This week on Live From Mars, Alex shares his picks for the best songs of 2025 (so far)—including bangers from Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, SZA, Ariana Grande, and more. Plus, a quick New Music Friday recap and the chaotic rollout of Sabrina Carpenter’s surprise new album Man's Best Friend.
Topics covered:
- Quick hits from a quiet New Music Friday: Kehlani, Mark Ronson & RAYE, Hannah Jadagu
- Sabrina Carpenter's surprise album announcement + the internet’s meltdown over the cover art
- Alex’s full list of the 10 best songs of 2025 (plus a bonus!)
- Why Abracadabra and Something Beautiful are tied for song of the year
- The comeback of fun Drake? (Yes, I'm shocked too)
- A case for Addison Rae and a deep cut from Djo
- Taylor Swift similarities, Ariana, SZA, The Weeknd, HAIM, Selena Gomez, and more
Timestamps:
00:00 — Intro + Catch Up
01:31 — New Music Friday Highlights
06:59 — Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend Controversy
13:15 — The Best Pop Songs of 2025 (So Far)
Follow & support the show:
Life on Mars (New Music Friday Playlist): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7fbLRhODukVyre2zTFMQG0?si=f39baf34c7754f2f
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0V8opmfEyH3U7MJSTrsHH6
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-from-mars/id1717556594
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vinylbymars
Follow Alex on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymars
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