2025 was a year full of chart-topping singles, standout albums, and unforgettable live shows in the UK.

We look back at some of the most memorable highlights that defined the music scene.

Biggest Singles

Alex Warren ‘Ordinary’: The track dominated the Official Singles Chart with a record-breaking run at No.1 with its catchy hook and emotional lyrics.

Lola Young ‘Messy’: This feisty pop hit stormed the UK charts and became one of the year’s defining tracks.

ROSÉ & Bruno Mars ‘APT.’: A cross-genre hit combining pop-punk and R&B was widely streamed and dominated radio playlists.
Gracie Abrams ‘That’s So True’: Raw emotion and introspective songwriting made this track a top-charting favourite for young listeners.

Top Albums

Sam Fender ‘People Watching’: The critically acclaimed record blending heartland rock with thoughtful lyrics topped the UK Albums Chart and won the Mercury Prize.

Yungblud ‘Idols’: Debuting at No.1 the full-length brought bold, genre-blending rock back to the UK mainstream.

Other Notable Mentions: Veteran acts and emerging artists released records that bridged generations and styles, keeping the UK charts diverse and exciting. Highlights included Suede’s acclaimed ‘Antidepressants’, Pulp’s ‘More’, which earned them their first No.1 in 27 years, Sparks’ ‘Mad!’, and rising talents like Big Special with ‘National Average’ and punk newcomers Lambrini Girls with ‘Who Let the Dogs Out’.

Unforgettable Live Moments

Lady Gaga – The Mayhem Ball live in London: Hailed as one of the year’s best shows with theatrical pop performances that had fans buzzing long after.

Festival Highlights: This year’s festival scene featured eclectic lineups that cemented 2025 as a year of incredible live music experiences. Glastonbury brought together headliners The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo, and Neil Young, alongside crowd favourites like Charli XCX, Biffy Clyro, Raye, and Wet Leg. Reading & Leeds showcased rock and alternative highlights with blink-182, Sam Fender, and Bring Me the Horizon, while BST Hyde Park delivered star-studded performances from Stevie Wonder, Zach Bryan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Rodrigo.

Music Trends That Shaped 2025

– Pop-punk and rock made a strong comeback, with artists like Yungblud and ROSÉ leading the charge.

– Emotional, introspective songwriting dominated streaming charts, particularly among teen and young adult audiences.

– UK festivals and summer shows brought back the big productions fans had missed in recent years.

What Does 2026 Have in store?

After a year of chart-topping singles, standout albums, and unforgettable live performances, UK music shows no signs of slowing down. 2026 promises even more excitement, with emerging artists ready to make their mark, festival lineups packed with surprises, and new releases set to dominate the charts and streaming playlists.

Photo Credit: Jack Dytrych / PRESS