I am around her age and just thinking of the energy needed to record “Do My Dance” triggers daydreams about naptime.
“T&A” Blondshell
Blondshell’s Sabrina Mae Teitelbaum is best when she’s pissed off, as evidenced with 2023’s “Salad.” Carrying that torch is “T&A,” where you don’t know if she’s pissed off more with an emotionally unavailable lover or herself for coming back to a dry well.
“Clueless” Beach Bunny
“Clueless” is a top track to listen to during your most nostalgic moments. It won’t make you feel better, but it will make you feel less alone. Beach Bunny perfectly encapsulates what it’s like to grow old when you feel like life has stunted you. I dare you not to cry.
Predictions:
Last year, pop music had its comeuppance. Now, it’s time for other genres to have their time in the sun.
Country is so hot right now
Cowboy Carter did that.
I hate to beat a dead horse in this piece, but I am giddy that we are finally kicking modern country to the curb and returning to the genre’s roots. Obviously, we have Beyoncé’s 2024 album to thank for dismantling popular country, however, this trend has been in the works for some time. In 2016, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga went country with “Daddy Lessons” and Joanne, respectively. Nearly a decade later, audiences are ready for more country influences.
Shaboozey, like Beyoncé, broke through modern country’s white supremacy, thanks to fans and the Billboard Hot 100. In 2024, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” tied Lil’ Nas X’s “Old Town Road” for 19 weeks at No. 1.
Over on Billboard’s country chart, Beyoncé and Shaboozey were making history while vying for No. 1. When “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” dethroned “Texas Hold ‘Em,” it was the first time “two Black artists have led back-to-back for the first time since Hot Country Songs became an all-encompassing genre ranking in 1958.”
The floodgates were opened.
This year, we are witnessing 2024’s influence through many artists. Sharon Van Etten took on Southern influences with her latest, Sharon Van Etten and the Attachment Theory. Aly & AJ, typically known for their pop sounds, have evolved into a more twangy sound over their past two albums. Lucius went deeper down the country hole after its brilliant 2022 album, Second Nature. Chaparelle, a band often labeled a “Texas supergroup,” presents country how it should be: a concoction of Irish-Scots folk and good ol’ American blues. Even Ethel Cain is digging deeper into Southern roots with her latest single, “Nettles.”
This is an exciting time because I typically hate country music, however, my disdain is rooted in how one-dimensional country has become. A uniquely American genre deserves to be explored by American artists, regardless of their background or beliefs. White supremacy has sunk its nasty teeth into the genre for decades and we’re taking it the fuck back.
The children yearn for rock and roll
Rock’s stagnancy has been a serious issue for nearly two decades, so it’s exciting to see a new wave emerging.
Last year saw culturally and critically significant releases from Fontaines D.C., Amyl and the Sniffers, The Bug Club, IDLES, the Kims (Gordon and Deal), Yard Act and Mannequin Pussy.
That energy is continuing into 2025, with Amy Taylor frequently going viral for her performances with Amyl and the Sniffers. The band’s tour, which is currently hitting U.S. cities, has sold out the majority of its dates. Green Day also made a headlining appearance at Coachella, with the band’s performance dominating social feeds for a good week.
Live music is also evolving, with artists trying to skirt high ticketing fees so their music is more accessible. Take All American Rejects, for example. The band is finding new audiences by performing secret pop-up shows at houses and even a bowling alley. Missouri cops even shut down a recent show two weeks ago.
A week later that shut-down show, Washington D.C.’s Liberation Weekend took place. The two-day music and arts festival supported trans liberty, with the net proceeds going toward the Gender Liberation Movement. The festival emphasized trans artists, with our pals Um Jennifer? making an appearance on the lineup. Other performances included Speedy Ortiz, Pop Music Fever Dream and Downtown Boys, to name a few.
It makes sense that punk trends are on the rise. The movement emphasizes DIY, questioning the status quo and creating an environment for those who feel left out of society. The economic and political strife happening in America has prompted people to seek out safe communities, engage in acts of resistance and consume fewer items, opting for handmade goods. These traits we’re adopting are punk.
The rock and punk genres are rich this year, reflecting the supercharged emotions bubbling below the surface. Other acts stepping up to and raising the bar this year are Viagra Boys, Beach Bunny, Momma, Model/Actriz, Lambrini Girls and turnstile. I guarantee more are on the way.
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