The year that killed music (best and worst of 2025)

From big-ticket albums by Taylor and Gaga, to a revival of the stomp-clap revival – 2025 had it all, for better and for worse. Now that the year has come to a close, it's time to take a look back at the past twelve months: what happened in the zeitgeist, what we loved listening to, and what we missed here on the show. Reanna, Charlie, and Nate talk about it all, including a look back at our predictions from January to check off boxes for Switched On Pop bingo.

Songs discussed:

• Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia
• Alex Warren – Ordinary
• HUNTR/X – Golden
• Morgan Wallen – I'm The Problem
• Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga – Die With A Smile
• Bruno Mars – 24K Magic
• ROSÉ, Bruno Mars – APT.
• Olivia Dean – Man I Need
• Ravyn Lenae – Love Me Not
• Justin Bieber, Dijon – DEVOTION
• Bon Iver, Dijon, Flock of Dimes – Day One
• Dijon – Baby!
• Dijon – Yamaha
• CA7RIEL – SHIPEA2
• Paco Amoroso – Viuda Negra
• CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso – EL ÚNICO - Live at NPR MUSIC's Tiny Desk
• CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso – EL DÍA DEL AMIGO
• CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso – #TETAS
• Breaking Rust – Walk My Walk
• Jack Black – Steve's Lava Chicken
• Saja Boys – Soda Pop
• Snocaps – Coast
• Miley Cyrus – Something Beautiful
• Bad Bunny – DtMF
• MOLIY, Shenseea, Silent Addy, Skillibeng – Shake It To The Max (FLY) - Remix

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices