A Year of Listening Beyond Algorithms
My interest in discovering new music began in my childhood, where I was fortunate enough to grow up in a college town during the nineties, a time when college radio was flourishing. I vividly remember spending hours with a hand-me-down AM/FM radio, scanning through static to find new tunes on stations like Ohio State University’s radio broadcast. My older siblings would also bring mixtapes from their college radio stations, introducing me to fresh sounds that felt like they were reshaping my brain with each listen. I can still recall the moment I first heard “Smells Like Teen Spirit” in my brother’s car, feeling a rush of joy and astonishment.
Despite the passage of time, I’ve sustained my passion for exploring new music as an adult. I firmly believe that the transformative power of music should not be limited to childhood experiences. Every week, I delve into as many as thirty albums, curating a playlist of my favorite songs to share on Instagram. This practice has become especially crucial in today’s musical landscape, where algorithms attempt to confine us to our comfort zones by promoting familiar tunes relentlessly. By documenting my favorite tracks, I am asserting my taste and resisting the algorithm’s attempts to confine me to the past.
Among the many songs that resonated with me this year, “Green Juice” by anaiis from the album “Devotion & the Black Divine” stands out for its ethereal vocals and calming melody, encapsulating the warmth of a summer evening. Agriculture’s “The Weight” conveys raw emotion and addresses the violence faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, while Superstar Crush’s “This Night Has Been Unkind” explores the depths of heartbreak through dynamic instrumentals.
In the realm of rap music, collaborations like “Collection Plates” by Ransom, Boldy James, Nicholas Craven, and Young Chris showcase the innovative production styles of emerging producers like Nicholas Craven. The track infuses new life into the genre, featuring evocative vocal samples and intricate lyrical interplay. Similarly, ANKHLEJOHN and August Fanon’s “EMILLIO PUCCI” from the album “LIVE! At the Disco” mesmerizes listeners with its seamless transitions and eclectic blend of jazz and soul influences.
The year also saw an emergence of songs that straddle the line between melancholy and danceability, such as Sorry Girls’ “Falling Down Stairs,” which captures the bittersweet essence of unrequited love. Meanwhile, Makin’ Out’s “Hum of Your Voice” confronts existential themes with raw honesty, underscored by vocalist Caitlin Angelica’s poignant delivery.
Among the most ambitious projects of the year is Infinity Knives’ album, which features the expansive track “A City Drowning. God’s Black Tears”, a multifaceted composition that unfolds over nearly eight minutes. This song exemplifies the diverse range of musical expression that has characterized 2025, pushing boundaries and challenging listeners to engage with complex themes and sounds.
In a year marked by uncertainty and disruption, the music that resonated with me served as a source of solace and inspiration, offering a window into different worlds and emotions. As I continue to navigate the ever-evolving musical landscape, I remain committed to seeking out new sounds that challenge, comfort, and ultimately enrich my listening experience.