AP's top songs of 2025: 'What Happened to Hawaii,' 'Abracadabra' and more

The Associated Press has unveiled its list of the 10 best songs of 2025, presented without a particular ranking. Dive into these tracks and listen to the full playlist on Spotify.

Lo que le pas a Hawaii, Bad Bunny

Choosing just one song from Bad Bunny's transformative 2025 album Deb Tirar Ms Fotos is a daunting task. While hits like DtMF, Baile Inolvidable, and NuevaYol are obvious choices, the heart of the album lies in its deeply personal themes. Lo que le pas a Hawaii stands out as a powerful statement on Puerto Ricos cultural autonomy amidst modern-day neocolonialism. The song opens with Bad Bunnys mournful vocals, accompanied by the scrape of a giro, blending the old and new into a haunting political anthem.

Abracadabra, Lady Gaga

Lady Gagas Mayhem marks a triumphant return to her roots, blending past influences into a bold, modern sound. Unlike many veteran artists, she avoids self-parody and goes all-in with maximalist electro-pop. Abracadabra stands as a perfect example, an alternative version of Bad Romance infused with a darker, industrial edge. Gagas hypnotic call for magic, Abra-ca-dabra, is a catchy and addictive showcase of her dance-pop mastery.

The Subway, Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan took 2025 as an opportunity to redefine her musical boundaries. Following her breakthrough in 2024, she returned with The Giver, a sensual, country-infused anthem. But The Subway, which had been a staple of her live performances, takes a completely different approach. The track is a dreamy slow-burn, with Roans vocals evoking both Dolores O'Riordan and Alanis Morissette, offering a fresh and personal twist on indie pop.

Elderberry Wine, Wednesday

North Carolinas Wednesday presents one of the year's best country songs through an indie rock lens. Elderberry Wine, from their album Bleeds, strips back the bands usual distortion and delivers a heartfelt reflection on a failing relationship. Karly Hartzmans twangy vocals sing poetic lines like Say I wanna have your baby / 'Cause I freckle and you tan, creating a beautifully melancholic country moment.

Special, dexter in the newsagent

Fans of Frank Ocean should check out Special, the standout single from dexter in the newsagent, the musical project of English soul artist Charmaine Ayoku. The track combines vintage R&B vibes with contemporary production, offering a smooth, romantic listening experience that will linger long after the first play.

This is Real, Feeble Little Horse

Pittsburgh-based Feeble Little Horse pushes the boundaries of noise-pop rock with their new track This Is Real. Known for blending ambitious production and absurdist lyrics, the band takes it even further with this song, incorporating hyperpop elements and electronic textures. The track builds from sweet harmonies to intense screams, making it one of their heaviest and most forward-looking releases.

All the Way, BigXthaPlug ft. Bailey Zimmerman

BigXthaPlug and Bailey Zimmermans All the Way is a genre-bending blend of country and rap. With influences from both hip-hop and country, the track seamlessly fuses trap beats with Zimmermans soulful, raspy vocals. Its a perfect example of how these two genres have found common ground in contemporary music.

Folded, Kehlani

Kehlanis Folded marks a new peak in her career, becoming her first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The sultry R&B track begins with a swelling orchestral arrangement before Kehlanis soulful vocals take center stage. The songs emotional depth is palpable as she sings, So, can you come pick up your clothes? / I have them folded. Its a raw and vulnerable song about lost love and longing.

Anxiety, Doechii

Anxiety by Doechii brings a refreshing twist to nostalgia-driven pop. The track, originally recorded in 2019 and remade in 2025, samples Gotye and Kimbras Somebody That I Used to Know, but Doechii makes it her own. The repetitive production mirrors the neurotic tone of her lyrics, supporting her unique flow as she reflects on the overwhelming emotions of modern life.

Evil J0rdan, Playboi Carti

After a five-year wait, Playboi Cartis long-anticipated album Music delivered the track Evil J0rdan, marking a departure from his previous baby voice style. The song features Cartis new, raspy flow over an eerie, gothic beat, signaling a more mature sound and a shift in his musical persona. The tracks anxious energy makes it one of the most striking and innovative in his discography.

Author: Noah Whitman