The New York Times' "Best Songs of 2025" highlights tracks from veterans and newcomers, featuring Huntr/x's "Golden" (from KPop Demon Hunters), veterans like The Weeknd ("Cry for Me"), Summer Walker ("Heart of a Woman"), and Fuerza Regida & Grupo Frontera ("Me Jalo"), alongside emerging sounds like BigXthaPlug, Pluto, and Wednesday, showcasing genre-blending hits that defined the year in pop, R&B, Latin, and underground scenes.
Here are some standout tracks from the NYT's list:
Huntr/x - "Golden": A massive pop hit from the KPop Demon Hunters series, described as undeniable. The Weeknd - "Cry for Me": A veteran artist bringing a fresh sound, as noted by Lindsay Zoladz. Summer Walker - "Heart of a Woman": A memorable single with raw truths and new aesthetics. BigXthaPlug featuring Bailey Zimmerman - "All the Way": A collaboration bridging different sounds. Fuerza Regida & Grupo Frontera - "Me Jalo": A huge Latin track. Wednesday - "Townies": A memorable track from a rising artist. Asake and Tiakola - "Badman Gangsta": A strong entry in the global scene.
Key Themes in 2025 Music (NYT Perspective): Veteran Reinvention: Established artists finding new sounds and truths. Newcomer Breakthroughs: Unknown artists and even computer-animated groups making major splashes. Genre Fluidity: A mix of mainstream hits and songs from beneath the surface, challenging traditional styles.
The New York Times' "Best Songs of 2025" highlights tracks from veterans and newcomers, featuring Huntr/x's "Golden" (from KPop Demon Hunters), veterans like The Weeknd ("Cry for Me"), Summer Walker ("Heart of a Woman"), and Fuerza Regida & Grupo Frontera ("Me Jalo"), alongside emerging sounds like BigXthaPlug, Pluto, and Wednesday, showcasing genre-blending hits that defined the year in pop, R&B, Latin, and underground scenes.
Here are some standout tracks from the NYT's list:
Huntr/x - "Golden": A massive pop hit from the KPop Demon Hunters series, described as undeniable.
The Weeknd - "Cry for Me": A veteran artist bringing a fresh sound, as noted by Lindsay Zoladz.
Summer Walker - "Heart of a Woman": A memorable single with raw truths and new aesthetics.
BigXthaPlug featuring Bailey Zimmerman - "All the Way": A collaboration bridging different sounds.
Fuerza Regida & Grupo Frontera - "Me Jalo": A huge Latin track.
Wednesday - "Townies": A memorable track from a rising artist.
Asake and Tiakola - "Badman Gangsta": A strong entry in the global scene.
Key Themes in 2025 Music (NYT Perspective):
Veteran Reinvention: Established artists finding new sounds and truths.
Newcomer Breakthroughs: Unknown artists and even computer-animated groups making major splashes.
Genre Fluidity: A mix of mainstream hits and songs from beneath the surface, challenging traditional styles.