Blues is the Truth 785 Sort of Best of 2025

This week on Blues is the Truth we take a step back and look across the last twelve months with a sort of best of 2025 show. It is not about charts or hype, just a chance to spend time with some of the music that really stood out and stayed with us over the year. The records that got replayed, the tracks that made us stop what we were doing and listen properly, and the artists who reminded us why this music still matters so much.

Hosted as ever by Ian McHugh, the show brings together a rich spread of contemporary blues and blues rooted sounds, with music from Matt Schofield, Buddy Guy, GA 20, Emma Wilson, John Primer, Monster Mike Welch, Zoe Schwarz Rob Koral and Friends, Andy Twyman, Johnny Burgin, Burning Rope, Roomful of Blues, Robbin Kapsalis, Maria Muldaur, Andrew Duncanson, Richard Clarke, Andy Fairweather Low, Larry McCray, Bob Corritore and Friends, Taj Mahal, Tommy Castro and the Painkillers, The Terraplanes Blues Band, Janiva Magness, Bluebird Blues with Ronnie Earl Dave Specter and Barking Bill Smith, and Dave Specter.

There is no single theme other than quality and feeling. Some of these tracks are fiery and loud, some are subtle and soulful, but they all earned their place by being honest and memorable. It is a reminder of just how strong the blues scene is right now and how much great music is still being made.

If you have been with the show all year this is a lovely way to revisit some highlights. If you have dipped in and out, or are new to Blues is the Truth, this episode is a great place to jump in. Sit back, turn it up a little and enjoy some of the finest blues sounds of 2025.