Each year at NPR Music, we curate two flagship lists: The Best Albums of the Year and The Best Songs of the Year. But there's a lot more recommendations and criticism where those came from.
You'll find all of NPR Music's year-end journalism — including content from our partner public radio stations and personal picks from our critics and hosts — on this page. Come back often throughout the month of December to see all of our coverage.
The Best Songs of 2025
This is the sound of public radio in 2025. Our list was curated by more than 60 writers and DJs across the NPR Music Network, and runs the gamut of sounds, scenes and styles.. Read the full list.
Podcast: All Songs Considered's Favorite Songs of 2025
When the dust settles on 2025, what songs will remain in heavy rotation? Robin Hilton and friends look back at a dizzying amount of music and share some of their picks for the best tracks of the year. Listen to the episode.
Podcast: Alt.Latino's Favorite Music of 2025
This year was bookended by two major statements in Latin music: Bad Bunny's ode to Puerto Rico, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS ,and Rosalía's genre-defying masterpiece, LUX. But a lot happened in between. Listen to the episode.
Podcast: The Biggest Music Stories of 2025
Robin Hilton and friends look back at the year's most defining moments in music, from Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance to the Sean Combs trial and much more. Listen to the episode.
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