In no particular order AND likely not the same as if you asked me NOW

So, 2025 is done, dusted and indeed completed, here is a rather arbitrary list of TEN SONGS that I have enjoyed a fair amount over the last year. Not unlike the sneaky algorithms that prop up Spotify and Apple, this is not an entirely trustworthy list. I cannot hand on heart say any of these tracks is MY ABSOLUTE. Although Cliffords is certainly running it close but there has been a huge amount to mull over.

1 Sleep Token - Emergence. There's been a bit of a backlash on the ST front, mainly due to success and also due to the LORE, that can get in the way of simply enjoying what's on offer. It's complicated, confusing and exciting, and not at all like the rage baiting Guardian journo would have you believe.
2 Turnstile - Birds. I went off Turnstile when the world was their oyster. Being the cliche that I am, I enjoyed the band before this breakout year. The album is solid, and this track is my fave from it. The live shows look immense.
3 Rainbow Kitten Surprise - Dang. Been a huge RKS fan for a while, and I find this to be funky and fun.
4 Maisie Peters - Say My Name In Your Sleep. A late entry and a lot more POP than people would credit me with...but a good song is a good song, regardless of what, where, who, when etc.
5 Cliffords - Bittersweet. Just so, so very good. Soaring chorus. Amazing vocals and ALL the feels. 2026 could just be their year.
6 Wolf Alice - The Sofa. One of the best songs from one of the best albums from one of the best bands currently out there.
7 CMAT - Running / Planning. Much maligned talent. Such a whopper of a tune. Interview inbound.
8 RIO KOSTA - Ancients. Part Jungle, Part 70's funk. ALL excellent.
9 Ecca Vandal - Cruising To Self Soothe. Angsty. Naughty. Riffy. Wicked. A tour with Limp Bizkit will have dome them no harm at all.
10 Olivia Dean - Nice To Each Other. Yep, poppy and commercial. But so effortlessly brilliant, what's not to enjoy from one of the year's breakout stars.

*I hosted New Noise for a year. Near enough 16 NEW tracks a day means I cannot possibly judge fairly on THE best one(s).

And, moreover, these lists often become more about trying to say something about the selector rather than the songs. They can, and do, get very 'ooohhh, look at me' so I have been as honest as I can be. Even if Apple Replay tells me I listened to Blondie more than anything else.

Here's to 2026 and what it may bring :)