This week, DT Carel, host of the YouTube show SpaceCastle joins me to dive into the sounds that defined 2025! Join us as we break down 20 essential tracks that span punk, rock, hip-hop, alternative, pop & beyond.

From explosive hooks and high-energy anthems to unexpected collaborations and boundary-pushing tracks, we unpack what makes each song stand out and why they helped shape the musical landscape this year. 

Consider this your guide through a year’s worth of sonic highlights that’ll have you hitting repeat well into 2026!

🎙️ Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to help more rock fans find the show! Then, scroll down to hear all of the songs discussed in this episode! 👇

The Paradox (feat. Travis Barker) – Bender

Millington – Radio

The Hives – Hooray, Hooray, Hooray

Winona Fighter – HAMMS In A Glass

Rocket – Take Your Aim

Dinosaur Pile Up – My Way

Tyler, The Creator – Don’t Tap That Glass / Tweakin’

Wu-Tang & Mathematics (feat. Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, Method Man & Cappadonna) – Mandingo

MARIS (feat. Caroline Kingsbury) – Give Me A Sign

Shinedown – Three Six Five

Mammoth – The End

Die Spitz – Throw Yourself to the Sword

Lakeview – Home Team

Ho99o9 (feat. Nova Twins, Pink Siffu & Yung Skrrt) – Incline

Dorothy – I Come Alive

Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild

Teddy Swims – Not Your Man

Car Seat Headrest – The Catastrophe (Good Luck With That, Man)

Aerosmith & Yungblud – My Only Angel

Alice Cooper – See You On The Other Side