Every year it is so difficult to pick just 50 songs from all the phenomenal music being released and believe me, there were so many more songs and artists that I love that deserve to be on this list. This is a playlist of songs that I’ve connected with on lots of different levels and for different reasons which I have attempted to explain as best I can! Some you may agree with and some you may not, but that’s the beautiful thing about music.

I really hope that you can connect to some of these songs too, and/or discover your new favourite artist/band. That’s what we are all about here at She Makes Music. Happy New Year and we’ll see you in 2026! – Helen Evans, Founder/Editor

1. ‘Focus Is Power’ by Self Esteem

First on our list is the empowering and uplifting hymn ‘Focus Is Power’ by the increasingly brilliant Self Esteem from her third album A Complicated Woman.  She blends razor-sharp pop production with lyrics that feel like a mantra you can actually live by – equal parts vulnerability and defiance. The song captures that moment where insecurity doesn’t disappear, but it stops being in control. It’s pulsing rhythm and layered vocals build a sense of momentum, as if confidence is being generated in real time. If you’re ever feeling low, this song is guaranteed to remind you how far you’ve already come and to encourage you to keep pushing forward.

2. ‘Abracadabra’ by Lady Gaga

‘Abracadabra’, and the album on which it appears – MAYHEM, is Lady Gaga on top form. The track and it’s accompanying video is pure pop witchcraft, showcasing her signature bold and theatrical sound and aesthetic. Gaga leans into spectacle and desire, using magic as a metaphor for transformation, temptation and control, all delivered with her trademark intensity. If you don’t dance and/or sing along to this song then I’m sorry but you’re clinically dead.

3. ‘L.O.V.E’ by Jessica Winter

The wonderful Jessica Winter was in our Top 50 back in 2022 with the fantastic ‘Choreograph’ and now she’s back in our list this year with the glossy and euphoric ‘L.O.V.E’, the lead single from her debut LP My First Album. Capturing the chaos and exhilaration of love, she pairs big hooks and bright synths with lyrics that feel both playful and painfully self-aware. Jessica’s delivery is dramatic, funny and emotionally precise and shows that love is messy, thrilling, and impossible to ignore. Which I’m sure all of us can relate to!

4. ‘Don’t Panic’ by Anne-Marie

On the bouncy and fast-paced ‘Don’t Panic’, Anne-Marie explores the chaotic reality of anxiety and inner turmoil. With haunting imagery and vulnerable lyrics, it captures the relentless whirlwind of thoughts and emotions that accompany feelings of panic. Yet, amidst the storm, Anne-Marie makes a poignant plea for calm and self-compassion. Something I think a lot of us can relate to and could do with in challenging situations.

5. ‘hate it’ by chloe moriondo

‘hate it’, taken from the album oyster, is a playfully creepy song in which Chloe fantasises about wearing stranger’s faces to bed or slipping them over her head to rob a bank.. but it’s an earworm of a tune – you can’t deny! She perfectly captures self-doubt with disarming honesty and charm. The stripped-back production gives the track a diary-like intimacy, making it feel like you’re inside Chloe’s head as she spirals and then shrugs it off.

6. ‘You Killed The Music’ by Debbii Dawson

Debbii Dawson turns heartbreak into something cinematic and quietly devastating with ‘You Killed The Music’. The track, and retro video, feels suspended in time, pairing dreamy, vintage-tinged production with lyrics that mourn not just a relationship, but the joy and creativity that once came with it. Debbii’s vocal performance is tender and restrained, which makes every line hit harder – she sounds like she’s holding herself together as she sings. Debbii has really started to shine this year and I think she will be one to watch for sure.

7. ‘safeword’ by Halsey

I think Halsey’s ‘safeword’ was the first song I heard this year that I fell in love with instantly on first listen. The track, and it’s NSFW video, packed so much punch. The Kathleen Hanna vibes, the zero-fucks-given attitude – what’s not to like? Fearless and confrontational, Halsey’s delivery is unapologetic and commanding. It’s a shame we didn’t have any more new music from her this year.

8. ‘Singer Of The Band’ by Twat Union

The energetic, raw and witty ‘Singer Of The Band’ by newcomers Twat Union is all too relatable for female musicians. And although you can feel the rage and frustration in the song, it’s all done in a very humorous way. I was lucky enough to catch the band live at Rebellion this year and they put on an incredible show with props and audience participation. The crowd absolutely loved it. And it was so lovely to meet them at the merch table afterwards, too. Watch out for their new EP being released in the new year!

9. ‘FATAL’ by Dear Tash

It was the meaty opening riff and drumbeat of ‘FATAL’ that drew me in and got me hooked. Another relatable song, this time about staying in a relationship long past it’s breaking point, waiting until the resentment builds, making the departure less painful. This is mirrored in the atmospheric music, especially the latter half of the song which culminates in the aforementioned riff speeding up until the end.

10. ‘Detonate’ by Netta

Innovator Netta makes irresistibly catchy pop songs, as we first discovered many years ago when she won Eurovision, and ‘Detonate’ is no different. Her unmistakable vocal style gives the song personality and bite and what really makes ‘Detonate’ shine is it’s sense of control: even as it flirts with chaos, the song feels deliberate, clever and empowering. I absolutely love singing along to this one!

11. ‘The Giver’ by Chappell Roan

I’m not normally a fan of country music but how could I resist this absolute bop from Midwest pop princess Chappell Roan?  Roan understands the country formula and embraces the storytelling tradition, infusing it with female empowerment and delivering it with a wink. While Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have both helped breakdown country’s rigid boundaries, Roan takes it further, bringing an unapologetically queer voice to a genre often hesitant to embrace it.

12. ‘catch these fists’ by Wet Leg

Wet Leg made a boisterous and very welcome return earlier this year with ‘catch these fists’ and new album Moisturizer. Drilling bass and infectious percussion lead the way for Rhian Teesdale’s instantly recognisable, gritty vocals on the track. Cheeky, confrontational and full of overt aversions, the track delves deep into the chaos of a night out, and the resultant fall. Although I have yet to see Wet Leg live, I have caught many of their festival appearances this year online and Rhian knows how to command a stage!

13. ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’ by Wolf Alice

Another band that I am so happy returned this year. Even bigger and better than before as well with new album The Clearing. There is nothing that ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’ doesn’t achieve. It opens with a joyful, jaunty piano, accompanied by hand claps, and for a few seconds, you think that the track will be jovial and light-hearted. Things switch up quickly, though, when Ellie Rowsell’s vocals come soaring in. Her voice has always been impressive and versatile, but on this song, it’s used in a different way, and it’s completely spellbinding.

14. ‘One Thing’ by Lola Young

It’s been great to see Lola’s meteoric rise this year. It’s so well deserved because she is insanely talented. It’s been a long time coming. The sexy and liberating ‘One Thing’ was a stand out track for me this year. The thought-provoking track and video highlights sex being both a fun and light thing, not always meaningful, as well as showing how gender roles can be reversed.

15. ‘GERM’ by Kate Nash

Kate Nash hit back at TERFS (specifically J. K. Rowling) earlier this year with the ultimate feminist anthem for the 21^st century, ‘GERM’. Nash speaks over an instrumental, percussion-heavy track and with each verse, she dispels TERF talking points with some cold, hard, well-researched facts. It just makes so much sense.

16. ‘N.O.V.A’ by Nova Twins

It’s been brilliant to see an act like Nova Twins on the rise ever since they broke out almost ten years ago. Anthemic, crowd pleaser ‘N.O.V.A’ is a stand out track from their most recent album Parasites and Butterflies which shows just how far they’ve come. Sing it loud!

17. ‘Trinkets’ by Ashnikko

I struggled to pick between ‘Trinkets’ and ‘Smoochie Girl’ for my favouite Ashnikko track this year but ultimately went with the former. Ashnikko is one of those unique artists whose output is always eye-catching and surreal, you can’t help but be captivated by her authenticity and originality. ‘Trinkets’ is a fun, whimsical track exploring classic girly things, such as collectible items, fascination with shiny souvenirs, and ironically (or maybe… unironically) objectifying men.

18. ‘Die Slow’ by Pollyanna

There are lots of sing-along anthems scattered throughout this list and Pollyanna’s ‘Die Slow’ is another one. The track pairs confrontational lyrics with driving rhythms and jagged hooks that make every emotion feel immediate and raw. The New Jersey band released their new album Weirdo this year which you should absolutely check out. Do not sleep on Pollyanna!

19. ‘IT’S HARD (to be a Man)’ by MARIS

MARIS’ ‘IT’S HARD (to be a Man)’ is a bold narrative that uses both humor and sarcasm to tackle the heaviness MARIS was feeling during a brief stint as a sex worker. Behind a strong pop-rock baseline, sharp lyricism outlines the types of conversations MARIS would have with the men who would pay her, but more importantly, the irony of what they’d say. MARIS is infectious, from her insane vocals to her effortless star power and she will be one to watch for sure!

20. ‘16/25’ by Softcult

I can’t wait for Softcult’s long awaited debut album, When A Flower Doesn’t Grow, early next year. They are another band going from strength to strength since their inception. LP cut ‘16/25,’ is a bold and unapologetic piece that takes on predatory older men who groom younger women. It also sheds light on the double standards and unrealistic expectations imposed by a patriarchal society. The song kicks off with a captivating blend of radiant vocals, raw guitars, and a whirlwind of reverb. The fact that the siblings do everything DIY as well gets a huge tumbs up from me.

21. ‘freefall’ by Jane Inc.

I adore the slinky, 80s synth-pop feel of Jane Inc.’s ‘free fall’. On the track, from the album A RUPTURE A CANYON A BIRTH, she sings big notes about bittersweet feelings of embracing a fall, because it’s sometimes the only way through, over an instrumental track that glides, bounces, and twinkles. Pure heaven.

22. ‘The Fate Of Ophelia’ by Taylor Swift

There’s no denying that Taylor Swift has an ear for a good tune and the knack for great story-telling and this song from her latest album The Life of a Showgirl is no different. With lyrics making reference to Shakespeare’s Hamlet and how it relates to her current relationship, ‘The Fate Of Ophelia’ is dazzling pop perfection.

23. ‘Stay In Your Lane’ by Courtney Barnett

It’s fantastic to see Courtney back and still at the absolute top of her game. She’s lost none of that slacker charm, bite and swagger that I’ve always loved her for. ‘Stay In Your Lane’ is propelled by a raucous guitar riff, fiery bassline and Barnett’s signature drawl. The track was also released alongside a unsettling video directed by Alex Ross Perry,

24. ‘Pussy Palace’ by Lily Allen

What a comeback for Lily Allen! ‘Pussy Palace’ is one of the standout tracks from her new album West End Girl. Catchy, upbeat pop melodies underscore brutally honest, detailed lyrics about discovering sex toys and infidelity in her ex-husband’s West Village home, The song creates a cathartic, addictive, yet squalid story of marital breakdown and modern betrayal, cementing her talent for making dark themes pop-friendly and essential listening.

25. ‘Supermodels’ by South Arcade

South Arcade’s ‘Supermodels’ is a blast of high-energy, early-2000s-infused pop punk that immediately grabs your attention with it’s vibrant guitars  and tongue-in-cheek attitude. The track cleverly nods to Y2K alt nostalgia while throwing in a unexpected, dance-leaning breakdown that keeps it feeling fresh and unpredictable. It’s another one of those sing-along anthems that I can’t get enough of!

26. ‘Don’t Sweat It’ by Daisy Grenade

NYC duo Daisy Grenade embrace summer flings on the dreamy ‘Don’t Sweat It’. The track starts out scorching, with a colorful wave of a cappella harmonies stacked so crisp, they’re almost electronic. The duo then takes us back to 2010s alt-pop as reverbed guitars enter the mix, soaring out through the soundscape with a pang of sunny surf rock energy. It’s very catchy and yet another great tune to sing along to.

27. ‘What Was That’ by Lorde

With a synth-pop feel, Lorde’s hypnotic comeback single ‘What Was That’ harkens back to her Melodrama days.  It’s an understated return from Lorde but that doesn’t mean it has any less of an impact. It’s one of those tracks that gets better and better on repeated listens.

28. ‘MachineGirl’ by ADELA

ADÉLA continues to cement herself as an artist who refuses to conform with ‘MachineGirl,’ proving she doesn’t just make pop music. She distorts, challenges, and makes the genre feel larger than life itself. The track, produced by Grimes, Liam Benayon, Slush Puppy, and Dylan Harrison, is a biting commentary on the spectacle of female conflict and how, despite purportedly embracing a culture of “women supporting women,” audiences still revel in watching them tear each other down. ADÉLA will definitely be one to watch in 2026. This is a soaring pop song with an incredible video to match. The girl has got moves!

29. ‘Cuntology 101’ by Lambrini Girls

‘Cuntology 101’ is a bold, irreverent punk anthem that closes Lambrini Girls’ debut album Who Let The Dogs Out with a defiant roar. The track blends fuzzy synths and driving rhythms with Phoebe Lunny’s aggressive, tongue-in-cheek vocals to turn a once-derogatory word into a playful manifesto about self-ownership, boundary setting and queer feminine power. I can’t believe I haven’t seen this band live yet…that needs to change!

30. ‘21^st Century Cool Girl’ by Chloe Qisha

’21st Century Cool Girl’ is a trailblazing slice of pop individuality. Speaking from the heart, the song looks to Chloe Qisha’s years of teenage angst, those periods of self doubt, and moves into a position of strength. With a lyric that evolves into a statement of self-belief, ’21st Century Cool Girl’ is a potent anthem from a trising talent in the UK pop sphere.

31. ‘Oh!’ by Hayes Warner

If you’re a woman sick of dealing with narcissistic men who only know how to objectify women, ‘Oh!’ by Hayes Warner is the pop anthem for you. Fresh, bold, and unapologetically defiant the song takes a sharp jab at superficial relationships and the labels society tries to impose—especially on women. The production of this song takes it to a whole new level. The strategic use of reverb, synth, electronic beats, and the instrumentation brings ‘Oh!’ to life. As does it’s visual stunning music video directed by Waley Wang.

32. ‘Goals’ by Sophie Powers

It is no exaggeration to say that when a new Sophie Powers song drops, a jolt of energy surges through the collective body of pop music. That is how much charge her tracks possess and ‘Goals,’ is no exception. With power chords flanked by prominent and crunchy synths riding a bouncy beat, she makes her statements spark, and each reverb-doused vocal becomes even more electric than the last. I am also totally here for the cheerleader vibes on this one!

33. ‘Wanna Start A Band?’ by Sleigh Bells

Sleigh Bells are one of my all time favourite bands and they are still on form after all these years. ‘Wanna Start A Band?’ from their new album Bunky Becky Birthday Boy does all the things that you want a Sleigh Bells song to do. It’s got the titanic but homespun pop hooks, the laser-guided synth-bleeps, the excessive overdriven guitar riffs, and the punishing programmed drums.

34. ‘Too Many People’ by Bite Me Bambi

Orange County’s ska punk firebrands Bite Me Bambi appeared on our Top 50 last year with ‘Bad Boyfriend’ and now they’ve made the cut again with the brilliant powerhouse anthem ‘Too Many People’. Organ echoes over a punchy drumroll before a hummable horn section accelerates the momentum. As the groove builds, frontwoman Tahlena Chikami takes command. I saw the band at Rebellion in the summer and they are a fantastic live band, they have so much energy. You’ve gotta have a bit of ska to inject some joy into your life.

35. ‘Limelight’ by Tune-Yards

Anyone who knows me, knows that I can’t resist a funky bassline. Tune-Yards’ ‘Limelight’ continues to showcase the groovy rhythms of the duo. Nate’s basslines are thick, heavy and slap. Merrill’s voice is layered like a playground chant whilst her huge range is on display in the background. Weird synths, snapshots of voice recorder notes and a general lo-fi stitching simmers away underneath the main tune. It is something Tune-Yards has always done exceptionally well and the more you listen, the more you appreciate it.

36. ‘Call Me Up’ by Julez and the Rollerz

‘Call Me Up’ is a punchy, guitar-driven single from LA outfit Jules and the Rollerz that blends classic garage rock energy with modern emotional directness. Vocalist and guitarist Jules Batterman delivers the song with a confident swagger that’s mirrored by the band’s tight performance. The accompanying  music video leans into the band’s campy, retro aesthetic. They are a criminally underrated band and deserve more attention!

37. ‘I Won’t Stop The Love’ by Druzy

If you hadn’t guessed by now, I am an absolute sucker for a bright, polished 80s style bop. And Druzy’s ‘I Won’t Stop the Love’ fits the bill perfectly. Featured on their debut album The Brightest Star, ‘I Won’t Stop the Love’ is an anthem for enduring connection and hope against the odds. Brianna Conroy’s vocal delivery carries a warm, inviting energy. Druzy have been around for a long time now, at least ten years and it’s about time for them to shine!

38. ‘Sue me’ by Audrey Hobert

Audrey Hobert is another artist destined for stardom. Her eye for rhyme and lyrical talent is undeniable – shining, chic and splendid lyrics under the delusional obsession with an ex is showcased in her huge debut single ‘Sue me’. The repetitive chorus is a full on ear worm and while might put some people off, I am obsessed.

39. ‘space’ by Ella Eyre

One of the UK’s most talented and distinctive voices, Ella Eyre, released her new album everything, in time this year. Laden with soul-R&B grooves, my favourite track ‘space’ showcases a side of Ella that’s long been simmering beneath the surface. The track doesn’t mince words – and that’s entirely the point. It’s fierce, frank, and refreshingly raw, cutting through the noise with a kind of rebellious energy that commands attention. I don’t think there are many other songs that I relate to so hard!

40. ‘Shapeshifting On A Saturday Night’ by Avery Cochrane

Rising queer indie pop singer-songwriter Avery Cochrane is ready to set the world on fire with her style and blazing talent. In her viral hit ‘Shapeshifting on a Saturday Night,’ she delivers incredible vocals paired with equally compelling lyrics. True to her style, she draws from personal experience, and this song is no exception. The themes are relatable and heartfelt. Musically, the track is polished and irresistibly catchy, everything a great pop song should be. All the elements blend seamlessly.

41. ‘REDRUM’ by Bambie Thug

I am in love with the Y2K nu-metal feel on Bambie Thug’s ‘REDRUM’. The lyrics are directly criticising the wars going on in our world right now and the oppression going on against the queer collective while propaganda in the form of distraction and doomscrolling allow people to remain quiet against the injustice going on in the world. And this is something we need more of in music.

42. ‘Sunscreen’ by LIZ, SOPHIE

Future pop force LIZ makes a powerful return with the long-awaited release of ‘SUNSCREEN,’ a shimmering, radiant and nostalgic Y2K-inspired pop gem created with the late great visionary producer SOPHIE. It’s wonderful to see SOPHIE’s legacy being carried on and I am excited to see what LIZ does next.

43. ‘the beginning of the end’ by hemlock springs

On ‘the beginning of the end,’ hemlocke springs continues to make waves with her genre-shattering urgency. Her vocals are the song’s true north, pointed with urgent desire. The background shifts through a variety of sonic territories — bedazzled synths, sun-kissed acoustic strums, and explosive hard rock. No matter what’s scaffolding her voice, hemlocke springs’ vibrant desperation is never overshadowed.

44. ‘Cute Aggression’ by Perrie

‘Cute Aggression’ is a playful and charming pop track from Perrie’s self-titled solo debut album that was released this year. While not groundbreaking in sound, I find it irresistibly fun and immediately replayable.

45. ‘BORING’ by Sumo Cyco

Far from its title, ‘BORING’ is a rallying cry for anyone who feels trapped by routine. Gang vocals, driving riffs, and Sumo Cyco’s signature mash-up of metal, punk, and pop chaos shines on this track from their new album NEON VOID about breaking free from complacency and living louder.

46. ‘Young’ by Little Simz

Little Simz is probably my favourite rapper. Ever. And she’s finally getting the acclaim that she deserves. One of the tracks from her new album Lotus, grabbed my attention from the get-go. And that track is ‘Young’. It’s not what you would perhaps expect from Little Simz and that’s one of the many reasons why I love it. Set against a grooving bass riff, ‘Young’ sees Little Simz inhabit a character with a playfully cheeky accent.

47. ‘This Is The Killer Speaking’ by The Last Dinner Party

The Last Dinner Party made a triumphant return earlier this year with their song ‘This is the Killer Speaking’, the lead single from their second album, From the Pyre. The track is a cinematic Western-infused effort that still boasts the theatrical instrumentals and operatic vocals we’ve come to know and love from the band, finding that sweet spot between staying true to who they are and experimenting with different sonics.

48. ‘Vampire Girl’ by daena

daena returned earlier this year in October just in time for spooky season with her scariest subject matter yet: a clingy situationship. Filled with hooky vocal stacks, tongue-in-cheek lyricism and gritty guitars with just the right amount of bite, ‘Vampire Girl’ is deliciously addictive pop/rock perfection.

49. ‘Better Undressed’ by girli

Can you do no contact after a breakup? If you can, then girli’s new song ‘Better Undressed’ might not be for you. If, however, you’re the type of person who struggles to let go of love, this track needs to be on your playlist right now. Alt-pop pioneer girli moves away from the high-concept production that fans saw with tracks like ‘Matriarchy’ and shifts to raw, playful expression. I am always all over everything that girli does because she is simply brilliant and hugely underrated. I look forward to hearing more from her in 2026!

50. ‘Chains Of Love’ by Charli xcx

Last, but by absolutely no means least we have the modern queen of pop finishing off my Top 50. You can always gurantee that if Charli xcx has released new music, she will be on this list. I truly believe that Charli could pull of any genre but I’m so happy that she is back to ger dark, gothic roots with her upcoming Wuthering Heights album. ‘Chains Of Love’ has a spooky, haunting feel to it, and begins with a swirling, cinematic melody, as it gradually builds towards an euphoric chorus. The accompanying video directed by C Prinz is equally as dramatic. I can’t wait to hear the full album in the new year.

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