Top 50 of 2025: #20-16: An Alchemist, An Island and a Moon

We are here! The top 20! I have listened to these tracks countless times to make sure I have the right order…the order has changed a few times and this is a close top 20. There was a run away top 10, but 20-10 was very close and moved around after every listen. These are my top 20 of 2025.

20. Pulp: Spike Island

As soon as I heard this song I texted Coop, told him to listen to it and said that it was going to be in the top 20…and here we are. We haven’t heard from Pulp for over 20 years until they released More. They haven’t skipped a beat. The band is super tight with some modern flourishes updating a largely guitar driven Brit Pop core. Having said that, the star of this track is lead singer Jarvis Cocker. The urgency in his voice drives the track forward and really gets you swept up in the song. This is an amazing track that shows that Pulp still has it.

19. Brittany Howard: Pale, Pale Moon

When Brittany Howard, former guitarist and vocalist of the band Alabama Shakes, was tasked with writing a track for the movie Sinners she put together an Oscar worthy performance. This southern noir track expresses cultural pride, a drive for freedom, libration through music and a raw emotional experience. Her track not only realises director Ryan Coogler’s vision of freedom through music and creative expression, but is a full body and soul experience…this song is spiritual.

18. Lily Allen: Sleepwalking

I haven’t been much of a Lilly Allen guy and this is probably her first time on the top 50, but her new record West End Girl is an achievement. Now, the rumour is that the entire record is about her relationship with David Harbour. I won’t get into that, but will focus on the track. This light music box style pop track holds dark themes about emotional abuse, depression and what happens when a relationship turns toxic. The image of her blaming herself for a sexless marriage where sex is used as an emotional and psychologically abusive weapon against her, while coming to the realisation that it wasn’t her, but his responsibility the entire time is expertly executed. This is a deeply personal song that is also relatable for millions of people and puts a face to more subtle forms of abuse within relationships. A must listen.

17. Charlie XCX: Chains of Love

This one just snuck into the top 50 before the deadline. The lead track off her upcoming record Wuthering Heights, which will act as a companion to the new movie, is immediately engrossing. Even though this track is about the undying connection to true love, it is has a darker tone than her previous club tracks. The vocals have an effect that gives them a sharpness that cuts through you and the hook is so epic and soaring that you can’t even see the horizon. The track itself is a great play against true love in how it is both beautiful, but also a prison. I can’t wait for the movie and more music from Charlie XCX.

16. Erykah Badu and The Alchemist: Next to You

In probably the smoothest combination in hip hop, Erykah Badu and the Alchemist put out the most chill vibe track I’ve ever heard. His 70s style bass grooves, complete with vinyl clicks and pops, is an excellent background to Badu’s laid back hippie style organic delivery. You can almost feel her connecting with the ancestors. Badu has been on the top 50 last year with a guest track 3am with Rapsody. She is making a habit of doing spots on singles and propelling them into the top 20. I hope she keeps doing it forever.

No spoiler hints…you’ll just have to tune in….