The end of 2025 saw “Best of’ lists everywhere and yes that included us! Some of our writers joined in on it with some very interesting lists for you to check out. I’m Music Magazine Writer Alice Kearney gives you her Top Ten Songs of 2025 while I’m Music Magazine Writer Pawlowski gives us his Great 8 Albums of 2025.
————————————————————————————————————————————————
10. All American Rejects -Easy Come, Easy Go
Kicking off an iconic house party tour, pop-punk heroes All American Rejects had fans on their toes wondering when they’d hit their city for a surprise show. “Easy Come, Easy Go,” was a perfect summer anthem, bringing a sense of youth and party vibes to the scene. Pumped full of nostalgia, but modern enough not to lean entirely onto the past, “Easy Come, Easy Go,” hit exactly where it needed to hit. All it takes is one listen and its in your head the rest of the day.
9. Margo Price (feat. Jesse Welles) -Don’t Wake Me Up
Hitting that country twang, “Don’t Wake Me Up,” gives me chills with the ultimate vocal combo that is Margo Price and Jesse Welles, two folk-country singers known for their outlaw style and familiar rasps. This isn’t Nashville, nor is it some fancy folk club in Greenwich Village. This is as raw as it gets, a blast of that old time twang fueled with liquor, cigarettes and plenty of daydreaming.
8. Jesse Welles -Fear Is the Mind Killer
Speaking of Jesse Welles, the entire Middle album was gold in my books, however “Fear is the Mind Killer,” was on repeat for a good part of summer. A folk-rock jam electrified with finger-picking riffs and a slamming beat on the chorus, there’s something so entirely hypnotizing when Welles lets his voice soar with the melodies.
7. Lorde -What Was That
I like my popstars with a little grime and there’s something about listening to new Lorde that feels like smoking forbidden cigarettes as a teenager. “What Was That,” is as fresh as a coming-of-age movie with an indie soundtrack, it’s the thrill of secret lovers and underground parties, it’s sneaking out at night and laughing with your friends while sharing a bottle of something cheap. “What Was That,” embodies fleeting youth and passion.
6. Hayley Williams -Discovery Channel
Rough strumming and low haunting vocals come together for this dark indie-folk ballad. “Discovery Channel,” samples Bloodhound Gang’s “Bad Touch,” but done with Hayley Williams’ melodic voice and sensual style that’s recognizable yet different from what fans are used to with Paramore. “Discovery Channel,” chocks up feral desire, a slow burn song that seethes with sexual undertones yet is quiet and simple.
5. Creeper -Prey for the Night
This gothic synth-heavy disco bop just narrowly made it to my top list before the year ends. Groovy and lustful, “Prey for the Night,” chimes with atmospheric horror, retro glam-punk, and a taste for blood. Creeper captures the world of 80s dark fantasy in under four minutes.
4. Waterparks -If Lyrics Were Confidential
Waterparks doesn’t miss with this diss towards the music industry, the toxic environment it creates, and even their own fans. Loud, venomous, and brutally honest against a hip-hop beat, Awsten Knight doesn’t hold back as he spits industry secrets. Very few artists can get away with starting a song with, “I hate fifty percent of our fans…” but Waterparks is bold enough to go for it and do away with the people-pleaser mentality of catering to the public.
3. Blood Orange -I Listened (Every Night)
Funky bass licks glide into Hynes’ flowy croons. Blood Orange released their new album Essex Honey at the end of summer, and this dreamy b-side track escalated its way to my top three songs of the year. While the band is no stranger to groovy melodies, “I Listened (Every Night)” flows like an enchanting lullaby, a soulful whimsical escape from the chaos of mainstream pop radio.
2. Hayley Williams -Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party
“I’ll be the biggest star at this racist country singer’s bar,” is a hell of an opening line and has stirred up controversy online as to who the racist country singer Williams is referring to is. The entire album deserves recognition for its funky beats, honest lyrics, and southern gothic style. Overall, Hayley Williams doesn’t miss. Her solo career shows a different but just as colorful side of the Paramore frontwoman.
1. Jesse Welles – Will the Computer Love the Sunset
It’s no wonder Jesse Welles topped my list. “Will the Computer Love the Sunset” thrives on a desperate message, soulful with his raspy croons, a question that asks if the machines we so heavily rely on can really replace human connection. A cowboy twang backs the track, elevating the song. There’s a feeling of the end in this folk tune that makes it feel larger than life, a sense of homesickness for a past we can’t get back.
I’m Music Magazine Writer Alice Kearney
————————————————————————————————————————————————
BEST ALBUMS OF 2025
2025 was a bit of a musical disappointment for me. There wasn’t a ton of new music that spoke to me, but I managed to compile a list of eight killer albums that really stood out from the rest. In a year of minimal quantity, the quality of my “great eight” is pretty exceptional. I hope you agree!
#8 – Stand and Deliver– Giant
Remember Giant’s late eighties semi-hits, “I’ll See You in My Dreams,” “I’m a Believer,” or maybe, “Innocent Days?” 35 years later, I was happy to hear new music from the band as they released their sixth studio album, Stand and Deliver, on Frontiers Music. A solid effort from top to bottom.
#7 – Thrill of the Bite -Crazy Lixx
This album highlights the Swedish rocker’s ability to balance their nostalgic, sleaze-metal roots with their love for the 80s and early 90s flamboyant heavy metal scene. Crazy Lixx delivers a heavier, riff-driven style than previous releases while maintaining their signature melodic choruses and glam-influenced attitude. It’s a banger!
#6 – The Way -Dorothy
Dorothy’s been quietly playing an all-American brand of hard rock, metal and even country-influenced rock for a few years now. With insanely catchy melodies and hooks, I’m surprised she’s not more of a household name. This album is her best effort to date and definitely worth a listen.
#5 – Everest -Halestorm
Halestorm can do no wrong in my eyes. Everest is their sixth full-length record, and in my opinion, it lands in the top two. This one is deeper, heavier and more emotional than recent albums. You can hear just how far Lzzy and the boys have come with some of the most powerful writing and performances they’ve delivered so far.
#4 – Apolitical Ecstasy -Jelusick
Dino Jelusick has one of the best voices in rock today. Following up his last release, Follow the Blind Man, was a monumental effort, and Apolitical Ecstasy delivers in spades. This material is brilliant and needs to be heard. Dino and the band are much bigger in Europe and it’s time we follow their lead here in the States.
#3 – Leopard Skin – LA Guns
It seems that LA Guns is making a new album almost every year these days. And as long as they do, they’re going to make my list! Leopard Skin kicks off with “Taste It,” and it’s as LA Guns as it gets. At 68 years old, lead vocalist, Phil Lewis, sounds as good as he did in 1978 when he formed his first band, Girl, alongside future Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen. This band is NOT just checking a box. They’re making damn good music year after year – and we need to appreciate it.
#2 – Some Kind of Feeling – Orianthi
Ori is a badass in every way. Some Kind of Feeling is a record that flirts with pop, country, soul, rock and blues. She’s known for her brilliant guitar work, but it’s her vocal style, well-written songs and elite musicianship that makes this a legit contender for album of the year in my book!
#1 – The Greatest Gift of All – Stryper
I love Stryper and I love Christmas…an easy choice for #1 this year. It’s hard to believe it’s taken these Christian rockers all these years to give us this gift. With a combination of reimagined Christmas classics and Michael Sweet penned originals, it’s in heavy rotation for me this season. “Still the Light” is my hands-down song of the year, regardless of genre. Merry Christmas to all!
I’m Music Magazine Writer Steve Pawlowski
