By Devyn Tammons

2025 is officially in the books, and with that comes another end of the year list of the best albums from the year. There were surprising lows, and even more surprising highs, but all in all, 2025 stands strong with some of the best of the decade so far.

Honorable Mentions

• Who Let The Dogs Out x Lambrini Girls
• Balloonerism x Mac Miller
• Showbiz! x MIKE
• Cowards x Squid
• MAYHEM x Lady Gaga
• From The Private Collection of Saba and No ID x Saba & No ID
• Bloodless x Samia
• Animaru x Mei Semones
• Beneath the Lilypad x Alexandra Savior
• Lotus x Little Simz
• I quit x Haim
• Virgin x Lorde
• Made in Paris x Pi’erre Borne
• Float x Buko Boys
• Dog Eared x Billie Marten
• Don’t Tap The Glass x Tyler, The Creator
• Baby x DIJON
• Live Laugh Love x Earl Sweatshirt
• Private Music x Deaftones
• Lonely At The Top x Joey Bada$$
• From The Pyre x The Last Dinner Party
• West End Girl x Lily Allen
• Again x The Belair Lip Bombs
• Snocaps x Snocaps
• Lux x ROSALIA

30. EUSEXUA & EUSEXUA AFTERGLOW x FKA Twigs

Released January 24th and November 11th 2025

Overview: Yes, it’s technically two albums but it’s my list and I can do what I want.

To be fair, EUSEXUA: AFTERGLOW did start out as a deluxe version of EUSEXUA, but as the English singer/songwriter started developing the concepts, she decided to release it as it’s own record. Both records hold up on their own, but it’s when they’re listened to in tandem where they really shine. It’s FKA Twig’s standout pop moment. It’s empoweringly feminine, but also masculine in the way it commands and domineers. It’s erotic and full off intimacy, thrusting the listener into a world where both pain and pleasure are not only possible, but necessary.

Added to the Playlist: Perfect Stranger, Striptease, Wild And Alone, Sushi

29. DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS x Bad Bunny

Released January 5th

Overview: The biggest music star on the planet continues to prove exactly why he is.

Bad Bunny is an absolute force. He’s been everywhere over the past few years and shows no signs of slowing down. From SNL, to late night appearances, to even headlining the upcoming Super Bowl in February. None of it would be possible though without the music, as DTMF confirms Bad Bunny is indeed in his prime. It’s authentic, exultant, and commanding. The music takes you on a rollercoaster through the hour long runtime. At times, it will make you want to both dance and cry. It’s an unapologetic love letter to Puerto Rico’s history and the culture that binds all her people.

Added To The Playlist: VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR. EL CLúB, EoO

28. Viagr aboys x Viagra Boys

Released April 25th 2025

Overview: The fourth studio album from the Swedish Post-Punk band is their first under their new label, Shrimptech Enterprises.

And that added freedom definitely shines through on the record. It’s classic Viagra Boys – absurd & abstract lyrics, crunchy & raw instrumentals – but with an added air of liberation. You can tell these guys don’t take themselves too seriously. Even when the subject matter is deep and introspective, they still find ways to inject humor into the mix. A truly one of a kind band.

Added to the Playlist: Uno II, Dirty Boyz, Waterboy

27. No Rush x Tokyo Tea Room

Released January 24th 2025

Overview: The debut album from the Margate, UK band is in a world all it’s own.

Read any of my other end of the year lists and you’ll see Dream Pop is one of my favorite genres. I stumbled on this band earlier in the year and have fallen in love with them as the months pass by. Tokyo Tea Room excellently blends entrancing moods and introspective lyrics of longing and yearning. They blur the line between the evanescent nature of life and the suddenness of death.

Added to the Playlist: No Rush, Tell Me How, Afterthought

26. SALVATION x Rebecca Black

Released February 27th 2025

Overview: Yes, THAT Rebecca Black.

I’m done pretending Rebecca Black hasn’t been making good music for a few years now. Long gone are the days of “Friday”, which she made as a 14 year old. She received incessant ridicule from the internet over the past 14 years. She took that ridicule and channeled it into her artistry. It’s an irresistible pop record that makes you want to go straight to a dance hall as soon as you hear it. Based on the initial reviews for the record, it still feels like reviewers refuse to see her as anything other than that kid that dared to make a silly little song on the internet in the early age of YouTube. But if no one else will give Rebecca her flowers, I will.

Added to the Playlist: Sugar Water Cyanide, Tears In My Pocket, Twist The Knife

25. Everybody Scream x Florence + The Machine

Released October 31st 2025

Overview: Absolute force of nature Florence Welch shows no signs of slowing down six albums and 17 years into her career.

What more can be said about Florence + The Machine that hasn’t already been said since they blasted on to the scene in 2008. Yet they continue to push boundaries with each subsequent record. Welch’s voice is as commanding as ever. The subject matter just as poignant, and the dreamy music of the band as heavenly. It’s Welch’s most personal record to date. It deals with themes of bodily limitations, autonomy, raw femininity, and ugly love. It’s the optimal soundtrack to dancing naked under the moonlight.

Added to the Playlist: Everybody Scream, One of the Greats, You Can Have It All

24. BLACK STAR x Amaarae

Released August 8th 2025

Overview: The third studio album from the Ghanaian-American singer is a celebration of culture and heritage.

As a follow up to her breakout record Fountain Baby, Amaarae decided to turn everything up to 10. Black Star is bold and ambitious, mixing many styles from modern American pop R&B to Afro Beats to funk carioca. You never know where the album is going to take you next and it rarely gives you a moment to breathe. Its a record about fame, fortune, and all of the spoils that come with it and wanting to celebrate that success. The way Amaarae is able to keep you on edge with every line and every chord is second to none, and this record is further proof of that.

Added to the Playlist: S.M.O., Dream Scenario, 100DRUM

23. Phoenetics On and On x Horsegirl

Released February 14th 2025

Overview: The sophomore album for the Chicago based indie rock band feels both fresh yet familiar.

Indie rock bands are a dime a dozen at this point. Feels like new ones are popping up just about every week. So what can you really do to stand out amongst a crowded genre? Sounds cliché, but be authentic. And that’s what Horsegirl is through and through. They don’t try to be something they’re not, and play to their strengths exceptionally well. Relatable lyricism, punchy guitar riffs, and ability to ebb and flow moods and tempo. They’re a young band, and one I’ll be on the lookout for from here on out.

Added to the Playlist: Rock City, Switch Over, Information Content

22. Glutton For Punishment x Heartworms

Released February 7th 2025

Overview: The debut studio album from Jojo Orme, known professionally as “Heartwoms”, is as unwavering as it is intimate.

Orme has been around the English music scene for a few years now. She’s played alongside such acts as Black Country, New Road, The Last Dinner Party, and The Kills. With such glowing endorsements from those established acts, it could’ve been easy, even anticipated, for Orme to crumble under the pressure in her debut. Instead, she did the opposite, as Glutton For Punishment is a thrilling, cinematic journey full of ambitious bravado. It grips you from the opening chords, and rarely lets you catch your breath as it weaves you through the gothic mind of a musician’s provocative mission.

Added to the Playlist: Just To Ask For A Dance, Jacked, Mad Catch

21. MUSIC x Playboi Carti

Released March 14th 2025

Overview: Through all the missed release dates, delays, and leaks – we finally got the Atlanta rapper’s highly anticipated 4th record.

Playboi Carti is one of the most polarizing figures in the rap game. Some people hate him, plenty love him, but one thing can’t denied: he has his finger on the pulse of the scene. Hate him or love him, he’s easily one of the most influential artists in the scene right now. Whenever he drops, or claims to be dropping, the whole game takes notice, and waits on baited breath. Rumblings about MUSIC‘s release started after Carti dropped a few new tracks at the end of 2023, but fans would have to wait another year and a half to finally receive the full album. It’s an interesting record. It’s flawed, sure, but also as infectious as anything. It displays Carti’s full range of musical ideas, for better and worse. It’s long, but doesn’t have many down moments to speak of. It’s inventive, loud, and thrilling. It’s an artist that knows he can get away with just about anything, and at times pulls it off flawlessly. Call Carti what you want, but you’ll never be able to call him safe or boring.

Added to the Playlist: BACKD00R, CHARGE DEM HOES A FEE, LIKE WEEZY

20. Liquorice x Hatchie

Released November 11th 2025

Overview: The third album from the Australian singer/songwriter is a poppy dream.

Hatchie’s been through a lot since her 2022 album Giving The World Away. From moving to Los Angeles with her partner, to moving back home to Australia to stay with her parents in Brisbane, she needed a break from music. When her and her partner, Joe, started writing for the next record, Hatchie had a new approach and appreciation for the craft. She learned to let go of unrealistic expectations placed on herself. The result, is a cleaner and sharper record, filled with ethereal synths and enchanting vocals. Hatchie seems more poised than ever, giving an expert and glittering take on the shoegaze genre that’s seen a booming revival over the past decade or so.

Added to the Playlist: Liquorice, Sage, Lose It Again

19. Straight Line Was A Lie x The Beths

Released August 28th 2025

Overview: The fourth album from the New Zealand quartet is simply more of what makes them great to begin with.

No need to reinvent the wheel when you’ve got a formula that works, right? More of the same isn’t a bad thing when that “same” is really damn good. SLWAL serves as a sequel of sorts to The Beth’s 2022 record Expert In A Dying Field. It’s a band that knows their strengths and is consistent in playing to them.

Added to the Playlist: Straight Line Was A Lie, Til My Heart Stops, Ark Of The Covenant

18. The Clearing x Wolf Alice

Released August 22nd 2025

Overview: One of Britain’s premiere bands follows up their lauded 3rd album, Blue Weekend, with a worthy predecessor.

It’s always risky to try something new as a band when you and your fans have become accustomed to a certain sound. However, the ensemble from London were up to the challenge, creating a beautiful modern yet classic pop/rock album. To see my full thoughts on the record, check out my review here.

Added to the Playlist: Bloom Baby Bloom, White Horses, The Sofa

17. LOVE WHAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU STILL GOT SOMETHING LEFT TO LOVE X dead7

Released July 11th 2025

Overview: The St. Louis based metal/hard rock band makes a statement with their first studio album.

I’ll admit, I’m a little biased here. I know these guys personally. The drummer is one of my good childhood friends and I’ve hung out with the band a few times. However, none of that factors in to that ranking here. This is a legitimately damn good album. I’ve never been the biggest metal fan, but these guys have turned me into one. There is probably only a handful of records I’ve listened to front to back this year more than this one. The band started around 6 years ago under the name Make Your Mark. They had a much heavier, more raw sound. While that music was still very good, the band really hit their stride a few years ago. They changed their name, signed to a label and started working with a producer to craft their revamped sound. Lead singer Jason Kozik grew both as a vocalist and lyricist. The rest of the band carriers their weight as well; from the booming percussion to the energized guitar driven grooves, the band feels completely in-synch. It’s a damn good first album on it’s own, but the growth potential is what leaves me most exited.

Added to the Playlist: BLOOD, NUCLEAR, TEETH

16. PHOLKS x Leon Thomas

Released October 24th 2025

Overview: The former Nickelodeon star is on a roll that isn’t stopping any time soon.

Ariana Grande aside, you could easily make the case that Leon Thomas is the most talented artist to make it out of the Nickelodeon child-star bubble. That talent has been on full display over the past few years. He follows up 2024’s acclaimed MUTT with a harder, grittier R&B and soul record full of fervid melodies and gripping hooks. Though it might’ve taken him a little longer to finally break into the mainstream, now that he’s here he’s here to stay.

Added to the Playlist: Just How You Are, My Muse, Baccarat

15. Sincerely, x Kali Uchis

Released May 9th 2025

Overview: The fifth studio album from the American singer/songwriter is a beautiful ode to motherhood.

Just months after releasing her second Spanish language album in 2024, Uchis already had her next album primed and ready to go. However, after the death of her mother and the birth of her first son, Uchis gained new inspiration for her coming album. ILYSMIH is a deeply personal record, but one full of catharsis and metamorphosis. It encapsulates the feelings of moving from one major life event to the next. Its about finding joy in the world despite all of it’s flaws, and passing that on to the next generation.

Added to the Playlist: Sugar! Honey! Love!, It’s Just Us, Daggers!

14. For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women) x Japanese Breakfast

Released March 21st 2025

Overview: Michelle Zauner is a tour de force who excels at any and everything she puts her mind to.

Since the release of her critically acclaimed 3rd album, Jubilee, in 2021, Zauner has been busy with other ventures. From releasing her New York Times Best Selling Memoir “Crying In H-Mart”, to working on the soundtrack to a videogame by the name of “Sable”. All of those experiences helped shape her 4th record – as the album feels at times like a novel and a videogame dreamscape. It’s dreamy, gothic, and somber, but also feels hopeful in a way that only Zauner can encapsulate.

Added to the Playlist: Honey Water, Mega Circuit, Men In Bars

13. The Pilot x Mavi

Released November 25th 2025

Overview: Quiet as it’s kept, the Charlotte-based rapper just keeps putting out quality project after quality project.

MAVI has quickly become one of my favorite new-age rappers over the past few years. Ever since I heard Laughing So Hard It Hurts for the first time in 2022 I knew this guy was special. And with each subsequent release he keeps proving me right. His range of subject matter is impressive. He can be rapping about personal demons and struggles in one song, then about social issues the next, then round it out with a classic braggadocios banger. That versatility is what keeps all of his projects fresh, and provides near infinite replay value.

Added to the Playlist: G-ANNIS FREESTYLE, Landgrab, Potluck

12. God Does Like Ugly x JID

Released August 5th 2025

Overview: The 4th studio album from Dreamville’s Atlanta resident rapper is another addition to an almost flawless discography.

JID is a complete package as a rapper. He has the rhymes, the word play, the soliloquy and poetry, the storytelling. Best of all, he has the ability to paint such beautiful imagery with his words. He has very few flaws in his game. He’s like a 96 or a 97 overall in NBA2K or Madden – very few in the game can match his ability. On God Does Like Ugly, JID combines it all in a sprawling narrative about community and shared struggle, and the faith & perseverance it takes to overcome.

Added to the Playlist: WRK, Community, VCRs

11. Fancy That x PinkPantheress

Released May 9th 2025

Overview: Technically a mixtape, the British singer/songwriter keeps things short but oh so sweet.

No one could ever accuse PinkPantheress of being long winded. The mixtape comes in at a brisk 20 minutes and 28 seconds. However, that’s all the time she needs to create such an infectious, shimmering pop record. It’s a catchy, ear worm of a mixtape, that sticks in your head hours after listening to it. Most of all, it shows Pink’s evolution as an artist. The project has more complex compositions and grooves that would surprise anyone that only knew her from her early releases. If this is what we get on just a mixtape, I can’t imagine what the next album will sound like.

Added to the Playlist: Noises, Nice To Know You, Stateside

10. Altar x NewDad

Released September 19th 2025

Overview: Irish Rock Band NewDad’s new experiences and worldliness is ever apparent of their sophomore record.

The band wasted little time releasing a follow up to their 2024 debut Madra. After a handful of successful international shows including playing Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, and Pitchfork Paris, they were back in the studio. Unfortunately, the band lost a member after the departure of lead bassist Cara Joshi in early 2025. However, they took it on the chin and kept pushing on, producing a record that’s every bit as good as their first. It’s an album about longing, homesickness, and the growth that comes with leaving your hometown and gaining new experiences (the band moved from hometown of Galway to London 3 years ago). It’s simultaneously heavy and lush, smooth and rigid, raw and bombastic, and the band weaves between each style effortlessly.

Added to the Playlist: Other Sie, Roobosh, Misery

9. The Passionate Ones x Nourished by Time

Released August 22nd 2025

Overview: The second studio album from the Baltimore native is the work of an artist finding his groove.

Marcus Elliot Brown, known professionally as Nourished By Time, is one of the most unique new artists working today. He doesn’t shy away from his inspirations, of which include like Prince and SWV. Impressively though, he uniquely blends them with modern lo-fi, synthpop, and R&B elements to create something truly extraordinary. It’s a record unlike anything else I’ve heard this year, and leaves me wanting more.

Added to the Playlist: Automatic Love, It’s Time, Tossed Away

8. Moisturizer x Wet Leg

Released July 11th 2025

Overview: The much anticipated follow up to 2022’s surprise smash.

It was always going to be a tall task following up such a smash record as their self-title debut. But Wet Leg was up for the challenge. The two leading ladies, Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, brought in their touring band as official members of the group to assist with the studio recordings. That added bit of chemistry is immediately felt. The band seems confident and poised, not like an act that’s crushed under the weight of expectations, but as one running into them head on. The record is infectious, retaining their signature cheekiness and playfulness, while also providing substantial growth and maturity. With a sophomore slump successfully avoided, the sky is the limit for one of Britain’s premier bands.

Added to the Playlist: catch these fists, magetout, pokemon

7. A MURDER OF CROWS x Mick Jenkins & Emil

Released October 3rd 2025

Overview: A collaborative effort between the rapper Mick Jenkins and British producer Emil is a work of two artists at the top of their game.

Mick Jenkins is one of the best rappers alive, full stop. While he may never get the widespread commercial and mainstream success of some of his contemporaries, people that are tapped in to hip hop spaces will always know the truth. And as long as he keeps making music like this, I will always be here to sing his praises. A Murder of Crows is yet another example of the rapping prowess of an artist at the pinnacle of the craft.

Added to the Playlist: Dream Catchers, Workers Comp, Pundits (YAPPERS)

6. Welcome To My Blue Sky x Momma

Released April 3rd 2025

Overview: The Brooklyn based band’s 4th studio album is an ode to strong friendships and the ties that bind them.

Both founding members of the band (Etta Friedman and Allegra Weingarten) admitted to infidelity with their partners while they were on tour for their 3rd album Household Name. WTMBS serves as an album of self forgiveness and moving on from past mistakes. It’s filled with stories of regret and guilt. But the magic comes in the transformative nature of learning to forgive yourself and grow as a person. It also feature’s the band’s first openly lesbian song, as Friedman sings about her freeing relationship with her girlfriend, Snail Mail’s Lindsey Jordan. It’s a deeply idiomatic record that shows much growth and maturity of a band just hitting their prime.

Added to the Playlist: I Want You (Fever), Rodeo, Ohio All The Time

5. Never Enough x Turnstile

Released June 6th 2025

Overview: It’s becoming increasingly hard to deny that Turnstile is the best modern rock band working right now.

They just keep producing banger album after banger album. It’s a testament to their work ethic and talent that they can consistently put out such hard hitting hardcore/alt-rock without compromising who they are at their core. Their 4th studio album is cinematic and grand in scope; experimental yet true to nature. They combine many different ideas without them clashing. They successfully weave through the epic scale of the record without being encumbered by it. While it was always going to be daunting to follow up 2021’s masterpiece Glow On, Turnstile more than lived up to the expectations.

Added to the Playlist: SOLE, I CARE, LOOK OUT FOR ME

4. Alfredo 2 x Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist

Released July 25th 2025

Overview: Alfredo 2 – evidence that the sequel can be just as good as the original.

I’m convinced at this point The Alchemist saves his best beats for Freddie Gibbs. Whenever those two get in the studio together they just make magic. From Gibbs’ slick bars and ability to surf effortlessly on a beat, to The Alchemist’s ear for sampling and lush instrumentation, these two just fit like a glove. If Freddie Gibbs isn’t the best rapper alive, he’s damn close. If The Alchemist isn’t the best producer alive, he’s damn close as well. Together, though? Even better.

Added to the Playlist: Ensalada, Feeling, Jean Claude

3. Let God Sort Em Out x Clipse

Released July 11th 2025

Overview: In their first joint record since 2009, brothers Pusha T and Malice prove that the sum can be greater than their parts.

No matter what their differences have been over the past decade and a half, the brothers never quite gave up on the possibility of reuniting for another record together as Clipse. Finally, a new album was announced in late 2023 along with long time collaborator and executive producer Pharrell Williams. Despite where their careers took them over the years as they aged, one thing was clear – both men can still rap their asses off. And if there were any doubts, Let God Sort Em Out quickly quieted them. The brothers are rapping with purpose. Their chemistry has never been better, and Pharrell provides the perfect glue to stick them together. It’s mature and introspective, while still maintaining an air of bravado and swagger. They are proof that rappers don’t have to completely fall off later in their careers. The crazy thing is there seems to be much more left in the tank.

Added to the Playlist: Chains & Whips, Ace Trumpets, F.I.C.O.

2. Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party x Hayley Williams

Released August 28th 2025

Overview: Hayley Williams very well may not be okay. But man can she channel that into one hell of a record.

Who needs a diary or a therapist when you can bare your soul on wax the way Hayley Williams can? On her third solo album, the Paramore front woman holds nothing back. She speaks of her tumultuous romantic relationship with band member Taylor York. It’s an album full of longing, heartbreak, and trying to pick up the pieces of yourself after you’ve been shattered into a million of them. Williams has always been a “heart on her sleeve” type of lyricist, but she takes her songwriting to another, more intimate level on Ego Death. Beyond that, Williams continues to prove what a force she is in the rock scene. She just keeps getting better and better with age. If this is truly the end of Paramore, they will be missed. But if Williams can pump out records like this on her own, that’d surely help to fill the void.

Added to the Playlist: Ice In My OJ, Glum, Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party

1. SHISH x Portugal. The Man

Released November 7th 2025

Overview: The tenth studio album from the Alaskan bred, Portland based rock band defies all odds as arguably their best work to date.

Portugal. The Man has been one of my favorite bands since I heard Purple Yellow Red and Blue for the first time in 2014 on my college radio station. But even I couldn’t have imagined they still had an album this good in the tank over 20 years into their career. Fans had been skeptical of the “poppy” direction the band has taken their sound over the past decade or so. It feels like PTM responded to those worries in-kind with a record that’s heavier, more guitar focused sound, while maintaining the playfulness and catchy nature they’ve become known for in recent years (ala the Grammy Award Winning Feel It Still). Shish is a true love letter to Alaska. It has themes of fighting isolation, building community, and standing up to social injustices. It’s the band’s most complete record to date, combining everything the band has become over the past two decades. A truly special record from a truly special band.

Added to the Playlist: Angoon, Shish, Father Gun