The Best Music Releases of 2025, So Far

Bad Bunny, SB19, number_i, Yuta, Kid Laroi, Anson Lo and everything we kept on repeat in the first half of 2025.

On the Record is where we bring you a monthly round-up of new releases from emerging and established artists around the world. As we pass this year’s midpoint, No Manners curated some of the best and most innovative releases, as well as our staff’s most-played songs of 2025 to date.

The list spans January to June of 2025 and represents music markets worldwide — as always, bringing the international music scene straight to your device.

WizTheMc & bees & honey – “Take My Mind”

WizTheMc worked with Berlin and London-based producer collective bees & honey on “Take My Mind,” a rhythmic sequel to the duo’s first collaboration, “Show Me Love.” The South African singer brings listeners on a journey through an evocative soundscape, painting images of disorienting love and heated summer.

Aya Nakamura & Joé Dwèt Filé – “Baddies”

French Malian singer Aya Nakamura welcomed the summer with the hot girl anthem “Baddies.” The song features French Haitian singer Joé Dwèt Filé, with whom Nakamura has an easy back-and-forth. With lyrics championing self-confidence and playful romance, Nakamura encourages listeners to embrace both their “baddie attitudes” and sentimental sides.

Bad Bunny – “DtMF”

Puerto Rican icon Bad Bunny speaks to the im/migrant experience on “DtMF,” an emotional tune that details the heartache of missing home. Tapping into the traditional plena genre, Bad Bunny pays homage to his heritage as he reminds listeners of the importance of cherishing the lived moment. The song’s success prompted emotional TikTok tributes to places, loved ones and even pets, with well over 720,000 videos posted using “DtMF” as the audio.

KATSEYE – “Gabriela”

After the explosive success of “GNARLY,” US-based global girl group KATSEYE pivoted in a comparatively simpler direction with “Gabriela.” The sextet thrives on this sultry guitar-driven track, showcasing their distinct vocal tones in succession. In the cinematic music video, which features Jessica Alba, members Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan and YoonChae replicate the tense drama of a telenovela.

Emilia, TINI & Nicki Nicole – “blackout 🧊”

Emilia, TINI and Nicki Nicole join forces on “blackout 🧊,” a tantalizing, empowering summer hit. The trio of Argentine stars brought their coldest attitudes to the track’s heated lyrics, maintaining an uptempo performance to the song’s subtly phonk-inspired instrumental.

Tate McRae – “Sports Car”

Rising pop star Tate McRae released her simultaneously sultry and emotional third studio album, So Close to What, in February. The third single, “Sports Car” — which draws inspiration from the Ying Yang Twins’ “Whisper Song” — is a sensual track that sees McRae embracing her sexuality over a hypnotic beat.

Addison Rae – “Fame is a Gun”

TikToker-turned-pop girl Addison Rae has been widely acknowledged throughout the rollout of her debut album, Addison. The nostalgic pop album features “Fame is a Gun,” a breathy single seemingly inspired by pop icons Madonna, Britney Spears, Charli xcx and Marina. In the song, Rae continues to prove her intent with creative lyricism and crisp production.

no na – “shoot”

Indonesian quarter no na debuted with “shoot” in May. Produced by 9am and The Stereotypes, the single walks the line between pop and R&B. It’s a song filled with dreamy synths, seamless falsettos and satisfying vocal runs. Equipped with strong stage presence and sharp choreography, no na is bringing Indo-pop to the global limelight as the Indonesian music market continues to grow.

Pinkpantheress – “Illegal”

Pinkpantheress adds another quintessential Y2K-inspired track to her discography with “Illegal,” a short and sweet song about an experience that, aptly, feels “illegal.” In Pinkpantheress’ fashion, the upbeat instrumental complements her breathy vocals, delivering a catchy and playful release. Similar to previous Pinkpantheress hits, “Illegal” ignited a highly viral video trend that swept social media.

Doechii – “Nosebleeds”

Hours after winning the Grammy for Best Rap Album in February, Doechii released “Nosebleeds,” an in-your-face track that celebrates her success with Alligator Bites Never Heal. Doechii lets loose, demonstrating unabashed confidence in her well-deserved victories.

Burna Boy & Travis Scott – “TaTaTa”

Burna Boy and Travis Scott fuse the Afrobeats and trap genres in “TaTaTa.” In this cross-cultural duet, the pair boasts their high-profile lifestyles and unrelenting desire for a female subject atop an energetic instrumental.

JID – “WRK”

On the bass-heavy “WRK,” JID brings his characteristic double-time flow to the forefront. “WRK” hooks listeners with a groovy melody, high-hats, clapping and chanted chorus. As the first single off JID’s upcoming album, God Does Like It Ugly, “WRK” lays the foundation for what is sure to be an impressive rap record.

SB19 – “DUNGKA!”

SB19 packed ample energy into their April release, “DUNGKA!” With a name crafted from the Filipino play on words for “get out of our way,” “DUNGKA!” is a rowdy song that shushes negativity against the group. The song’s playful music video offers an inside look at the Filipino culture that SB19 has consistently spotlighted throughout their global rise.

Anson Lo – “Heartbreaker”

Hong Kongese multihyphenate Anson Lo leaned into heated self-expression on “Heartbreaker.” In this angry, fast-paced tune, Lo switches from spoken rap packed with emotion to melodic vocalising. The song deviates from Lo’s usual dance-/pop songs and ballads, but reflects the singer’s versatility; even in a different style, Lo successfully (and gracefully) shows off his vocal ability.

Number_i – “GOD_i”

J-pop group Number_i — Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji and Yuta Kishi — released “GOD_i” at the start of 2025. Following the welcoming reception of their debut album, No.I, the trio experimented with an eerie, moving sound. “GOD_i” features an operatic choir and electronic dance break, delicately balancing raps and high notes.

Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”

In her long-awaited comeback to dance-pop music, Lady Gaga revisits her dark, maximalist roots. “Abracadabra” is a bouncy, catchy tune that sees Gaga perform high-energy refrains, trading hypnotic chanting for full belting with ease.

Reneé Rapp – “Leave Me Alone”

“Leave Me Alone,” Reneé Rapp’s return to pop-rock, highlights the contradictory emotions that accompany fame. The provocative track swaps Rapp’s signature vocally demanding melodies for bratty, spoken verses that allow her lyricism to shine.

Mishaal Tamer – “NASKAR”

Saudi Arabian and Ecuadorian singer-songwriter Mishaal Tamer infuses his music with elements of his bicultural heritage, not afraid to experiment with many genres. In “NASKAR,” Tamer plays in the pop-rock space, singing over an instrumental laden with electric guitar and drumming. Formerly released as part of Tamer’s 2024 album, HOME IS CHANGING, “NASKAR” was promoted as a single in February of this year.

YUTA – “TWISTED PARADISE”

Nearly a decade after his debut as a performer, YUTA made his Japanese music debut with “TWISTED PARADISE” in May. The singer shines on this rock ballad, saturating each line with authentic emotion as he reflects on his experience in the spotlight. Guided by a bright piano and guitar, YUTA shows off effortless belts and high notes to complement the musical theatre quality of this release.

Jeff Satur – “Tell Me The Name”

“Tell Me The Name” by Jeff Satur is a recent addition to our playlist, joining the year’s most buzzworthy tunes as a summer entry. In this angst-filled track, the Thai star chases after a subject who has wronged him. The minimalist instrumental gives the singer’s raw vocals the spotlight as he flexes his critically acclaimed vocal range.

Rosé – “Messy”

The F1 movie soundtrack is a strong contender for the top soundtrack of the year. Rosé’s “Messy,” the second single off the album, is a classic anthemic, passionate and hard-to-forget song. Rosé showcases cinematic vocals on this release, bringing genuine emotionality to her performance.

The Kid LAROI – “HOW DOES IT FEEL?”

The Kid LAROI channels male pop artists of the early 2000s — think of Justin Timberlake, AKON or the Backstreet Boys — on “HOW DOES IT FEEL?” The summer song offers a contagious hit of nostalgia, complete with a music video in the 4:3 aspect ratio.

Ariana Grande – “Past Life”

Ariana Grande’s “Past Life” was released in the deluxe edition of her album Eternal Sunshine. The slow-paced, introspective track features Grande’s reflections on a past relationship, presented in the form of emotional belting and layered harmonies.

Saint Levant – “DIVA”

“DIVA” tells the story of a conflicted Saint Levant, who struggles to balance his personal and public personas. The singer-songwriter continues to celebrate his Palestinian heritage, bringing to life his vision for the new wave of Middle Eastern music. Complete with sung melodies and husky rapping, “DIVA” embodies Saint Levant’s essence as an artist.

Teddy Swims, Coco Jones & GloRilla – “She Got It”

“She Got It” brings together unlikely collaborators Teddy Swims, Coco Jones and GloRilla. The song belongs to Swims’ sophomore record, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2), released in January. Bridging musical styles, Teddy Swims and Coco Jones exchange smooth R&B verses before GloRilla joins for a contrasting rap section.

GIVĒON – “TWENTIES”

R&B singer GIVĒON bares all in “TWENTIES,” the lead single off Beloved. In this melancholy song, GIVĒON reflects on a relationship that consumed his twenties — in his words, “I didn’t know I’d be wasting my time/spending my twenties on you.” As always, GIVĒON’s rich vocal tone breathes emotion into the lyrics, rendering his feelings tangible for the audience.

Luedji Luna, Seu Jorge & Arthur Verocai – “Apocalipse”

“Apocalipse” (apocalypse) by Brazilian singer-songwriter Luedji Luna is a sensual dream pop number with an unexpected crescendo in the final third. Seu Jorge lends his deep vocals to the song, bringing an infatuated male perspective to Luedji Luna’s romantic story. Composer Arthur Verocai brings the pair’s titular “apocalyptic” vision to life with moving, expressive strings.

Lope Dope – “Bể Cá”

Vietnamese band Lope Dope released the studio version of “Bể Cá” (meaning “fish tank” or “aquarium”) in February. This track, much akin to the Japanese citypop genre, features a jazzy ‘80s beat courtesy of guitarist Hoàng Minh Quang and bassist Đào Phương Anh. The subtle, upbeat keyboard and drums — played by Bùi Khoa Trung and Lâm Zô, respectively — guide the melody, making it impossible to resist grooving along with lead vocalist Nguyễn Hoàng Dương.

Ethan Low & brb. – “like i never”

Ethan Low tapped Singaporean boy group brb. for an international collaboration on “like i never.” In this R&B release, both artists exchange raspy lines about a lover with a troublesome, back-and-forth attitude. With its lilting rhythm, “like i never” elicits visions of cathartic late-night driving in the summertime.

Baekhyun – “Late Night Calls”

The soft ballad “Late Night Calls” is the last track on Baekhyun’s album Essence of Reverie. This all-English single feels like a letter of gratitude, enhanced with reassuring lyrics. Atop a simple instrumental, Baekhyun serenades listeners with soothing vocals and phrases such as “So I’m praying again/That nothing scares you at the moment you’re alone.”