I do know that most individuals come to this weblog searching for Ok-pop, however I’ve made it my mission to additionally highlight world pop music every month. These “world pop round-ups” culminate at this time with my prime 50 tracks of the yr. It’s been an excellent yr for pop music, making this record onerous to cobble collectively (and leading to a really lengthy “honorable mentions” record). A part of that is by design. Not like my Ok-pop and J-pop lists, any music launched or promoted in 2025 is eligible right here. A music doesn’t must be a single or have a music video to point out up on this record, however I do restrict myself to a most of three songs from every artist as a result of in any other case we run the danger of somebody completely dominating with a bunch of nice album tracks.
Take pleasure in, and I hope you uncover one thing new that appeals to you! Warning: my style closely favors pop music with a capital “P”!
SONGS 50-31
SONGS 30-11
SONGS 10-1
2025 YEAR-END MASTERPOST
30. Benjamin – Lokki
Benjamin does what Benjamin does finest but once more with this synthpop slammer. It has shades of Hoida Mut, which is the largest praise I may give.
29. Dove Cameron – Too A lot
This arch electropop spotlight re-established Dove Cameron in a brand new means and immediately transformed me right into a fan.
28. Jade – This Is What We Dance For
Jade launched so many nice songs this yr, however this propulsive dance observe received my coronary heart probably the most. It jogs my memory of Xenomania’s work with Ladies Aloud.
27. Andy Bell – Dance For Mercy
The Erasure frontman has been releasing music for forty years now. His new collaboration with producer/DJ Dave Audé proves he’s nonetheless acquired loads of hooks left.
26. Zara Larsson – Crush
Everybody else was dancing beneath the Midnight Solar this yr, however I used to be within the subsequent room over having fun with this good pop/EDM banger.
25. Metteson – Starvation
This feels like a synth-soaked, sweaty bacchanal. I’m unsure if that is sensible, however I can consider no higher strategy to describe it.
24. Maris – Mary + I
We’ve seen many artists enjoying round on this post-Chappell Roan type of pop, however none discovered a greater refrain than Maris.
23. Gustaph – The Feeling
Extremely euphoric electropop from this Belgian star. It has such a robust pulse and a sweep-you-off-your-feet refrain.
22. Vincint – I Forgot
Vincint’s music is impossibly cathartic and this music isn’t any completely different, unfurling a mammoth singalong refrain supported by equally big manufacturing.
21. Doja Cat – Jealous Kind
Unjustly ignored by American listeners, Jealous Kind reinvented Doja Cat as a late-80s R&B celebrity.
20. Tom Aspaul – That Lady
A bittersweet mix of completely calibrated 80s comfortable rock that culminates in an extremely positioned guitar solo.
19. Maria Jane Smith – I Hate San Francisco
That is about as shut as I get to nation music nowadays, carried by a killer set of melodies and cathartic power.
18. Frankmusik x Shirobon – Imposter Syndrome
Sharp and angular and stuffed to the brim with digital goodies. It will get your blood going.
17. Sigrid – Fort Knox
Not even a talk-heavy refrain can thwart the implausible power and anthemic energy driving this spotlight.
16. Sleigh Bells – This Summer season
I like when songs are capable of distinction darkish lyricism with peppy, upbeat music. This one blends influences from so many alternative locations to create a posh — but breezily easy — assertion.
15. Chrissy Chlapecka – Aria
Aria concludes with three mighty key adjustments in a row, upping the stakes for its madcap, over-the-top depth.
14. Barbara Bobak – Stan Na Dan
Did you ever need a Serbian model of Infinite’s The Chaser? In all probability not, however Stan Na Dan bottles that very same power and brings it to the Jap European dancefloor.
13. Rebecca Black – Twist The Knife
Excellent, Gaga-esque pop from an artist who began her profession as a laughingstock. What am superb turnaround!
12. Comanavago – Say Much less
This was the one observe promoted from this group in 2025. In any other case, they’d have been everywhere in the countdown. It’s recession pop brilliance.
11. Annalisa – lo sono
Completely beautiful pop music from the Italian phenom. The refrain has such addictive energy and I like the beefy 80s instrumental.
