Deck the halls with boughs of holly and pour yourself an eggnog: it’s time for my songs of the year, a Spotify Christmas tradition that goes right back to 1965 (the Who, the Kinks, Martha Reeves, James Brown; possibly a stronger list than this year’s).
Looking through 2025’s assortment it’s perhaps slightly more grungy, and lighter on the breathy female dance-pop that has characterised the last few years’ lists. The oldest swinger in town is undoubtedly Van Morrison (80), who turned in a surprisingly good album, the youngest is probably Eaves Wilder, although we also heard from her in 2023; an industry veteran, no less).
As ever, if you like what you hear, please give the playlist a follow (2020 is the one to beat with 25 ardent fans), and if you don’t like it, bah humbug: I believe other end-of-year lists are available.
Thanks Martin, I always look forward to hearing your picks to see what slipped through the cracks for me.
Oh wow, thanks. That’s nice to hear.
You missed this total banger! 😉
Yowsers! It looks like Lionel passed Smokey Robinson on his way out of the plastic surgeon’s and said “I’ll have what he’s having”.
Would also like to echo @kjwilly‘s comment, Martin – although I also enjoy seeing how many of my own favourites make your list..