Ask Lemmy

Spotify Wrapped is on the streets now, but rather than everyone saying what a cold algorithm told them their favourite songs were this year, I'd like to hear what actual people actually think.

So what are your favourite musical discoveries this year? Whether those were brand new songs from 2025, older songs that you only heard for the first time this year, or even songs you re-discovered after years of not hearing them.

Here’s some of mine, in the format of a goofy award show:

Favourite New Song From This Year
Lead Up by Goose - Maybe technically cheating because the band has apparently been playing this song live since at least 2023, but the studio version is from this year.

Favourite New Song Actually From This Year
the thoughts that keep me up at night by Marhly - This one makes me feel old, mostly because the artist is that much younger than me. But there’s something about the anxious lyrics that felt very 2025.

Favourite New Song That Really Made Me Feel Old
Year of the Optimist by Beach Bunny - Speaking of artists that are way, way younger than me, we have this song. I’m not sure about the warbly vocals in some places, but it’s upbeat and optimistic (like its says on the tin).

Favourite New Song That Made Me Feel Young
Well, Whatever it Was by Joyce Manor - This song feels like it could have come out when I was in high school, but rather than make me feel my age, it put a spring in my step. I didn’t actually listen to much music back then, so maybe I’ve misestimated my musical eras, but I can’t really shake the feeling.

Favourite New Song by a Band That I Saw Live
No Angels in this Town by Our Lady Peace - Granted, I only went to one concert this year, but still counts, right? I’m not a huge OLP fan, mostly knowing their songs by osmosis, but hearing this song for the first time made me buy a ticket. It was kind of a rebound concert as I had to miss seeing my favourite band on their farewell tour, but I still enjoyed myself, even if they didn’t play this particular song.

Favourite Rediscovered Song
Tornado of Souls by Megadeth - I used to listen to Rust In Peace quite a bit when I was younger, but I kind forgot about it (and most other metal) for the better part of a decade until a new Megadeth song hit my recommendations. That caused me to go back and listen, and reawaken by appreciation for this song.

Favourite Song Discovered Through Weird Coincidence
It’s Not Because of You by Witchcraft - This one randomly came up in my wife’s playlist. Neither of us had heard of the band before, but I figure it had something to do with the Ghost songs that we both like.

Favourite New Cover
Folsom Prison Blues by Sawyer Hill - A heavier take on a Johnny Cash song, my first thought when I heard this was, “Boy, they don’t make them like this any more.” Sawyer Hill has an interesting voice, baritone like Cash but more gravelly. Speaking of which…

Favourite New Song That I Liked Purely for a Single Element
Need Me Now by Sawyer Hill - Do I actually like this song? Is this actually a good song? I don't know, but Mr. Hill has a really interesting voice, so I’m willing to forgive some lyrics that feel a bit too cute. I do understand if his voice drives people away, though; what I’ve gathered is that some people really cannot stand it.

Favourite New Song With the Hardest Hitting Lyric
Troubadour Moon by The Wildhearts - “It’s a bitch when you find out you’re just an ordinary man.” Oof.

Favourite New Song That Really Has Me Hoping the Artist Isn’t Problematic
Sweet Southern Sound by Samantha Fish - I kid (mostly), but it is southern rock. I haven’t found anything problematic about Ms. Fish, thankfully, but I also haven’t dug too far.

Favourite New Song Discovered Through Lemmyvision
Band LIke That by fanclubwallet - I submitted a bunch of songs for my country’s entry in Lemmyvision. None of them got many votes, but I did discover this one submitted by someone else.

Honourable Mentions
Beatrice by the Toxhards
Ma Cherie by Palaye Royale and Kellin Quinn
Karaoke by Queen of Jeans
In My Pocket by Cafuné