The charts have a solid mix of new tracks and familiar favorites for the start of the summer. Here is my final review of the top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, for the week of May 24, 2025.
1) “Luther” (Kendrick Lamar & SZA) – “Luther” continues to be #1 on the chart, months after its release. Lamar’s lyricism is always full of depth and hidden meaning to interpret, and he harmonizes perfectly with SZA. It’s no wonder this song has had such longevity.
2) “Ordinary” (Alex Warren) – Folk-infused pop music seems to be having a resurgence right now, which makes it a bit difficult for songs like this one to seem particularly special. That said, it’s still got a simple, calming tune. It’s the kind of music that’s good for soothing headaches.
3) “Die With A Smile” (Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars) – I’ve grown a bit tired of this song, personally, but I still appreciate the subtle 70s influence, which makes it unique compared to other pop ballads on the chart right now.
4) “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” (Shaboozey) – This song has been on the chart for a minute now, and having heard it many times at this point, what continues to stand out to me is the steady clapping throughout. It’s not overpowering, but still prominent enough to add a much-needed rhythm. Without it, the song wouldn’t be nearly as infectious.
5) “Nokia” (Drake) – I have to give Drake some credit for continuing to release music even after, well, everything that has transpired in the past year (re: Kendrick Lamar). If I were him, I would’ve disappeared off the face of the earth by now. But I digress—this song hasn’t left much of an impression on me even after listening to it several times by now. It’s catchy enough, but in an annoying way instead of a good way.
6) “I’m The Problem” (Morgan Wallen) – When I listen to Morgan Wallen, I can’t help but compare him to the previous generation of male country stars, like Tim McGraw and Keith Urban. My conclusion is that he still does not quite have enough character to make songs that stand out compared to these legends. Lyrically, this is another generic heartbreak song, and while he’s a decent enough singer, he has room to improve in that area as well.
7) “Lose Control” (Teddy Swims) – Swims’ strong and soulful voice almost keeps this song from being another run-of-the-mill pop/r&b fusion. Almost. Behind the voice, the melody is pretty standard, nothing particularly memorable, I fear.
8) “Beautiful Things” (Benson Boone) – The fact Benson Boone has to do back flips on stage to keep the audience’s attention while performing this song, tells me enough about its quality. While not terrible to listen to, it just reminds me of music you’d hear in a Toyota commercial.
9) “Pink Pony Club” (Chappell Roan) – What can I possibly say about Chappell Roan that hasn’t been said already? Her skills as a songwriter are on full display here, managing to be poignant yet empowering at the same time. And vocally, she’s a powerhouse, which is quite obvious from listening to this song. I have no notes.
10) “Anxiety” (Doechii) – “Anxiety” has received a lot of negative attention online, for a variety of reasons, but the criticism hasn’t kept it off the charts. Whether the song is a total mess or a bold display of creativity, Doechii, once again, has the people talking and tuning in.