This year has been unlike any other. Full of turbulence, uncertainty, and moments that felt almost impossible to navigate. And yet, through it all, music has quietly been there, weaving itself into our lives in ways both subtle and profound. Maybe it was the song played on repeat during a late-night drive just to stay awake, or the early melody session that lifted you out of a morning slump when the day ahead felt overwhelming. Perhaps it was a shared playlist with friends that reminded you laughter and connection is necessary, even miles apart. For some, music was the soundtrack to long, introspective evenings, helping untangle emotions too complex to put into words. For others, it was the burst of energy from their favorite track that carried them through a difficult moment or made even the smallest victories feel bigger.
Music has remained a quiet constant. It didn’t just fill the silence; it filled the spaces left by uncertainty, giving rhythm to our emotions, and reminding us that, even in chaos, beauty and connection are never far away.
Our team’s 2025 soundtrack is here: the tracks that made us feel, laugh, and power through the year.
- Nesima Aberra — Life Will Be, Cleo Sol. I needed reminders of lushness, softness, and optimism this year, so most of the music I listened to had that kind of energy for me. This song in particular is all about believing in yourself, re-discovering your purpose, and getting out of your own way to be the brilliant person you were meant to be (and already are!).
- Kiah Albritton — Knuck If You Buck by Crime Mob. In a year where we’ve lost so much and been on the defense so often, there have been many days when just showing up feels like an impossible battle. I play this when I need to remember who I am, what I’m made of, and where I’m from.
- Nicole Carroll — Binz by Solange. Imma get back on my feet. Give me a minute.
- Mariah Cochran — alright by Yaya Bey. This song has been such a sweet and melodic reminder to flow with change and release what I can’t control.
- Lericia Collins — Blessed by Soli. I’ve felt a little pain but I felt a little joy so I know – to see and to breathe and to feel only means one thing.” During a year of unexpected blessings and challenges, these tender melodies and heartfelt lyrics carried me through. I vibed through the hardships, celebrated small and major victories, and reminded myself to find gratitude and hope even in the moments I never anticipated.
- Layla Crater — Boom Bap, Doechii. Doechii has lived rent free in my brain for all of 2025. I am enthralled by this singular talent. Boom Bap perfectly represents what makes her so special — razor sharp commentary about the music industry’s and the public’s unrealistic expectations for Black women, fierce rap, silliness, and her beautiful voice. Have you seen her outfit in the video? Cannot and will not stop singing Get Top on the Phone in my weak falsetto.
- Kay Cuajunco — Fight for Love by Sault. Sault consistently finds their way into my morning mixes and this song has been on repeat in 2025 in the moments when I’ve needed some grounding. How do you fight for love when the world has broken you? I know that times are rough when you’re down, keep looking up.
- Rebecca Farmer — September by Earth Wind and Fire. Any day, any month of the year this song is a portal to danceable joy for the sake of joy itself.
- Kyung Jin Lee — Immigrant by Sade. Need I say more?
- Alexis Meisels — Sir Nose D Voidoffunk by Parliament. I had the distinct pleasure of being introduced to this classic on my way to visit a hand-made amusement park outside of Portland Oregon: The Enchanted Forest. It was the perfect marriage of music and moment. Repeat listens bring me joy and creative inspiration in its topsy-turvy surreality.
- Stephanie Ong — A Different World by De La Soul. De La Soul recently released an album called Cabin in the Sky as a tribute to Trugoy, one of their members, who died two years ago. This song addresses how grief and loss change a person. I connect to the song’s lyrics about focusing on the gifts of life: So I keep a smile steady and negativity out of my focus, No longer at odds with staying hard in life” Also, the whole album itself is incredible!
- Bilen Mesfin Packwood — I Won’t Complain by Rev Paul Jones. Lyrics are self explanatory.
- Dina Sigal — Spring 1 – Recomposed by Max Richte (by Vivaldi). I’m not a classical music aficionado, but something about this melody has haunted me for years, and, through multiple emotions and moments, moves me to my core.
- Mackenzie Williams — Praise Is What I Do by William Murphy. This song is my 2025 anthem because this year has been full of blessings from graduation, to a new apartment, and now a job that I truly love. I always remember to praise God for what He has done in my life and what He will continue to do. This song reminds me what it means to be covered by the Spirit and to give thanks always for Him being there for me, even during the hardest parts of the year.
Listen to Change Consulting’s 2025 Rewind: Tunes That Got Us Through Spotify playlist here.