2025's Soundtrack: A Mix of Heartbreak and Triumph

This year's music scene was a rollercoaster of emotions, with artists pouring their hearts out through their songs. Olivia Rodrigo made waves with her high-profile collaborations, but her duet with Robert Smith at Glastonbury truly stole the show. The pair's performance of a classic goth tune was a sight to behold, with Smith's rare smile adding a touch of magic to the moment. Grief was a common theme in this year's music, with artists like Dev Hynes using their songs to cope with loss. Hynes' track about traveling through time with music was a deeply personal meditation on the power of music to connect us with our past. Meanwhile, Roxy Music legend Bryan Ferry collaborated with writer Amelia Barratt on a project that spanned decades, with Barratt's spoken-word vignettes adding a unique layer to Ferry's music. JID's roller-skating anthem was a love letter to Atlanta's skating culture, with Ciara listing off the city's most iconic skating spots. The song was a celebration of the city's rich history and culture, with a trunkload of bass to remind everyone why Atlanta is the forever home of forever stories. Tate McRae's "Siren Sounds" was an underrated gem that should have been a monster hit. The song's hot/crazy aura was a perfect fit for McRae's musical sweet spot, and its inclusion as a bonus track on the deluxe edition of her album only added to its mystique. Jeff Tweedy's "Feel Free" was a surprise hit, with the Wilco frontman's midlife spiritual proving to be one of the warmest, funniest, and wisest things he's ever done. The song's message of self-care and acceptance resonated with listeners, and its catchy tune made it a standout track on Tweedy's triple solo album.Owen Williams of Cotton Crown faced the baffling chorus, "How strange it all is. " He mourns the death of his mother, back when his band was first taking off, facing grief with the baffled chorus, "How strange it all is. " He wonders why he's still too scared to discuss it, while he feels so helpless to mourn, for a gorgeous elegy. If you're looking for a lighter lift, the one to start with from Cotton Crown is "One More Day, " with its urgent Hüsker Dü guitar. It's probably an even better song than "Strange, " and it's the one I play more often, but "Strange" is such a rare and unexpected gem it's the one I can't get out of my head, and for better or worse I already know it's a song I'm stuck living with from now on. Favorite moment: Some stranger at the wake suggests he could write a song to honor his mother. Williams sings, "Well, whoever the hell you are, I'm sorry, I guess this is it. " How strange it all is. Sabrina's "Manchild" was a Dolly Parton/Mae West fusion that had listeners hooked from the first note. The song's Wham! synth intro was an instant earworm, and its message of female empowerment resonated with listeners. Meanwhile, Jensen McRae's "Praying for Your Downfall" was a hilarious take on the classic "I choose to blame your mom" trope, with McRae's witty lyrics and catchy tune making it a standout track. The Crutchfield sisters, Katie and Allison, reunited for their first project in years, with their album Snocaps featuring a mix of new and old songs. The sisters' chemistry was palpable, and their music was a delightful surprise for fans. Meanwhile, Addison Rae's "Headphones On" was a catchy tune about dealing with emotional turmoil by listening to your favorite song. The song's message of self-care and introspection resonated with listeners, and its catchy beat made it a standout track. MJ Lenderman's "Dancing in the Club" was a stoner-country ramble that had listeners hooked from the first note. The song's honey-slides ache in his voice and the mellow-gold dirtbag soul of his guitar made it a standout track, while its message of self-reflection and acceptance resonated with listeners. Taylor Swift's "She Was Too Bloody Much" was a melodramatic bombshell that had listeners hooked from the first note. The song's orchestral torch banger about a movie star living the sequins-forever lifestyle was a perfect fit for Swift's signature style, and its message of female empowerment and independence resonated with listeners.