In Rewind 2025, No Manners Magazine celebrates 2025 looking back at some of the year’s biggest moments, from the people who shaped culture to the topics that drove conversations.
In this installment, Valentina Reni Doukeris goes On The Record to recap the global music hits that soundtracked the past 365 days.
on the
RECORD
50 SONGS
of 2025
Every month, No Manners goes On The Record to compile new music releases from around the world. Bringing the international music scene straight to your device, each list contains a combination of established and up-and-coming global artists.
To wrap up the year, our editorial team curated a list of the songs that defined 2025. These are the tracks that shaped the global music landscape, from social media to the charts, creating the soundtrack that carried us from January to December.
Below, find a tantalizing list that includes, in no particular order, catchy international pop, emotional melodies and plenty of girl group hits.
Bad Bunny – “DtMF”
Bad Bunny soared to new heights in 2025. From the January release of DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS to the announcement of his upcoming Super Bowl half-time performance, the Puerto Rican icon has found success beyond measure. His album’s namesake, “DtMF,” was a viral, nostalgic homage to family and loved ones that sparked mainstream discourse on the complex nature of cultural bereavement.
Demi Lovato – “Fast”
Just a few years after her pop-punk moment with Holy Fvck (2022),Demi Lovato has embraced the mainstream resurgence of house and electronic pop. “Fast” was the lead single off It’s Not That Deep. The catchy tune reflected Lovato’s personal journey, and re-platformed her among pop icons of the millennium.
Adéla – “SexOnTheBeat”
Though she debuted in 2024, Adéla stepped into a new creative era in 2025. “SexOnTheBeat” epitomises her artistry: unfiltered, provocative and complete with a taste of early 2000s inspiration.
Tate McRae – “Sports Car”
In 2025, Tate McRae cemented her spot as one of the decade’s main pop girls. With the hypnotising instrumental and unabashed sensuality of “Sports car,” McRae dominated global charts, live performances and (in tandem with other songs from So Close To What) social media.
Yamê – “Shoot”
Two years after his viral debut, Yamê continues to produce mesmerizing hits, shaped by his theatrical vocals and enticing music videos. “Shoot” is a dramatic track that builds throughout its runtime, allowing the French-born Cameroonian singer to shine amid sweeping instrumentals and electronic bursts.
Lil Tecca – “Owa Owa”
Released just in time for the summer, Lil Tecca’s “Owa Owa” was a short but impactful addition to the season’s soundtrack. The song combines a nostalgic snippet from The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star” with Lil Tecca’s easy delivery and clever lyricism.
KATSEYE – “Gnarly”
Traveling from one international metropolis to the next, global girl group KATSEYE was on a roll in 2025. The sextet’s successful year can be summarised in one word: “Gnarly.” Though short, this divisive earworm skyrocketed the multicultural and unapologetically Gen Z (read: authentic, vulnerable and endearingly chaotic) group to the main stage with its catchy chorus and addictive lyrics.
Lexie Liu – “Pop Girl”
Chinese singer Lexie Liu put a bubblegum, Y2K-infused spin on club classics with “Pop Girl.” This synth-heavy, uptempo song is deceptively bubbly. However, beneath its danceable surface, “Pop Girl” is an introspective song about the juxtaposition of success and the pressure that comes with stardom.
Ayra Starr & Rema – “Who’s Dat Girl”
Ayra Starr and Rema offered a masterclass in genre fusion with “Who’s Dat Girl.” The Nigerian power duo offers a stellar vocal performance over an instrumental that blends their signature Afrobeats with dancehall and Middle Eastern sounds. From its allegro tempo to its lyrics, “Who’s Dat Girl” feels designed to make you, the listener, feel like that girl.
Gus – “Octubre en NYC”
A decade after moving to the United States, Venezuelan singer Gus continues to channel his heritage and upbringing into his music. “Octubre en NYC” is a nostalgic Latin pop-infused ballad that evokes vivid images of love lost. Released in the lead-up to the singer’s newest album, “Octubre en NYC” does a fantastic job of priming listeners for the evolution of Gus’ artistry.
Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
Another successful case in the YouTuber-to-musician pipeline, Alex Warren took over radio stations and social media feeds in 2025. The singer’s endeavors in music were finally acknowledged on a major scale with the release of “Ordinary,” an anthemic ode to his wife. Warren didn’t slow down after the track skyrocketed in popularity, following up with collaborations with the likes of Jelly Roll and Rosé.
flowerovlove – “I’m your first”
The flowerovlovemodus operandi is unabashedly fun pop music that finds the intersection of relatable lyricism and danceable rhythm. “I’m your first” sees the self-proclaimed “mini skirt warrior” perform with confidence, comfortable in her artistry, talent and selfhood.
HUNTR/X – “Golden”
Two months after its Netflix release, K-pop Demon Hunters found unprecedented worldwide success. Beyond the viewership accolades, the animated film conquered international charts with a hooky soundtrack led by “Golden.” Performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami as the fictional K-pop group HUNTR/X, the song became recognizable by its impressive belting, classic pop sound and inspirational lyrics that resonated with much of the film’s younger audience.
Sabrina Carpenter – “Tears!”
Sabrina Carpenter wrote the next chapter of her pop storyline amid her Short n’ Sweet world tour. “Tears!,” released as part of Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend album, is the playful, appropriately NSFW single that captures the singer’s signature: vulnerable and/or all-too-real lyrics over a deceptively upbeat instrumental.
Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”
Olivia Dean used her warm vocals, an upbeat piano and light percussion to paint the image of an intimate jazz club in “Man I Need,” off her sophomore album, The Art of Loving. Without compromising her wants or needs, Dean’s no-frills delivery is a straightforward and mature profession of affection that departs from the more pessimistic takes on romance popular among her pop peers.
BINI – “First Luv”
Filipino girl group BINI took a romantic jaunt in “First Luv.” Detailing the rush that accompanies a first love—romantic, platonic or otherwise—”First Luv” is the relatable soundtrack for the quintessential human experience of falling in love. The song’s anti-drop chorus and soft harmonies make “First Luv” a soothing listening experience, while giving Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna and Sheena the space to showcase their distinctive vocal tonalities.
Amaarae – “Girlie-Pop!”
Ghanaian-American songstress Amaarae released her third studio album, Black Star, in August. Among the amalgam of danceable hits, the instantly catchy “Girlie-Pop!” stands out as a fantastical representation of infatuation. As Amaarae describes it, “Girlie-Pop!” is “a song that embodies the feeling of a kiss from your favourite person in the world.”
Tyla – “CHANEL”
For South African singer Tyla, each new viral hit is an opportunity to showcase her artistic growth. In “CHANEL,” Tyla rightfully demands princess treatment (“How you say you love me? / You ain’t put me in Chanel”) with a combination of breathy, lower-register and her signature alto-toned vocals.
TRINIX & Mari Froes – “Vaitimbora”
“Vaitimbora” is the trans-Atlantic collaboration we didn’t know we needed. French electronic duo TRINIX enlisted Brazilian vocalist Mari Froes to create a laid-back fusion that draws on the best of both countries’ sonic heritage. With its irresistible bass and synth notes, “Vaitimbora” is a seamless multicultural blend of artistic talent and music genres.
XIN LIU – “Passion”
Chinese multi-hyphenate XIN LIU put her golden touch on “Passion,” an energetic house track off her first English extended play. Thanks to its dynamic composition, “Passion” doubles as an apt opportunity for XIN LIU to showcase the magnetic dancing she is renowned for and expand her musical horizons.
MIN – “(từng là) Boyfriend, Girlfriend”
In 2025, Vietnamese singer-songwriter MIN released Dear Min, her first album in three years. The record unfolds as excerpts from a personal journal, epitomized by “(từng là) Boyfriend, Girlfriend.” This pop-house fusion escalates in the electronic choruses, while MIN balances moments of soft and powerful vocalizing.
Faouzia – “UNETHICAL”
Since parting ways with her label late last year, Faouzia’s music has become increasingly raw and unfiltered. In “UNETHICAL”— a vulnerable, poignant and poetic single that preceded the release of her album FILM NOIR—the Moroccan Canadian vocalist laments a toxic relationship, wielding her enchanting voice as a narrative tool.
yung kai & MINNIE – “blue”
yung kai’s mellow love song “blue” gained traction with a December 2024 release. However, the introduction of Thai K-pop star MINNIE’s sirenic vocals in 2025 breathed new life into the popular track. The pair shines on this song, writing a sentimental story with smooth harmonies.
Kali Uchis – “ILYSMIH”
Approximately a year into motherhood, Colombian American singer Kali Uchis released “ILYSMIH.” This moving, emotional dedication to her son recalls the dreamy soundscapes familiar within the singer’s discography. Yet, “ILYSMIH” is perhaps Kali Uchis’ most vulnerable release to date, featuring touching lyrics and an adorable snippet of her son’s voice.
Teddy Swims & GIVĒON “Are You Even Real”
Teddy Swims and GIVĒON have mastered the art of the melancholic, emotional masterpiece. On “Are You Even Real,” they combine their uncontestedly powerful vocals over a minimalistic instrumental that gives them full runway to flex their vocal prowess.
IV of Spades – “Aura”
Filipino rock band IV of Spades surprised their fans with a long-awaited reunion in the summer. “Aura” is mellow and unrushed in its storytelling, giving the quartet space to return to their artistry. Each member’s instrument, easily distinguishable, comes together in sonic synergy to tell a tale of unconditional love.
sombr – “back to friends”
While it was technically released on December 27, 2024, sombr’s ultra-viral “back to friends” was undeniably a 2025 hit. With more than one billion cumulative streams, the alt-pop track tells a relatable story of heartbreak and regret against a chorus of moving harmonies.
Doechii – “Nosebleeds”
When it comes to this year’s success stories, Doechii needs no introduction. After winning her first-ever Grammy award in February, the Floridian rapper dropped “Nosebleeds.” This victory anthem celebrated not only Doechii’s brand-new award but also her years-long fight to the top of the game.
JENNIE – “Like JENNIE”
It girl Jennie Kim, known mononymously as Jennie, released her first solo album in 2025. Packed with A-list collaborations, Ruby was an intimate peek into Jennie’s artistic vision. As expected from someone whose titles include “K-pop rapper,” the album featured a fierce, empowering cataclysm: “Like JENNIE,” an indomitable demonstration of self-confidence and poise.
Lady Gaga – “The Dead Dance”
If her return to haunting storytelling is anything to go by, Lady Gaga is fully immersed in her Mother Monster era. In “The Dead Dance”, Lady Gaga delivered an impressive vocal performance with cathartic lyricism. Included in the soundtrack for Wednesday’s second season, the song featured a highly choreographed dance and a spooky music video filmed in Mexico’s Island of Dolls.
Zara Larsson – “Midnight Sun”
Zara Larsson may have executed the best comeback of the 2020s. Turning an Arctic phenomenon of a midnight sun into a vibrant dance-pop album and eponymous single, Larsson took summer by storm. “Midnight Sun” is an ode to summer flings, long fun nights and, at its core, unique experiences.
CORTIS – “GO!”
Newly debuted K-pop boy group CORTIS had an explosive debut year with a series of memorable releases. Since day one, the group’s hip hop- and pop rock-infused catalogue, much of which includes credits for members Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon and Keonho, has drawn a loyal listener base. “GO!,” in particular, enamoured audiences with both its chorus and choreography, yielding numerous dance challenges and living in our minds rent-free for months on end.
PSYCHIC FEVER – “SWISH DAT”
PSYCHIC FEVER, a Japanese boy band formed from the supergroup Exile Tribe, released “SWISH DAT” for the J-drama series Kamen no Ninja Akakage. Inspired by intense hip-hop instrumentals and the show’s shinobi (Japanese ninja) theme, “SWISH DAT” is a bass-driven anthem. Members Tsurugi, Nakanishi Ryoga, Watanabe Ren, JIMMY, Kohatsu Kokoro, Handa Ryushin and WEESA are at ease over the fast-paced instrumental, executing precise choreography and a mix of smooth singing and rapid-fire rapping.
Stray Kids – “신선놀음 (DIVINE)”
When a Stray Kids song refers to anything even tangential to sanctity, it’s guaranteed to rise above all expectations. “신선놀음 (DIVINE)” is no different; this electronic-infused, hip-hop track plays like a modern cypher, with Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N., all stars on their own accord, smoothly trading soulful vocals for blunt rap verses.
Jombriel, Jøtta & DFZM – “Vitamina”
“Vitamina” is a best-in-class example of Latin rap excellence. Colombian rapper DFZM joined Ecuadorian rapper Jombriel and music producer Jøtta for an appropriately viral remix. Both growing names in the Latin American scene, Jombriel and Jøtta have formed a powerful creative partnership, steadily gaining in popularity for their catchy compositions and social media reach—and, consequently, bringing the Ecuadorian rap scene along for the ride.
J.I.D – “WRK”
Atlanta-born rapper J.I.D made his first solo release in three years with “WRK,” the lead single off his fourth album God Does Like Ugly. “WRK” is a bass-heavy track with J.I.D’s signature lyrical genius and rapid-fire flows. The song’s chorus, repeated almost like a mantra, feels tailored for booming live performances.
SB19 – “DAM”
Filipino darlings SB19 took a theatrical approach to the release of “DAM.” The highly cinematic music video leverages medieval themes to tell a story of persistence and desire. The song itself artfully blends elements of hip hop, folk, EDM and prog-rock for a sonic amalgam, where the SB19 members boast expansive and impressive vocal coverage, from lower-register rapping to soaring high notes.
Anson Lo – “Heartbreaker”
Since its March release, “Heartbreaker” by Hong Kong star Anson Lo has been on our regular listening rotation. Merging genres, the track is an effortless demonstration of the singer’s confidence and artistic versatility—Lo is undeniably comfortable in his vocal performance, easily swapping soulful singing with attitude-filled rap over a robust instrumental.
AiNA THE END – “On The Way”
Written as the official opening for web manga series Dandadan ダンダダン, AiNA THE END’s “On The Way” blends the energy of anime theme songs with alluring pop-rock instrumentals. Ever the genre explorer, AiNA THE END infuses “On The Way” with hip-hop and electronic elements tastefully sprinkled throughout and her signature emotionality—enhanced, of course, by her raw vocal ability.
DEXX – “CLANG CLANG”
T-pop boy group DEXX stepped into the music scene in the summer with “CLANG CLANG.” The six-member group takes complete advantage of the animated electronic instrumental to boast their vocal and dance chops. Introducing members Jamessu, Tutor, Yim, Por, AuAu, and TeeTee, the song’s anti-drop chorus and dance break leave plenty of space for the group to build excitement for future releases.
G-Dragon & Anderson .Paak – “TOO BAD”
G-Dragon is a titan of South Korean entertainment. Nearly two decades into his music career, the eminent multi-hyphenate continues to innovate upon his craft. “TOO BAD,” featuring Anderson .Paak, is exactly what you might expect from two industry veterans: every second is groovy, sticky and eclectic. The song is over before you know it, but the post-chorus will be in your head for days.
no na – “shoot”
Just in time to be added to late-night summer playlists, Indonesian quartet no na debuted “shoot,” in May. The song is a catchy pop track with tasteful notes of R&B, where singers Christy Gardena, Esther Geraldine Baila Fauri and Shazfa Adesya perform with tangible chemistry and impressive harmonies.
Saint Levant & Fares Sokar – “DO YOU LOVE ME?/ سنيورة”
Saint Levant refuses to fall under any simplistic label. The Palestinian singer joined forces with Egyptian Mahraganat artist Fares Sokar on “DO YOU LOVE ME? / سنيورة,” featured in the deluxe version of Love Letters / رسائل حب. One of Saint Levant’s latest international collaborations, “DO YOU LOVE ME?/ سنيورة” is an engaging venture into the Mahraganat genre, combining Arabic sounds with techno and EDM elements.
Maluma – “BRONCEADOR”
Maluma took listeners on a dreamy tropical vacation with “BRONCEADOR.” The Colombian singer played to his strengths, tapping into reggaeton and danceable percussion. With unabashedly lustful lyrics, Maluma evokes memories of summer lovers and carefree fun.
Isabela Merced & Tony Succar “Apocalipsis (versión salsa)”
Five years after “Apocalipsis,” Isabela Merced gave fans an encore performance. The newly released version of the song, “Apocalipsis (versión salsa),” is a riveting collaboration with fellow Peruvian-American performer and Grammy award-winning producer Tony Succar. This rendition blossoms with the addictive sounds of percussion, brass and woodwind instruments that are key to the salsa genre.
Diego & Victor Hugo – “Tubarões”
Brazilian duo Diego & Victor Hugo bare their hearts on “Tubarões,” a heartfelt anti-serenade about healing and moving past a former partner. The pair, known for their contributions to the sertanejo (Brazilian country music) genre, give a minimalist but impactful performance in the accompanying live music video.
Damiano David – “The First Time”
Måneskin frontman Damiano David made his solo debut with Funny Little Fears in May. David explores his artistry with comfort, delivering confident performances across the record’s genres. “The First Time” is a passionate serenade dedicated to a lover, with David’s unique timbre especially at home in the latter half.
Fujii Kaze – “Casket Girl”
Fujii Kaze took the next major step in his upward progression with the release of his first full-length English album in 2025. One of the leading tracks, “Casket Girl” is a proper taste of the Fujii Kaze sound. Despite its seemingly morbid title, “Casket Girl” is a groovy, syncopated number that pays homage to the music of decades past. The instrumental includes a variety of instruments, including the upbeat piano that accompanied Fujii Kaze’s rise to fame.
Travis Japan – “Welcome To Our Show Tonight”
In their latest release, J-pop act Travis Japan takes a trip down memory lane. “Welcome To Our Show Tonight” is a temporal exploration of bright jazz and theatrical choreography. The septet feels at home over the energetic rhythm, performing swinging belting with no noticeable difficulty. “Welcome To Our Show Tonight” is the perfect introduction to the group’s latest album, ‘s travelers, in which they leverage instrumentals from bygone eras.
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