The top 100 Canadian songs of 2025

2025 brought us the return of Canadian pop royalty, countless songs about love and heartbreak, reflections on the state of the world and international collabs that put Canadian artists on the map.

Music always reflects the times, and as much as there is a need to escape the dread and the never-ending doomscroll, we’re also compelled to confront the reality of the moment. It's why CBC Music’s list of the top 100 songs of the year runs the emotional gamut: from light and fluffy dance-along tracks to songs grappling with wealth disparity, climate change, and anxieties about the future.

A committee of CBC Music producers considered streaming numbers, chart performance, record sales, cultural impact and artistic merit when putting this list together, with an emphasis on highlighting artists from all 13 provinces and territories. Songs released between August 2024 and Oct. 31, 2025, were eligible. 

Scroll through the list to discover the songs that made us move, sing along and ask big questions in 2025.  

100. Shine, Big Tones feat. Junia-T

Over an old-school hip-hop beat, Saskatoon rapper Big Tones drops bars about overcoming adversity and uplifting as you rise. 

99. Queen's Revenge, Franklin

Discordant and raw, Franklin’s sludge-metal diatribe Queen’s Revenge calls out the ruling class for being “useless, privileged fools.”

98. North Star, Ben Cornel

Springy guitar and fiddle complement Ben Cornel’s rich baritone on this poppy folk song about journeying back home to a loved one. 

97. Laundromats, Pillow Fite

Halifax alt-pop duo Pillow Fite dropped the evocative Laundromats in support of their 2SLGBTQ+ friends in the States: "All my friends are sad/ fighting aristocrats," sings Art Ross, their voice relaying a mix of despair and hope over the subtle build of guitar and drums. (Songs You Need to Hear, Oct. 20)

96. Little Help, Rachel Cousins

Over simple guitar, Rachel Cousins lets herself get vulnerable on Little Help, as the emerging pop singer reveals the ways she’s learning to seek help instead of being entirely self-reliant. 

95. Grievin’, Jessa Sky

A mellow 808 beat accompanies Jessa Sky’s heartbreak on Grievin’, as she contemplates the loss of someone close to her and wonders how to carry on. 

94. Move Like a Flame, Nico Paulo

Nico Paulo’s airy vocal dances over the percussive beat on Move Like a Flame, a rhythmic and trance-inducing number that builds to a vibrant expression of joy. 

93. Pool Party, Penny & the Pits

Pool Party is a rollicking surf-rock swim from New Brunswick's Penny & the Pits that’ll make you move, with its irresistible riffs and feminist lyrics that lend a deliciously dark undertone to a fun time. (Songs You Need to Hear, April 30)

92. Tillussuaq, Silla

Tillussuaq was inspired by a folk tale that tells the story of a Tuniq man who falls in love with an Inuk woman and steals her away from her camp; the couple is then chased across the tundra, in a high-stakes race that Silla brings to life through their propulsive production and urgent throat singing. 

91. Till I Get to Heaven, Kalsey Kulyk

Kalsey Kulyk isn’t too pressed about sticking to the straight and narrow: on her recent single, the country singer makes it clear she wants her life to leave an indelible mark, as she sings on the chorus, “Imma raise a little hell/ 'till I get to heaven.”

90. Slanted, Shad

Sharp witticism and incisive remarks are Shad’s bread and butter, and on this single off his seventh studio album, Start Anew, the ironies and hypocrisies of modern life are laid bare: “The land is slick and slippery and slanted/ few fully notice how a few take advantage.” 

89. White Sands, Raymond Sewell feat. Laura Roy

Raymond Sewell’s nomadic voyage through White Sands National Park in New Mexico was the creative inspiration for this sprawling number meant for the open road — its chords arranged for gentle, dramatic effect as you roll the windows down and set out to chase the sun. (Songs You Need to Hear, June 11)

88. We Like, Pierre Kwenders

The lead single from Pierre Kwenders’s Tears on the Dancefloor EP, We Like is built on tender synths and an upbeat drum rhythm, a "rallying cry for unity, a song for connection and celebration," as he described in a statement, dedicating the track to the people impacted by the current conflict in eastern Congo. (Songs You Need to Hear, Feb. 5)

87. Up From Here, Logan Richard

A soothing folk song written for a family member facing addiction, Up From Here is strong in its conviction while simultaneously serving as a soft place to land — an expert combination co-written by Richard and Chris Kirby, produced by David Myles with an assist from multi-instrumentalist Joshua Van Tassel.

86. Lucky, Haviah Mighty feat. Shantel May

Boom bap meets soul on this collaboration between rapper Haviah Mighty and R&B singer Shantel May about feeling mutually lucky to be in a loving partnership.

85. Canadian Destroyer, the Halluci Nation and Northern Cree

On this supercharged track, Tim "2oolman" Hill and Ehren "Bear Witness" Thomas team up with frequent collaborators Northern Cree to blend powwow music with throbbing dubstep for a heart-racing anthem. (Songs You Need to Hear, April 30)

84. On a Bluebird’s Wing, Julianna Riolino

Over a boisterous mix of guitar, banjo, organ, tambourines and more, Julianna Riolino's voice soars like a sun rising on a hot summer day on this track celebrating growth. (Songs You Need to Hear, June 18)

83. Dream Destroyer, Sloan

The now longtime Toronto-based band released its 14th studio album this year, and standout single Dream Destroyer best showcases Sloan’s familiar power pop (and trademark fuzz-tone guitars). 

82. Do You Think of Me?, Sara Kae 

A simmering country song about how doing well can be the best form of break-up revenge, with Kae's warm vocals coasting atop a bright pedal steel guitar. (Songs You Need to Hear, Sept. 22)

81. All Good, Quintana Mills feat. Bundog

Vancouver’s Quintana Mills continues to be one to watch as a rising star in the Canadian hip-hop scene after releasing this smooth, melodic collaboration with Toronto’s Bundog, the two trading verses that are confident, honest and captivating.  

80. All Cylinders, Yves Jarvis 

The title track from Yves Jarvis’s Polaris-winning album, All Cylinders is a warm and upbeat driving song, with all parts — including his layered and harmonizing vocals — played by Jarvis himself.

79. Behave!, Ouri feat. Charlotte Day Wilson

This collaboration from Ouri and Charlotte Day Wilson merges a more experimental, freeform sound with traditional arrangement: classic R&B vocal riffs meet lo-fi, deconstructed production — and as soon as it unfurls entirely, the production is pulled back, the song ending just when you start wishing for more. (Songs You Need to Hear, Aug. 25)

78. Diminishing Returns, Dan Mangan

The Vancouver singer-songwriter was wrestling with the state of the world on his 2025 album, Natural Light, and on Diminishing Returns he takes his time cataloguing signs of the end of it all — while being grateful for the joys and love life still holds.

77. He’s So Good, Tobi 

A self-affirmation song heavy with swagger, as compliments tumble out verse after verse over bright horn samples that include an Easter egg from Nova Scotia rapper Classified: that tongue-in-cheek "you gonna find out" is a sample from his 2006 song Find Out. (Songs You Need to Hear, July 21)

76. Tomorrows Left, Sacha

Ontario country singer Sacha gives us a hand-clapping sing-along — recorded in both Toronto and Nashville — with a kicker of a chorus: “Lean on the gas 'til your last breath/ and live like there's no tomorrows left!”

75. Gravity/Levity, Wolf Castle

“Giving to the culture, Pabineau my Earth,” raps Wolf Castle on this laidback and bittersweet love letter to his home of Pabineau First Nation, acknowledging both the challenges and triumphs he faced growing up.

74. Practice, Nia Nadurata

There’s nothing like seeing your ex move on with someone else while imparting everything you taught them into their new relationship, and Nia Nadurata nails that feeling of sly irritation on this danceable pop number.

73. Man I'm Not, Koko Love

Koko Love struggles to move on from a past relationship while looking at his flaws on Man I’m Not: “Still got her taste in my mouth,” he sings, tugging at the thread of yearning. (Songs You Need to Hear, March 5)

72. At the Same Time, Absolute Losers 

Bright, chugging rock from this P.E.I. trio is as shimmery as ever thanks to a Beatles-esque guitar solo.

71. Bestfriend, Chikoruss

“Girl you’re more than my best friend,” sings Chikoruss, yearning for a friends-to-lovers spark on this slick R&B tune.

70. Wrong Planet, Ribbon Skirt

Dizzying electric guitar collides with bold, impassioned lyrics as Ribbon Skirt’s Tashiina Buswa sings and screams about feeling abandoned on Wrong Planet.

69. Mirror, the Weather Station

"You were dousing your fields in a chemical rain, you were cutting my arm to transcend your own pain/ oh but God is a mirror — everything is,” sings the Weather Station’s Tamara Lindeman on this sombre reflection, where climate change meets a dissolving romance. (Songs You Need to Hear, Jan. 15)

68. AMPM, Luna Elle

Luna Elle turns the heat up on yearning as she sings, "I want you in the AM, PM/ weekday, weekend/ all day, all night/ don't turn out the lights," her rich vocals a smoky balm on this sultry love song. (Songs You Need to Hear, March 19)

67. Borrow My Boots, Tami Neilson

Friendship is the inspiration behind this spirited country anthem, where Tami Neilson sings: “Hey hey sister, sometimes the only way through/ is to knock it down, break it loose, kick it in/ and borrow my boots.” (Songs You Need to Hear, May 21)

66. Lipsync, Debby Friday

Debby Friday makes the world her catwalk in this bombastic electronic song about being an inspiration to the wannabes. (Songs You Need to Hear, June 18)

65. 514-415, Bells Larsen

The trope of right person, wrong time, gently takes shape on Bells Larsen’s tender, folky love song.

64. What Are You Sayin', Aquakultre

Aquakulture refines his signature soul sound on this retro number replete with rich horns and harmonies, reminding listeners that his voice is as powerful as it is captivating.

63. Stretch the Struggle, Bria Salmena

Bria Salmena drops what no longer serves her on Stretch the Struggle, singing: “By now, I should know better/ by now, you should be long gone." (Songs You Need to Hear, Jan. 22)

62. Fun Times, Marie Davidson

Marie Davidson’s latest single, Fun Times, marked her return to music after a brief hiatus and is not only one of the best songs of the year, but one of the best of her career, with a bold, high-energy sound and unique mix that only a DJ could whip up. 

61. East Wind, Caley Watts

East Wind is a phenomenal introduction to the understated magic of Caley Watts: the rivers, mountains and rainforests that the Cree singer-songwriter grew up around inspire her songwriting, and listening to this song, it's easy to imagine oneself whisked far away to somewhere wilder and grander. (Songs You Need to Hear, Dec. 4, 2024)

60. Telenovela, Isabella Lovestory

This neoperreo (reggaeton's baby cousin) track is all brash synths, dembow rhythms, head-knocking drums and outlandish lyrics. (Songs You Need to Hear, April 30)

59. Clingy, Lights

Lights admits, “I feel clingy/ I’m never like this,” on her latest hit, Clingy, showcasing her signature synth-pop sound to create this fun, bouncy track about having a crush.

58. What I Gotta Do, Dylan Sinclair

Dylan Sinclair continues to prove why he might be Canada’s next R&B superstar with this single that is confident, catchy and upbeat enough to dance to. 

57. On My Way, Renforshort

This catchy, alt-pop song feels like a late-night confession to yourself, a promise made to cast aside all self-doubt and look to better times ahead — as Toronto’s Renforshort sings, “the good is coming, I know I can feel it.”

56. Listen2Me, Foxwarren

On this fun folk single, Foxwarren blends genres and energies to create something captivating and unique, as the song's running drums are met with clean keys, fuzzy guitars, and airy vocals that bring it all together. 

55. The Boy, Rochelle Jordan

Something special always happens when Rochelle Jordan and Kaytranada get together: on this single, Kaytranada provides the perfect sparkling synth soundscape that sweeps you into Jordan's swirling romance, creating a space that's simultaneously expansive and intimate. (Songs You Need to Hear, Sept. 29)

54. One More Dance Around the Sun, Great Lake Swimmers

On this mid-tempo folk song, Great Lake Swimmers' Tony Dekker perfectly captures that feeling of driving around with your windows down, the GPS off because you know every back road like the back of your hand — but you can still appreciate the view as if you’re seeing it for the first time. 

53. Ruthless, Intense, Diljit Dosanjh

Toronto producer Intense took things to the next level this year by following up a distribution deal announcement with this single showcasing triumphant production, perfectly soundtracking the magnitude of his moment — and featuring global superstar Diljit Dosanjh.

52. On Rolls the Wheel, William Prince

William Prince brings his smooth folk-country sound on his latest single, On Rolls the Wheel, in which he tells a story of living on the road and the passage of time: “And I’ve been here before/ and I’ll be here again/ on rolls the wheel.” 

51. Baby Blue, Billianne

Billianne’s Baby Blue is a standout off their debut album, Modes of Transportation, with its playful beat and self-assured lyrics that tease at a past relationship that ended at no fault of their own.

50. Grieving, Leith Ross

“I never will stop grieving, grief is all I know of love,” sings Winnipeg’s Leith Ross over banjo and fiddle, a beautiful ode to the idea that how much you grieve for someone after they're gone is directly related to how much you love them when they're still alive. 

49. Harder to Please, NorthSideBenji

Brampton, Ontario's NorthSideBenji surprise-released this lead single to his much-awaited new album, Misery Loves Company, showcasing his unique flows and mesmerizing melodies — the same ones that have made him one of the most exciting rappers to watch right now. 

48. Hallways, Pup 

Hallways features some of Pup frontman Stefan Babcock's most heavy and honest lyrics yet, set over roaring guitars, echoing bass and a buzzing melody as he powers through the pain of a fresh breakup and life crisis. (Songs You Need to Hear, Feb. 19)

47. Beparwai, Jonita Gandhi

Beparwai is a bouncy, electronic dance song about letting go of the things you can’t control and embracing the change, which sounds like the perfect soundtrack for someone who’s quickly becoming one of the biggest names in the Punjabi Canadian music scene.

46. Cry Baby, Lu Kala

Lu Kala is setting her ex straight on her high-energy single Cry Baby, singing, “I am not your lover/ I already told ya/ I can't be that for you no more.”

45. Wild One, Cat Clyde

Lay back and close your eyes while Cat Clyde sings “wild one, lay with me under the rays of soft sun,” her voice floating above an organ and slide guitar — we promise you’ll be transplanted to warmer days.

44. Neon Nuptials, Goldie Boutilier

This heartland rock romper courtesy of Nova Scotia-born Goldie Boutilier paints a vivid picture of life on the run where the only thing you can depend on is each other — what it would sound like if Tom Petty’s American Girl found true love. 

43. Main Character, Chxrry

Chxrry is sultry and self-assured on her synth-heavy single Main Character, ensuring listeners know where she stands as she sings, “Who gon' stand out?/ I'm the main character/ bitch, f--k a background.”

42. Remember, Bambii feat. Ravyn Lenae and Scrufizzer

DJ and producer Bambii features American R&B singer Ravyn Lenae and British grime rapper Scrufizzer on Remember, which opens her Infinity Clup II EP with icy synths, muted horns and a looming bass track as Lenae's haunting vocals set the scene of a dysfunctional situationship. (Songs You Need to Hear, June 25).

41. Can I Call You in the Morning?, the Beaches

Can I Call You in the Morning? is a catchy standout off the Beaches' latest album, No Hard Feelings, where lead singer Jordan Miller toys with the idea of saying how she really feels, then takes it back — “I don't mean that, I'm sorry/ can I call you in the morning?”

40. Weekend, Gminxr, Tegi Pannu & Zehr Vibe

Shortly after announcing his partnership with 91 North Records, producer Gminxr released Weekend, which features timeless melodies and exciting drums — creating the perfect canvas for his collaborators to shine.

39. Palo Santo, Jessie Reyez

Summer nights have Jessie Reyez’s name on them thanks to vibey single Palo Santo, which finds the singer with a desire for spiritual cleansing, a practice rooted in her Colombian heritage.

38. Gordon in the Willows, Patrick Watson feat. Charlotte Cardin 

Inspired by a recent time when Watson lost his voice, unable to speak or sing for nearly three months, Cardin’s voice and Watson’s piano lace together like old friends finding each other after years apart. (Songs You Need to Hear, March 19) 

37. Home, Eddie Benjamin and Shawn Mendes

Twangy guitar, bird whistles and pleading vocals make this folky pop song by Shawn Mendes and Australian pop artist Eddie Benjamin one that pulls at the heartstrings. (Songs You Need to Hear, Oct. 27) 

36. Too Pretty for Buffalo, Baby Nova

Baby Nova’s Kayleigh O'Connor is an artful storyteller on Too Pretty for Buffalo, weaving cinematic details together to tell the story of a woman breaking away from her hometown and fearlessly pursuing her dreams. 

35. Symmetry (Remix), Ed Sheeran feat. Karan Aujla 

The British singer-songwriter merges his pop melodies with Punjabi hip-hop on this remix featuring Surrey, B.C.’s Karan Aujla, and the result blends genres and languages (with Sheeran singing in Punjabi) into an important template that could inspire future global collaborations.

34. Times Two, Zeina

With a nostalgic early 2000s R&B groove and Arab guitar licks sprinkled throughout, Times Two is undeniably a banger, but it’s Zeina’s mess-with-me-if-you-dare energy that really sells it. (Songs You Need to Hear, April 23) 

33. Love Me Alive, Dragonette and the Knocks

A poppy summer cocktail, Love Me Alive is bouncy and nostalgic, leaning heavily into retrowave ‘80s sounds with Dragonette’s bright, soulful vocals set against an underlying pulse and heavy synths that will not only entice you to dance, but feel a thing or two. (What is this year’s song of the summer?)  

32. Leave Me Too, Josh Ross

Ross takes accountability for his past romantic failures on this emotionally charged country anthem: “Heaven knows I can’t undo all the hell I put you through,” he admits, “Yeah girl, if I were you, I’d leave me too.”  

31. Focus, Aqyila 

Aqyila is in impeccable form on Focus, weaving in and out of multiple vocal styles while being direct and demanding, accompanied by lush and groovy production. (Songs You Need to Hear, Jan. 29)  

30. Slow Motion, Alessia Cara

Slow Motion transforms the feeling of falling head-over-heels for someone into an intoxicating reverie; it lures listeners into an irresistible trance with its slinky melodies. (Songs You Need to Hear, Jan. 29) 

29. Somebody Who Loves Me, Drake feat. PartyNextDoor

Drake and PartyNextDoor blend smooth harmonies together as they navigate yet another late night looking for romance in all the wrong places while holding onto the belief that “I know there’s somebody who loves me/ somebody who really loves me.”  

28. Holy, Mac DeMarco

Over an animated yet unadorned guitar riff, Mac DeMarco’s voice quivers as he sings about a “miracle from above” on Holy: “Miracle/ reveal yourself to me,” he sings with his signature silvery twang. (Songs You Need to Hear, July 28) 

27. The Mood, Kaytranada feat. Flo 

Heated, passionate anthems are the norm for the summer months, but on The Mood, Kaytranada and Flo offer up something more chill and consensual, which is just as alluring. (Songs You Need to Hear, July 16)

26. Means I Care, Tate McRae

In one of the more reflective moments on her album So Close to What, Tate McRae sings about running away from her overwhelming feelings: “If I cut you off/ it just means I care.” 

25. Best Friend, Chani Nattan, Inderpal Moga, Girls Like You, Dr. Zeus

Chani Nattan and Inderpal Moga continue their run as hitmakers on this fun, summery jam featuring U.K. pop group Girls Like You. 

24. Tant pis pour elle, Charlotte Cardin

The Montreal star burst back into the spotlight this year with dance revenge track Tant pis pour elle, which directly translates to “too bad for her” — and after getting lost in the swirling beat and high-drama video, we wouldn’t want to be “her.”

23. Piano in the Sky, Mikayla Geier

A touch of vaudeville, a touch of whimsy and an homage to the Fratellis make Mikayla Geier’s cheeky number about the perils of modern dating one to remember. 

22. Lay Your Light, Alicia Moffet

Quebec City’s Alicia Moffet unleashes a whole new level of vocal emotion and strength on this track about revelling in a healthy relationship, which ended up being the backbone of her 2025 album, No, I’m Not Crying.

21. Cry For Me, the Weeknd

Haunted synths and a booming trap beat are the spine of this melancholy breakup lament from the Weeknd: “And I hope that you still cry for me like I cried for you,” he sings, still holding on to the past.

20. Suffer, Boy Golden

Suffer is a reflection of our current moment, laying out the plight of the everyday person amid a looming recession, authoritarian regimes and misinformation campaigns: "We all suffer/ fighting our ordinary fight." Winnipeg’s Boy Golden examines the daily strife that impacts countless people, propelled by an anthemic guitar melody, justifiable anger, compassion and an inkling of hope. (Songs You Need to Hear, Sept. 29)

19. How to Sing for Money, Maggie Andrew

The title track from the Halifax pop artist’s 2025 EP, How to Sing for Money leans into Andrew’s ’80s pop influences for a tongue-in-cheek 101 on stardom.

18. Body to Body, Siibii feat. Aysanabee

Rising stars Siibii and Aysanabee connect on one of the most viscerally beautiful songs of the year, proving that there can definitely be power in simplicity.  

17. Choose the Latter, Finn Wolfhard

There’s something whimsical about Finn Wolfhard’s jangly solo single, Choose the Latter: “Why can't I afford my dream?/ I choose the latter, choose the latter,” he sings, with shades of Alvvays and Slow Pulp peeking through.

16. Jeans (Fall On My Knees), Katie Tupper 

A slow-burn ballad about reaching a crossroads in a relationship, Tupper’s voice aches on the chorus as she sings, “I can’t fall on my knees again/ gravel in my palms and now my jeans are tearing.” (Songs You Need to Hear, Jan. 29) 

15. Wifey Riddim, Shygirl with SadBoi and Jorja Smith

U.K. artist Shygirl enlisted the help of Toronto's SadBoi for some saucy verses on Wifey Riddim, a song that's both a dance-floor heater and confidence booster: "Don't want to make you fall too quick/ known to make the boys cry and shit." (Songs You Need to Hear, Mar. 12)

14. Thodi Si Daaru, AP Dhillon feat. Shreya Ghoshal

AP Dhillon continued to show off his musical range in 2025, but this catchy collaboration with Shreya Ghoshal in particular features fun production and melodies that are hard not to be entranced by.

13. Cudn't B Me, Jessie Reyez

In one of the standout tracks from her album Paid in Memories, Toronto’s Jessie Reyez sings matter-of-factly about not settling for a relationship she doesn’t believe in.

12. Never Walk Alone, Blond:ish feat. Stevie Appleton

A late 2024 release that really blossomed in 2025, Blond:ish's Never Walk Alone feels perfectly primed to get a crowd roaring during a set at sundown: lush synths, vibrant drums, and Stevie Appleton's bright vocals come together for an infectious, melodic house hit. (Songs You Need to Hear, Aug, 7, 2024)

11. Yukon, Justin Bieber

Featuring muted guitars, a whispering bass line, lo-fi production and pitched vocals, Justin Bieber sounds perfectly at ease confessing his love for his family while embracing a more vulnerable and laidback R&B sound. 

10. Show Me Love, WizTheMC feat. bees and honey

WizTheMC's warm, summery jam came out back in February, months before the thermometer would even crack 20 degrees, but as it steadily gained traction it quickly became a frontrunner for song of the summer. Amapiano rhythms inspired by his homeland of South Africa; nostalgic, lived-in production; talk-singing reminiscent of Swae Lee on 2017 summer hit Unforgettable; and an earworm chorus that burrows down deep. All the elements of Show Me Love came together spectacularly. 

But it’s the cracking of the TikTok code that sent this single into the stratosphere. WizTheMc and production duo bees and honey released the song independently, but bolstered it with the social media juggernaut’s built-in promotion and distribution platform SoundOn. The single amassed more than 2.7 billion TikTok views, half-a-billion Spotify streams, and charted internationally in the U.K., South Africa, Germany, Greece, Belgium, Colombia, Ireland, Austria and Switzerland, and on the Canadian Hot 100. Following the song's success, South African rising star Tyla hopped on a remix, which was a pinch-me moment for WizTheMC: “What a full-circle moment being from South Africa and collabing with the biggest artist out of my home country."

9. Call on Me, Daniel Caesar

While Daniel Caesar’s recent album, Son of Spergy, is for the most part a return to his gospel and R&B roots, Call on Me shows that he’s also in the business of experimentation. The track traverses rock, opening with an attention-grabbing electric guitar riff that refuses to let up, as well as reggae, incorporating Eric Donaldson’s vocals from Cherry Oh Baby. It sees Daniel Caesar embrace being a generous partner in every sense: financially (“Baby it's no harm if you really want my money/ come and take it from me, come and take it from me”), physically (“Whenever you feel your tummy rumble/ need something to eat”) and spiritually (“Blessings raining down upon me”). 

Caesar made a name for himself with love ballads such as 2017’s Best Part, and Call on Me strays from that lane of being a straightforward declaration of endearment. Instead, it reveals an artist who is maturing in his romantic relationships — and who is unafraid to showcase that growth through new sounds.

8. Sage My Soul, Tia Wood

As we said when this song was first released in October, Sage My Soul is Tia Wood’s “most impressive vocal performance to date, her voice unabashed and soaring.” Rolling powwow drums reverberate as the Cree and Salish singer begins her journey of absolution and self-discovery: “Growing/ unfolding/ stripping down my layers/ take me, as I am/ despite my bad behaviour.” The song is a true arrival for Wood, whose star has skyrocketed since her 2024 debut single, Dirt Roads (which appeared on last year's top 100). With each new release, Wood seems more assured, ready to push the limits of her skills, and on Sage My Soul the payoff delivers bone-tingling vocal runs and vivid, revealing lyricism. Wood shared in a press release that writing and performing the song were “hopeful acts,” tied to the tradition of saging and its power and meaning in her community in Saddle Lake, Alta.  

7. Lie Down.., Saya Gray

“How green is the grass on the other side/ how long can you keep up a lie?” Saya Gray’s opening questions float into the air, an electric guitar and tick-tock percussion giving them an existential edge. The final single released ahead of Saya, her 2025 Polaris-shortlisted album (and CBC Music’s No. 1 album of the year), Lie Down.. is as addictive as it is heartbreaking, a song about post-breakup grief and the questioning that can come with it. Pop and folk twine here in gorgeous textures, Gray’s layered vocals rising above a tip-toeing bass line for a sound that, in the end, defies genre. Lie Down.. is a slow march of clarification, even as Gray barters in the song’s final minute, the lines “I can turn your dust to sparkle/ I can do a lot for you if you take a chance on me” on loop as the dagger strikes in hushed tones: “She can look like me, she won’t feel like me.”

6. Nokia, Drake

There’s a reason that Nokia was one of the songs of the summer: the chart-climbing hit helped listeners remember that Drake creates some of his best music when he decides to have fun by hyping up women. As his foe Kendrick Lamar put it on Euphoria, “I like Drake with the melodies, I don't like Drake when he act tough,” and on Nokia, it’s true — Drake is unstoppable when he’s cooking up an infectious hook and toying with samples to set the scene for “shakin' ass in the club with your homegirls.” Complete with a retro-sounding beat switch at the 1:57 mark, Drake is simply doing his best to impress: “Is that your bestie?/ Imma ice both of y'all like Gretzky,” he promises. In the end it doesn’t matter who, in fact, is calling his phone, because it’s a bop that extends beyond Stacy, Becky, Ellie, Keisha, Ashley and Dani, urging everyone to let loose. 

5. For a Reason, Karan Aujla, Ikky

When they began working with each other a few years ago, Karan Aujla and Ikky made it clear that their goal was to bring Punjabi music into the mainstream. In 2025, the two did it with For a Reason — a global hit that is catchy, uplifting and, quite frankly, undeniable. 

They’ve had previous success with songs Admirin’ You and Softly, but this standout single from their 2025 project, P-pop Culture, is a welcome addition. With it, the two have proven that this isn’t just luck, it’s their focus, and instead of coasting on their past success, they are hungrier than ever. The two invite listeners in with Ikky’s bright production and Aujla’s catchy melodies, the timeless guitar licks and running drums creating the perfect backdrop for the infectious hook. 

4. Open Hearts, the Weeknd

The Weeknd’s sixth album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, aims to be a cinematic opus, with grand, sweeping songs that spiral out into layered synth symphonies. Open Hearts is the soundtrack for the shedding of his past self, a standout on an album full of big moments. In the music video, the Weeknd comes face-to-face with another version of himself inside an opulent theatre, his ego and insecurity converging. The Max Martin and Oscar Holter-produced track is infectious and exhilarating, as the two Swedes build the frenetic framework for the Weeknd’s anxieties to metastasize. The song is a reflection on his shortcomings in relationships, and his desire to be better. As he belts the final chorus, “Where do I start when I open my heart?/ It's never easy falling in love again,” it’s clear he’s got a long road ahead, but he’s willing to go the distance. 

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3. Last Girls at the Party, the Beaches

We already know the Beaches can deliver a tried-and-true banger, but the timing of Last Girls at the Party was perfect: the Toronto pop-rock group had just taken home the Juno Award for group of the year — which they’d also won in 2024 — and three days later this dropped. Built around a joyous guitar riff and that sing-along chorus, Last Girls at the Party burst onto the Canadian rock music charts and into our dancing hearts. As Melody Lau wrote when it came out: “Whether you're getting ready to head out for the evening or approaching last call, Last Girls at the Party is a new anthem for your night out playlist.”

2. Sports Car, Tate McRae

“I think you know what this is/ I think you wanna uh/ no, you ain't got no Mrs.​/ oh, but you got a sports car,” Tate McRae whispers sultrily on Sports Car’s earworm of a chorus. It’s an aughts-inspired banger that combines the best of slinky radio-ready pop influences. McRae teams up with Greedy producer and co-writer Ryan Tedder once again, pulling in Pussycat Dolls-esque lyrics, a Britney Spears-ish vocal, and production reminiscent of Nelly Furtado’s Loose era to pay homage to the pop icons that paved the way. “Oh my guy/ you don't wanna waste my time,” she declares over a thumping beat, sounding nostalgic yet fresh.

McRae is at her fiercest on Sports Car, as evidenced by her show-stopping performance of the song at the MTV Video Music Awards earlier this year. The track strikes a perfect, undeniable balance between sleek and spicy, making it the most memorable single from her album So Close to What. Plus, the accompanying high-fashion music video only solidifies that McRae has gone full throttle — and now has the Junos, a VMA and Grammy nom to prove it.

1. Daisies, Justin Bieber 

Our top songs of the year have often leaned towards big, bombastic anthems: Kaytranada and Childish Gambino’s Witchy last year; Tate McRae’s Greedy the year before. Even the last time Justin Bieber topped our list in 2021 was with the feel-good, uptempo Peaches. And while Daisies, Bieber’s latest offering off his surprise return, Swag, boasts a pop bounce, it’s much more understated than the hits he’s best known for. 

But that’s exactly what makes Daisies great. Bieber is simultaneously returning to his R&B roots while experimenting more with his sound thanks to collaborators like Mk.gee and Dijon, who contributed to the song’s wobbly, lo-fi guitars and overall intimate soundscape. At its core is a candid vulnerability about his relationship (“'Cause you said, ‘Forever,’ babe, did you mean it or not?”) but also the patience to give his wife the space she needs. Well into his husband/dad era, Bieber proves that time and maturity can evolve and deepen his art. Daisies is a testament to this growth.