Hello? Is anyone here? Oh, Hi. You missed me? Yeah, I didn't forget about this stupid shit. Life, mental, and work got in the way this year. It was hard to feel inspired to do anything this year; the world is in such a bad state. Enough trauma dumping, it's YEAR END LISTS BAY BAY! This year in music was interesting. The one genre I mainly cover according to is "dead", with being the first time in like decades not being on the charts—labels and sites like Spotify promoting AI bands and artists. Hell, even artists and producers admit to using AI to write verses or whole songs, even when they're not physically in the room recording their music. My head is hurting again, thinking about the world again. Let me breathe and think positively.
Anyways, some great singles and songs came out; surprisingly, it was harder to do than my albums list. I feel like when people see this they either won't be shocked by some of the picks but others might be, maybe more confused than anything. In this list, I'll do my best to explain/review why I love a song in a short and quick format. Anyway, hope you folks enjoy the read and look out for the album list later this month.
40. Kickboxer by NBA YoungBoy: I noticed I don't talk about YoungBoy a lot on this site of mine, mainly it's hard to keep track of what he does, It seems like he drops a 30-track project almost every month. Insane work ethic from that kid. "You just too slimy, slime" is a funny ass bar. Love the anthem style production here too
39: Lover Girl by Laufey: I think I hear this song at least three or four times a day on my work's radio station. I wasn't that crazy about the album but this track was a huge standout, I am also 32 I need more Jazz music in my life.
38: Sports Car by Tate McRae: ....It's a guilty pleasure of mine. It does sound like a retro pop song from the early 2000s but also like a reference track for a K-pop artist from the production and I think I enjoyed this so much, she has a lot of time to grow and do a hyper pop glitch album soon.
37: They Wanna Have Fun by Metro Boomin ft. Travis Porter, Young Dro, Gucci Mane. And DJ Spinz: Most people hated this album cause of the sound, which to be fair most of these folks never grew up in the city or the era this sound was popular. I didn't enjoy the album, mainly because it's a mess and disjointed, but I do appreciate the risk of doing this. This track stood out the most to me, It was great hearing Travis Porter and Dro doing their best "Unc still got it" moment.
36: Victory Lap by Fred Again, Skepta, and PlauqueBoyMax: Just the thought of a twitch streamer getting a Grammy nomination is legit making my head hurt. Don't get me wrong, I do love this song, Skepta was the main reason the song got huge, also helped that it didn't get hit with the "snippet was better than the actual song" curse, but I don't know. Maybe YouTubers or streamers can make art that's worth a damn I guess.
35: flash by 2hollis: I think the backstory of this is what drew me in. His childhood home was burned down, and one thing that survived the fire was a tarot card, which represents the star. Song is basically how life can go by fast in a flash with his late-night adventures and fame, and how it's also insane that he wanted to be a star but in a "flash", he finally made it and he's grateful for that. It's a beautifully well-done song when you dig deep.
34: Golden by HUNTR/X: I know this is a really weird choice cause it's technically not a real group, it's a fictional one from a movie that blew the fuck up, and yeah I wasn't a big fan of the movie. For one, I am not a kid or that huge into K Pop like I was a couple of years ago but I do remember when I saw the movie, this shit was stuck in my head for a good awhile, doesn't help either every time I go to the family living room or walk by my sisters room, I hear this fucking song. It's a bop, I like fun.
33: Went Legit by G Herbo: Sometimes I have to remind myself every once in a while where I say, "Oh yeah, G Herbo is like that." Also, the sample has been used so many times in rap songs over the years, and it always brings me a smile, Druski did a skit with this song too. Man he was a run this year with them skits I can't lie.
32: 30 for 30 by SZA & Kendrick Lamar: I know technically this came out at the tail end of last year and also yes it's just "Luther" the sequel but it's still a great track. They both have really good chemistry together, I wouldn't be shocked if there was a collab album being secretly in the works, or at least talked about by these two.
31: Nokia by Drake: Album was super forgettable and most of the singles from his new album were legit boring as hell, however this song was actually good. It proves that the boy should do more goofy songs like this and no more raps. I would've had this higher if the music video wasn't such a bore after it had all this hype from Kai and it had an IMAX version too like what the fuck?
30: Strip Game by Swami Sound and gum.mp3 ft. Leon English: Nice to see two of my favorite artists of the house music scene work together, This shit sounds like the soundtrack from those arcade racing games or perfect night city music from cyberpunk, I love Leon's voice on this.
29: Cry For Me by The Weeknd: I am Abel's strongest soldier out there and I thought his "final" album under The Weeknd name was a mixed bag to be quite honest months after the album came out but I do think this was the big standout from the disjointed album.
28: Back to Friends by sombr: One of the few times a song that was mainly heard on TikTok that actually didn't annoy me every time it played when I was doom scrolling at 4 in the morning or at work. I think what I liked the song most it fits with those sports edits about a player's prime or someone who passed or their career cut short, It was a tear-jerker like the LSU player who had the brain tumor. Hits you right in the feels.
27: Manchild by Sabrina Carpenter: I think it's funny dudes legit got mad about the part in the music video where she says "HEY MEN!!" And it shows pigs, there's also a whole account where it posts that part daily, insane shit. Also FUCK ICE. Glad she spoke up unlike that one blonde pop star.
26: DIOR LEOPARD by Che: Not going to lie myself, I do feel like that one scene in "King of The Hill" where Hank want's to hear the music listens to and he looks in disgust, that's how I feel when I hear this style of rap, but when I put this shit on when I play games like Battlefield 6 or Marvel Rivals, It gets me locked in and go the fuck off as Luna Snow. I think I grew on this style but I know in two years this shit is gonna hurt my chest and ears cause of how loud and distorted it can be.
25: This Is For by TWICE: THE AUNTIES STILL GOT IT!
24: SHOOT (Firecracker) by CHAEYOUNG: It was hard to pick which song from her debut solo album, the whole album is solid, and was long overdue. I think I made the right choice on picking this one, The best hook on the entire album, I can see this being on one of the many GTA 6 radio stations, driving down the beach area, vibing. Can't wait to do that in the game in 2029.
23: Valentine's Day Freestyle '25 by JPEGMAFIA: According to my Apple Music Wrapped, this was my favorite/most played song for the year. Kinda makes sense cause I remember loving the SWV sample, it's one of my favorite tracks of all time. I love the super terrible mix version he released too, and Peggy sounds good here, rapping and singing-wise. Not my favorite song overall but had to be mentioned here though.
22: Eatin' Big Time by Tyler Childers: Maybe the most unhinged song I've heard this year. I'm not a big country guy but this dude rocks, I love a song about eating the rich but also very detailed about it like you're hunting turkeys and cooking them for Thanksgiving. Peep the music video too, it's fucking funny and even more unhinged than the song itself.
21: BLOMSTERTID by Dj Billybool ft. Bladee and Eurohead: Look I don't know the language well and I have no idea what the fuck they're saying but this shit rules, feels like I'm at a vampire goth club in true crime streets of New York, If you know you know.
20: No Date by MexikoDro: His raps remind me of Larry June but with a much more engaging, better flow. He raps like he's giving you a lecture, and the production is solid which he does himself. I am glad he decided to rap cause it seems like he would rather stick to making beats but glad he got out of his comfort zone, I am looking forward to what he does next in the near future. My favorite thing he does is that he doesn't start rapping until the beat almost ends, I hope he keeps doing that too.
19: Sunset by DJ Narciso: shout out to my dude Tayler (Billdiffern) for putting me on to a lot of Bass, Trance, and different house music. This song comes from all the way out of Portugal, I love the quirky "ah" mixed in with the bass, it sounds like it could've fit a beach level in Tekken to be quite honest.
18: Carbon Monoxide by Corbin: Feels like yesterday when I first discovered this guy, and it was ten years ago, Jesus Christ where did the time go? One thing I do like about this song and even the whole album is that he flexes his vocal inflection a lot more and even better than his previous projects. Production feels a bit basic and cheap, I think it fits the vibe of a gray and light rainy day, I think the allegory of the title was well done. The whole song is creepy but also beautifully well put together. Happy to see my guy keeps doing his thing and has matured.
17: worth it by Xaviersobased: "like I'm Gary" line and the Gary "meow" ad libs added in gets me laughing every time, the song is so goofy can't help to love it. I think it's stupid that one guy bitched about Xavier, mainly cause of his name. Bro we all grew up with artists with silly names, grow the fuck up for once.
16: Bootleg by Gabriel Jacoby and Tom G.: One of the best new artists I discovered this year. This song reminds me of the Timberlake/Neptunes era tracks with hints of blue and OutKast, his voice reminds me of Bilal with a Florida twist. There is a "jet2holiday" bar but I think it works in the context of the song. God that was a stupid, unfunny, and overplayed meme.
15: Daises by Justin Bieber: Sure it sounds like a "we have MK.Gee and Dijon" ass song, which is funny now that I say that cause both of them had a song on this new album of Justin's. Hell, sometimes if you dig deep enough, it sounds like a leftover from the recent MK. Gee album but I stlll the song is solid and for Justin to sort tap into this style of R&B, Pop, and Alternative music was a high risk but it was a huge reward to take, I wouldn't mind if he keep making songs like this or go back to making Christian pop music, no more songs like "Yummy" or "Peaches" You're a dad, maybe it's time for some Jazz.
14. I think about you all the time by Deftones: Songs don't make me cry that often, this one did. Blissful and heart-wrenching track, beautiful and somber vocals, love the heavy reverb, reminds me of shit I listened to in my emo teen days. Brought back a lot of memories, mostly the good ones though.
13: Nettles by Ethel Cain: A risky single for Ethel to put out there but it set the tone for what the album was going to be like. You can tell a lot of blood, sweat, and tears were put into this song. Production is heavy with fiddles mixed in with slow drums and dreamy guitar strings, and the lyrics smack you and take your breath away. The last couple of minutes of this song are so heavenly but also pull your heartstrings. The line "the doctors gave you to the end of midnight but not til daylight" is always going to stick for a good bit, struck me so well.
12: Wet & Wild by Rose Gray: I am cheating once again, technically came out around Thanksgiving 2024 but the album didn't release until the beginning of this year but I couldn't care less to be honest. The song is infectious with its catchy hook, I love the house pianos being used here. The song does feel repetitive but it's ear-grabbing and catches your attention really quickly, it's such a fresh breath of air from the dance pop/Euro pop scene, people just wanna dance and have fun!
11: Fall on by Adamn Killa: If you are a baddie and you read this shit, this song is for you! Honestly, it's definitely a song that was made for TikTok with its short runtime and the hook being a huge part of the track, I legit heard this dumb shit every time I loaded up TikTok. I think it's funny he got arrested and even banned from the BAPE store for doing the stupid dance. I thought the Vic Mensa vids he did with Vic ranting and eating an orange in his backyard were kind of funny too. Bro has been at it for YEARS, glad he's doing well. I look forward to what stupid dance he does next.
10: COME N GO by Yeat: I had a hard time if which song of his to put here. It was this song, which is one of the more catchy and focused tracks he has done in the last couple of years. I love the flows and voices he does here, BNYX really went in with the production. The other choice was the funny one. So bad but it's a good cover of "Feel No Ways" he did at Coachella. It's not the best cover but I've heard waay worse cover songs, It had a nice charm to it. I picked this track cause it had more spins and the album he dropped along with this song made up for his last album.
9: LV Sandals by EsDeeKid, fakemink, and Rico Ace: I'll admit, I was late getting around to peeping at these three gentlemen's music. I know I heard Fakemink's name float around more, getting so many co-signs from rappers, singers, and even A-list Actors. EsDeeKid, for someone who raps with a scouse accent, one of the funnier accents I've heard in my lifetime can go this hard on a song like this? I'm quite impressed. Makes the whole song, even the album quite good. Is the Jerk scene back? Move over Drill scene, that's old news now! I wanna hear a Rico Ace solo album, hopefully in the new year. He's up to par with EsDeeKid, even sometimes out-rapping him time to time. Great song, even a good album. Also awesome producer tag by the way "ok"
8: Harvest Sky by Oklou: This song feels like a hazy, nostalgic dream. Like stuff I would hear around the mid-2000s, like shit I heard on the PS2, maybe even the PSP too. It fits the atmosphere from that era of games and times, it's weird to explain it. It's nuts how minimalist how she turns a genre of ambient pop to make sound so grand and modern at the same time. I feel like all I'm missing is wired headphones and an iPod Nano when this shit comes on. I love her voice too, it's dreamy and cold at the same time. I can gush about this song all day.
7: Illegal by PinkPantheress: One of the songs I legit heard everywhere. No matter what setting or app you visit, you hear this fucking shit. Didn’t get sick of it, that’s a charm I like about PinkPantheress. Hell, even the remixes to this track are also solid, I did wish the remix with the K-pop boy band SEVENTEEN was one like one of them megamix rap remixes from back in the day and had all 13 members on the song, would've ruled.
6: '06 Wayne Rooney by Jim Legxacy: Feels like I am doing a bit putting this song at number six, and yes I am. Deal with it. I'm kidding. 2006 was a good year for anybody named who had the name Wayne that year, first or last. The song feels like a throwback to alt-pop punk music from that time period, singing about growing up and facing adversity, it doesn't sound sad with its upbeat production. Those are my favorite kinds of songs, songs with hidden trauma. I love the music video too, you can tell he put a lot of love and care into the video. I wish music videos were like this again, It feels nostalgic. I'm getting old yo.
5: Sugar on My Tongue by Tyler, The Creator: Another song that fits the bill of those that sometimes rappers who succeed in singing, should stick to this formula. I mentioned Drake earlier, Tyler should honestly too. I was debating this or "Don't You Worry" being on this list, If I had to pick I guess this would be one. Popularity contest tax always wins in the end. Love the disco era synths and basslines, wild horny freaky bars, and the music video is insane, for Tyler's standards of course. Such a fun song overall, I can dance to it for hours. I wonder what the next era is gonna be....Jazz? (I'll stop I said this too much)
4: 9 2 5 by Nourished by Time: A big year for the DIY and working class artists, this dude has been at it for YEARS, under names and sounds. I am glad he kept grinding and to see how he got this much attention with music is quite inspiring. The song does paint the picture of his struggles and what many other working-class citizens deal with, hell even now in this current work climate. Pondering what you're doing with your life? Is the passion even there anymore to find hobbies to do outside of your shitty job? Should I go do a trade? Here he talks about the days of being a waiter by day, musician at night but he would rather be out drinking with the boys. I love the upbeat piano, it sounds like it would've fit Super Mario Galaxy. The chop sampled vocals sprinkle makes you want to bop your head every time it comes in. The song is just overall a great sense of what people are doing with overall but at the end, you will fight that light at the tunnel as he did and you'll find peace and success and do something you enjoy doing for a living, I am still searching. Hope it happens to me.
3: TOXIC by Playboi Carti & Skepta: Honestly you can pick any other song from this album besides this one and I wouldn't be mad about the choice. The album has so many hits and gems, even the deluxe version has them bangers as well. I picked this one, mainly production sounds nuts on a good sound system and Skepta's verse sounds solid here as well. Also, I heard this everywhere on sports edit and never got sick of it.
2: So Be It by Clipse: Glad to see these two make music again. From the rhyme schemes, the funny Travis Scott diss, Skateboard P's dorky ass sinister production with that haunting sample he found mixed with the Arabian chants, he really does give his best beats to the clipse or pusha's solo stuff now thinking about it, and even the simple hook with its beat switch, just *chef kiss* Love this song man. It was stupid when the album did get released and we had that shitty remix/part 2 beat from the sample not being cleared.
1: MTV's Pimp My Ride by zayAllCAPS: An unknown to many, but I've kept my eye and ears open to this gentleman from the Sacramento/LA area. Shout out Caleb Caitlin by the way. The singing reminds me of the mid-2000s era of R&B acts like Omarion and Mario. Beat does sound something from Pieree Bourne TLOP 4 era, I love his deadpan rapping, I think the line "heard love is what you like so I put it in your truck, you know I seen your old that's a hunk in your junk" is so fucking funny but very clever to the title of the track. Reminds me of some I think a more clearheaded, sober Lil Wayne would come up with, He always rapped about his dick for a brief time on any song ten years ago. "Why the fuck do I trick your shit with an Xbox?" Is funny too cause fuck Xbox for raising them game pass prices. When I first heard this shit I legit had the hook stuck in my head for months, would bump this at my shitty night shift job, and the co-workers would be hitting the Daniel Garcia dance to it. Love this damn song so much, I just knew I had to put this at number one. It was a really solid year for working-class music, The working class has suffered a lot this year I can tell you that much!
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