Hey all, Yaniv here!

Time for a pretty personal release. This year (like most years, I guess) I discovered a lot of new music, specifically diving deep into the amazing world of 70s singer-songwriters. When my Spotify Wrapped dropped, I was struck by how much I loved the top five – a collection of truly magical songs. I also noticed that, somehow, I hadn’t authored a single one of them for the game. Well, it was time to fix that!

So here we go, Yaniv’s Spotify Wrapped 2025 – now ready for your Rock Band libraries!

At number 5, we’ve got…

We’re kicking things off with a masterclass in jazz-fusion pop. Taken from her 1975 album The Hissing of Summer Lawns, this beautiful track is a total blast for the whole band. It shows Joni at her grooviest, most sophisticated, and effortlessly cool, featuring challenging parts for every instrument. And, of course, vocalists get to tackle those soaring melodies and sophisticated harmonies Joni is famous for. It’s a truly special song.

Number 4:

Coming in at number four is a dose of pure, soulful optimism. We recently did a pack of Van Morrison classics for the Customs Bash, but this year I got to dig deeper (especially as Morrison was opening for Neil Young in one show I attended) to explore his later career too. This song has a great, chill groove, while the horn arrangements provide a lush backdrop and a great sax solo, authored to keys. and of course, overall it’s just a lovely, pure sunshine song. We need those more than ever.

Coming in at number four is a dose of pure, soulful optimism. We recently did a pack of Van Morrison classics for the Customs Bash, but this year I got to dig deeper – especially since Morrison was opening for Neil Young at a show I attended – to explore his later career as well. This song has a great, chilled-out groove and lush horn arrangements, including a great sax solo authored to keys. Overall, it’s just a lovely, pure “sunshine” song. We need those more than ever.

Number 3:

At number three, we dive into the intricate, baroque-folk world of Judee Sill. This song is pure magic; the melody doesn’t go where you expect it to, offering a haunting, beautiful, and quiet intensity that is completely unique. It’s a masterclass in complex songwriting. While the charts are relatively simple, you still have some lovely slide guitar, bass, and violin to play through – not to mention those drop-dead gorgeous harmonies in the chorus!

Second place:

Taking the penultimate spot is the mysterious, driving sound of Jim Sullivan. A fascinating figure who eventually disappeared without a trace in one of music’s greatest unsolved mysteries, Sullivan was a phenomenal songwriter. His album “U.F.O.” has been one of my most-listened-to records this year, and “Highways” – my favorite track from it – is a cinematic masterpiece of 70s folk-rock that feels like it was born for the open road. The steady, pulsing beat, awesome bass line, and Sullivan’s weathered baritone create a truly hypnotic atmosphere.

And the first place goes to…

My most-listened-to song of the year! Dory Previn is a hugely underrated artist and one of my absolute favorites. “Atlantis” is a theatrical, personal, and emotionally raw journey. The lyrics speak of knowing a partner intimately to an almost uncomfortable level, maintaining a worried, ominous vibe despite never explicitly mentioning any wrongdoing. It is a love song and a song about the fear of loss all at once. With its unique melody and haunting beauty, it is truly one of a kind. No wonder I couldn’t stop listening to it.

That’s it! See you soon with more releases.