By Musical Odyssey
In years past, I used the language that music served as a reprieve from the world. This year, I could do the same but see it a bit differently. The music that most resonated seemed to engage the world, however subtly, genuinely and with intention. The list below does not include any obvious anthems or protest songs. Still, many have lyrics that clearly reflect the present moment, either through clear language or by expressing emotions that emerge from artists navigating our uncertain and unsettling times. Other songs resonated for their inherent joy or sense of abandon. As usual, this list features songs from different genres and lineages. Why these songs and not others? Honestly, I am not totally sure. Many others stood out this year, but the list below contains songs that provided a reprieve, yes, but also joy and sense of connection. I am grateful to the artists who made such meaningful, important music. I hope you enjoy their music as much as I have this year!
1. “Just My Luck” (Obongjayar – 2025): This song comes from a Nigerian born, London based musician that I discovered this year. This song, a catchy, positive infused dance number, lifted my spirits upon every listen this year. The whole album is fantastic, but this song stood out and remains a favorite from this year.
2. “Time in Space” (Magnetic – 2025): This song has a frenetic intensity that set it apart upon first listen. Coming from the TV on the Radio frontman, this song harkens back to that band’s epic discography, while simultaneously charting a new course.
3. “Goodbye Horses” (Q Lazzarus – 2013): The first of two equestrian themed songs, this one comes from an enigmatic artist who apparently only ever released this song. Whatever the history, this song brought me great joy this year.
4. “Tokyo Rain” (Loaded Honey – 2025): This song feels like it comes from another time, a distant past that produced authentic music. Certainly, no such time existed, but this duo, from Jungle, a band that has made my final list multiple times, has put out one of the most beautiful songs this year.
5. “high vibrations” (Theo Crocker – 2025): Sometimes you just need a little trumpet!
6. “Live Deliciously” (Jools – 2025): This song embodies a sense of urgency and angst that really resonated this year. The lead singer describes the song as one that explores the tension between the feminine and masculine in everyone. Fascinating.
7. “One Foot” (Green Tea Peng – 2025): I really like this London based singer’s sound, featuring a captivating voice. Plus, I love the line “is it too late for me” in this song. I hope not.
8. “A Hard Road” (Black Sabbath – 1978): I broke a bone in third grade that necessitated surgery. My friend, who precipitated the injury, bought me Ozzie’s The Ultimate Sin, an album that I loved and listened to over and over. The day Ozzie died earlier this year, KEXP, the station I listen to out of Seattle, spontaneously played six straight hours of his music. A fitting tribute to a legend. I had not heard this song before but have had it in my head ever since.
9. “Satellite” (S.G. Goodman – 2025): A bit of a departure from the previous song. My friend shared this one with me, which resembles a couple songs from last year’s list – almost spoken word, a tinge of alt-country, but at its core an artist telling a story. Honest and revealing, my kind of songwriting!
10. “Stardust” (Anna von Hausswolff – 2025): This song has a distinctive rawness to it. The lead singer’s voice at first seems unrefined, perhaps even unappealing, but as the song goes on it becomes intoxicating, especially during the fits of almost yelling. Love it!
11. “Villain” (Annahstasia – 2025): The opposite of the last song, this one features a flawless, gorgeous voice in a soothing, slow song that provides comfort. A nice pairing.
12. “Los Angeles” (Big Thief – 2025): It is true that every time this band puts out an album a song invariably makes this list. How could it not? Adrianne Lenker is an incredible song writer and the music they put out is intoxicating. Look for them on future lists!
13. “Let’s Do It Again” (The Staple Sisters – 1974): Sampled in an iconic Ice Cube song from the 1990s, this original is such a classic. I heard it one afternoon and was immediately transfixed, savoring the levity that lifted my spirits.
(Please note, the next five songs are my favorites from this year)
14. “Limelight” (tUneE-YaRds – 2025): I heard this song early in the year and knew immediately it would make my top five. I am a huge fan and could not wait for the album to drop. I love the band’s vibe and their creative, unusual lyrics, which often focus on the human experience or ecological destruction. Someone has to do it, and I am delighted they continue to engage these realities.
15. “End of Summer” (Tame Impala – 2025): Fittingly, I heard this song towards the end of summer. At over seven minutes, it represents the longest song ever featured on my end of year lists. That trivial distinction only matters because this song is fantastic – the longer the better. I love the beat and synths. Brilliant.
16. “What Do I Know” (Deep Sea Diver – 2025): Jessica Dobson continues to put out incredible music. Several songs from this outstanding album could have made the list, but this one is certainly my favorite. I saw a live set they held at KEXP and really want to catch them live sometime.
17. “White Horses” (Wolf Alice – 2025): Another band that has made my annual list multiple times. I absolutely love this band, and this song beautifully showcases the two singers ranges and complementarity. Upon every listen, I had a strong urge to turn up the volume as high as it would go. A good sign to be sure!
18. “Somethin’ Ain’t Right” (Sharon Van Etten – 2025): I heard a live session with Sharon and her band on KEXP and could not believe how good they sounded. This album departs from their previous sound in exciting ways. The whole album is solid top to bottom, but this song really stood out for me. It has the most enthralling lines from any song this year. Sharon asks “Do you believe in compassion for enemies?” Yes. Then asks, “Who is to blame when it all falls to decay?” I think I know. Then she states, “Somethin’ ain’t right.” Perhaps the biggest understatement of the year. An absolute triumph and a fitting cap to this year’s list!
No comments:
Post a Comment