2025 has been an interesting year to say the least. It’s not been without its challenges but equally it’s had its moments of joy. Overall, however, it is one year I am quite glad to be at the end of. But one thing it has been full and plenty of is some pretty awesome music.
So to that end, I have pulled together my top 10 favourite songs and albums I haven’t been able to get enough of over the last 12 months – with accompanying playlist of course.
Whilst it has been relatively quieter on the blogging front for me these last few months, I can say I have been developing stuff connected to this here corner of the web for the last few months – which will start to bear fruit into next year.
In the meantime, enjoy my picks of 2025 and consider it an early Christmas gift from me to you…
TOP 10 SINGLES
1. Jade – Plastic Box (A dark and quirky 00s inspired electropop banger they simply don’t make the likes of anymore. Suffice to say this was one of many the Little Mix star gave us this year, but undoubtedly her best)
2. Sugababes – Jungle (Produced by man of the moment and former Xenomania musician Jon Shave, this sassy and sophisticated banger from the OG3s helped build the excitement for their long awaited new album in 2026)
3. Olivia Dean – Nice To Each Other (Our song of the summer, this laid back and classy 70s inspired soul number with a slight feel of Fleetwood Mac marks out Olivia as a real talent of the year)
4. Alexis Strum – If You Think I’m Too Much (You Should Go Find Less) (An out and out anthem to owning your true authentic self regardless of what others may think, this second single from Alexis’ new album was one of her best. Good remix from Bright Light Bright Light too)
5. Girls Aloud – Singapore (Previously recorded for the sessions for their album Chemistry in 2005, but on that album’s 20th anniversary, newly dusted down for a 2025 update that was just as sparkling as the original demo, retaining its wistful sad banger qualities)
6. Olly Murs – Save Me (The ska inflected lead single from his eighth studio album with a supremely catchy chorus marked a return to form for Murs as he celebrated his 15th anniversary in pop)
7. Saint Etienne feat. Confidence Man – Brand New Me (Their penultimate single from their final studio album was a gloriously uplifting retro inspired number, recalling their early Foxbase Alpha era, whilst bringing their sound up to date with guest vocals from Confidence Man)
8. Robyn – Dopamine (After a break of seven years, one of Sweden’s finest exports returned with a corker of a single that proved she still knew how to deliver a floorfiller)
9. Raye – Where Is My Husband? (Premiered in her set at this year’s Glastonbury festival, this brass laden, Mike Sabath produced taster for the hotly anticipated followup to her breakthrough album proves her star still shines as bright as ever)
10. Aston Merrygold – Grateful (An awesome lo-fi R&B jam from Aston, with beautiful lyrics on gratitude and reflecting on the good in life even during tough situations)
TOP 10 ALBUMS
1. Jade – That’s Showbiz, Baby! (Giving major pop girl energy, and delivering uncompromising banger after banger with visuals and vocals for days, Jade has truly made the successful leap into solo stardom on her debut album)
2. Alexis Strum – Swim (Alexis’ first proper full studio album release is everything she does best; quirky lyrics, catchy hooks and an ear for pop at its very best, delivered with confidence and panache)
3. Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving (A beautiful and tasteful second album from this rising star, recalling shades of Sade and 70s / 80s soul that deserves to win all the awards in the next few months)
4. Louise – Confessions (Another benefactor of Jon Shave’s Midas touch this year, following his work with Charli XcX, the former Eternal star’s fifth solo album was her most honest to date, packed with banger after banger)
5. Olly Murs – Knees Up (Taking a risk with his boldest sounds and energy to date on his eighth studio album, Murs proved he still had the ability to deliver pop with a difference)
6. Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Perimenopop (A sparkling return to her disco pop origins following her Saltburn inspired renaissance in 2024, this continued to position Sophie as one of Britain’s finest female solo artists)
7. Rizzle Kicks – Competition Is For Losers (After a break of almost 10 years, Jordan and Harley came back out swinging, still as rambunctious as ever with their third studio album that bought their sound right up to date)
8. Saint Etienne – International (Bowing out with their very last studio album, Bob, Pete and Sarah proved that they have lost none of their ability to deliver classy alternative pop since their 1990 debut)
9. Craig David – Commitment (Packed full of more uplifting soul and R&B he has mastered so well, Craig collaborated with Tiwa Savage, JoJo and more on this incredible album, 25 years on from Born To Do It)
10. Perrie – Perrie (The self titled debut solo effort from the Little Mix lass proved she has the pipes and the energy to make the transition into anthemic pop rock that would make Kelly Clarkson jealous)
The Niche Reference 