The year is still young, but 2025 has given us some incredible music. Here is a look at the best sounds shaping the industry right now.
New music from new artists, predicted to be successful:
High Fashion – Addison Rae (February 14th, 2025)
The TikTok sensation is almost a pop star with yet another catchy chorus.
> What the critics say: Pitchfork states that “once again, it has worked like a charm”.
Frozen – JADE (March 7th, 2025)
This reimagination of Madonna’s original song has already reached millions of streams.
> What the critics say: Attitude has declared that this single has “knocked our socks off”.
Anxiety – Doechii (March 5th, 2025)
After winning best rap album at the 2024 Grammys, Doechii returns with a track discussing mental-health, sampling Gotye’s Somebody That I Used to Know (2011).
> What the critics say: according to Stay Free Radio, Anxiety is “a captivating track that blends vulnerability with creativity, offering listeners a unique take on her signature style.”
Twin Flame – Rubii (January 24th, 2025)
Rubii is a talented R&B artist and rapper from Birmingham.
> What the critics say: Stereo Fox regards Twin Flame as being “all about duality & equilibrium”.
SINK NOW, SWIM LATER – Sienna Spiro (February 21st, 2025)
This indie-pop newcomer has melodies like those of Billie Eilish!
> What the critics say: “She not only possesses a strong set of pipes, but she also writes lyrics that come from the heart”. Describes Cryptic Rock.
Must-hear albums of 2025:
The Right Person Will Stay – Lana del Rey
This Southern American album is coming out on May 21st, 2025. She will then be touring in the UK and Ireland in June and July.
Mayhem – Lady Gaga
This album, which came out March 7th, 2025, combines rock and electronic beats. The lead single, “Abracadabra,” has already dominated streaming charts.> What the critics say: The New York Times praises this album as a “bright, shiny and thoroughly sleek pop record”.
Hurry Up Tomorrow- The Weeknd
On January 31st, 2025, the Weeknd introduced his new sound, inspired by R&B influence, produced by French electronic pioneers, Justice.
> What the critics say: The Independent says “skipping a single track feels akin to jumping three chapters in a novel”.
Lotus- Little Simz
The Mercury Prize-winning rapper will return on May 9th, 2025.
Look Up – Ringo Starr
At 84 years old, Starr first announced this project to Variety in October 2024: “Well, I was the country guy…,” referring to his tracks in the Beatles. It has now officially been put out on platforms since January 10th, 2025.
> What the critics say: Pitchfork felt the album did indeed have a “natural, Nashville feel”.
Balloonerism – Mac Miller
Mac Miller’s “Balloonerism” has been the interest of Internet communities for years. On January 17th, 2025, the late rapper’s estate released the project, marking his second posthumous release since he died in 2018.
> What the critics say: Vulture writes “Balloonerism’s lyrics capture his silliest and his most philosophical instincts”.