Adam Paddock, akloh., Alessia Cara, Alix Page, Amanda Bergman, Anika, Aranda, Armlock, BABYMETAL & Poppy, Ben Fuller & Molly Kate Kestner, Billie Marten, Billy Woods, Blondshell, Bon Iver, Chandler Leighton, Chaparelle, Zella Day, & Jesse Woods, Chappell Roan, Chartreuse, Courting, DARKSIDE, Dijon, Doja Cat, Dove Ellis, Eleni Drake, Erika de Casier, Etta Marcus, Fabrizio Cammarata, First Day Back, Geese, Greg Freeman, HAIM, Hudson Freeman, JADE, Jadu Heart, Jane Remover, Joy Crookes, Justin Bieber, Karol G, Kiki Holli, Lady Gaga, Lecx Stacy, Léna Bartels, Lily Allen, Lip Critic, Madison Margot, MARINA, Matt Berninger, Medium Build, Messa, Mon Rovia, Mulasaki Ima, néomí, Nicotine Dolls, NLE The Great, Nova Twins, Of Monsters and Men, Olie Beckett, Olivia Dean, Panda Bear, Passing Thoughts, Penelope Road, Petey USA, PinkPantheress, Prewn, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Reneé Rapp, Renny Conti, Role Model, Royel Otis, Sabrina Carpenter, Samia, Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco, Shoka Sunflower, Snacktime, sombr, Sorry, Swervedriver, Sylvaner, Tame Impala, Tate McRae, Taylor Swift, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, The Favors, The Format, The Hails, The Happy Return, The Head and The Heart, The Heartstrings Project, The Knocks & Dragonette, The Orchestra (For Now), The SteelDrivers, THEKOIWAY, This Is Lorelei & MJ Lenderman, Tyler, The Creator, Vansire, Wednesday, Young Miko, Zain Effendi
From everyone here at Atwood Magazine, we wish you a joyful and healthy new year!
In 2025, music regained its significance. Not merely as fleeting hits or background noise, but as immersive experiences that you could truly step inside and embody—rich snapshots sculpted by genuine time, emotion, and intent. The songs that emerged this year resonated with us in various settings: during drives, on dance floors, or in peaceful solitude with headphones on late at night. Within a year that often felt fractured and overwhelming, tracks such as Olivia Dean’s “Nice to Each Other,” Dijon’s euphoric jolt “HIGHER!,” and Billie Marten’s soft, heart-expanding “Feeling” provided clarity, release, and connectivity—a means to experience something profound, even if just for a few moments at a time.
Across diverse genres and scenes, artists embraced songwriting with renewed zeal. Some conveyed joy and lightness, while others delved into tension, chaos, and confrontation. Major pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, and Lady Gaga shaped cultural discussions, while independent and alternative artists defined their own unique spaces—from the collective warmth of The Head and the Heart to the raw, introspective honesty of Medium Build and Petey USA. From Rosalía’s genre-defying experimentation to PinkPantheress’s internet-savvy closeness, Spiritbox’s cathartic weight, and Little Simz’s incisive lyrics, to The Format’s long-anticipated emotional resurgence, néomí’s gentle introspection, and Penelope Road’s funk-infused magnetism, these tracks illustrated a year of contrasts: comfort alongside unrest, clarity amidst confusion, and hope entwined with sorrow.
Equally striking was how individual songs emerged as anchors—tracks we revisited frequently, not because they forced themselves upon us, but because they earned a steadfast place in our hearts. These weren’t simply singles crafted for attention; they were songs that endured, deepening with each listen and subtly reshaping the emotional dialogues of the year. Whether through a piercing lyric, an irresistible hook, or an indescribable feeling, these songs managed to linger with us.
Atwood Magazine has always aimed to celebrate music across genres, communities, and personal experiences. This year, that meant recognizing songs that felt intentional—crafted with thought, passion, and something meaningful to convey. From massive pop anthems to profoundly personal indie releases, from artists fortifying their legacies to those emerging in real-time, these songs reminded us why a singular melody could bear immense significance.
As we wrap up the year, our team took a moment to reflect on the songs, albums, concerts, and artist discoveries that profoundly impacted our lives. Here are our favorite tracks—the songs that stayed in heavy rotation, shaped our listening experiences, defined our days, and captured the essence
Canadian artist GUV has released a new single titled 'Chasin' Luv'. The songwriter was formerly part of Fucked Up before embarking on a solo career to create a
The indie rock band Girl Scout from Stockholm contemplates themes of kinship, gratitude, and self-discovery in their energetic single "Same Kids." They explore the intersection of nostalgia, a do-it-yourself attitude, and emotional sincerity as they prepare for the release of their eagerly anticipated debut album, 'Brink.'
As 2025 draws to a close, Atwood Magazine honors the music that profoundly influenced our lives. Here are the top songs of the year!