The Most Disappointing Songs of 2025: A Look Back
Not every song released in 2025 resonated with listeners. While many tracks soared to acclaim, others fell flat, leaving audiences questioning their artistic merit. Here are five songs that, for various reasons, did not meet expectations.
Kanye West: Provocation Over Substance
Kanye West’s track “WW3” attempted to provoke controversy but ultimately missed the mark. The song opens with a repetitive line, “She wanna hop in a ‘Rari,” which quickly lost its charm. West’s lyrics, featuring phrases like “They telling me that I’m a bully, I’m antisemitic fully,” lacked context and depth. Instead of crafting a compelling narrative, the song felt more like a disjointed rant set to music. For a piece named after a significant global crisis, it delivered little beyond blunt statements.
Will Smith’s Awkward Comeback
In an unexpected return, Will Smith collaborated with OBanga for the song “Pretty Girls.” This track aimed to revive Smith’s playful rap persona, yet it came across as stiff and outdated. The lyrics, which express admiration for women, felt misplaced given the artist’s tumultuous personal life. Instead of re-establishing his charm, Smith’s effort felt more like an awkward attempt to ignore recent controversies, resulting in a song that may not have been necessary.
Cruz Beckham’s “Optics” serves as another example of a missed opportunity. Featuring glossy production and vague lyrics about perception, the track struggled to stand out amidst ongoing family drama. Released when headlines about his brother Brooklyn were making waves, “Optics” tried to capitalize on the Beckham name but ultimately failed to deliver a memorable musical experience. The repetitive buzzwords lacked substance, reinforcing the notion that celebrity connections do not guarantee quality music.
Rihanna’s Underwhelming Return
Fans eagerly anticipated Rihanna’s new single “Friend of Mine,” her first release since “Lift Me Up” in 2022. Unfortunately, the track turned out to be a light and upbeat song aimed at a younger audience, linked to the latest “Smurfs” movie. While not inherently bad, it felt more like a contractual obligation than a triumphant return. Many fans were left wanting a more impactful statement from an artist known for her powerful presence.
Lastly, Lil Wayne’s “Peanuts 2 N Elephant” was a puzzling addition to his album. Featuring a whimsical, circus-like beat produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the track leaned heavily into novelty. While Wayne’s verses showcased his wordplay, they became overshadowed by the distracting production choices. Instead of being playful, the song felt unfocused, resembling an experiment rather than a polished piece of music.
In a year that featured numerous standout tracks, these five songs serve as reminders that not all musical endeavors resonate with audiences. The artists involved, including Kanye West, Will Smith, Cruz Beckham, Rihanna, and Lil Wayne, all faced varying degrees of disappointment in their attempts to capture listener attention in 2025.
