A listener's year

Music isn’t just what I do — it’s what I’m endlessly curious about. As the year draws to a close, I always find myself reflecting on the music I’ve chosen to spend time with: the albums that became companions, the artists I returned to, and the live moments that touched me the most.

Even after years of working in music, I still listen for pleasure first — for connection, surprise and that unmistakable feeling when a song lands at exactly the right moment.

This is a snapshot of the music that shaped my listening over the past year, simply because I loved it. It’s a mixed bag, I think you’ll agree…

My year in music

According to Apple Music, my most-played artist of 2025 was Pulp — no real surprise, as I listened to them obsessively in the run-up to seeing them live in Birmingham in June. Their new album feels like a genuine return to form, which has been a joy to experience after being a huge fan back in the day. The last time I saw them live was 1998, and yet Jarvis still has that energy. The band clearly love what they do, and more importantly, they’re still innovating rather than trading purely on nostalgia.

Second on the list were The Rolling Stones. I’m still holding out hope that I’ll catch them live one day — come on… one more tour.

At number three was FINNEAS. His versatility is remarkable: exceptional songwriting, emotionally nuanced vocals, and production that’s both polished and inventive. He’s one of those artists who rewards close listening.

Fourth was Will Smith, after seeing him live in Wolverhampton in August with my brother. What a show. Packed with nostalgia, energy, reflection and positivity — and an incredibly up-for-it crowd. The DJ set beforehand from Rickie & Melvin set the tone perfectly and was huge fun in its own right.

Fifth was The Jam. I saw From The Jam in Birmingham on their Setting Sons 45th Anniversary Tour, featuring Bruce Foxton, celebrating one of the band’s most iconic albums across the UK and Ireland, with guests The Ruts. This also prompted reflection on the recent death of drummer Rick Buckler, whom I saw in conversation in Birmingham a couple of years ago — a reminder of how deeply these artists shape our musical lives.

Sixth artist: Paul Weller — perhaps inevitable, given the above. I never tire of his incredible songwriting and the precision in his voice.

Followed by Courteeners, Sam Fender, Suede (I’ve been lucky enough to see all of these live in recent years) and Taylor Swift rounding out the top ten.

New discoveries & rediscoveries

I’m always on the hunt for new sounds. This year I’ve discovered artists like Ane Brun while travelling (instantly fell for her delicate, emotive voice) and finally caught up with Glass Animals — ten years late, but their dreamy, textured sound is totally worth it. I’m also very late to discover the incredible classical-soul pianist and composer Alexis Ffrench, but loved recording his track Golden as part of my brand new showreel.

Other artists I discovered this year:

Samory I – Jamaican roots reggae singer known for his soulful, spiritually conscious vocals and socially aware lyrics. Rose to prominence with his 2017 album Black Gold (only just discovered this one…)

Sydney Ross Mitchell – American singer-songwriter blending folk, dream pop, and introspective indie sounds. Check out her emotionally honest songwriting and viral breakout single The Edge.

Kingfishr – Irish indie-folk trio from Limerick. Their atmospheric, banjo-infused songs and poetic lyrics have propelled them to chart success and a rapidly growing audience.

And I’ve also really been enjoying the comeback of Rizzle Kicks and their album Competition Is For Losers — joyful, confident, and unapologetically themselves.

Live music highlights

Beyond those already mentioned, some standout live moments I witnessed this year:

Howard Jones – Dream Into Action 40th Anniversary Tour

One of my all-time favourite albums, and a staple of my childhood. If you don’t know it well, I urge you to listen — especially Assault & Battery. Howard is far more than the “80s multi-synth wizard” caricature he’s sometimes reduced to. He’s an exceptional pianist and vocalist, a prolific songwriter, and has never stopped touring. Now 70, he’s a genuine inspiration.

Five (reunion tour)

I was always more of a Westlife girl myself…! But I was genuinely impressed by Five. They can actually sing — properly — and move, even now they’re a man band. The show was joyous, entertaining escapism, and they seemed genuinely surprised and moved by the reaction they’ve been getting.

Glastonbudget Tribute Festival

Always a winner. I’ve been four times now since 2016 and it’s become something of a staple for my partner and me. Tribute acts are phenomenal these days — sometimes even better than the real thing… Highlights included RHCP UK, Tasha Leaper as Madonna, and Sound of the Lioness as Amy Winehouse. They even have their own tribute Michael Eavis.

Beacon Park Festival

Another brilliant weekend, this time with old school friends. Highlights were Ultimate Coldplay (possibly the best and most uncanny tribute act I’ve ever seen) and Blondied.

A Musical Christmas and New Year

So there you have it, my year in music. If you’d like to connect with music a little more, do try Jo Whiley’s evening Radio 2 show and Apple Music’s My Station, both of which are great at introducing me to new music — or do like I do and keep Shazam to hand when you’re out and about, ’cause I’m old school like that, so you never have to wonder what that song was again.

Hope you're having a musical Christmas break and a brilliant New Year — I can’t wait to see what we’ll discover — and rediscover — in 2026.

Christa

With thanks also to Danny Howe, Israel Palacio and Tijs Van Leur for their Unsplash sourced images.