The year 2025 was a hot mess across the board!
This isn’t a blog and countdown where I’ll yap about societal issues (I’ll imply it at times though) nor the onslaught of pitfalls I’ve had. It’s about why the sound of music captivated me in a single calendar year.
This also isn’t a blog exclusively focusing on tracks released in 2025, but a time capsule of tunes over the years that either resonated with me or finally gave its flowers.
I’ll get this out of the way, 2025 was a terrible year for mainstream and pop hits! At the same time, it was a superb year for the quote-on-quote indie acts which you’ll see shortly.
When the dust settles, listening to various tracks and genres from different periods makes my annual tradition unique and take pride of doing this.
Let’s get down to business shall we?
There were over 240 tunes I’ve classified in my monthly Top 25 list I keep to myself (I only share my Top 10 on Twitter), but only 100 tunes really stood apart.
Many returns and surprises as far as tunes I’ve loved, but have finally wowed me enough to make an impact this year.
This includes some tracks that were featured in films, but before we dive into the countdown, I want to share one track that’s worth discussing about.
HONORABLE MENTION
Sound Experience – J.P. Walk (1974)
It took me a grand while to fully appreciate “J.P. Walk,” but after watching Boogie Nights multiple times this year, it’s certainly one of the many, many, many bangers from the legendary 1997 film.
An excellent track to hear while stopping crime and perhaps debauchery along the way.
This was a great tune to hear while at Portland in late August to cover (as of now) the last NASCAR race weekend. The setting was perfect because the sun was setting down and was driving around the state of Oregon on a Friday evening.
That’s when the record really hit hard in the best way and felt the need of blasting this tune at max volume in my rental car. Fun times!
Why isn’t this in my top-100?
I forgot to factor the track into my monthly top-25 and the track isn’t on Spotify. If you’ve followed my blogs long enough, it has to be available to be eligible. Maybe someday, I’ll do a playlist and countdown where YouTube Music is eligible.
As usual, I share my previous rankings I’ve done over the years. I’ve finally completed 2017, so now you have an idea of my tastes over the years.
TOP 100 SONGS: HIGH SCHOOL | COLLEGE | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024
Without further ado, it’s time to look back at the 100 tracks that defined 2025!
100
Metallica – 2 x 4 (Live) (1995)
PREVIOUS RANKING: 65 (2020 – STUDIO VERSION)
One thing that annoys me about “2×4” is the live version is a much faster tempo compared to what came out from Load. The live version is so much better in that regard.
Then again, a lot of Metallica’s live performances at the time were fast as god intended. It’s nice hearing this version in crystal clear audio as part of celebrating their sixth album this year.
Plus, it’s great having a Metallica tune back in these blogs after not having them fitting the vibes a year ago. It felt so wrong!
The opener just provokes me to headbang while doing the crab walk and saying “2×4” in a twang accent. It’s not a pretty sight though.
99
Laufey – Cuckoo Ballet (2025)
While unpacking my stuff for Refuge Outdoor Fest, I felt like playing Laufey’s A Matter of Time from top-to-bottom and this whimsical tune caught my attention the most.
Namely, it was an instrumental and it sounded very beautiful. Certainly, one of the bigger highlights of her album in my opinion and it takes me away into a different train of thought.
By the way, we need more interlude tunes in music!
98
Michael Jackson – Workin’ Day and Night (1979)
What working at venues does to a man needs to be examined, and that man is me of course.
The amount of tunes I hear during hockey season is absurd in the best (and at times, worst) way imaginable. Even though this track feels like driving a Group B rally car around Downtown Detroit for some reason.
This hidden gem from Off the Wall is so good where people need to discuss about this album as elite. It is and nobody can convince me otherwise!
Yes, Thriller and Bad made Michael Jackson must-listen music, but you must put Off the Wall in the mix as one of the greatest three album runs of all-time.
97
Sky Ferreira – Leash (2024)
I’ve always been a sucker of this type of music that’s coded with early 90s George Michael, Björk and Phantogram. The kind of music that screams as a build-up to sunrise at 5 a.m. in Southern California as I look for a beach to catch golden hour.
From the end credits of Babygirl, “Leash” sums up the core of the film to a tee. Hearing this back in January set the early tone of what I wanted my traveling playlist for both San Diego and Daytona Beach to sound like. That’s because of its intense nature of the record.
The kind of intensity I like when the setting and mood is perfect.
96
Linkin Park – Bleed It Out (2007)
You want chaos and adrenaline in your soul? Start with “Bleed It Out” if you can, especially at a hockey game!
There’s a few songs in January that I really sense the vibe to a tee, I couldn’t look any further than this record! Chester’s chorus is inescapable!
95
Amyl and the Sniffers – Big Dreams (2024)
My traveling playlist for the Daytona 500 had a centric theme and “Big Dreams” highlights the reality of aging and struggles.
I’ve not been to Daytona Beach since 2022 and I knew going back in 2025, there was going to be some tensions and expectations.
I’m not the same man I was back then, so you can sense why this record was relatable at the beginning of the year.
Granted, I’ve heard this song last year when I was first introduced of Amyl and The Sniffers through recommendations at a Facebook wrestling group page.
But once February rolled along, I knew “Big Dreams” was the prefect track to hear on the road. A complete contrast to what the Australian band puts out, but welcoming.
94
HAIM – Want You Back (2017)
PREVIOUS RANKING: 32 (2017)
Before doing my Top 100 songs from 2017, “Want You Back,” one of the band’s iconic tracks, had never made my list at any point!
This is my go-to song whenever the Everett AquaSox lose a game and it was time to strike the camera equipment. It’s now one of two songs because another HAIM tune came along this year (more on that later) that joined my AquaSox loss rotation.
In the chaotic year that was 2025, “Want You Back” finally gets its flowers in my annual blog! Plus, hearing it live in Seattle this year further rekindled my love for this tune many say is one of their best tracks of all-time.
How’s a walk sound right now?
93
Jerskin Fendrix – Ambulance Exit (2025)
Bugonia is a fucking trip and perhaps the best out of Yorgos Lanthimos’ filmography to date! Top-five film of 2025!
This track is the closest feeling to chaos that felt like it’s meant for a 1960s film!
When this piece comes up towards the end of the film, it’s frantically wild!
In case you’re wondering which 1960s film comes to mind right away? That’d be John Frankeheimer’s Grand Prix. The ending clicked to me because it reminded me of how the opening of Maurice Jarre’s “Overture” sounded like.
A prime example of an excellent short ‘n’ sweet tune if there ever was one!
92
Philip Steir x Steppenwolf – Magic Carpet Ride (Steir’s Mix) (1999)
I’ve been lied to! This isn’t a Fatboy Slim remix!
While trying to come up with some tunes for my NASCAR Thunder: Rock & Roll Edition mod, I heard this remix in the intro for Triple Play 2001 on the PlayStation.
I struggled for a bit regarding how I wanted to do one of the teaser trailers, but I ultimately went with this track and used the mix used in Triple Play 2001. Besides, “Magic Carpet Ride” is the anthem for NASCAR Thunder 2003, which is what I used for the “Rock & Roll” mod!
The only issue I have of this remix is the ending, everything beforehand is great! Felt a bit anticlimactic for my taste, but the significance of this song in what I was doing this year outweighs the criticism.
91
Miles Caton – I Lied to You (2025)
Normally, I’d put the song in full, but I can’t do that with “I Lied to You!”
There’s no way in hell I can share this track without showing the very scene it plays because I can’t stress enough that YOU MUST SEE THIS SCENE!
Sinners is one of my three favorite films of 2025 where this and One Battle After Another can’t be dethroned out of my top-three at all! No way!
While I didn’t have the greatest seat when I saw this film on IMAX, I was still blown away with this scene! I wish I could go back and see it again for the first time because that’s how godly awesome the scene was.
“Golden” who? Nah, “I Lied to You” is the film tune of the year that wasn’t a score piece! Just an evolutionary bad ass record that’ll stand the test of time for years to come!
How can you not feel the fucking passion, especially from a debutant in Miles Caton! That’s the most impressive thing of this song and the film altogether! Sinners is more than what folks are saying a god damn “vampire film,” it’s a fucking experience!
Okay, here’s the full song!
90
Ozzy Osbourne & Lemmy – Hellraiser (2021)
It was a sad day that 17 days after performing his final concert, Ozzy Osbourne passed away.
As I wrote in an Instagram post, there’d be no metal without Ozzy’s contributions.
That said, this mashup is one of the greatest I’ve heard when it was released in 2021. It felt appropriate going back to this version featuring Lemmy, another metal icon!
One thing is certain, they’re raising hell somewhere and will do so forever!
89
HAIM – The story of us (2025)
If there’s a track to fits the 2000s vibe of teenage films, especially when it fits either an opening title sequence or end credits, this deluxe track screams that vibe!
An expansion to the themes of HAIM’s fourth album I Quit, it was a nice bonus tune that briefly continued this era folks are already sensing as brief. Time will tell, but I dig this tune about breakup and relationship angst.
88
Toto – Africa (1982)
PREVIOUS RANKINGS: 18 (2017), 55 (2019), 61 (2018)
An hour loop of the music video version of the song (I’m sharing the full version instead here) is a great one to hear while in the shower to release my inner thoughts.
I’ve talked about this girl who went to Africa in 2017, Stranger Things, and probably more crap over the years! It’s amazing how this song has become a cornerstone of my annual blogs as 2025 is the fourth time “Africa” made the cut.
Not many songs I can say have achieved it!
87
Taylor Swift – You Are In Love (2014)
Now before you say anything that relates to “oversaturation,” “fatigue,” “girl fell off,” “2025 was a bad year,” this is the only Taylor Swift tune that made my final cut.
In fact, it was the only tune that even made my monthly top-25s. The Life of a Showgirl is fine, but the backlash had me pausing and second guess if I actually like those tunes from her latest album.
That said, before that went down, this song came back to my brain this summer. I’ve always loved how it sounded and had the urge in hearing it again.
While the fandom has waned significantly, “You Are In Love” is a great gem from arguably my favorite Taylor Swift album to date.
Even if this track was in the deluxe edition, it further enhanced 1989 in many ways. Great tune to hear as the sun winds down too to get a nice euphoric feeling if you’re into that sort of thing.
86
Romy – She’s On My Mind (Angel D’lite Remix) (2025)
PREVIOUS RANKING: 14 (2023 – ORIGINAL VERSION)
I can’t escape the fact how certain remixes fits the V10 Era of Formula One beautifully, especially the 1998-2002 period.
It got me through a horrible slump of losing every single Mario Kart World race after starting off so hot when it first came out in June. This remix came out in July, so the falloff was tremendous.
I’ve found some of my winning ways back though, but I love associating this version to Mario Kart World. I kind of laugh in retrospect.
85
Amyl and the Sniffers – Motorbike Song (2024)
This was the most absolute “fuck yeah, I’m including this” tune of the year!
The first motorsports event I covered this year was the Supercross event in San Diego, so it was obvious “Motorbike Song” had to be included because it’d make zero sense having it on a predominantly NASCAR traveling playlist.
When I went to Mission Beach for the first time since 2019, this was the first track I felt like playing while riding a rental bike. I wish I could’ve had a longer day, but when everything had to be crunched in just to make my vacation worthwhile (damn fog in Seattle cost me a day), I had to make certain moments count.
Hopefully, when I go there again sooner than later, I give “Motorbike Song” its proper due and play it multiple times instead of just once.
84
The Clash – Rock the Casbah (1982)
PREVIOUS RANKING: 51 (2018)
Topper Headon’s bassline suddenly has drawn my attention!
To my surprise, it’s only the second time “Rock the Casbah” made my top-100 tunes. In large part this song came back into my regular routine after hearing it in ACRacing’s NASCAR Racing 2 video in early September.
You’d thought I was going to say The Sopranos weren’t you? No? Okay.
I won’t spoil the final season of Stranger Things, so don’t expect me to say more about The Clash!
83
KISS – I Love It Loud (1982)
It’s loud alright!
Nice tease of fading out the song, only to come back in before the track is officially over!
This was the perfect tune while struggling to replicate Kevin Harvick’s KISS car from 2004 for the “Rock & Roll” mod I talked about earlier.
82
PJ Harvey – Down by the Water (1995)
In the days leading up to One Battle After Another, I wanted to finally see the 1995 film The Basketball Diaries, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg. This was before both of them had their breakout 1997 films Titanic and Boogie Nights respectively.
From an interview I saw, the rather obscure and dark film is what caught Paul Thomas Anderson’s eye on DiCaprio, who was the original actor he wanted in Boogie Nights, but had to turn it down because of Titanic. DiCaprio recommended Wahlberg as the best backup option and the rest was history.
As for the song itself, it’s raw and vulnerable storytelling that drew my attention right away during The Basketball Diaries.
81
Alex Warren – Ordinary (2025)
What song usage in the world of professional wrestling does to a man!
For the record, “Ordinary” is okay and one of the biggest reasons 2025 sucked in mainstream music. It’s so borderline “AI generated” coded, but I tolerate it enough to hear it multiple times.
This was a direct result of WWE deciding to use this religious coded tune as the very song to highlight Hulk Hogan, who died on July 24th.
A big reason why this song stood out as it did. Hogan was the first wrestler I ever heard of growing up and his death took me by huge surprise despite how I (and others) feel about him.
It was certainly a lengthy discussion at work and one of two (the other being Greg Biffle) deaths I describe as “not the news I wanted to wake up to.”
80
INXS – Kiss The Dirt (Falling Down The Mountain) (1985)
PREVIOUS RANKING: 68 (HIGH SCHOOL)
One of my comfort Grand Theft Auto: Vice City songs I listen to frequently.
I can’t remember why I felt like playing it again, but I can’t complain if it meant hearing it multiple times.
Garry Gary Beers’ (yes, that’s a name) bass playing here is so good if you have the volume loud enough. I’m sensing a pattern that 2025 was a strong year of hearing silky basslines, regardless of what year the song was released!
79
Depeche Mode – Pimpf (1987)
PREVIOUS RANKING: 16 (2024 – AS ‘PIMPF/FPIMP’)
The sinister and buildup of this track is still going strong in 2025!
It’s amazing how the instrumental is the closing track of Music for the Masses, and yet it sounds like a damn good introduction tune.
It’d make for a nice horror film tune or some sadistic monstrous heel wrestler coming out to this where someone’s playing the piano frantically and the match stipulation is inferno.
78
Aerosmith – Back in the Saddle (1976)
What nostalgia does to a man!
The album title sums up what I think of “Back in the Saddle” after all these years!
It “Rocks,” especially at max volume!
The remix being used as the theme for WrestleMania 42 on the other hand, give me some time to welcome it. I merely welcome the ESPN 2007 version to begin with!
77
HAIM – Gone (2025)
For the soccer gamers out there! What’s it called again? FIFA ’26? Oh wait, it’s EA Sports FC 26. Doi!
When I first heard HAIM were going to sample George Michael’s “Freedom! ’90,” I was eager to know which song will it take place. At first, I thought it was “Down to be wrong” (more on that later), but it turned out to be the opening track from I Quit.
Excellent usage and one of the big reasons I’m happy George Michael is getting his well-deserved flowers. Others include Karol G and Taylor Swift, who’ve interpolated “Careless Whisper” and “Father Figure” respectively.
None of those two could hold a candle to “Gone” though!
It’s a damn shame “Last Christmas” can’t dethrone Mariah Carey’s stranglehold of the Hot 100 charts this time of the year. It would’ve capped off the year of appreciation for one of the greats.
Kick ass tune across the board and a great way to start off an album, continuing the trend of the sister trio from the Valley starting things right!
76
Public Enemy – Fight the Power (1989)
What’s said about this song goes without saying.
Let’s just say for about three weeks, it was on repeat along with four other relevant tunes.
75
Genesis – I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) (Live) (1977)
HAMMOND!
If you’re name is Richard Hammond, you hate this song and Genesis as a whole!
I don’t know what he’s thinking, this live version is elite!
74A
Dr. Dre feat. Eminem – Forgot About Dre (1999)
I can’t envision Snoop Dogg in this track because Eminem wasn’t on the cards for this classic rap tune. But since Eminem held it down here, the decision of keeping him on the track doesn’t go unnoticed.
Dre held it down too, especially in the second verse. We’ve all been in that spot before when people like to label us as “falling off.”
74B
DJ Screw – Forgot About Dre (2000)
The classic “A-track” and “B-track” tradition is still happening!
Thanks to hearing DJ Screw’s take on “Forgot About Dre,” it re-sparked my interest of the song across the board. Excellent spin on a classic and his style made it more sinister that would make Deebo monstrous than ever.
73
The Who – Who Are You? (1978)
The perfect song that re-entered my consciousness at the right time.
There are times I feel like I’m asking myself if some folks that doesn’t acknowledge my existence or put me in a god damn box constantly ask that dreaded question.
“Who are you?”
Better yet, “Who the fuck are you?”
The story of my life that never seems to end! On that note, it’s also a fun, campy and aggressive tune to hear on the road as well!
72
Quarterflash – Harden My Heart (1981)
That one time Boomhauer tried his best to sound like Tony Joe White at the beginning of “Polk Salad Annie” when telling Hank how he got a “Bill” tattoo.
While telling that story, the Quarterflash song hit different, especially on those late summer nights. So much so, I had to buy a 7″ single on eBay right away.
One of the most underrated classics that came out in the 1980s that holds up well today.
71
Harke – Liminality (2024)
If you’ve not heard of Harke’s music or watch her YouTube videos, I would give it a chance!
While watching one of her videos, I really loved “Liminality” due to its lyrical mood and aesthetically pleasing sounds.
It hits perfect when hearing it at around 4-5 a.m. while waiting to pick up your brother from work.
70
Timothée Chalamet & Monica Barbaro – It Ain’t Me, Babe (2024)
“Just fuck off and sing!”
From that line on, this instantly made A Complete Unknown such a clever movie. Poor Elle Fanning.
I thought about this song more in March when I fell for a girl that didn’t go anywhere past the first night talking. She was a music soulmate if you ask me. What a shame!
69
Ryan Gosling – I’m Just Ken (2023)
Nice tune, right?
I have a soft spot for this track because of how much of a rollercoaster ride Ryan Gosling took us in the 2023 film Barbie.
I also love the fact Slash and Wolfgang Van Halen have a role in this song!
The second and third parts of the song is what set it apart. To me, it felt like a love letter to the NBA on CBS theme from the 1980s (just me), Grease, 80s synth, Meatloaf and Queen.
Great tune to play on repeat while racing at Daytona in NASCAR Thunder 2003, specifically the “Can You Feel the Kenergy” sequence.
68
Warren Zevon – Werewolves of London (1978)
One of my favorite “Fleetwood Mac” tunes that wasn’t from the band.
Okay, why am I talking about Fleetwood Mac? Considering Mick Fleetwood and John McVie are credited in playing Warren Zevon’s classic record, it’s part of the reason why this song rules.
I’ve always liked this tune since hearing it back in elementary school in San Jose and whenever Raúl Ibañez was at bat in the late 2000s. But in 2025, this song sounded cooler than ever before!
Listen to this, not the bastardization known as “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock.
67
The Bangles – Hazy Shade of Winter (1987)
Coming at “SIXTY-SEVEN” (fuck that “sick, seh-veh” aka “six-seven” bullshit!) is a tune appropriate for this time of year!
I’ve forgotten this was played in Stranger Things, but what led to me to hearing this track was hearing HAIM’s karaoke cover they did over a decade ago.
Before I heard HAIM’s take, I wanted to hear The Bangles’ tune first just to get a better read and I wasn’t disappointed whatsoever!
Kicks ass! So much ass!
No “six-seven” dab required!
66
ABBA – The Winner Takes It All (1980)
Back in ’82, on a snowy Sunday January afternoon in Pontiac, Michigan, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 26-21 to win Super Bowl XVI.
This song is an emotional gut-punch since the first time I heard it back in 2006 when I saw an ABBA documentary on VH1 (I believe). It played this song just as the band were falling apart, but they soldiered on for a couple more tunes, with “The Winner Takes It All” being one of those tunes.
It’s been talked about from a band that this track is too emotional that it makes them cry and I understand because of the subject at hand. It’s an odd tune to play in a sport like football, but whoever from CBS chose this song, I salute you!
65
Giorgio Moroder – From Here to Eternity (1977)
A tune that just screams “the future is now!”
I’d love to hear what folks thought of this tune or just hearing any Giorgio Moroder tune for the first time.
At the time, there wasn’t any act like him and he’s a one-of-one today.
64
Wet Leg – pillow talk (2025)
Rihan Teasdale just commands your attention in Wet Leg’s sophomore album, Moisturizer.
A complete 180 in terms of the style with “pillow talk” highlighting the growth of the once-duo turned all-around band in the past few years.
I know I’ve used coded plenty times already, but I have to say it again. This record is sexually coded which I like in my music from time-to-time.
63
The Last Dinner Party – Nothing Matters (2023)
PREVIOUS RANKING: 82 (2024)
Sooner than later, I need to sit down and hear the rest of The Last Dinner Party’s discography.
For now, “Nothing Matters” is that tune that set a nice bar for this group that I hope leads to greater things.
Hearing it in San Diego at full volume hit the right mood, especially the instruments. I mean, you cannot listen to this tune and not have it at full volume. Otherwise, you’re doing it wrong!
62
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream (2025)
One of my favorite songs from 2025 is the album-title track! The song itself and its lyrics are self-explanatory where summarizing can’t do it justice.
I can’t imagine how great it’ll sound live in the upcoming tour!
61
Yellow Claw, Natte Visstick & RHYME – CRUSH (2024)
That rave scene in Babygirl, is the epitome of “movie magic.”
Even if strobes trips me out a bit, but “CRUSH” had me immersed into the scene. The tune truly is a rush!
60
HAIM – Spinning (2025)
Eat your heart out, Bart Simpson!
This is quintessential strut music, but it also makes me want to dance like the scene of the men were doing in The Breakfast Club.
What a fucking bop!
Like it totally fits the whole vibe that is Alana Haim to a tee!
59
Iron Maiden – Wasted Years (1986)
An adventurous tune which is Iron Maiden in its absolute core!
However, the years are flying by too quick for my own good.
58
Jonny Greenwood – Ocean Waves (2025)
“Life man….LIFE!”
Jonny Greenwood’s piece felt like someone owes him lunch money!
From the piano and horns, it created a stressful environment and set the impeccable tone of how frustrated Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio’s character) was getting with the prick Comrade Josh regarding the rendezvous point.
If it’s not Chalamet for his incredible performance in Marty Supreme, the scene with this track certainly is a strong case for Leo to win Best Actor at the Academy Awards in a few months.
Anyways, it’s probably 8:15 somewhere.
57
Cannons – Fire for You (Midnight Version) (2025)
PREVIOUS RANKINGS: 36 (2023 – ORIGINAL VERSION) & 75 (2024 – ORIGINAL)
A whole new take on Cannons’ most popular song was released this year and the lyrics shine tremendously.
It’s like a new identity that capsulates love and loss of self-identity without your significant other. However, it’s damaged love that requires separation for you to regain your own identity once again.
The Midnights Version really tells the story at a better light where it requires you to full grasp on the lyrics and it worked in Cannons favor.
56
D12 – Purple Pills (2001)
PREVIOUS RANKING: 15 (2024 – INSTRUMENTAL VERSION)
Last year, I didn’t care for the vocals or the subject matter. The instrumental was too fire to hear D12’s bars.
Fast forward to now, I can accept both versions. It’s a funny but fucked up story considering the time period this song was released.
The music video itself is a trip too!
I wonder if the instrumental brought some influence when Eminem’s “Without Me” came out a year later.
55
Pink Floyd – Goodbye Blue Sky (1979)
Several years ago, I saw “Goodbye Blue Sky” as “Fade to Black” before Metallica came up with the song for their 1984 album Ride the Lightning.
The guitar notes is a dead giveaway as to why I viewed it that way.
When I think of this song now, I think of angst, dark realities and corruption. Specifically, the months January and February leading up to the worst ongoing speedrun ever.
To get away from those thoughts, I felt this was a unique tune when I think of Daytona because Florida is a hell of a drug, especially the weather.
Besides, the last several Daytona 500s have been plagued by weather, so the song title fit. Fortunately, the 500 was able to be completed on Sunday instead of Monday like 2020 did.
Despite its social commentary, it’s not a bad tune to play all night when you want to sleep and wake up as well. Sounds sick, but the guitars and David Gilmour’s harmony provide relaxation.
54
The Warning – EVOLVE (Live) (2025)
PREVIOUS RANKINGS: 29 (2024 – STUDIO VERSION) & 38 (2023 – STUDIO)
This song would make for a great live performance at WrestleMania someday.
The Warning continues to become an undeniable force to be reckon with. As proven by the legions of dedicated fans and amazing live presence that made “EVOLVE” live by the namesake.
53
Charli XCX feat. Lorde – Girl, so confusing (2024)
Brat is a slow burn for me. I’ve yet to listen to the whole damn thing and it won’t change anytime soon.
That said, this version of “Girl, so confusing” gives me a sense of optimism regarding Charli XCX’s quote-on-quote “magnum opus” mainstream album.
Lorde understood the assignment. They’ve been through a lot over the past decade-plus, but that’ll happen when you’re revered for your craft.
There’s a video where this song is played with the clips being from Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value. Great crossover!
52
St. Vincent – Big Time Nothing (2024)
Funky, in your face tune!
I love how it sounded and when I was in the need of a track to highlight my photos of the WNBA game between the Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm, the second verse fit the mood.
It’s just how I roll sometimes!
51
Missing Link feat. Dave Blom – Unchained (2022)
I just realized this now — don’t look at the album cover while hearing this while at work!
Every now and then, certain metal genres makes me want to run through a brick wall with aggression. Not stumbling all over the place like Shaq did on Christmas Day.
This is the type of tune where you just want to do a run-in and swing haymakers onto people. Perhaps stiff some folks like you’re Hardcore Holly, Bill Goldberg or Travis Scott (fuck him and his trash ass “Fein” song).
Maybe eat some fucking nachos is a better choice instead.
50
Europe – Carrie (1987)
I can’t unsee this song without thinking of Carrie White raising hell in the climax of the Brian De Palma classic Carrie, starring Sissy Spacek.
Thanks, Todd in the Shadows!
This is the one Europe song I’ll listen to and the only one for that matter!
No 1987 Daytona 500 or Bryan Danielson will ever get me to enjoy “Final Countdown,” like “Carrie” does. That’s in spite of the fact, it’s a breakup song that I first heard on an infomercial in middle school.
49
Julian Casablancas – 11th Dimension (2009)
Normally, it takes me awhile to hear some tracks from certain artists. When I do hear certain tunes from certain artists, I’m usually not disappointed.
This is one of those tunes after hearing it in a video earlier this year. I know, typical of me discovering tunes from one particular band that was hearing it as part of a game.
The entire song from start-to-finish is a vibe, an adrenaline rush and a bop! It’d make a great tune for Grand Theft Auto VI — when we finally get it!
48
HAIM – The Wire (2013)
“Put on The Wire man! Put on The Wire!”
If you’ve seen the 1991 film The Doors, starring the late Val Kilmer, there’s one heckler that was telling Jim Morrison (Kilmer) to play “Light My Fire.” That kind of mood is how I feel during baseball season because if there’s one HAIM tune people will know, it’s their signature song “The Wire.”
A song that had its origins in 2007 before coming out in 2013 has stood the test of time. It became platinum in the summer of 2023 and for great reasons!
That said, “The Wire” finally made the cut in 2025! Namely, the Refuge Outdoor Festival played a role in that.
A year ago, we had karaoke and I performed “Back In Black.” This year, I got to perform “The Wire,” and it wasn’t pretty. The folks liked it though, but I just couldn’t hit those notes like Danielle Haim does.
At least I can finally say I did karaoke on a HAIM track because I’ve always had to or been resorted with backup options.
Also, Corey Heim’s dominance of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and winning the championship is how I love to associate “The Wire” as well. You know, because their last names (albeit different spelling) sound exact.
“It felt right” you know?
47
Dora Jar – Polly (2021)
Of the opening acts I’ve seen over the years, which isn’t a whole lot, I really liked Dora Jar’s performance in HAIM’s “I Quit Tour” at the WaMu Theatre in Seattle.
The build to this song was great because Dora was introducing the members of his performance with the bass player playing the Super Mario “Underground” theme. That was bad ass!
Once “Polly” played, that solidified me into enjoying Dora Jar even more and ended up buying a record not long after.
46
Addison Rae – Diet Pepsi (2024)
Not since Lana Del Rey I’ve been captivated about an artist’s sexual and dreamy lyrics until Addison Rae came into my consciousness.
Like Tate McRae, Addison stood out with their looks before tipping my toes into their music. Enjoy both of them a lot because their style of music is unique in their own merit in an era where pop music is losing identity.
“Diet Pepsi” is a great tune to hear late at night and just escape, perhaps fantasize about stuff as well. I don’t know what Mike Muir would think about “Diet Pepsi” though, he just wants a Pepsi!
45
UGK feat. Three 6 Mafia – Int’l Players Anthem (Remix) (2007)
I’m ashamed “Int’l Players Anthem” never came into my life until 2025! I must’ve heard it, but have no memory when it blew up nearly 20 years ago.
The story behind the song is something I’ll never forget and the remix is so good! The roots of the song goes back two periods — the first being the sample where it came from, Willie Hutch’s “I Choose You” and the second being Project Pat’s “Choose U.”
All of them amazing in their own right!
Really enjoy hearing Juicy J’s verse towards the tail end of spring as part of a fan made extended version that combined the remix, the original version of “Int’l Players Anthem” and Project Pat’s track.
44
Tate McRae – Sports car (2025)
I don’t give a shit how Todd feels about this song and another one later on! I like my music being provocative, sexy, silly and “Pussycat Dolls energy.” If done right or simply clicks for me.
The song however, did reminded me of Shaggy’s “Hey Sexy Lady” and after doing a mashup, it flows.
43
Scorpions – Big City Nights (Live) (1984)
Now that’s what I call arena metal energy! Sold out crowd, multiple camera cuts, and of course, the 1980s!
The music video always stood out to me back in middle school when VH1 Classic would be available for free every now and then. They played this music video and enjoyed it for how 80s AF it was.
The song itself is great, even if it sounds like Klaus Meine is saying “you give me money” when it’s actually “you keep me burning.”
It was nice coming back to this song again a few months ago and when I make time to visit California, I’m going to play this track at full volume.
42
Falco – Rock Me Amadeus (Extended Version) (1985)
Every few years, I love hearing this version of “Rock Me Amadeus.” It gives me a rich and luxurious vibe where if I ever had that life, I’d be somewhere tropical and arriving in helicopters.
Think Brian De Palma’s Scarface, Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, and the Telemundo superhit series El Señor de los Cielos all rolled into one.
Once the key note went up, that’s when the song really takes off for me. For a song that came out after the 1984 film Amadeus, it’s so damn catchy and addicting.
From 6:18 to 6:58, I could hear it on an loop all day!
41
The Veronicas – Untouched (2007)
I’ll cut Todd some slack (music taste varies for everyone), his “One Hit Wonderland” video of The Veronicas got me into hearing the whole song properly.
I liked the opening, but I didn’t think much of the rest of the song back in 2023. That changed this year and realize how much of a banger this track is across the board.
One of the few tracks from the dark ages of 2007 and 2008 that I consider a great gem! Even if the song became popular in the states in 2009! Yes, it took two years to take off because we fucking suck!
Can a song like “Untouched” be an awesome karaoke tune? I’d say yes, but would require me to do it in a duet. Only in my dreams!
40
Take That & Robin Schulz feat. Calum Scott – Greatest Day (2023)
The streets will never forget Anora.
A rollercoaster of a film with “Greatest Day” serving as the anthem of optimism before it all crashes down.
It just screams prestige and memories being created that’ll stand the test of time. Put everything behind you and just live life at its fullest man!
This is one of the very few songs I’ve included on multiple traveling playlist. One being for the Daytona 500 which served as the positive theme while going there and the other being NASCAR weekend at Las Vegas because of the film that won Best Picture earlier this year.
39
Skye Riley – Blood On White Satin (2024)
Smile 2 was certainly a film that cost me sleep when I saw late at night towards the end of 2024. Big mistake because it royally interfere my work day and my train of thoughts.
However, “Blood On White Satin” is a bop that Naomi Scott crushed as part of the Skye Riley character. It’s certainly a song that lifts me up despite the character’s tragic arc unfolding in front of our eyes.
38
HAIM – Everybody’s trying to figure me out (2025)
Before I Quit came out, I was thinking about Severance and Britt Lower’s characters Helly R. and Helena Egan.
Why was I thinking about the show? In a lot of ways, I felt like if I had to choose which HAIM tune fits the “innie” and “outie” characters, it’s “Let Me Go” and the second single from the band’s fourth album.
Very old school, cozy vibe where the story is about the assumption of knowing someone and know how to control them when in reality, they don’t!
The line, “Renters’ rights, squatters’ rights / I’ll be the gatekeeper for the rest of my life,” flows so god damn well! It’s a moving message from one of the band’s stronger songs from I Quit.
A message about not giving a fuck anymore and aptly quit allowing yourself being pushed around from someone who thinks got you figured out like clockwork. Escaping is paramount if you ask me.
37
Amyl and the Sniffers – Hertz (2021)
Speaking of escape, here’s a song that’s literally about escaping wherever you are and just not give a fuck.
There are days I’d rather just go to the beach or anywhere outside of Washington. Explore areas once more or haven’t done so but on my radar for so long.
It’s also an aggressive love song too, which I have no clue about.
Great inclusion for the WWE 2K25 soundtrack which is how I gave this song a listen and proved me that folks do love Amyl and the Sniffers. Great and a modern-day blunt rock band!
36
HAIM – Million years (2025)
I really, really love Danielle’s delivery in this song. Especially, the opening part where she’s pondering about a lover that do feel like a million years in the making.
A very unique song that mixes some previous tunes and the overall influence of early 2000s music. Really fun tune hearing live as well, especially with the number tracking going from 0 to 1,000,000 once the track ends.
The harmonies are on point too where at times, make me ponder if this is the best deep track from I Quit or above that. Like, one of my overall favorite tracks of the album, period.
It’s a clever evolution for the band that continues to shine, especially on a Sunday.
35
Addison Rae – Aquamarine (2024)
A bit of the song is played in the “Diet Pepsi” music video. Naturally, I had to hear the whole song to get the idea how we got to that hook and this is a quintessential bop.
I’d like to think it can work in the club, but that may be only me. How about a glamorous commercial that’s made in Europe? That works better.
34
Killing Joke – Pssyche (1980)
If New Order’s “Perfect Kiss” can get its flowers in a film, then “Pssyche” should because I’m probably the only person in the world that craves a Killing Joke track on a motion picture!
I know, extremely contrasting songs but I think it’d be a great “prepare for battle” or storming around with a weapon to kill someone sequence. Many other anti-war anthems have gotten their flowers, I think it’s time for this track to get its due.
Once again, it’s only me perhaps or I’ve not looked hard enough for a film that has a Killing Joke tune.
Granted, how this song ended up being ranked very high on my list is a result of feeling like playing this song after binge watching the first two seasons of Severance. It has fuck all to do with the show because “Pssyche” is anti-war tune, specifically World War II. Not about respecting the balance or interfering with Lumon business.
33
Bam Bam – Ground Zero (1984)
Either it was at a record store in Lynnwood or the pizza joint I frequently eat in Seattle, but “Ground Zero” was a whole mood and bad ass up to 11.
At first, I was thinking Bam Bam had to be influenced by Van Halen in some capacity, but I learned they’re a bigger deal in the grand scheme of things.
Tina Bell is the godmother of grunge and Bam Bam was the cornerstone of what became grunge in Seattle. It took awhile for everyone to get the proper credit they deserve, but I’m happy to have stumble upon this song that was record in 1984, but gained more notoriety in 2019.
It’s mean, sinister and a topic that you can’t ignore, regardless of the time period.
32
Brad Fidel – Main Title (Terminator 2: Judgment Day) (1991)
As I’ve said a couple of times, there were a few tracks I played on repeat from January through February. This is the track I played the most, especially in Florida.
In a lot of ways, people see how things have been unraveling as “judgment day,” it’s not even funny at all, especially the previously mentioned worst ongoing speedrun ever.
That’s as much I’ll say about the topic about “January and February 2025.”
Another reason the T2 theme was played because it symbolized a return to similar grounds. A ground I’ve not visited in three years where I’ve became a changed man.
Plus, the song rules all sorts of ass. It pumps you up to the absolute core! No questions necessary!
31
Depeche Mode – Enjoy the Silence (1990)
PREVIOUS RANKINGS: 1 (2022), 41 (2024), 63 (2023)
Back again for the fourth year in succession is my favorite Depeche Mode song.
I should question myself for overdoing my stage presence on karaoke night that it gave me an awful right leg cramp. I couldn’t get up and had to do the second verse on the floor until I had the guts to get up and finish the song on my own two feet.
That wasn’t fun, but I had to soldier on. It wasn’t fun dealing with my leg the following day, but I’m doing just fine.
I should’ve just stick with “The Wire” and that’s that, but I wouldn’t rule out singing this track again in the future.
30
Van Halen – Mean Street (1980)
One of my summer jams right here!
Van Halen is the perfect band to blast tracks on the road and “Mean Street” is one of the highlights. Doi!
The final 100 seconds set this song apart when it’s mellow before Eddie Van Halen shreds to the absolute max to cap off the song. He’s a one-of-one as well!
29
Iron Maiden – Run to the Hills (1982)
PREVIOUS RANKING: 25 (COLLEGE – LIVE VERSION)
Feeling pissed off over some hateful loser with hateful bumper stickers?
Play this song! Up to you.
One of the greatest history story records of all-time!
28
Stan Bush – The Touch (1986)
Pour one out (a drink, not the other thing) for Dirk Diggler!
I love how a song from 1986 became an important part of Dirk’s character in the early 1980s.
Of course, an iconic scene of Mark Wahlberg coming up with the lines in Boogie Nights, sounding bad but good is remembered. What folks may not know is that “The Touch” was also a key part of PTA’s 1988 short film The Dirk Diggler Story.
I didn’t hear the Stan Bush version of the song until this year and man, where the hell have I been this whole time?
I know a friend of mine in Arizona will say “shame” because it’s one of his favorite songs ever.
27
Jonny Greenwood – One Battle After Another (2025)
Chills!
Just chills when I first heard this song on the IMAX screen and the two other times I saw it in theaters. Now that’s how you get me hooked on to a film!
Over time, I like to associate this song with Denny Hamlin’s 2025 season. It felt like a series of battles without a proper payoff. Sure, the lawsuit was settled with evergreen charters, but he still didn’t hoist the Bill France Trophy.
Back to the song, Jonny Greenwood is a legend in my book. The film score solidified it for me.
26
Depeche Mode – Little 15 (1987)
Walking around Balboa Park on a chilly Thursday afternoon in February took me away from reality. I escaped whatever bad thoughts I had, and I did the day before, by playing the entire Music for the Masses album from top-to-bottom.
Once “Little 15” played, I’ll admit I played it for an hour on repeat. It was the right song to hear while checking out the plants, statues and beautiful buildings. Just me alone, surrounded by hundreds of people in “The Finest City.”
25
Van Halen – Intruder/(Oh) Pretty Woman (1982)
In my Spotify playlist, there’s 101 songs on it. This is the reason why!
I’ve included “Intruder,” which is the intro to Van Halen’s cover of Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” because it’s a banger!
This was as a result of the band needing filler for the music video that was longer they expected it to be.
It builds the song so much better that makes me want to jump off a stage platform and air guitar to it.
24
Propaganda – Duel (Bittersweet) (1985)
A quick trip back to 2011-12 — Propaganda was a band I was first introduced after hearing “Jewelled” on the 1986 Bathurst 1000 intro video package. It was the only song I figured out the name at the time because there were two subsequent songs that took me until 2020 to finally figure out the track names.
“Jewelled” and “Jewel” were the only tunes I heard of Propaganda at the time because it sounded exciting. The kind of energy for a motorsports event.
Fast forward to 2025, I heard “Jewelled” again on a WRC video from the 1990s. I finally gave “Duel” its due because at the time, it didn’t hit right at all. Too slow, not exciting.
The Bittersweet version of “Duel” really paints the picture of the song that took me by surprise. To get to the remixes, it all started here.
Great buildup from start to finish like it was something out of a Tony Scott film.
Now push the pedal to the floor and drop the hammer to this one because it’s one helluva ride.
23
Jonny Greenwood – River of Hills (2025)
“River of Hills” is just one piece of the puzzle of my favorite film scene of 2025.
If you haven’t seen the film, do so! When this song hits, shit will go down and all I can say is enjoy the fucking ride!
A goal for 2026 is to drive those river of hills outside of San Diego. Not sure when, but it’s a priority.
22
Wet Leg – catch these fists (2025)
Holy shit! Hearing this song live at the Paramount Theatre was loud and bad ass!
A great way for Wet Leg to come out and figuratively say, “we’re back motherfuckers!”
Another song to blast at max volume!
21
New Order – Age of Consent (1981)
We may not get “Like A Rock” anytime soon (no Seger, no buy), but at least Chevrolet got me hooked to this song in their Equinox commercial while watching an away Seattle Kraken game.
I sensed right away this was a song combining both what was Joy Division and what they were now with New Order.
In lamest terms, you can sense the spirit of Ian Curtis in this record.
The synthesizers is god damn beautiful as well!
Slowly, but surely, I’m appreciating this group’s impact towards music and being a driving force of 80s synth pop.
20
The Beaches – Last Girls at the Party (2025)
The moment I heard the teaser, I had a feeling this was going to be another banger from The Beaches!
Hell, it’s one of the best album closures I’ve heard because of how catchy and addicting the last part of the song is.
19A
Addison Rae – Headphones On (2025)
There aren’t many songs that took me on a ride across the board than “Headphones On.”
Escapism, blunt and sexually funky.
19B
HAIM – Headphones On (2025)
What happens when mix Addison Rae, Joni Mitchell (who never lies), Janet Jackson and Q-Tip?
This is the formulaic answer!
Not since The xx’s cover of “Finally” (which I hope gets released as a bonus track someday) has a song got me in a chokehold that came from a BBC Live Lounge performance.
Grab a coffee and if you’re a smoker, grab whatever you smoke and just chill to this cover.
18
Audioslave – Show Me How To Live (2002)
While working on the NASCAR Thunder: Rock & Roll Edition mod, I wanted to curate a playlist because there’s no way to add songs onto the game itself.
“Show Me How To Live” automatically set the tone in what I wanted the vibes to be because it just screams intensity. It was a no brainer to make this song as the opener, especially going through the mod roster.
Plus, it’s a damn great song!
17
Cannons – Talk Talk (2019)
For some reason, hearing this song with a friend of mine at Las Vegas was a welcoming surprise. I only know two people that love Cannons the same way I do.
When the band finally released Shadows on vinyl, I had to get it, doi! Okay, I’ve said “doi” three times, who am I? Helga G. Pataki?
Anyways, “Talk Talk” is a sexy tune to hear at night across the board. The perfect aesthetic for most Cannons tune if you ask me.
16
Tate McRae – think later (2023)
Diva AF!
The type of diva tune that demands your attention as if “The Plastics” are back and badder than Regina George could ever imagine.
GloRilla had a saying that rings true with this song in my opinion, “let her cook!”
15
The Beach Boys – God Only Knows (1966)
“Did I hear someone say deal?”
One of the greatest needle drops in cinema history came from Boogie Nights when this track plays towards the end of the movie.
On top of that, this song hit home when the great Brian Wilson passed away. Many people have said “God Only Knows” is one of the greatest tunes ever made in the history of rock and I totally see it.
So beautiful and gets my emotions from time-to-time.
Recently, I played this song on repeat while striking down the equipment me and a few others used for a figure skating show in Everett. It just felt right in that moment when no patrons were left.
14
Jonny Greenwood – Baby Charlene (2025)
“A few small beers.”
First off, man they did Mae West (portrayed by Alana Haim) dirty! Second, this song is stressful and filled with uncertainty the times it played in the film.
On that note, it’s a beautiful chaotic masterpiece.
13
Bruce Springsteen – Born in the U.S.A. (Electric Nebraska) (1982)
This version really paints the story Bruce Springsteen tried to capture that others have misconstrued as pro-Patriotic with the more famous version that came out in 1984.
The most Creedence Clearwater Revival tune that didn’t came from the band! Rough, mean and storytelling at its finest. I’ve been listening to this version all the time because it’s refreshing and again, tells the story so much better.
12
HAIM – Now it’s time (2025)
“It’s time…to let go!”
Sampling U2’s “Numb” (a track Beavis and Butt-Head poke fun of), the closing track of HAIM’s fourth album sounds so cool and mysterious.
As soon as the drums kick in towards the end of the song, oh man! Inject that into my veins while driving under the lights.
11
Lady Gaga – Abracadabra (2025)
“Cobel! Do I look like I’m fucking around?”
Mayhem is my pick to win Album of the Year for the Grammys in February. Thanks in large part of the lead single, “Abracadabra.”
Years of becoming a superb artist in different genres, Lady Gaga went back to her roots and delivered across the board! It’s a fun tune to hear on the road and anywhere that’s played.
You can say this is one of the only pop tunes that’s truly a fucking pop hit that either doesn’t bore you or want to bash your head against the wall.
10
HAIM – Down to be wrong (2025)
When I talked about “Gone,” I said there was another song I first thought that’s the HAIM tune that’s George Michael coded. Here we are!
It does sound like there’s some influence to “Freedom! ’90” if you pick up the chorus.
As for the song itself, it’s very blunt and in your face. The same goes with the music video as the poor guy was really going through it.
The live performance takes it up a notch with Danielle fucking shredding to cap off the “I Quit Tour” setlist. One of the reasons why it’s one of my favorite tunes that came out in 2025.
By the way, this is the other song I play after an AquaSox loss while striking down the camera equipment. It’s a nice alternate choice if I wanted to play something other than “Want You Back.”
9
Fleetwood Mac – Tusk (1979)
The perfect song to hear while stressed out and urged to drive your Corvette while lighting a Camel cigarette.
One of my favorite Fleetwood Macs over the past few years is “Tusk.”
It helps that USC’s marching band were a part of this track, so it’s an automatic diamond record in this house!
Makes me want to drop the hammer and go fast, just not like Dirk Diggler (in a deleted scene from Boogie Nights) that’s all. Maybe Ayrton Senna around Monaco is better.
8
Tate McRae – hurt my feelings (2023)
Short ‘n’ sweet bop that takes me back to the late 2000s pop music with acts such as Nelly Furtado led the way.
Think Later got a good amount of tracks I liked with “hurt my feelings” leading the pack quite considerably.
7
Audioslave – Cochise (2002)
PREVIOUS RANKINGS: 27 (2023) & 81 (2022)
Audioslave killed the “Sabotage!”
If it did…well, time to go to work!
As the new Kraken lineup theme, it rose high in my list for that very reason. Plus, I’ve always loved this song as evident of being on previous entries.
6
Lorde – Green Light (2017)
The very first song that set the vibe for 2025 was this classic from Lorde!
For a period of time, I thought “Green Light” was going to be tough to top. There’s five songs that eclipsed it, but this was my late winter jam.
Catchy, beautiful and daunting at the same time.
Plus, how Lorde dances in the music video sums up how most of us dance. At the end of the day, who gives a damn, just vibe to the tune and dance how you want to dance!
5
Simple Minds – Don’t You (Forget About Me) (1985)
PREVIOUS RANKINGS: 18 (HIGH SCHOOL), 30 (2023), 92 (2022)
This is my Seattle Mariners anthem when they were pursuing its first American League West title since 2001. They accomplished that.
It became my anthem whenever they won playoff games. The ending specifically if you’re wondering.
A song that’ll stand the test of time and perhaps other years in my life as well.
4
Like Roses – Believe (2025)
As part of Hopeless Records’ “Songs That Saved My Life” series, California’s Like Roses came out smashing home runs with a cover of Cher’s last number-one track to date.
It arrived just in time when the Mariners were trying to finally make the World Series, a feat that came up one game short of doing. I will not talk about Games 6 and 7 of the ALCS!
I’ll gladly talk about Game 5, a game I attended in person, but not those two games.
Anyways, Like Roses is one of my favorite indie emo rock bands out there today, so I’d give their original songs a go if you love this cover.
3
UGK feat. OutKast – Int’l Players Anthem (2007)
Normally, I’d say “Int’l Players Anthem” will be 3A and 3B, but the one with OutKast deserves its own entry.
André 3000’s intro is one of the best I’ve heard and as soon as Pimp C grabbed the mic and started his verse, business picked up! Everyone’s on point in this hip-hop classic that I wished I heard much sooner.
I was very happy hearing this song at one of my photography events I covered in November. Out of nowhere, but I knew right away that this is my shit!
2
HAIM – Relationships (2025)
The dawn of a new era people are claiming was short (can’t blame those folks) really started off hot!
Upon first impression, I loved it! Funky to the core and so 90s R&B that you felt like you were living in the 90s.
What really made me love this song is Este’s bass breakdown. Now that’s the vibe I fuck with heavy that I was bobbing my head like Dr. Dre and Eminem all throughout spring and summer.
This is another track Rockstar Games should include this in Grand Theft Auto VI, considering there’s a relationship angle between the two protagonists Lucia and Jason.
“Relationships” is one of the very few HAIM tracks that fits the GTA vibe.
It makes for a great bike ride tune, but also a decent song to blast your speakers at a beach or (please don’t do this) doing donuts on the road.
You know something, I’ve quit relationships a time or two. Not solely love relationships, but other types of relationships over the years. Have I been better off? Duh, I guess.
1
Tate McRae – Just Keep Watching (2025)
As I was deciding which song I felt the most vibes in 2025, “Just Keep Watching” ekes out “Relationships” by a few car lengths. Just like Lando Norris holding off a late-season charge by Max Verstappen to win the World Drivers’ Championship.
When you mix my love for Tate McRae’s craft and the fact it was for the F1 movie, I wasted no time playing the music video and vibe with the tune.
I haven’t looked back since and it consistently ranked in my monthly top-10s for much of 2025.
It’s not the most lyrically strongest tune from 2025, but the sass and charisma outweighs it that it really felt like one of the only tunes I call a “summer jam.”
The amount of times I’ve heard this throughout the Storm season, namely during WNBA official reviews, is absurd! But you know what? I welcome this track all the time!
A track for the club, a track to drop the hammer and a track to review a call. “Just Keep Watching” was that song for me this year. The very song I felt the vibes a lot over the rest of the pack.
STATISTICAL NOTES
SONGS PER DECADE:
- 1960s – 1
- 1970s – 8
- 1980s – 24
- 1990s – 6
- 2000s – 8
- 2010s – 6
- 2020s – 47
- 2020 – 0
- 2021 – 3
- 2022 – 1
- 2023 – 5
- 2024 – 11
- 2025 – 27
TOP 10 SONGS THAT WERE RELEASED IN 2025:
- “Just Keep Watching” by Tate McRae
- Ranked 1st
- “Relationships” by HAIM
- Ranked 2nd
- “Believe” by Like Roses
- Ranked 4th
- “Down to be wrong” by HAIM
- Ranked 10th
- “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga
- Ranked 11th
- “Now it’s time” by HAIM
- Ranked 12th
- “Baby Charlene” by Jonny Greenwood
- Ranked 14th
- “Headphones On” by Addison Rae
- Ranked 19th
- “Last Girls at the Party” by The Beaches
- Ranked 20th
- “Catch These Fists” by Wet Leg
- Ranked 22nd
ARTISTS WITH MULTIPLE TOP 100 SONGS:
- HAIM – 10
- Jonny Greenwood – 4
- Tate McRae – 4
- Addison Rae – 3
- Amyl and the Sniffers – 3
- Depeche Mode – 3
- Audioslave – 2
- Cannons – 2
- Eminem – 2*
- Iron Maiden – 2
- Lorde – 2
- UGK – 2
- Van Halen – 2
- Wet Leg – 2
*Eminem is a member of D12
ALL-TIME NUMBER ONE SONGS:
- High School — “Dream On” by Aerosmith
- College — “Infinity” by The xx
- 2017 — “The Unforgiven” by Metallica
- 2018 — “Pray for Me” by The Weeknd feat. Kendrick Lamar
- 2019 — “Never Surrender” by Corey Hart
- 2020 — “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star
- 2021 — “Falling” by HAIM
- 2022 — “Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode
- 2023 — “Never Let Me Down Again (Live)” by Depeche Mode
- 2024 — “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish
- 2025 — “Just Keep Watching” by Tate McRae
Another year is in the books, another list is in the books as well.
As rough 2025 was in the mainstream, there were at least songs I loved that were released in 2025. There was a strong presence of this decade once more, but yet again the 1980s was running strong with my music choices.
Time will tell how 2026 will unfold and who’ll release new material, but there’s one thing that’s certain, I’ll be talking about it here!
It’s time to wrap up this entry with my playlist below!
Outside of discussing about music, I have my main photography page. Feel free to check out my works and if you’re generous, donations are welcomed to keep my business alive.
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