I frequent the forums less and less due to just having less time, but nothing brings the memories back faster than getting the opportunity to curate, pluck about, and present the music that made my year more bearable, motivated me, and made me fall in love with the art form even more. From new songs released some just a month ago, to songs older than my parents, my yearly countdown is filled with some common faves, niche lovers and some tunes some of you probably haven't heard in millennia. Yet as the list unravels, I have no doubt that they will all feel like songs that have a common denominator- their greatness.

So there goes my short, haphazard intro! Below I will show the colors I used for the two main sections I have ("Songs I Discovered" and "Songs of the Year") plus the shorter, less frequented third section ("Album of the Year"). In the post following, I will post the links to some of my old yearly countdowns just so anyone new to mine can get a glimpse of how (basic) it looks. I look forward to seeing what you all have to give!!

Songs I Discovered

&

Songs of the Year

&

Albums of the Year

Edited January 10Jan 10 by GreatestLoveofAll
round 7

Throwback (ironic I know) years!

2020: GreatestLoveofAll's 2020 - Best of 2020 - ATRL

2021 lost cause I was lazy

2022: GreatestLoveofAll- The 2022 Playlist - Best of 2022 - ATRL

2023: GreatestPlaylistofAll- The 2023 Edition! - Best of 2023 - ATRL

2024: GreatestLoveofAll's 2024: The Oldies and the Newbies - Best of 2024 - ATRL

Edited December 22, 2025Dec 22 by GreatestLoveofAll
adding

Oh, let's go!

Excited!

Cannot wait to see these lists.

So I figured that for me, starting almost immediately sets a good pace so without further ado, here we go!

Round One

Songs I Discovered

Save My Soul (2015)- JoJo

There is something about a woman making impossibly hard belts, runs and shrieks about love, loss of love and the need for it over dramatic instrumentation that gets a rise out of most gays. I kinda go a step further than most because I am practically obsessed with it. JoJo is raw and open here, where she shines musically from what I have heard from her, and her chops are out of this world. Im pretty sure she hits a level of mixed voice of that chorus that is scientifically impossible for mere mortals to attempt unless you wish to choke on your own airflow for 3 minutes straight. Just a climax of a song.

I Believe in You (w/ NSYNC) (2000)- Joe

So usually, I kind of ignore men and their music and the indifference grows deeper for R&B of the 90s. Hearing men moan and simper about women is not something I am into even if the intentions are pure (in some cases) or if the lyrics hold real meaning (also in some cases). Yet when good music wants to hit you, there is little you can do to stop it. As I was listening to a random selection Spotify allocated for me, this tune came on and I was very surprised at how cohesive the vocal production was. The were all smooth, seamless and the lyrics, albeit simple, were nothing too scandalous that I couldn't handle. Joe has shown promise this year and so an album listen is due... next year

Here We Go (Uh Oh) (2024)- Coco Jones

On the other hand, I can ignore a lot of odd lyrics and themes delivered by women in songs quite consistently if the music is good and if the person is generally a good one. I for one dont understand the weakness of the main character who cannot seem to get over a man despite him doing her dirty before AND having a new one, but Coco's tight, controlled vocals can make many things seem inviting and worth the time to listen and this is no different. The production is catchy too and it has been an earworm all year despite my lyrical misgivings.

Hey Mr. D.J (1993)- Zhane

The way this must have been a universe hit when it came out in the summer of '93. Chill enough for R&B and "urban" radio, bouncy enough for some clubs and with remix value good enough for any party depending on who was mixing. The song just feels so much of its time in a good way. I didnt grow up in this era, but I can imagine a hazy afternoon and whole neighborhood getting together, children playing, barbeques running and people forgetting the realities of the world and enjoying the happiness of just being. Its a vibe.

Nothing On (But the Radio) (2023)- Addison Rae

I had been slowly giving Addison her 7s and 8s (never a 10 I cant be too generous despite what the thread title may say rn) as the year progressed when I heard this song. Instantly, I was hooked. It had the synths I held dear, the autotuned vocals that marked the sound of a hit and production and chorus that screamed "number one hit in 2012" with every beat. It stayed on repeat, being one of my faves, nearly surpassing the new music she had been releasing completely. My shock and surprise when I found out that this was a remake of an old, unreleased Gaga track from The Fame era. It all made sense! Addison has made her pieces of pop greatness, but the whole vibe of this always sounded other and it felt good to see a pop master leaving behind frames for others to build on.

Hoop of Fire (1986)- Elton John

Elton has grown to be one of my all-time favorite artists. I read his autobiography this year and it was one of the most engaging reads of my year- and honestly the best autobiography of a musician I have had the honor of reading so far. I can do a whole book review later, but the main thing to carry from this is that reading the book had me learning Elton's catalog deeper than just his many classics. He is someone who is proud of his work and unlike a lot of artists, takes pride in all of his work- even the ones he deems as terrible and I find that to be a very good thing. Leather Jackets is what many critics called his worst and Elton agrees in his book, but he does shout out a few songs he thought were worthwhile. One I believe was this one and I am very glad he did. While the lyrics are nowhere near his best, the melody is catchy and the vocals are soaring as ever, which is incredible considering his health both mentally and physically at the time. A song that was on repeat all fall and winter and one that'll always be a favorite.

Love Me Not (2024)- Ravyn Lenae

A song that has taken over TikTok, I am glad to (for once) say I caught onto it riiiight before it became the biggest thing on every Twitter stans mind. Its an odd song; its borrowing of numerous genres gives it a slightly off setting tone- not a scary one but one that makes it feel incomplete in a way. I guess it sort of helps the message of the song in a way and it certainly makes it a unique earworm. Each time I forget about it for a couple months, it runs right back to me and just sticks itself in my mind until I need to give it its due streams. That intro and outro alone deserve Grammys.

...

See I didnt take you guys too far back right? Time for the 2025 girlies and one shows up now big and never again...

Songs of the Year

35. Bad Reviews- Sabrina Carpenter

So last year when I gave a short review of the standard album during my year-end review, I mentioned how I didn't care for most of the slower, acoustic songs. The same still holds true today and does extend to the deluxe album and is the main reason why her 2025 follow up has little presence on my list this year- it is just not her best sound but she insists on it so what can we do. "Bad Reviews" poses a nice outlier to this rule, however. It is my favorite of those aforementioned songs, with its sweeping violin sounding charming, its chugging pace never boring and the rather self-deprecating but very honest lyrics hitting a spot for me even though I never been in a situation like that. Its a beautiful edition and would have served as a lovely closer for the standard version.

34. Afterbody- Jae Stephens

I was watching one of my favorite pop music and culture commentators on YouTube (shoutout to camryn suzanne!) and she was discussing one of my favorite topics which, to paraphrase, was why we don't have any black women who dominate pop music to the levels we used to see just 15, 20 years ago? Towards the end of the video, camryn gave some suggestions of black women who were making the same pop music every claimed the loved right now and among these suggestions was Jae Stephens with "Afterbody". I had heard of Jae before and knew she had a small but very vocal following amongst some of my mutuals, but I won't lie and pretend that some of the musical ignorance people show is reflected in me because I had yet to even type in her name in a search bar prior to watching that video. I am so glad I did it when I did though- this song is a gem. Very early 2000s Britney here mixed with Ciara/Janet vocal styling and a little bit of Beyonce mixed in there too. Its infectious, fun, sweaty dance music that is unapologetically itself and Jae doesn't pretend either and I love it.

33. I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)- Calum Scott & Whitney Houston

Every year I find a way to squeeze her onto these lists somehow cause true legends show up everywhere. I had always hoped that one day Whitney's estate would release a piano only version of this song. Its always been my preferred way to sing it cause its less taxing on the cords, but also because there is a new meaning behind the song when you take away the runs, the background chants and harmonies, the wizzes and bounces and clangs. The song is coming from a place of loneliness and yearning and it masks itself up with a happy, colorful cover, and while it can be a hopeful song, its one that doubles as a sadder one. In this version, Calum highlights the somber side to the song, adding sweeping production and emphasizing the key change in a way that brings a rush of emotion. Its near perfect and I appreciate him deeply for making one of my Whitney-hopes come true even just a little bit.

32. Tears- Sabrina Carpenter

So as I sorta implied earlier, I thought Man's Best Friend was a dud. "Manchild" was a song I found myself really trying to love like I did the SNS singles but it just didnt hit the way I had hoped. When MBF dropped I had hoped desperately that there was a far more redeeming song to replace it as lead, and while "Tears" was an actual hit, I dont think the album had much of a saving grace. As for the song itself, its fun! Sabrina's cheekiness and innuendos are endless and she uses them in the best ways- even if some are on the nose for me but I think that's just to the lack of innocence in my mind at this point.

31. hurt people- Khalid

I have been avid following Khalid since he came out the closet last year and the whole saga that followed that. That year, he dropped a solid album that didnt shake the world but showcased his maturity and was a good listen. That year I also discovered "Satellite" one of his 2022/23 droplet releases and that is one of my all time favorites now. This year, he has made an even bigger mark on my countdown. "hurt people" is one of the last songs off Khalid's latest album but its arrival never feels too late. A moment focused on personal pain and reflection; it is easily my favorite song off the album even though that is a distinction I have no qualm with changing in the future. Its a beautiful piece that hooked me the moment I heard it.

Oh, she's a writer Lemme queue some of these up

Coco Jones, soulful queen! Love her voice

Oof save my soul one of my favourite jojo tracks Addison too

Tears

Love Me Not in discoveries

Hey Mr. D. J. is soooo goood, wow! Genuinely LOVE IT.

Edited December 23, 2025Dec 23 by Album Leak

8 hours ago, GreatestLoveofAll said:

Love Me Not (2024)- Ravyn Lenae

A song that has taken over TikTok, I am glad to (for once) say I caught onto it riiiight before it became the biggest thing on every Twitter stans mind. Its an odd song; its borrowing of numerous genres gives it a slightly off setting tone- not a scary one but one that makes it feel incomplete in a way. I guess it sort of helps the message of the song in a way and it certainly makes it a unique earworm. Each time I forget about it for a couple months, it runs right back to me and just sticks itself in my mind until I need to give it its due streams. That intro and outro alone deserve Grammys.

I usually roll my eyes when a song goes tik tok viral because most of them are so obnoxious but this one is just great and she deserves it

Round 2! Sorry for the delay. Im gonna get this one out then do my replies after im back from work- love y'all taste!

Songs I Discovered

Dont Leave Me This Way (1976)- Thelma Houston

I know the 70s pop girls were furious they couldnt get their hands on this smash first. Like from start to end the groove is impeccable and it feels so of its time yet so utterly timeless. I cant believe it took me this long to actually give this a full stream, especially since we had a rate on here that featured it smh.

Lonely Hearts Club (2012)- Marina and the Diamonds

I have been intrigued by the back catalog of Marina for years and when I heard Love + Fear, I was committed to getting into all of her music. But my attention span can be fickle and I have a terrible commitment to new music as much as it pains me to say, so I took years for me to turn around and get the golden years of her career. Electra Heart deserves its own post to splurge about, but this track right here is peak 2012. I felt like I was transported to those Disney channel esque coming of age movies where the main character montage goes on in the beginning, show how mundane their life is. It such a specific memory that it lights up in me that I've been humming it on and off for like six months now.

Persuasive (2022)- Doechii

A mixture of the best dance and hip-hop has had to offer in the 2020s. No matter how much misogynists try to bring her down and try to shame her for being who she is, Doechii is that girl. Nearly anything I have discovered from her has been a hidden gem- so much so that she's due to show up on this list very soon.

Believe (1995)- Elton John

A sprawling, 5-minute rock ballad that takes lyrics that otherwise would be almost mundane into a stadium shaking sing along. Elton thrives in the dramatic numbers, especially as his career aged, and its a sign of the misogyny and inequality of the music industry that he isnt lumped with the Celines and Barbras as many times, his music fell right in lane with what they were doing in this same era.

Believe In Yourself (1978)- Lena Horne

I am truly ashamed to say that I havent seen The Wiz. One day I will let this slip to someone and they will change that but until then, I probably wont actively search for it for a while. I get the general gist of course as its a story as old as time but with a twist that makes it so much more ingrained in culture than its commercial performance would let you think. However as I was scrolling on Twitter, the clip of Lena Horne as Glinda the Good Witch singing to a teary-eyed Dorothy so boldly, strongly, beautifully was enthralling. I could feel the energy, the emotion behind the words in way that felt like she was singing to me- as if someone knew I needed words like that at that time. I am a sucker for inspirational songs and let it be a musical number and I am hooked. I also wanted to highlight the impeccable phrasing of Miss Horne. There's a wisdom in how she delivers the message, yet it is a tender one and it feels like your grandmother sending you some love. Its all in all just a great song- and far too short.

Still Believe (1999)- Shola Ama

I was introduced to this fun little pop-soul number by one of my mutuals on twitter. They had crafted a very extensive R&B playlist (that I still need to get back to) and this was the very first song and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. I love me a good choir effect on choruses and the one here is top notch. In bigger hands, this could have done numbers in the US.

Hold Me (1982)- Fleetwood Mac

I have actively avoided intentionally getting Fleetwood Mac because frankly old white bands dont appeal to me and get way more credit for the musical progression of pop music than they should, but here and there I have been dropped a banger by this group and I couldnt in good conscious let this list go by without acknowledging that. Maybe I should give them a chance.

///

Songs of the Year

30. Chanel- Tyla

The way I never thought Tyla would show up on this list again as I simply dont follow her like that, but she managed just as the year was ending, to squeeze right into the top 30 with this infectious hit. Its just so fun to listen and dance to and literally anytime I utter the chorus, my sister appear like meerkats out of nowhere to sing along.

29. YAP- Justine Skye

That same YouTube video that made me look up Jae Stephens mentioned Miss Justine. She usually makes R&B music, but she decided to branch out and step out her box and give us this hypnotic banger and I am very much thankful as it goes hardddd at night. Someone let me hijack and DJ booth and put these girls onnnn.

28. Jump- Durand Bernarr

I wont spoil my thoughts on the whole album here as there will be plenty of time for that later (that is foreshadowing!!@!) so i will try and focus on just this track. I found this one very interesting the moment I heard it. Its about not mixing your platonic friendships with your sex life and how it can seem tempting, but probably isnt for the best. At least, that what I got from the song. I never really heard such precautionary song and while to some it can feel like someone preaching their own morality beliefs to others, I think it makes for a breath of fresh air in our often very sexually-driven community (of which I am very much part of the problem I will admit). As always, Durand sounds flexible and unique as ever and that is always deeply appreciated.

27. Jealous Type- Doja Cat

Some four years ago, this song would have been a recipe for success for Miss Amala. The disco-funk combination of the versus makes for a tightly woven beat that sinks deep in your brain and the 80s inspired chorus is Grammy worthy. The best part of the song is actually the intro and outro. Both feel so out of this time that is almost illegal- like she stole someone's song for sure (im joking!!).

26. Sexy Soulan- Monaleo

Brash, unapologetic and an anthem. Monaleo takes all of black culture and celebrates in a way that feels authentic but not mock like. She never feels like she is leaning into stereotypes but is embracing what makes her and her culture the long-standing one it is and I cannot get enough of it. I need more of this in 2026.

///

Albums of the Year

10. Am I The Drama?- Cardi B

The very first album on this list sort of defines 2025 musically: some great highlights, some decent moments and a lot of well... oks. It isnt that this album is a fluke- far from it. Cardi doesnt do much different on this album than she has in most of her music since her major label debut in 2017, but that isnt needed. She is as funny as ever, snarky as she wants, cutting as she needs to be and also able to still have moments of vulnerability when the time calls for it and those songs speak louder to her story here than anything else. Yet the biggest drawback her is the sheer length of this piece. I have a dislike for albums than go on longer than they need to and it feels greedy and useless to bloat an album with material just because you can as it dilutes from the actual artistic experience. I dont mean to draw any serious comparisons here, but on Beyonce's Cowboy Carter, the length and sheer volume of songs was essential. Each one, even my least faves, had a place in the story. Here on Cardi's second album... well lets say she could do well without a handful.

Highlights: Hello, Whats Going On, Pretty & Petty, Nice Guy, On My Back

9. Its Not That Deep- Demi Lovato

If anyone has needed a moment to make a come back and get into the good graces of the public again, it was Miss Demi. I hadnt given her much thought musically since 2017's Tell Me You Love Me which was a solid effort and housed some of my absolute favorite Demi songs. On this album, she is sharper, more in tune than ever. It both feels personal and yet impersonal sometimes and I like that- it can make it easier to listen to music and enjoy it for what it is when you arent dissecting what each lyric means in relation to what you know about an artist. A great piece of dance pop and I hope she milks it for all its worth.

Highlights: Let You Go, Here All Night, Frequency, Ghost

Tears was cute but it grew old for me really fast

Demi Lovato's album

Whitney While I didn't know this duet version existed, I'm glad to see a classique such as this get recognition.

Tears & Jealous Type

Lonely Heart Club is suuuuuch a bop Her high notes at the end...!!

Sabrina

ahh Tyla's Chanel also somehow managed to sneak into mine after not liking the song in my first listens she did that

The detailed commentary. The effort.

I haven't listened to Lonely Hearts Club in so long. Might have to take trip back to Electric Heart.

Ngl I'm enjoying these non-2025 song discoveries the best.

Dont Leave Me This Way? Bit of a bop.
Believe In Yourself? Okay VOCALS
Still Believe? Love that chorus ngl.

Keep 'em coming!

Pretty & Petty being a highlight, no I agree, I agree! I thought the album overall, while insanely bloated, was at least servicable and not a total sophomore slump. I expected it to be terrible, but with the sheer amount of songs included I suppose I was bound to enjoy some of 'em. Hopefully she gets more focused for her next album now that the "weight" of expectations has more or less been lifted.

oh this year end review is so tea tears and jealous type, tyla, doechii, cardi and monaleo

That JoJo track is so good

cardi

Jealous Type + Its Not That Deep

Demi & Elton