NPR Music 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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Reunions Brought Intergenerational Joy
- Several veteran bands reunited or returned, including Alabama Shakes, Rilo Kiley, Pulp, and Sugar, drawing emotional responses from fans.
- Reunions leveraged streaming-era archives to reconnect older acts with younger listeners.
Sinners Elevated Music And Awards Buzz
- Ryan Coogler's film Sinners became a major music story, with its original music like "I Lie To You" driving awards buzz.
- The film reframed blues and Black musical history for mainstream audiences and introduced new artists like Miles Caton.
K-Pop Demon Hunters Broke Into Pop Culture
- Netflix's K-pop Demon Hunters franchise stunned as a word-of-mouth pop culture breakout with authentic songs that charted globally.
- Its music served as a gateway to K-pop for new listeners and dominated pop conversations in 2025.