Sleep Token Song Tops ‘The New York Times’ Best Songs of 2025
A recent list of the Best Songs of 2025 by The New York Times has named a song by Sleep Token as its number one entry. The list, released this week, features a total of 50 tracks divided into two categories curated by different writers. The first category, put together by Jon Caramanica, places Sleep Token’s “Caramel” from their most recent album, Even in Arcadia, at the pinnacle of the rankings.
Describing the song, Caramanica praised its amalgamation of various musical styles, calling it a “huge, gloriously silly and brutally effective amalgam of abandoned styles ripe for reinvigorating – rap-metal, dream-prog, pop-reggaeton, backpack hip-hop, cosplay rock, metalcore, and more.” “Caramel” was released as the second single from Even in Arcadia, following “Emergence.” The album itself reached the number one spot in the U.S. after accumulating 127,000 album-equivalent units, with 73,000 in actual album sales.
Besides Sleep Token, the Best Songs of 2025 list also features tracks by artists such as Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll, Drake, Tate McRae, and The Weeknd, carefully chosen by Caramanica. The list comprises 20 ranked songs and additional honorable mentions.
The second part of the list, titled “Blasts of Sass,” was penned by Lindsay Zoladz and includes a rock tune at number 13 – “Mangetout” by Wet Leg. Zoladz described the song as a “grinning kiss-off with sass to spare,” highlighting its humorous lyrics. Other artists featured in this section include Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, and Cardi B.
In a year filled with a staggering number of new tracks, The New York Times has compiled the 51 best rock and metal songs of 2025. Fans of the genre can explore the list to see if their favorite songs made the cut. The contributions for the list were made by a variety of writers, showcasing the diverse musical tastes included in the selection.
Overall, Sleep Token’s “Caramel” has secured a well-deserved top spot on The New York Times’ prestigious Best Songs of 2025 list. With its unique blend of musical influences and innovative sound, the song has garnered critical acclaim and recognition within the music industry.