So, here they are, my Top Twenty Songs of 2025 – not an easy choice with so many great albums/songs around. I’m sure to have missed a number of releases this year with my being ‘out of the loop’ here in Cyprus. Do let me know of any albums/artists I may have missed.

There may be new names on this list for some of you and some exciting songs waiting to be discovered.  There is also the return of artists I’ve featured in previous years. Whilst some of these songs were released this year, some were released a few years ago as I’ve only stumbled upon them!

As always, my choices are an eclectic mix – it’s always difficult to place them in order as some are fairly recent releases and won’t have the same number of plays the older songs have.

So, make yourself a brew, open a can or fill a glass and sit back and enjoy some fabulous musical talent for the next hour or so!

I’ll get around to writing a summary on each song, but, in the meantime, You can enjoy these songs on my Spotify Playlist

1. LOVING YOU AGAIN Chris Rea

Not a new song for 2025 but it hits the top spot to commemorate the fact that Chris Rea died aged 74 years of age on 22 December 2025 when the British music scene lost one of its greatest sons. Chris Rea was a world-class musician who was proud of his North East roots. Born a ‘smoggie’ (Middlesbrough – for those who don’t know) his voice, guitar, and song writing carried the sound and soul of the region across the world. The music world mourns a great singer / songwriter and we mourn a true son of the North. I’ve been a fan for years have most of his albums but this song, from the album Dancing With Strangers is probably my favourite. Thanks for the music and the memories, Chris. RIP.

2. BEHOLD THE NIGHT Dan Raza

British singer / songwriter Dan Raza’s latest album Wayfarer was released on 14 Feb 2025 – though it was recorded between 2021-2023 – and I knew back then, this would be my album of the year – a masterpiece from a modern troubadour!  As my mate Mark Ede suggested: “If there’s a better ‘roots’ songwriter around I ain’t heard ’em.” And, if it wasn’t for the demise of Chris Rea, Behold The Night (a folk song for winter nights, looking forward to a bright new spring) would have been my song of the year, too! I’ve seen Dan a few times and the video of this song was recorded by my friends at The Little Rabbit Barn when I saw him there back in March 2022.

3. CADDO COUNTY The Red Clay Strays

The Red Clay Strays are a band I’ve stumbled upon in the last twelve months. Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, their music is something new, with a unique blend of Southern Rock, Blues, Soul, Country Music – even Rockabilly. The Band’s name reflects their roots, symbolizing the connection to their home state and the themes of salvation and redemption in their music – be sure to check out their albums Moment Of Truth and Made By These Moments. This track, taken from the absolute dynamite soundtrack that accompanies the flick Twisters 2 is, in my humble opinion, one of the strongest tracks on the album. And that’s saying something when you see the other amazing artists showcasing their talents.

4. BAD AS I USED TO BE Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton is no stranger to these pages and it’s no secret that he is one my all time fave artists. No album from the man in 2025 due, in no part, to his international All American Road Show tour. However, he released Bad As I Used To Be as part of the F1® The Movie soundtrack. The song is a powerful anthem that features Stapleton in a gritty, blues-infused performance. It has been praised for it’s raw, introspective lyrics and Stapleton’s trademark emotive delivery. I love this gutsy version from the November 2025 CMA Awards in Nashville.

5. HARD FOUGHT HALLELUJAH Brandon Lake (with Jelly Roll) 

Brandon Lake, is an American Christian worship singer-songwriter and guitarist. Hard Fought Hallelujah is an anthem for anyone who’s ever staggered through life’s rough patches and still managed to raise a weary hand in praise. The song is a gritty, heartfelt nod to the fact that faith is not always a smooth ride on angelic wings. Rather, it’s more often a bumpy trudge through doubt, frustration, and sheer exhaustion. As Lake puts it: True praise isn’t born from sunshine and cheer; it’s forged in the fires of real struggle. “This song is about the battles we face, the grit throughout the fight for faith and the praise that comes after,” Lake shared. “I hope it resonates deeply with everyone.” The song was first released in November 2024 entering Billboard’s Hot 100 when it debuted at #51.  However, Lake released a collaborative remix with country and hip-hop artist Jelly Roll on February 7, 2025 and it went viral after their appearance on American Idol.

6. GROWING ROOTS Elles Bailey

 

7. GIN HOUSE BLUES Andy Fairweather Low

 

8. HEARTLANDS Marcus King

 

9. LOSERS Post Malone (with Jelly Roll)

 

10. EMPTY TRAINLOAD OF SKY Gillian Welch and David Rawlings

 

11. HOUSE ON FIRE Toby Lee 

 

12. MARRY ME Train

 

13. LOVE WILL KEEP US ALIVE Paul Carrack

 

14. BLACKBERRY WINE Tanner Usrey 

 

15. PEOPLE HATIN’ The Red Clay Strays

The Red Clay Strays pop up again on list for 2025 with the single People Hatin’ released in October 2025. It addresses themes of division and the need for unity in today’s society and was written in the aftermath of the assignation of Charlie Kirk.

I’m sick of people turning on their neighbour
I’m sick of people dying in the street
Everybody giving into anger
That’s not the way things ought to be
Maybe we should try to mind our business
Maybe we should turn the other cheek
The only way for us to ever end this
Is loving unconditionally

16. STRONG Anne Wilson

 

17. I NEVER LIE Zach Top 

 

18. HELPLESS The Wandering Hearts

 

19. WISH I DIDN’T KNOW NOW Ella Langley 

 

20. THE INSIDER Robert Vincent 

 

So, there you have them – my Top 20 Songs of 2025. And for those of you who like to know these things there are: 12 male artists, 3 female artists (unusually low this year) and 5 groups. Incidentally, eight of these artists are British!

Were any of your choices included? Have I made any significant omissions?

If something does take your fancy, don’t just add it to your Spotify Playlist – download the track or, better still, buy the CD/Vinyl and/or go and see the artist live.

Have a great 2026 checking out some of the above artists, seeking out new ones and supporting live music wherever you live.

Be blessed!

 

BONUS. HOW DID I GET HERE Rob Halligan