A quick disclaimer: This year has offered so much for music, in terms of genre and sound. That of which I don’t have the liberty of going into finite detail with. And so, I hope you’ll consider these personal picks that I have chosen with a grain of salt, and perhaps be introduced to some new songs you may not have even heard of!
Chappell Roan ‘The Subway’
An ode to failed situationships, hard breakups or just that special friendship that was torn apart by fate, Chappell Roan’s ‘The Subway’ takes you on a journey of emotional vulnerability engulfed by chaos of the big city. Moving away from the high-camp of her country theatrics into something more open and sincere to the raw elements of life, Roan offers listeners that perfect track for your early morning, chilly Metro commutes.
PinkPantheress ‘Girl Like Me’
Crowned as the queen of sampling, PinkPantheress’ sound continues to reign supreme in 2025. Packed with layers of vibrance and careless abandonment that separates itself from the sombre melancholy of Roan’s ‘The Subway,’ Pink champions a “let it all go” attitude (a lyric sampled from the song ‘Romeo’ by Basement Jaxx), providing a catchy and upbeat laissez-faire attitude to love and relationships in the modern age.
Olivia Dean ‘Nice To Each Other’
Similar to artists discussed, Olivia Dean has found her rise to stardom thanks to the sound-bite virality of social media platforms, aestheticising the sounds into 15 second clips of friendship, fun and fraternity. Love for Dean comes within her song ‘Nice To Each Other’ through the form of a push and pull attitude that flows throughout the layered classical pop, and overall warm instrumentals reminding listeners that in an age of fast paced dating and romantic attachments, being ‘Nice to Each Other’ takes nothing but the love we share for one another.
Blood Orange ‘Vivid Light’
Known more exclusively as the record producer for artists such as Solange's “Losing You” and Sky Ferreira's “Everything Is Embarrassing,” Devonté Hynes is a master of emotion in sound. Much like Roan in her sombre and unfulfilling yearning for love, Hynes’ ‘Vivid Light,’ reflects upon this emotional vulnerability of love that comes behind looking at the screens of dating apps, travelling through fast paced movements between situationships and exes. Often hidden behind the upbeat funk of his other songs such as ‘You’re Never Good Enough’ (a song that I highly recommend also).