Feature: Top Popular Music of 2025 in the Arts
As 2025 comes to a close, music enthusiasts sift through the plethora of albums and live performances to highlight the standout moments in popular music of the year. Patti Smith, the punk poet, captivated the audience at the Orpheum Theatre with a fiery showcase of her iconic songs, displaying her timeless talent and energy at 78 years old. Geordie Greep’s solo debut at the 3S Artspace in Portsmouth, NH showcased his eclectic style and musical ambition, drawing the audience into an intimate and immersive experience.
Brooklyn rock band Geese made waves with their album “Getting Killed,” delivering a sublime blend of poignant lyrics and a woozy clatter that evoked comparisons to Radiohead and Rufus Wainwright. David Byrne’s performance at the Boch Center Wang Theatre was a visual and auditory spectacle, combining songs from his latest album with classics from Talking Heads, creating a mesmerizing show full of vibrant imagery.
North Carolina rockers Wednesday poured their hearts into their album “Bleeds,” infusing grunge, alt-country, and slowcore influences to create poignant and raw musical vignettes. Alabama Shakes and Budos Band’s joint performance at MGM Music Hall at Fenway was a soulful and electrifying experience, showcasing Brittany Howard’s powerful vocals and the Budos Band’s innovative sound.
Water From Your Eyes’ album “It’s a Beautiful Place” offered a dynamic mix of genres, ranging from electronica to nu-metal, while Chuck Prophet’s performance with his Cumbia Shoes at City Winery provided a lively and culturally rich experience. Jeff Tweedy’s triple solo album “Twilight Override” featured 30 songs that highlighted his versatility and creativity, making it a standout release of the year.
Indie-rock bands Hallelujah the Hills and Ho-Ag delivered a memorable performance at Deep Cuts in Medford, showcasing their unique sounds and captivating the audience with their artistry. Overall, the year in music reflected a diverse array of styles and sounds, with each artist and band contributing their own distinct voice and vision to the musical landscape of 2025.