NME announces list of best songs of 2025, K-Pop Demon Hunters surprisingly makes the top

British music magazine NME has just announced the list of '50 best songs of 2025', bringing together many songs from pop, indie, electronic, Latin to hyper-pop.

NME's annual list, published on December 2, has become one of the most important measures in the international music industry - Photo: NME

This year, the chart shows a strong shift in the market: more diverse voices, more edgy and highlighting new musical personalities, crossing the line between mainstream and indie. PinkPantheress topped the chart with Illegal , while girl group KATSEYE surprised everyone by entering the Top 5, K-pop Demon Hunters with Golden entered the Top 50 at #46.

Featured songs on the list

According to the official list, the number 1 spot belongs to PinkPantheress's "Illegal" , a minimalist pop song with light electronic elements. NME rated "Illegal" as impressive for its dark, emotional atmosphere but still maintaining the artist's signature sophistication.

Coming in at number two is Geese's Taxes , which represents the new generation of indie rock. The song's powerful structure, compressed rhythms, and gritty vocals make Geese one of the bands to watch this year.

PinkPantheress - Illegal (Official Video )

At number 3, CMAT brings Take A Sexy Picture Of Me, a pop-country track that is highly appreciated for its sharp vocals and interesting storytelling - Photo: Rolling Stone

Amaarae with SMO ranked 4th, the afro-fusion song stands out with flexible rhythms and delicate sound processing - Photo: Pitchfork

Most notable in the top 5 is KATSEYE's Gnarly . NME describes the track as a bold transformation for the group, as KATSEYE ditch their soft-spoken style for a hyper-pop mix with dance-funk. Gnarly features a modern structure, layered vocal effects and a strong rhythm, helping the group make their mark in the increasingly international K-pop scene.

The list also features several notable artists: Rosalía with Reliquia at #7, with an experimental flamenco sound - a style that blends classical flamenco with electronics and experimental music, creating a nuanced contemporary sound.

Addison Rae peaked at #8 with Headphones On , an energetic pop-dance track; Pulp returned with Spike Island at #9.

KATSEYE group to debut in 2024 - Photo: WMNF 88.5 FM

At #10, Bad Bunny appears with Baile Inolvidable, continuing to affirm the appeal of Latin pop - Photo: Prestige Hong Kong

The next positions continue to show diversity: Turnstile (#11) with Look Out For Me , Wolf Alice (#12) with Bloom Baby Bloom , Jim Legxacy (#13) with Father , Oklou (#14) with Blade Bird , and Florence + The Machine (#15) with One of the Greats .

Meanwhile, HUNTR/X joins Golden on K-pop Demon Hunters, which enters the Top 50 at #46, highlighted by its powerful pop melody and delicate vocals from EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna.

Golden is described by NME as an uplifting anthem, touching listeners' emotions and making a mark in 2025 among the "sea" of TikTok hits and digital music - Photo: Kpop Wiki

NME commented that this year's list shows that pop music has broken free from the old rut, no longer following familiar formulas but becoming more flexible and creative.

Electronic music is also more emotional, not just mechanical melodies but with more depth and feeling.

Meanwhile, indie and alternative music continue to expand their influence, becoming the choice of many young artists.

The fact that many new faces, even newly debuted ones, appear at high rankings shows that the taste of listeners is clearly changing. They prioritize their own voice, strong musical personality and new sound experiences instead of just looking for familiar names.

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MAI NGUYET

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nme-cong-bo-danh-sach-nhung-ca-khuc-hay-nhat-2025-k-pop-demon-hunters-bat-ngo-lot-top-20251203092043396.htm