Our Favorite Songs of 2025 (So Far. . .)

This was a super unexpected collaboration between Brazil’s Tagua Tagua and Austin’s own White Denim. I didn’t see this one coming, at all. I love unexpected pairings and things that may not necessarily feel like they fit together. Especially when they totally do like in this track!

Natalia Lafourcade & El David Aguilar (México) – “Como Quisiera Quererte“

There’s really very little to say about this song other than amazing. It’s simply a well written & well crafted song with powerful and beautiful performances by both artists. A quality composition and a quality performance is always timeless and most welcome. The way they harmonized towards the end of the song made me literally raise my eyebrows in amazement the first time I heard it!

Tony Allen & La BOA (Africa/Colombia) – “Cuento” (ft. Bejuco)

Another tremendous and unexpected collab. Afro Beat drumming pioneer/architect: Tony Allen (RIP). Here he is playing with “La Bogota Orquesta Afrobeat”. There’s a beauty in hearing a legend join a South American band who plays music he helped create. However, the real magic happened in this track when La Boa were also themselves by bringing in their Colombian roots and rhythms to the party. A beautiful fusion was immediately created.

Son Rompe Pera – “Chuca”

“Chucha” brings the frenetic ants-in-the pants, summer sizzle from Mexico and I love every heart palpitation that comes along with it. I’ve never heard the marimba rock so hard in a song. One of my favorite Studio 1A performances of the year! 

The Altons – “Float”

Bond movie-esque song encased in velvet. It ebbs and flows, brings the drama, and makes me crave a dirty martini, shaken not stirred. 

Sofie Royer – “I Forget (I’m So Young)”

One of my favorite spontaneous dance party songs. It pairs existential questions with dreamy disco beats and funky guitars and takes me back to the dizziness of youth.

 Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”

Until this, I hadn’t found a new song in a while to play on repeat for days, but I can’t let go of “Manchild.” Sabrina Carpenter’s new single is what I call “funny music.” It’s the kind of song that makes me laugh, or is generally so campy that critique is nearly pointless. (See: Carpenter’s “Espresso”, Olivia Rodrigo’s “bad idea right?”, Cardi B’s and Meghan Thee Stallion’s “WAP”, etc.) But “Manchild” is both hilarious and worthy of critique, serving as a shining example of Carpenter’s ability with a vicious turn of phrase. Maybe we need more comedic actors to become musicians. I surely needed the laugh this song gave me.

Lady Gaga – “Garden of Eden”

The excellent lead singles off Lady Gaga’s new album Mayhem have so far been the standard-bearers of this career-spanning masterpiece. But “Garden of Eden” is easily the best song off this LP. Iconic Gaga, it’s a grungy, soaring track that makes you want to rip up the dance floor. If this album is really the marker of a recession, the least we can do is try to distract ourselves, even if the club is your living room. All I want is more DJs to hear this song and play it the next time I’m out.

Next of Kin – “Good As Gone:

Sometimes I wonder if I’m losing my taste for country music. Then a song or artist bursts onto the scene and I’m embracing a Southern twang that’s long left my vocal cords. The final track from Next of Kin’s EP Homemaker is one of the best country songs I’ve heard in years, and I can’t wait to see what this group does next. We need more queer country artists, and this trio has the makings to take on a notoriously-unwelcoming genre.Yesterday

Next of Kin – “Cruel”

Just give some headphones and let me listen to Next of Kin’s harmonies forever. And who doesn’t love a good song about bad love?

Mama Duke – “Feels So Good to Be You”

Like millions of people, I heard this song for the first time when I saw clips of Mama Duke’s audition for America’s Got Talent. It’s so exciting to watch a hometown artist wow the judges and the world. Plus this song is a serious banger!

Laufey – “Silver Lining”

I’m at the point in my life where my kids hip me to the coolest music, which is how I heard of Laufey. She’s is the modern day torch singer I didn’t know I needed, and this song about loving someone who’s as bad as you are is just perfection.

RAYE – “Oscar Winning Tears”

Just an undeniable song, with undeniable vocals.

Jalen Ngonda –  Just As Long As We’re Together

I’m loving the old soul feel that Ngonda brings. Song is perpetually stuck in my head

J Soulja (ft. Cush with a C)- “Clarity”

Superb level rapping from both guys on the track.

Céline Dessberg – “Selenge”

Céline paints an ornate and undeniably-international picture straight from the Caribbean-inspired tom fill that kicks this tune off. It’s somewhere between Khruangbin and Hiroshima and I just love the semi-pseudo-Eastern sounds all the way through this mellow arrangement.

Starjunk 95 – “Beat Keep Rockin'”

For the past year or two, I’ve been watching this SEGA Dreamcast-and-anime-obsessed electronic producer grow with much interest. Surprise surprise, when they put out a tune that directly references UK Garage in its lyrics and Jet Set Radio in its music video, it entered my personal heavy rotation on Spotify and Youtube, respectively. Bonus points for the fact that Starjunk stops by Austin for their first-ever national tour later this year during Levitation.

Psychedelic Porn Crumpets – “March on for Pax Romana”

PPC are some absolutely mental songwriters, dare I say unhinged… even for their rowdy Aussie demographic. And this lead single, along with the rest of Carpe Diem, Moonman, really reinforce what I love so much about Psychedelic Porn Crumpets. Honestly, even with the summer heat here, it’s a real shame I cut my long hair since now I can’t properly windmill to this one anymore.

Perfume Genius – “It’s a Mirror”

Gives me that tickly feeling right underneath my sternum.

Bon Iver – “Everything is Peaceful Love”

I drifted away from Bon Iver around 2016, but he won me back with this one.

Adrian Quesada – “Ojos Secos (with Cuco)”

The telenovela opening song of my dreams.

La Securité – “Detour”

I discovered this band a couple years ago thanks to Deidre Gott’s great work booking our SXSW event at Scholz Garten. A danceable, but a quirky, tense & slightly dissonant, French-Canadian B52’s-ish song.

Next of Kin – “Homemaker”

I first got to see them at the epic free week show at Stubb’s & couldn’t believe they were pulling off those harmonies live without much of a proper soundcheck (I assume). Their vocal blend is something new & classic at the same time.

Psychedelic Porn Crumpets – “March On for Pax Ramona”

It seems like every time I write a list like this there’s a tune that I’m surprised (and proud) that KUTX has added – more and more these songs come from Australia – and this is definitely one of the baddest-ass of the batch. A friend turned me on to PPC a few years ago, knowing that I love complicated, heavy, loud and noisy rock music. Their new album is a varied fever-dream of every cool rock trope from 1995-2010.  And, with almost every song, just when you think you have a handle on where you’re headed,  the wheel gets turned.

Orquesta Akokán – “Pan con Tíbiri“

Mining the rich tradition of Cuban mambo, this Havana-birthed juggernaut pumps out an irresistible, horn-powered, percussion-laden dance groove.  Vocalist Jose “Pepito” Gomez is an absolute powerhouse.

Tomar and the FC’s – “Ain’t Worth It“

One of Austin’s favorite party bands taking cues here from James Brown and the sound of Memphis’ Hi Records on this soulful slab of righteous funk.

Tony Kamel – “Makin’ It Work”

Old school country rocker served up by this hard-working Austin favorite.

Billy Woods, Kenny Segal – “Misery”

Devoid of ‘wave your hands in the air’ hooks or even a reliance on beats, Woods’ storytelling is deep and entrancing, wrapped in nightmarish dynamics and foreboding. Everything on Golliwog leaves a deep impression.

Florry – “Hey Baby”

There’s a ragged and anthemic curb appeal to this Northeast country-rock band’s third album, Sounds Like…, that almost disguises the deep ache in singer Francie Medosch’s songs. Almost.

Stereolab – “Melodie Is A Wound”

There’s never been another band like Stereolab, who somehow meld abstract wordplay and lighter-than-air pop with an otherworldly Velvet Underground motorik. The best thing about Instant Holograms on Metal Film, their first recording in 15 years? Absolutely none of that has changed.  

Grace Sorensen – “COLOGNE”

Yet another smokin’ jam from “Austin’s R&B Cool Girl,” in the words of the Austin Chronicle. Best believe it.

Lambrini Girls – “Love“

Love, as in peeling round the corner at 180 mph then slamming into your face. Brighton noisepunk/queerpunk from their debut LP Who Let The Dogs Out.

Destroyer – “Bologna (ft. Fiver)“

Songwriter/vocalist Dan Bejar creates worlds with his own language. The intrigue! This track, featuring Simone Schmidt (Fiver) is hypnotic with a cool beauty.

Viagra Boys – “Man Made of Meat“

In a world of freak hot tub accidents, drywall for breakfast, and an abundance of online feet pics, it’s hard not to feel like a man made of meat in the assembly line of life. Thankfully for us, we’ve got modern day poet Sebastian Murphy at the helm of our sardonic ship, steering us through this endless loop of nonsense. This is satiric punk rock at its finest, folks.

Magic Rockers of Texas – “Two Tongue Critic“

Congrats to these Austin rockers for crafting the official song of what it feels like to dig through ashtrays, hoping to find your next move buried in the mess. Scrappy, hard, and somehow sappy in between it all, Gorging on American Fare will leave you with the perfect soundtrack for your next night out at Hotel Vegas. Huzzah for Magic Rockers of Texas!

Redbud – “Pink Pear“

“Pink Pear” may be the best display yet of singer Katie Claghorn’s magnificently melancholic melodies. It’s songs like this that keep me in awe of how incredible the Austin music scene is! You would be mistaken not to put Redbud’s first full-length album, All Chorus, on your ethereal Austin summer playlist.

Neal Francis (feat. Say She She) – “Broken Glass”

This driving track moves the listener forward with Say She She’s amazing harmonies. It’s a ripper.

Everything is Recorded –  “Never Felt Better (feat Sampha and Florence Welch)“

In the beginning, this song holds back.  When Florence’s voice kicks the song song retains its composure and yet gives so much.  

My Morning Jacket –  “Time Waited“

You live long enough and you begin to experience time in a sometimes-melancholy way.  I mean, I love me some Jim James. The piano riff reminds me of Duke Ellington’s, A Sentimental Mood, I can’t help but wonder if it is a conscious homage to Duke.   

Gus Baldwin & the Sketch – “Luxury Television”

Gus Baldwin & the Sketch – “Luxury Television” – Austin-based musicians Gus Baldwin & the Sketch shoulder-check punk rock forward on “Luxury Television” with a furious mix of ferocious guitars, a technical knock-out rhythm section, and lyrics that would make Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Allen Ginsberg and all of the legendary Beat Poets howl in approval.

Momma – “New Friend”

While the young band’s 2025 album Welcome To My Blue Sky proudly wears it’s ‘90s influences on it sleeves, Momma pulls off an emotional rope-a-dope by burying the most ear-wormiest song (on an album full of tasty hooks and tear-inducing melodies) at track 5 and not officially releasing it as a single. This universal heartbreaker transcends the band’s influences, poetically positing the eternal question: after the amazing fling we shared, should we be lovers … or should we be friends.

Mobley – “Yesterday’s Another Day”

Mobley straight smokes the listener’s body and soul with a sultry love song as perfectly-crafted as anything on the radio, anywhere in the world. The new single continues Mobley’s steady march toward becoming a household name renown for his often melancholic, magical sweet spot where 21st century soul, classic pop, and eternal indie rock slay in unison.

Gus Baldwin & The Sketch – “What The Freaks Say” 

This song has been engraved in my brain since the boys released the beautiful music video that pairs with it earlier this year. It’s a simple message that I think should speak to everyone.

Chaparelle – “Inside The Lines”

Since Chaparelle’s debut album was just released this year, I was especially excited, and it didn’t disappoint. This song, in particular, does a beautiful job of introducing each band member’s unique musical style to new listeners.

Sofie Royer – “Austrian Dream”

Ever since I heard Sofie Royer live at Scholz Garten this past SXSW her entire discography has been on repeat. With this newest release specifically being on heavy rotation!

Adrian Quesada with Angelica Garcia – “No Juego”

Almost two years to the day since the release of his genre-busting album, Boleros Psicodélicos, Austin’s Adrian Quesada is back with another collection of psychedelic-tinged boleros featuring some of the most exciting new voices in Latin music. On “No Juego,” my favorite artist from the previous record, Angelica Garcia, returns for a track that blurs hip-hop backbeats, tripped-out Farfisa, and Garcia’s singularly evocative vocals, delivered in both staccato bursts and with soaring reverb. It makes for a searing love song that doesn’t play around. Boleros Psicodélicos II is out June 27 on ATO Records.

Bartees Strange – “Backseat Banton”

 I was lucky enough to meet Bartees Strange in passing during his recent visit to Studio 1A and I learned that not only is he a super nice dude, he’s also an ardent supporter of public radio! A quick 30 seconds of internet research told me that “banton” means “storyteller” in Caribbean Patois, which gives listeners a clue to the lyrical fun Strange has cooked up in “Backseat Banton.” Equal parts self-deprecating and tongue-in-cheek chest-thumping, Strange wraps it all in a delightfully upbeat pop-rock anthem that would make Ben Folds proud.

Viagra Boys – “Man Made of Meat”

Swedish punk rockers Viagra Boys have been making fans dumber since 2015, and their newest album, viagr aboys, stays the course. “Man Made of Meat” might be a hilariously twisted send-up of consumer capitalism—or it could just be a song about a man made of meat. Either way, be prepared to kill some brain cells.

Honey Glaze – “Don’t”

Watching their set from our live at Live at Scholz  series (during SXSW)  made me a believer. The band has such power for being a 3 piece. Don’t is a fine example; angsty lyrics set to a prog-y staccato riff brings back a lot of Y2K alt nostalgia for me.

Stereolab – “Aerial Troubles“

It’s so good to hear Stereolab again. Aerial Troubles is such a cool tune, their classic use of vocal counter melodies make such strong and memorable hooks. Smooth, a little funky, a little angular, it’s the recipe.

Wet Leg – “Catch These Fists”

I waffle between being completely enamored and completely annoyed with the quirk of this tune…which probably means I love it. The recording is kinda nasty and blown out which adds to the stank. Looking forward to this stanky-ass record.

Sports Team – “Bang Bang Bang”

Bless their British hearts, when Sports Team was on a recent tour in the states, they were gobsmacked by America’s fetishized gun culture. It inspired this song, which isn’t didactic or preachy—it’s simply a humorous take on how America loves guns more than humans. The spaghetti Western guitar riffs bring the gunslinging Clint Eastwood action home.

Lucius – “Gold Rush”

Though the band isn’t usually associated with chunky guitar riffs, Lucius have taken a bold step forward into something that would play well in an arena. Perhaps that tour with Roger Waters paid off. In any case, Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig layer their soaring vocals over a song that would slot seamlessly in a Spoon album.

Young Gun Silver Fox – “Stevie and Sly”

Let me confess a pet peeve: I don’t like songs about songs. I find songs about musicians slightly less annoying, yet this track from Andy Platts and Shawn Lee (the young gun and silver fox, respectively) makes me get over my reservations. To be sure, Stevie and Sly are two of the coolest musicians alive, but the real lure here is the joy of the performance, putting it on a level not far from the men they’re celebrating. It’s also worth noting that this album is a killer summer soundtrack. It’s like one big margarita of a good time.

Bully – “Atom Bomb – Electric version”

Thanks a lot for releasing this track on Valentine’s Day, Alicia. This one got me good. Like a counter-punch to the liver. 

Kendrick Lamar – “luther (with sza)“

Not that I need anyone to validate my love for Luther Vandross, it did feel pretty good the first time I heard that intro sample. I know this song was released last year, but Kendrick dropped this track literally the day after I sent in my best of 2024 list! Anyways, I cannot not include it, especially when it’s among my favorites of the decade (so far).

Magic Rockers of Texas – “Tarmac Honey” 

Magic Rockers front man Jim Campo is the most underrated musician in Austin, TX. Full disclosure he is my homie, but I already thought that before the first time we nerded out about our favorite hip hop producers after hours at the Hole in the Wall. Over the last ten or more years he’s probably played in your favorite Austin band at some point in some capacity, but finally, he’s pouring his creative skills into his own work. With their long overdue (and incredible) debut LP Life’s A Bowl of Cherries… And All I Got Was Stems! released in 2023, and the just released and also incredible sophomore record Gorging on American Fare Austin, TX and the world will finally know the name JIM CAMPO.

Vegyn, Air – “Remember (Vegyn Version) “

Air teamed up with prolific and talented electronic musician Vegyn to remix the entire iconic Moon Safari Album.  The whole project is fantastic but “Remember” stands out as a favorite to me. 

Vapor Caves – “Sis, Is This Your Man?“

Austin modern funk duo The Vapor Caves release their most ambitious track with the help of Walker Lukens and his Song Confessional project.  The drums sound so good I had to ask the song’s producer Boombaptist if they were sampled.  Turns out they weren’t, they just sound like a classic breakbeat record.  Great track 

Mono/Poly – “Change 333“

Austin resident and Grammy winning electronic musician Mono/Poly blesses us with a chill, stimulating and predictably high quality track. Samples of Sade’s voice intermingle with slapping drums and Mono/Poly’s signature layered synths for a very nice listening experience.   

Japanese Breakfast – “Orlando in Love”

Michelle Zauner has an uncanny knack for writing seemingly simple melodies. Then comes that enchanting melodic moment and you find yourself wishing the song were so much longer. That moment begins at the lyric “As if the sea had bore her to be an ideal woman”.

Natalie Berman – “Gunslinger”

Instantly grabs me and I thoroughly enjoy the musical ride. Hits A LOT of sonic buttons that I love. She’s one half of the Windy City sibling duo Wild Belle.

Viagra Boys – “Man Made of Meat”

I know I probably shouldn’t, cuz it’s got some ridiculous and raunchy lyrics, but I always look forward to playing this Stockholm, Sweden punk band’s newest song and find it and them endlessly amusing.

Turnstile – “DULL”

If the Matrix added another edition to their cinematic saga, this song from the new Turnstile album would be a great contender to close out the final scene into a credit sequence.

Wet – “Double”

I had this song on repeat for weeks when it was originally released as a single last June. I included it on technicality since it was recently re-released as the 5th song in Wet’s most recent album Two Lives, which was released on April 4th, no joke.

James McMurtry – “The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy”

The first of 2 released songs from Austin’s own cosmic cowboy crooner (is it still considered crooning if you keep your jaw clenched thru the verses? (yesssh) I wait in anticipation to see how the tune will evolve with McMurtry’s tone as he works out his latest (mostly still unreleased album) at his weekly on-stage residency on South Congress.

Skateland – “Sunset Cinema“

This one is as soothing as it is sad and often makes me cry, but that could just be out of control hormones. I love this dreamy sound!

Next of Kin – “Mean Streak“

Classic c*ntry music with a hook that don’t quit 🤠

BLK ODYSSY & Timbaland – “ON SITE“

“Shake some ass on site.” ‘Nuff said.