20) Jason Piquette – “Drop the Gun”
-This song is the perfect start to our top songs of the year. The opening line is, “I’m not afraid to die if my soul stays alive…” The song is a lyrical cry for help. It’s absolutely gorgeous in both instrumentation and vocal performance. It’s got this spirit to it that I just can’t name, but I suppose it’s authenticity and vulnerability in beautiful alchemy. I implore you to slow down and spend the full time with this track; I guarantee you will feel something and that’s all we can ask for these days.
19) Rosie H. Sullivan – “Lazy River”
-The opening of this song feels like it’s almost whispered… and I love it. The delicate recording style isn’t always a fit, but this one is so well done that it feels transcendent. Sullivan has a soft, endearing style that absolutely pulls the listener in. This was one of the first “song of the year” worthy tracks I added to the list and, frankly, months later it still holds up. I love the chord work on the piano and the way the track develops melodically. But (and you knew this was coming if you’ve been around my writing for a while) it’s the layered vocals that absolutely makes me swoon. This song is a gem and I hope you’ll share it far and wide.
18) John White – “Inertia”
-I don’t think I had ever heard John White before this track, but wow did it stop me in its tracks. There’s something simple and cathartic about the piano work that connects right away. The vocal, though, is on another level. There’s an intimacy to the recording that feels really personal and genuine. The central lyrical concept is that the person deserves the universe. It’s a bit romantic, but it’s also just personal and connected. It’s a unique track that moves away from our typical folksy coverage, but it transcended genre in a most delightful way. Sorry to quote myself here, but in my review earlier this year I said, “For me, this song cultivates awareness and a lightness of being that I absolutely need to be reminded of more often.” Give it a chance. It’s worth it.
17) Mia Wilson – “Face to Face”
-Back in September when I first featured this track, I knew it would appear on this list. I could feel it in my bones. The sound, which preserves this delightful timeless 1970s pop vibe, absolutely holds up. Wilson’s vocal, who I have repeatedly compared with Carole King and Linda Ronstadt, is outstanding. The song lyrically even captures the simplicity of those old songs, a sort of calling out for intimacy, to be face to face with someone you love. It’s a song that doesn’t try to be more than it is and, frankly, I love just exactly what it is. It feels comfortable, nostalgic, and just right.
16) Dan Pallotta – “School Bus”
-Dan Pallotta is a storyteller with a guitar in his hands. I mean that as the sincerest of compliments. The folk tradition is alive and well with this talented troubadour. I’ve compared him to John Prine in the past and that comparison remains relevant. This is the type of narrative that I don’t want to spoil, so just let me say… you should clear a few minutes and really sit and listen. It will lull you, comfort you, and tug at your heart strings. It somehow always conjures Prine’s “Sam Stone” and Tyler Childers’ “Nose to the Grindstone” for me. And if you know those songs, you’ll know what a compliment that is. This is a story about resilience, love, care, and growing old. It’s beautiful.
15) Katherine Winston – “Loving You”
-Some voices just cannot be contained, regardless of the genre. That’s how I feel about Katherine Winston’s excellent vocal tone. This song cuts through the noise, allowing the listener to connect with the lyrical meaning of the song. I mentioned in my initial review that the song gave me chills on first listen and that it was going to appear on this list. The easy going vibe of the song is a reflection of the easy love that the lyrics highlight. My favorite part remains the quality of the vocal. “When it comes to loving you… it’s easy…”
14) Jesse Welles – “Gilgamesh”
-This is a criminally underrated position for this piece of art, but I mean… ranking art is a fool’s errand anyways. I just want you to click play on this track and enjoy it. Jesse Welles had an absolute YEAR in 2025 and this track is one of many exceptional tracks he has. It’s interlaced with remarkable literary and biblical imagery that encourages the listener to consider the “plight of man.” There’s a healthy dose of existential dread layered with some Dylan-esque guitar work and sincere vocals. I’m not sure I have a good comp for Welles other than to say he’s worth your time. I venture to guess literally no one reading this hasn’t already heard Welles this year. He’s everywhere (and for good reason).
13) JOURNEYGLO – “Bright in my eyes”
-If you’re a fan of contemplative piano and a peaceful, accessible vocal style, then definitely click play on this track. I am struck by the deep spiritual meaning in a work like this. It’s not spiritual in the sense of traditional religion; rather, it’s about reflecting literally on the cosmos. The production may be contemporary, but these are ancient questions. There’s a sincerity that comes through in JOURNEYGLO’s vocal here that I absolutely adore. It’s easy to hear why I loved it on first listen and why it remains in my rotation and will be a part of my personal catalog forever now.
12) St Catherine’s Child – “New Eden”
-There’s a lot to say about this song, but I almost don’t know where to start. The imagery of a “New Eden” is itself worth unpacking, but beyond that I just really appreciate the instrumentation here. The song feels like the perfect combination of folk and pop into a sound that worms into my soul. I have always been a fan of music like this that has this kind of lyrical meaning that makes it challenging to fully follow, but almost commands that you try to connect. It’s a pretty… um… messed up time to fall in love, for sure. The question I have is does she mean because of the state of the world? Something existential? Something cosmological? Because… I think it could be any of those. Nevertheless, I love the intimacy and mystery of this remarkable composition.
11) Frances Whitney – “Going Somewhere”
-I hate to repeat myself, so let me just quote what I said when I discovered this song. “In what might be the best single line in a song I’ve heard so far in 2025, Whitney writes, ‘well, I quit booze ’cause I drank it like holy water.’ What a line! And then it’s followed with this similar power line, ‘But I’m scared weed might be taking it’s place at the altar.’ Whitney has an incredible voice and the easy going folk vibe of the track is really well done. This whole composition is on another level.” When I originally discovered this track, I was floored by the writing. I think I’ve only grown to appreciate it more. Also, Frances Whitney is on my short list of artists to watch in the coming years. An absolutely exceptional talent!
Our full 2025 Song of the Year Playlist can be found on our Spotify profile. Check it out!