All Songs Considered The year in review, 2025
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Dec 2, 2025 Joining the discussion is Isabella Gomez-Sarmiento, a talented NPR Music reporter known for her insightful on-the-ground analysis. The conversation dives into whether 2025 was a standout year for music, featuring moments like Kendrick Lamar's electrifying Super Bowl performance. Topics include the cultural reverberations of Bad Bunny's album and the tumultuous impact of the Trump administration's actions on artists. The panel reflects on notable losses in music and the rise of viral phenomena, all while tackling the complexities of the industry's changing landscape.
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Mixed Views On 2025's Musical Quality
- Hosts debate whether 2025 was unusually great, bad, or typical, highlighting divergent views on the year's musical quality.
- The panel frames the year as strong in the middle tier and for quiet, surprising releases rather than blockbuster pop dominance.
Bad Bunny's Genre-Bending Breakthrough
- Bad Bunny's De Vi Tirar Mas Fotos blended salsa, plena and bomba with reggaeton and dembow, praised as ambitious and culturally resonant.
- The album kept him prominent all year and led to a Tiny Desk and Super Bowl booking, extending its impact into 2026.
Kendrick's Yearlong Victory Lap
- Kendrick's Super Bowl performance capped a wider year of wins including Grammys and major singles, seen as a victory lap.
- His relentless visibility crystallized his dominance even as some panelists felt it was overplayed.