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The 2020s: Soundtrack to the End (or Beginning)

Pick a song released from 2020 to 2025 that captures the mood of a world in transition--isolation, renewal, protest, hope, or chaos, or any vibe that feels like this strange new decade.

Oct 25, 2025

Playlist

Highlights

Winner
Brandon Nohara with 11 points
Scoring
14 scored submissions imported

Submissions

  1. Black SummerRed Hot Chili PeppersSubmitted by Brandon Nohara
    #111 pointsFirst-time

    Black Summer most directly refers to the bushfires in Australia, but this song also references the pandemic and uncertainty about the current state of things in general

  2. Blinding LightsThe WeekndSubmitted by JDG
    T210 pointsFirst-time

    Intoxication and reckless.

  3. We Didn’t Start The FireFall Out BoySubmitted by Anthony Ng
    T210 pointsFirst-time
  4. Starting OverChris StapletonSubmitted by faulkheather
    #39 pointsFirst-time
  5. The EndMammothSubmitted by arhumphrey-us
    #48 pointsFirst-time
  6. White Woman’s InstagramBo BurnhamSubmitted by Meredith
    T57 pointsReturning
  7. GaslighterThe ChicksSubmitted by Michael Sugar
    T57 pointsFirst-time

    While this is about one relationship, I think it also captures a mood of the decade.

  8. You Know You're RightBrass AgainstSubmitted by amfish123
    T66 pointsFirst-time

    Nostalgia has been huge the last few years and I’m all for it. Give me what was big when I was a kid and I’m happy. That feels kinda indicative of what people have been feeling for the last few years. This song felt like a good representation of that.

  9. StarbursterFontaines D.C.Submitted by lainey3eb
    T66 pointsFirst-time

    Anxious and frenetic energy in the song reflects living in these chaotic and changing times.

  10. Dos OruguitasSebastian YatraSubmitted by Jason
    T66 pointsFirst-time

    A song about two lovers who must embrace change and go their separate ways. Although seemingly sad, the song gives hope that they will someday reunite. I found this message poignant in a time where people are being separated from their loved ones and communities.

  11. Walk My WalkBreaking RustSubmitted by Purple Reign
    T75 pointsFirst-time

    I have never listened to this very popular song. I read about it. Apparently, no humans made this song. That’s 2025 fer ya. Maybe it’s cool, maybe it’s not, but it’s “got no soul.”

  12. Hollow BonesAnna GravesSubmitted by Christopher Long
    T75 pointsFirst-time
  13. WAP (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)Cardi B, Megan Thee StallionSubmitted by Taylor Kayatta
    T84 pointsReturning
  14. As It WasPREPSubmitted by Zach
    T84 pointsFirst-time

    Harry Popstar and the Quarantine Protocol