GreatestLoveofAll

Omg plssss Miley I was just listening to end of the world

I find it too intimidating nnn

I'll be working (a double probably) but I am beyond excitedddd!

4th fave oooh whats the top 3? and ok maybe ill give it a listen then lemme find a day her stans arent annoying Addison stanning- when will the GP? Mariah love yesssss i should have known you'd exhibit that good taste No more drama being a fave you always know wassup JGibson dont break my heart like that Here for it all has to have oneeee song you liked Also all these here all night stanning I LOOOOVE this.

Tasteeee twilight zone love, we stannn

Round 7! Last one- thank you to everyone who commented and showed some love. It means a lot Songs I Discovered I Am Not a Robot- Marina and the Diamonds (2010) The song is a VERY 2008-2011 thematically and the number of times I cringed listening to it was more than I should have to. Regardless, its still a bop and the melody of the chorus is a 10/10 full on. If I take nothing else from this song, it'll always have that. True Love- Elton John & Kiki Dee (1993) A lot of times when artists reunite to make a second hit after achieving one together prior, the magic is never quite there. It isnt that the artists are any less talented usually- I guess the spark that made the original so good and loved fades when a manufactured version comes along. This is partly the case here for "True Love" which is a cover of a 1950s song originated by Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly. Its a nice song on its own, enough to be added to my playlist and get some spins for me. Outside of its very early 90s sound, both singers sound amazing with some age to their vocals even though, try as they might, cant match the energy of "Dont Go Breaking My Heart". Then again, they probably didn't want to. Losing You- Solange (2012) Quite literally the last song to make this list, I was on a small vacation the weekend before Christmas and was scrolling through Twitter when someone made an appreciation post on Solange and this song and I was intrigued. Its upbeat and striking and was very different from the sort of music I had known Solange for (her two most recent albums that is). I don't think its a sound she will ever return too and doesn't need to, but it was fun to hear her on something so unlike the version of her I knew. If I Didn't Know Better- Luther Vandross (2003) I was NOT expecting this sort of song from Luther when I first heard it. Luther was among many R&B legends that I was diving into their material as the year progressed and one day, after listening to two of his albums back to back earlier that week, I decided to just play some of his popular songs on Spotify just to relax and get a good mixture. Among the songs that played was this moody jam where Luther is basically dealing with a gas lighter who says he's just a friend and has a man, but how she acts with and towards Luther gives him mixed signals and he wants to know where she really stands. The part of the song that gets me is that Luther, or at least the protagonist, has feelings for the person in question but the actions being done aren't consistent with what he is being told. I was surprised to hear such a drama happening in Luther's music, but maybe I shouldn't be. Tomorrow- Brandy (1998) A beautiful, amazing breakup ballad where Brandy is ending a relationship that has been nothing but stress, pain and emotionally strangling. The urgency in her voice is so vital here and the production is so good- it was screaming for a radio release, and it was a great way to close the album (bar the Bryan Adams cover). Absolutely one of my favorite discoveries and one of my most played songs of the year hands down. Find the Love- Jennifer Hudson (2024) I am a bit iffy on holiday music. I love many of the old classics, songs that have been around for as long as my parents, sometimes grandparents have been alive. The newer the songs get however, the less I care. There is maybe a handful of exceptions, but that is largely why new holiday music typically goes ignored by me especially if it is full albums. I may peep into to see if there are any notable covers, but I never really sit and give them much mind and so me not discovering this song existed until like fall 2025- a whole year later- isn't really a shocker. I am upset about it however- it is truly one of the best songs I have heard. Jennifer's voice, an often source of complaint for many, is still booming and strong here, yet controlled. She gives just enough to make you feel like you are at church (the background vocalist/choir kick in just when she does a beautiful churchy run) and to keep up with the song's piano led, simple, yet achingly familiar production and melody. Its a kind, open song about love and peace and how we all need to find it in an increasingly dark world and I find that there is no better song to end this category than with one of hope. /// Songs of the Year 5. Golden Burning Sun- Miley Cyrus "You're the only one, under the golden burning sun. Can I have you if I never let you down?" I was trying to be fair about not flooding the entire list with Miley songs so for the longest, I kept this song on the lower margins of the top 10. Yet as I was beginning the writeups for the first 2 rounds, I kept looking over the list and frowning at how low it was. Eventually I just gave in and placed it in the top five as very few songs defined my 2025 like this one. Its energetic, rootsy almost, and Miley soars like an eagle over that chorus. Each "Surrender!" keeps from the depths of her soul (and lungs) and keeps like you are catching wind- all you need is some wings and you're good. A career highlight if there ever was one. 4. Dreams- The Knocks & Dragonette "Cream colored sneakers and my hands slip under your T-shirt" I was huge fan of the last collab they had- "Slow Song" was in my top 3 for my 2022 ranking- and it was clear that I wasn't the only one as this was only the lead to an entire album of these two acts making music together. However, when I first heard this song, I... kind of didn't like it. I wasn't expecting something so light when "Slow Song" had lowkey been a sadistic club hit. In contrast, this song is exactly how the title says- dreamlike. Its all pastel-type colorful, sweet, fun and just romantic- all the things its older sister wasn't. Yet on what was maybe the fourth listen... it clicked. The funky guitars, the synths, the drums all coming together to seep into my brain and send me dancing, almost wishing I had someone to share this euphoria with. Music does that to you and I can never hate a song that can make me feel, even for a minute, like I was in love. 3. Blade of Grass- Lady Gaga "I've been so lonely in this field, fighting a battle with no shield" Even just writing up this piece, I am on the verge of bawling. Gaga as a songwriter has always been able to make her ballads hit so much harder than many others as she uses some of the most gorgeous melodies to back up some painful or bittersweet words and that will always get me. This is easily the best ballad of her career and when the story of how personal it was to her came out, I never could turn back on that statement. It boggles me honestly how much dislike or even worst, straight up ignorance this song gets when its on an album that is about pulling apart the mayhem of her psyche ends on a song where a battle weary Gaga gets to put down the constant facade and be vulnerable and soft and trust someone with her heart for the first time in a long time. "Die With a Smile" is a great opener and adds more to the lore and story that is this album, but this song right here is where the finale really hits. Its haunting, beautiful and a song I will never, ever get tired of. 2. Vodka Cranberry- Conan Gray "Called you up in the middle of the night, wailing like an imbecile. If you won't end things, then I will" I had difficultly figuring out which songs that would make up the top 3. It's a pretty hard task ranking songs and weighing which is better than the other especially when many of them are so close in quality or worse, hold deeper meanings to you in different ways. This is Conan's second album on my radar and while I already made my views on it clear in a past round, I was really dont know why this song has gotten to me so much. Theres a riveting pain in the lyrics and Conan's voice here and I get chills and my own heart breaks as you listen to the story he is laying out. When you watch the music video, that dull pain intensifies- watching actions match the shattering story you are listening to only makes it feel more real, more wretched. I probably have some underlying emotion baggage I need to deal with, but I almost feel like this song speaks to me even though its a situation I have never been in. A 10/10 if there has ever been one- and the bridge!?!? That high note is insane, Conan. 1. End of the World- Miley Cyrus "Paint the city like Picasso would have done in his dreams" Its going to get very redundant see this album cover back-to-back. From day one, I knew this was going to be my song of the year. I dont know how I was so sure, and as you can read there was quite a few contenders, but there was something special about this song that hooked me from the moment I heard it and I remember exactly what moment it was too- that bridge. Contemporary music has done away with bridges for the most part and while it hasnt exactly made music worse as some like to complain, any song these days that effectively uses it earns bonus points that put it far beyond of its. The bridge on this song elevates it, bringing a hazy, carefree sensation as it thumps on, making you really feel like its the end of the world and that nothing else matters beside you, the music and this last moment of freedom. Miley's best lead single by far- and one that will never fall out of favor. Its really a shame how all her best work seems to fall through the cracks as she's never started an era so convincingly herself. ... Albums of the Year 2. Something Beautiful- Miley Cyrus Her previous album, though home to her signature hit and one of my personal favorites "River" (top 3 in 2023!!), kinda fell flat for me. We had just gotten that off of Plastic Hearts, her magnum opus and one of the greatest albums of the decade and it felt like she was regressing musically- which is crazy to say cause Endless Summer Vacation is not a bad album at all. Nonetheless, I was cautious when Miley announced this album. "End of the World" was a happy surprise and gave me hope... and then the album dropped. In a way, I feel like Miley has been striving to make this album her entire career. The rock and disco influence together has her experimenting with sounds, musical moments and vocals that are nothing like anything music has given us these past few years. She's strutting, wailing, horny, spiritual all within one hour and it doesnt even feel that long as each song draws you in with a certainty that you'll never forget it. The interludes and moments when its just the music are actually the highlight of the album, and everything after "Golden Burning Sun" deserves a Grammy. Miley should be the utmost proud of this album as this is what she was meant to do. I am beyond excited to see where she goes next round. Highlights: Walk of Fame, Give Me Love, Golden Burning Sun, End of the World, Reborn 1. Mayhem- Lady Gaga "LG7 is going to be a blast I just know it" is what I said last January as I was wrapping up my thoughts for my 2024 countdown. I was discussing "Disease" which had wormed itself all the way to #4 on my ranking despite it being an October release and that song alone already showed me that Gaga was going to have a time and a half for me in 2025... but that was an understatement. From the moment I woke up on March 7th, 2025, I was never musically the same. For 3 straight months, all I listened to was this album, analyzing each track, blasting each song to catch all the intricacies I could. This is her best album since Born This Way- and honestly, might be her best album yet. Its consistent in quality, loud, big, constantly moving in a different direction yet still makes sense. It harkens back to the Gaga of her early years while still being present. This album was for the day one fans, the ones who survived Artpop and Joanne, the ones who stood by her when she wanted to try something new and took it all with love and stride. Gaga has paid her dues with this album and in my opinion, has settled her place in history solidly with this piece. Highlights: Kill for Love, Vanish into You, Shadow of a Man, Blade of Grass, Zombieboy, Disease

Round 6! Second to last and some of my absolute favorite music I listened to in 2025 are in this batch. Here we go! Songs I Discovered Romeo- Donna Summer (1981) This song has such a funny history. Recorded in 1980/81 for a shelved album that would be randomly released in summer of 1996 with no promo or anything but that was also featured on the soundtrack of one of the most iconic movies of all time, Flashdance, in 1983. Its a fun song that does nothing more than be a fluffy romance song but its cute and was on rotation a lot for the first quarter of the year. Bad Dreams- Teddy Swims (2024) Ok so this might be the contentious inclusion on this list cause it came out in the last quarter of 2024 and the parent album came out in 2025. However I sneak it in here considering I was acutely aware of its existence when it was released and it wasn't until it randomly popped up on my listens that I gave it time of day. Its a groovy song and Teddy's voice is alluring and hits the right vocal itches. I might give the album a listen... in like 2 years. When You Love Someone- James Ingram and Anita Baker (1995) I know both artists primarily for like one song each (I will be trying to change that with Anita very soon) and I wasn't looking for this but when I discovered it, I knew this was a song I had to keep in my library. They complement each other's voice so well and are exquisitely talented ones at that. I do feel as it was a bit musically archaic for 1995, but then again, the style fit for the movie and both Baker and Ingram are old school gals so it makes sense. RIP James. By Your Side- Sade (2000) I love, love this song. I was on a Sade journey last year and then got sidetracked. This will make me return back as the next album up is this one and 2010's Soldier of Love. The Camel's Heart- Dolly Parton (1998) The superior of the two tracks from Hungry Again that I was drawn too, Dolly writes expertly on heartbreak here and how take so much from a man can be damn overwhelming that one random look, dumb gesture or even a rumor can be the straw the breaks the camel's back- or in her case, her heart. Listening to the song its clear the protagonist's heart broke some time ago but like so many people, they stay in hopes of repairing it, and making their partner love them unequivocally again. Sometimes it works. But many times, they only get worse and worse and this time... she's done. Have Mercy on the Criminal- Elton John (1973) A powerful, blues rock song that is almost overwhelming musically and is more complex than most of the Elton songs on here- and a smidge darker. As I was diving into Elton's life and music deeper this past year, I decided to stream his final US concert at Dodge Stadium that was released in 2023 and one of the deep cuts he gave light to was this song. The song arguably would sound even better had it been recorded by Elton with his baritone, deep and gravelly tones in comparison to the youthful tenor of his youth, but the best part of the song is easily its production so thats where the inclusion points lie for me. Qui saura- Mike Brant (1972) Theres a lot I can say about this song. Oddly enough, I discovered this song via my mother, a very religious woman who I was extremely surprised to even be associated with this song until I remembered songs like this were probably very popular when she was a little girl. I had initially heard it once on her playlist and used Shazam to find it... then I forgot about it for like months. Then when I was looking at my Shazam for some random song I was looking for, there it was (with a few other songs I had forgot to revisit) just sitting there. The song is beautifully made with the orchestra/violins just endearing and sweeping and the background singers adding to the deep sadness that Mike is expressing. And expressing he is. I have heard few men sing soar so high and effortlessly as this man- he modulated like 3 times and I was strictly reminded each time I tried to sing along that some ranges just arent for me and thats ok. The sadness in his voice was reflected in his life and knowing how he passed and what he struggled with makes this song actually very sad to hear and after the first week of rediscovering it, I stayed away mostly out of that sadness. It feels almost foreboding at times. /// Songs of the Year 10. Fame Is a Gun- Addison Rae "You've got a front row seat and I, I got a taste of the glamorous life" So, there is a lot to be said about Addison Rae. Her switch from TikTok fame to stepping into music was largely ridiculed and even now, she is still not being taken as serious as she wants to be. I can get the hesitation to embrace her, but I can't lie and say she hasn't made some very enjoyable pop music. I have been hooked to this song since the moment I first hit play this summer. Its electrifying, sweaty gay pop music that feels like L.A/Hollywood in all its messy, hot, controversial wrapped up in a song. Addison knows her audience and its only a matter of time before she releases something that even the powers that be can't stop. She'll get the awards one day- I know it. 9. Girls Gone Wild- JT "If you wanna take a ride with a bad b*tch" There was no song this year that I loved more instantly than this song. JT is not an artist that I follow and I thought, like Tyla, that her inclusion in last year's ranking was just a one-time thing and then I'd go on to not pay them much mind moving forward. Then as the year was coming to a shut, JT just drops the best rap song of the year like it's nothing and sends my timeline in a frenzy. There were haters- JT isn't all that great of a person from what I gather, and this type of music isn't for everyone hence why it hasn't taken off the way it should, but many of my mutuals and others with taste immediately recognized this song for what it was: pop-rap at its finest, a 10/10. JT's flow has always been one I loved and hearing her flex that relaxed yet in charge style on such a head-tossing beat is just chef's kiss. I will be playing this one for a loooong time. JT, this your calling ma'am! 8. Baby Steps- Olivia Dean "I'll be my own pair of safe hands, its not the end just the making of" An easy, free, relaxing number- just how the entire album is. What made this one special to me is how the beat is so pulsing on the chorus and post chorus and how, always, Olivia glides right over it like she was made for this all along since the beginning of time. The lyrics however are the actual draw for me. A song about being nervous to step out on your own and realizing that this will only make you stronger and build your character and help you see that you had this all along. While I think this was intended to be viewed mostly in a romantic relationship mind frame, one can easily apply it to other moments in life. It hits harder for me that way as I am currently at a crossroads in my professional life and I am slowly, very slowly, building confidence that I can handle what I am expected to do if I just take them baby steps. 7. Abracadabra- Lady Gaga "With a haunting dance, now you're both in a trance, it's time to cast your spell on the night" We all remember where we were when solidified 2025 to be her best career year in years. The night of the Grammys, where she was still riding high with "Die With a Smile" and winning awards for it, she pulled us back into 2014 by debuting a whole song during a commercial break. First listen I liked it- but I didnt catch the energy yet. Second listen things started to warm up- I could begin to differ the other melodies. By the third listen, I was thumping about in my room. I made sure everyone the next morning heard it. For some two straight weeks, all I ever listened to was this absolute BANGER. Gaga brought back and energy I hadnt seen in her music in years- one I thought was from a by gone era of music. When people look back on her extensive and versatile catalog, this song will undoubtedly rank among the best of the best she has ever made. Here's to a Grammy sweep! 6. twilight zone- Ariana Grande "Does she know you're not who you say you are, cause I might give her a call. Or was I just not me at all?" Ariana over the course of her career has gotten more and more personal, more introspective with her lyrics. There was a vulnerability so potent on the original version of Eternal Sunshine that made it stick to me more than any other of her great albums. Its not like this was the album I was waiting on from her, but its the album that resonated with me when I least expected it to. That same depth of emotion and self-examination follows the songs on brighter days and this time, most of them feel as if Ariana is really closing the door on the chapter of her life that inspired this project and she is ready to be at peace with herself and who she is even if its controversial, or messy, or talked about. This song in particular feels so deep and every time I listen to it, I listen to the words so carefully as its insane how relatable she keeps it while also avoiding cliches to tell her story. /// Albums of the Year Before I reveal my top 2 in the next and final round (anyone paying attention will know who they are), I wanted to shout out a few of my honorable mentions that I listened to and thought were solid projects but I didnt connect to fully to for some reason. HMs: Midnight Sun- Zara Larsson Very cute pop album but the songs didnt have much distinction most of the time for me and some that did (Pretty Ugly) were not really good. It had two songs in my top 40 though which is crazy! Addison- Addison Rae There may come a point where I regret not placing it in my top 10 as it was VERY close to Am I The Drama? but I decided ultimately that the latter was better overall as a project. A very solid album though and honestly, she's only going up from here I know it. Pretty Idea- Amber Mark Another album I listened to and liked just didnt find anything that sparkly about it besides the title track that I felt was merited for a ranking. Its a good album overall though and I will revisit and maybe see if theres a gem I missed. It happens more often than not. Through the Wall- Rochelle Jordan I will get so much flake for this one and I can accept it and I am mad I couldnt get into this as easy as so many others have. Its immaculately produced and the vocals are clear and pristine and its a perfect album but its so looooooong. I can only handle the same kinda sound for so long and these songs are not short so I became a chore to listen to it and not something fun. No doubt it will get a revisit as well.

contender for soty tbh tasteeee these dreams is such an underrated 80s hit LIZZO TASTEEE yeah i kinda put it down in the last month and so imcomparison to when it first came out but its still a great dance album you get ittt 10s even golden! He is SOOO fine yesss pls give it a play. He said Janet was an inspiration for some of the music.

Round 5! Songs I Discovered Love's About to Change My Heart- Donna Summer (1989) Another Time and Place, from front to back, is just overall a very good album and my personal favorite of all of Donna's albums that I have listened to in full. A 10 track album filled with some of the best Europop and post-disco pop that the 80s has to offer ends on one of the most jubilant tracks I have ever heard. Donna takes this from her low chest to a rattling high belt and elevates the beat like only she could. This was one of my top 10 songs of the year based on listens and its one that will never see a skip anytime it pops up. Superpowers- Muni Long (2024) I didnt care much for the parent album as it had some questionable songs, but from the moment I heard it, this song as been a repeat play for me. Muni sounds her best when she is being frank and vulnerable and it serves as a great opener. The lyrics connect to me for some reason because there is something about trying to resist someone's being and not be pulled into their orbit for your own well-being, but that doesnt always end up being possible. Sometimes you end up not wanting to fight and other times you get exactly what you feared unfortunately. Deepest Hurt- Shola Ama (1999) Miss Shola had a second feature on my twitter mutual's very extensive R&B playlist and this one was another attention-catcher. Its a simple little groove where her lover did her wrong and she was just like you really aint had to do me like that- and she's right. She sounds good wallowing in the misery a little like a true R&B girlie. Right Here Waiting- Monica (ft. 112) (1998) I really like the original song a lot- one of my 80s favorites. Its a beautiful, haunting song but it has a small silver lining in its message, and its melody reminds me of a warm embrace and demeanor. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Monica had a cover of it! I discovered it from the same R&B playlist my friend put me on and I loveeee it. I do feel as if its inclusion on the album feels a bit odd- not that it was thematically out of place and certainly not musically, but it is the defining song of one singer- it feels weird just having it lumped with original album tracks like it was an afterthought. It had all the markings of a hit- lush late 90s production that ruled adult radio stations, a compelling lead vocal from Monica who never disappointed in her early years especially and delicious harmonies from 112. One side note- this reminds me that Brandy did the same thing on Never Say Never- cover the signature hit of a 80s male adult contemporary/rock artist with "Everything I Do". No More Drama- Mary J. Blige (2001) So to preface with a little side note, I got into a few of Mary's albums this year and while it was done around December when I usually don't include songs on my discovery list. I'm still on my Mary journey, so there's a good chance she will make more appearances in the 2026 edition. I discovered this via the R&B playlist (there's one more song from there so you will see that phrase again ) and I was instantly hooked. The passion especially after the bridge where the guitar kicks into gear and Mary is wailing like she does best to escape the constant burden of life and find peace that she so desperately wanted and needed. I also peeped the use of the Young and the Restless instrumental theme- a song about no more drama alluding to one of the biggest soap operas of all time. Cupid- 112 (1997) There isnt much to say about this song other than the fact that the vocal performance of the singers is one of the best I have heard from male vocal groups of its era. The sparse production feels like it adds- makes its far more interesting of a track. Point of No Return- Expose (1987) I know there isnt a large difference in the quality and style of music between the years 1988-1992, but I was very surprised to see this wasnt an 90s staple. Besides that though, I really like this bop. It gives school dance or 80s movie montage, and I love a good montage song. /// Songs of the Year 15. The Fate of Ophelia- Taylor Swift So I still refuse to give the parent album any listens- I don't need to hear anymore love songs about her weirdo fiancée- but I couldn't resist this single since the moment I heard a few snippets. I love its minimalistic approach yet how danceable it is. The short but insanely catching bridge is easily the best part of the songs and it was like my new vocal stim for like two straight weeks. The lyrics however... well Taylor comparing her to Ophelia, a woman which nowhere near the agency and power in her life and romantic choices just because a man proposed to her is very much a head scratcher. And that's just one aspect but... well at least its a bop! And one I can't get enough of yet as its gotten this high. Her best song since "Anti-Hero" hands down. 14. BLAST!- Durand Bernarr This song was like the very last addition to this list and because of that, I initially kept it a bit low and I simply hadnt lived with it long enough compared to most of the other ones to fairly evaluate it. Its a unique, bouncy, sassy number and with a sprawling five minute runtime, its a listen I can enjoy fully and not feel like I was robbed for more musical greatness. Like all the songs of this album, theres a story and wisdom Bernarr is sharing with his audience here and its about having a blast in life and loving themselves with help from others and well... himself. I know the session for this recording went crazy you guys just have to listen. 13. Here All Night- Demi Lovato "Fast" laid the template and signaled the huge musical shift that Miss Lovato was taking, but this song was what solidified this as her true comeback. Sweaty, high energy dance music will always tug at me and Demi goes deep in her bag with this one, riding the wave of exceptional dance/electronic we have been getting since the start of decade and adding her own well crafted gem in that group. Doing that and reminding the girls that them steel pipes haven't gone anywhere. 12. Hotbox- Lil Nas X I know Nas has made some odd choices musically in his career, but the way none of the songs from this Dreamboy era have taken off is honestly beyond me. He is giving what he's always been and the quality of his best work prior to this is same level. Ever since the snippet he posted on Insta in 2024, I had been feening for this song. It didn't disappoint at all- it was flirty, sexy, bouncy, fun and Nas seemed to be at a level of confidence that was well merited and made him sound like he was already number one here. I hope it gets its due when Nas gets better and head back to promoting the era because this a hit just waiting to happen. 11. Give Me Love- Miley Cyrus There is a lot that can be said about this entire album and because I didn't want the year to be filled with Miley and Gaga songs, I had to pick the real highlights that needed to be shouted out. Miley nearly had a third of the top 10 to herself- "Give Me Love" was on first listen a stunning, cinematic-like closure that reminding me so much of Adele's "Love Is a Game" but was a bit more serious and less joyful- which contradicts the production as it feels like a song that is telling a calm, sweet farewell. The lyrics are the reason why it doesn't rank as high as I initially would have placed it- I cant seem to figure out what she really means and that bothers me a bit but clearly not too much if it ranks 11 out of nearly 40 songs! I think another Something Beautiful listen needs to happen now. /// Albums of the Year 4. Here for It All- Mariah Carey This feels like an album Mariah has done before- or maybe a sort of composite of aspects of Mariah's greatest works and the skills that make her simultaneously the most underrated megastar artist of her time and one of pop music's few and rare architects. Mariah glides with effortless confidence and emotion on this album. She's sleek when she needs to be like on "Type Dangerous" and "Mi", playful and above it like on "Confetti and Champagne" and "In Your Feelings" and yet the vulnerable, soft side of Mariah, where her might penmanship and storytelling take center stage still makes room for an appearance and by the time you have finished the album, sent off with a foot stomping, heartwarming and almost bittersweet finale with the title track, you really sit back and feel a sense of familiarity. With some artists, that feeling comes with dissatisfaction and leaves a sense of lack of growth both musically and personally. For Mariah, this feels like a well-deserved and needed victory lap or a reminder for herself and the world that quality music doesnt need to break sonic barriers or reach new vocal heights or put themselves in weird places to make an impact. Just being who you are and being excellent at it will do more than just fine. Highlights: Mi, My Love, Sugar Sweet, I Wont Allow It, In Your Feelings 3. The Art of Loving- Olivia Dean From one black and white album to another. There are some albums that simply are perfect at their core. Smooth, easy, enchanting in their own way. This is what Olivia's album is to me. From the intro, a short coo of a title track all the way to the final track where the same themes of love and its hills and valleys are retraced in order to wrap up the album and keep it on them like an exquisite essay, Olivia never losses any of her cool and charm and elegance. She swoops without hitting notes, seethes but without the fire, mourns but doesn't crack or waver. She keeps it calm and collected as if she knows that letting her mind wallow too deep in the various shades of love and attempting to keep it alive is too much and that there are better ways, healthier ways, to express these feelings- at least for her. Its a skip less album that sees each track be a highlight. It is easily the most consistent album on my list this year and its one that will climb my all-time favorite ranking constantly. Highlights: All of them! Jk- Nice to Each Other, Man I Need, Baby Steps, Ive Seen It, Let Alone the One You Love

Gaga and Miley

Oh Gaga the monarch you are

Round 4! Songs I Discovered Time and Tears- Dolly Parton (1998) My Twitter mutuals are some of the most musically knowledgeable people I have ever known, and I have a wide variety of tastes and niches that I was being introduced to weekly with them. One mutual, who's taste runs from old school gospel to country mid tempos like this, put me onto this Dolly album and I decided to give it a shot as her previous country recommendation, Whirlwind by Lainey Wilson, was a success in my eyes. Dolly Parton does what she does best- put stories into song and she does it with a kick in her step and inspiration to the country of her youth with this number. If I Was Your Man- Joe (2007) I will be honest, I really thought this was from his breakthrough in 2000 as I didnt hear much of a difference in sound and style between the music and the parent albums are like 7 years apart. Slight shade aside, I really liked this song and it feels like had this been released in the 90s, it would have been bigger as Joe sounds pristine as ever. Wishing on a Star- Rose Royce (1977) Might be the oldest song on the list so far or ever (I'll come back to this) which surprised me greatly as I figured it was a decade younger than it actually was. I found it via it being used as a TikTok sound for comedic videos and thought wow this has to be a great soul number in its entirety- and I was right. With some tweaking this could be remade into a modern hit as it has a timeless feel to it. What's Your Fantasy- Ludacris ft. Shawnna (2000) So a few thoughts. One- this song was introduced to me by the same person who was stanning the Heart song I revealed in round 3. Take that as you will. Secondly, I have had an odd crush on Ludacris for like a decade now every since I saw him host the 2016 BBMAs with Ciara. I say weird cause music wise he is the kind of artist who I dont know whether to take too seriously and who would piss me off had I gone to middle and high school during his prime (but who I would secretly find so hot). Third... he is being hella freaky on here. I do not get how they let this be played on radio (which might explain the #21 peak) because the innuendos are not all that subtle. A smash hit nonetheless. Could It Be Magic- Donna Summer (1976) A mystical, ethereal, seductive 5 minute journey that could only be pulled off by disco and dance's matriarch, Ms. Summer. I dont have the words to really get into this song other than the fact that its a sensual bop that probably sounds nothing like the Barry Manilow version from a few years prior. As a matter of fact, it should never be considered a cover ever- this is Donna's full on. Its My House (12'' Mix)- Diana Ross (1979) The original song is already a timeless diva bop, one among many Diana has created, but the extended version here?? Whew. The groove digs deeper and longer and it always has me acting like Im in some strip club working a pole because you cant be anything BUT sexy when this song invites you in. Shoutout to the bass player and the percussionist here cause goodness me. Live Like Horses- Elton John (1997) I have made it clear that Elton John is an all-time fave and that his adult contemporary songs are where he is the strongest for me. I delved deeper into his music this year as I read his very good autobiography and one of the songs he shouted out as being one of his finest was this melodramatic ballad. While he and Bernie dont care much for the album itself, Elton says this was a highlight and I am inclined to agree. It sweeps, coos and booms when the time calls for it- a standard power ballad that Elton had by then had 30 years to perfect and did it well. The lyrics feel a bit off at times as if there is a context that I am missing out on and the background vocals on the last parts of the song don't feel as engaging to me for a song that is produced so bigly, but we cant it all, all the time now can we? Overall, a favorite from Elton in his expansive catalog. Shout out to the duet version with Pavarotti- that's a pretty good one too. /// Songs of the Year 20. WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!- Raye My favorite thing about Raye is that even if I don't like the song all that much, she always sounds so new and electric in comparison to what is trending in music. She has been that way she I first ever heard her music and two, three years later that hasn't changed. From the get go she is flying off the handle on this song and each line, phrase and scream is so damn relatable. Him already pissing her off before they even meet and tie the knot for the simple fact that he has kept her waiting so long is one of the realest things ever to me. I wonder- is the older lady on the track who says "Your husband is coming" actually her grandmother? 19. Sugar Sweet- Mariah Carey (w/ Kehlani and Shenseea) A chill, bouncy, catchy number that Mariah sounds at home at as if she has been making dancehall music all her life, I love the playful lyrics here. She acts very much her age- a woman half way through life with years of experience and memories to inform her how to take care of a man and make him hers and its always refreshing to hear artist not try to be something they arent and embrace their identities. Shenseea feels like she's holding back a bit (which is probably for the best) and while I don't care much for Kehlani's music, she sounds nice here. They complement Mariah well here. 18. Sports Car- Tate McRae I am mentioned many times how much I dislike the cursive singing that has been the rage since like 2016 and Tate has been by far the worst offender of this, or at least arguably the most prominent one. Yet in the last few years, I have been able to overlook that style she clings to so desperately because she has made some real BANGERS. This song right here is the best of her latest era (which is saying a lot as she has like four constant radio hits rn), with clunky, almost metallic beats and production that at times overrides her vocals which are already hard to decipher at times. It doesnt matter though, not in this case. "We can huh huh in it" is pretty much all I need to hear and the hit has done its job. 17. Soft Girl Era- Ari Lennox I know a lot of her fans and appreciators didnt care much for this song and felt like it went against a lot of the music Ari usually makes and that the whole embracing of a "soft girl" was taking steps back musically and conceptually. I personally dont see the negatives. One can be a independent woman with a strong no nonsense or sensible attitude while also embrace overtly feminine aesthetics and ideals as long as they arent toxic. Ari is wanting to be loved on, embraced, caressed and treated right on this track and it vibes for me all the way. Vacancy cannot come quick enough. 16. Midnight Sun- Zara Larsson An instant defining hit of 2025 hands down. Bright, fun, earworm-worthy, Zara really struck gold here and I hope it keeps growing as 2026 progresses. /// Albums of the Year Two men back to back! What a shocker. 6. Wishbone- Conan Gray I was pleasantly surprised and sorta sad when I saw that Conan was releasing a new album. I was becoming a big fan after obsessing over Found Heaven all throughout 2024 and I was even beginning to give his older music some grace despite it originally not being my cup of tea. Yet from the jump I knew that this quick turn around might have had something to do with FH not doing well- as a matter of fact it is easily his worst performing album on all fronts and while I am sure that Conan isnt expecting to be some major pop star out of the blue, I cant imagine the powers that be allowing him to continue down the musical path he was on. It is apparent on this album. It is far less eclectic piece of work and borrows heavy from acoustic pop and alternative pop-rock much like his earliest albums did which was partially why I did not care for them. Yet despite that sad theory of mine, I found myself really enjoying this album. Its strongest aspect is the lyrics. He has dug in deeper on this album, being explicit and direct more than he ever has and for the first time, he is being open in a relationship with a man instead of the vagueness of his previous love interests. Much like FH, Wishbone sees Conan grappling with a relationship that started off dreamy and ended in a twisted, depressing way. The visuals used too were especially great as it helps the storyline on the album feel even stronger and it made me connect even more with the words. Not only is the imagery (both of the lyrics and MVs) a step up, and his personal feelings outside of love given plenty of light on songs like "My World", but his vocals seem to be on a new high, a leftover from FH's sessions no doubt. An album I will return to often in the future for sure, but maybe not as much as its big sister. Highlights: Actor, My World, Vodka Cranberry, This Song 5. after the sun goes down- Khalid Normally, I get annoyed at albums with so many songs and pushing nearly an hour. I tend not to revisit those albums unless I have a few standouts picked out or I am in the mood and have the time to enjoy the music the way it should be listened to. Khalid's latest album is one of the few that largely subverts this standard for me. It is an easy, tasteful and comfortable album that is light enough to just be put on for vibes and relaxing while also engaging enough to where you can point out a highlight more often than not. Delving into his pop girl era, Khalid sounds freer, happier and more in tune with himself than he ever has in his career. The slick hip-hop influence fits perfectly with his voice and the dance production seems to lift him higher and give him a sort of energy than none of his R&B focused projects demanded of him. He isnt pulling Whitney or Beyonce vocals out of his bag here, but there is a level of connection to these songs that shows a real shift in Khalid. He is making the music he has wanted to make for ages and theres a beauty in that in each sweaty club banger, each mid-tempo two-stepper and even in the slower, more introspective tunes that he placed here. I am beyond excited to see where he goes next. Highlights: medicine, whenever you're gone, hurt people, please dont call (333), rendezvous, dumbstruck

This gaga sweep

Shakira dominating the old songs lists ok ok! Loveee Hips Dont Lie and Girl Like Me is actually the best BEP song ever idc Fate of Ophelia number one song i can respect that shout out to Gaga making it the top five artists and OMG SICK BOY WAS UR TOP SONG OF 2017!!!! I love that song and people just dont get it

I was so close to adding the Addison, Rochelle and Zara albums on my countdown but each had something missing for me. I think I'll give them their flowers in an honorable mention cause despite it all, they were noteworthy albums. You had her lower than I hoped but Im glad to see Miley on here. Something Beautiful is an impressive artistic piece of work but then again the ex-acts are always finding new ways to solidify their musical prowess. Her, Ariana and Demi had amazing releases. Glad to see Mariah here too! Love how much respect here for it all is getting ATRL showing its tastI was so close to adding the Addison, Rochelle and Zara albums on my countdown but each had something missing for me. I think I'll give them their flowers in an honorable mention cause despite it all, they were noteworthy albums. You had her lower than I hoped but Im glad to see Miley on here. Something Beautiful is an impressive artistic piece of work but then again the ex-acts are always finding new ways to solidify their musical prowess. Her, Ariana and Demi had amazing releases. Glad to see Mariah here too! Love how much respect here for it all is getting ATRL showing its taste. Second consecutive countdown where I see that Kelela album... a sign. Jae Stephens and Doja whew thats real taste. Jae is one of my newest discoveries and I loveeeee what she has