Hey, it’s Jess. 👋
Pitchfork just dropped their 100 Best Songs of 2025, and it feels like the music-nerd version of fantasy football. The comments are in: Too high. Too low. Too random. Too predictable. Classic.
Some of the songs on the list are new to me. Some I love. Some confuse me. But that is the beauty of music. It hits all of us differently. It lifts. It stings. It comforts. It surprises.
I have songs that make me cry on command. Songs that hit me right in the chest. Songs I replay just to feel something, and songs I play when I need to feel nothing at all and just dance.
A list can tell you what critics loved. But it can’t tell you what held your hand through a breakup, or what song pulled you out of bed on a hard day, or which lyric made you rethink your entire life at a red light. And that’s the thing. Music is so wildly subjective.
So now I’m curious. If it were your list, what would you put as the number one song of 2025? Reply to this email to let me know!
THIS WEEK IN MUSIC NEWS & TOURS 🎤
Bonnaroo confirmed its return for June 11–14, 2026 after canceling 2025’s festival due to severe weather, and they’re rolling out major infrastructure upgrades and weather-proofing to make sure the Farm is ready!
50 Cent revealed the title and release date for his new Diddy docuseries, arriving on Netflix in early 2026. If you thought the cultural conversation was loud now… just wait.
Stranger Things Season 5 announced its official soundtrack, packed with new wave gems, ’80s deep cuts, and a few surprise modern additions. Get ready for TikTok to revive another forgotten synth-pop banger.
Charlie Puth, Brandi Carlile & Coco Jones will perform at the 2026 Super Bowl pregame show. A pop savant, Americana queen, and rising R&B star sharing the stage? Elite booking.
Radiohead postponed several European dates after Thom Yorke developed a throat infection. He’s recovering, but fans will have to wait a little longer for their existential rock catharsis.
Nick Jonas announced he’s returning with a new solo album, his first in years. Priyanka apparently encouraged him to revisit his personal sound.
Limp Bizkit delivered an emotional onstage tribute to late bassist Sam Rivers during their first performance since his passing. Fans described it as “one of the most heartfelt moments” in the band’s history.
A$AP Rocky & Margaret Qualley star together in a Michel Gondry–directed short film for Chanel. It’s a surreal, soft-focus, dreamlike fashion cinema at its best.
Recent Tour Announcements
- FKA twigs announced a 2026 world tour and dropped a new video for “Love Crimes.
- Evanescence — Announced a 2026 world tour, bringing their symphonic-metal nostalgia to arenas across Europe, North America, and beyond.
- Oneohtrix Point Never — Daniel Lopatin is heading out on a newly announced tour supporting his latest era of glitchy, cinematic electronic music.
- Maná — Added 19 new dates to their Vivir Sin Aire Tour, extending their massive 2026 North American run.
- The B-52s — Announced UK shows for 2026, bringing “Love Shack,” “Rock Lobster,” and maximalist camp energy across the pond.
THIS WEEK IN RANDOM, BUT AWESOME, EVENTS ✨
This week in random, but awesome events we have… holiday po-ups! And lots of them. Here are just a few cool ones happening this holiday:
Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar
Mariah is hosting the most extra holiday pop-up of the season with her Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar, presented by BucketListers. It’s a full-on celebration of the Queen of Christmas herself. It is bright, sparkly, and unbelievably festive, complete with over-the-top décor, sleigh-ready photo ops, themed cocktails featuring her Black Irish cream, and a playlist that refuses to skip “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Check if the pop-up is in your city here.
Winter Wanderland
The Austin Motel has transformed its property into a vibrant holiday playground with its Winter Wanderland pop-up. Expect rainbow Christmas trees, retro lodge vibes, glittering lights, themed cocktails, cookie-decorating sessions, and cozy movie nights. It is cheerful, a little chaotic, and totally photogenic, delivering that perfectly weird Austin energy. More info here.
Rudolph’s Bar
Rudolph’s Bar is back in Chicago, and they did not hold back this year. The entire first floor is packed from floor to ceiling with lights, ornaments, giant gift stacks, and full holiday chaos. They’ve also added a brand-new second floor that feels cozy with warm lighting, decorated corners, and its own relaxed festive vibe. It is packed with themed cocktails, tons of photo-ready spots, and enough Christmas energy to power Wrigleyville for the whole season. Whether you want a cute date night, group cocktails, or the perfect backdrop for holiday photos, Rudolph’s is one of Chicago’s most all-out pop-ups of the year. Check out the decor here.
Sippin’ Santa
Sippin’ Santa is the tropical Christmas pop-up that takes over bars across the country every year. Instead of pine trees and sleigh bells, think surfboards, island lights, tiki mugs shaped like Santa, and cocktails that taste like a holiday beach vacation. Each city puts its own spin on the theme, but the vibe remains the same: Santa went to the tropics and never came back. See if Sippin’ Santa is in your city here.
WIN SOMETHING! 🎁
If you’re already humming holiday songs under your breath, this one’s about to make your season brighter.
Win a holiday trip for two to Amy Grant & Vince Gill Christmas at the Ryman 2025 in Nashville. One lucky winner will score 2 tickets to the sold-out December 19 show at Ryman Auditorium (plus hotel accommodations, $600 flight credit, and a “When I Think of Christmas” merch bundle with vinyl, tee, ornament, and wrapping paper).
And remember to check your own local DoStuff page to see cool giveaways happening near you every week!
That’s it for this week.
Now go argue about that list with your group chat and tell us your number one.
Jess ✨
Follow @DoStuff on IG & Subscribe to our DoMORE membership for free tickets!