A look back at 2025’s chart-toppers, best songs and standout artists

Key Concepts

• Breakout Artists: Tyler, the Creator; Cat; Sabrina Carpenter
• Dominant Artists: Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, Bad Bunny
• AI-Generated Artists: Tata, Xania Monet
• Political Engagement in Music: Artists condemning political figures/policies, use of music in political campaigns.
• Authenticity in Music: The impact of AI on the perceived genuineness of musical expression.
• Streaming & Atomization of Listening: The shift in music consumption habits due to streaming services.

Music in 2025: A Year in Review

I. Emerging Artists and Continued Dominance

The year 2025 in music saw a blend of established stars maintaining their chart positions and exciting new artists making significant impacts. Candace Mcduffie highlighted Tyler, the Creator’s continued success following Chromakopia with his new album Don't Tap the Glass, praising its authenticity and intriguing nature. Maura Johnston pointed to Irish singer-songwriter Cat and her album Euro Country, noting her “astute and sharp way of observing the world” coupled with a “honeyed voice.”

Despite the emergence of new talent, established artists like Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, and Bad Bunny continued to dominate the pop charts. Candace Mcduffie emphasized Bad Bunny’s importance in “honoring his heritage” by singing and rapping in Spanish, pushing boundaries for Latin artists and reflecting current cultural and political moments.

II. Political Landscape and Musical Expression

The intersection of music and politics was a prominent theme in 2025. Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance sparked controversy due to his choice to perform primarily in Spanish, with some objecting to a non-English speaker headlining the event, despite Puerto Rico being part of the United States. Maura Johnston attributed this to both “ignorance of a lot of the populace about pop music” and the “splintering of pop music” accelerated by streaming, leading to individualized playlists and less shared cultural experiences.

Several artists actively engaged with political issues. Sabrina Carpenter publicly condemned the Trump administration for using her song in a montage of ICE raids. SZA recently criticized the use of her song "Big Boys" in an ICE video, calling it “rage baiting” and “evil.” Neil Young also directly confronted Donald Trump with his song "Big Crime," expressing concerns about “fascist rules” and militarization. Candace Mcduffie noted that for artists of color, music is “automatically politically inherent.”

III. The Rise of AI-Generated Music

A groundbreaking development in 2025 was the emergence of AI-generated artists. Candace Mcduffie identified Timbaland’s artist Tata, signed to Stage Zero, and Xania Monet as key examples, with Monet becoming the first AI artist to debut on a Billboard radio airplay chart. This development sparked debate surrounding “authenticity” and the potential devaluation of music and musicians. Maura Johnston emphasized the importance of “humanity” in music, suggesting that removing this element could have unforeseen consequences for listeners.

IV. Favorite Tracks and Albums of the Year

Candace Mcduffie’s top songs of 2025 were Eclipse’s “The Birds Don’t Sing” (featuring John Legend and Voices of Fire), which resonated with her personal experience of losing her mother, and Cardi B’s “Outside” from her album Am I the Drama, praising its empowering message.

Maura Johnston selected Chappell Roan’s “The Subway” for its nostalgic 80s synth-pop feel and vocal performance, and Jade Thirlwall’s debut solo album That’s Showbiz Baby, describing it as a fun blend of Sunday’s music with boundary-pushing pop elements.

V. Streaming and Changing Listening Habits

Maura Johnston highlighted a significant shift in music consumption driven by streaming technology. She described the “atomization of listening,” where individuals curate personalized playlists rather than engaging with broader cultural trends. This shift represents a departure from traditional music consumption patterns and contributes to the fragmentation of the pop music landscape.

Conclusion

2025 was a dynamic year in music, characterized by the continued success of established artists, the emergence of exciting new talent, increased political engagement from musicians, and the groundbreaking impact of AI-generated music. The year underscored the evolving relationship between artists, audiences, and technology, raising important questions about authenticity, cultural representation, and the future of musical expression. The shift towards individualized listening habits, driven by streaming services, further complicates the landscape and highlights the need for critical engagement with the changing dynamics of the music industry.