2025 was an eventful year, most of us will agree, with the shocking revelations from the investigation of flood control projects, the uneasing reality of rising costs, as well as the ever evolving media landscape. Likewise, this year was eventful personally, leaving me downcast after being clouded by exhaustion, anxiety, and uncertainty. Nonetheless, alongside God's firm hold; the reassuring and caring company of friends, colleagues, church, and family; and, perhaps, memes, it was great music that carried me through all the year's ordeals.
My Tracks of the Year for 2025 feature 100 handpicked songs that have chronicled the past twelve months for me. Out of these, I'm featuring ten songs that have made the most impact, either marking memorable moments or unfolding realizations to carry through the coming year.
1. All I Do - Stevie Wonder
2025 started very well when Trevor Nelson, after hosting a late night show on BBC Radio 2, started presenting the afternoon show (late evenings, Philippine time) back in January. In his current timeslot, Mr. Nelson still plays soul selections alongside the popular and throwback songs.
An awesome part of his show is the "Trevor Trove," where he picks a classic selection or a song rarely played on radio but worth appreciating; and this segment always amazes listeners like me.
One of those songs, while I likely have heard of it previously, is this gem of a track from Stevie Wonder. I've already highlighted this in my Mid-Year Melodies last June, but I'm highlighting it again this time for a different reason.
Months ago, I've seen an Instagram reel of Japanese soul/street jazz dancer named Lil' Moon and a partner dancing to this track. I'm amazed at how their steps and sways match the beat and groove of the song.
And I just thought: how good it feels if you can dance that way. What if, in an alternative world, can Adrian dance like that?
While I had younger times when joining dance performances for academics were fun, it seems I'm at that point in life when the energy seems to drain fast and the body easily aches, either when it keeps on moving or is fixed at one space for a long time.
I've yearned for the energy to move, whether by running, trying weights, or—recently, because of this reel— joining a dance class. But, in an environment and economy where work and responsibilities demand so much from you, such energy and even funds seem to be scarce.
The law of hard work seems to prohibit the privileges of leisurely movement. But there's something within me wanting to break that law and refuse its existence.
And that dance reel somehow sparked that possibility, not just to muster the courage to try it by myself, but maybe to share such joy with another.
Also in the playlist (Also played by Trevor Nelson on his show) : Sweeter As the Days Go By - Shalamar | Comin' from Where I'm From - Anthony Hamilton
2. Stare at Me - Jane Handcock and Anderson.Paak
While the year brought fresh BBC Radio 2 content, with Trevor Nelson doing afternoons and his contemporary, DJ Spoony, holding the fort on evenings (early mornings here) with his own curation of The Good Groove, this writer's heart broke when the broadcaster's official streaming app, BBC Sounds, restricted its access to listeners outside the United Kingdom.
Yes, I can still listen to Radio 2 and other BBC radio stations live, through TuneIn or a dedicated link for overseas listeners. The much missed part from BBC Sounds, however, is the on-demand/catch-up feature. While I can afford hearing Mr. Nelson between 10 p.m. to midnight (or an hour earlier in their summer time), I missed hearing The Good Groove (and other BBC radio programs) anytime I want.
Prior to the BBC's removal of access, I'd just play the recent episode of the show while at work or commute. I cannot do that anymore, losing the chance to enjoy an awesome curation that radio presenters and producers uniquely does in this streaming era we're now on. Unless, I wake up as early as 6 a.m. to catch The Good Groove; but this man ain't a morning person, unfortunately.
Another dismay from the BBC this year was the pulling out of another show I followed, the John Leech Soul Show on BBC Essex, one of the BBC local stations, back in August.
Thankfully, though, I have new channels to listen to. One is Mr. Leech's own platform, Save Our Soul. There he airs two shows weekly: one on Friday nights, the other on nearly the same schedule as he had on BBC Essex. Still the same curation from the "Soul Man" I've grown to love.
The other channel is an independent digital radio station in UK, called Mi-Soul. It amazes me to find out such a station exists, with an almost fully-packed lineup of good soul-oriented shows with some specialist programs 24/7, and supported by commercials and its community of listeners! It's possible!
One of my discoveries from this station is this groovy single from Jane Handcock and Anderson.Paak, another one that I find interesting to dance to (if that consideration for dance classes turns to action).
More than that though, I'd like to show my appreciation for stations like Mi-Soul not just for enriching the love and appreciation for soul music, but also for bringing a means with which people can get through their day — in my case, days often stuffed with work that seemingly ceases to run out.
Also in the playlist (Other Mi-Soul discoveries) : 80/20 Rule - Andriah Arrindell | My Lady - Lukas Setto
3. Starlight Express - El DeBarge
Another source of background to my day is a weekday program from state-owned DWAN 1206 AM. It's called Decades of Sound: Classics to Now, where DJ Sting mixes songs for one hour and a half, in a manner worth appreciating by today's audience who might be more attuned to how songs are mixed at night clubs or, more recently, at coffee shops.
From a run through of throwback and current songs, Decades has grown into a showcase of various styles of mixing, with each day having a dedicated genre or style. And the day that excites me the most is Monday, where DJ Sting plays slow jams—the kind of mixes you can hear on a UV Express, bus, or patok jeep. Yet, DJ Sting does it with much class.
One of those songs that are a staple of his slow jam Mondays is this El DeBarge classic, which is also a fine song from the musical of the similar title.
A younger Adrian, much stoked on K-pop and contemporary hits, would less likely find songs like this a treat after long days at work. But now, when I feel like I'm almost in low battery at the end of a work day, classic hits, brought to life by talents like DJ Sting, bring a soothing, calming, and sometimes energizing relief.
Add to that the context from which this song proceeds in the plot of the musical, with the protagonist saying, "I don't know if I believe. But I'll try, I have to try."
The entire year, each day seems like a cry and fight to try.
Also in the playlist (Other songs played by DJ Sting): Suddenly - Olivia Newton-John and Cliff Richard | Naiilang - Le John | Multo - Cup of Joe | PAG-IBIG SAYO - Nik Makino
4. The Day You Went Away - M2M
One highlight I'm grateful for this year is watching the reunion concert of Norwegian pop duo M2M at the Araneta Coliseum. They brought nostalgic feels with both their popular songs and the deeper, solo works.
Their music must have crossed my ears when I was younger, not minding the words I probably haven't much comprehended yet. Now reaching the "trentahin" (thirty-something) phase, even when I'm not yet officially crossing the third decade of my life, the words of their songs now nudge my mind and touch my heart — that feeling of presence lost in "The Day You Went Away", the spitefulness not yet processed by your mind in "Everything", the wonder of holding someone dear in "Pretty Boy" (whom Marion Raven now dedicates to her child), and the intention to take time and get serious in "Don't Say You Love Me."
Again, many thanks to Kuya Mark for giving me this treat back in May.
Also in the playlist: Everything - M2M
BONUS TRACK: Pangarap Ko'y Ikaw - K24/7
We're featuring another source of background in this next track, with a song that's not in the Spotify playlist since the song can only be found on YouTube.
The source of background I'm referring to was actually a rediscovery back in early June, quite reeling from a very draining big-ticket project that had to materialize within a short frame of time. And stumbling upon this station upon its release of a standalone app for online streaming, I found myself frequently tuning in until it shares "airtime" with Mi-Soul during my work day, and sometimes even late at night.
A well-known name in Philippine radio history, 96.3 WRocK used to be in 96.3 FM in Mega Manila, long before the current Easy Rock have soundtracked UV Express rides for many. Nonetheless, now broadcasting from Cebu City and still much loved across the country and even overseas, WRocK continues to live its legacy of "lite rock," playing not just staple classic hits that are easy to the ears, but also new picks, album cuts, and much OPM, dashed with the jingles listeners have grown to love.
One of those OPM songs I've discovered from WRocK is this rare find, from a male group back in the 2000's, joined by Southborder frontman Jay Durias. The keys that welcome you to the song is just solemn and calming, and so the closing bars. The magic of lite rock.
Besides those sounds, one line struck me: "Mula noon hanggang ngayon may nagmamahal sa 'yo." Just lovely, for someone who thinks he tends to fail and disappoint people, with hardly anything to give or offer, who thinks anyone hardly sees or feels him, understands him, and cares for him. But, there, that line, speaks something to counter my negativity.
Also in the playlist (WRocK OPM staples) : Iba Ka- Janno Gibbs, Sakayan ng Jeep - Nikki Gil
5. Joy of the Lord - Planetshakers
Another big highlight of the year is watching this year's concert of contemporary Christian music group Planetshakers.
I actually attended another concert prior to Planetshaker's, the concert of former Hillsong Worship musicians now performing as CXMMXNS (pronounced commons) last June; but Planetshaker's Abundance Tour last July really made a greater impact.
This song kickstarted my hype over Planetshakers this year. It's that kind of praise that really evokes that feeling of joy that cannot be denied nor dismissed—especially when you're surrounded with other worshippers, a fragment of the Philippine Christian community, sharing that joy, and perhaps looking, yearning, expecting that joy as I do.
More than a return to worship songs I've grown to love since college days, it was a revival of interest in their music. More than the songs I've heard in the concert, from their latest album Weight of Heaven, I even dove into a more recent album, Greater, days after that concert. It surprised me to know that Planetshakers topped my Spotify Wrapped this year. It was indeed the "No. 1 Sound."
I jumped to an EDM rendition of "Nothing Is Impossible," although I've felt how work environments and economic conditions stress how impossible things are. I swayed to the funkiness of "Way Truth Life," even if I sense the life I'm living is far from best. I sang to "Weight of Heaven," yearning to experience that "my cup it runs over now," reminded of how much I missed affirming that, "In You, I have all I need."
That time at the Mall of Asia Area, I realized that, perhaps, this is how true, honest worship often looks like: affirming God's ability amid doubting my capability; sparking joy even when reasons for sorrow and overwhelm load up; holding on to hope even when its easier to be skeptical; reminding oneself of His goodness and faithfulness in the past even when the present appears disappointing and the future seems bleak. Worship is a battle indeed, awakened and sustained by that great gift called music.
I was reminded that I have promises from God that I can hold on to, that I have a God whom I can trust, who is not out of touch from what I'm facing or going through, who remains faithful even when I fall short and deviate from faithfulness myself.
I've sensed all along that the matters of life — work, relationships, pursuits, responsibilities — seem to get in way of my walk with God. I hope they no longer do in 2026.
Also in the playlist: No. 1 Sound, Weight of Heaven, Never Thirst Again - Planetshakers | Help Me Believe - Russ Mohr
6. Hitomi ga hohoemu kara (Because Your Eyes Are Smiling) - Miki Imai
An unexpected, unplanned, yet splendid moment that marked 2026 is my travel to Japan for an event coverage. And to soundtrack that once-in-a-lifetime experience, I picked this Japanese piece (not necessarily from the city pop genre) a virtual acquaintance shared with me for having semblance with a Filipino song.
Looking back at that four-day travel, it was surreal to step my feet on a different country, its clean and orderly streets and lively buildings; ride its bustling trains, hopping from one line to another; see different sceneries, from the Tokyo Tower that attracts many tourists to a bookshop tucked within a very quiet road; hear the chimes of a Lawson, 7-Eleven, or (my most favorite of them all) Family Mart store, as well as those train melodies announcing their arrival; and even breathe in a different air, gently breezing at night.
Prior to this opportunity, my disposition about things like travel, concerts, and other good stuff of life one often sees from other people on their socials is that I'm not attractive to these things. I'm far from achieving those things, even if I work hard for them. I feel like I don't deserve the good things of life, until the unfinished businesses at work or in life, are dealt with.
And yet, there we are, despite our problems, despite those unfinished businesses, basking in awesome moments that I can look back to when the reality of life drags me down.
7. Silly Love Song - Enchantment
As soul music has been chronicling my years, I have a theory that soul music has become a fitting background for the audience it speaks to, both in the past when they were fresh releases and at present when they are now considered "solid gold," because it speaks to their current situation — making ends meet in the midst of troubling economics and social distress and, in the midst of these realities, yearning and fighting for love to prevail in their relationships, in their families, in their communities.
These musings made me come up with a playlist of soul music, mostly Motown and funk, with the name "Broke Times".
These songs did background many night walks, commutes, and even late night work, all crowded by worries over bills, budget, and other burdens I have to bear.
And one of those songs is this one, with an intro sounding like an opening billboard to a radio drama. And life has indeed never running out of quiet drama, lately.
With the singer stressing his yearning for that ability to confidently express his love for someone in a song, I share a similar sentiment—hoping nothing, whether work, finances, responsibilities, gets in the way for me to genuinely and intentionally pursuing, knowing, loving, and sharing life with someone in the future.
Also in the playlist (Also in "Broke Times") : Forever In Your Eyes - Mint Condition | All in the Name of Love - Atlantic Starr | Can You Stand The Rain - New Edition | Win or Lose - Sam Dees
8. Footsteps in the Dark, Pts. 1 & 2 - The Isley Brothers
This one's also a massive repeat from the "Broke Times" playlist. Its bouncy and flangering guitar riff somehow depicts how it feels to spiral into one's own thoughts as he overthinks.
The song speaks of a couple seemingly at a crossroads in their relationship, wondering where their bond has brought them, whether its getting somewhere steady or nowhere. And the good thing, for the singer, he's aware about it, he doesn't deny it, he wants it to be resolved, he wants to talk about it.
Perhaps it's the same about my current path. Uncertainty and doubt shrouds, but even in such bleakness there's no other option but to keep walking and keep moving. I have to face the questions and press on to arrive at answers.
"Hey, should I keep this same direction or go back instead?"
Also in the playlist: Ocean of Thoughts and Dreams - The Dramatics
9. Slow - Rumer
From my discoveries in BBC Radio 2, this one from British artist Rumer is so significant as a long-running reminder I've been wanting but unfortunately I'm finding hard to take heed.
As much as this Rumer's masterpiece can sail you through a hectic weekday with a sentimental mood, the song inspires a thought on slowing one's pace amid a fast-moving world.
All year long, and moreso this holiday season—when companies rush to secure earnings before closing the books and our team carried two big-ticket projects whose deadlines were close to each other—I realized the need to slow down. But slowing down seems impossible when your environment moves quickly to demand after demand, project after project, event after event, making you feel it's a sin to pause from the pace, step back, and maybe propose a better pace.
I've been wanting to "slow it right down," when I've already been burning out.
I'm thankful I can slow down this holidays, but after all the celebrations, when we're back to our regular endeavors, can I keep myself along the world's pace? Will society and life allow me to keep a slower pace?
Also in the playlist (Other Radio 2 discoveries and another from Rumer) : Messy - Lola Young, Never Say Never - Beverley Knight, Dangerous, Aretha - Rumer
10. Different Lives - Fly By Midnight
I will end this list with where the year started. This song, and Fly by Midnight, was one of my first discoveries of the year. Ever since, I've been following this fine duo, and I hope they get more attention and love, and even get to perform here in the Philippines in the future.
Their discography covers a wide range of feelings that the young yet adulting generation experiences, aptly expressed in contemporary words and context. But beyond the feels of this song, with which I can easily connect to, the words it sings inspires another realization I can bring into the new year.
I sense that 2026 calls for some growth within, a different (in a good way) person to emerge from 2025's troubles, challenges, and lessons. Some sort of leaving an Adrian behind to welcome a better him. Crossing a new roads, hopefully without burning bridges.
Maybe, another different life to live.
Also in the playlist: In The Night, SuperFine, Better Late Than Sooner - Fly By Midnight
— — —
If you reached this point, thank you for lending your time reading (and listening) through this list. I hope you enjoyed it and, perhaps, discovered something new to add to your own playlist. 🙂
I hope you can go through the entire 100-track playlist, which you can access here. 👉 (click here)
While I've highlighted ten here, I'd love to share why I selected the other 90. Follow me on Instagram @adrianconoza, and hopefully you can catch my stories related to My Tracks of the Year 2026.
Is there any track that marked your year? Do we have the same realizations this year? I'd love to know. Just give a comment (you'll find it somewhere below this post).
Here's to a blessed year ahead to you, dear reader and listener! 🎆🎇🥂
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