2025 Songs of the Year Edition
Propagandhi, Hail the Sun, Lewis Capaldi, Rosalia, Kneecap, Lorde, ALT BLK ERA, Militarie Gun, Mumford & Sons, Lucy Dacus
The dawn of a new year. Kick 2025 into the history books and grab hold of the opportunity that a fresh calendar affords. Being more intentional with how my time is spent is tops on my list, especially when that the time is used for pleasurable things.
[Grunge]
23. EVER – What If?
A bangin’ song from a hopefully up-n-coming group that does excellent things with a grunge basis.
[Pretty Hymn]
22. Nick & June – 2017 (featuring The Antlers)
A lovely, slow-burning him & her hymn that reaches a heavenly level with the final shift.
[Electro Pop]
21. Gordi – Alien Cowboy
An extraterrestrial tune, that’s slinky and dark in a stunningly pretty way.
[Folk]
20. The Lumineers – Same Old Song
Somehow my most-played track according to my year-end wrapped. The first song from the latest Lumineers album (that I studied in the lead-up to their show) proves that they continue to make hits even with the Same Old Song.
[Post-Rock]
19. DITZ – Taxi Man
Get back into the car, man. I got places to be and this post-rock ripper is the soundtrack necessary to get me there. Keep on driving!
[Roiling Punk]
18. Rise Against – Prizefighter
Railing against time, Rise Against still have that piss & vinegar decades into their career.
[Gothic Rock]
17. Creeper – Prey for the Night
Meatloaf may be dead but Creeper keep the macabre tradition of romantic, over-the-top theatrical power ballads undead.
[Prog Rock]
16. Coheed and Cambria – Searching for Tomorrow
This prog punk band has still got it: the soaring guitars and larger-than-life production let it soar.
[Grand Hard Rap]
15. Backxwash – Wake Up
It’s crystal clear that she will not go gentle as Ashanti has never held back with her incisive bars and this alarm clock-ready rap is perhaps her most abrasive yet. That is at least until the orchestral turn at 4:44 that gives the entire seven-minute track a grand air.
[Post Hardcore]
14. La Dispute – Environmental Catastrophe Film
An intense, dramatic feature-length (for a song) that, like the poisoned river central to its lyrics, only flows forward. A battering epic that takes on not just environmental catastrophes but grander themes including preordained destinies. Brace yourself.
[Stunning Singer-Songwriter]
13. Jason Isbell – Eileen
The finger-picking lends further power to the heartbreaking reality laid out in this song that’ll knock the wind out of you. “Forever is a dead man’s joke.”
[Boss Rock]
12. Sam Fender – Crumbling Empire
After years of apprenticing under The Boss, Sam Fender has shown that the student has matched the teacher. A beautiful, slow-burning, Sprinsteenian song.
[Unapologetic Punk]
11. RØRY – Sorry I’m Late
In an industry that seems to fixate on youth, even more so for women, it’s refreshing to see an empowered lady of 40 shoot the two-fingered salute via song. A rousing, rocker that declares she’s “right on fuckin’ time” and sounds phenomenal in the process.
[Erotic Songwriting]
10. Lucy Dacus – Ankles
The most erotic scene in such an understated song is so Lucy. She has such a way with words, emoting via song in a league of her own. If ‘Forever is a Feeling’ then Ankles is a fantasy.
[Familial Folk Rock]
9. Mumford & Songs – Rubber Band Man (with Hozier)
Seeing Mumford & Sons for the first time this year gave me a deeper appreciation for the folk-rock family. Embracing Hozier as a brother for this lead single from their forthcoming record (second in as many years!) was a stroke of genius. Perhaps their best since their other “man” track – Little Lion Man.
[Hardcore]
8. Militarie Gun - B A D I D E A
Unprecedented! This has got to be the only time the same band has landed on my year-end lists three years running. First it was their incredible single, Do It Faster in 2023, while last year their reinterpretation EP ‘Life Under the Sun’ featuring new version of songs from ‘Life Under the Gun’, and now another B A D I D E A. Incredible string of art.
[Electro Rock]
7. ALT BLK ERA - Run Rabbit
Been trying to chase this rascally rabbit down ever since the album dropped way back in January and yet it still gives the thrill of the hunt on every listen.
[Synth Pop]
6. Lorde – What Was That
Lorde is so back as the ‘Man of the Year’! Hitting just right this euphoric synth-pop banger is a perfect trip; this song is pure ecstasy.
[Resistance Rap]
5. KNEECAP - THE RECAP (featuring Mozey)
KNEECAP have been thrust to the forefront of the Free Palestine musical resistance. The big, bad British government (including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch who is called out by name here) has attempted to serve them as whipping boys, especially rapper Mo Chara. Much to their chagrin the band has defiantly held steadfast, if anything using the increased platform to magnify the plight of the oppressed Palestinians and the oppressive UK government who will seemingly arrest anyone in an ill-advised attempt to stifle the dissent to their complicity in the ongoing genocide. This song proudly flies the (Palestinian) flag of resistance. Free Palestine!
[World Pop]
4. ROSALÍA - Reliquia
Although the entire LP that’s been lauded by every publication (and critic/actor/musician) this year couldn’t fully win me over, there’s no denying the spectacular moments. Celebrating the highest high is this immaculate track that simply transcends with its bowed violin and gorgeous Spanish singing.
[Power Ballad]
3. Lewis Capaldi - Survive
This chorus is as soaring and uplifting as anything you’ve heard this year. Powerful and hope-inducing even without knowing the backstory. In short, this young Scot left his Glastonbury set two years ago in tatters, unable to cope with the stress of it all, including his Tourette’s symptoms. After staying out of the limelight for nearly two years he returned, releasing a four-song EP and retaking the Glasto stage for a worst-kept secret set. Triumphant!.
[Post-Hardcore]
2. Hail The Sun - War Crimes
This song from the long-running band (new to me!) hits just right – bludgeoning at a gallop like jousting on horseback. The “cut. turn. fade. back.” album (title informed by these lyrics) is strong throughout, but this finale brings it all crashing down.
[Political Punk]
1. Propagandhi - At Peace
The heaviness of being a political person, especially in this era, can be oppressive. That makes this song of the year so relatable, as an individual must find ways to reconcile themselves with not just their peers but the world as a whole. At Peace brings it all crashing down to earth. Without sugarcoating the fact that reality is bleak as fuck, it manages a sliver of hope. “Gotta kick at the darkness until it bleeds daylight.”
Final deliberations on the year’s best albums before writing ‘em up and sending ‘em out!
All the power to you and your resolutions.
-Stefan
