2025 mixtape

TL;DR: I've selected a bunch of my favourite tracks from 2025 and put them in one sparkling playlist. All were released, or remixed, this year:

• listen on Apple Music
• listen on Tidal
• listen on Spotify

In a nutshell

This is the third time I've compiled a list of songs & tunes that have caught my attention over the course of the year.

I'm still not sure if it's a self-indulgent wheeze, or provides a helpful pointer to stuff others may have missed. But I know I like it when friends, and former presidents, share their own standout tracks and albums.

This year's list is so full of returning 1990s artists, it's practically shuffling itself across a sticky dancefloor. There are lots of new(ish) and emerging musicians too, a couple of Scottish indie gems, and some pop culture crossover with Stranger Things and Andor.

I didn't get to many gigs in '25, although two that I did see from the list — Self Esteem and Hamish Hawk — were among the best I've ever attended; emotionally charged and life affirming. Catch them if you possibly can.

Having music as an outlet, especially live music, feels increasingly vital as an antidote to an exhausting news cycle and social feeds jammed with gloom or slop. Note to self: more gigs in 2026.

Have a wonderful New Year.