Best Albums of 2025

2025 was a great year for music. And it made me realize how much I missed writing about music. So here are my favorites of 2025! I’ve also created a Spotify playlist, "Best of 2025". It’s got two songs from each artist so plenty to sink your teeth into - Enjoy! 

Role Model - Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDF1oKhsy8wGw&v=F1oKhsy8wGw

I’m sure you’ve heard the song “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” and seen the videos, but dig deeper into Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye) and you’ll find Role Model leaning fully into deep emotions, pairing indie-pop polish with raw, diary-like songwriting about loss, distance, and personal reckoning. The album feels intimate, balancing soft acoustic moments with shimmering, hook-driven production. Other highlights include “Scumbag” and “Old Recliners”

Sinsuke Fujieda Group - Fukushima

This is the best jazz album of 2025. Fukushima unfolds like a journey, blending spacious jazz textures with moments of raw emotional intensity. Fujidea, a Tokyo-based saxophonist, draws on 70s artists like Pharoah Sanders. The album’s improvisation doesn’t feel forced and shows great restraint and release in a way that rewards the listener. It’s an album I have continued to go back to time and time again when I want to escape. Highlights include “Perspective” and “Silent Night”. 

Annahstasia - Tether

Oh that voice! Annahstasia’s debut album Tether delivers a haunting, intimate take on folk-rock and chamber-pop, anchored by her husky, resonant voice that feels like a breath suspended in time. The songs unfold slowly and deliberately with lush guitar, piano, and subtle basslines swirling around her vocals. It’s a striking debut: emotionally raw, beautifully produced, and deeply immersive. Highlights include “Be Kind” and “Overflow”. 

Goose - Everything Must Go

First, I’m not a jam-band kinda guy. However, if more bands produced albums as good as Everything Must Go by Goose, I might be a believer. Everything Must Go finds Goose expanding their jam-band roots into a more cinematic, song-forward statement without losing their sense of scale or groove. The album balances polished studio craft with the band’s signature exploratory spirit, moving fluidly between reflective moments and wide-open instrumental stretches. Highlights include “Give It Time” and “Your Direction”.

Counting Crows - Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDTplWUkNt0Dw&v=TplWUkNt0Dw

Don’t call it a comeback? Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets! finds Counting Crows pairing their signature storytelling with a warmer, more restrained sonic confidence. Adam Duritz’s voice brings added weight to songs about time, risk, and reflection, making the emotions feel earned rather than nostalgic. It’s not a reinvention, but a thoughtful continuation of a band that still understands how to make solid, beautiful rock music in meaningful ways. Highlights include “Spaceman in Tulsa” and “Under the Aurora”. 

Craig Finn - Always Been

The Hold Steady lead singer’s sixth solo album keeps the character-driven storytelling style that has echoed throughout all his work both solo and with THS, but also leans into new territory musically, thanks in part to his work here with The War on Drugs Adam Granduciel. The arrangements feel deliberately unflashy, drawing more attention to the ache, humor, and wisdom in his lyrics. It’s a quietly powerful album that feels more accessible to many with deep personal narratives. Highlights include “People of Substance” and “The Man I’ve Always Been”. 

Sam Fender - People Watching

The winner of the 2025 Mercury Prize (best British album of the year), Fender’s latest is his most socially sharp, blending big arena-sized hooks with intimate, storytelling tracks. His lyrics scan everyday lives with empathy and frustration, capturing the quiet weight of class, love, and restless ambition. It’s an album that feels both big-hearted and restless, proving Fender’s gift for making personal songs feel universal. Highlights include “Rein Me In” and the title track. 

The War and Treaty - Plus One

It’s always a good year when we get new music from The War and Treaty. Plus One captures them at their most joyful and inclusive, blending soul, gospel, R&B, and pop into a sound that feels made for both the church and the dance floor. Michael and Tanya Trotter’s voices intertwine with urgency and warmth, turning songs about love and commitment into full-bodied celebrations. Turn this one up whether you’re in the car, the church or the kitchen. Highlights include “Stealing A Kiss” and “Skyscraper”. 

Bob Mould - Here We Go Crazy

With the announcement of the band Sugar reforming, I went back to listening to the early-2025 release of Bob Mould’s solo album Here We Go Crazy. It reminded me that Mould again has created an album that charges forward with relentless momentum, blending his trademark distortion with flashes of melody and emotional clarity. The songs feel urgent, balancing fury with moments of vulnerability that deepen their impact. It’s a lean, driven record that proves Mould’s fire hasn’t dimmed and that’s good for all of us. Highlights include “When Your Heart Is Broken” and “Your Side”. 

Christian McBride - Without Further Ado, Vol. 1

McBride has created one of the best jazz catalogs for many years now and his new release Without Further Ado, Vol. 1 thrives on his gift for collaboration, bringing together an eclectic mix of voices (Sting/Andy Summers, Samara Joy and more) and styles that feel purposeful rather than scattered. Each guest adds a distinct personality to the record, yet McBride’s steady, soulful bass keeps everything grounded and unified. The result is a dynamic, communal album that celebrates jazz as a living, breathing conversation between artists. Highlights include “Murder By Numbers” and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”. 

Lucy Dacus - Forever Is A Feeling

Forever Is a Feeling finds Lucy Dacus leaning deeper into emotional precision, crafting songs that feel quietly devastating in their honesty and restraint. Her writing traces love, doubt, and longing with a patience that lets every small detail land with outsized weight. It’s an intimate, tender album that continues to show what an amazing artist she truly is. Highlights include “Ankles” and “Bullseye” (with Hozier).

Jason Isbell - Foxes in the Snow

Following his divorce from wife Amanda Shires, Foxes in the Snow finds Isbell leaning into his quietest, most introspective songs, trading arena-ready muscle for hushed, weathered reflection. The songwriting feels lived-in and quietly devastating, with melodies that unfold slowly and lyrics that linger long after the songs end. It’s an album that rewards stillness and I’ve always liked that Isbell’s greatest power lies in emotional precision rather than volume. Highlights include “Eileen” and “Good While It Lasted”.

Amanda Shires - Nobody’s Girl

A few months later, Shires released her breakup album and it’s a stunner. Nobody’s Girl captures Shires at her most fearless and emotionally unguarded, blending sharp wit with aching vulnerability. The album moves effortlessly between defiance and tenderness, pairing her distinctive fiddle work with songs that feel both restless and resolute. It’s a striking portrait of independence and heartache, delivered with grit, grace, and unmistakable personality. Highlights include “The Details” and “Not Feeling Anything”. 

Michigander - Michigander

Led by Jason Singer, the band’s songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Michigander is a punchy, emotionally direct debut that blends heartland rock grit with modern indie polish. The songs balance self-reflection and big, hook-driven choruses, giving the album a restless, road-ready energy. It’s a confident statement of identity that feels both personal and built for wide-open singalongs. Highlights include “Emotional” and “Socialite”. 

Haim - I Quit

Haim continues to put out fantastic albums. I Quit finds them leaning into their sharpest pop instincts yet, delivering big hooks and smart, sexy songwriting without losing the emotional bite that’s always set them apart. The album balances a band that continues to grow their confidence with moments of vulnerability, sounding like a band fully comfortable in their evolution rather than chasing it. I won’t quit this album. Highlights include “Down to be Wrong” and “Try to Feel My Pain”. 

Obongjayar - Paradise Now

The Nigerian pop star is new to me but has worked with one of my favorite artists (Little Simz) so I gave him a whirl when his album came out in June. Blown away. Paradise Now is a statement from Obongjayar, fusing afro-futuristic pop, electronic beats, dancehall and raw soul into something fiercely personal. His voice is gorgeous, moving effortlessly between vulnerability and defiance. The result is a bold, immersive listen that sounds like the future. Highlights include “Not In Surrender” and “Born In This Body”. 

Little Simz - Lotus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDyBtFS7XsBAI&v=yBtFS7XsBAI

Speaking of Little Simz - Here she is with another incredible album. I had her 2021 album in my “best of” that year. Lotus showcases what Little Simz does best, combining rap and R&B with sharp lyrics with lush, cinematic production that feels both intimate and commanding. The album moves with patience and purpose, unfolding themes of growth, identity, and resilience. It’s an album that should continue to grow her audience and make her an international superstar. Highlights include “Free” and “Lonely”. 

The Darkness - Dreams on Toast

If you’re not following lead singer Justin Hawkins on social media, start now. He’s upfront and honest about his musical takes, it’s very entertaining. Similar things can be said of Dreams on Toast which finds The Darkness doing what they do best—combining flamboyant hard rock theatrics with razor-sharp riffs and self-aware humor. The album balances absurdity and sincerity, delivering arena-ready choruses while slyly winking at the listener the entire time. It’s loud, playful, and unapologetically over-the-top, proving the band still thrives when embracing its wildest instincts. Highlights include “I Hate Myself” and “Walking Through Fire”. 

The London Suede - Antidepressants

One of the most pleasantly surprising releases this year came from a band that I first fell for back in 1993. Antidepressants finds the band channeling their signature sound focused between glam and gloom into an album of songs that feel both urgent and weathered by time. Brett Anderson’s voice still cuts with a restless ache, while the band’s guitars give the album a pulsing, late-night drive. It’s not a reinvention, but a confident reaffirmation of Suede’s ability to make incredible music, even 30+ years later. Highlights include “Broken Music for Broken People” and “Dancing with the Europeans”. 

The Beths - Straight Line Was A Lie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDYrVEgP0LkDA&v=YrVEgP0LkDA

The Beths continue releasing great music, album after album and their 2025 release is no exception. Straight Line Was A Lie finds them sharpening their power-pop hooks while leaning into deeper emotional lyrics. The album balances bright, jangly guitars with moments of vulnerability that reflect on burnout, identity, and the messy reality of growing up. It’s a confident, rock and roll record that proves The Beths can continue to evolve without losing the joyful snap that made them beloved. Highlights include “Roundabout” and “Metal”. 

Folk Bitch Trio - Now Would Be A Good Time

I’m kicking myself for missing Folk Bitch Trio’s show at Songbyrd in 2025. The indie-folk band blows me away with their spellbinding three-part harmonies. The album’s quiet arrangements give space for the ache, humor, and intimacy to coexist, creating songs that feel both fragile and quietly bold. It’s a debut album that will linger with me long after the final note, rewarding close listening with unexpected emotional depth. Highlights include “The Actor” and “Cathode Ray”. 

Laufey - A Matter of Time

A Matter of Time Laufey’s third studio album finds the singer-songwriter deepening her signature blend of jazz-pop, chamber strings, and tender storytelling with a confidence that feels both classic and entirely her own. The album is gorgeous, carried by arrangements that are lush without ever overwhelming her intimate vocals. It’s a soft, steady evolution that proves Laufey isn’t rushing her artistry—she’s letting it unfold exactly when it’s ready. Highlights include “Lover Girl” and “Mr. Eclectic”. 

Turnstile - Never Enough

I love when a local band puts out great music. So when Baltimore’s own Turnstile released their fourth album, Never Enough this year, there was quite the buzz. The album captures Turnstile at their most explosive and expansive, blending hardcore urgency with glossy hooks. The band sounds both restless and refined. It’s an album that feels built for sweat-drenched concert halls and open-air sing-alongs alike, making Turnstile one of the most relevant bands around. Highlights include “I Care” and “Seein’ Stars”.

Margo Price - Hard Headed Woman

Hard Headed Woman finds Margo Price doubling down on her outlaw spirit with songs that feel raw, resolute, and deeply personal. Price continues to blend classic country grit with folk and rock textures, giving her stories of resilience, defiance, and survival a bigger emotional canvas. Price tells a great story, her band is tight and you feel at home with her songs whether you’re on a front porch or hanging in a honky tonk. Highlights include “Don’t Wake Me Up” and “Close To You”. 

Dumi Right - Foreward to the Future

When your friend releases a great album, you need to tell people about it! Foreward to the Future by Dumi Right is a fantastic nod to old school hip-hop that blends conscious lyricism with a spiritually grounded edge. His introspective bars and politically aware themes feel urgent without ever turning heavy-handed, riding beats that mix the classic sounds with modern textures. The album ultimately lands as both a personal manifesto and a call to wider awareness, reaffirming Dumi’s place as one of hip-hop’s most thoughtful voices. Highlights include “Knew It All” and “What’s The Synopsis”. 

Natalia Lafourcade - Cancionera

I’ve admired Lafourcade’s music for a number of years now (her 2021 album was one of my favorites that year). Cancionera by Natalia Lafourcade is a soft, warm album built around simple songs and strong emotions. Her voice is gentle and clear, letting each melody shine without feeling busy. The music feels calm, personal, and rooted in tradition. It’s the kind of album that feels comforting from the first song to the last. Highlights include “Como Quisiera Quererte” and “El Palomo y La Negra”. 

Sault - 10

If you’re not familiar with Sault, they’re a London-based musical collective known for blending R&B, funk, soul, house, and gospel, often focusing on Black identity and social issues. Their latest album, 10, continues this path. It is a warm, soulful album that blends funk, R&B, and gospel into a hopeful and uplifting sound. The record focuses on themes of freedom, healing, love, and community, delivered through rich grooves and smooth harmonies. It feels timeless while still sounding modern and deeply emotional. Highlights include “R.L.” and “S.I.T.L.”

Bad Bunny - Debí Tirar Más Fotos

Many websites and publications have Bad Bunny’s latest album as one of the best of 2025 and for good reason. It’s a shift from his previous albums - a more laid-back, reflective album that leans into softer reggaetón tones and emotional storytelling. Rather than chasing big club moments, the album focuses on mood and personal connection. It shows Bad Bunny continuing to grow as an artist who’s just as comfortable being quiet as he is being bold. Highlights include “WELTiTA” and “DtMF”.

Wet Leg - Moisturizer

The maturation on Wet Leg’s second album shows as it doubles down on the band’s sharp wit while expanding their sound with more bite and confidence. The album combines punchy guitars and pop-dance rhythms with lyrics that are funny and awkward. Beneath the humor though, there’s a growing sense of self-awareness and emotional depth that gives the songs extra weight. It’s a fun, playful record that proves Wet Leg are more than a novelty—they’re a band coming into their own. Highlights include “CPR” and “Pillow Talk”. 

Olivia Dean - The Art of Loving

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDJN_Vyg_wURY&v=JN_Vyg_wURY

On only her second album, the British singer-songwriter has created a warm, soulful album that highlights her smooth vocals and natural emotional honesty. The songs move gracefully between pop, R&B, and jazz influences, creating a relaxed but deeply expressive mood throughout. Lyrically, the album explores love (clearly) in all its forms—romantic, self-love, and heartbreak—with clarity and charm. It’s a beautifully paced record that feels intimate, timeless, and quietly confident. Highlights include “Lady Lady” and the incredible “Let Alone The One You Love”. 

Ruston Kelly - Pale, Through the Window

Ruston Kelly has been a favorite for years and my son and I got to see him in concert this year, touring in support of the new album. Pale, Through the Window by Ruston Kelly is an emotionally raw album that leans heavily into acoustic textures and quiet vulnerability. His songwriting is again, spot on - capturing heartbreak, healing, and self-reflection with true honesty. The production gives the songs an almost confessional feel, as if you’re hearing them in the moment they were written. It’s a powerful record for anyone who values introspective lyrics and understated emotional impact. Highlights include “Give Up the Ghost” and “Great Wide Open”. 

Wolf Alice - The Clearing

The Clearing by Wolf Alice is a confident and polished album that shows the band fully embracing their pop instincts without losing their edge. The music is full and rich with sparkling melody while the production (from mega-producer Greg Kurstin - who worked with Adele, Kelly Clarkson and more) gives space for soaring choruses and more restrained, reflective moments alike. Lyrically, it explores identity, growth, and vulnerability with a sense of hard-earned clarity. It feels like a natural evolution for the band—ambitious, accessible, and emotionally resonant. Highlights include “Bloom Baby Bloom” and “Just Two Girls”.

Lily Allen - West End Girl

It’s been seven years since we’ve had new music from Allen. The majority of it centers around the break-up of her marriage to David Harbour and her processing his alleged acts of infidelity. It’s a brutally honest album that blends confessional storytelling with her expected pop craftsmanship. It’s hyper-British pop and gorgeously hard to listen to, as Allen has poured her heart out into each track. But it’s the strength in her lyrics and the musical bops that I keep coming back to on this triumphant album. Highlights include “Tennis” and “Pussy Palace”. 

Brandi Carlile - Returning To Myself

I’m always glad when new Brandi Carlile music comes out and her latest album does not disappoint. Returning To Myself feels like a deeply personal, inward-looking album that leans into reflection, healing, and emotional renewal. Working with Andrew Watt, Aaron Dessner (The National) and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and taking inspiration from Emmylou Harris’s album Wrecking Ball doesn’t hurt. Her vocals, as always, are powerful - yet can come across as restrained, letting the weight of each lyric land with quiet intensity. Musically, it balances intimate acoustic moments with soaring, cinematic builds that feel earned rather than flashy. It’s an album about rediscovering who you are and we all could use that. Highlights include “Human” and “A War With Time”. 

Mavis Staples - Sad and Beautiful World

At age 86, Mavis still has a lot to sing about. Sad and Beautiful World is a moving, soulful album that reflects on pain, resilience, and the enduring power of hope. Her voice carries a lifetime of experience, delivering each song with warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength. Staples' interpretation of songs from the likes of Tom Waits, Sparklehorse and Curtis Mayfield feel fresh and personal. The production blends classic soul with modern touches, keeping the sound fresh while honoring her roots. It’s an emotionally rich record that feels both reflective of the past and deeply relevant to the present. Highlights include “Beautiful Strangers” and “Everybody Needs Love”.