In a tradition going back several years, here is the mid-year list of favorites from New York-based guest writer Robb Patryk
June 19, 2025 — Every year brings a handful of songs that make you pause, rewind, and hit repeat. As we reach the halfway mark of 2025, I’ve gathered in one place those that caught my ear.
My “Best of 2025 (So Far)” playlist isn’t a collection of what’s topping the charts; rather, it’s a reflection of where soul, R&B, and kindred sounds are headed right now. You’ll hear contemporary artists like King Sis and MRCY taking classic soul in exciting new directions, boundary-pushing performers like Carla Prata and Quadeca blending hip hop phrasing with R&B grooves, and, now and then, a surprise twist of Americana or Alternative. (Yes, even Alison Krauss and Billy Strings find a welcome spot here — proof that soul is not confined to genre but lives wherever there is depth of feeling.) At the heart of this list runs a shared pulse of the blues, a through-line of longing, hope, and resilience that resonates whether delivered via a slow jam or an exuberant dance track.
Think of this playlist as a mid-year check-in: a reason to celebrate what’s already moved us, and a promise that the year still has more stories to tell. So put it on, turn it up, and see where 2025 takes you next. Enjoy.
By Robb Patryk
