This task of recalling 20 memorable singles over the last ten and a half months never gets any easier. I often hear a song, fall in love with it for the longest time – until the next one comes along – and find myself struggling to list them at the end of the year (crickets!).
Many revisions have been made over the last few weeks as the deadline approached, and needless to say, there are likely some very obvious contenders missed – but as always, this is not designed to be a comprehensive list of the ‘best’ 20 singles from 2025, but a purely subjective revisiting of the Canadian tunes that stayed under my skin for more than a passing moment.
As has become the norm, singles released after early-November are too late for consideration, and like last year, are not ranked here in any order, but are instead listed alphabetically by artist/band first name.
Ada Lea: “Baby Blue Frigidaire Mini Fridge” (May)
With Ada’s previous album being one of our Top 4 album finalists back in 2021, I was curious to see where this Montréal artist would go next. Hearing the singles’ lo-fi sounds blasting through the speakers, the answer was down a much loved tried and tested path…
Benjamin Dakota Rogers: “Virginia’s Daughter” (May)
Some artists I gravitate to quickly, others not so much. Rural ON singer-songwriter Benjamin Dakota Rogers bounced around my music radar for years before landing with a thud in 2025 with his latest rootsy Americana cuts. This one is beautiful!
Braden Lam: “Obsolete” (May)
I’m unsure that Nova Scotian Braden Lam dropped this as a single, but with an official music video and tons on airplay on SiriusXM radio to this very day, this ode to his home province – and Lunenburg harbor in particular – is as catchy a ditty as they get.
Celeigh Cardinal: “Cryin’ (Aerosmith cover)” (May)
Popular cover versions are always enjoyable yet seldom land in the conversation for most memorable songs of the year. But, when Albertan artist Celeigh Cardinal took a shot at this Aerosmith classic, she sure gave Steven Tyler a run for the money with the lead vocals.
Ellen Froese: “Solitary Song” (May)
If there was a category for the most ‘fun’ song of 2025, this retro 70s country-pop sounding tune from Saskatoon artist Ellen Froese is a gold medal winner in my opinion. Consider this a two-minute affair that will leave you smiling, laughing, dancing, and feeling so, so good.
Foxwarren: “Listen2me” (April)
Taking time out from his successful solo career, SK-born singer-songwriter Andy Shauf reconnected with his Foxwarren bandmates to drop this peppy, toe-tapper of a tune as their first teaser of (long-overdue) new music in 2025. There is just so much going on here.
Gatlin’ Black: “One Last Chance” (September)
No artist is handed a “gimme” to land a spot here but wow me with some completely unexpected originality and expect to reap the rewards. This debut single from Pembroke, ON rockers Gatlin’ Black mixes some fabulous doowop influences into their alt-rock core.
HORSEBATH: “Hard To Love” (February)
When I encountered this Nova Scotian band a few years back, I loved their retro-folk vibes and eagerly awaited new music. I’m not sure if this SiriusXM radio cut was a true single release, but I sure cranked the volume to the limits each time it played out.
Jacob Rose: “We Keep Trying (To Make Something New)” (September)
We truly value our regular contributors here at GDW, who bring so much new music to our attention. If it were not for GDW author Ollie LeBlanc, this summer ditty from NB artist Jacob Rose would never have landed on my radar. Oh, what a loss that would have been.
John Metza: “Sorry” (May)
If you want to make an impact on the folk music scene, then simply hold nothing back with your debut single. Abenaki artist John Metza rewrote that rulebook back in the spring with this absolute stunner of a release, leaving us eager for much, much more to come.
Julianna Riolino: “On A Bluebird’s Wing” (June)
Some may say that you can’t reinvent the wheel, but a few musicians can certainly reinvent their sound and persona when least expected. Julianna Riolino likely left many jaws hitting floors when first hearing this retro folk-pop gem and subsequent new direction.
Julie Neff: “fine!?” (October)
A lot of time has passed since (now) Montréal-based artist Julie Neff last shared new music – and this surprise single release from October hits you right in the feels. With a powerful message, Julie shares her own inner demons and chronic anxieties – and it is beautiful!
Malia Rogers: “Stay” (May)
I always appreciate friends who namedrop artists that they believe we would enjoy here at GDW, and thanks to good pals in ON, the door was opened to discover Ottawa-based artist Malia Rogers. This deeply personal tune focusing on mental health awareness is a gem.
Sara Dufour: “Darlin’” (March)
Nothing beats the feeling of discovering an artist by chance, gradually discovering their back catalogue, and then finally catching them live in concert and being totally blown away. If you are not yet familiar with this Québecois artist, jump on board RIGHT NOW.
Savannah Jade: “More Like It” (January)
Released very early in the year, this fabulous 90s country era themed party number did not land on my radar until considering Savannah’s debut album for review in the summer. Country music is full of hits and misses for me – this banger is as good a HIT as they come.
Tami Neilson (ft. Neil Finn): “Neon Cowgirl” (July)
Let’s be honest – Tami is a lock for any list, and any of her single releases this year would be right at home here. But when teaming up with pop legend Neil Finn to deliver the title track of her 2025 album just prior to the release; perfect timing, perfect performance.
The Deep Dark Woods: “Ruby” (March)
Returning to the airwaves following a four-year hiatus, SK-band The Deep Dark Woods could not fail to make an impact with this ‘sitting around a fireplace-lit wood cabin’ vibe of a number. Vocalist Ryan Boldt channels his best early 1970s style crooner with this one.
The Franklin Electric (ft. Lila Dupont): “River Run” (August)
Props to John Matte for releasing this single TWICE in 2025. While the original version from February is impressive, this reinterpretation was released six months later as a duet with emerging New York alt-country artist Lila Dupont, giving this one DOUBLE the impact!
The Good Brothers (ft. The Sadies): “Now That You’re Gone” (February)
With the devasting loss of Dallas Good back in 2022, it was heartwarming to find his bandmates and The Good Brothers teaming up to record this fitting tribute. Bruce Good lost a son – and eulogizes his legacy beautifully here surrounded by family and friends.
Vincent Vallières: “Sarah” (October)
After dropping a 25-year compilation album (finally) back in the Spring, QC folk-rocker Vincent Vallières wasn’t quite done – sharing this stunning pop-rock gem as a teaser of new music to be found on his latest “Les saisons, les secondes” studio album.
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
