This year in music had no shortage of hits, but only a handful of songs truly rose above the rest.
Whether they dominated the charts, took over social media or just refused to leave our heads, these tracks felt impossible to escape all year long. From blockbuster pop stars to surprise standouts, each song captured a moment and helped define what the year sounded like.
Here are the 10 best songs of 2025. And for the worst, go here.
1. Taylor Swift, “The Fate of Ophelia”
Taylor Swift put a literary spin on heartbreak with “The Fate of Ophelia,” a stripped-down ballad that references Shakespeare’s tragic heroine while keeping the focus squarely on emotional fallout and self-reflection. Carried by muted production and one of Swift’s most restrained vocal performances in years, the song quickly became one of 2025’s biggest hits upon the release of “The Life of a Showgirl” in October. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for eight weeks.
2. Alex Warren, “Ordinary”
A slow-burning love song turned into one of 2025’s biggest surprises. Alex Warren struck gold with “Ordinary,” a track that quietly took over TikTok feeds, car radios and wedding playlists before exploding on the charts. Released on his debut album “You’ll Be Alright, Kid,” the song spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June, July and August – making it a defining anthem both over the summer and beyond.
3. Lady Gaga, “Abracadabra”
Lady Gaga cast a spell on 2025 with “Abracadabra,” a high-energy dance-pop single that marked her return to the pop stage early in the year. Released Feb. 3 as the second single from her album “Mayhem,” the track paired pulsating electro-pop production with an eye-catching video that premiered during the Grammy Awards. It hit the top 10 in multiple countries and topped charts like Billboard’s Hot Dance/Pop Songs after its debut.
4. Bad Bunny, “NUEVAYoL”
A standout moment from Bad Bunny’s 2025 run came with “NUEVAYoL,” the opening track from his “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” album. Released in January and later backed by a July music video drop that leaned into vibrant Bronx and Puerto Rican community scenes, the song mixed rhythms with nods to salsa roots while spotlighting the experiences of Puerto Rican life in New York City. The track’s frequent play in clubs, on social media and in live sets made it one of the year’s most talked-about international hits.
5. Huntrix (Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami), “Golden”
AP
The breakout anthem from Netflix’s surprise musical hit, “Golden” became one of 2025’s hottest tracks thanks to its presence in the animated film “KPOP Demon Hunters.” Performed by the fictional K-pop girl group Huntrix (with singing voices by Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami), the song blended electro-pop hooks with bilingual lyrics that helped it cross sonic borders. “Golden” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and topped charts in more than 30 countries, including the Billboard Hot 100 – a rare feat for a song tied to a film soundtrack.
6. Justin Bieber, “Daisies”
After a few years away, Justin Bieber made a strong return in 2025 with “Daisies,” a breezy, guitar-leaning single from his surprise album “Swag.” The track debuted high on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a major radio staple, eventually hitting No. 1 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart. “Daisies” marked a softer and more relaxed chapter for Bieber.
7. Sabrina Carpenter, “Manchild”
One of 2025’s most unmistakable music moments came courtesy of Sabrina Carpenter and her cheeky single “Manchild.” Released ahead of her album “Man’s Best Friend,” the track arrived alongside controversy over the record’s provocative artwork, which sparked debate online before the music even dropped. Fans also quickly began speculating about the song’s inspiration, with many zeroing in on Carpenter’s past relationship with Barry Keoghan, although she never confirmed who, if anyone, the lyrics were about. Debuted live at Primavera Sound and fueled by a playful road-trip-style video, “Manchild” became a summer staple.
8. Sombr, “Back to Friends”
Sombr broke through in 2025 with “Back to Friends,” his low-key breakup song that slowly found its audience. An arguably straightforward track about the awkward reality of trying to stay friends after a relationship ends, the song spread gradually by turning up in playlists, TikTok videos and comment sections full of listeners who could clearly relate. Alongside his other viral standouts this year like “Undressed” and “12 to 12,” “Back to Friends” helped make Sombr one of 2025’s most popular new voices.
9. Olivia Dean, “Man I Need”
Olivia Dean had a standout moment this year with “Man I Need,” a smooth and soul-leaning track that highlighted her knack for understated and emotionally grounded songwriting. Released during a breakout year for the British songstress, the track became a steady presence on radio and streaming playlists and went on to chart in the UK, marking one of her strongest commercial showings yet. Frequently performed live and embraced by fans looking for something calmer amid 2025’s crowded pop landscape, “Man I Need” ended up being one of Dean’s most recognizable songs of the year.
10. Raye, “Where Is My Husband!”
Raye made her strongest impression yet in 2025 with “Where Is My Husband!” A dramatic and emotionally charged single released in September, it became one of her biggest hits to date. Built around a vibrant blend of pop soul, R&B and big-band flair, the track paired fast lyrics with powerful vocals and unmistakable Motown influence. Backed by a striking music video and high-profile performances on programs like “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” the track helped close out the year with Raye cemented as a breakout presence on both sides of the Atlantic.
