Posted 28 minutes agoSubscribe to BuzzFeed Daily NewsletterCaret Down2025 In Music: The Hits, Breakout Stars, And Hidden Gems You Can't MissBetween pop, rock, country, and more, this year in music brought something for everyone. These are the 25 songs you need on your playlist.by Andrew FirrioloBuzzFeed StaffFacebookPinterestLink 2025 has been a whirlwind (seriously, where did the time go?), and we've gotten some incredible music releases. Every December, I like to look back at the songs that defined my year. From global superstars to rising artists breaking the mold, these 25 tracks kept me hitting repeat, and they might just do the same for you. A Spotify playlist is linked here (and at the end) if you want to listen along. 1. Zara Larsson, "Midnight Sun" Sommer House, Epic Records Words can't describe how much this song had a hold on me this year. From the opening synths to the vivid imagery to the absolutely mind-blowing notes in the chorus, Zara Larsson takes you on a full journey from start to finish. Between opening for Tate McRae, the viral resurgence of her 2015 hit "Lush Life," releasing the excellent album Midnight Sun, announcing a 2026 headlining tour, and earning her first Grammy nomination, Zara has had an incredible year. 2. Reneé Rapp, "Shy" Interscope Records Reneé's vocals never cease to amaze me, and she absolutely sings her face off on "Shy." I can't remember the last time a chorus was stuck in my head for so long; songs like "Shy" have that "x-factor" where you can remember every note after a single listen. Hearing it live on the Bite Me Tour at Madison Square Garden was easily one of the highlights of my year. 3. RAYE, "Where Is My Husband!" RAYE "I would like a ring!" If you're on TikTok, chances are you've been unable to escape RAYE's viral hit. An incredible performer, RAYE sounds even better live than in the studio. The bridge is a seriously impressive display of vocal ability and breath control - I would love to know how she can get all those words out! 4. After, "Deep Diving" Mom+Pop If you're craving that shimmery 2000s millennial-pop vibe, After delivers. Duo Graham Epstein and Justine Dorsey have crafted a nostalgic yet fresh sound that feels both transportive and radio-ready. "Deep Diving" is that "feel-good" track you'll catch yourself playing on repeat without even realizing it. 5. Addison Rae, "Times Like These" Columbia Records Ever since "Diet Pepsi," I've been a fan of Addison's ethereal synth-pop (my top Spotify artist of the year!). Her June debut, Addison, stands as one of the year's finest pop releases and does an impressive job defining her sound and artistic identity. My favorite track, "Times Like These," has a floaty, ambient quality highlighting her angelic vocals and sharp production choices. I'm truly excited to see what's next for the Grammy-nominated Best New Artist. 6. Jason Schmidt, "7 Stars" Bluejay Creative After seeing Jason's performance as Sodapop Curtis in Broadway's The Outsiders (if you haven't seen this musical, you must!), I immediately dove into his original music."7 Stars" blends acoustic and folk elements with story-driven lyrics and Jason's charismatic vocals. To learn more about his time on Broadway and his approach to songwriting, check out my interview with Jason. 7. Olivia Dean, "Nice to Each Other" Capitol Records UK Few artists have had a bigger year than Olivia Dean, who delivered the breakout hit "Man I Need," released the critically acclaimed album The Art of Loving, and scored a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Lead single, "Nice to Each Other," has a dreamy, folksy quality perfect for driving with the sunroof open on a summer day. The future certainly looks bright for this rising star. 8. Amy Lee, Poppy, Courtney LaPlante, "End of You" Sumerian Records I remember the excitement that swept through the rock community when "End of You" was announced, uniting three of metal's most iconic vocalists. As a longtime Evanescence fan, it was a joy to hear Amy Lee fully in her element. Poppy and Courtney take the track to the next level, creating an epic and cohesive sound. It's been a big year for Evanescence fans, with releases like "Afterlife" and confirmation of a new album and 2026 tour. Check out my July feature with Amy to learn more about her action-packed 2025. 9. SVRCINA, Tommee Profitt, "Battlefield (10th Anniversary Edition)" Tommee Profitt I will forever shout from the mountaintops that SVRCINA has one of the most powerful voices in cinematic music. 2025 marks the ten-year anniversary of her 30-million-streamed hit "Battlefield." This reimagined version highlights the best of the original, while adding Tommee Profitt's signature intensity and showcasing SVRCINA's vocal power in the epic final chorus. If you're a fan of orchestral music, don't miss this track. 10. YUNGBLUD, "Zombie" Capitol Recordings YUNGBLUD has an unmatched connection with his fans, and it's always a blast to watch videos from his shows, as he brings fa