Description

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

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