Let’s all agree that 2025 wasn’t a great year overall (unless you won the lottery or something), but thankfully the music didn’t suffer. I remain somewhat astounded that very few artists (especially in the U.S.) have met this trying era with songs and records that push back against the tyrrany and evil permeating our world. A protest record, particularly by a prominent artist or band would not only be relevant but could serve as inspiration for others to use their voices and do the same. Alas, it was not to be in 2025, but if you plan to make music next year and are reading this, there’s a wide open topical direction you could take with a real potential for positive impact.
But enough about what types of records we didn’t get in 2025, and more about what we did. There wasn’t really a general theme or style that dominated this year, other than maybe pop music remaining pop(ular) and hip hop struggling to find new ways into the cultural zeitgeist. A TikTok star somehow managed to pull a pretty damn good debut album out of her ass (with the help of a talented team), a well-known rock band singer made her strongest solo album to date, and alt/experimental pop brought a couple of new names to the forefront. We reaffirmed that just about anything with the names billy woods or Earl Sweatshirt attached to them is going to be quality, welcomed back a beloved rap duo to reclaim their status for the first time in nearly 20 years, and saw a slightly different side of Tyler, The Creator.
You want to prove rock music isn’t dead or dying? Listen to Geese, Wednesday, Viagra Boys, Wet Leg, Deftones, and Deafheaven. R&B certainly isn’t suffering either when Dijon, FKA twigs, PinkPantheress, and Amaarae are giving us inspiration. Then there’s the immense talents of Chicagoans like Saba, Jeff Tweedy, Sharp Pins (/Lifeguard), Pixel Grip, and Circuit des Yeux, with Horsegirl getting honorary local ststus even though they’ve relocated to New York. I’m grateful for all their contributions this year, even if some didn’t make the list.
Below you’ll find my 50 favorite albums from 2025, plus 10 more Honorable Mentions because I couldn’t just stop there. Honestly this list could have gone to 75 without much trouble, but I don’t want to assign you even more homework beyond what’s already here. In short, if you haven’t heard these records yet, please do yourself a favor and give them a try. My hope is that you’ll fall in love with something new and continue to expand your world through music. Taste is subjective, and most likely everything listed here won’t fully capture your attention or imagination. But in the off chance some of this does, it’ll turn out to be well worth the exploration. Please enjoy this list and these records as we collectively prepare to strap in for the wild ride 2026 is sure to bring.
