This year’s Christmas song of choice is likely to raise eyebrows, especially for those who found ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ to be contentious.
During the Age of Awakening, various media outlets questioned whether the song from 1944, penned by Frank Loesser, was innocuous or something more sinister, even labeling its lyrics as suggestive of “date rape.”
Interestingly, the song was subject to parody, including crossdressing versions, yet really few came to its defense. Notably, *Variety* stood out as one of the few exceptions, while the “Me Too” movement sought to hold more individuals accountable.
Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” despite nearly 1 billion YouTube views, faced similar backlash, with Pharrell criticizing the culture that allows certain art to exist unchallenged.
It’s noteworthy that while music can offend across generations, it’s often scrutinized through a particular lens—progressive themes seem to slip by unchallenged.
The trend doesn’t appear to be changing, even looking ahead to 2025, when certain songs dominate the charts, often sanitized for broader appeal.
Sombre “Back to Friends”
Currently, Sombre’s “Back to Friends” holds the top spot in the rock and alternative categories. This track by Shane Michael Booth, a New Yorker, explores the complexities of resuming a friendship after intimacy.
It reflects feelings of being overlooked by someone you once cherished, and the accompanying music video features flirtations between men amid a surreal landscape.
Leon Thomas “Matt”
Leon Thomas’ track “Matt” is leading in R&B and hip-hop. Although it debuted in 2024, it has gained traction in the 2025 holiday season. The lyrics revolve around Thomas’ candid conversation with a woman about their casual relationship.
Interestingly, he incorporates references to the Second Amendment in a playful way, making the track a blend of humor and mild provocation.
It’s worth mentioning that while the song isn’t overtly offensive, it does echo sentiments found in lyrics of earlier eras.
Kehlani “Fold”
Kehlani’s “Folded State” claims the second spot in the R&B realm. Born in Oakland, she became a singer after attending Juilliard. The music video features striking visuals of her dancing in a nearly transparent dress, sparking some controversy.
While she speaks about mundane tasks like doing laundry, there are layers of meaning that suggest something deeper regarding intimacy.
It’s intriguing to compare her work with older classics, particularly noting how different times have shaped the interpretation of flirtation and sexuality.
Taylor Swift is also making waves with her song “Ophelia’s Destiny,” which has its roots in Shakespeare but is heavily flavored with modern, sensual imagery—it’s odd to ponder how these themes compare to something as seemingly innocent as “My sister would doubt (well, your lips look delicious).”
Fans of music might recognize that there’s a somewhat reckless disregard for traditional standards in recent mainstream music, likely driven by political motives. The cultural climate may not remain static.
As we reevaluate musical expressions, the fluctuations often emerge via bold statements or subtle artistic choices.
Ella Langley “Choosin’ Texas”
Ella Langley has struck a chord on the country charts with “Choosin’ Texas.” This song takes a refreshing approach, discussing heartbreak without resorting to overt sexuality or ideological heavy-handedness. She expresses genuine feelings in a straightforward manner, even managing to highlight both Texas and Tennessee positively.
As we approach 2025, it seems that such simplicity might be the most radical stance available.
