how was everyone’s 2025? a bit of a roller-coaster for me, personally, but one constant has been the amount of incredible albums that have come out this year. like, too many! and i feel like i’ve discovered more artists this year than any other year too! this has made this year’s selection more challenging, but having spent time with it, and editing it around, i think i’m happy with the list. a few general trends – hip-hop makes an appearance but feel like i’ve been less in the loop with new releases. been listening to more dream pop too, a few great discoveries were made within the ‘pop’ umbrella. and some of the usual suspects appear. so without further ado, let’s get into it!

25. mark william lewis – mark william lewis

the london-based singer-songwriter released an intimate album with hypnotic guitar and harmonica-driven melodies that represent the dark, gloomy energy of london. an immersive, emotive and vulnerable listening experience. review | the album

24. pink siifu – black’!antique

the birmingham, alabama musical polymath came through with a varied, eclectic and abrasive hip-hop project, continuously experimenting with new sounds and pushing boundaries of what hip-hop can sound like in 2025. one of his strongest projects to date. review | the album

23. geese – getting killed

simply put, one of the grooviest, catchiest and fun indie rock albums to come out this year. cameron winter is an elite songwriter, with compositions that sound bolder than ever before. the album

22. isaiah hull – pocomania

isaiah hull is a generational talent, and pocomania represents his artistry poignantly. fiery, political, vulnerable and experimental in sound, this album grabs you by the scruff of your neck and doesn’t let go until the end. a powerful listen. review | the album

21. squid – cowards

restless, adventurous and bold, cowards might be squid’s most cohesive and fun listen to date. and it sounds even better live. the album

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5