In a year filled with a deluge of new music, some of the most captivating and poignant tracks managed to fly under the radar. From a folk murder ballad to a powerful call for peace, our team of Guardian writers have handpicked their favourite lesser-known gems of 2025.
Mija Milovic’s “Not Offended” exudes a sense of deep contemplation and tranquility. Underpinned by a warmly droning organ, Milovic’s Teutonic tenderness, reminiscent of Molly Nilson or Sophia Kennedy, conveys a message of reassurance and acceptance. As the song progresses, the strings flutter tentatively, mirroring the artist’s ability to address someone who is struggling to confront life head-on.
In a year dominated by AI-generated music, Al Olender’s “The Cyclone” stands out as a refreshingly human creation. The track’s delightfully specific lyrics chronicle a journey from Queens to Baltimore, with the singer resolving to replace all her glass with paper plates – “things I cannot break” – after a loss of love (or perhaps just a guy). The song’s crescendo is one of the most beautiful and lasting melodies heard in 2025.
The most captivating song that few people heard in 2025 is actually a centuries-old traditional folk murder ballad. Lisa Knapp’s rendition of “Long Lankin” is bone-chilling, with her quavering soprano managing to sound pristine and menacing at the same time. Accompanied by Gerry Diver’s creepy-crawly glockenspiel and Pete Flood’s spooky drums, Knapp’s vocal performance is both unsettling and mesmerising.
Roba El-Essawy, known as MidnightRoba, released his second solo album “Raise A Symphony” in 2025, which features the track “Axis” – a maelstrom of fragmented, IDM-style electronics, hypnotic interlocking loops, and operatic vocals in tribute to the children killed in Gaza. Guest artist Saul Williams’ incantations add to the sense of anguish and desperation, creating an anthem for those who feel their cries are falling on deaf ears.
In the dance music sphere, the anonymity of Cleyra has allowed their music to take centre stage. The producer’s album-length EP “remember this body?” features the sprawling 17-minute track “There’s Nothing Happening Between U,” which takes listeners on a journey through a murky sea of techno, with explosions emanating from the depths before surfacing into cleaner drum programming and alarm sounds.
While the music industry continues to be dominated by big names, these lesser-known tracks offer a refreshing alternative, showcasing the depth and diversity of talent that often goes unnoticed. As we look back on 2025, these unsung gems serve as a reminder to seek out the hidden gems that can truly captivate the soul.