Here at Met Radio, we’re closing out 2025 with a new round of year-end favourites! To cap off the year, our volunteers and staff are sharing their personal top-ten lists, highlighting the music, media, and gems that defined the past twelve months. New lists to explore and enjoy will be dropping on the Met Radio website every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this December!
I am currently an associate producer at CBC and an extremely retired musician. I formerly hosted Met30 and currently host The Cool Table, celebrating its 7th year on the air. This list includes some of my personal favourites from the past 12 months, and some songs I think are just important to note. It also includes a couple of records that represent important music moments.
Easily the biggest song of her career, more than a decade in. This song had a lasting impact that is rare in this era. Prepare to see this record at the top of a lot of Spotify Wrapped lists this year.
We never got that album that we were promised, but this track is a formidable consolation prize. With a string of impressive features and a new haircut, we’re looking forward to what Brent has in store for 2026.
‘Monday Jam’ – Phoenix Pagliacci
After cementing herself in Canadian Hip-Hop history over the last ten years, she channels her inner Lauryn Hill and delivers a full R&B album that includes this gem. A catchy soulful record you can’t get out of your head in the best way.
‘Agnus Dei’ – The Last Dinner Party
The follow-up to their impressive debut album did not disappoint. This song features their trademark punchy songwriting mixed with dynamic instrumentation.
His sudden death had fans across the world running back his entire catalogue. This one stood out as an underappreciated example of his greatness.
2025 will be remembered by some as the year that Max B came home. After serving 16 years, he returned in style, making his presence felt all over the internet and dropping music to pacify his fans who had patiently waited. I was never a big Max B when he was out but things could be different this time.
‘Treasure in the Hills’ – Leon Thomas
For all the Leon Thomas fans, yes, I hear you. This is not new, and he has dropped a ton of great music since this was released in 2023. But this is still his best song.
Any 2025 list is incomplete without a mention of Vybz Kartel. The greatest dancehall artists in history turned Toronto upside down when he performed here for the first time with THREE sold-out shows at Scotiabank Arena. His greatest work is past him, but this record grew on me over the last 12 months.
Following some impressive performances with Charlotte Day Wilson and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra or the Polaris Prize Gala in the fall. She is quickly becoming one of my favourite Canadian artists, and this song is a big reason why.
‘New Martyrs (Ride 4 U)’ – Miguel
After a long hiatus, Miguel is back with his unique brand of guitar driven soul music. New Martyrs was one of the lead singles from his latest project, and I personally had it on repeat all 2025.