Top 50 of 2025: #30-26: Bluegrass, K-Pop Twerking and the Good Witch:

We have made it to the 20s…not much longer until we hit the top 20 and then the top song of 2025! But, first thing’s first. We have a great block with some artists from big bands going solo, a return to form for a pop queen and a possible record for Coop’s new oldies. There is a lot going on in this block….so enough blab, let’s go!

30. Ariana Grande: Dandelion

Ariana will probably be coming up again on the OOPS! list due to me being so hyped for the Wicked for Good movie that I entirely forgot to check out the soundtrack. The Wicked movies have given Ariana a bit of a comeback and her new record. This mix between Harlem Renaissance jazz and a Miami night club showcases her incredible range and Grande’s ability to have epic and catchy hooks. The hook on this track is worth it in and of itself, but it is some fun pop to get your night going.

29. Alison Kraus and Union Station: Richmond on the James

Alison Kraus and Union Station has been putting out traditional fire bluegrass for decades, and their reunion record is a testament to their greatness. Kraus’ emotional vocal brings your soul into the battle at Richmond, while Union Station is some of the tightest bluegrass you will ever hear in your life. They feel like you’re catching them in the middle of a jam, but everyone is so connected that every instrument is perfectly placed. This is bluegrass at its best and a must listen for everyone.

28. Wet Leg: Catch These Fists

After their breakout hit Chaise Longue, Wet Leg needed a strong follow-up. On Catch These Fists the girls keep their punk edge and Brigitte Bardot nonchalant delivery, but with a heavier hook. A song about relationships, fighting and being sickened by gross men trying to pick you up at the club has more edge and less fun than their previous work. The wall of crunch guitar in the hook really elevates the track and shows you that they mean business.

27. Lisa ft. Megan Thee Stallion: Rapunzel

Before their latest tour, some members of BLACKPINK decided to use that time to put out a solo record. Lisa, the rapper in the group, decided to call up her hip hop friends and put out Alterego. This record was a statement of independence and is quite different from BLACKPINK and can be a bit hit and miss…fortunately for us, Rapunzel is a major hit. It’s always good to have Megan Thee Stallion on your track. The track itself is all about making your paper, how great you are and shaking your ass at the club…not super original…but Lisa and Stallion play well against each other and the track is undeniable fun.

26. Jennie: Like Jennie

The other major BLACKPINK solo release was from Jennie. This record has a bit more depth than Alterego, but is also a chance for Jennie to claim her independence. She decided to go totally against BLACKPINK with a hard edged EDM version of Sexy Back…she even quotes JT’s hook in the track. The track taps in a little into the obsession with celebrity and the obsession with her in particular. The harder edge of the track and more industrial beats work really well and have me keep coming back for more.

The next block is the last one before the top 20…after that I won’t give anymore teases in order to avoid spoilers…but not right now. So, the next block will give us something for the Little Monsters, a bunny and Jordan.