DryedMangoez Top 25 of 2025 – My Favorite Songs of the Year (So Far!)

Can you believe we’ve reached the halfway point of 2025 already?! Crazy! But of course, that means it’s time for me to share my favorite music of the year so far. 😊

Now, usually, for my favorite songs lists, whether at the midpoint of the year or the year-end list, I always go in thinking “I’m not going to be able to find enough songs for my list.” Usually, I cap the number at 40. But when I finally finish sorting through my favorite songs, I’ve ended up with 50, 60 or even 70 songs! Lol

So here I am, June 2025. I sit down to put my list together and think “I say I’m not going to have enough songs, but I probably will end up with more songs than I need again anyway.” But after finalizing my list, I found that I actually didn’t have 40 songs I could truly put on my “Favorite” list this time around.

I mean, I probably could come up with a list of 40. But would they really be my “favorites” per se? I found that I liked plenty of songs, but they aren’t necessarily songs that I’ve listened to a lot. Or songs that have been on repeat for me in these first six months of the year. So to keep myself honest (to myself, really lol), I decided to cap my list at 25 this year. It’s a good number. And also, why not 25 for 2025? Perfect! Lol

So here are my 25 favorite songs of 2025, so far!

25. “nu kidz” by ARrC

ARrC made their first comeback with title track “nu kidz” earlier this year. I thought it was a very intriguing track at first. But it proved to be a truly addictive pop track powered by retro funk and contemporary sounds. It was a bit different from their debut. But it was nonetheless a great performance and a song that’s entered my regular 2025 rotation!

24. “Stay” by OnlyOneOf

OnlyOneOf released the special digital single “Stay” after member Rie enlisted in the military. So it will be the last full member release for a while. A long while, I think. Which is probably why the song is even more emotional than it already is. Its rock-infused melody also offers up a refreshing change of pace for the group who always deliver eye-catching and attention-grabbing performances. This mellower and meaningful performance conveys the sincere message of the song. And the music video featuring the members from the past years since debut certainly have an emotional and nostalgic feel.

23. “1&Only” by XLOV

XLOV had an attention-grabbing debut in January. And they recently followed that up with “1&Only”. The title track of the album I ONE is a catchy and mood-making song. And their performance is an even more striking one than their debut. It’s a catchy song and even more memorable performance. XLOV is making waves with their sound and style and it’s great to see!

22. “Poster Boy” by Jaechan

I was definitely not expecting this track when seeing DKZ’s Jaechan was making his solo comeback. But what a pleasant surprise! This mood making R&B track is catchy with Jaechan delivering a confident and flirty performance. Definitely a lot of swag and charisma here!

21. “Bad Desire (With or Without You)” by ENHYPEN

I don’t know why, but the music video threw me off a little bit. I usually check out new title tracks of artists by watching (or even waiting for) the music video first. So I wasn’t sure what to make of the song at first. But setting the MV aside, opening narration and all, and just listening to the two minute and 22 second song on its own, I love it! “Bad Desire (With or Without You)” is a great track that very much lines up with the sound and style ENHYPEN has developed and grown into.

20. “I Just Want Love” by Keonhee (ONEUS)

What a treat to see that ONEUS’ Keonhee was making his solo debut with the release of his first single “I Just Want Love”. And the song is definitely a wonderful treat. The dreamy R&B track perfectly suits Keonhee’s soft vocals and the warm and romantic lyrics. It’s a great performance that introduces Keonhee as a solo artist very well. Looking forward to more solo music from Keonhee in the future (and of course more ONEUS too!).

19. “Seize the Day” by W24

W24 releases an excellent album with Seize The Day. The title track of the same name is a soaring, energetic rock track. You can’t help but rock out right along with the band. The accompanying music video is so good as well and it is an excellent showcase for the talented band. The other four tracks on the album are equally great with my particular favorites the ballad “Thought of You” and the closer “Rooftop”. Check out W24 if you haven’t already!

18. “Love Like That” by EVNNE

EVNNE came back with a new album earlier this year entitled Hot Mess and the title track of the same name. It is a fun pop-rock track with an addictive melody. But my favorite song from the album and the one I’ve replayed the most since then is the bright “Love Like That”. It is also a fun pop track that has the group singing of the exciting feeling with friends. And the song also showcases EVNNE’s versatility too.

17. “DSTM” by ONE OR EIGHT

^That was my exact reaction when I watched “DSTM” by ONE OR EIGHT the first time! I definitely did not expect it. But I definitely enjoyed it a lot. I’ve had ONE OR EIGHT in my queue for a while as I have “Don’t Tell Nobody” on my list, but for some reason I never actually sat down and checked them out. But everything about “DSTM”, from the Michael Jackson and Rihanna samples to the swagger in the original verses and their charismatic performance, this is definitely an amazing introduction to the group for me. And I have been looking forward to them ever since!

16. “Thunder” by CIX

CIX starts a new chapter in their careers, now as a four-member group. And the title track “Thunder” shows they’re picking up right where they left off. The electro-pop track has a catchy rhythm and groovy melody that makes it an easily appealing song and performance from the group. It’s been a go-to track for me since it was released back in January, along with “Bad Moves” also from the album.

15. “Summer of War” by 2Z

Every song released by 2Z this year has an argument to be made to be on my list. But *spoiler alert*, the first one to show up is “Summer of War”. One of the B-side tracks on their album Glorious Youth, the band drew inspiration for it from their Japanese tour in the summer of 2024. And it speaks of them finding hope even in the difficulties they face.

14. “Love the Chase” by James Reid

I don’t think I’ve listened to a James Reid song in years. But I was pleasantly surprised when he performed during the Miss Universe Philippines swimsuit competition with this original song. “Love the Chase” is certainly the kind of track I remember listening to from him years ago. And it’s a perfect summer song. Even a great Night Drive playlist candidate too. Just great vibes. And a song that very much suits James Reid’s voice.

13. “Slo-mo” by NEXZ

I have enjoyed NEXZ’s music so far. But I was really blown away by the closer to their album O-RLY?. “Slo-mo” is an amazing track. This mid-tempo pop track has a refreshing, yet introspective vibe. An unexpected track from them for me. But one that is so easily enjoyed. Just the right amount of nostalgic and feel-good vibes set to a soft, rhythmic melody. Easily my favorite song from them so far. And so happy to see a music video for it too!

12. “Adore You” by Riaan

YouTube Recommendations introduced me to singer-songwriter Riaan. His two singles so far showcase his sweet voice and comforting sound. He released “Treat Me Better” last year and it is a romantic summer vibe. But in February this year, he released “Adore You”, an excellent R&B ballad. Needless to say, I will definitely be following Riaan from now on!

11. “Eye Candy” by from20

from20 returned with another eye-catching release. “Eye Candy” is definitely a fitting title for this comeback. From the handsome visuals to the sexy lyrics, the multi-hyphenate from20 again showcases his many talents in performance, composing, directing, producing. All of the above! I might have been unsure at first, but it is undoubtedly a fun, catchy and easily addictive track!

10. “Attention” by Big Ocean

Really enjoyed following Big Ocean from their debut through their releases last year. And their latest one was an amazing step forward for the talented rookies! Title track “Attention” is a funky pop rock track with a dynamic melody matched with the trio’s confident, flirty performance. Definitely a new side of the guys from their previous releases and they effortlessly deliver. Excited to see what they have in store next!

9. “Shit Sobrang Init” by VXON

I will admit, I wasn’t much of a fan of VXON’s “Agila” which they opened the year with. I liked “Tabi Tabi” a little more, but last year’s entire 20:20 album really raised my expectations for the talented group. And finally, for my own personal preference, their latest track “Sh*t Sobrang Init” easily reaches the heights of their excellent 2024 album. The perfect summer vibes of a track with just the right amount of seductive romance; VXON delivers an awesome performance I can easily imagine alongside their winning tracks from 20:20. Like the title says, it is really hot talaga! lol A perfect title for the perfect track for the season. And a great reminder of just how good VXON is!

8. “Lemon Drop” by ATEEZ

“Lemon Drop” might be… no, it is my favorite ATEEZ title track since 2021’s “Turbulence”. I love it! This refreshing R&B/hip-hop track uses its laid-back and summer vibe as a strength. And it’s the first song in a long time that I’ve immediately taken to upon first listen from them. Only just released a few weeks ago, but I’ve had it on repeat since. I know ATEEZ does well with their more intense titles, but my favorite songs from them are songs like this one. Another two songs from their recent album that could’ve made this list are “Now This House Ain’t a Home” and “Castle”.

7. “Little Bit Lost” by Kang Daniel

Kang Daniel just released his latest album Glow to Haze last week with the good title track “Episode”. But my favorite track from the album, and really maybe my favorite track from Kang Daniel so far is “Little Bit Lost”. I was drawn to it on first listen. And since then, I’ve been listening to it nonstop. It is a song that is reminiscent of the types of songs I love from Kang Daniel. The ones that really showcase his deep and introspective side. And while it sits at #7 on this midyear list, I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up higher on my year-end list in a couple of months!

6. “Chameleon” by TRENDZ

When I first started the music video for TRENDZ’s “Chameleon” and listening to the song, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. Then the chorus kicked in and WOWOWOW. I sat there with my mouth open. This is easily the catchiest song of the year for me so far! I literally said “Wow! This is amazing!”
The pop dance track “utilizes breakbeats” in the chorus, giving it that impactful and catchy beat. And the song’s title very much suits the song’s rhythm as well, seamlessly weaving through different tempos and beats as the group sings of their similar chameleon-like qualities. The other two tracks on the album are good, but “Chameleon” is easily my favorite. TRENDZ regularly finds themselves on my favorites lists. But since this release, it has officially become my favorite TRENDZ title track yet!

5. “Something Special” by 2Z

2Z is such an underrated band. They consistently release excellent music and always find a way to keep their music fresh while never straying from their signature sound and style. “Something Special” is an excellent mood maker of a track. Very much representative of 2Z’s cool and charismatic sound. But also a showcase of the band’s versatility. Hojin’s mesmerizing vocals. The band’s effortless performance. It truly is something special indeed!

4. “On My Mind” by Slevin, Moreen

YouTube first introduced me to Slevin in 2023 and I’ve enjoyed his music ever since. He released the track “Body”, a collab with artist Moreen last year. And in February, the two released a four-track EP (O)nly (W)hen (L)ove (U)nites. Title track “Was It True?” is excellent and could easily have made my list too, including the other three tracks on the album as the two sing of the complicated feelings of love. But my favorite is absolutely “On My Mind”. I think the song showcases Slevin and Moreen’s vocals and their perfect blending the best out of all the tracks they’ve released together so far. This R&B mood maker of a track has definitely solidified a spot on my Night Drive Playlist. But really, it’s also been on repeat for me at any time of the day!

3. “Hindi Ka Bibitawan” by BILIB

BILIB’s “Say Watcha Wanna Say” was one of my favorite songs of 2024. So I was very excited for their latest single. Especially when the teasers teased something a bit different from their powerfully charismatic first songs.

Indeed, “Hindi Ka Bibitawan” is yet another pleasant surprise from the group. I absolutely love it. Most of all because it really highlights the group’s strong, yet perhaps underrated vocals in the grander P-pop scene. The strong vocals and smooth harmonies throughout the song perfectly complement the song’s uplifting and hopeful message. A touch of nostalgia, a bit of dreamy adventure and an emotional, heartwarming message; the group delivers an easily enjoyable and instantly resonant performance of this pop-rock track.

2. “Summer” by Lim Sejun

I loved this immediately! It is so exciting to see Sejun making his solo debut. And even more awesome seeing the directorial vision of the talented bosses of WayBetter, from20 and Hello Gloom, blend seamlessly with Sejun’s own talent and artistry. This perfectly titled track evokes the warm, memorable, yet fleeting moments of summer and summer love. It is not hard to easily get swept away with the track and Sejun’s performance. And it really ended up as the main OST of my May trip to the Philippines! Just excellent!

1. “Not Enough” by WEi

When WEi released “Not Enough” in January, I already knew it would be a contender to make my year-end favorites list. And despite its title, it is more than enough to be my favorite song of the year so far. It’s also become my absolute favorite song from WEi too. And I have a couple of real favorites from them that are still in my regular rotation. This emotive rock-infused track is reminiscent of some of the group’s earlier music, especially the B-side tracks from their debut years that made me a fan of theirs.

The only way to make “Not Enough” even more perfect is if there was an OT6 version. But with Junseo joining Boys Planet and Yohan still busy with dramas, it’s a bit sad to think it will be a while until we get another WEi release with the full group. So even more reason to savor this track.

At this point, an absolutely incredible track will have to come around to nudge “Not Enough” off of the #1 spot at year’s end. Otherwise, I might already have my favorite track of the year right here.