It’s almost hard to believe that we’re halfway through the year already, but time flies when you’re listening to hits. As we dive into June and prepare for the summer, EnVi’s Music Team recaps the hottest tracks of the year, specially curated for you. Prepare to blow out your speakers as we take you on a trip down memory lane of 2025’s best songs (so far)! From up-beat bangers to emotional ballads, these tracks are sure to find their way back into your heavy rotation.
CLOSE YOUR EYES – “All My Poetry”
CLOSE YOUR EYES capture young romance with delicate poeticism in their debut title track, “All My Poetry.” The song is an honest and vulnerable approach to the portrayal of love, and the septet express their clumsy feelings in a way that can’t be captured through simple actions or phrases. Reading the translated lyrics is highly encouraged, as CLOSE YOUR EYES’s sincerity rivals standalone poetry. They sing in the chorus: “All the poems and novels within me / Are stories embroidered with you.” As if the lyrics weren’t enough, “All My Poetry” features a 2000s retro R&B sound — adding an extra layer of nostalgia to the already sentimental track. “All My Poetry” embodies the importance of a fully realized concept, especially when it comes to a debut.
Bad Bunny – “NUEVAYoL”
¡Llamando a to lo Bori! No 2025 music roundup would be complete without Grammy award winner Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican artist brought the year in with his sixth studio album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, and it’s littered with hits – but none more iconic than the opener, “NUEVAYoL.” The entire album is a love letter to his island and fellow Boris around the world, and he made that abundantly clear with “NUEVAYoL.” The singer-songwriter sampled the classic salsa track “Un verano en Nueva York” by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, a song all about experiencing the summer in New York (where many of the Caribbean diaspora reside). With “NUEVAYoL,” however, Bad Bunny put a modern twist to the track.
He expertly turned the track into a Dembow hit, using slang and references only those from the Caribbean, specifically Puerto Rico, would understand. Even the title is a play on the iconic Puerto Rican accent of pronouncing certain words featuring an R with an L instead. The track appeals to the hearts of those whose homeland is far but have made a home away from home in New York, bringing the island to the states and cultivating their own corner of the country. Not only is the track full of inside references between Bad Bunny and his people, but the production is absolutely addictive – and so too is Benito’s tone. Released in the dead of winter, the track made the audience yearn for that hot island sun and beachy vibe, and you’ll find yourself ready to bring in the summer when you add this to your playlist.
Yves – “Viola”
When you hear the opening lines — “Let’s get dumb and break shit” — you know you’re in for one of the most spellbinding dance tracks of the year. Yves is shining more than ever in the lead single of her second album, I Did. Yves’s “Viola” fuses bubblegum bass, alternative R&B, and dance pop for a mold-breaking sound that goes far beyond the simple categorization of “K-pop.” The song signifies how Yves reclaimed her happiness and individuality as an artist despite all of her hardships. Apart from wistful lyrics like, “Watching my numb self from behind my shattered stage / Look at how I’ve become numb,” she also sings lines like “I’ll dance again, dance again” and “Unless you fight, it’s up to you.” This song speaks to audiences everywhere, as it is ultimately a message of perseverance.
– J.D.
DESTIN CONRAD – “KISSING IN PUBLIC”
If you are still in search of your “song of the summer,” DESTIN CONRAD’s “KISSING IN PUBLIC” is a solid contender! Much like the rest of his debut album, LOVE ON DIGITAL, “KISSING IN PUBLIC” plays out like an elevated 2000s R&B love song. From the jump, jazz chords and snares lay the foundation for an irresistible groove. More instruments, like percussion and strings, build the beat as the song progresses. Top all of those musical elements off with DESTIN CONRAD’s vocal delivery, and you have a song that has you reaching for the replay button!
What makes this song all the more special is its ability to empower listeners. DESTIN CONRAD has always been outspoken about his identity — consistently championing black queerness through his artistry. In the music video, DESTIN CONRAD not only inspires us to dance along, but love who we love. The music video features couples of all ethnicities, ages, sizes, and genders who all come together to share a special moment. Intimate, yet upbeat, “KISSING IN PUBLIC” captures modern day romance at its finest.
– J.D.
NCT WISH – “1000”
@official_nct 𝚙𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚙 𝚋𝚝𝚜 #NCTWISH #poppop #NCTWISH_poppop #1000 ♬ 1000 – NCT WISH
Making its rounds on social media, NCT WISH’s b-side “1000” is a pure serotonin boost with each listen. The verses begin with an R&B-leaning sound with guitar strings, but the track quickly picks up with an addictive, Jersey club-inspired pop beat. This melting pot of genres allows both NCT WISH’s rap and vocal skills to shine. The lyrics perfectly encapsulate a first love and the desire to articulate the gravity of your feelings. The sextet sing in the chorus: “I fold a thousand paper cranes for you / Put them in a glass bottle and shyly hand it to you / Maybe this feeling I have / Still, I don’t really understand.” Even NCT WISH themselves couldn’t stop singing praises for the song, repeatedly sharing that it was love at first listen from the demo!
– J.D.
f5ve – “リア女 (Real Girl)”
F5ve are dominating the digital landscape with their pop diva charisma, genre-defying discography, and online personality. Their debut album, SEQUENCE 01, proved that this quintet is ready to elevate Japanese pop to new dimensions. The album’s closing number, “リア女 (Real Girl),” features a 2000s-adjacent, unapologetic J-pop sound. Reminiscent of an anime opening, it is quick-paced with a punchy blend of electric guitar and piano. “リア女 (Real Girl)” is f5ve’s most prominent display of their vocal capabilities yet with its powerful pre-chorus and chorus. The Y2K fantasy is complete with the mini music video, filmed on what seems to be an old camcorder with a hazy, high-exposure filter. F5ve describe themselves as “the women of every girl’s dreams” — and we can’t agree more!
– J.D.
Saint Levant – “DIVA”
Before “KALAMANTINA” skyrocketed on the charts, a single from Saint Levant’s EP Love Letters was all the rage – and still is. “DIVA” is a timeless track that brought light to the winter of 2025 and can be used as a soundtrack throughout the summer. The funky beat can’t help but be danced to, and the music video made viewers yearn for sunlight upon its February release.
The music video was filmed in Algeria, while the song is sung in Arabic, English, and French, creating a colorful track filled with groovy lines and vocal switches. Saint Levant released the overall EP as a beacon of happiness and hope to his people in Palestine, devoting his life and art to the freedom of his family and friends.
The Volunteers – “Rules”
After returning from their world tour, The Volunteers gifted awaiting fans their single “Rules.” The frontwoman of the group, Yerin Baek, leads the song with her soft yet commanding voice, which is backed by guitarist Jonny and drummer Chiheon Kim. “Rules” leans into the band’s rock sound with nonstop drums and tumultuous guitar throughout as Baek sings about her vulnerable stance on the relationship at hand. The song was released alongside another track, “She’s in someone’s locket,” that takes on the complete opposite sound with calming and melancholic vocals and instrumentals. Since “Rules,” The Volunteers have been relatively quiet, but fans know that this means it is only a matter of time before they come back with our next favorite song.
– E.O.
Meher – “When Flowers Bloom”
“When Flowers Bloom” comes as the lead single off of rising star Meher’s debut EP, End of Winter. Meher’s deep, soothing voice defines the success of the track, while the lyrics present themselves as a mantra to get through the cold times of seasonal darkness. Meher sets up the narrative at the beginning of the song, stating, “It’s not a crime / To take the pressure off myself and fly / To clear my mind, to redefine.” Along with the progression of her dreamy note switches, the underlying beat presents a velvety R&B tune with a slight twist of subtle moody jazz.
During what can be called the bridge of the song, Meher echoes “I know there’s more in my dreams / Than I might ever see” in a soft yet hypnotizing tone while encapsulating her purpose for redefinition and hope. “When Flowers Bloom” is a warm sunrise after the darkness of winter, and sets Meher up for endless success for the rest of 2025.
– E.O.
j-hope – “MONA LISA”
First heard on his sold out world tour, “MONA LISA” was the second single of the year for rapper, songwriter, and international sensation, j-hope. “MONA LISA” is a glamorous hip-hop beat that circles around the idea of the perfect woman. j-hope raps the single overflowing with confidence and swag, while painting images of someone who has these same qualities. The song is hard not to dance to; the choreography is as addictive as the track itself, with the tempo never dropping below an overly enthusiastic state. Since his BTS group members have returned from military service, we expect to see even more of j-hope and his crew in the future.
– E.O.
SAILORR – “BITCHES BREW”
SAILORR conjured up 14 songs on her debut album, FROM FLORIDA’S FINEST, just in time for her self-titled soft girl summer, hooking listeners in with the lead single “BITCHES BREW.” After keeping her mouth closed in response to backlash and criticism about her unapologetic attitude towards her femininity and cultural heritage, she let it all out in “BITCHES BREW.” The pop and R&B track is all about SAILORR coming into her success while her haters are still exactly where they’ve always been: online being rude. The single is presented as the fourth track on her album and shows off every ounce of her vocal duality and signature sultry SAILORR tone.
– E.O.
8TURN – “LEGGO”
Turn up the volume and “LEGGO!” K-pop boy group 8TURN’s single “LEGGO” hit streaming platforms in March, right before the group went on tour. “LEGGO” is a highly energetic track with old school hip-hop influences. Its infectious beats consist of bold basslines and layered synths accompanied by powerful lyrics. “This is my world, only I can be the M-V-P,” they sing. 8TURN make a bold performance in their music video, with high intensity choreography that exudes confidence. If you’re looking for a mood boosting song to add to your playlist, “LEGGO” is the perfect fit!
Stray Kids (Lee Know & Seungmin) – “CINEMA”
“CINEMA” is a sentimental track that showcases Lee Know and Seungmin’s blend of vocals and emotional depth. The song opens with a dramatic beat that seamlessly transitions to a gentle hopeful beat similar to the opening scene of a film. The music video is filled with cinematic scenes that portray the two in a post apocalyptic world as they navigate their way through abandoned places. “CINEMA” draws parallels between a cherished connection and movie scenes by using poetic lyrics that evoke comfort and a sense of yearning rooted in nostalgic memories. “Won’t let it fade, I’ll remembеr / I’ll keep it for a long time,” Lee Know and Seungmin sing, promising to keep these precious moments etched into the film reel of their lives. As the final curtain falls, the duo close out the scene with soft acoustic guitar chords and heartfelt emotions, leaving a lingering sense of hope. “Night after night / When you cannot find your way / I’ll be waiting.”
– C.A.
BGYO – “Light My Fire”
Steam up your summer romance playlist with BGYO’s “Light My Fire.” This slow jam love song captures the feeling of a love so alluring, you find yourself being pulled in. The lyrics express that there’s no one else in the world they would rather be with than that one person. “Light My Fire” fuses pop and R&B elements with a pulsing beat that builds the mood of sensuality and desire. “Everything feels right when I’m with you,” JL sings. Capturing the feeling of a love that sets your heart ablaze, “Light My Fire” invites listeners into the experience of a passion that sparks from within.
– C.A.
BEOMGYU – “Panic”
BEOMGYU of TOMORROW X TOGETHER surprised fans this year with the release of his solo mixtape, “Panic.” Drawing from his own experiences and the way music became his sanctuary from the harsh world, BEOMGYU created this heartfelt song to offer a sense of comfort to others. In “Panic,” he pours his heart out with vulnerable lyrics about feeling alone in the darkness, but wanting to move forward. “Every step we take / You and I / Will find our way through,” he sings. This track includes electric guitar riffs and crisp drums that elicit a soothing listening experience. “Panic” is surely a comfort song to get you through your toughest times.
– C.A.
EVAN (Feat pH-1) – “Star Below”
“Star Below” marks a new era for EVAN, who formerly went by PLUMA. Known for his rapping skills, as seen on Show Me The Money and High School Rapper, EVAN has been taking the past few months to establish a new side of his musical expression. “Star Below” blends electro-pop with rock and alternative pop to evoke a sense of nostalgia and new beginnings. EVAN’s lyrics delve into the honeymoon stage of falling in love and seeing this person as a star who “shines like the sun in the sky and the moon in the night time.” If you’re going for a night time drive, roll down your windows, feel the summer breeze on your skin, and set the mood with EVAN’s “Star Below” as you start to imagine the endless possibilities with that special someone.
– C.A.
Dabin, Tiffany Day, FrostTop – “Summer’s Gone”
Dabin, Tiffany Day, and FrostTop deliver an emotional EDM gut punch with “Summer’s Gone,” the ninth track off Dabin’s Aura Park. It’s a melodic future bass dream that sounds like crying in a bathroom at a rave (poetically, of course). This collab channels the end-of-season life crisis into a dubstep beat you can use to head-bang away your seasonal depression. Tiffany Day’s wistful vocals unravel nostalgia about late-night gloomfest, while Dabin’s and FrostTop’s productions build into a sonic explosion. It’s the perfect song for when your birthday ends, your tan fades, and you realize the group chat’s gone silent. Needless to say, “Summer’s Gone” has firmly secured a spot on our list – and probably on your disassociate-in-the-car playlist too.
Dabin Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
Tiffany Day Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
MIN – “(từng là) Boyfriend, Girlfriend”
Who said you can’t thank your ex? On “(từng là) Boyfriend, Girlfriend,” Vietnamese pop princess MIN does exactly that. She turns heartbreak and goodbyes into a dreamy soundscape. This shimmering pop-ballad swaps sobs for soft smiles as MIN reminisces on a past relationship with warmth, not bitterness. The song feels like walking home at sunrise after a long night of memories – peaceful, and filled with hope. Her vocals are tender, gliding over the soft melodies and the beat drop. With each “thank you,” MIN gracefully closes one chapter and steps into the next, reminding us that not all romantic endings have to end in tears.
– M.D.
no na – “superstitious”
If trusting your instincts was turned into a song, no na’s “superstitious” would be it. This groovy pop-funk gem is all about unapologetically chasing your dream life with no looking back. The track is packed with feel-good vibes for the summer and a dash of confidence. The chorus beams with manifesting energy, while the slowed-down R&B outro flaunts the girls’ smooth vocals. From ambition to affirmation, no na turns superstition into power. Be sure to add this song to your vision board playlist, pronto!
– M.D.
Socials: IG | TK | X | FB | YT
Ari Abdul, Ella Boh – “out of order”
Enter the danger zone of desire with Ari Abdul and Ella Boh’s “out of order.” It’s a pop-noir fever dream steeped in obsession, devotion, and emotional chaos. This dark romance of a song is tinged with midnight glamour, where love feels like a bloody battlefield. With Ella’s haunting declarations and Ari’s sultry confession, the track spirals into an addictive sonic push-pull, like a dance with the devil. The girls are craving both salvation and destruction in love. The chorus is raw, restless, and totally unhinged. Want to spiral under the passions of love and desire? This one’s for you!
– M.D.
Ari Abdul Socials: IG | TK | X | YT | Website
Ella Boh Socials: IG | TK | Discord | YT
pami – “candydate”
Put the top down and let your heart take the wheel! Pami’s “candydate” is an indie-rock crush anthem made for spontaneous road trips and overthinking every glance. Caught somewhere between infatuation and a full-on emotional spiral, the track rides a wave of guitar riffs and sweetly desperate lyrics. Pami captures the dizzy feeling of wanting a chance with someone, completely unaware that they’ve taken over your mind. It’s chaotic, it’s catchy, and it’ll have you bouncing around to the beat as you lose control of your feelings.
– M.D.
GOT7 – “PYTHON”
We know they’re icons! GOT7 is officially back after a three-year hiatus with the group’s EP Winter Heptagon. The lead single, “PYTHON,” is an addictive track carried by a pop melody with a hip-hop beat. It’s a sleek pivot away from the group’s usual high-energy brightness and into something more magnetic and menacing. The lyrics bite just as hard as the beat: “I know I’m an (icon), watch me with the lights on / But she got a hold on me like a python.” The septet sing about being trapped by fate with someone they can never escape. “PYTHON” is slick, it’s dangerous, and it proves GOT7 haven’t lost their bite.
– Kayla Gayle
PinkPantheress – “Nice to Know You”
PinkPantheress is back! The people’s pop princess dropped her second mixtape, Fancy That, in May, featuring the standout track “Nice to Know You.” Her silky, emotive vocals float over violins and soft electronic layers as she unpacks an emotional breakup with honesty rather than bitterness. “I’m emotional / You made a mess, you know? / Said you’re approachable (Uh, stop it) / And I’m the next to go,” she sings, each line dripping with quiet vulnerability. The track is a tender, melancholic jam carried by her signature DIY-meets-polished production. It’s the kind of track that makes you pause, hit repeat, and get lost in PinkPantheress’ world all over again.
– K.G.
Makhyli – “Breaking Bad”
In your rebellious era? Makhyli’s “Breaking Bad” is the anthem to blast. A fearless declaration of freedom and self-worth, the track radiates swagger, attitude and fierce energy. Makhyli crafted the perfect bubble of alt-rock grit, pop catchiness and sharp rap cadences into a sound that’s as bold as it is addictive. The single marks her first step as a soloist following the disbandment of Boys World, and it proves she’s ready to stand in the spotlight all on her own. “Breaking Bad” marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for Makhyli, and we are living for it.
– K.G.
JENNIE feat Doechii – “ExtraL”
“Wait! Do these ladies run this?” The answer is a resounding yes. JENNIE teams up with Grammy-winning powerhouse Doechii on “ExtraL,” a standout track on her debut solo album Ruby. Produced by Dem Jointz, the empowering hip-pop anthem blends heavy bass with razor-sharp beats built to dominate playlists. JENNIE opens the track coolly and commandingly as she sings, “All of my girls looking good and they got they own money / Pop your shit!” Doechii joins the track with high-energy as she screams her own name, snapping off demands like “Gimme chi, gimme purr, gimme meow.” The duo’s chemistry hits peak form in the third verse, where they trade bars with effortless ease before falling into slick harmonies on the chorus together. “ExtraL” might just be the women empowerment song of the year: extra loud, extra bold, and, of course, extra large.
– K.G.
JENNIE Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
Doechii Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
Katseye – “GNARLY”
Katseye’s “GNARLY” is experimental pop at its boldest. The audacious track is built on quaking 808s, gritty synths and a monotone delivery. It’s the kind of song that challenges listeners on the first spin (and the group even leaned into the joke with a viral TikTok poking fun at it.) But that’s the point: “GNARLY” thrives on being unpredictable, serving up a chaotic cool that rewards repeat listeners. Or, as Lara cheekily sums it up in the second verse: “Oh my god this song’s so lit, congratulations.”
– K.G.
Want more of our favorite music? Check out EnVi’s 25 Artists To Look Out for in 2025 here!
