"Oooooh, this feels illegal."
Our year, wrapped.
Amongst our appreciation for full-length statements, there will always be those singular songs which have just as much of a moment to us as the album itself. Picking the standout tracks of the year involves choosing from a minefield of music, as 2025 offered us a hardcore revival, infectious viral trends, buzzed-about indie rock, pop anthems for summer, solo debuts, legendary comebacks and much more.
We pass the aux to our Rough Trade staffers to find out what stood out above the noise in 2025, amassing a bumper list of some 60 songs representing an eclectic range of genres, scenes, stories and sleeper hits. Dig in for some unmissable tracks.
Unlike the annual Spotify Wrapped, Apple Replay or similar streamer roundups, our Songs of the Year come with no stats or charts. Instead, explore a staff-picked list built solely on pure adoration of the tracks that truly hit, stuck, and never let go - in no particular order.
Thief
A fearless exercise in autonomy, it’s a sleek, swaggering reminder of Simz’ unmatched musical instinct. Thief is effortlessly cool, technically tight and entirely her own.
Emily, Rough Trade Office
BIRDS
Turnstile
"Finally I can see it, these birds not meant to fly alone" feels like the new "I want to thank you for letting me see myself... for letting me be myself". The band continue to create anthemic, community moments with this standout track, which has seen every single soul bouncing to BIRDS live.
Hope, Rough Trade Liverpool
Pick Up That Knife
This song is insanely addictive. As a weird Southern girl, Karly makes me feel seen.
Jess, Rough Trade NYC
'06 Wayne Rooney
Jim Legxacy
"Kids today will never understand how great Rooney actually was." Except Jim Legxacy. Whilst no explicit reference to Wayne Rooney throughout these lyrics, this track is the perfect example of Jim's power in evoking an era, producing nostalgia, and reflecting on real life shit – something which runs across the whole concept of black british music, Jim's latest mixtape on XL Recordings. This emo-leaning pop number was a sleeper hit for me, amongst a mixtape full of no-skips brilliance, but following the release of the FIFA 06 themed accompanying music video (directed by Lauzza), the song received a co-sign from no less than Wayne Rooney himself, no less, reintroducing the track to everyone's radar and straight on to my on repeat playlist.
Georgia, Rough Trade Office
Illegal
PinkPantheress
"my name is Pink and I'm really glad to meet you." (Vigorously shake 'hands' with someone and switch camera pov*) If you were as chronically online this summer, you 100% saw this trend, and even if you weren't, you probably saw it in real life and felt very confused. Trend aside, Pink did deliver one of her catchiest new shiny dnb pop bangers with this one. Check out Nia Archive's remix for extra jungle thunder (I actually maybe prefer this one?) "Oooooh, this feels illegal!'"
Georgia, Rough Trade Office
WTF
Blawan
A tough call between this one and Style Teef for me, the more electro-leaning tracks within Blawan’s otherworldly repertoire on SickElixir. A stomping alien language swathed by industrial textures, still infectiously rhythmic and funky - unmistakably Blawan.
Georgia, Rough Trade Office
F.I.C.O
Clipse ft. Stove God Cooks
It was probably an inevitable link-up, Syracuse's finest, Stove God Cooks teams up with Virginia's favourite brothers for F.I.C.O., an extremely catchy cook from Cooks which fans of his previous collaborations with Westside Gunn and Roc Marciano should be used to by now, paired with the hard-hitting ice cold verses from Pusha T and Malice.
Kieran, Rough Trade East
Alive
This song feels like it was made for me. It's fuzzy, low-lit shoegaze vibe gives me that hit of 90s peak-era Ride in the best possible way, delivering all the swirling grit and glow I could ask for.
Nina, Rough Trade Berlin Office
WE WERE JUST HERE
I was expecting them to carry on exploring the dark textures from 2022's Heart Under, so to see them go the other way and make a record brimming with... optimism?... is really inspiring. Also, shout out to David Wrench, the whole album is mixed so well!
Matt, Denmark Street
If Only I Could Wait
Dude's moved out of the cabin. Dude's eight miles high. Dude's gangster trippin.
Jamie, Rough Trade Office
Mum Does the Washing
Joshua Idehen
An electrifying burst of joy. The world will always need people like Joshua.
Bruce, Rough Trade East
I Believe In Love
You will feel instantly better after listening to this.
Mercy, Rough Trade Denmark Street
Love Takes Miles
Love Takes Miles is like if Something/Anything? era Todd Rundgren made music for the Peanuts to dance to - it's sweet, insightful, and makes me cry every time. Listen to this song with someone you love.
Alexandra, Rough Trade NYC
600 School
Raekwon
Absolute banger. The chef is back.
Chris, Rough Trade West
Headphones On
Addison Rae
We always need a pop girlie guilty pleasure song of the summer, and this was the one for me in 2025. Stick this on when you want to romanticise your life. Shout out when Addison Rae visited us at Rough Trade East too!
Georgia, Rough Trade Office
Nineteen Sixty Five
The collaboration between Vegyn and AI-voiced lyrics of the enigmatic Francis Honsby Clark yields a distinctive, trip-hop-influenced sound. The lyrics and AI delivery give a perfect dissonance for modern life.
Lawrence, Rough Trade Office
lowlight:slowlight
lowlight:slowlight shimmers with lush textures and a euphoric lift. It's a dream-pop reverie that blooms in slow motion. Selected for our Rough Trade On The Rise curation, lavender confirmed their rising star status with a mesmerising, close-knit set at our Denmark Street store. One to watch.
Emily, Rough Trade Office
The Subway
First heard live on her 2024 tour, Chappell has delivered one of her most heart-wrenching tunes yet. On The Subway, she paints such a devastatingly clear picture of lost love that you'll find yourself looking for the green-haired girl wherever you go.
Celeste, Rough Trade West
The Subway RSD Black Friday Exclusive 7"
Long Island City Here I Come
Geese
A closing track that will stop you in your tracks and absolutely grab your attention.
Eric, Rough Trade NYC
Berghain
Unlike anything else I have heard this year. Watching the music video and hearing the full song for the first time left me quite literally stunned. What a collab too!
Marieke, Rough Trade East
Pussy Palace
This is Lily Allen at her sharpest. The aptly titled Pussy Palace is deeply personal, darkly comedic and devastating in equal measure, turning heartbreak into pop gold. Endlessly playable and unapologetically bold, it just might be the revenge record of the decade?
Emily, Rough Trade Office
2 lungs
Saiming, styllunkown
what's the alternative? dropped in April this year, and this song is one I keep coming back to. Saiming's pen just gets sharper as time goes on, 2 lungs is the track of the year, easy.
Zak, Rough Trade East
The Sofa
I spent a lot of time this summer listening to this Wolf Alice track, belting out the line "feels a little bit like I'm stuck in Seven Sisters, North London." Out loud and in my head. (The reference was appreciated as a fellow North Londoner). The Clearing is a beautifully passionate album from start to finish.
Georgia, Rough Trade Office
Salesman
Slacker rock is having a real moment right now and Greg Freeman is right there in the mix. Sounded just as good whilst hiding from the pissing rain at End of the Road this year.
Alice, Rough Trade Liverpool
The Darkest Side
First album in 11 years, moving forward without losing track of their past!
Wesley, Rough Trade NYC
Take A Sexy Picture of Me
It's everything you could want in a congregational banger - glittery, catchy, country-pop, a dance routine and deadpan hilarity narrating tender vulnerability. All the POWER to her for putting this out. It's brave and it absolutely slaps. She deserves all the adoration that continues to roll in.
Em, Rough Trade Office
New Threats From The Soul
Ryan Davis
I love how sometimes an album just comes right out of nowhere and knocks you out. If you miss Silver Jews (and don't we all), then check this album out.
Nigel, Rough Trade Office
Napoleon
The Bobby Lees
They're back, bold as brass, kickin' ass, the teasing return of my most anticipated album of 2026.
Stephen, Rough Trade NYC
The Best Is Over
Massa Nera
Just when you think the world is collapsing around you, Massa Nera throw the perfect heavvvvy post hardcore/emo curveball and let you catch your breath. Scratchy guitars take over from the relentless tide of drums, all angular and totes emosh, before the walls come crumbling down again and it descends into full aural excellence.
Adrian, Rough Trade Bristol
Moon Body Eyes
AFAR
Play this loud. Berlin duo AFAR’s brooding soundscapes and haunting vocals wrap around you instantly, sending a shiver down your spine.
Curt, Rough Trade Berlin Office
WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!
Raye
I love Raye's voice, and this track is so upbeat and one to get you off your seat!
Alison, Rough Trade Office
Spike Island
Pulp
First new material in 12 years and they release this banger?! A song that easily could have been on Different Class! Who hasn't wrestled with a coat hanger? "And by the way, Spike Island come alive".
Rich, Rough Trade Office
Sunshine2
Sunshine2 has been on repeat for me since the wonderful Konner Whitney AKA Whitney K released Bubble back in September - a beautifully catchy, satirical masterpiece and a top 5 album release for me this year. If you haven't heard it yet, go for a walk, chuck it on loud and go through the motions.
Jamie, Rough Trade East
Brain
My favourite song from one of the best albums of the year. So atmospheric, and I love the fuzzy guitar weaving throughout.
Jack, Denmark Street
Spring
A late discovery this year, but an unforgettable one. Haunting vocals and gorgeous harmonies for when you're feeling a little melancholic.
Robyn, Rough Trade Liverpool
Pay The Rent
Snapped Ankles
A surreal, infectious banger designed to help navigate truly difficult times. Long live the ankles!
Luc, Rough Trade Denmark Street
SHOP MUSIC
BIG SPECIAL
Class to listen in the shop. No better soundtrack for it.
David, Rough Trade Berlin
Same Kind Of Lonely
It's been a minute since we heard Benjamin, but he came back with a gritty and potent number to make you feel all kinds of ways
Adam, Rough Trade East
Skins
The Orchestra (For Now)
Elements of classic prog meet Isaac Wood-era BCNR, a really tight band with a bright future ahead.
Ethan, Rough Trade Bristol
Headstones
A darkly playful goth-rock track that explodes in a gloriously singable chorus. It’s the kind of hook that makes you want to belt it out, even in the middle of a spooky night.
Sam, Rough Trade Office
Los Angeles
Big Thief
Bristol, we're so back. Big Thief continue to write about love in a way that feels both untouchable and familiar, and just as heartbreaking as their earlier work. We love you Adrianne Lenker.
Josie and Connor, Rough Trade Bristol
To The Sandals
Dove Ellis
With vocals like Jeff Buckley and Thom Yorke's lovechild, this track WILL sweep you off your feet. Currently on tour with Geese, so take it as a recommendation from Cameron Winter himself.
Caitlin, Rough Trade Warehouse
Room Of Fools
FKA Twigs
I have been waiting for Twigs to make dance music for a really long time. When EUSEXUA came out, this track became an instant favourite. The thumping techno beat and the lyrical imagery perfectly encapsulate the feeling of finding belonging within a subculture and losing yourself in the club. Transcendent.
Karman, Rough Trade Liverpool
Boars
Haley Heynderickx & Max Garcia Conover
Haley Heynderickx and Max Garcia Conover are back following their 2018 collaboration Among Horses. Folk infused cosied by warm guitars and thematically charged lyrics, with a driving rhythm to bring forward the new year. This song marks a late addition to the year's album releases, but absolutely not one to be missed!
Kerenza, Rough Trade East
Parachute
Hayley Williams
Back again with a Hayley Williams review. The first time I listened to this song I was on the Merseyrail, and it made me cry. I wasn't even embarrassed, it is such a beautiful song with a deep personal sentiment that can be applied to so many situations, Hayley Williams is the G.O.A.T.
Emily, Rough Trade Liverpool
Gas Station Sushi
Alchemist, Freddie Gibbs
Gas Station Sushi, is from the album Alfredo 2 The Alchemist and Freddie Gibbs the hotly anticipated sequel to their 2020 collab album. A legend of a producer working with such an incredible rapper in many projects and coming along to recall their sequel for Alfredo 2 especially with Gas Station Sushi being a song that stood out most to be on the album. Shout out Alc and Freddie.
Laurie, Rough Trade East
Dirty Ought Trill
Dirty Ought Trill is about a friend of Tyler's called Dylan, a dog trainer and his dog. There are many characters on Snipe Hunter, but this is one of the best, need I say more? Written in Appalachian style with a roundelay element towards the end, it is perfect.
Locks, Rough Trade East
Bounce House
Gelli Haha
This bouncy Kate Bush meets LCD Soundsystem weird pop anthem made me feel buoyant and blissed out all Summer. In fact, I fell so hard I nearly bought a trampoline.
George, Rough Trade New York
Playing Classics
Water From Your Eyes
Club vibes and country guitar vibes got me strutting everywhere I walk, even if I don't want to go.
Amelie, Rough Trade East
Standing On Air
Safe Mind
The best song from the most underrated pop album of the year, Cooper B. Handy and Augustus Miller (Boy Harsher) have crafted a song so full of 80s synth-pop-soul groove and 90s RnB flavour, with a sprinkle of weirdo-whimsy that I challenge anyone to listen to this song and not move their hips, two-step or jump so high you may start feeling as if you're REALLY standing on air. Big end of the club night in summer vibes.
Noah, Bristol
Misery Loves Company
Carter Faith
This song off Carter Faith's spectacular debut album is one I keep going back to. It's ambitiously poignant for a major label country debut, telling a story of two people who love each other while battling intense depression and being afraid to leave said relationship. The production in conjunction with Carter Faith's voice truly soars, and I feel confident that in the next few years, we will be seeing Faith's name a lot more.
Lucie, Rough Trade NYC
Issy
Zack Villere, Mulherin, Phoenix James
A breath of fresh air vocally and sonically, like the first sunny day of snow.
Sage, Rough Trade NYC
Downup
Cardiacs
Cardiacs, one of Britain's most fiercely original, Marmite-y rock bands, were silenced in 2008 when leader Tim Smith became unable to sing or play. After Smith died in 2020, bandmates and guests united to finish the album he had been working on. LSD stands as both a fresh dispatch from Smith and a tribute to him. It's hard to pick one song, but Downup tickles my brain in that classic Cardiacs way!
Huw, UK Warehouse
Look to Windward
Sleep Token
The opening track is an incredible introduction that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the album. Spanning eight minutes, it moves effortlessly between soft, melodic passages and powerful, heavy breakdowns, creating a dynamic journey that never feels stagnant. It’s deeply moving and blends a wide array of genres -from R&B to metal - into a sound that feels both fresh and unmistakably Sleep Token. The song encapsulates everything the band are known for while elevating it to an entirely new level.
Elisa, Rough Trade Office
Purple Born
Index For Working Musik
A haunting song that takes expansive and intricate turns. I love the changes in rhythm, the whispered vocals, mysterious lyrics, the velvety guitar and dissonant violin.
Heloise, Rough Trade Office
Arrow
Lily Seabird
Lily Seabird's second full-length release fuzzes beautifully and burns slowly, but Arrow is a real highlight - snarling with innocence, threatening to collapse at any moment.
Stan, Rough Trade East
I'm So Serious
Daryl Johns
Jazzy lofi feel-good pop nostalgia (and technically released in 2024). This guy has got chops. It's hard to pick a single song from Mac DeMarco's bass player: Daryl Johns' self-titled album, but I'm So Serious assembles Johns' virtuosity and melodic skills into an irresistible pop-rock singalong.
Jacob, Rough Trade Concession (Selfridges)
Allbarone
Baxter Dury
Prime Baxter stepping into the disco and treating us to a belter. Lyrically as witty and punchy as ever, whilst exploring an electronic direction ,which performed live is a lot of fun.
Jordan, UK Warehouse
Crow's Ash Tree
Mess Esque
Subtle, haunting and gracefully refined. Mess Esque’s delicate sound flourishes in the space between sweet melancholy and quiet devastation.
Nikko, Rough Trade West
Dear Icarus
Margot Texas
Wistful vocals and blown-out folky guitar melodies flow through the debut album from Brooklyn-based artist Emma Jackson's debut album. This standout showcases her poetic vocals and masterful world-building building transporting you to a space of comfort and longing.
Annabelle, Rough Trade NYC
Catch These Fists
Wet Leg
"I don’t want your love, I just want to fight." Catch These Fists comes out swinging with electric pacing, razor wit, and a punchy confidence that marks the band’s explosive return. Unmistakably Wet Leg and all the more refined for the wait, plus a bucket load of big fun energy.
Emily, Rough Trade Office
Man I Need
Olivia Dean
An absolutely inescapable song of 2025. Every Instagram reel, coffee shop, hum out of a person's mouth, leads back to Olivia Dean's Man I Need. There's no denying there is something insanely infectious about it - a melody with a perfect hook which those in pursuit of the perfect pop song could only dream of. It's been a seismic year for the Grammy Award, Mercury Prize and Brit Awards nominated artist and this songs certainly been at the forefront of it.
READ: Rough Trade Albums of the Year 2025