Here are 50 favorite songs of 2025 that helped me get through the year, available on Apple Music and Spotify. A friendly reminder to anyone who didn’t read Liz Pelly’s excellent Mood Machine: Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist-if you find something you like, please support the artists by buying their music/merch and by seeing them in concert.
Today, September 6 is Bandcamp Friday. That means all the proceeds go directly to the artists! Here are some selections I recommend.
Health – Ashamed (featuring Lauren Mayberry) Health plus Lauren Mayberry of CHVRCHES? Yes, please. This single is a must for me.
Francis of Delirium – Lighthouse I’m obsessed with this debut album of bittersweet alternative rock from this Luxembourg act. Check out the featured track “Blue Tuesday.”
Lovina Falls – Ellery Way and Tragedy Two tasty new singles from the brainchild of Valerie Forgione (Mistle Thrush).
Glaring – DR666 Lovely and lux ambient darkwave from Germany.
Butcher Brown – Solar Music Hip funk from Virginia. Also necessary: their single “Down With the King.”
Ekko Astral – pink balloons High octane punk rock to get your blood flowing. Catch them opening for Deerhoof on tour now.
GIFT – Illuminator Harkening back to dream pop, Illuminator is a treat, reminiscent of The Primitives, Adorable, and Lightning Seeds with a healthy dose of shoegaze.
Emma Anderson – Spiralée: Pearlies Rearranged Just announced, this remix album of Anderson’s (Lush/Sing-Sing) brilliant solo debut is available for preorder.
Pop Culture Omnivore 