2025 has been an amazing year for artistic media.
We had the release of so many incredible movies, such as Sinners, Materialists, and KPOP Demon Hunters. We were also gifted new seasons of beloved television shows, such as The Summer I Turned Pretty, Stranger Things, and The White Lotus. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love bingeing fresh episodes of the shows I love, and seeing new movies in the theatre, but to me, there is nothing more exciting than staying up all night to wait for the release of an artist’s brand-new album.
There is something so magical about music releases; being hunched over your phone at midnight, analyzing each new track with as much mental energy as the wee hours of the night will allow you to use. It’s even cooler to think about how you are one of hundreds, if not thousands, of people doing the exact same thing.
So, without further ado, here are my favourites of the new music we were blessed with in 2025!
just keep watching – tate mcrae
My inclination to this song caught me by surprise, I’ll admit. While my younger sister has been a super-fan of Tate McRae for several years, this track was what pulled me in. I first heard it in the movie theatre, watching F1: The Movie (a FANTASTIC film, might I add!), and found myself really enjoying the melody in the few seconds that it was on-screen. It has this boss-lady energy that really amps me up and makes the perfect addition to my workout playlist.
Darling, angel, baby – dodie & greta isaac
This song had me in a chokehold from the moment I heard it on Dodie’s YouTube channel. With the beautiful admissions of adoration woven throughout the lyrics that remind the listener of a gentle first love, you would have never been able to tell that the song was actually written about her cat! To me, this song perfectly resembles what it’s like to love your pet; such an intense and almost parental sense of affection for a creature that doesn’t even know that days are passing.
old tricks – Thomas rhett ft. niall horan
While this track is not at all new, especially to lovers of country music like myself, the latest feature of Niall Horan brings a whole new element of life to the song. When I heard that Thomas Rhett and Niall Horan were collaborating, I was a bit surprised; as a former Directioner, I didn’t think that their musical styles meshed well. However, despite his Irish upbringing and historically pop-influenced songs, Niall’s ability to adapt his voice to the Southern drawl is nothing but charming.
undressed – sombr
If I could attribute this song to one word, it would be yearning. This was undoubtedly my song of the summer, having listened to it every day on the radio at my job. Its catchy tune and romantically desperate lyrics make for the perfect ballad. Even if “TikTok” music isn’t your cup of tea, you have to admit that screaming along to the bridge in the shower is cathartic as hell.
please follow – del water gap
Having been a fan of Del Water Gap for a few years now, thanks to my good friend Jack, I waited in pleasant anticipation for the release of their new album in November. This track immediately stood out to me due to its funk-adjacent bass line and impressive harmonies. Another part of my admiration for it was because it reminded me, in the best way possible, of something that The Neighbourhood would play. While the concept is quite melancholy, exploring several themes of grief and loss, it is all tied together with a catchy melody and methodical lyric choices.
house tour – sabrina carpenter
Of course, this list would not be complete without the current queen of pop music. After falling in love with Emails I Can’t Send and Short n’ Sweet, I had absolutely no doubt that Man’s Best Friend would blow me away. If I had to pick one track, it would have to be House Tour. The upbeat tune and cleverly crafted lyrics had me hooked from the first listen. The playful and flirty nature of the song gets me every time, even though she promises that “none of this is a metaphor.”
Honourable mentions & conclusion
There have been so many great releases this year – too many to narrow down into one list. As a reminder, this is my opinion, and I am not trying to exclude or diss anyone whose favourite song or musician wasn’t included. I love all music equally; it makes the world go ’round!
That being said, here are some honourable mentions that almost made the cut:
- Ring Ring Ring – Tyler, The Creator
- Leave Me Alone – Renee Rapp
- WHERE IS MY HUSBAND! – Raye
- The Subway – Chappell Roan
Here’s to more groovy tunes in 2026!