In The Groove: Best of 2025 with Rob Reinhart

Looking back at 2025, Rob Reinhart from Essential Music and Acoustic Cafe reflects on the music that cut through the noise and brought moments of joy during a challenging year.

From the infectious energy of Jon Batiste’s “Big Money” — a delightful track from an album famously created in just 12 days — to “After I’m Dead” by Detroit rocker Ryan Allen, a sharp, compact song from one of three albums released by Ryan Allen & His Extra Arms in 2025, Rob’s picks celebrate humor, heart, and creativity at its most human.

Rob says, “Looking back at 2025, I wanted to see what captured my attention the most. The music that made me laugh held the biggest sway over me this year. It helped to brighten the mood in an otherwise very dark year. Smiles count, too! In that spirit, I offer the following samples of tracks that brightened my year.”

Check out Rob’s full Best of 2025 playlist below, and listen to In the Groove to hear the tracks that brought some much-needed light to the year.

• “BIG MONEY” – Jon Batiste
• “After I’m Dead” – Ryan Allen And His Extra Arms
• “Chicago” – Mavis Staples
• “Round and Round” – Alex Williams
• “No Champagne (6am)” – Cautious Clay
• “Divide and Conquer” – The Devil Makes Three
• “If Not For Love” – Durand Jones & The Indications, Durand Jones & Aaron Frazer
• “Killer Bee” – Jack Spivey
• “Yard Sale” – Priscilla Block
• “Uptown Downtown” – Jon Cleary
• “Sleeves Up” – Crys Matthews