Podcast Summary: All Songs Considered – "2025's Best Songs (So Far)"

Release Date: July 1, 2025
Host: Robin Hilton
Guests: Stephen Thompson, Sheldon Pierce, Hazel Sills, Mia Folick

Introduction

In the July 1, 2025 episode of NPR's "All Songs Considered," host Robin Hilton, along with contributors Stephen Thompson, Sheldon Pierce, Hazel Sills, and Mia Folick, delve into an "absurdly incomplete list" of the year's best songs to date. The panel discusses a curated selection of tracks that have remained in heavy rotation over the first half of 2025, offering in-depth analyses, personal insights, and engaging conversations about each song's impact and artistic merit.

1. "Stateside" by Pink Panthers

Discussion and Analysis:

Hazel Sills introduces "Stateside" as one of her favorite songs of the year, highlighting Pink Panthers as a standout UK dance artist and a voice of her generation. The song blends bubbly pop elements with darker, deeper undertones, creating a unique juxtaposition.

Sheldon Pierce praises Pink Panthers for their ability to craft "cutesy at the surface, sugary pop music" with an underlying "twisted" edge, citing the artist's love for horror films as a testament to this duality. Stephen Thompson appreciates the track's blend of low-stakes bubblegum pop with more complex emotional layers, noting an "undercurrent" that becomes apparent when the bass kicks in ([02:57]).

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Thompson ([02:57]): "It's just that perfect cross between sort of low stakes kind of bubblegum pop and something much, much deeper and darker going on."
• Sheldon Pierce ([04:50]): "But Hazel's right. Like the measuredness of it, it's almost too in the pockets for me."

2. "Relationship" by Haim

Discussion and Analysis:

Sheldon Pierce selects Haim's "Relationship" as a favorite, emphasizing its exploration of desire and the complexities of modern dating. The track stands out as a departure from Haim's typical rock-oriented sound, incorporating early 2000s R&B influences.

Hazel Sills agrees, noting the song's R&B jam feel and its divergence from the rest of the album, "Glory." Stephen Thompson reflects on the song's placement within the album, initially perceiving it as less of an outlier but later recognizing its unique qualities upon deeper listening ([07:48]).

Notable Quotes:

• Sheldon Pierce ([05:54]): "I hear something really fresh for them in this song."
• Hazel Sills ([07:48]): "It really is sort of this one-off R and B Jam."

3. "Keep Pushing" by Clipping

Discussion and Analysis:

Stephen Thompson introduces "Keep Pushing" by Clipping from their March album "Dead Channel Sky." The song presents a dystopian view of the world, structured in three acts that depict societal collapse, numbness, and eventual destruction.

Hazel Sills expresses reservations about the track, citing Daveed Diggs' theatrical rap style as a barrier to her appreciation. Sheldon Pierce is intrigued by Diggs' "measured" flow, interpreting it as a deliberate reflection of the song's themes of numbness and societal detachment. Stephen Thompson defends the delivery, likening Diggs' articulate flow to the precision of a piano's notes ([10:29]).

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Thompson ([10:24]): "It's essentially... it has three acts. The first act is when he says it all fell down..."
• Hazel Sills ([10:27]): "There's something about the clipping stuff, specifically his rapping, that feels very stage ready, very theatrical."

4. "Henry, Come On" by Lana Del Rey

Discussion and Analysis:

Hazel Sills shifts the conversation to Lana Del Rey's anticipated song "Henry, Come On," questioning its upcoming album's rumored shift toward country music. The song, co-produced with Luke Laird, blends folk country elements with Del Rey's signature Americana style.

Sheldon Pierce appreciates that the song retains Lana's distinctive sound despite country influences, though he critiques its "half-formed" feel. Stephen Thompson finds Del Rey's raw and "weird" production elements endearing, interpreting them as reflective of tour diaries and the artist's authentic emotional expression ([20:41]).

Notable Quotes:

• Hazel Sills ([18:05]): "It feels like it could be in conversation with the stuff on, like, Blue Banisters or, like, Chemtrails over the Country Club."
• Stephen Thompson ([20:56]): "I am totally team Lana Del Rey and always have been... her stories that I can get lost in."

5. "Blade Bird" by Oklu

Discussion and Analysis:

Sheldon Pierce introduces "Blade Bird" by French alt-pop artist Oklu from the February album "Chokenough." The song's haunting lyrics and mysterious imagery captivate the panel, prompting interpretations about struggle and freedom.

Stephen Thompson initially saw the blade as representing the bird's wings, symbolizing freedom, while Sheldon Pierce interpreted it as a more sinister threat to the bird's life. Hazel Sills observes the song's emotional depth, suggesting it conveys a sense of letting go and the accompanying emotional turmoil ([24:15]).

Notable Quotes:

• Sheldon Pierce ([24:46]): "There's a knife on this bird's neck."
• Stephen Thompson ([25:06]): "I was thinking the blade was like the wings of the bird."

6. "This Time Around" by Mia Folick

Discussion and Analysis:

Stephen Thompson presents Mia Folick's "This Time Around" from her February album "Erotica Veronica." The song evokes deep emotional responses, with its rising melodies and heartfelt lyrics resonating with listeners.

Initially, Stephen perceived ambivalence in the song, recognizing a struggle between desire and acceptance. Over time, both he and Sheldon Pierce agree that the track embodies a poignant battle within oneself, highlighted by Folick's expressive vocals and layered harmonies ([28:18]).

Notable Quotes:

• Sheldon Pierce ([29:32]): "It's not okay."
• Mia Folick ([27:58]): "Need you like a bite that won't stop bitching."

7. "It's a Mirror" by Perfume Genius

Discussion and Analysis:

Hazel Sills introduces "It's a Mirror" by Perfume Genius from the January single and March album "Glory." The song delves into introspection, self-isolation, and the struggle with one's own identity.

Stephen Thompson interprets the "mirror" as an infinity mirror effect, representing an endless cycle of self-reflection and the inability to change. Hazel Sills adds that the song captures the tension between self-awareness and external pressures, emphasizing the recurring nature of personal struggles ([33:41]).

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Thompson ([34:00]): "Like endlessly stretching out."
• Hazel Sills ([34:06]): "It never changes."

8. "Room of Fool" by FKA Twigs

Discussion and Analysis:

Sheldon Pierce highlights FKA Twigs' "Room of Fool" from her January release "Usexua," praising its embodiment of freedom and physicality. The song reflects Twigs' dual role as a musician and professional dancer, showcasing her ability to merge movement with musical expression.

Hazel Sills concurs, noting the song's theme of bodies in conversation and the collaborative creation it inspires. Stephen Thompson draws comparisons to artists like Kate Bush and Björk, appreciating the song's experimental and evocative nature ([37:39]).

Notable Quotes:

• Sheldon Pierce ([37:46]): "I feel free listening to this song."
• Hazel Sills ([39:19]): "We're open w. Just bleeding out the pressure."

9. "Gold Rush" by Lucius

Discussion and Analysis:

Stephen Thompson introduces "Gold Rush" by Lucius from their May self-titled album. The song's infectious groove and harmonious vocals make it an instant favorite, with the panel appreciating its feel-good vibe amid the complex tracks discussed earlier.

Hazel Sills emphasizes Lucius' seamless collaboration and the duo's ability to create a unified sound that stands out. Sheldon Pierce describes the song as "addictive," while Stephen Thompson admires its balance of swagger and melodic sweetness, making it a perfect anthem for feeling good ([40:27]).

Notable Quotes:

• Sheldon Pierce ([42:13]): "It's a very addictive song."
• Hazel Sills ([43:16]): "They are almost perfectly matched."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with the hosts reflecting on their "absurdly incomplete list" of 2025's best songs so far, celebrating the diverse range of music that has captured their attention. From haunting introspections to infectious pop grooves, the panel showcases the year's rich musical landscape, highlighting both established artists and rising stars. As they wrap up, the conversation hints at future episodes, including a nostalgic look back at 2018's number one songs, maintaining the show's tradition of in-depth musical exploration.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Stephen Thompson ([02:57]): "There's a real... there's an undercurrent in here, especially when that bass kicks in."
• Sheldon Pierce ([04:50]): "This is a song... it's a creepy track."
• Hazel Sills ([07:48]): "It really is sort of this one-off R and B Jam."
• Sheldon Pierce ([20:41]): "She just kind of whimpers it and whispers it."
• Stephen Thompson ([34:00]): "Infinity mirror. You know, like, just duplicates."

Final Thoughts:

"2025's Best Songs (So Far)" offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the year's standout tracks, enriched by the panel's diverse perspectives and deep musical insights. Whether you're an avid music enthusiast or someone looking to discover new sounds, this episode provides a valuable snapshot of contemporary music's evolving landscape.