Melissa Kacar

"Everything's Just Wonderful" inhabits the sarcastic, dry wit that has always made Lily Allen stand out as an artist. This is such an underrated gem of Y2K British indie pop and a sharp, clever classic from her 2006 debut Alright, Still . The song pokes fun at modern society with her signature biting humor and sarcasm. Structurally, it's also surprisingly unconventional for a mid‑2000s pop single, leaning into a kind of conversational storytelling that felt refreshingly blunt at the time. Co‑written and produced with her frequent collaborator Greg Kurstin, this song pairs a light, carefree melody with lyrics that contrast with a much daker undertone.  The song is an interesting satirical commentary on many political and societal pressures that have remained very relevant since the time it was written. "Do you think everything, everyone is going mental?" Lily sings in the opening lines. "It seems to me we're spiraling outta control, and it's ine...

2025 was yet another incredible year for new music! I narrowed it down to 30 of my favorite albums, spanning a wide range of artists and genres. Many of them are first‑time additions to my annual year‑end favorites list, which feels like a testament to how much I prioritized discovering and supporting new artists this year. Of course, there are some long‑time favorites sprinkled throughout, as well. Ultimately, this list reflects a little bit of everything I loved this year! This is always my favorite post to write and curate each year. It is loosely ranked, but every single one of these albums was truly the soundtrack of my year for one reason or another. I have covered many of them in depth too, so if you are interested in reading more about any of these, be sure to check out the links throughout the post and at the end. Enjoy! 💓 The Crux by Djo At its core, The Crux by Djo is a heartfelt ode to the people that have shaped him, along with his family and friends that have suppor...