25 favorite songs of '25
- mellennial123
- Jan 4
- 16 min read
As I'm writing this in the first week of 2026, I can't help but think about how 2025 has been a fever dream. I finished my second year of school, moved for the first time, and I cohosted not one but TWO holiday themed dinners. Your girl is in her PRIME right now! Not to mention, the music this year has been the soundtrack I didn't know I needed. While my playlist is currently at about 50-something songs, I figured I'd list my 25 favorites. This was not easy, so know that I really gave this some thought. If you're thinking "oh my god she forgot about-", it might be in the playlist here!
Song: Soul Sacrifice
Artist: ChildofVenusandMars & Cult Goddess
Release Date: February 14th
"When I was a girl I tried so hard to be liked by just about anyone in this world. I’d lie just to fit in but they’d see right through them. And from time to time I still get that feeling of never really knowing if what I say is right."
I may be a 90s kid, but like alot of millennials, I was raised loving older music, especially the 60s! So when TikTok icon and Big Brother contestant Ava Pearl (aka ChildofVenusandMars) and psychedelic rock band Cult Goddess joined forces to create "Soul Sacrifice", I was transported. This track has all the right musical elements and it's lyrically poetic. You could say the 60s are making a comeback, but I don't think they ever truly left, thanks to songs like this one.
Song: Killah (feat. Gesaffelstein)
Artist: Lady Gaga
Release Date: March 7th
"Gonna make the curtains cream, believe it. Gonna make the ceiling shake for me. I'ma be your full-time bedroom demon. I'm gonna make you scream, that's a matter of fact, I'll be your fantasy."
At this point, Lady Gaga can do ANYTHING. When I first heard this song, I immediately thought of The Fame Monster era, haunting and danceable, with a rockin' sound! Mother Monster is letting you know that she is ready for the kill, and you better be ready for it. If you ever need to feel powerful and in control, put this song on full volume, strut the streets, and let everyone know you're not one to mess with. Why? 'Cause you're a killah' duh!
Song: CUNTISSIMO
Artist: MARINA
Release Date: April 10th
"(Cuntissimo) Leaving that loser on read. (Cu-cuntissimo) Don't let him back in your bed. (Cuntissimo) ’Cause your energy's precious (Ah). Not your fault he fell in love."
Marina is back and STILL iconic. "Cuntissimo" is a powerful pop track about being fabulous and not letting anyone tell you otherwise. Her voice as lovely as ever as she states that she is a star! Not only does she sound incredible, but the song's message is as well. Women are expected to settle down, yeah I don't think so. Some of us want to live the fabulous and glamorous life. A star must shine bright and not let anyone dim their shine. That's always been my mantra, and will remain as 2026 goes on.
Song: 77 (feat. Avril Lavigne)
Artist: Billy Idol
Release Date: April 27th
"I'm not the same as them, I never was. Never gonna let us into their club. Know you gotta give it back as good as you got. 'Cause this is our time, and this is our shot."
I became a late fan of this track, for I haven't heard it until I saw Billy Idol live for the first time. I gotta say, he's my top ten concerts ever and this song definitely one of the reasons. While Avril Lavigne wasn't at the show I attended, the song was still was a sucker punch! So I immediately checked out the version with her in it. How they haven't collaborated before this is a mystery, for their voices work so well. Not only that, but the song is about the spirit of punk rock and what it truly represents. Sometimes you just gotta fight back, like the punks of '77.
Song: Take A Sexy Picture Of Me
Artist: CMAT
Release Date: May 7th
"I did the butcher. I did the baker. I did the home and the family maker. I did school girl fantasies. Oh, I did leg things and hand stuff and single woman banter. Now tell me, what was in it for me?"
Don't let the fun beat and viral TikTok dance fool you, this song is a "FUCK YOU" to body-shamers that singer CMAT has dealt with. Now, this isn't new, for alot of celebrities, especially women, are scrutinized by society's outdated beauty standards. However, this song is a take on the subject in a way that you can't help but dance to. Sometimes, you just gotta dance through the pain, and you will, while also having your jaw drop when you hear the final lyrics.
Song: I Like It I Like It
Artist: Moses Sumney & Hayley Williams
Release Date: May 8th
"It's not that I don't see you, baby, it's just that I see you a little too much. You cover all the zines in my conscious stream, and that's so fucking weak. I've got subscriptions."
Oh how I love a duet, especially when both participants have VOCALS. In fact, this might be one of my favorite duets of all time (future post idea). Moses Sumney and Hayley Williams are already fantastic singers separately, but together? Oh my god. The each have their moment, but once they sing together, the harmonies are pure magic, Also, the song's lyrics are extremely relatable. I mean, who hasn't had the hots for someone to the point where is consumes you to the point of madness? I know it's not just me...
Song: Illegal
Artist: PinkPantheress
Release Date: May 9th
"My name is Pink, and I'm really glad to meet you. You′re recommended to me by some people. I think I smoked enough loud to reach the both of us. But tell me, why my heartbeat is in a rush?"
The second I heard "My name is Pink and I'm really glad to meet you." I was obsessed, and according to TikTok, so were alot of people. A pop song that immediately has you hooked from the first lyric is one for the books. While the track sounds fun and is danceable, the music video showcases the consequences of drugs. A fun infectious beat to lyrics to a darker message, but isn't that most pop music? *starts to twerk with concern*
Song: One Thing
Artist: Lola Young
Release Date: May 16th
"You know how I wanna be. I want you right under me. Can you just live a little and let your hair down? Nobody will ever know. We can put on our own little show. Save that big-dick energy for my mouth, yeah."
This just in, women are horny. Like, really horny, and they aren't going to hide it anymore. Granted this isn't news, for many pop stars write and sing songs about adult activities. But there is something about Lola Young's lyrics that don't beat around the bush, she is letting you know right away what she's wanting. That's what makes the song work, it's brutal, honest, and horny as all hell! Many people can relate to that, wanting to spend a night with someone so bad that you don't even care what happens next. You just want one thing from them, and you've been waiting all your life for this. Sheesh, I'm sweating just writing about this song! What can I say? I'm a sucker for horny women in pop music!
Song: Leave Me Alone
Artist: Renee Rapp
Release Date: May 21st
"My manager called me, said, 'Where's the single?'. Leave me alone, bitch, I wanna have fun. 'Oh, you're breaking up, babe, I don't got no signal'. Leave me alone, bitch, I wanna have fun. Sign a hundred NDAs, but I still say something. Leave me alone, bitch, I wanna have fun. I took my sex life with me, now the show ain't fucking. Leave me alone, bitch, I wanna have fun."
Sometimes you just gotta say "fuck it" and do whatever you want. Taking control of your own life is a challenge sometimes, but we have to do it. Not only is this something we all relate to, but that's what Renee Rapp's song is about. She doesn't do media training, she says whatever she wants, and doesn't plan to stop any time soon. She is going to have a good time and have fun while she can, so leave her alone! Also, the lyric throwing shade at that tv show she did, "took my sex life with me, now the show ain't fucking", oh Renee, you clever girl. I'll always like a shady bitch.
Song: All over me
Artist: Haim
Release Date: June 20th
"Your bed or my floor, but don't tell me that you're in love. 'Cause I'm not trying to walk the line. And whoever you see, I'm saying it's fine with me 'cause I won't say what I'm doing tonight. You know I've always had a wild heart, and that won't ever change. So when you see me out with someone else, I will not be ashamed."
Haim released an album titled "I Quit" but thankfully they are far from quitting music. I know, I too was worried, but they are here to stay and this is just one song that showcases their talents. This is another song that spells it out. You're not looking for love or marriage, just a good time. Some people are just meant to run wild and free, and are just looking for someone to do that with. One night stands, physical attraction, messy and lustful experiences that many have had in life. Not me of course, at least, not yet. Any takers? Is this thing on?
Song: David
Artist: Lorde
Release Date: June 27th
"Said, 'Why do we run to thе ones we do?' I don't belong to anyone, ooh. I made you God 'cause it was all that I knew how to do. But I don't belong to anyone (Ooh)."
Oh Lorde, you are trying to make me cry again. Not since "Green Light" has a song of hers hit me like a ton of bricks. Sometimes we idolize someone so much, we forget who we are, believe me, I know. I stayed up to listen to her album "Virgin" when it was released and "David" was the final track. When the song ended, I just sat in my bed, silent, on the verge of tears. And all I could mutter before falling asleep was the question she asks at the end, "Am I ever gonna love again?". The irony is that I don't know if I ever did, at least not in the way the song was saying. The song is sad, but therapeutic, and sometimes those are the songs we need most.
Song: Sugar On My Tongue
Artist: Tyler, The Creator
Release Date: July 21st
"Like sugar on my tongue, tongue, tongue. Your body is so sweet, sweet, sweet. Invite me if you come, come, come (Come, come, come). It's all I want to eat, eat, eat."
So, do you think DJ Khalid likes this song or no (insert laugh track here). Man oh man alot of artists were IN HEAT this year, damn. But what makes this song so refreshing is that a man is singing about wanting to, um, do I really need to say it? The lyrics are right there just read them. The lyrics may be a little NSFW, but the song has such a fun hook and you can't help but sing along and dance to it. I could only imagine how the night clubs were when this song would play. In fact, when I co-hosted a dinner party, I just starting singing this song and everyone joined in without questioning it. Friends who sing about "going down" together, stay together.
Song: Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party
Artist: Hayley Williams
Release Date: July 28th
"I'll be the biggest star at this fucking karaoke bar. No use shootin’ for the moon. No use chasing waterfalls. I’m the biggest star at this fucking karaoke bar. No use shootin' for the moon. No use chasing waterfalls."
Sometimes, you need to take a step back and realize that you need a wake up call. That's what the song says to me at least. It's a reminder of where you came from and how you started. Also, it has a cool groove that I walk to whenever the moon is out. I walk to Penn Station from a show, put my headphones on, and play this track. As I walk to the groovy sound, I'm reminded that it could end one day, and I might be back to square one. So I gotta keep my ego in check, and so do alot of people.
Song: The Subway
Artist: Chappell Roan
Release Date: August 1st
"Made you the villain, evil for just moving on. I see your shadow, I see it even with the lights off. I made a promise if in four months, this feeling ain't gone, well, fuck this city. I'm moving to Saskatchewan."
This song was overplayed in my opinion, shoutout TikTok. However, after a few weeks of avoiding it, I heard it in a Walmart. I remembered why the song is so popular, it's really well done. Chappell Roan sings her breaking heart out on this track, and you can hear the pain. Once the famous bridge comes in, you too are belting the words "SHE'S GOT, SHE'S GOT A WAAAAAYYYY" in the middle of Walmart while looking for a Barbie toy for a toy drive. And don't get me started on the music video, when the big reveal during the bridge I was so sad for her. I guess not all pop music is happy. Well now I need a tissue! sniffs
Song: Anna
Artist: Nicotine Dolls
Release Date: August 1st
"Baby you gotta stop saying words you don’t need to say. You got me dangling like that chain on your keys. You gotta stop saying words you don’t need. If I made it to your door, than I probably won’t leave."
*just watched the music video for the billionth time* So, um, Nicotine Dolls are a band I got into around 2023. They have this frontman, Sam Cieri, whose voice pulls you in immediately (also he is REALLY cute). Not only that, but the production of this song is purely 80s inspired. When the chorus hits, you can't help but belt along while drooling over the vocals. Also, the music video is hot, like AAAOOOWWW, but let's get back to the song. "Anna" isn't just a woman, but it's a state of mind. Confident, sexy, knows what she wants and isn't afraid to say it. Let's make 2026 the year we all channel our inner "Anna" and see what happens.
Song: Taps - demo
Artist: Good Looking People
Release Date: August 8th
"You should cut off all your hair. You should cut off all your hair. Leave the pieces flying everywhere. You should spend some time alone. You should spend some time alone. Only if you’re thinking of me."
I first heard this song at a show at the Rabbit Hole in Brooklyn, which unfortunately closed at the moment. However, I'm grateful I got to go and experience this moment. This song became a part my night routine. I'd pick out clothes for the day, take a shower, hop into bed, and play this song. It's oddly comforting for a song that sounds dark. It also feels like I'm in an indie film, navigating to the next moment of my life. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on Good Looking People to hear what they do next.
Song: Another Baby
Artist: Dijon
Release Date: August 15th
"'Cause baby, we got all we need to expand this collection. And baby, you look good to me you demand my attention. Just gimme attention. And I'm at attention."
Shoutout to my parasocial crush for sharing this song via Zoom! Hell even if he didn't show it, I'd find this gem of a track and throw down either way. "Another Baby!" immediately grabs your attention and you can't help but dance like you're at the club. Not to mention, the lyrics are 1000000% influenced by Prince and that's always a good time. Dijon's sound is funky and experimental, if that doesn't convince you to check him out, I don't know what will.
Song: Mr. Fantasy
Artist: Mr. Fantasy
Release Date: August 25th
"I can tell you want the finer things. Just come on over, c'еst quoi tu fais. I can be your Mr. Fantasy. I see you looking my way."
Now THIS is how you make a debut! Mr. Fantasy is the grooviest, coolest cat of 2025 and I know I'm not alone feeling this way. He's a little freak who just wants everyone to enjoy life and have a good time. We need more freaky people in pop music, just saying. Not only does he have this strange sex appeal, he can sing too! His vocals give pure 70s and the song's production is groovy and grabs a hold on you. Let's hope for an album AND tour for summer of '26, we need it!
Song: Na$ty
Artist: KIRBY
Release Date: August 29th
"Is you in our side or is you faking? Is you tryna leak our information? Is you a prophet or is you for profit? Is you for yourself or for the nation?"
Social commentary songs have been around for so long that it's not remotely surprising when a new one comes along. What makes "Na$ty" so good is that it's not afraid to ask the tough questions. "Is you a Karen or is you just caring?" is just one of the many questions KIRBY is asking us. The song also showcases her musical influences, which I came across when I saw her TikTok honoring Funkadelic. The way she promoted this song was pure brilliance that will stick with many for years to come. Hopefully, things will change in this world where the song won't be as relevant, but a time capsule. However, I don't see that happening anytime soon...shall we dance through the anger?
Song: Tears
Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
Release Date: August 29th
"A little respect for women can get you very very far. Remembering how to use your phone gets me oh so, oh so, oh so hot. Considering I have feelings I'm like, 'why are my clothes still on?'. Offering to do anything I'm like 'oh my God'."
Sabrina Carpenter has done it again! After her success with her 2024 album "Short & Sweet", it's safe to say that Sabrina is the IT girl of pop music. In the summer of '25, she released her next album, "Man's Best Friend". While it was difficult to chose just ONE song from the album, I decided to select "Tears". The reason being that not only is it a fun disco inspired tune, it also does not beat around the bush at all. Sabrina loves a man who respects women, so much, that tears start to run. Just, not from the eyes...aaaooowww. Horny women singing about being horny, we are so back baby!
Song: Secrets (feat. Lindsay Buckingham & Mick Fleetwood
Artist: Miley Cyrus
Release Date: September 19th
"Love is not a prison. I'm not a guard, no. So even when I'm holding you, I won't lock you up. You can come and go as you want. Would you like to be lonely? Your word is all I want (want)."
At this point, Miley Cyrus can sing just about anything. This song touched my heart right away, it might be my all time favorite of 2025. Her voice is beautiful, the lyrics are pure poetry, and the song features not one but TWO members of Fleetwood Mac (Lindsay Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood respectfully). I also found out that is song is about her father, Billy Ray Cyrus. For those that don't know, their relationship hasn't been easy, but she will always love him. “This song was written as a peace offering for someone I had lost for a time but always loved, this song is for my dad.” Now that is a true artist, letting one's guard down, to create a masterpiece.
Song: Losing My Voice
Artist: Diana
Release Date: September 19th
"Let go my thoughts, they hurt like shots, hope you don't see. Know when I am glowing it's all for show and pretty little liars get nothing but desired."
You better get ready, because Diana is the real deal. Creating songs that make you dance and feel seen, now that's my kind of artist. "Losing My Voice" is an anthem for anyone who feels that they have to pretend everything's fine. Songs about mental health can be hit or miss, but don't let the title fool you, for the singer is loud and clear in the song's message. Starts soft, then goes for the kill as the song plays on. Her vocals are hypnotizing and her lyrics are and Keep your eyes and ears on Diana, for she's not losing her voice anytime soon.
Song: So Easy (To Fall In Love)
Artist: Olivia Dean
Release Date: September 26th
"There's no need to hide if you're into me 'cause I'm into you quite intimately. And maybe one night could turn into three. Well, I'm down to see."
Olivia Dean is nominated for best new artist and after hearing this song, you'll understand why. Combining bossa nova, pop, and soul, it's so easy to fall in love with this song. Her voice is an instrument and she knows exactly how to play it. Along with the beautiful melody and music, the lyrics are sweet and simple. You'll want to fall in love and dance down the street. Who knows, maybe one day, you'll walk down the aisle to this beautiful song. *fingers crossed*
Song: Stranger
Artist: Doja Cat
Release Date: September 26th
"And I know you're in my life 'cause everything that is alive's connected. And I believe the weirdest ones survive. You're a trip to them and a vacation to me. And God knows you could be stranger than me. So kiss me like your mirror, eye me like a queer. Nothing you do could freak me out."
"Stranger" is the sixth track off of Doja Cat's album "Vie", which channels 80s pop in an innovative way. In fact, it was my favorite album of 2025 and I played it everyday for weeks on end! Remember in Ted Lasso when Coach Beard was in a relationship that seemed concerning to others but in reality, he was happy? That's what this song reminds me of, a relationship that people on the outside might not fully understand. However, the couple are weird and happy, and they don't need anyone's approval. Sometimes we just want someone as weird as us to navigate life with. That right there to me is love.
Song: House (feat. John Cale)
Artist: Charlie xcx
Release Date: November 10th
"Am I living in another world? Another world I created, for what? If it's beauty, do you see beauty? If there's beauty, say it's enough."
From Brat summer to Wuthering winter, Charli xcx is taking over the seasons. "House" was the first song released from her upcoming soundtrack to the already controversial Wuthering Heights film, which is to be released in theaters on Valentine's Day. But I'm not here to talk about the movie, just the song. It starts off quiet, with John Cale (the founding member of The Velvet Underground), then the music gets louder and more distorted. The louder the music gets is when Charli starts to belt "I think I'm gonna die in this house". The song has already gotten the TikTok treatment, for it's used in horror edits. The irony is that alot of these edits are on non-horror media, but that's the fun of being a chronically online Charli xcx fan. Chaotic, random, and unforgettable, just like Charli herself.
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