From playlists on the bus to songs playing through headphones between classes, music has been a constant companion for students. To better understand the albums that make up their school year, an open-ended survey was conducted among 100 students, asking about their favorite albums of the 2024-2025 school year.
The results reveal a mix of mainstream pop hits, R&B collab
orations and introspective tracks that reflect the diversity of musical tastes among the student body. The survey showcases a diverse range of music that students connected with, spanning from high-energy rap, mellow R&B tracks and everything in between.
- ‘$ome $exy $ongs 4 U’ – Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR
36/100 votes (36%)
Released on February 14, “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” is a collaboration between Canadian rapper Drake and Canadian singer-songwriter PARTYNEXTDOOR. The 21-track project blends R&B, trap and hip-hop, with songs like “Nokia,” “Die Trying,” and “Something About You” gaining heavy traction on streaming platforms. It also features artists such as Pim, Yebba and Chino Pacas.
For many students, the album became a staple of their listening habits throughout the school year. In the survey, it was one of the most commonly listened to albums among students, with a high vote of 36%.
“I don’t even remember a weekend this year where someone wasn’t playing a Drake song,” senior Hala Younes said. “It’s like the album just fits every mood, whether you’re chilling or getting hyped.”
The timing of its release on Valentine’s Day, combined with the emotional themes of love and heartbreak, contributed to its popularity. According to the survey, many students described it as a soundtrack to listen to when alone or with their friends.
https://open.spotify.com/
- ‘Short n’ Sweet’ – Sabrina Carpenter
28/100 votes (28%)
Pop artist Sabrina Carpenter released “Short n’ Sweet” on August 23. According to students, the album introduced her music to a wider audience through a playful yet polished sound. Songs like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” were heavily described as viral hits on TikTok and Instagram.
“I feel like ‘Espresso’ was playing every time we were getting ready for a football game or just hanging out,” sophomore Njeri Lloyd said.
“Short n’ Sweet” blends upbeat pop with relatable storytelling, covering themes of confidence, love and independence. Many students said the album resonated with balancing school, sports and social lives.
- ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ – Billie Eilish
17/100 votes (17%)
Released on May 17, 2024, “Hit Me Hard and Soft” is Billie Eilish’s third studio album, continuing her collaboration with her brother and producer, Finneas O’Connell. Known for her vocals and moody production, Eilish explores themes of identity, vulnerability and personal growth in the different tracks.
Nine students mentioned how Eilish’s experimental sound and honest lyrics stood out in a year dominated by pop and rap releases. Listeners highlighted the album’s use of different instrumentals and atmospheric sounds, which set it apart from the other pop and rap releases this year.
- ‘Hardstone Psycho’ – Don Toliver
9/100 votes (9%)
Don Toliver’s “Hardstone Psycho,” released on June 14, 2024, was described by seven listeners as a blend of trap beats and laid-back instrumentals. The album’s soundtrack drew attention from students who appreciated its relaxed mood compared to other mainstream releases. Known for hits like “Attitude” and “New Drop,” the album reflects Toliver’s distinctive blend of R&B and hip-hop.
“Whenever I needed to zone out or just vibe, Don Toliver was the soundtrack,” sophomore Nico Muller said. “It’s not music you scream along to; it’s more for chilling or driving at night.”
Though it didn’t claim the top spot, “Hardstone Psycho” still attracted a group of listeners. The album was especially popular among fans of Houston rap and alternative R&B sounds, who said they connected with its blend of genres.
- ‘So Close to What’ – Tate McRae
6/100 votes (6%)
Pop artist Tate McRae released her third album, “So Close to What,” on February 21, 2025. McRae’s album includes tracks like “Nostalgia” and “Greenlight” that touch on themes of heartbreak, self-discovery and navigating young adulthood.
“All the beats were really calming but also fun,” sophomore Nora Read said. “I also just like Tate McRae’s songs in general, so I enjoyed this album.”
Although “So Close to What” didn’t receive as many votes as the top albums, it still found a devoted following. Five out of the six students said they connected with McRae’s storytelling and vulnerability, describing the album as a personal soundtrack during challenging moments of the year.
- ‘The Secret of Us’ – Gracie Abrams
4/100 votes (4%)
Released on June 21, 2024, Gracie Abrams’ “The Secret of Us” is an album described by students as soft and emotional. Tracks like “Close to You” and “Risk” explore themes of intimacy, loss, and self-reflection, making it a select choice for students who prefer mellow, emotional music.
“When I want to just chill and think, Gracie’s new album is what I put on,” sophomore Kayra Olgun said. “Her songs make you feel like you’re in a movie or something.”
Although “The Secret of Us” received the fewest votes, it still connected with an audience of all girls, according to the survey. These students appreciated the album’s quiet instrumentals and poetic lyrics, saying it offered a soothing and reflective experience.
The variety in this year’s top albums reflects the diverse musical tastes of students. From Drake’s chart-topping collaborations to the different emotional songs by Gracie Abrams, students found music that spoke to their experiences, whether that meant high-energy anthems for getting ready before games or quiet tracks for winding down after a long day.
As music continues to evolve, the playlists of students may also capture the essence of their high school lives through sound. Whether it’s a moment of joy, reflection or just a beat that keeps them going, the music of 2024-2025 has left its mark.
