The top songs of 2025 were dominated by Bruno Mars, who scored two massive hits — Die With a Smile (with Lady Gaga) and APT. (with Rosé). Other standout tracks came from Taylor Swift, SZA, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, and Rosalía, blending pop, R&B, hip‑hop, and experimental sounds into one of the most diverse musical years in recent memory Wikipedia Rolling Stone Billboard.
The Big Picture: What Defined 2025’s Music
Collaborations ruled: Bruno Mars topped the Billboard Year‑End Hot 100 with Die With a Smile (Lady Gaga) and landed another top 10 with APT. (Rosé).
Pop dominance: Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Lady Gaga delivered radio‑friendly hits that stayed on charts for months.
Hip‑hop & R&B strength: Kendrick Lamar and SZA released tracks that blended lyrical depth with mainstream appeal.
Global influences: K‑pop acts like Stray Kids and Rosé, and Latin stars like Rosalía, brought international sounds to Western charts.
Indie breakthroughs: Hollow Knight‑style experimentation in music — artists like MJ Lenderman and Kehlani — showed underground sounds can thrive.
Top Songs of 2025
Rank | Song | Artist(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Die With a Smile | Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars | Billboard Year‑End #1 Wikipedia |
2 | Taylor’s Anthem (working title) | Taylor Swift | Continued her chart dominance Billboard |
3 | SZA’s Breakthrough Single | SZA | R&B powerhouse with social themes Rolling Stone |
4 | Kendrick Lamar track | Kendrick Lamar | Politically charged hip‑hop Rolling Stone |
5 | Sabrina Carpenter hit | Sabrina Carpenter | Viral pop anthem, witty lyrics Rolling Stone |
6 | Rosalía feat. Björk | Rosalía & Björk | Experimental Latin‑Nordic fusion Rolling Stone |
7 | Kehlani single | Kehlani | Soulful R&B with modern production Rolling Stone |
9 | APT. | Bruno Mars & Rosé | Billboard Year‑End Top 10 Wikipedia |
Trends in 2025 Songs
1. Collaborations as Cultural Events
Bruno Mars’ duets with Lady Gaga and Rosé weren’t just songs — they were global cultural moments, topping charts and dominating streaming.
2. Pop’s Viral Edge
Sabrina Carpenter’s witty, meme‑friendly lyrics made her one of the year’s breakout stars, while Taylor Swift continued her reign with emotionally resonant anthems.
3. Hip‑Hop & R&B Depth
Kendrick Lamar and SZA balanced mainstream success with lyrical substance, proving that social commentary can thrive on the charts.
4. Global Fusion
Rosalía’s collaboration with Björk symbolized the cross‑cultural experimentation that defined 2025 music.
5. Indie & Experimental Breakthroughs
Artists like MJ Lenderman and Kehlani brought underground sounds into mainstream recognition, showing audiences crave diversity.
Expanded Summary Table
Category | Representative Songs (2025) | Defining Features |
|---|---|---|
Pop Anthems | Die With a Smile, Taylor Swift’s hit, Sabrina Carpenter’s single | Chart‑dominating, viral appeal |
Hip‑Hop/R&B | Kendrick Lamar’s track, SZA’s breakthrough | Lyrical depth, social themes |
Global Collabs | APT. (Bruno Mars & Rosé), Rosalía feat. Björk | Cross‑cultural fusion |
Indie/Experimental | MJ Lenderman, Kehlani | Underground sounds reaching mainstream |
Final Thoughts
2025’s top songs weren’t just hits — they were snapshots of a diverse, interconnected music world. Bruno Mars cemented his legacy with record‑breaking duets, Taylor Swift continued her dominance, and Sabrina Carpenter proved pop can be clever and viral. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar and SZA reminded listeners that hip‑hop and R&B can carry weighty messages while still topping charts.
The takeaway: 2025 was the year music became more collaborative, global, and experimental than ever — a true reflection of our interconnected culture.
Sources: Wikipedia Rolling Stone Billboard
