Every year, The Current receives thousands of Minnesota song submissions. Indeed, our music scene is vibrant, active, and continuing to blossom across genres, generations, and countless other categories. Our Top 30 is loaded with songs that contain ample thrill, must-sing melodies, emotion-soaked lyrics, experimental production, and undeniable vibes. 

Our music scene is built on camaraderie, so crossover is inevitable. For instance, Durry and Gully Boys’ brilliant ability to mix pop with rock have earned them sold-out shows, national tours, and die-hard fans across the U.S. Both bands might be following footsteps similar to Minnesota emo vets Motion City Soundtrack, who made a remarkable comeback following a 10-year absence. Motion City, Durry, and Gully Boys all have songs on our list.   

Slowcore indie legend Alan Sparhawk recorded a full-length album with his longtime pals Trampled by Turtles. Never have we heard Sparhawk’s songwriting on a pure acoustic record, let alone accompanied by a bluegrass band. Hearing the rich chorus-style harmonies on songs like “Stranger” feels like a religious experience.   

Local superstars Atmosphere continue their dominating influence on Minnesota’s hip-hop culture with their 14th studio album, Jestures. The duo’s timeless clever lyricism overlays Caribbean-style reggae meets old-school rap in the outstanding single “Really.”  

There are also outstanding newcomers like Mother Soki, whose intimate sonic masterpiece “Rivet Gun” sounds like nothing else here. The song was produced by Jack Pfeffer, another rising star to be on the lookout for.  

Maybe you’ve never heard of 8umana, IAMJOY, Anna Graves, or Kellan Christopher Craig – all new talents who landed on our Top 30. Perhaps you used to love Night Moves, Mason Jennings, or Your Smith, but didn’t realize these local staples have must-hear new music. Maybe the virally popular indie-rock band Porch Light are on your Spotify playlist, but you didn’t realize they are Minnesotan. Oh, heck yes – they sure-yah-betcha are.  

– Diane, host of The Local Show

Here is the full list of The Current’s Best Minnesota Songs of 2025:  

Samia - Bovine Excision

Bon Iver - S P E Y S I D E

Durry - This Movie Sucks

Polica - Dreams Go

Porch Light - Fall Back

Atmosphere - Really

Alan Sparhawk With Trampled By Turtles - Stranger

Night Moves - Hold On to Tonight

she's green - graze

Gary Louris - Getting Older

Motion City Soundtrack - She Is Afraid

Wild Horses - Sioux Falls

Yam Haus - One Bullet Left

Laamar - Right Person

Your Smith - Change of Heart

Gully Boys - Love Me 2

Mother Soki - Rivet Gun

Nur-D - Chunkadelic

IAMJOY - Lilac Season

runo plum - Sickness

Kiss The Tiger - Every Little Piece of Me

Kellan Christopher Cragg - I REMEMBER WHEN I WOKE UP

Jeremy Messersmith - Billionaires

Mason Jennings - Castles

Black Market Brass - Battle Ready feat. Obi Original

Maygen and The Birdwatcher - Feel Good

Anna Graves - Hollow Bones

8umana - Vocal Fry

High School for Recording Arts - And We're Back On The Ground

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