As 2025 draws to a close, Radio X has officially named Wolf Alice as the winners of this year’s Record of the Year. Their "sumptuous" single "The Sofa," released in July and taken from the chart-topping album The Clearing, secured the top spot after a public vote by the station's dedicated listeners.
A Landmark Year for Wolf Alice
The victory serves as the crowning achievement in a career-defining year for the band. The Clearing debuted at number one and earned a Mercury Prize nomination, making Wolf Alice the only artist in history to have their first four albums consecutively recognized by the prestigious award. Following a sold-out UK tour that concluded with two massive nights at London’s The O2, the band is now looking toward a headline show at the Royal Albert Hall in 2026.
Rock and Indie Dominance
In a year heavily shaped by Britpop nostalgia and high-profile reunions, Wolf Alice faced stiff competition. Oasis took second place with "Morning Glory Unplugged," a highlight from their 30th-anniversary celebrations. Biffy Clyro followed in third with the anthem "A Little Love," while Pulp’s "Spike Island" and the Sam Fender feat. Olivia Dean collaboration "Rein Me In" rounded out the top five.
The 2025 list reflects a vibrant year for the genre, featuring a mix of legendary acts and contemporary stars. Other notable entries in the top ten included tracks by Hayley Williams, Kasabian, and Richard Ashcroft, the latter of whom supported Oasis on their record-breaking reunion tour.
Celebrating a Decade of Radio X
The announcement coincides with Radio X’s 10th anniversary. Matt Deverson, Managing Editor of Radio X, noted the "incredible strength" of the current rock and alternative scene. "It is no surprise to see so many British artists, like our deserved winners Wolf Alice, make this year’s list," Deverson commented.
The full Record of the Year 2025 playlist, featuring further entries from Wet Leg, Florence + The Machine, and Blossoms, is now available to stream on Global Player.
Radio X Record of the Year’s top 40 tracks for 2025 were voted for by listeners in this order:
The Sofa by Wolf Alice
Morning Glory (Unplugged) by Oasis
A Little Love by Biffy Clyro
Spike Island by Pulp
Rein Me In by Sam Fender ft Olivia Dean
Undressed by Sombr
Parachute by Hayley Williams
Hunting Season by Biffy Clyro
Lover by Richard Ashcrof
Hippie Sunshine by Kasabian
Mangetout by Wet Leg
Rushmere by Mumford & Sons
Can't Say No by The Wombats
It's Amazing To Be Young by Fontaines D.C.
The Honeymoon by Blossoms
Catch These Fists by Wet Leg
There's Always Gonna Be Something by Stereophonics
Everybody Scream by Florence + The Machine
Bloom Baby Bloom by Wolf Alice
Rubber Band Man (with Hozier) by Mumford & Sons
Asking For A Friend by Foo Fighters
Heartbreaker by The Lathums
Night Or Day by Franz Ferdinand
Got To Have Love by Pulp
Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah) by Inhaler
Arm's Length by Sam Fender
Sympathy Magic by Florence + The Machine
Little Bit Closer by Sam Fender
Seems Like You Don’t Know Me by Stereophonics
Hole In The Ground by Inhaler
Talk To You by Sam Fender
Dancing With The Europeans by Suede
Build It Up by Franz Ferdinand
Oblivious by Jake Bugg
To Space by Kings of Leon
Old Balloons by Circa Waves
Wild Long Lie by Sam Fender
Pokemon by Wet Leg
Caroline by Mumford & Sons
Bar Lonely by Franz Ferdinand
