A noteworthy achievement for the band Sleep Token has emerged as their track “Caramel” has been named the number one song on The New York Times’ Best Songs of 2025 list. The prestigious publication revealed its rankings this week, showcasing a diverse range of 50 songs categorized into two distinct sections.
In the first category, curated by critic Jon Caramanica, “Caramel” from Sleep Token’s latest studio album, Even in Arcadia, stands out prominently. Caramanica describes the song as “a huge, gloriously silly and brutally effective amalgam of abandoned styles ripe for reinvigorating,” encompassing genres including rap-metal, dream-prog, pop-reggaeton, backpack hip-hop, cosplay rock, and metalcore, among others. This track follows the earlier release of “Emergence” and has since garnered significant acclaim.
Even in Arcadia itself has achieved remarkable success, reaching the top spot on the U.S. charts after accumulating 127,000 album-equivalent units, with 73,000 of those being actual sales. This marks Sleep Token’s first number one album in the United States, and it achieved similar success in eight additional countries.
In addition to Sleep Token’s feat, Caramanica’s list features a variety of other artists, including Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll, Drake, Tate McRae, and The Weeknd, with the first 20 songs ranked and the remainder designated as honorable mentions.
The second section of the list, titled “Blasts of Sass,” was penned by Lindsay Zoladz and highlights tracks with a more upbeat and cheeky tone. Among the songs featured is Wet Leg’s “Mangetout,” ranked at number 13. Zoladz notes the song’s clever lyrics and infectious energy, describing it as a “grinning kiss-off” with plenty of sass.
Other prominent artists included in the “Blasts of Sass” section are Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, and Cardi B, showcasing the eclectic mix of talent recognized by the publication this year.
In a year overflowing with new music, these lists serve as a testament to the varied sounds and styles that have defined the music landscape in 2025. As fans look back on their favorites, the recognition of these artists underscores the dynamic nature of contemporary music.
