Songs released in 2025 that I enjoyed listening to this year
Hello, this is Nosuke.
Since 2025 is almost over, I would like to announce 10 songs released in 2025 that I enjoyed listening to this year.
【1. The Core (Acidclank Remix) / PLASTICZOOMS】
A remix version of the last single 'The Core' before PLASTICZOOMS went on hiatus.
The original song was released before this, but I personally found this version, which is arranged with a dance music taste, to be more impactful.
The combination of deep techno sounds and a sharp, crisp four-on-the-floor rhythm pattern creates a stylish, danceable atmosphere that I really like.
It's the kind of song I'd like to listen to while driving on the Shuto Expressway at night.
【2. Singer / Yume no Kessho PASTEL】
As I mentioned in my previous song commentary note, this is a song produced by THE SPELLBOUND using the singing synthesis software 'Yume no Kessho'.
The vocal tuning is the exact opposite of the idol-like voice quality of Aya Maruyama, who is the model for the synthesized voice, so honestly, it's a matter of taste.
Personally, I think the arrangement is great, with THE SPELLBOUND's unique sound incorporating elements like dubstep and shoegaze, layered with the ethereal and expansive pop sensibility of PASTEL's voice.
Since THE SPELLBOUND previously provided songs to Yume no Kessho, 'Sekaiju ni Hibiku Miminari no Doka-sen ni Hi wo Tsukete' and 'Markarian Chain', which were released as self-cover versions, I'm curious if this song will also be self-covered.
【3. Unravelling / MUSE】
MUSE, the UK three-piece band that became a hot topic in Japan this year after their Japan tour.
Just when you think they've shown their destructive power with heavy, thick breakdowns, the chorus features an aesthetic and melodious vocal style that really shines. As someone who stepped into this genre of music through Visual Kei, this really hit home.
In terms of arrangement, they incorporate digital sounds using synths and sequences, while also having band ensembles rich in dynamics and tempo changes, so I thought both aspects were excellent.
I've been told in the past that my own songs have similarities to MUSE, and after listening to their other works, I found several songs that are exactly what I want to do...
【4. Ikebukuro Sunshine / WHITE JAM】
WHITE JAM, a music unit that has provided songs for many famous artists such as Arashi and Snow Man.
I found out about them through the buzz surrounding SHIROSE on X, but when I actually listened to their music, the pop sensibility that appeals to Japanese listeners is in full swing, and above all, SHIROSE's singing voice is so beautiful that it's pleasant to listen to.
The music video also features SHIROSE himself as an actor, with a performance full of BL elements that is quite shocking at first glance, but the emotional impact of the song wins out with even greater force, making me realize that both their marketing and musical sense are on another level.
It has a catchiness that you might find in hit songs from the 2000s or the Heisei era rather than recent J-POP, so it might be easier for those of us who lived through that generation to connect with it.
【5. Who Wants To Live Forever? (feat. Judeline) / Nine Inch Nails】
One of the songs produced by NIN as the soundtrack for the movie 'Tron: Ares'.
I also listened to the lead song of the soundtrack album, 'As Alive As You Need Me To Be', a lot this year, but this song is also attractive for its arrangement, which approaches a world view that is quiet and emphasizes a sense of reverb, similar to ambient music, with electro sounds that evoke cyberspace.
As for the vocals, the delicate, sacred-sounding voice of Judeline and the whispering, decadent voice of Trent Reznor balance the world view of the song well.
In the movie 'Tron: Ares', this song plays in the scene where the protagonist, the AI soldier Ares, obtains the permanent code within the grid (*please watch the movie for details).
The title 'Who Wants To Live Forever?' might be a synonym for Ares' own will, in the sense that a computer program created as a weapon yearns to be a human being who is finite as both a living organism and an identity.
【6. Lustrous / *Luna feat. Hatsune Miku】
The theme song for Magical Mirai 2025, provided by Vocaloid producer *Luna.
As someone who likes electro-pop style Vocaloid music from the late 2000s to early 2010s, there are many elements that resonate with me. In an era where many songs have melodies packed into measures or wide vocal ranges that make you wonder if a human can even sing them, I was grateful to see such a simply catchy song released into the world.
However, it's also very interesting to see modern elements, such as the arrangement suddenly deviating from the A-melody -> B-melody -> chorus structure, followed by independent melody lines and chords.(To put it politely, it seems like it would be popular with dopamine-addicted kids.)I haven't been to Magical Mirai itself yet, so I'd like to go if I have the chance.
【7. DIVINE / Ave Mujica】
A song by Ave Mujica, a gothic metal band from the BanG Dream! project, which I probably followed the most this year.
The song was announced at Bushiroad's New Year's event at the beginning of this year, and it was very refreshing because it has a different atmosphere from their usual aesthetic and dark world view, with a fast-paced arrangement reminiscent of 90s Visual Kei and 'Shiro-kei' (white-style) music, centered on soaring melodies.
'Tenkyu no Musica', announced in the final episode of the anime, is a song on a similar path, butdue to my own otaku-specific impression that the atmosphere of the A-melody is like LUNA SEA's 'END OF SORROW',I personally lean slightly towards the DIVINE camp.
【8. Hide Your Navel / Acidclank】
A song by Acidclank, the artist who remixed the PLASTICZOOMS song I mentioned earlier.
The arrangement consists of repeating decadent and mellow melodies and progressions throughout, but as it progresses toward the end, the dynamics of the ensemble increase, creating an unsettling sense of tension.
To use phrasing aimed at my followers, this is likely to resonate with those who like art rock and post-rock style Visual Kei, around the time of 9GOATS BLACK OUT.
【9. Dream As One / Miley Cyrus】
A song by Miley Cyrus that became the theme song for the movie 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'.
The theme songs for the Avatar series so far have been based on a sacred and grand world view that evokes the great nature of the planet Pandora, the setting of the work, and the atmosphere that makes you look forward to the development of the next work is impressive.
In contrast, this song has a strong ending feel and an atmosphere where you can feel a more human message. In the movie itself, there are many depictions suggesting that this will be a turning point in the ongoing battle between the Na'vi, who maintain their faith in Eywa, and the invading humans, so I think it is because it is the finale of one long chapter.
The lyrics are also attractive, as they overlap with the depiction of the Sully family, who have been torn apart both physically and psychologically due to repeated hardships, reuniting and regaining their respective beliefs.
※Please watch the movie for details (second time)
[10. HARD / FKA twigs]
A track by English R&B and electronica artist FKA twigs.
Within the delicate and mysterious sound design characteristic of electronica, it incorporates punchy, crisp rhythm patterns and mellow, catchy R&B-style vocal melodies, making it great for both driving at night and dancing at a live music venue.
From a music producer's perspective, the attack time of the synth tracks in the song is exquisite; I was impressed by how it hits that perfect line where it's neither too fast and noisy against the kick, nor too slow and sluggish.
Personally, this is the song I felt was the best one I listened to in 2025.
[Conclusion]
2025 was a year where I encountered a lot of music, with many attractive releases from this year as well as masterpieces I hadn't explored before.
Next year, I want to become more sensitive to that year's releases so I can compile them by album, and as a creator, I hope to make original songs that are good enough to be included in music reviews like this one, which many listeners put together.
May there be more great encounters next year...
↑ This is a playlist summarizing the songs featured this time.