Category: Year End Song Lists

We’re a few days in to the new year now, the door has been closed on 2025, and I’m finally getting to the last part of my music recap. A bit tacky, but I suspect no one will be too upset about it so let’s get to my favorite songs of the year.

Again, I took a different approach this time. Some years I’ve had a de facto “anthem,” something that felt a bit like a theme song or go-to for the year, and I’ve typically created a ranked list of favorites. Nothing stood out like that this year so l decided instead to make a virtual “mix tape” of songs to share that weren’t captured in any of my favorite albums.

It was certainly an eventful year for me; lots of transitions and new beginnings – with more new beginnings still to come. While it can be a bit unsettling how quickly the year passes by, I’m ready to see what 2026 will bring. I hope it brings you all comfort, joy, and good music.

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Here’s the playlist on Bandcamp:

https://bandcamp.com/colbyvv/playlist/2025-mixtape-colbys-favorite-tracks-of-the-year

Or here’s a link to a version on Qobuz:

https://widget.qobuz.com/playlist/51740527?zone=US-en

[Note: I decided to move off of Spotify in 2025 – maybe a discussion for a different post – and I’m doing all of my streaming now on Bandcamp and Qobuz. Unfortunately, neither of these platforms yet support web browser embedded playlists with WordPress. So, results may vary depending on the platform you’re using but, but that’s why I’ve just got the simple hyperlinks above.]

It’s time to get 2024 done and dusted so I’ll finish up with favorite songs of the year. These are individual tracks from outside my top album choices – an opportunity to highlight additional artists who released recommendation-worthy music. The selection process for favorite songs can be… “fluid,” and putting them in ranked order felt overly forced. Instead, you’ll find twenty of my favorite songs from the year presented in random themed groupings.

Happy New Year. I hope you make time to find your own new music treasures in the year to come. Discovering and appreciating new music may not solve any of major our problems in 2025, but I guarantee it will make your year better.

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Alt-Country Gems

“Dollar Bill Bar” by Sierra Ferrell
The current darling of Americana tries her best to warn us away, but like every other cowboy at that bar, there’s no resisting her dazzle and charm.

“Boombox” by Charlie Parr
A hootenanny celebration for all that goofy dancing we do when the spirit strikes.

“North Country” by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
The masters of Americana are at it again.

Indie-Rock That Put a Smile on My Face

“Davey Says” by King Hannah
Early 2000’s garage rock influenced with hooky guitars and deadpan vocals.

“Light On” by Dehd
From their third great album in six years, this track makes a strong argument there should be a genre called “bounce-around-the-room-rock.”

“Nothing/Everything” by The Lovely Eggs
An infectiously chipper song that will get you happily singing about the mundane, existential grind of life.

I Don’t Dislike All Pop Music

“Double Vision” by Night Talks
I’ve already gushed about this 80’s influenced pop candy and I still can’t get enough.

“Used to Lovin’ You” by Diane Birch
Sultry, mid-tempo dance floor groove sure to induce finger snaps and hip swivels.

“Sexy to Someone” by Clairo
Even us 50-somethings?

Punk Rock Down Under could be the Best Punk Rock

“Livin’ At Night” by Dunk Mums
This isn’t rocket science. There’s no defining of a new musical landscape here. This is the Ramones via Australia with a tinge of surf rock and it’s god damn fun!

“Personal Best” by Bench Press
Snarky post-punk anthem for all my Strava obsessed friends.

Hip-Hop with Wit

“Bukayo Saka” by Heems
“Only right wing I acknowledge is Bukayo Saka.” Name dropping one of the most likeable and talented players in the Premier League in a killer line – how was I not going to love this track?

“SHOWER SONG” by Tierra Whack
Quite likely the brightest talent in hip-hop today, Tierra Whack will bring a smile to your morning routine.

Proving Art Rock can be Catchy

“The World’s Biggest Paving Slab” by English Teacher
I’m clearly to old and out of touch to understand what these English kids are going on about but I kept singing along anyway.

“Hey Kekule” by Font
The funkiest nerd rock you’ll ever hear about a chemist from the 1800’s.

Classic Country Covers Made New

“Always on My Mind” by Tami Neilson
Neilson pulls off a wonderful album of Willie Nelson covers, highlighted by the deft, nuanced touch she puts into this all time classic.

“I Only Exist” by Kelsey Waldon
Two young voices honoring the art of country duets with a timeless track.

A Few More Treasures

“WSOD” by Shellac
Steve Albini’s death in 2024 was unexpected but his final album fronting his own band reminded us he certainly knew a thing about guitar-driven rock.

“Raat Ki Rani” by Arooj Aftab
I will continue to argue that Arooj Aftab has the most beautiful voice performing today. Paired against the pulsing piano line and the surging harps, it becomes even more mesmerizing.

“All in Good time” by Iron & Wine, featuring Fiona Apple
A call-and-response duet with two singular voices embracing the inevitable.

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Since this year’s favorite album post got a bit wordy, I’ll try to keep my intro here short but I do want to comment on a couple things. When I compiled this songs list, I noticed it was dominated by indie-rock and country, unlike my favorite albums list which had more diversity than usual. Part of any difference in the lists is a bi-product of my self-defined rule that I can’t highlight any artists on this songs list that were already covered in my favorite albums. But I think this particular difference may be a reflection of my personal listening habits and what I look for in albums versus songs. I still listen to most of my music in album form, selecting something and listening from Track 1 to the end. These albums are like meals for me, and I look for something that’s complex and has layers, that fit a mood or complete a setting. Individual songs though, they are like pieces of candy. I put them in a playlist like an assortment of varied chocolates (cue the obligatory Forest Gump quote) and often pick whatever strikes my fancy at a given moment, looking for some kind of immediate “fix.” Because of personal biases honed from the music of my formative years, I think these familiar genres of indie-rock, punk, (alt)country, and folk are where I’m more likely to look for that quick, easy, “candy” rush.

So, to wrap up my end of year review, I hope you find something sweet in this assortment of songs and I wish you plenty of musical nourishment in 2024.

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1. “Doing It” by Wimps
I loved the new album from this insanely charming Seattle based punk trio and came very close to listing it in my top 20. The entire album is full of simple takes on middle aged life, delivered with dry wit. This is what “grown up punk” sounds like and this is the song I kept going to most – an anthem for all of us (or maybe just me?) who are improvising (faking?) our way through adulthood.

2. “Keep It On a Burner” by Margo Cilker
Cilker hails from the rural outreaches of the Columbia Gorge but Portland serves as a kind of secondary hometown and I saw her perform at a small venue there for the final night of two sold-out shows celebrating her album release. The genuine, heartfelt nature of her music was obvious and certainly infected everyone in the crowd. On that night, the sing-along nature of the chorus in this country slow-groove had everyone swept up in full voice and I think the recorded version gives a wonderful peak into the magic she has.

3. “fuck george lucas” by Steel Tipped Dove & alaska_atoms
It’s not easy to figure out who the rapper Alaska (a.k.a. alaska_atoms) is. I had no idea when I first heard his music. But I wasn’t surprised to learn of his association with a hip-hop collective called Atoms Family and through that his connection to folks like Vast Aire, Vordul Mega, Cryptic One, El-P, and Aesop Rock. Alaska channels a very similar ethos and in this track he lays down a scathing rebuke of our culture’s over romanticized notions of self importance. And it ends with what I’d vote for as the best closing line of any song in 2023.

4. “Kristine From the 7th Grade” by Ben Folds
In his late twenties and early thirties, Ben Folds brought his lyrical talent to bear on charismatic nerd-rock that spoke very directly to the young me. Now in his 50’s, he delivers this beautifully constructed piece as if he could be the heir to Randy Newman. The picture he creates through this message to a character from his past is one that precisely captures an all-to-well known phenomenon specific to our current time and the social media shit-storm we live in. While that may have a certain gratification on it’s own, what makes this song work so well is how Folds points out the brutal faults of his subject while also showing understanding and compassion – a combination that takes what could have felt snarky or cold, and instead makes it earnest and warm.

5. “Love Is a Place” by Jaime Wyatt
I loved Wyatt’s 2020 album Neon Cross and had been anticipating her second release ever since. When it finally came this year it was immediately clear her music had evolved and I think it’s wonderfully captured in this standout track. Still country, but her sound has shifted from 70’s honkytonk twang to 70’s Muscle Shoals soul. Lyrically, there’s still some heartbreak (cause ya can’t have country music without it) but it’s now balanced with some love and redemption.

6. “Puppy and a Truck” by Jenny Lewis
I’ll admit I had momentary doubts based on the Jimmy Buffet-esque vibe (including margarita reference), but this song quite likely has the most charming opening verse of any song in 2023 – and yes, some very sage life advice as well.

7. “In Your Love” by Tyler Childers
I might be initially biased towards any album whose artwork has the artist posing with a mule, but once again Childers delivers (“like a team of mules”) with relatively simple, earnest song writing. Oh, and in classic Childers fashion he makes sure to blow open the cultural norms of what might otherwise be looked at as conventional country music – this time with the associated music video.

8. “When You Say” by FACS
Relentless drum groove, growling guitar riff. If you were a character in a movie and you heard the first few bars of this song drop (‘cause that’s how it works if you’re a character in a movie, right? The soundtrack is plays from magical speakers overhead in whatever world the characters are in, right?) you know some bad shit’s about to happen. (By the way, this is one of the songs that directly influenced my recent decision to buy a drum set.)

9. “TWO DAYS” by Killer Mike
Killer Mike is a viciously smart rapper whose power is served best when paired with sardonic humor (a la the deft touch of El-P) or in this case a soulful 70’s-era groove via Ty Dolla $ign.

10: “Gotoku Lemon” by TEKE::TEKE
I’d never heard of TEKE::TEKE until I was stage-side in Idaho at a Treefort outdoor amphitheater. Here was this seven piece, psychedelic fusion band from Japan (with a lead flute!) playing on a freezing cold evening in early spring. I looked out at the audience standing on a field of mud and ice, a biting wind swirling about, and every face wore a smile, every booty was moving to the music.

11. “Topography” by Libby Rodenbough
This track shows why decisions in composition and production should not be taken for granted. A sparse opening, just Rodenbough’s voice and piano. Her vocals are recorded naturally and so close they sound as if she’s crooning into your ear. The piano muffled as if from the opposite side of a large room, yet somehow simultaneously clear enough we can hear the hammers and inner workings of the instrument itself. More than half way in, a simple horn sound joins from far down the hallway. With the final verse, strings swell to fill the space in between. Then as Rodenbough utters the final word of the piece, “Stay…” the composition pieces die away. A masterclass for showing how intelligently choosing less can make for so much more.

12. “Eraser” by Sweeping Promises
Discordant anthem from a punk duo based out of Kansas but sounding more like something heard out of 1970’s era CBGB.

13. “Codependent Heart” by Ryan Curtis
I’m sorry about whatever amount of smoking, hard drinking, and/or harsh living Ryan Curtis went through that resulted in his thrashed vocal cords, but damn – you mix that gravely voice with some country twang and a bit of heartbreak and I’m sold. (Also worth a special note, Curtis hails from Boise so look for him playing events around the PNW.)

14. “Harmless Activity” by R.M.F.C.
There should be a subgenre of music called Speeding Ticket Rock (other examples being “The House That Heaven Built” by Japandroids, “S.T.H.D.” by Ladyhawk, “I Can’t Drive 55” by Sammy Hagar). With the beat of the drum groove sitting just behind the rhythmic guitar riff, this song generates a sense of drive, a sense of forward momentum, that makes my gas foot immediately push for the floor. (Have I mentioned that some of these songs forced me to buy a drum set?)

15. “Amy Timers” by Gaadge
Every time I hear this song start up I think I’m listening to a 90’s Sebadoah album.

To wrap up this 2022 review, here are my favorite songs of the year – at least those not already highlighted from my top albums. I’m often not fully aware of what makes a song “click” for me when I first hear it and wouldn’t be sure how to articulate its secrets at the time – I just know it when I hear it. It’s only when I sit down now, having grown familiar and comfortable with these songs, that I can start to look at them with more context and hope to understand some of the craft that lies within the art.   

Once again, I hope these posts help you discover some of your own new favorite music.

FAVORITE SONGS OF 2022

1. “Bleed Out,” The Mountain Goats
Grisly, dark humor that goes too far? Or jaunty, wry-smile inducing anthem of persistence through the shit-storm of life that rages all about? I say the latter. “And I will never lose hope, and I haven’t lost hope / I’m just realistic / I will go down punching, but I will go down / And my corner man won’t bring me back around.”

2. “Alive Ain’t Always Living,” Quelle Chris
Slow groove, gospel tinged hip-hop track that preaches what’s really important in life – in the coolest, most low-key way possible.  “Lord, I know what I done wrong, tryna be what I done right / Veinticuatro, siete dias, me, oh my / You can keep the feast and wine, I just want my peace of mind.”

[In hindsight, listening to these first two tracks along with “100% Endurance,” from my favorite album of the year highlighted earlier, I can’t help see the thread of a thematic trend… But I’ll leave that for others to comment on or just roll their eyes and move on.] 

3. “Gary Borthwick Says,” Neutrals
A great example of post-punk dry wit, but what I particularly love about this track is how our understanding of the character depicted in the song flips with a few subtle lines in the final bridge making us realize we underestimated and minimized the character – and we also underestimated and minimized the song itself. 

4. “A Warning,” Elizabeth Compton
This was a late-in-the-year discovery during a night of Bandcamp mining. Entirely unaware of what was coming as I took the first listen, this is a song that swallowed me whole on the first take. Like some kind of melancholy version of Portishead, the dance beats removed and the analog synths turned up to max. The chopped pattern of static and the fluctuating, mechanical rhythm of those synths create a ghost-inside-the-machine feel for Compton’s haunting voice. 

5. “All My Love Is Coming Back To Me,” S.G. Goodman
At times I hear traces of the legendary Bonnie Raitt, but S.G. Goodman is clearly on her own path and this song has all the components of a great rock song – one with the kind of driving rhythm that if played at high volume while in your car will inevitably result in speeding tickets. 

6. “Dark Before the Dawn,” Benjamin Todd
Benjamin Todd has a powerful voice that’s only matched by the power of his earnestness. Combined together they take the lament of this simple cowboy song and bring it to life. 

7. “Wood Dove,” Nick Cave, Warren Ellis
I like birds. I guess that’s why my interest was sparked when I heard about this massive work of over 200 songs and poems put out this year called For the Birds: The Birdsong Project. A collection of pieces from a wide range of artists/writers, all taking some kind of inspiration from birds. Out of that work, the ethereal soundscape of this track, combined with Nick Cave’s haunting voice, captured me instantly. 

8. “Blue is the Eye,” Ye Vagabonds
Love song. Lullaby. Funeral dirge. Each time I listen to this song I feel I can take a different meaning from this new-wave Iris folk song. Remember the Thistle and Shamrock radio show? I guess it’s still going but to be honest, I was never a huge fan. Too much of the traditional Celtic music was… well, over the top in its Celtic-ness. But here, the traditional components are subtle and soulful – the end result a gorgeous piece of music. 

9. “Angel Band – Jubilee Version,” Tyler Childers
Much like Sturgil Simpson, Tyler Childers has a brilliant touch for combining old-school, traditional American music – folk, country, and in this case even some gospel – with a modern, progressive mindset. Here he makes getting to church sound so inviting you can’t help but think fondly of those hard, wooden pews. 

10. “Excuse-moi de t’aimer,” Elizabeth Moen
Elizabeth Moen released a great album this year which almost made my list, but it was her single “Sorry That I Love You” with this French translation B-side that I couldn’t put down. Both tracks showcase her luxurious vocal range and power with exceptional production touches including guitar backing by Liam Kazar. (Yep, third time he’s been mentioned in these end-of-year posts – there’s definitely something special going on in the Chicago music scene these days.)   

11. “Munch (Feelin’ U),” Ice Spice
I don’t think anyone is going to argue the value of this track based on the lyrics (What about his lunch?) but I am not too proud to admit I jumped on the bandwagon for this viral hip-hop track. A simple but insanely catchy bass groove topped off with a buttery smooth, too-cool-for-you rap delivery. 

12. “Runner,” Alex G
Alex G has put out a couple of highly acclaimed albums over the years (including this year’s God Save The Animals) but I’ve never felt there was sufficient consistency or focus in them to make my favorite albums list. But on a track like this one the songwriting crystallizes into a rock-pop standout. Is this a song about someone’s devotion to their dog? Probably not…  

13. “The Smoke,” The Smile
Some might be surprised about this pick given my lackluster feelings about Radiohead. But I think this song by the Thom York, Jonny Greenwood side project has what is frequently missing from Radiohead’s music – authenticity and soul. How do they create it here? Maybe it comes from touches like a tangible melody and the slight swing of a back-beat groove – but it’s probably just that wicked bass guitar lick! 

14. “Jackie Down the Line,” Fontaines D.C.
A cold warning about a brutal character. The track’s punch is delivered in full force thanks to the way frontman Grain Chatten’s weary voice is paired with a slashing guitar, a shuffling drum pattern, and the rolling bass line coursing through it all.

15. “Black Umbrella,” Anna Tivel
From a local Portland singer-songwriter this is a poignant, vivid and heartbreaking story inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and a tragic event that is all too easy to recognize.

Picking the best album is hard enough, but picking the best song is essentially impossible in my opinion.  A song can serve so many different purposes.  You might be able to compare songs of a similar style, but comparing songs across the spectrum is like comparing apples and antelopes.  Anyway, to make my list, I thought about all the music I had heard in the last year and which songs had stuck in my head – what songs popped to mind right away and were the best at achieving their respective goal.

Top 10 Songs of 2007
1. “Dashboard” – Modest Mouse – We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank. It’s about being on the road, music, and fire. What more could you want?
2. “You! Me! Dancing!” – Los Campesinos – Sticking Fingers Into Sockets. They’re a large-piece indie-pop band from England that’s got some good songs and some not great songs but this one gets me moving like an idiot.
3. “Unless It’s Kicks” – Okkervil River – The Stage Names. Simply a kick ass song.
4. “Resurrection Fern” – Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog. This songs a little more like Iron & Wine’s older stuff but has a slightly fuller sound while just being simple and hauntingly beautiful .
5. “Cape Cop Kwassa Kwassa” – Vampire Weekend. These guys have their first album coming out the end of this month – look for it.
6. “Hate It Here” – Wilco – Sky Blue Sky. This doesn’t share all of the same intensity and nuiance that other Jeff Tweedy songs have, but maybe because of it’s simplicity you could argue that it does an even better job of showing of his songwriting abilities.
7. “The Underdog” – Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. This is a different sound then the Spoon I was used to – more to it with the horns and what not – but definately a tune that I can’t resist playing over and over again.
8. “The Devil Is My Running Mate” – Jason Isbell – Sirens Of The Ditch. I don’t usually like political songs and this will probably end up being dated a few years from now, but it takes such a unique perspective on the Bush era that I can’t help but be impressed by it. It also gives a glimpse at the great song writing of Isbell who I feel has the potential to be as strong a musical talent as Jeff Tweedy.
9. “Tonight I Have To Leave It” – Shout Out Louds – Tonight I Have To Leave It. A Swedish indie-pop band that puts together a song to grab you and make you move like you were a thirteen year old spaz all over again.
10. “That Beat” – Amy LaVere – Anchors & Anvils. LaVere has a wonderful, unique sound and this thing just grooves in the sweetest, most seductive way.