Best Songs of 2025 (So far)
As crazy as it is to admit, we’re already more than halfway through 2025, so I thought it would be fun to look back on the first half of this year and put together a list of my favorite songs of the year so far (in no particular order).
What Was That - Lorde
A Lorde comeback single is always going to be a huge moment of the year for me, and this one is no different. This was the perfect song from Virgin to release as the lead single because it gave us a little taste of the new sound she was giving us without giving away too much. Perfection from start to finish.
Walk of Fame - Miley Cyrus
When I first heard this song at the Spotify viewing party, I told myself not to deem it my favorite on the album just yet because it might have just been from the excitement of the event, making it stand out to me. After sitting with Something Beautiful for just about a month now, I stand by my initial thoughts. I love the way the chorus feels so celebratory after a haunting verse. I love Brittany Howard’s vocals on top of Miley’s. I love everything about this song.
Killah - Lady Gaga
I’m going to say it: this is the most exciting pop song we’ve gotten all year. The breakdown at the end? Gaga’s higher range on the chorus? It’s fun, it’s funky, it takes you on a journey. There’s no world where this isn’t one of the best songs released all year.
New York - Addison Rae
Steph aside, “Empire State of Mind”, New York has a new anthem (only slightly kidding). Addison Rae is just such an exciting moment in pop music right now, and this song perfectly encapsulates everything I love about her and her music.
Relationships - HAIM
Famously, I’m not a huge HAIM fan (respectfully, just not my cup of tea); however, I cannot get enough of this song. It’s catchy, it’s fun, and it feels like warm weather to me. Also, shoutout to Terrence O’Connor for the iconic Nicole Kidman reference as the single artwork.
Can We Talk About Isaac - Rachel Chinouriri
Can we talk about a perfect song??? Rachel has been one of my more recent favs, and it appears that’s not changing anytime soon. The entire song is fabulous but what really seals the deal for me is the bridge. I’m obsessed with the way it slows down and then builds into this explosive guitar moment - I talked about it on the podcast when it came out and said it felt like the moment before you’re about to have your first kiss with someone and your mind is running at 1,000 MPH up until the actual kiss where it’s just an explosion (Rachel confirmed this is how it’s meant to be interpreted in my TikTok comments)
Warm - Ariana Grande
If you remember my Best Albums of 2024, ‘eternal sunshine ‘ sat at the top of the list; so when I found out we’d be getting a deluxe version of the album, I was ecstatic. Warm stands out to me for many reasons, but similarly to Walk of Fame, I love the way the chorus explodes into this celebratory moment that contrasts with the verses. Lyrically, I think “cause I’m cool on my own but I’m warm in your arms” is such a fab way to say I’m all good by myself, but I’m better with my partner.
Salvation - Rebecca Black
This project from Rebecca Black was one of my most anticipated projects of the year. I love the way she’s come into herself and fully found her sound. This song makes me want to be sweaty on a dancefloor with a tequila soda in my hand which is one of my favorite genre of songs.
Nosebleeds - Doechii
One of my other favorite genre of songs is when artist is just talking their shit, and that’s exactly what this song is. Fresh off becoming the third black woman in history to win the Grammy for Best Rap Album, Doechii dropped Nosebleeds, where she reminds us, “What would happen if Doechii didn’t win? I guess we’ll never know.” The way she blends so many beats and flows on one track speaks directly to her artistry and why Doechii is the moment.
IT GIRL - JADE
To know me is to know that I am buying EVERYTHING this diva is selling; JADE has done nothing but release banger after banger in this debut solo era. Starting this track with her angelic vocals and then immediately dropping one of the sickest beats I’ve heard this year? I’m sold.
30 for 30 - SZA ft Kendrick Lamar
(I’ve since realized this song technically came out 11 days before 2025, oops!)
SZA and Kendrick are musical soulmates, and this song is the perfect example of that. I think the way they complement each other on a track should be studied. Kendrick’s wordplay, SZA’s vocals, everything about this song is 10/10.
Busy Woman - Sabrina Carpenter
What even is there to say!? This song is quintessential Sabrina - a catchy chorus, cheeky lyrics, and her reminding us that she’ll drop any man in a heartbeat. Oh and let’s not forget the signature Jack Antonoff synthy production that I’ll never, ever get tired of.
Taste - Coco Jones
Dare I say this is both one of the best lead singles and samples we’ve gotten this year? Being able to take a Britney Spears song that’s iconic as “Toxic” and completely make it your own is so impressive, and the way Coco did it is just perfection. This one’s been on repeat for months.
What are your favorite songs of the year so far!?