2025 has been an incredible year for music. From emotional ballads to experimental pop hits, the charts are packed with tracks that define this moment in music history. Some songs from late 2024 are still climbing, while fresh releases are making instant impact.
This list breaks down the 10 biggest songs of 2025 so far, along with the stories behind the artists and what makes each track connect with millions of listeners.
1. Luther by Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Chart Performance: 13 consecutive weeks at number one on Billboard Hot 100
Kendrick Lamar and SZA created one of the most powerful collaborations of the decade with Luther. Named after legendary R&B singer Luther Vandross, the song samples Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s 1982 cover of If This World Were Mine.
About the Artists
Kendrick Lamar is a Pulitzer Prize winning rapper from Compton, California. Known for his complex lyricism and cultural commentary, Lamar has become one of the most influential voices in hip hop. Luther marks his sixth number one hit on the Hot 100.
SZA, born Solána Imani Rowe, is an alternative R&B singer from St. Louis. Her vulnerable songwriting and unique vocal style have made her one of the biggest stars in contemporary music. Luther is her third chart topping single.
Why It Works
Luther blends 1980s R&B influences with modern production. The song features gorgeous vocal harmonies between Lamar and SZA over 808 drums and orchestral arrangements. Lyrically, it imagines a better world for loved ones, mixing romance with hope.
The track got a massive boost after Lamar and SZA performed it during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show in February 2025. The duo is currently on their Grand National Tour, the highest grossing joint rap tour in history.
2. Ordinary by Alex Warren
Chart Performance: 10 weeks at number one, Songs of the Summer 2025 chart leader
Alex Warren wrote this emotional ballad for his wife, Kouvr Annon. The worship music inspired track transforms everyday moments of their life together into something extraordinary.
About the Artist
Alex Warren started as a content creator on social media before transitioning into music. His authentic storytelling and stripped back acoustic pop sound resonated with millions of fans who followed his journey online. Ordinary represents his breakthrough as a serious musician.
Why It Works
In an era dominated by heavy production and flashy visuals, Ordinary stands out for its simplicity. Warren’s raw emotion and honest lyrics about finding magic in normal life connected deeply with listeners. The song also broke records for most weeks at number one on the Pop Airplay chart.
For artists trying to build authentic connections with fans, understanding how to promote your music as an artist can help turn emotional honesty into chart success.
3. Golden by HUNTR/X (EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMI)
Chart Performance: 7 weeks at number one, longest leading hit by an animated act
Golden comes from the K Pop Demon Hunters animated film soundtrack. The collaboration between EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI became a cultural phenomenon that transcended its movie origins.
About the Artists
HUNTR/X is a virtual K pop girl group created for the film. The voices belong to three talented Asian American artists. EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI each brought their unique styles to create something bigger than themselves. This makes HUNTR/X the first girl group since Destiny’s Child in 2001 to top the Hot 100.
Why It Works
Golden mixes experimental R&B beats with pop accessibility. The layered vocals create an almost ethereal sound while staying catchy enough for mainstream radio. Its inspirational message about self discovery resonated across demographics, and TikTok helped propel it into mainstream consciousness.
4. Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
Chart Performance: Multiple weeks at number one, record breaking run for a lead female artist
This vintage inspired ballad expresses the bittersweet feeling of being with your soulmate while knowing life is fleeting. The collaboration between two pop powerhouses became an instant classic.
About the Artists
Lady Gaga needs no introduction. The pop icon has dominated music for over 15 years with her theatrical performances and powerful vocals. Bruno Mars is equally legendary, known for his retro influenced sound and incredible stage presence.
Why It Works
Die With A Smile sounds timeless. The melancholic production evokes classic soul and R&B while the vocal chemistry between Gaga and Mars is undeniable. The song won Best Pop Duo Performance at the 2025 Grammys and was also nominated for Song of the Year.
5. The Fate of Ophelia by Taylor Swift
Chart Performance: Debuted at number one
Taylor Swift continues her unprecedented chart dominance with The Fate of Ophelia, the lead single from her 12th studio album The Life of a Showgirl. The song showcases Swift’s evolution as a songwriter and storyteller.
About the Artist
Taylor Swift is arguably the biggest artist on the planet right now. From her country roots to pop superstardom, Swift has consistently reinvented herself while maintaining massive commercial success. She holds numerous chart records and continues breaking new ones with each release.
Why It Works
The Fate of Ophelia combines Swift’s signature narrative songwriting with theatrical production. Fans and critics praised the literary references and emotional depth. Swift’s ability to create conversation around her music keeps her at the center of pop culture.
6. Manchild by Sabrina Carpenter
Chart Performance: Debuted at number one, second chart topper for Carpenter
This country influenced synth pop track is a witty takedown of an immature ex boyfriend. Carpenter’s sharp lyrics and catchy production made it an instant hit.
About the Artist
Sabrina Carpenter has evolved from Disney Channel star to full fledged pop queen. Her 2024 album Short n’ Sweet established her as a major force, and 2025 has only cemented that status. Carpenter’s confident persona and clever songwriting set her apart in modern pop.
Why It Works
Manchild balances playful humor with genuine emotion. The production blends pop and country in a way that feels fresh rather than forced. Carpenter’s vocal performance shows confidence and maturity that proves she’s moved beyond her teen star origins.
When creating content around trending music like Manchild, creators often wonder about using copyrighted music on Instagram legally.
7. Lose Control by Teddy Swims
Chart Performance: Over 100 weeks on the chart, longest charting song in Hot 100 history
Teddy Swims’ soulful R&B ballad about addiction and codependency has shown remarkable longevity. Originally released in August 2023, it spent a week at number one in March 2024 and continues charting in 2025.
About the Artist
Teddy Swims, born Jaten Dimsdale, gained attention through YouTube covers before breaking through with original music. His powerful voice and emotional delivery connect with listeners seeking authentic soul and R&B.
Why It Works
Lose Control taps into universal struggles with addiction, love, and self destructive patterns. Swims’ vocal performance is raw and vulnerable, making listeners feel every word. The song’s staying power proves that emotional authenticity never goes out of style.
8. Daisies by Justin Bieber
Chart Performance: Debuted at number two, helped land 16 songs from his album Swag on the chart
Justin Bieber’s alternative pop track reflects on his marriage to Hailey Bieber. The song shows a more vulnerable and mature side of the pop star.
About the Artist
Justin Bieber has been in the spotlight since his teenage years. From YouTube sensation to global superstar, Bieber’s career has had incredible highs and public struggles. His recent music shows more introspection and emotional honesty than his earlier work.
Why It Works
Daisies strips away the flashy production Bieber is known for, opting instead for intimate alternative pop sounds. The personal lyrics about marriage and growth resonated with fans who have watched Bieber mature over the years.
9. Love Me Not by Ravyn Lenae
Chart Performance: Steady presence in top 10
This silky R&B escape showcases Ravyn Lenae’s hauntingly smooth vocals over atmospheric production. The song thrives as late night listening, introspective and quietly powerful.
About the Artist
Ravyn Lenae is a neo soul and R&B artist from Chicago. She gained initial attention through collaborations with Steve Lacy and Noname before establishing herself as a solo artist. Her music blends contemporary R&B with classic soul textures.
Why It Works
Love Me Not proves that artistry and mainstream success can coexist. The moody, hypnotic production stands out among more uptempo chart hits. Lenae’s vocal performance is mesmerizing without being showy, drawing listeners into her world.
10. What I Want by Morgan Wallen & Tate McRae
Chart Performance: Steady top 5 presence
This powerful duet blends country grit with pop polish. Morgan Wallen’s rugged country drawl contrasts perfectly with Tate McRae’s crisp pop vocals, creating wide appeal across genres.
About the Artists
Morgan Wallen is one of country music’s biggest current stars, known for blending traditional country with modern production. Tate McRae emerged as a pop sensation after starting as a dancer, bringing emotional depth to catchy pop songs.
Why It Works
What I Want succeeds because it doesn’t feel like a forced crossover. The production naturally merges Nashville storytelling with Top 40 sensibility. Both artists stay true to their styles while creating something that works for fans of both genres.
As AI technology advances, some wonder if tools could eventually create hits like these. Our analysis of AI music vs human music explores that question.
What These Songs Tell Us About 2025
Looking at this list, several trends emerge. Emotional vulnerability is huge right now. Artists like Alex Warren, Teddy Swims, and Justin Bieber are succeeding by being honest about their struggles and relationships rather than projecting invincibility.
Collaboration is king. Many of the biggest hits feature multiple artists bringing their unique styles together. Kendrick and SZA, Gaga and Bruno Mars, Wallen and McRae all prove that teamwork creates magic.
Genre blending continues. The lines between pop, country, R&B, and hip hop are blurrier than ever. Artists are freely mixing influences without worrying about fitting into a single category.
Longevity matters. Songs like Lose Control and Ordinary show that slow burns can beat instant hits. Building momentum over time through genuine connection beats chasing viral moments.
The Bottom Line
2025’s top songs reflect a music industry in transition. Streaming dominance continues, but radio still matters for mainstream success. Social media platforms like TikTok help songs break through, but lasting impact requires more than a 15 second clip.
These 10 tracks represent the best of what music offers right now. Emotional honesty, creative collaboration, and willingness to experiment with sound. The artists behind these songs aren’t just making hits. They’re defining what popular music sounds like in 2025.