This is an amazing time for music, where you can hear virtually every song ever recorded with a click. But with 30 million tracks uploaded to Spotify every year, it can be overwhelming to find new songs and artists that speak to you, like good ‘ole FM radio used to.
Particularly in 2025 where there are all kinds of amazing music – from indie rock to electronic to jam bands to singer-songwriters just waiting to be discovered. So here are 25 great songs from 2025 from all these genres, custom built for The Mountains audience.
Once again, music industry veteran Cliff Chenfeld oversaw the compiling of this list and we are happy to share it with you. You can find all of these songs and another 75 new ones on Cliff’s Spotify Modern Sounds playlist.
Here is the list:
- Goose – Give It Time
The most successful jam band of the decade can also write memorable songs. Check out what all the buzz is about. - Madison Cunningham – My Full Name
She won the Grammy for Best Folk Album in 2023 and her elegant new album “Ace” is remarkable. - Woods – It Ain’t Easy
The hosts of the annual, wonderful Woodsist festival in Accord, NY have an amazing catalog of hummable, gorgeous songs. - Dar Williams – Hummingbird Highway
One of the most literate and original singer-songwriters in the Hudson Valley…and the USA… is back with a splendid new album. - Curtis Harding – There She Goes
Curtis Harding makes sweet, updated soul music that will flow well in your backyard or wherever you relax this winter - Wolf Alice – The Sofa
Wolf Alice is a fabulous British rock band led by the very compelling Ellie Roswell. Their new single is a little quieter than most of their work but Ellie’s declaration of freedom and agency couldn’t be louder. - Greg Freeman – Salesman
Freeman works some of the same territory as MJ Lenderman – a slacker but expressive voice, great twangy guitar work and sly, smart observations on modern life. - Leon Thomas – Mutt
Leon Thomas is one of the breakout R+B stars of the last few years and “Mutt” is the song that has made him a star. - Kashus Culpepper – Believe
Rising new countryish soul singer nails this heartfelt tune that already sounds like a classic. - Steve Lacy – Nice Shoes
Lacy won the Grammy for best Progressive R+B album with his second album in 2022 and the first single from his new album is fresh, explicit and a thrill. - Alex G – Afterlife
Alex G toggles between beautiful acoustic bliss and noisy rock, much like Neil Young, and he is in a sweet, mellow mode here. - Tamino, Mitski – Sanctuary
Rich, hypnotic, intense duet from Tamino, a mesmerizing Belgian-Egyptian singer-songwriter and Mitski, one of the outstanding artists of recent years. - Cuco – Phases
Cuco is one of the more eclectic artists of recent years, with paeans to his Mexican roots and collaborations with a wide range of artists. His new album is more straightforward but just as undeniable. - Kathleen Edwards – Say Goodbye, Tell No One
One of the best, most under-appreciated singer-songwriters of the 2000s is back in full artist mode after taking time off to run a coffee shop. Check this one out and dive into her catalog. - This is Lorelei/MJ Lenderman – Dancing in The Club
The original version of this song was an auto-tuned pop nugget, and this version successfully reimagines the song as a timely, twangy classic with the vocals of indie boy of the moment M.J. Lenderman. - My Morning Jacket – Time Waited
Arguably today’s best live rock act is back with a poignant new single. - Obongjayar – Not In Surrender
Nigerian singer based in UK brings the funk in this irresistible track. - Hermanos Gutierrez w/Leon Bridges – Elegantly Wasted
Swiss Latin instrumental group known for its dramatic cinematic sound teams up with the always reliable and memorable Leon Bridges for one of the tastiest tracks of the year. - Tanner Usrey – These Days
Male singer songwriters with who straddle the lines between country, Americana and roots rock are blowing up and this guy may be the next one to break. - FKA Twigs – Perfect Stranger
Eclectic, genre bending artist who always provokes is back with a sexy, futuristic album. - Cameron Winter – Nausicaä (Love Will Be Revealed)
The leader of rock outfit Geese (not Goose) has made a solo album “Heavy Metal” that is fresh, original, quirky and not heavy metal. - Brandi Carlile – Returning To Myself
After spending the last few years helping Joni Mitchell return to the public, Brandi is back with her own new music and reminds us why she is so special. - Nation Of Language – Inept Apollo
This Brooklyn band makes no bones about their love for 80s synth pop like New Order and OMD and write catchy earworms that linger. - Royel Otis – Moody
Catchy, slacker indie pop from Australia - Lord Huron – Nothing I Need
One of the best indie rock bands to emerge in recent years are back with another cinematic, evocative tune.
And don’t hesitate to send us feedback, we want to know the songs and artist that meant the most to you.
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