2025 just came to an end, and there was a lot of great music that dropped in December of the year. It’s now 2026, so here is a range of releases from last month (and year) that you want to catch before it’s too late!
Tenik – Money Don’t Sleep
‘Money Don’t Sleep’ is an electronic dance track that benefits from its funky groove and crisp production. The bass lead pulls that funk groove in, giving a bounce to the rhythm that pulls listeners into bouncing their heads along. This rhythm is dynamic, and it plays well with the percussion and vocals, section to section, providing new corners. The vocals in this track seem to have high-end production while also allowing the quality to have a lot of human emotion. In terms of music, this track is perfect for an exciting start to the year! When it comes to the lyrics, the hooks are catchy, and it overall captures the story of reaching for goals and establishing confidence.
Kwoon – Swan (Acoustic)
‘Swan (Acoustic)’ pulls things back to a low tempo with a simple guitar and vocals, with some psychedelic influences in the way that the vocals are delivered. This track feels like it comes from the 70s scene with its production value and melody. However, it feels freshened up in a way that can bring that sound to modern audiences. There’s a lot of emotion loaded in it, and the way that more string layers build over time flows smoothly. The slow build string quartet sound of this track flows smoothly and hits hard. The lyrics in this track are poetic, as they use winter as a metaphor for pain and loneliness. But it seems to take the idea of a “swan” being down to express a low point in one’s life and an ability to try for better.
Tyler Shamy – How Are You Okay?
‘How Are You Okay?’ also hits in the range of being emotional, but the buzzy vocal filter and harmonies place it more into the modern alternative-pop genre with some emo influences. The acoustic guitar rests softly behind the vocals, and there’s a great buildup with some piano as things move along, then percussion cuts in later to liven up the rhythm. The layering in the guitars is great, and there is a bit of a slow build with an addictive pick-up at around 01:53. Lyrically, this track tackles what it’s like being post-breakup, one side seeing another partner seem like everything is fine, which builds onto the after-relationship struggle.
Naomi Jane – IDWK
‘IDWK’ dashes idol vibes into a piano-ballad style modern pop sound. The singer-songwriter vibes here mix stellar lyricism with amazingly dynamic vocals that take the stage. The fade to silence after the intro verse is a perfect way to usher in the powerfully belted chorus. It’s catchy and has replayability, but that catchiness comes alongside a raw emotional sound with a lot to reflect on in terms of lyrics. Speaking of, this track has a lot of substance lyrically. It comes from the perspective of someone who loves another after a prior heartbreak. They get their hopes up for this other person, but end up disappointed when left in the dust after the bar was set high. It seems to be after a stellar first date and then a disconnect that follows.
Writer RLT – The Devil
‘The Devil’ stands out as a brooding dark pop-piece with a bass-led instrumentation and soft vocals that are produced to clarity. Though they come off with a tad of a whisper, there’s still a great dynamic in both the rhythm, melody, and quality. This track does well with having moments that focus on a piano backing, cut in with a powerful buzzy bass. In general, it’s ominous, atmospheric, and a bit experimental. It’s all about red flags, or a devil in disguise. Instead of equating the devil to bad aspects, it equates him to things such as desire, a soft voice and hands, and a look of safety. That being said, it captures how these things can draw one into a toxic partner before things fall apart.
Written by Sage Plapp
Cover image by Emilio Sánchez Hernández
