Hi everybody, and welcome to a new Something Different Sunday, in which I talk about, well, something DIFFERENT than books. 

It’s the end of the year, and that means it’s time for one of my favorite types of posts: the yearly favorites lists! My bookish lists will follow, but for now let’s talk music!

Note: just like last year I’m not doing a separate k-pop and non k-pop list, but I’m instead combining them into one MASTER list with 12 instead of 10 songs 😉

This was still extremely difficult as I feel like I’m still missing quite a few favorites, which is a good thing as it means it’s been a great music year!

THE FAVORITE:
Dove Cameron – Too Much

SUCH A POWER JAM! I’ve been obsessed with this song pretty much all year long, it’s just that good!

“If you say I’m too much, baby, go find less
If you can’t keep up, stay below, I guess“

K-Pop Demon Hunters – How It’s Done

Yes, I fell into the K-Pop Demon Hunter rabbit hole together with half the world this past summer. And I have zero regrets. Though Golden is their most popular, I’ve always been feral over How It’s Done.

“Heels, nails, blade, mascara
Fit check for my napalm era
Need to beat my face, make it cute and savage
Mirror, mirror on my phone, who’s the baddest? (Us, hello?)”

One Ok Rock – Tropical Therapy

While I am a bit bummed as I was supposed to see this band live for the first time this year and then things got in the way so I didn’t end up able to go, I’m still beyond thrilled we got a new album by them this year. It was full of bangers, but Tropical Therapy was so soft and relatable.

“I need to lighten all this baggage
‘Cause life is heavyweight
I’m sick of rolling with the punches
I need to get away”

BlackPink – Jump

My husband calls this carnival music because of the beat and the catchiness and I have to agree (we both love this song, so this is a compliment 😉 )

“So come up with me, I’ll take you high
That prima donna spice up your life”

All Time Low – Suckerpunch

This band has had so many amazing songs this year, but I think Suckerpunch has been my absolute favorite for its utter fun and catchiness.

“You pour your salt in my cuts and call it “seasoning”
You’ve got the recipe right, and now you’re eatin’ me alive”

Poppy, Amy Lee & Courtney Laplante – End of You

Amy Lee has had a few awesome songs and collabs this year so I struggled a bit with choosing a favorite, but this one hits the mark the most.

“When every lie was kept so close
Burned by the game for what I chose
Now you’re tossing and turning
I’m pulling the plug on the dream
‘Cause the end of you is the start of life for me”

The Rasmus ft Niko Vilhelm- Break These Chains

This band made quite the comeback this year as this song has been on my playlist for months and months!

“I’ve been living in this haunted house
Sleeping in a dungeon stained and bloody
This bed is like a life raft in the dark
I hold on like I’m drowning to your body”

Chrissy Costanza – Weather

Chrissy Costanza released this song on my birthday, so it kind of felt like a personal gift and bonus points for being an amazing song!

“When they ask me, “How’s the weather?”
And I tell ’em, “Never better”
‘Cause come rain or shinе, it’s just whatever”

Papa Roach – Even If It Kills Me

Another one of my nostalgic favorite bands from my teenage years releasing amazing new songs this year! (And I’ll get to see them live next year which is awesome!)

“Even if it kills me inside
Even if you burn me alive
I’d carry that pain that you don’t need
I’d carry that weight that you don’t see”

The Pretty Reckless – For I Am Death

Taylor’s voice and this banger of a song? Pure gold and deserves all the love!

“For I am death and I won’t break
I got a life
I’ve got to take
When will it end, this sufferin’ of late?
It was nice to know you”

ALLDAY PROJECT – Famous

I only discovered this song, and this band, near the end of the year but it made a big impression. This is so catchy and fresh and I adore the band’s concept.

“No white collar, 근데 얜 좀 쳐
When I put mans in their places
모든 시선들은 날 따라와
But we ain’t even famous”

Harrison – All The Things She Said

Yes, thanks to the Heated Rivalry tv show (which was amazing), I became obsessed with this 3-year old remix of a 23-year old song and I have no regrets (off to rewatch the tv show again now, thank you, bye)

“I’m in serious shit, I feel totally lost
If I’m asking for help, it’s only because
Being with you has opened my eyes
Could I ever believe such a perfect surprise?”

Tell Me:
What were some of your favorite songs of 2025?
Do we have any in common?