My top 120 Albums of 2025

120

Lonely at the Top - Joey Bada$$

Laidback in the Maybach, I know they can’t stand it

Got me thinkin’ 'bout way back, ’bout times we couldn't manage

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Rap Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Supaflee

Scores

Nuance 1

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 1

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +0

Total: 6/21 F

Review

My relationship with Joey's music goes back over a decade, but this album is sadly completely devoid of passion, purpose, and anything remotely interesting or personal, which contradicts heavily with much of his early work. That's it. That's the tweet. This is the hip-hop equivalent of plain oatmeal. I'll say it again and again: the worst thing you can do is bore me.

Listen

119

Ruby - Jennie

JENNIE, JENNIE, JENNIE, JENNIE, JENNIE, JENNIE, JENNIE

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Pop Country: South Korea Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Love Hangover

Scores

Nuance 2

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 1

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +0

Total: 8/21 D

Review

I am a big Blackpink (music) hater, but Lisa’s success in 2024, and Jennie’s lead single “Love Hangover” made me give this a chance. I ranked this album super low when I first listened to it, but gave it another shot this week just to make sure I was correct - I was. This album is beyond soulless. You could say that about a lot of kpop (not that Jennie is considered kpop anymore), but what differentiates Jennie from others is that she doesn’t even seem like she’s having any fun doing it. Even singles such as “Like Jennie” are supposed to be bombastic, intimidating reintroductions to her as a solo artist, but comes across as a song she was told to do versus a representation of who she actually is.
This is a pretty terrible album across the board, but I should give praise again to that damn single “Love Hangover”. She can’t act, her attempts at rapping are embarrassing, but damn can she sing. Shoutout Matt Champion for pulling that out of her btw.

Listen

118

Dumb - Flume & Emma Louise

Every time I start anew, you bleed through

I never even saw you cry, am I an easy goodbye?

Genre: Electronic Subgenre: Electronic Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Easy Goodbye

Scores

Nuance 2

Narrative/Lyrics 1

Novelty 1

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +0

Total: 6/21 F

Review

And I'll say it again now: the worst thing you can do is bore me. *Dumb* is very sadly lacking anything interesting. I forgot I listened to this within minutes of finishing it. If the best song came on in shuffle, I'd probably end up skipping halfway through out of boredom. There's glimpses of classic Flume in here, but it's consistently just terribly bland for the remaining 99%. Nothing else to say for this one.

Listen

117

The Life of a Showgirl - Taylor Swift *

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Pop Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Honey

Scores

Nuance 1

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 1

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +0

Total: 6/21 F

Review

Someone please stop this woman. Taylor Swift has a tough job. She's correct in feeling that she is the most criticized person in the world, probably moreso than even the president on the grounds that she is a woman, and for that I feel an ounce of sympathy. That level of fame comes with a lot of pressure, but with her resources, it neither seems that she ever attempts to live up to her expectations and potential, nor create anything of meaning for herself.
Let's start with the lyrics because everybody knows that's what her fans call her strong suit. I genuinely gagged (not was gagged - gagged) at every attempt at sexuality she made in here. "Redwood tree, it ain't hard to see. His love was thе key that opened my thighs". Disgusting. "I mind my business, God's my witness that I don't provoke it. It's kind of making me wet". No. It doesn't end with the sex bars either. "Was the first lamb to the slaughter. So we all dressed up as wolves and we looked fire". Give me a break. "Good thing I like my friends cancelled. I like 'em cloaked in Gucci and in scandal". Grow up. "Her name was Kitty. Made her money being pretty and witty. They gave her the keys to this city. Then they said she didn't do it legitly, uh". Ugh is right. This is not nitckpicking either - this album is soaked, SOAKED, in cringe. It's beyond clear that Taylor surrounds herself with yes men who refuse to give her any negative feedback. I cannot imagine watching her record this in the studio with a straight face. Also, "Cancelled" is a dogwhistle to get off her back about hanging out with fascists. Fuck you.
Then there's the overall sound. In short, the showgirl aesthetic is a waste does not align with the album whatsover apart from the objectification of women angle which is not dwelled on enough anyways. That's fine, but when you call the album "life of a showgirl" and do all those photoshoots, you expect the music to sound a bit more like showgirl music and not just b-sides from Midnights. This album gives me a lot more respect for her last album, because at least the overall theme of TTPD aligned with real things in her life versus an aesthetic seemingly chosen at random. Apart from the showgirl theme, every song is also lacking. It's hard to pinpoint, but it feels like there is an instrument missing, leaving a lot of songs feeling empty. I found myself turning the volume up just to make sure I wasn't crazy. I blame this mostly on the overreliance on electronic production versus live instrumentation. At least it's mixed well enought to hear the wack ass bars.
In summary, this project was even more dissapointing than I expected. Contrary to everything I've indicated in this review and in my review for TTPD, I actually want Taylor to be great. I didn't dislike her as a person until she became a billionaire and started hanging around with RACISTS. She has had her moments throughout the years, I like her voice, and can say with my chest that Folklore and Evermore are smash hits that prove she's deserving of her fame. However, she's far too comfortable in her artistry, and we all suffer for it. If we have to have Taylor Swift in our lives, at least give us something worth celebrating. Bad album, bad person.

Listen

116

Even in Arcadia - Sleep Token

You pray for sound and I pray for silence

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Rock Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Of Windward

Scores

Nuance 2

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 1

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +0

Total: 6/21 F

Review

Before reading any further, I highly recommend listening to the linked song.
I didn't hate this on first listen. In fact, I kinda liked it given that the massive needle drop into metal on the few few songs overshadowed the quieter, weaker segments. I saw it on the front page of Spotify, for some reason said "why not", and was greeted a VERY heavy hitter opener. That opening track is still pretty great IMO, hell even the poppier "Past Self" is catchy as hell. After another couple listens though, the grandiosity of the soundscape Sleep Token made washed away, and what was left was little but cringe. The instrumentation here is mostly fine excluding some overuse of synths on certain songs which really pull it away from being a rock album - what really drags it down though is the singer. Holy shit you can just tell this guy is insufferable IRL. He sings like he is a damn prophet coming to save us from pop slop. Did he ever say anything related to the sort? Absolutley not, but the music oozes the same vibe as wallet chains and $40 katanas you'd get from a dying mall.
In contrast to some of the albums I've ranked lower on the list, I have to say this album was neither boring or uninteresting - I just wouldn't want to be seen with these guys.

Listen

115

God Does Like Ugly - JID

I don't give a fuck about no industry beef

Ain't nobody give a fuck when Tay was dead in the street

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Rap Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Community

Scores

Nuance 2

Narrative/Lyrics 1

Novelty 1

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +0

Total: 6/21 F

Review

Kind of like Joey's album, I've been listening to JID for years, so this was a big let down for me. Like the other hip-hop ranked low on this list, there simply wasn't a ton of interesting or experimental sounds on this LP, but God Does Like Ugly especially suffers from JID's lack of injection of himself in it, even taking every opportunity to take a backseat to whatever features he includes. Moreover, his sound simply has not evolved in close to a decade. JID has one of the most unique and identifiable voices in music, yet any song on this album could have been off his first or second album and I wouldn't be able to tell. It's just so sad to see so many years wasted when you compare it to the artistic progression of those like Kendrick, Tyler, Pusha T, and the likes. Apart from some highlights like "Community", this album was simply boring.

Listen

114

Weirdo - Emma Jean Thackray

Tofu tofu tofu tofu tofu tofu tofu tofu

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Alternative Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Tofu

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 2

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +0

Total: 9/21 D+

Review

A lengthy and overall somewhat miserable experience. The instrumentation, vision, and narrative are there, albeit a bit bland - that narrative centers on Emma's mental health journey, and unfortunatley it comes across as the thoughts of someone who should have grown out of those feelings years earlier. That is in no way meant to discredit her experience, instead I argue that the story clashes with the more mature sound the other aspects of the music has, leaving the listener ultimatley neutral about her journey. In my opinion, there a huge disconnect and lack of cohesion between the subject matter and instrumentation. 3/4 of the way in, and I just got annoyed by most of the songs. None are particularly worthy of being in a daily rotation, yet it almost sounds like they expect to be taken as such while also being worthy of critical analysis and acclaim. Good album art tho.

Listen

113

Don't Tap the Glass - Tyler the Creator

Ring-ring-ring-ring-ring-ring-ring-ring-ring-ring, pick up the phone

Hello?

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Rap Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Ring Ring Ring

Scores

Nuance 1

Narrative/Lyrics 1

Novelty 1

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +0

Total: 6/21 F

Review

This is not an edgy "look at me" choice, so bare with me. Second year in a row where I’m putting Tyler close to the bottom of the list, but with heavy disclaimers just like I did last year. This is not the worst album to come out this year, nor that I listened to. It is, however, the most disappointing. Flower Boy and Igor are two undisputed classics, and Tyler is a top 20 producer of all time in my book. Call Me When You Get Lost was a big step down in direction for Tyler, but still had a couple 10/10 songs and features from Wayne and NBA Youngboy of all people. Last year, Tyler dropped Chromakopia after a solid rollout and hype train, but he completely lost the plot in my view. The rollout had a solid unique visual style, but the music itself, save two songs, was mostly repetitive at best, and utter unlistenable trash at worst.
Don’t Tap the Glass was a surprise drop with not much rollout, but needless to say, I wasn’t optimistic going into my first listen given the short turnaround between Chromakopia and this. As you can imagine, Tyler’s sound evolved minimally, and my complaints from Chromakopia carry over to DTtG.
That said, this album made me think about why I bother to write about music for fun in the first place, let alone what right I have to criticize it. I forget if he actually said it or not, but it was clear that this album is a “just for fun album” and not personal, important, or profound. I love just for fun albums, but it makes the role of the critic difficult. You can criticize the Fast and Furious movies all you want, they’re still going to be entertaining and worthy of good reviews in that regard. Is Music different in that just because an auteur made something special in the past, they can’t make something fun in the future? Probably not, because George Miller made Happy Feet in between Mad Max movies with enough success. Am I involuntarily living through Tyler’s career, seeing him as someone I could’ve been, upset by the fact that neither he nor I are not making meaningful contributions to art and constantly living up to our potential? Anyways, most of the songs on this album sound the same, and like last year, Tyler is too comfortable in the sound he developed 8 years ago. “Ring Ring Ring” is an undeniable banger but that’s the one exception in my book.

Listen

112

Man's Best Friend - Sabrina Carpenter

"Hi, I hope you're great, I think it's time we took a break, So I can grow emotionally"

That's what he said to me

Here we go again, crying in bed, what a familiar feeling. All my friends in love, and I'm the one they call for a third wheeling

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Pop Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Nobody's Son

Scores

Nuance 2

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 2

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +0

Total: 9/21 D+

Review

What are we even doing here? I genuinely looked forward to Sabrina’s second album as an A-lister, but I expected better than this. Sonically, it’s fine. She leans more into her faux country twang and the instrumentation works for those songs. I called the pop production on her last album perfect, but never got any of that ear euphoria on the poppier tracks. What really brings this album down, though, is the lyrics. Sabrina has gotten a lot of love in the past for how clever and funny she can be amidst all the horniness, but she overdoes it to a truly detrimental level here. Most songs are at least fractionally cringe and belong on /r/Ihavesex. I'm so over it.

Listen

111

Earthwave - AU5

No better moment will arrive, there is a world of inner light

A place where frequencies align, shifting my paradigm

Genre: Electronic Subgenre: Colorbass Country: USA Language: English Format: EP Favorite Song: Heat

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 1

Novelty 3

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +1

Total: 11/21 C

Review

I should probably not have taken recommendations from friends - not because I hated this or wasn't curious, but because I hate to put down a homie's favorite artist. For what it's worth, I really really enjoyed his December EP *Beyond Light*.
My problems with this type of electronic music and AU5 are 100% reflective of my problems with the genre as a whole; at this point in my life it all just feels very impersonable. Perhaps some of that comes from just knowing the process behind how its made, both from a production standpoint and a business standpoint. More likely it's a lyrical problem. A lot of electronic artists, in my eyes, do not care about the word singers are saying on their songs, and it results in the music equivalent of a early 2010s B sci fi movie where all the budget went towards the CG.

Listen

110

I Barely Know Her - Sombr

In a room full of people I look for you

Would you avoid me or would you look for me too?

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Pop Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: 12 to 12

Scores

Nuance 2

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 2

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +1

Total: 12/21 C+

Review

Sombr has had a crazy year, even for a nepo baby. Undeniably, he released 3-4 generational hits, which also happen to be the first 4 tracks, so of course they had to rush out an album to capitalize on his popularity. And rush they did. This album has the hardest falloff after track 4 of any album on this list. It honestly feels like most of the tracks on here are written by plugging in the lyrics of the singles to chatgpt and asking for it to reword them. The subject matter also gets extremely tired after a while. We get it, you're sad over a breakup, but you're 20, which is old enough to know when you sound like you're whining. If this was an EP, it would shoot way up in my rankings, but the fact that they felt the need to force the kid to vomit out 5-6 more cries for help makes the whole situation uncomfortable to say the least. But hey, those first 4 tracks are an insane run.
As a side, check out his VMAs performance. I have never seen a dance LICK an artist before. There is some very confused marketting going on surrounding Sombr.

Listen

109

13 Months of Sunshine - Amine

I wanna go on vacay

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Rap Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Familiar

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 2

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +1

Total: 12/21 C+

Review

I like Amine and have always wanted him to see success since the release of Caroline back in 2016. He's gotten his hits, but for some reason, lacks the ability to pull out any more slam dunks and be truly great. I think *13 Months of Sunshine* exemplifies why pretty well. Amine is not in it for the game, he makes music for fun and will continue doing so for fun. In comparison to his previous work, however, Amine makes it a point to include themes of... going on vacation. Yeah. In content, this is the album equivalent of an Adam Sandler tax writeoff. The good thing is that he successfully make some fun club songs, but he's not getting any critical acclaim with this kind of music anytime soon.

Listen

108

Sincerely - Kali Uchis

When time is a thief, I won't let him rob me 'cause

Heaven on earth may fade away but you and I are forever to stay in love

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Pop Country: Colombia Language: Spanish Format: Album Favorite Song: It's Just Us

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 1

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +1

Total: 10/21 C-

Review

*Isolation* (2018) is a top 30 album of all time for me, so don’t dismiss my negativity on this album on the grounds that I don’t speak enough Spanish, because I do know Marina’s work (and plenty of songs are in English anyhow). I found *Sincerely* frankly pretty sad. It really just sounds like Kali/Marina is going down the Tyler route where she’s just too comfortable with the sound she’s had for almost a decade. Nothing about this album surprised or excited me. Was the music good, yeah, but it’s baseline work for her. Surprise me, please! Hell, maybe she would have surprised me if I could hear her voice better over the poor mixing between them and the background track.

Listen

107

Princess of Power - Marina

Yeah I'm sweet and I'm icy and strange

Indecisive, obsessive, I crave

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Pop Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Cuntissimo

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 3

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +1

Total: 11/21 C

Review

I really enjoyed this album's lead single "Cuntissimo", and have some love for "I am not a Robot" (one of Marina's older tracks), but this album felt a bit hollow to me. A few good songs here and there but no reason to return to it. *Princess of Power's* aesthetic relies moreso on a rennaisance motif versus building a consistent theme through more clever means. Not uninteresting, but not very praiseworthy either as a complete package.

Listen

106

Sable Fable - Bon Iver *

Said, “I’ll Be There”, I Won’t Move.

Tell me more, or tell me nothing

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Indie Folk Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: I'll Be There

Scores

Nuance 2

Narrative/Lyrics 1

Novelty 1

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +0

Total: 5/21 F

Review

I know Bon Iver gets a lot of love for their collaborations with Taylor Swift and that circle, but IMO at least 50% of this album is pretentious miserable bullshit. Ok, maybe "bullshit" is too harsh, but it the organization of this album does not immediatley inspire confidence in otherwise. It starts out with an unnecessary disc 1 which has plenty of blank space and a quiet, sad, boring, monotonous tone through most of it. Disc 2, which for some reason has 8 songs, picks up the pace a bit and barely sticks the landing emotionally - but only barely so that I didn't walk away angry. Danielle Haim's feature was also a welcome but all too short break from singer Justin Vernon's depressing voice. Speaking of which it's a miracle that they were able to pull out one non-suicide inducing song out of this album with "I'll Be There" - that's a decent bop I must admit.
This was my first and will most likely be my last time listening to Bon Iver. I really just don't see the appeal.

Listen

105

Everybody Scream - Florence and the Machine

And love was not what I thought it was

More like an animal crawling deep into a cave than a romance novel heroine being swept away

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Stomp Clap Revival Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: And Love

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 1

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +0

Total: 9/21 D+

Review

I reviewed this in November when my list was nearing it's end point, and my general dislike of this album made me want to look into the relationship between how well I know the artist and my standards of them. I found that after 85 reviews, there was a correlation of -0.187 when comparing my perceived popularity of the artist and my take on the album. While that somewhat aligns with my worries, the fact that the correlation is so weak is glad to see. It says only 3.5% of my review is impacted by their perceived popularity in my eyes, in theory.
With that said, I did not like this album. For starters, it sounds way too much like pretty much everything this band has released before, but lacking in emotional depth in comparison. Florence's singing especially suffers in comparison to her work from the early 2010s, to the point where it honestly felt like she was bored of her very existence. Maybe she's depressed. Then there's the lyrics. I won't go into too much detail here, but there's one song on here, "One of the Greats" which is brutally whiny. Florence and the Machine has the privelege of being a household name in 2025. I don't doubt in the slightest that it took a ton of behind the scenes work to get them to the heights they reached in around 2013, but they won. Yet Florence decides to say "It must be nice to be a man and make boring music just because you can", claiming the line is referring to men being lazier performers than women. That's 100% true on average, but the blanket statement and lack of self reflection is a terrible look.
That's just one example of a few misandrist lines scattered around the album. If you know me, you know I'm not a men's rights guy and that I'm not defending men in any way shape or form. I bring this up because on top of being simply boring, *Everybody Scream* also has a lot of anger within it that comes out in some pretty unflattering ways. At the very least, they could be communicated much more effectively.

Listen

104

Crash Bogus - Torr

I took a picture of myself, the best I had ever seen

The caption said "Greatest rapper 2017"

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Indietronica Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Grace and Owen Die

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 2

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +2

Total: 10/21 C-

Review

I hate to say it, but *Crash Bogus* sounds a bit amateurish and lacking confidence. It's a bit of a love letter sent too late to late 2018 bedroom and electro pop. I commend it for how diverse the tracklist is, but the song that drew me to this artist isn't on the album, and nothing takes the place of the lead single to me.

Listen

103

No Rap on Sunday - Kota the Friend

Spend my bread on a private chef just to make more bread 'cause I'm cheap like that

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Rap Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: 5 Percenters

Scores

Nuance 2

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 1

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +1

Total: 10/21 C-

Review

I went into this album with pretty low expectations given what I knew about Kota's music, but was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. That's in no way to say that I though Kota was a bad artist - he has some genuine classics under his belt despite being a C lister - I refer to his rap style which tends to be relatively monotone and vocally safe. What I respect about him though is that at this point in his career, he knows how to take advantage of that style and produce some solid chill raps. That said, apart from a few good political moments, it didn't surprise me much and I don't see myself thinking about the album much going forwards. Still, if a song came on in shuffle, it probably won't be skipped.

Listen

102

Guitar - Mac Demarco

If the sun's still shining down on her

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Slacker Rock Country: Canada Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Shining

Scores

Nuance 2

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 1

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +1

Total: 9/21 D+

Review

It's a Mac Demarco album, and sadly a pretty boring one at that. I can appreciate that Mac clearly puts a lot of love and care into his music and lyrics, but this album can be described in one word: sleepy.

Listen

101

Baby - Dijon *

Is it all just passing time?

Is it brave, begging, "Rewind!"

Genre: R&B Subgenre: Alt R&B Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Rewind

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 4

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +0

Total: 11/21 C

Review

Oh god did I go into this album with some high expectations. Every other critic online this year was grouping Dijon in with the likes of Mk. Gee and crediting him with producing some of the biggest albums of the year, so I went into this expecting his own work to be at the very least, special. Unique it was, but likeable it was not. Solid instrumentation and overall talent was present across the board, but my god Dijon sings like he is trying to walk off a gunshot wound. I can appreciate having such passion for your craft, but it makes the listening experience seriously difficult - for me at least. "Rewind" is one song that cross the threshhold into more emotional than painful, but that's the one exception in my book. Overall, just a pretty painful and pretentious album. Not for me. He seems like a great artist to see live though. That SNL performance of "Baby!" was really great. Recorded version, not so much.

Listen

100

Baloonerism - Mac Miller *

Abracadabra!

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Rap Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Excelsior

Scores

Nuance 2

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 2

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +1

Total: 10/21 C-

Review

This is a hard one to score, because I cannot bring myself to review it accurately knowing the artist behind it never gave consent for its publishing. I may be waaaay off the mark with that claim, but as far as I have read, Mac recorded this in 2014 and never released for an unknown reason. Multiple sources say it was due to Mac prioritizing other albums, namely the masterpiece which is *the Divine Feminine*, but that doesn't sound like the full story to me. My point is that I think the album should be framed differently than how it was released. The average listener won't know how young he was when it was recorded or any context at all for that matter. As for the songs, they're good enough - they don't invoke too many strong feelings in me excluding the exceptional "Excesior", which would have made a legendary final track of his discography. In sum, I give this album a *shrug* out of ten because we'll simply never know what it was meant to be.

Listen

99

Vie - Doja Cat

It's never easy, we're willingly uncomfortable

I want you to teach me, we're both feeling unlovable

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Pop Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: One More Time

Scores

Nuance 2

Narrative/Lyrics 1

Novelty 1

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +1

Total: 8/21 D

Review

I've somehow been following Doja's career since the very beginning, and her 2019 album Hot Pink is an undeniable favorite pop album of mine. In my opinion, she excels in everything except rapping, which this album relies a bit too much on for my taste. Every album has featured a good amount of rap, but Vie couples it with one too many out of place, forced "fuck you"-esque bars that drags the album down a bit, namely with some of the early tracks "Cards", and "Aaaahh Men!". Ignoring that, it's a typical and unsurprising Doja record. There's some fun 80s pop pastiches, some serviceable R&B, radio hits, et cetera. Unsurprising is the keyword here if you are even slightly familiar with her music, which is all the more dissapointing because she's shown herself capable of changing up her sound on features such as with Teezo Touchdown, and on the high points of her last album Scarlet. This album attempts some new things, such as the saxaphone solo at the end of "Stranger", but doesn't dwell on or commit to them enough to warrant praise. "One More Time" is an exciting departure from the rest of the album, but it's only one song in a 50 minute album. Still, far from the worst thing I heard this year, just less innovative than I had hoped, and lacking any sense of a throughline to justify it's length.

Listen

98

A Matter of Time - Laufey

You said “I can't read your mind”, But I'm reading it just fine

You think you're so misunderstood, The black cat of your neighborhood

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Jazz Country: Iceland Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Tough Luck

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 2

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +1

Total: 12/21 C+

Review

I like Laufey a lot, but this album did not do it for me. I think her voice is much more interesting in a jazz or bossa-pop context, but on *A Matter of Time*, she leans much more heavily into classical sound. It still works for her, but the keyword for me is interesting. She as an artist is at her peak both artistically and as a unique brand when she owns the bossa nova sound. I don’t know why she abandoned it. Yes, I've given other artists shit for not evolving their sound album-to-album, but you don't have to abandon a genre to evolve within it.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Lena Emily Sally

97

Datamosh - High Society

N/A

Genre: Electronic Subgenre: EDMetal Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Break

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 1

Novelty 3

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +1

Total: 11/21 C

Review

EDM is a tough genre to rate and review because of the dichotomy between the artists within a song. Unless the producer is also the singer, or if the vocals are sampled, the division between how the song sounds can be credited and impacted by two different people in a way that heavily contrasts a band. High Society is a producer and is the name on the album, and I'm sure he directs the vocals to an extent, yet I still felt like the singers were the stars of the show on this one, and I didn't love that part of it. What I did love was the production on this album - it's downright exhilerating and there's not a lot else like it out there. Bro should try out an instrumental project, or singing, in the future.

Listen

96

Synthetic Love - Tokyona

N/A

Genre: Electronic Subgenre: Breakcore Country: Unknown Language: Instrumental Format: Album Favorite Song: Lovesynthesis

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 2

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +2

Total: 12/21 C+

Review

I found my favorite song by this pretty unknown artist through listening to Nigerian radio stations, but unfortunatley, that song was on an EP she released int he 2nd half of 2025, a few months after this. That's not to say that it's tooooo far away from the tracklist on Synthetic Love, but it highlights one of the album's two downfalls; depth of each track, and a narrative throughline.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil

95

Endlessly - Chanpan

But you can't take this heat, your nerves keep burning through your stomach, yeah

Run like a tumbleweed, the sun keeps beating so hypnotic

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Breakbeat Country: USA Language: English Format: EP Favorite Song: Striking Vipers

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 15/21 B

Review

I enjoy this group a lot and think they should be a lot bigger than they are, but somehow I forgot I listened to this EP shortly after hearing it despite the inclusion of at least two great songs ("Striking Vipers" and "Gaia"). Overall, while Chanpan has a lot to offer, they are in desperate need of a way to inject more personality in their music. Don't get me wrong, it is a really fun time, but I for starters I can't make out 75% of the lyrics amongst the consistently dope backing tracks.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Lena Emily Sally

94

Ur an Angel I'm Just Particles - Benee

I'm off the rails, think I might fall apart

And I'm crazy now, but it got dark

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Pop Country: Australia Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Off the Rails

Scores

Nuance 2

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 2

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +1

Total: 10/21 C-

Review

This is far from a bad album, however I left it a bit let down due to how high of a standard the singles set for the full project. "Cinnamon" and "Off the Rails", especially, are a couple of the catchiest and most exciting songs I've heard all year, but they are two standouts on an album of mostly pop I've been listening to for close to a decade now. Props to "Prey4U" for getting close to matching their energy.
I also have a bit of an issue with the sequencing of the album. In my opinion, the "Off the Rails" should have opened the album, being a song that I could sprint a mile on, but instead Benee chose to kick things off with "Demons", a slower, almost lethargic R&B track. It's not a bad song, but it's lacking intrigue.
That could be said about most of the album, in fact. I was really missing any form of narrative throughline. Not to bring up "Off the Rails" so much, but that song tells the story of a girl who's taking advantage of the destruction and chaos of fame, and it's frankly pretty profound when you think about it. That idea does not show up anywhere else on the album, and I think it was a missed opportunity.
In summary, Ur an Angel I'm Just Particles is a decently fun but basic pop album which, despite it's standouts, holds on too close to the lockdown vibes of 2020 and lacks a hook, despite its many excellent hooks.

Listen

93

Alles oder Nix - SSIO

Durch TikTok-Algorithmus hab' ich in letzter Zeit zu viel Musik von Ayliva gehört

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Rap Country: Germany Language: German Format: Album Favorite Song: Ich Bin Raus

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 2

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +1

Total: 13/21 B-

Review

I found this artist through his really stellar performance on Colors and had to check it out. It's a mixed bag, but you can tell SSIO is hungry.
About a quarter of the albums on this list are not primarily in English, but this album above others was especially hard to comprehend for me as it was so lyrically dense that cultural and liguistic differences between my experience as an American and him as a German complicated my understanding of what he was trying to say, even in the translated lyrics. I'm not going to go into specifics, but there are some comments about women in this album that were a bit over the line in terms of their sexism, yet they also felt extremely out of place compared to the rest of the album. I don't think you need to know about the artist's personal and political life in order to understand what they're trying to say in their songs, in most cases.

Listen

92

Through the Wall - Rochelle Jordan

Ooh, and my heart keeps telling me yeah, and my heart keeps telling me fine

And my heart keeps telling me now, every time I see the boy

Genre: Electronic Subgenre: House R&B Country: Canada Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: The Boy

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 1

Novelty 1

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +2

Total: 9/21 D+

Review

It's fine. Better than mediocre, but lacking any sort of novelty or narrative throughline to keep me invested. Saved by Kaytranada doing a lot of the production.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Aidan B

91

Wicked: For Good Soundtrack - Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivio, and cast

Because I knew you, I've been changed for good

Genre: Musical Theater Subgenre: Musical Theater Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: For Good

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 1

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +0

Total: 12/21 C+

Review

If Elphaba wasn't such a shitlib she would've painted the walls red with nazi Wizard's blood in the first act.
I was told going into this that the second half of the broadway show was famously the weaker half, and on the music front that is definitley true. It's still, dare I say, good both within and outside of the musical theater genre, but when I compare it to the high points of "part 1", I can't help but feeling like something was missing. At the very least the statement stands looking at "Wicked" as a complete product between both parts - if only I was more interested in theater as a kid while my sister was a fan. I neither identified any lighthearted hits like "Popular" or triumphs like "Defying gravity" here, which more than anything speaks to how the range of music on "part 2" is a lot more limited than it once was in part 1.
Anyways, I'd reccomend the movie simply because it's a conclusion to part 1, although it's a terribly drawn out one, but skip the soundtrack unless you're a nerd.

Listen

90

Anywhere Here is Perfect - Sam Gelliatry

Oh, how typical of her to come around now I'm doing fine

Was the best day I had in a while 'til she crossed my mind

Genre: Electronic Subgenre: Synthpop Country: France Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Scar / A New Void

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 2

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +1

Total: 11/21 C

Review

Listening to this album, I couldn't help but appreciate the fact that when Sam sings on his songs, it's a near perfect mashup between Daft Punk and Tame Impala. Unfortunatley, this album is a bit too long for the little he strays from that sound. It's still good, but if you were listening to him for the first time, I'd reccomend his older stuff first.

Listen

89

Fancy That - Pinkpantheress

My name is Pink and I'm really glad to meet you

You're recommended to me by some people

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Pop Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Tonight

Scores

Nuance 2

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 1

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 12/21 C+

Review

This is ranked pretty low but I didn't dislike this album, I just feel like Pink hasn't evolved her vocals enough since she debuted during covid. This album is a collection of what's easily some of her best work, but it could have also been a from the vault release from 5 years ago and I would be none the wiser. Regardless, the beats are hitting, and the subject matter of each song are more focused and developed. It just didn't surprise me. I couldl dance to it, but in the back of my head I'd be yearning for more from her.

Listen

88

Essex Honey - Blood Orange

Hard to let you go, See you and I know why it's always grey

Hard to let you go, Healthy as we pray for a journey home

Genre: R&B Subgenre: Alt R&B Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: The Field

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 2

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +1

Total: 11/21 C

Review

Who is Blood Orange? What is this album’s purpose? I sure as shit don’t know, but anyone who listens could tell you that this is one of the most obviously, deeply personal albums of this year. In my opinion, it's a slight bit too quiet to be worth reading into very much, which holds it back from being ranked higher. That said, it reeks of nostalgia, trauma, love, and memory. Even if the final product isn’t very exciting, I can tell it oozes therapy for the artist, and for that, I give it a soft thumbs up even if it won't show up in my rotation anytime soon.

Listen

87

They Left me with the Sword - Paris Texas

Runnin' around, this shit don't stop

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Rap Country: USA Language: English Format: EP Favorite Song: Infinyte

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 2

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +2

Total: 13/21 B-

Review

Paris Texas came out of the woodworks a few years back during the decline of the Brockhampton craze, and with their first single "Force of Habit", I was for sure they'd be taking the reigns. Following two albums that were critical and commerical dissapointments, they released two EPs back to back this year: "They Left me with the Sword" and "They Left me with the Gun". Nothing about these EPs are espcially bad other than some mixing and rap cadence that gets a bit stale by the end compared to their last projects, but in my experience, they go in one ear and out the other. They're the type of EP that comes up in shuffle and you think "Oh I remember this! What happened to these guys?" only to realize that that statement basically answers the question.

Listen

86

Breach - 21 Pilots

I don't sleep much, that's crazy, how'd you know that?

I'll keep myself up, that's maybe how you know that

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Alt Rock Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: The Contract

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 2

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +2

Total: 13/21 B-

Review

I somehow missed out on 2021's *Scaled and Icy* and 2024's *Clancy*, and was not a huge fan prior to 2018, but that year's *Trench* went triple platnium in my bedroom for me as both an angry college student and a kid learning bass. To this day I haven't heard Scaled and Icy nor Clancy so I don't know much about their evolution nor whether they're overdoing their sound in on a discographical level, but *Breach* brings me right back to the best parts of 2018/2019 pre-pandemic. It's just a good, headbanging time while also being digestible, understandble, and most of all, fun.
I do have to comment on the themes that the duo tends to use on this and in the past. In short, 21p makes music for young men who choose to see mental health treatment as YA novels from the mid-2000s (Maze Runner, Divergent, et cetera). That has never been more apparent than on this album, such as the most popular track "City Walls" - you can fill in the gaps as to what the walls represent. Grow up guys. Still a catchy track though.

Listen

85

Racer - Blusher

Don't make it romantic

Don't look at me like you're in love

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Pop Country: Australia Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Don't look at me like that

Scores

Nuance 2

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 1

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 10/21 C-

Review

I gave this EP a shot after seeing this trio's stellar live performance of "Don't look at me like that" and had my expectations were almost met. I had hoped for an Australian Illit, but what I got was a pretty basic six song pop EP. I kept 4/6 songs in rotation for a while, but I don't think it's highly worthy of any critical acclaim. Novelty is minimal, lyrics are uninspired, and it didn't particularly feel like they spent too long on it compared to other EPs on this list. Regardless, this is a fun and well directed debut project from this girl group, and I may keep an eye on them going forwards.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Lena Sally
A must listen to for Tess

84

It's a Beautiful Place - Water From Your Eyes

Take my picture back, psychopath, psychopath

Flashlight, nitric gas, psychopath

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Indie Rock Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Born 2

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 2

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +2

Total: 12/21 C+

Review

Around the middle of this list here, I've realized I start to slump in that I have little to say about these albums. They aren't bad, and they very well may end up in someone's top 20 of the year, but they are simply what they are. *It's a Beautiful Place* is the epitome of that concept.
A good number of year-end lists I saw ranked this as one of the best albums of the year, but I just don't get the hype. It's a slightly sub par alt rock record, and I can't find the words to describe it any further. I like the space motifs though.
I'm fully aware these reviews shouldn't focus on anything but the music, but then I remember it's my website and I can do what I want.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Aidan C

83

Sinister Grift - Panda Bear

Defense

I'm in deep, I could use you by my side

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Psychadelic Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Defense

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 4

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +2

Total: 14/21 B-

Review

One of those albums that's a real gauntlet to get through.
I've been familiar with Panda Bear and the Animal Collective going back as early as 2014, so I kinda knew what I was getting into with this record. The most popular track *Defense* went certified platnium for me this Spring, so I had to give the whole thing a shot. What could go wrong? Well, nothing, per se, but it wasn't a particular enjoyable experience either. Panda Bear thrives in very specific circumstances- you have to want to hear something interesting, or you have to be tripping. His music is not for casual listening, which is at least unique amongst rock/indie artists that don't call themselves "art rock".
In short, there's a lot of value here, but it's an album that will scare away casual listenrs, yet doesn't offer much in substance to justify that experience either (save the closing track).

Listen

82

Good Girls - Josie Edwards

I begged you not to let go But you heard only echo

Now I’m hanging by my high hope

Genre: Folk Subgenre: Folk Country: USA Language: English Format: EP Favorite Song: High Hope

Scores

Nuance 2

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 2

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 11/21 C

Review

This EP is only about 13 minutes, but is a pretty enjoyable experience beginning to end despite it not landing as much as I hoped with me. I rank it low because it was just simply too short. There is so much potential for greatness here, and I think if Josie took the time to turn this into a full album, it would truly hit different. I also feel like you can find 5 variants of this brand of singer songwriter off any college radio station's daily playlist, and I say that with love. There's some clever lyrics and hooks that will stick with you long after listening, particularly in the closing track "New House". Def worth a listen if you're planning to chill in a hammock at some point today.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Emily Sally

81

USB - Fred Again..

Me caí en la mitad de la coreo

Del stage directo al sanatorio

Genre: Electronic Subgenre: Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Mixtape Favorite Song: Beto's Horns

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 3

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 14/21 B-

Review

I don't think Fred will ever be able to touch the heights he reached when he first came on the scene with the "Actual Life" series, but you know you're always in for something interesting with him. This is a mixtape with over 2 hours of throwaways, but there is still some total gold in here if you're willing to dig.

Listen

80

Kpop Demon Hunters Soundtrack

My voice without the lies, this is what it sounds like

Fearless and undefined, this is what it sounds like

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Kpop Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: What it Sounds Like

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 1

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +1

Total: 12/21 C+

Review

It's fun, and it succeeds in spades for what it is going for, however there are some very odd and capitalist wording choices scattered around the album, and frankly I did not enjoy any of the non-Huntrix songs. Nothing much more to say about it because the whole story is pretty generic.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Andrew Lena Sally

79

Eusexua - FKA Twigs

Where the wild things are I will be

Lost in a world of childlike things and tragedies

Genre: Electronic Subgenre: Art Pop Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Childlike Things

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 3

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +1

Total: 12/21 C+

Review

Eusexua is a mixed bag in terms of enjoyment and listenability. In my opinion, the majority of songs on here suffer from Twigs' desire to make the album sound as futuristic as possible, such that the final product is incredibly emotionally gripping yet very unpleasant, depressing, and sometimes creepy. I'm a big fan of artists experimenting and making experimental music, and she succeeds on balancing newish sounds with a vibe that doesn't make me feel like I'm in a haunted house with a couple songs, namely "Drums of Death" and "Sticky", but I think back on the entire album in the same way I think about Cronenberg's "Crimes of the Future"; bleak dystopia with poisonous air and art meant to disgust because all everything else has been done before. Not to say that this album is disgusting, though Twigs has played around with body horror before.
In summary, I appluad this album for getting a reaction out of me, but I'm not interested in listening to it again, save my favorite and most outlandish track compared to the rest of the album "Childish Things". Again, it's a mixed bag.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Aidan C Sally

78

Hot - Le Sserafim

I want you to stop time

The moment the flame burns me, finally, I can breathe

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Kpop Country: South Korea Language: Korean Format: EP Favorite Song: Ash

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 1

Novelty 2

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 11/21 C

Review

I had to include my girls on here. In case you don't listen to any kpop, you should know that groups typically release EPs of 5-6 songs instead of full albums, but with the same overall song distribution rate of western artists. I was introduced to Le Sserafim after they very successfully, although confusingly, collaborated with my most played video game, Overwatch, releasing skins for characters and putting their music on the main menu. It worked on me and made me able to understand the appeal of the genre as corporatist as it has been and will continue to be.
This EP is consists of 5 songs, 1 of which is an intro, and another, “Come Over” is a flop in my book. That said, as a whole, this EP is the best directed product the group has put out, and the three remaining songs are some of the best they’ve released, period. I rank it this low because it’s not as impressive or groundbreaking of a release as other albums on here, but it’s still a big thumbs up from me, and a 60% hit project is cause for celebration no matter what.
As a side - They did release a full album only on vinyl using songs from their last three EPs called *Easy-Crazy-Hot*. I really wish that got a proper release.

Listen

77

Golliwag - Billie Woods

I spent all summer diggin' myself out a grave

Can’t run with the wolves when you're a stray, Can't let anyone know you gettin’ paid

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Abstract Hip Hop Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Doll Fulla Pins

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 3

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +1

Total: 13/21 B-

Review

I was curious to check out this album because it was one fo the highest rated rap albums of the year on both AOTY and RYM. However, this is not only the least digestible album of the year, but possibly that I've ever heard. It's so undigestible, in fact, that I don't even know what to rate it. Is there any artistic merit in here? Of course there is, as proven by "Doll Fulla Pins", "Born Alone", and plenty others, but the full experience is drawn down by some of the most challenging songs being at the beginning of the tracklist.
Individually, the tracklist's high points offer a feast of profound bars over smooth jazz inspired, Earl Sweatshirt reminiscent New York beats, but as a complete album, it suffers by not reversing the order of songs.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Aidan C
A must listen to for Aidan C

76

Luminescent Creatures - Ichiko Aoba

命がちゃんとあることを

もっと言葉の生まれる前からずっと

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Chamber Folk Country: Japan Language: Japanese Format: Album Favorite Song: Luciferene

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 2

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 14/21 B-

Review

It's an Ichiko Aoba record. If you aren't familiar with Ichiko Aoba, she's probably the most popular chamber folk/ambient artist out of Japan right now, and has been since her 2020 album *Windswept Adan*. She's great, however *Luminescent Creatures* to me sounded exactly like her previous album, and I mean exactly. Her personal style is unique amongst her peers (or lackthereof), and I welcome new music from her, but I can't recommend this record over *Windswept Adan* for first time listeners. The reason for that comes entirely down to the fact that her novelty has mostly worn off to me, both in sound and narrative, so I rank this low out of subjectivity. It's still good, close to great - I was just hoping to be surprised even a little bit.

Listen

75

Taba - Satomimagae

There are many things I haven’t heard before

I might find them in the tune I’m listening to now

Genre: Ambient Subgenre: Post-Ambient Country: Japan Language: Japanese Format: Album Favorite Song: Ghost

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 16/21 B+

Review

The quietest album on this list? That's not a bad thing - it's *Taba* is undeniably a unique and beautiful album, I just wish I had more to grasp on to.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Emily Foster

74

Assemble25 - TripleS

Start drawing my name with a heart next to it

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Kpop Country: South Korea Language: Korean Format: Album Favorite Song: Love Child

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 3

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 13/21 B-

Review

As far as I can tell, the gimmick that makes the Kpop group TripleS unique is that they have 25 members - ~4-5 times the size of the average group these days. However, what is lost in indiviualism is gained in harmony, as the vocals on here are nothing short of stellar. That's really the only specific comment I have about this album. It's a really enjoyable experience, with a surprising number of hits amongst its long tracklist, but at the end of the day it's not the least corporate Kpop slop around. Give me something to unique to hold on to, because making good or even great songs is not enough for me to rank it any higher sadly.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Sally

73

Fuck You Skrillex You Think You're Andy Warhol but You're Not!! - Skrillex

N/A

Genre: Electronic Subgenre: EDM Country: USA Language: Instrumental Format: Album Favorite Song: None, in a good way

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 2

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +2

Total: 13/21 B-

Review

A pretty interesting experience, and more than worthy of hype in the right contexts, but I find myself more invested in Skrillex's progression as an artist than any particular song on this album. A big part of that is due to the length and the fact that this feels more like a mixtape than an album. It's density and lack of standout singles makes it difficult to find the personality within it. Apart from that, it's cool hearing Skrillex making contemporary dubstep that doesn't feel dated, yet still sounds like himself.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil

72

Live Laugh Love - Earl Sweatshirt

I'm finna be out

I thought I told you geek down, the trouble follow me 'round

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Experimental Hip Hop Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Tourmaline

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 3

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +2

Total: 13/21 B-

Review

When they have open mic night at the krusty krab.
Ok so you're just cruisin the ocean in 1674 and pirates pull up on you blasting this wyd.
Earl must of bought this beat for some spice and 3 shillings.
The beat trying to kill itself.
This sounds like saying goodbye to someone then going in the same direction.
This beat feels like putting your hand under your desk and accidentally touching gum.
This song sounds like when you step off a boat and feel the land moving.
This song sounds like sleeping with jeans on.
This beat sounds like that one kid who shakes the whole table tryna erase something on his paper.
This song will keep mosquitoes off you.
This sounds like practicing a handshake with yourself.
This song sound like when your long sleeves roll up when you put a coat on.
This sounds like your sleeves coming down while you’re washing your hands.
This sounds like the background music to someone deleting their search history in panic.
This is what rap would’ve sounded like during the great depression.
This sound like when you eat ice cream with a wooden spoon but you taste the wooden spoon more than the ice cream.
This sound like washing paper plates.
This beat is like he was watching ratatouille and Earl was like damn this hard.
Great album, just a bit too reminiscent of *Some Raps Songs* (2018) for me.

Listen

71

Star Line - Chance the Rapper

I got a 9 millimeter called Thug Life

I got a new chain, it say: "FUCK ICE"

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Rap Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Drapetomania

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 2

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +2

Total: 14/21 B-

Review

Decent return to form but his best singles post the notorious *Big Day* were left off the album despite it being already too long. Anyways, fuck ICE.

Listen

70

Deadbeat - Tame Impala

I'm sliding, powerless as I descend

Back into my old ways again

Genre: Electronic Subgenre: House Country: Australia Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: My Old Ways

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 3

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 13/21 B-

Review

Not to immediatley compare my reaction to this album to other critics, but I was surprised bu how much I enjoyed this record even after hearing such bad reviews. It's by a far stretch the least exciting album he's put out, but I get what he's going for here. Is house a downgrade from the decade defining psychadelic hits he put out through the 2010s? Slightly - but I'd rather he switch genres now instead of attempting to repeat the success of "New Person, Same Old Mistakes" and ruining the memory of his best work through his own self pastiche.
My only problem with the album, however, is that individual tracks don't give nearly as positive of an experience was the whole album did - it's definitley a listen that you benefit more from hearing in full versus in segments.

Listen

69

Snipe Hunter - Tyler Childers

It’s fought for like a bitch and it’s a bitch to keep it goin’

When they ain’t nobody knowin’, Any prayer you’ve ever sang

Genre: Country Subgenre: Bluegrass Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Eatin Big Time

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 3

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 16/21 B+

Review

This is actually a pretty great bluegrass(?) album - I rank it low, however, because of technical reasons. There is a wildly bizzare discrepency in the mixing song-to-song that makes the album experience feel disjointed and fraying. Song-by-song, there are plenty of highlights with a pretty decent throughline through the whole record.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Foster Aidan B

68

Lonely People with Power - Deafheaven

I wanted the Garden of Eden, but fed my misgivings

I wrеstled with strength just like you, I atе from the apple of my ruse

Genre: Metal Subgenre: Metal Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Body Behavior

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 2

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +1

Total: 12/21 C+

Review

It's a Deafheaven record. This is the only band I know of able to make black metal (screamo, as it was once deemed) palatable. The issue is that the black metal genre is inherently, impossibly unlegible due to how dense it is. Hence, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference from one song to another, let alone between this album, and the last record of theirs I listened to over a decade ago.
If you have any interest in this band or genre, I cannot recommend enough their 2013 album *Sunbather*, specifically the song "Dream House". Easily a top 10 song of all time for me, and one of the few of theirs that stands out as unique from the rest.
This album is still pretty great though, it's just another Deadheaven record.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Aidan B Aidan C

67

From the Pyre - The Last Dinner Party

I'll break into your house, do it, I'll do it

If you twist the knife right I will twist the knife left

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Indie Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Count the Ways

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 2

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 14/21 B-

Review

*From the Pyre* is definitley good, but I'm not sure what the band intended me to get out of it that's any different than what got when I walked away from last year's *Prelude to Ecstacy*. Does it need to necessarily say something different? No. The songs are certainly distinct enough from one another so I don't have problem telling the albums apart or calling either one-note. What I wished for was a distinct theme, motif, story... anything that makes this feel like anything other than B sides from their last album. I liked their last album a lot, so it's not unwelcome, but I wish they took an extra year on this one to set them apart more.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Lena Emily Sally

66

Evangelic Girl is a Gun - Yeule

He eats me like his favourite fruit, he holds me like a gun and shoots me

Under crystal chandeliers, he tells me words I want to hear

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Indietronica Country: Singapore Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Dudu

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 3

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 14/21 B-

Review

I like this album because it is really strongly directed, but it's hard to ignore that it doesn't have a ton of meat on its bones. This is due to two things: There's a very slight disconnected between the softness of Yeule's voice and the instrumentation which tends to go a bit harder, or at least wants to, and the lyrics are not very profound. It's a very aesthetic album that sounds like it wants to be emo, but coems across as a bit inauthentic. That said, there's plenty of bops on it and it is an overally enjoyable time - I just wish the summitive vision was more cohesive or at least communicated better.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Sally

65

Loner - Barry Can't Swim

N/A

Genre: Electronic Subgenre: House Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Wandering Mount Moon

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 3

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 13/21 B-

Review

This is a pretty fun house-y debut record from Barry Can't Swim, a dj who's been gaining deserved popularity over the past coupe years.
If there was one thing to say about this album, it's in praise of how diverse it is. Every track has a distinct sound it, and listening to the album in full sounds like you're travelling around the world without feeling like Barry is appropriating anything. He's also able to tell a decent narrative despite it being lyrically sparse. It's just a good, decent time with a majorly good closing track. Not as impressive, shocking, revolutionary, or heady as the debuts of his peers like Fred Again, but not bad in the slightest.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil

64

People of Faces - Celeste

It's a very fine line between her world and mine

And she ruses a life, but that's fine

Genre: R&B Subgenre: Idk the subgenre Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: People Always Change

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 2

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 15/21 B

Review

I kinda feel bad for Celeste because her natural voice is so reminiscent of Amy Winehouse - and I know it's her natural voice because of the unadulterated passion she imbues in her music. It's a voice-heavy/ focused performance throughout the album - she knows she has the X factor, yet I'm happy to report back that there's more than enough surprises, both in genre and in pure unexpected moments, to say that this project hits all the marks I would like to see from a complete album, and it does so in spades. If I felt every note she hit.

Listen

63

Eve: Romance - Bibi

Would you wet your finger for me? Would you pinch me?

Would you turn my page? Would you read me?

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Kpop Country: South Korea Language: Korean Format: Album Favorite Song: Midnight Cruise

Scores

Nuance 2

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 3

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 13/21 B-

Review

I go back and forth on this album and it's hard to pinpoint why. The memory of *Eve: Romance* is not super positive, but when I go back and listen to individual songs, they're all pretty great. I have the entire thing liked on sp*tify and that isn't me being lazy. Bibi does a great job keeping you interested throughout the record, and there's plenty of variation in genre, themes, instruments, even languages from song to song. Every song sounds like it could be a single. Perhaps it's that diversity that holds the entire album back. There's so many good ideas and so many songs competing for your attention, yet after many listens, I don't see them fitting together to make a cohesive album.
Another possibility that is far less flattering to my image as a famous and respected music critic /s is that the album cover neither looks professional or appropriate for the seriousness and maturity of the work within it. The cover gives 14-year-old bedroom pop wannabe on soundcloud. Shoot me.
One random positive comment I have though is that it's nice to have a kpop artist be uncontrollably horny for a change.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Sally

62

Virgin - Lorde

Who's gon' love me like this?

Oh, who could give me lightness?

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Alt Pop Country: New Zealand Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Man of the Year

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 3

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +2

Total: 14/21 B-

Review

I almost didn't listen to this record, but I'm very glad I did.
Lorde is one of the few A list artists that I've been following since the very start of their career. I remember being hyped for the Love Club EP, and downloading "400 Lux" when it was Itunes' free track of the week in 2013. But *Melodrama* never really hit for me, and 2021's *Solar Power* was universally panned as a hit and a miss, so my opinion of Lorde has been muddied by that and the one video of her shushing her audience for singing along with her.
*Virgin* is pretty aight. It got a reaction out of me, and it didn't feel like Lorde would shush me for getting really into *Man of the Year* for the reasons she really subtely intended. Good stuff.

Listen

61

Yuki - Betcover!! *

N/A

Genre: Jazz Subgenre: Jazz Country: Japan Language: Japanese Format: Album Favorite Song: ゴーゴースチーム (Go Go Stream)

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +1

Total: 17/21 A-

Review

A great jazz album with a strong story throughout. Not the most fun or uplifting listen, but consistently interesting and tells a compelling story. Unfortunatley, it's also just jazz. Shoot me now for saying that but that's my truth.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Foster Aidan B Aidan C

60

Zookeeper - Victor Jones

Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa

Are getting kinda freaky on a beach in Ibiza

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Dance Punk Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: White Fang Safari

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 5

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +2

Total: 15/21 B

Review

This is not an album I would, frankly, ever put on casually, but I'm so glad it exists. I gave it a listen after hearing Victor's single "I get hurt" and it never leaving my mind since discovering it. I get hurt isn't on the album as it came out much later in 2025, but there's still a ton to love about Zookeeper. I'm not in a position to diagnose new generes, but I have found the comparison to bedroom pop too inticing. I'd call this album "kitchen punk". It's amateurish, it's guerilla, it doesn't care about what people think of it, and despite all that, it's also incredibly smart, funny, and well written. The kitchen punk designation also speaks to it's only flaw, which is that he recorded it without any sound proofing whatsover. It makes it all the more unique, but makes it hard to listen to casually. Still, an incredibly fun and inventive project.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Foster Aidan B Aidan C

59

In Limerence - Jacob Alon

Matthew woke beneath the pool, His laughter rising through the deepest blue

He saw his body torn in two, Placed a hand but it sank straight through

Genre: Folk Subgenre: Folk Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Don't Fall Asleep

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 2

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +2

Total: 15/21 B

Review

Good god please watch the linked video - "Don't Fall Asleep" is representative of the album but miles ahead in terms of the individual representation of Jacob's songwriting and musical talent. As for the initial review...
This album feels like Jacob entered the studio with the sole intention of creating the most devastating album he can come up with, and I say that in a slightly bad way. It's not a one note project in the slightest, but it also doesn't feel like it was meant for anything other than to make the listener sad. Obviously that wasn't the actual or sole intention, but that's all I left this album with after the first listen. There are hints of lyricism which dare to step off the beaten path, but they don't stray far before returning to the comfort of very on-the-nose "you were my best friend wah wah" lines. That may very well hit with you, but it was simply too sad for me. FFS, my favorite song is about his cousin who drowned after doing whipits. It's an amazing song, as are most on here, but god is it a brutal, brutal listen.
What I do need to commend on this album on it's instrumentation. If I was ranking guitar playing, this would be in the top 10. Downright masterful stuff and Jacob's skill alone gives this project a ton of bonus points in my book.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Emily
A must listen to for Emily

58

I'm Only Fucking Myself - Lola Young

I got shut down in therapy, he said there's people who need real help

What a waste of my fucking money, I'll just do it myself

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Pop Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Can We Ignore It?

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 3

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 15/21 B

Review

Plenty of talent is on display with everything and anything Lola releases, however like with Sombr, Jacob Alon, and other sad breakup-fresh artists I listened to this year, the narrative gets really tiring after a while. What separates IOFM from lower albums on the list, though, are the high points. "Can we Ignore it?" is a top 5 song of the year for me.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Sally

57

Moisturizer - Wet Leg

Maybe we could start a band as some kinda joke

"Well, that didn't quite go to plan," I say on the radio

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Indie Pop Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: u and me at home

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 3

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 14/21 B-

Review

This is one of those albums that is saved by it's high points. Most of the tracks on *Moisturizer* are some medicore pop rock tracks with some basic themes and lyrics. They're fine, some are blander than others like "Pond Song". Then the next track will be a SOTY contender. "Mangetout", "Pokemon", and "U and Me at Home" are far and beyond the standouts amongst the tracklist for me, and the latter being the album closer will have you leaving this album with a nothing short of a smile. Weird how that works out.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Lena Emily Foster Sally

56

More - Pulp

"It's just a sunset", someone said. Something that's coming to an end.

"Yes, it's a sunset", someone said. And just exactly how much did you spend?

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Britpop Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: A Sunset

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 4

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +3

Total: 17/21 A-

Review

I am so glad I listened to this album. I've heard of Pulp growing up but couldn't name a song by them, and their most popular single was a complete mystery to me. I guess this is one of those Robbie Williams phenomenons that never made it to the US much.
Anyways, this album is my Blackstar of the year. It's more upbeat and lighthearted than Blackstar, but at the end of the day it's still old people singing about death. Still worth a listen, but probably won't make it into anyone's regular rotation. This was a one and done for me.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of:

55

Forever is a Feeling - Lucy Dacus

My best guess at the future, you are my best guess.

If I were a gambling man, and I am, you’d be my best bet.

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Singer-Songwriter Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Best Guess

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 2

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 16/21 B+

Review

It's a Lucy Dacus Album. As with plenty of artists on here, Lucy is one of those who has set the bar for herself incredibly high. *Forever is a Feeling* doesn't necessarily surpass the best work she's put out previously, but her baseline is going to be better than the average indie rock album, in my opinion and as proven here.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Lena Emily

54

<3 - Jane Remover

I got sixty-eight inches of the music in me waitin'

Genre: Electronic Subgenre: Country: USA Language: English Format: EP Favorite Song: So What?

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 18/21 A

Review

With "<3" Jane more than proves that they're the GOAT of loud, layered, unobstructed, newly bombastic electronic music. I rank it on the lower side, however, because this EP is the least impressive of the THREE projects she put out this year on the basis that it's just an EP. Still, wildly impressive amongst her peers.

Listen

53

Edits - Chuquimamani-Condori *

N/A

Genre: Collage Subgenre: Epic Collage Country: USA Language: Spanish Format: Album Favorite Song: Way it is

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 5

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +3

Total: 16/21 B+

Review

Edits is a unique but rewarding gauntlet that not only makes you think about what's sampled (using loosely), but about what makes "songs", "albums", and "music" itself.
The "songs" on this album, are definitley music, it's wild that I have to say that, but what makes this album unique is that it's entirely DJ edits, so as far as I know, it's sampling on top of sampling, at best. That does not sound like something worthy of praise, nor am I praising it, but the final product is something I have genuinely never heard before. Most of the time, it sounds fucking insane, like nothing more than two completely unrelated tracks played over one another.
This is really hard to talk about for me both because of its complexity and because it kinda fried my brain for the day, so I'm just going to refer you to Sam Goldner's pitchf*rk review from here on out: Link

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Aidan B Aidan C
A must listen to for Aidan B

52

Sweet Tang - Ifeye

Like a hurricane, Okay, okay, okay, okay

더위 먹은 듯 panic, 또다시 spinning, 돌고 돌아

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Kpop Country: South Korea Language: Korean Format: EP Favorite Song: r u ok?

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 1

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 14/21 B-

Review

For a brand new group, the first group to debut under a new entertainment corporation, this EP is insanely impressive. Yes, it's short, but every song is single worthy. That said the lead "r u ok" is the clear standout and is worthy of it's popularity. Kpop is notoriously corporatized, and the whole company could go under tomorrow, but I sure hope it doesn't because these girls could be huge. I really don't have anything bad to say about this EP, but it loses some points by inherently being kpop slop. Sometimes I like slop, shoot me.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Lena Sally
A must listen to for Sally

51

Viagr Aboys - Viagra Boys

And years ago on the plains of North America, there weren't no rules 'bout nothing

And you could pay a guy to get his horse to stomp you on the head,

Life is hard, and it's harder when you like it hard

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Dance Punk Country: Sweden Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Medicine for Horses

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 5

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +2

Total: 17/21 A-

Review

*Viagr Aboys* really threw me for a loop when I first tried listening to it, to the point where I had it on my "I'm not reviewing this" list for most of 2025. After rediscovering and getting hooked on the song "Uno II", I had to give it another try, and I'm glad I did. This album has it all. Introspection, innovation, wittiness, and more. Not every song is as easy on the ears as others, but if you're willing to get over the fact that you're listening to a band called Viagra Boys, you'll surely find something to enjoy in here.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Foster
A must listen to for Aidan B

50

Papota - Ca7triel & Paco Amoroso

We've been fucking the girl same girl

You at night, me by day, who would say it? (Fuck)

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Latin Funk Country: Argentina Language: Spanish Format: EP Favorite Song: Dumbai

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 17/21 A-

Review

There's only two exceptions to the rule I'm usually strict on being that everything must be a new 2025 release: an album that came out in December of 2024, and this EP which is simply a few new songs mixed with a live version of this duo's explosive 2024 breakout album Bano Maria. Both exceptions the rule of 2025-only are made because the music was relatively recent and just too good to leave to the "other music I listened to this year" list that people are just going to scroll over.
These guys are inventive, addicting, and hilarious. It can be a bit crass sometimes, but never crosses a line. If you're able to get over that, what awaits is one of the most fun projects of the year, let alone that I've ever heard out of Argentina. Nice to have something good make it to the US from Argentina.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Andrew Aidan B Aidan C Sally
A must listen to for Sally

49

Kyle Gordon is Wonderful - Kyle Gordon

Stool Sample, handle this!

And you can suck the dick and then drink the piss!

Genre: Comedy Subgenre: Comedy Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Crawl to Me ft. Stool Sample

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 3

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +2

Total: 15/21 B

Review

A comedy album in the top 50 AOTY for me. Lol.
Kyle Gordon is a musical comedian who somehow made musical comedy not the worst thing ever (excluding Bo Burnham's *Inside*), and I think he owes that to the effort, talent, and direction he puts into his work. It's not as simple as singing jokes, or inversely, joking about music, this particular album I would closer describe as surgery of genre, and the Frankenstein's monster that comes out of it somehow ends up sounding great while also making you crack up. Good stuff.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Andrew
A must listen to for Andrew

48

Caroline - Caroline 2

At the right time, I don't wanna be anyone

At the right time, I don't wanna be somebody else

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Alternative Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Tell me I never knew that

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 17/21 A-

Review

Another very quiet album, yet this ended up being one of my most listened to albums of the year. Despite the long song lengths, it's just an easy to listen to, good time. It also throws more than a few surprises in the mix to keep you interested through its tracklist. High recommend.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Lena Foster Sally
A must listen to for Emily

47

Double Infinity - Big Thief

Los Angeles, 3:33, nothing on the stereo

Dirty tea, you're like the Mona Lisa

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Folk Rock Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Los Angeles

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 3

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 15/21 B

Review

Pretty sweet album albeit not very novel or exciting as a complete package despite it's high points. It's a good example of artists not needing to remake the wheel upon every release.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Lena Emily Foster Aidan C Sally
A must listen to for Emily

46

Krok - СОЮЗ

N/A

Genre: Jazz Subgenre: Tropicalia Country: Belarus Language: Belarusian Format: Album Favorite Song: Krok

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 17/21 A-

Review

A Belarusian goes to Brazil to relive the 1980s bossa nova dream he was born too late to experience, and he does so anyways. Beautifully played and masterfully produced, my only negative comment is that it's a bit one note. Speakers of similar languages will probably be able to get more out of it than I did on that front.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Andrew Lena Emily Foster Aidan B Aidan C
A must listen to for Foster

45

Sequence 01 - F5ve

I can see your friends they don't like me

And I don’t understand, do you got a plan?

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Jpop Country: Japan Language: Japanese Format: Album Favorite Song: Lettuce

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 2

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 14/21 B-

Review

*Sequence 01* is a really fun, experimental, and inventive jpop project with some genuine hits and catchy melodies throughout, however it suffers slightly from a confused aesthetic that bounces between states of maturity. If you can get over that, it's very worth listening to, and surprisingly coherent as a debut album despite its many many risks.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Sally
A must listen to for Sally

44

Jonatan - Yung Lean

Cause I wonder where you at-at-at, wonder where you go

Girl, inside that mask of yours-yours, just take it off and let it show

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Cloud Rap Country: Sweden Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Forever Yung

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 4

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +3

Total: 15/21 B

Review

Yung Lean once again proves that he's one of the greats on *Jonatan*. This being his sixth studio album, he's able to hold on to his distinctive style while also showing a lot more maturity and personability than on any of his previous work. Not as groundbreaking as his earlier mixtapes, or any of the breakout miserable singles from *Stranger*, but more than satisfying for me as a longtime fan who hasn't sensed an ounce of fatigue yet.

Listen

43

Alter Ego - Lisa

Whenever I close my eyes, it's taking me back in time

Been drowning in dreams lately, like it's 2019, baby

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Pop Country: Thailand Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Dream (though New Woman was my SOTY in 2024)

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 18/21 A

Review

I'm ranking this album so low despite my high scores because, while the highs really knock it up quite a few points, it's tracklist is still very polarized. This is a good album to talk about track by track. Firstly, the "alter ego" concept was a loose, seemingly abandoned idea in which each song is produced by a certain persona. However, that is not demonstrated on the album whatsover outside of a mention of some of those names in the bonus remixes at the end.
Let's start with the highs. The album opens with the smash hit "Born Again". I listened to this constantly in the gym at the beginning of the year and it's one of those songs that will inject energy in your veins. It's hype, even if the Doja feature is a bit too much. "Thunder" is a well produced, hard hitting track that's still a fun listen despite some typical kpop lyrical cringe. That's followed up immediatley by "New Woman", my song of the year of 2025. Just an incredible, unexpected, inventive, unique experimental pop track that might leave you awestruck, even though I hated it on first listen. "Rapunzel" is a fun, upbeat capitalist jerkfest. It's fine, though I prefer the version without the Megan feature. "Moonlit Floor" is a wildly unnecessary and out-of-place cover int he middle of the album, but I can't deny that Lisa and the band do a great rendition. Lastly, "Dream" may be my favorite track behind "New Woman" and really shows off Lisa's skills as a singer and songwriter, which was typically surpressed by the kpop corporate overlords. That leaves 7/13 track remaining as duds, at best. To avoid getting too negative, these are the Blackpink songs - bombastic, overproduced, intimidating in a cringe way, celebrating capitalism, playing the raunchier songs off too safe to evoke much feeling... you get the point. They're there to appease that audience and satisfy investors - I'm not too mad, though I would just kill to see an album 100% under her artistic control.
In summary, this is a solid, solid solo debut, and easily the best work to come out of the Blackpink 4, even if the money and artistry budget available could have gone further.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Tess

42

Deftones - Private Music

Feel the waves crash against the concrete from below

A new wine intoxicates you slowly out of time

Genre: Metal Subgenre: Nu Metal Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Milk of the madonna

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 3

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +3

Total: 17/21 A-

Review

It's a Deftones record, and I say that with love. If you have any familiarity with Deftones, you already have an idea of what you're getting into. *Private Music* doesn't depart from the sound the band has had since the 90s, and that's alright. Like what I said about this year's Big Thief album, you don't need to completely reinvent the wheel to make a good release, it just has to be a distinct, impactful addition to your discography.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Foster Aidan B Aidan C
A must listen to for Aidan B

41

Vanisher, Horizon Scraper - Quadeca

Darling, don't you give up on a Monday

I wanna tell you I want you, you'd probably take it the wrong way

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Baroque Pop/Experimental Hip Hop Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Monday

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 5

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +2

Total: 16/21 B+

Review

The fact that this album is as low as it is really just speaks to the quality of music put out this year, because I still love this album despite it's placement and the silly little scores I gave it. I went in to this album partially expecting it to be an album of the year contender. Quadeca is an expert marketer of his music, and nails the visual component as well as the music itself, to craft a vivid, moving, unique, and modern nautical aesthetic. Each song has a ton of effort thrown into it, and you're unlikely to hear much similar outside of his features on another album in this list. One reason for it being placed so low despite that praise is because it is not an easy, digestible listen. There are some hit worthy singles, but most of the album leans more into soundscape than something you can throw on casually. Another reason is that I think Quadeca had his sights set too high. I feel like this album was trying to convey the same weight as some of the grander art rock albums of this year, namely by Bruit, Racing Mount Pleasant, and Maruja, but that is difficult to do as a solo artist, and the songs feel a bit hollow in comparison to the gradiosity they aim for.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Aidan B Aidan C
A must listen to for Aidan C

40

Je T'aime & Scrap and Love Songs Revisited - Porches

You look so pretty and I look so mean

On the night we filled our bodies with amphetamines

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Alt Rock Country: USA Language: English Format: EP Favorite Song: Daddies

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 17/21 A-

Review

This placement is actually two EPs I'm grouping together. I originally had them separated, but placed them next to each other because I found it hard to differentiate between the two. That is in no way a dig at them, though. They simply sound alike.
I don't know much about Porches but I have to say that these two EPs really gripped me. His voice and lyricism are seriously entrancing and unique, and *Scrap and Love Songs Revisited* is especially impressive for being a throwaway.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Emily

39

Ghostholding - Venturing/Jane Remover

Did you see God when you say you felt lucky lately?

And it's not much faith that you have 'cause it’s suffocating

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Indie Rock Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Believe

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 3

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 16/21 B+

Review

This is about the point in the list where it gets really good, so much so that it pains me to rank this so low.
On *Ghostholding*, Jane Remover, under the name Venturing, embodies the spirit of Mk. Gee and creates one of the most addictive and surprising rock records of the year. This is one of three releases Jane put out this year, and the only one that leans into rock versus electronic, hence the name change. Excellent stuff.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Andrew Aidan B Aidan C
A must listen to for Aidan B

38

Getting Killed - Geese

There's a bomb in my car

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Post Punk Revival Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Husbands

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 4

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +2

Total: 15/21 B

Review

If you somehow went through 2025 without hearing about Geese, you've been living under a rock.
I don't have much to say or critique about this album because Geese have somehow, in my view, made themselves immune to criticism. I could tell you I was slightly let down by the lack of listenability of this album, but the artistry, pasison, meaning, lyricism, instrumentation, et cetera, consistently demand that I rethink my own system and expectations. *Getting Killed* refuses to not be taken seriously, yet Geese gives the impression that they're just playing around and having fun on every track. I feel like I'm getting trolled in the best way possible.
Good album, great singles, legendary band. Crazy and personally concerning that they're this respected despite being in their early 20s.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Foster Aidan B Aidan C
A must listen to for Aidan C

37

Lotus - Little Simz

Can't hold me down 'cause I've always been free

Why they always wanna hate when the love is free

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Rap Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Free

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 19/21 A+

Review

Little Simz has set the bar incredibly high for herself, yet she consistently is able to meet expectations. This is one of those times where I rank it low despite the high rating consciously on the basis that *Lotus* is not her favorite work of mine, as *SIMBI* is hard to top. If this is your first time listening to her, however, lock in for one of the most underrated artists in hip hop. "Free" is an all timer.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Aidan B
A must listen to for Aidan C

36

Star - 2Hollis

You gotta learn, I got some nerve

Scream I'm the worst, sitting shotgun at the church

Genre: Electronic Subgenre: Hyperpop Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Nerve

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 4

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +3

Total: 17/21 A-

Review

I feel like this album is the culmination of all underground bedroom trap from the 2020s, and would serve as a great closer to the era of Swedish/Swedish looking Sadboys. 2Hollis is a nepo baby who doesn't deserve as much cred as the likes of Yung Lean and Bladee, but this is still an undeniable banger of an album.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Aidan B
A must listen to for Aidan B

35

Racing Mount Pleasant - Racing Mount Pleasant

I don't know the reason why, I can't meet your eyes

It's all coming down on me, Can we stay inside

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Baroque Pop Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Racing Mount Pleasant

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 3

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +3

Total: 17/21 A-

Review

I didn't know anything about this band going into it, and was worried after the first five or so tracks that I was wasting my time. The tracklist starts of pretty slow and melancholy to the point where I found the sound and lyrics overdramatic even.It takes a dramatic turn at around "You" and "You Pt. 2", with those two tracks, the title track, and the 7 minute guantlet "Call it Easy" demanding the listener's attention more than most other music I've heard this year.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Andrew Emily Foster Aidan B Aidan C Sally
A must listen to for Aidan C

34

Headlights - Alex G

Let me write down, every word. Once I was a mockingbird.

Not an angel, but I'm your man. I can bring you back again

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Indie Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Afterlife

Scores

Nuance 3

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 16/21 B+

Review

*Headlights* may hold the title for me as the easiest to listen to and universally liked album of the year. It's not going to blow most people away, but there's more than a few songs on here that can and will be your daily drivers for quite a while.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Lena Emily Foster Aidan B Aidan C Sally
A must listen to for Aidan C

33

Color outside the Lines - Cortis

Money, style, fame, love and what?

Take what you want!

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Kpop Country: South Korea Language: Korean Format: EP Favorite Song: Go!

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 5

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 17/21 A-

Review

God damn these 17 year olds are so fucking cool.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Andrew Sally
A must listen to for Phil

32

Fall Back - Florence Road

Tell me, tell me it's not that heavy

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Indie Rock Country: USA Language: English Format: EP Favorite Song: Heavy

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 2

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 17/21 A-

Review

This EP is shockingly good. Like, really really good. Like, this would be where Sombr landed if he stuck to an EP instead of being forced to make a full album good. Obviously the two performers have nothing in common in sound, but I make the comparison because every song on *Fall Back* has that same potential for generational hit... at least withint he indie rock scene.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Emily
A must listen to for Emily

31

The Art of Loving - Olivia Dean

I don't know where the switches are or where you keep the cutlery

And I'll probably crash your stupid car and make your life a misery

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Pop Soul Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Close Up

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 3

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 17/21 A-

Review

This is Olivia Dean's second full album, but you could hear this and assume she's ten years into her career. Is it particularly thought provoking or culturally relevant? No, in fact it's the opposite. It's sweet, catchy, and fun, and that's all it needs to be, and that's all that needs to be said. Great stuff.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Andrew Lena Emily Foster Tess Sally
A must listen to for Tess

30

I Quit - Haim

Baby how can I explain , When an innocent mistake, Turns into seventeen days

Fucking relationships

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Indie Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Take me back

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 18/21 A

Review

I’m going to, for once in my life, ignore that the Haim sisters are probably zionists and say that this is not only their best work, but one of the most enjoyable listens of the year.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Lena Emily Tess Sally
A must listen to for Lena

29

The Clearing - Wolf Alice

That doesn't hurt my pride. I like the thrill of my performing when I abuse the courage of white wine

And you're leaning against the wall

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Indie Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Bloom Baby Bloom

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 19/21 A+

Review

Someone commeneted on the bloom music video "she's like having 3 singers in one" and I couldn't agree more. Singer Ellie Rowsell absolutely steals the show on this record, but is supported by some clever songwriting and addictive melodies from front to back. Pretty much zero reason to be angry about this one.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Lena Emily Tess Sally
A must listen to for Emily

28

Nourished by Time - The Passionate Ones *

My whole life changed faster than a minute

I dreamed this life, now I'm scared to live it

Genre: R&B Subgenre: Alternative R&B Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Max Potential

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 5

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +3

Total: 18/21 A

Review

If there was ever an album that demanded more than one listen to fully understand, it's *The Passionate Ones*. As with many of my favorite songs and albums, I hated it on first listen, but a strong reaction of any kind is a good sign in most cases. This album is crazy introspective, and universally relatable.
I would write more about it here, but I don't think I could say anything other than rephrasing what Marcus said about it already in an interview with TheFace.com back in June: "Everyone lives their life in such an interesting way, whether you’re a doctor or a sex worker, but one thing that connects everyone is that we all want to have passion in our lives – have something we care about and protect that thing. That’s what the basis of the album was for me. I’m finally able to live out my dreams, and when that happens, you have two ways to go: you can do your own thing, or you can help someone else. I’ve figured out a way to talk about love and leftism and existentialism in a pop format. I’m really grateful for that, to be able to stand up for something. I care about workers’ rights, I care about people, and I care about the human condition. Basically, this album is really just all about me – but we’re all mirrors for each other. So if it’s about me, it’s about you, too."

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Aidan C
A must listen to for Aidan C

27

Choke Enough - Oklou

Is the endless still unbound?

Or am I just different now?

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Psychadelic Pop Country: France Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Blade Bird

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 18/21 A

Review

A youtuber I like described this album very accuratley as "It's like when you're walking through a forest and a deer comes up to you and hands you a cigarette". "Choke Enough" made the rounds when it released earlier in 2025 despite Oklou not being a household name, but had a pretty major resurgance in December after Spotify called it "your favorite artist's favorite artist". It's not hard to see why. Technically, this album is mixed in a really unique way. The processing the instrumentation and Oklou's amazing voice goes through provides the sonic equivalent of laying in sunlight. It's beyond meditative, but stills throws enough surprises and interesting lyrics to keep you invested. I listened to this album too late in the year, but I could definitley see it rise in the rankings as I get more familiar with it after many more listens.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Lena Emily Tess Sally
A must listen to for Lena

26

Bomb - Illit

Hey, hey, hey, 손까지만 잡는 거

I can't help but feeling so much jellyous

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Kpop Country: South Korea Language: Korean Format: EP Favorite Song: Jellyous

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 5

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 18/21 A

Review

They do not miss.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Sally
A must listen to for Sally

25

Ego Death at the Bachelorette Party - Haley Williams

And I just want to be in California, heaven laughs 'cause they all tried to warn us.

They sent me right back from where I came, my tail between my legs on Broadway.

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Bubblegrunge Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Ego Death at the Bachelorette Party

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 4

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +3

Total: 18/21 A

Review

Worthy of its reviews despite the bizzare rollout. My first listen produced the line "some high points but is a bit too long to get overarching meaning or theme from. Overall a good album but I don't see myself revisiting it apart from six or seven great songs." Turns out, those six or seven great songs are definitive of the album itself, and the other inclusions are welcome accompaniment to it's heavy hitters.
This album was released song-by-song before being compiled into one project, and its mixtape-y construction works for its length and diversity. There are some dud songs here and there, but as a complete album, I see the connective thread.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Andrew Lena Emily Tess Sally
A must listen to for Tess

24

Vendrán Suaves Lluvias - Silvana Estrada

Con qué dura moneda, pagaste mi cariño

Ni adiós ni buenas noches, good luck, good night

Genre: Folk Subgenre: Latin Folk Country: Mexico Language: Spanish Format: Album Favorite Song: Flores

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 20/21 A+

Review

*Soft Rains Will Come* emotionally curbstomped me.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Lena Emily Aidan C

23

Hyperyouth - Joey Valence & Brae

Seven twenty-five an hour, I thought I was balling

I never thought this rhyming shit would be my life's calling

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Hip Hop Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: BUST DOWN

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 18/21 A

Review

Satisfied 3 Ns in spades. Some utterly shocking moments of lyricism and production. An incredible and surprisingly emotional, narrative driven ride that proves that this duo is more than a Beastie Boys pastiche. Plus, I'm a sucker for songs about being grateful.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Andrew Foster Aidan B Aidan C Sally
A must listen to for Andrew

22

Design Ah! Neo 1, 2, 3, & 4 - Shuta Hasunuma, Ichiko Aoba, & Tamaki Roy

Cross section, cross section, axis, rotating body

Cross section, cross section, axis, rotating body

Genre: Ambient Subgenre: Experimental Ambient Country: Japan Language: Japanese Format: EP Favorite Song: Solid of Revolution

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 5

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +3

Total: 17/21 A-

Review

I adore these EPs. Admittedly, Neo 4 was a bit of a letdown with Ichiko Aoba and Tamaki Roy dropping out of the project, but until then, this is a collection of some unadadulterated, unbridled creativity.
The story behind these EPs are kind of interesting, and they may be more familiar to you than you think. They were comissioned for the "Design Ah" convention in Tokyo, and meant to soundtrack the whole convention as well as the interactive exhibits in them. If you've been seeing any tiktoks or whatever that prompt you to make a thumb-swiping motion to a metronome, I believe that trend started here.
That may sound boring to listen to outside of those stupid videos, but each song is far from as simple as that sounds. And with that, everything else I can say cannot be said because of the diversity and indescribabily of what's on offer. Whether you're working, or on a walk and just want to make the world around you feel more interesting, give these EPs a shot.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Foster Aidan B Aidan C Sally
A must listen to for Sally

21

Animaru - Mei Semones

僕はアニマル、生きて食べて

僕はアニマル、考えが単純

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Bossa Pop Country: USA Language: Japanese Format: Album Favorite Song: Rat with Wings

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 5

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +2

Total: 18/21 A

Review

*Animaru* is an album that you understand the praise for within 30 seconds, and if I could give it any award this year, it's that Mei is the best guitar player of the year, maybe ever? Beyond the technicals, the story that's told through a lot of this album is also quite intriguing and cohesive, discussing themes of seeing onself as nothing more than an animal in a world built for otherwise. Just an all around awesome record, and I'm glad she's getting the attention she deserves.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Lena Emily Foster Aidan B
A must listen to for Aidan B

20

Bleeds - Wednesday

But everybody gets along just fine

Cause the champagne tastes like elderberry wine

Genre: Country Subgenre: Bubblegrunge Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Wound Up Here By Holding On

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 19/21 A+

Review

For some reason, every time a song from Bleeds comes up in shuffle, I find myself wanting to scream "hell yeah" as long as I can. Not because I'm necessarily psyched to listen, but because Wednesdays' music is able to transport me to another place like nothing else. That place might be ratfuck North Carolina, but it physically catapults me across Appalachia nonetheless. Downright amazing and addictive country record that has no right to be as good and universally enjoyable as it is.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Emily Aidan B Aidan C Sally
A must listen to for Emily

19

Lux - Rosalia

Я не шукаю помсти, помста шукає мене

Я не шукаю помсти

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Art Pop Country: Spain Language: Spanish Format: Album Favorite Song: Porcelena

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 5

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +3

Total: 19/21 A+

Review

Someone on twitter said "She remembered she was European and not Latino on this one".
*Lux* is wildly ambitious, and as one of the biggest musicians on Earth, it's beyond welcome and refreshing to see someone use their resources to the fullest extent and expose the masses to real art. The pursuit of real art occiasionally hurts this album's listenability, though, as Rosalia really aims to imbue every song with shock and awe over making a necessarily enjoyable experience. That said, when it hits, it hits hard, and unlike anything you've heard this century.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Emily Foster Aidan B Aidan C Tess Sally
A must listen to for Foster

18

Addison - Addison Rae

Guess I gotta accept the pain. Need a cigarette to make me feel better.

Every good thing comes my way, so I put my headphones on

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Pop Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: New York

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 5

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 19/21 A+

Review

What the hell, sure. A higher power decided to let Addison Rae of all people make the 2nd best pure pop album of the year, and we just have to live with that. Props to her two producers, but credit where credit is due for Addison as well. "Headphones On" is probably my most listened to song of the year.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Lena Emily Tess Sally
A must listen to for Lena

17

The Cosmic Selector - Lord Huron

So loud, I never even heard the sirens. I gripped the wheel and stomped the pedal.

I said a meaningless prayer through my gritted teeth. I kept my eyes on the long white lines.

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Folk Rock Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Who Laughs Last

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 19/21 A+

Review

The fact that this band has songs with hundreds of millions of streams, yet isn't a household name outside of the rockies is wild to me. I have a fondness for Lord Huron, but this record subverted all my expectations. Front to back, almost ever song on here has an intoxicating melody to it, as well as lyrics that'll make you think about everyone you've ever loved. Beyond that, it's also one of the most cinematic experiences of the year, with the lead single "Who Laughs Last" narrating a high budget crime drama.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Andrew Aidan C Tess Sally
A must listen to for Andrew

16

Age of Ephemerality - BRUIT<

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Post Rock Country: France Language: Instrumental Format: Album Favorite Song: Progress/ Regress

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 5

Listenability 1

Bonus Points +3

Total: 19/21 A+

Review

A perfect example of how instrumental albums can convey messages without words, and a soundtrack to a late stage capitalist dystopia, today.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Aidan B Aidan C
A must listen to for Aidan C

15

Debi Tirar Mas Fotos - Bad Bunny

For reggaeton, salsa, bomba, and plena,

Check out how mine sounds.

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Reggaeton Country: USA Language: Spanish Format: Album Favorite Song: Velda

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 19/21 A+

Review

Yeah, I get it now. Bad Bunny is one of those uber-popular artists that you've heard a few songs by but never understood the hype. Little did I know that this guy is not only comparably extremely conservative with his official releases, but also willing to experiment as well despite the size of his audience.
Debi Tirar Mas Fotos (I should have taken more photos) is, dare I say, a benchmark, for both reggaeton and latin music. I say that as someone who has zero knowledge, expertise, or familiarity with Latin or Reggaeton, but I make the claim anyways because I know it made me and millions of other people not only interested, but invested. Truly phenomenal stuff.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Andrew Foster Aidan C Tess Sally
A must listen to for Aidan C

14

Let God Sort em Out - Clipse *

See, mine made sure he had every base covered

So imagine his pain findin' base in the cupboard

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Hip Hop Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Birds Don't Sing

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 4

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +2

Total: 18/21 A

Review

*Let God Sort Em Out* is a mixed bag in terms of songs you might actually *want* to listen to, but it's high points are good enough to get you invited to perform at the damn vatican despite being an autobiography about selling crack. That's a huge oversimplification just to get you interested, but it's true, and if I were the pope I'd invite them too.
There's other albums on this list which are more enjoyable to listen to, both for personal enjoyment and due to the subject matter, but few have the same level of emotional depth and storytelling ability that this album does. It cannot be ignored.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Andrew Aidan B Aidan C
A must listen to for Aidan C

13

Blush - Kevin Abstract

You hate my favorite song

But you love the way I look when I sing along

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Hip Hop Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Red Light

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 19/21 A+

Review

If you were to think about albums as meals, a lot of them would make you physically sick by the end. Maybe not because each plate/song is unpleasant, but moreso because it's a lot of the same. Nobody wants 15 ribeyes in a row. Blush is a diverse tasting menu from one of the top restaurants in the world. There is not a song on this album I'd rank below a 9/10 and every one is unique.
If you're reading this, you probably know me and might have expected me to put a Brockhampton member in this list somewhere. That said, I didn't expect so personally because Kevin Abstract's last solo album Blanket had some high points but was mostly forgettable. The difference in quality obviously comes from the collaboration that took place on this album. The success of Brockhampton was not that each member individually could create what they did, it came from them bouncing each others ideas off the wall and seeing what stuck. No one person had the final say on what something sounded like. Despite this being listed as a solo project, Kevin has made it clear that "Blush" is a loose collective. It just so happens that that collective involves some of the greatest working talents in the industry right now, namely JPEGMafia, Quadeca, and Romil Hemnani, as well as introducing tons of no-name artists which will deservedly blow up after this album gains traction (Love Spells, Derby).
My only major issue with this album that I have to note is the inclusion of Ameer Vann. Ameer was famously kicked out of Brockhampton in 2018 due to allegations of sexual misconduct by multiple women. Moreover, in 2024, fellow Brockhampton member Dom McKlennon claimed that Ameer also set him up to be robbed following his dismissal from the group. Ameer is talented and Kevin and him have been good friends since high school, yet I take serious issue with Kevin including him on the album as it associates the other talents on this album, and the listener, with Kevin's forgiveness of the man. Ameer appears on 4/18 songs.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Emily Aidan C Sally
A must listen to for Aidan C

12

Stardust - Danny Brown

Everything I went through had me drowning on the surface

Discovered who I am, now I know my life purpose

Genre: Rap Subgenre: Experimental Hip Hop Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: The Book of Daniel

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 4

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +3

Total: 19/21 A+

Review

A wild twist in subject matter from Danny Brown on this one, and a twist that not only refreshes his music, but my entire image of him as an artist. On *Stardust*, Danny seamlessly bounces between a memoir of his career and substance abuse, to his own artistry and gratitude for his fans and collaborators, as well as other themes and motifs that I can't even list because of how lyrically dense the album is. The features on this thing are also really impressive. I especially enjoyed Ta Ukrainka's verses on "The End" which discusses her move to Poland from Ukraine and the social isolation that came with not knowing the language, paired with the fact that she sings in both Ukranian and Polish on the song.
My only notable complaint with the album is that it tries to hard to be dramatic at times, with some songs, including "The End" having long, spoken word sections at the end of the song. If those sections were made into their own, seperate, interludes, I'd push this up a few more placements. Other than that, A+ record, and my personal favorite of Danny's.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Foster Aidan B Aidan C
A must listen to for Aidan C

11

Revengeseekrz - Jane Remover

You would do it too, I saw you, I heard you call it love

So should I change my name again? JR, JR, JR

Genre: Electronic Subgenre: Glitchcore Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: JRJRJR

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 3

Novelty 5

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +3

Total: 18/21 A

Review

This album has been shuffled around my ranking a ton this year. It's main problem is also it's greatest and most unique advantage: it's denser than a motherfucker. There will not be a single second when you're listening to this album where you are not being bombarded with noise. Every track is extremely deep and layered, yet Jane's voice and life story is communicated spectacularly. If you're open to hearing something fantastically *new*, check this out. This is the first and strongest project of the three released by Jane this year, and clearly the one she put the most thought and energy into, despite the greatness of *Heart Emoji* and *Ghostholding*.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Aidan B
A must listen to for Aidan B

10

Never Enough - Turnstile

FINALLY I CAN SEE IT

THESE BIRDS NOT MEANT TO FLY ALONE

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Post Hardcore Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: DULL

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 4

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 19/21 A+

Review

From start to finish, this album feels like a neverending soundscape of a psyche. The memory of *Never Enough* feels like a dream.
I'm realizing I don't know how to talk about this album very much, and that I don't know what to say. It's fairly one-note, but that note is consistently catchy and exhilerating, yet still manages to throw in plenty of surprises while still staying within the same sound.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Andrew Foster Aidan B Aidan C Sally
A must listen to for Aidan C

9

Something Beautiful - Miley Cyrus *

Show me how you'd hold me if tomorrow was comin' for sure

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Pop Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Something Beautiful

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 5

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +2

Total: 19/21 A+

Review

The veneers are insane, the buccal fat gone, her vocal chords are fucked, and yet somehow, Miley Cyrus created an album with a stronger vision and execution than not only anything in her discography, but in all of American pop music this year. It takes risks, it's pallatable and digestible, it's soul crushingly emotional and visceral at times, while also being extremely enjoyable as well from beginning to end.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Sally
A must listen to for Sally

8

Pain to Power - Maruja

It's our differences that make us beautiful.

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Art Rock Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Sairose

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 5

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +3

Total: 20/21 A+

Review

There's something to be said about artists who are able to convey a strong and passionate message without writing lyrics that are overcomplicated and/or borderline cryptic to the listener. The band Maruja tells it like it is, and despite the simplicity of how they do it, it'll still make you want to cry. Without question the most politically relevant album of the year, and done so with talent, passion, and bravery very few are capable of. Just spectacular.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Emily Foster Aidan B Aidan C
A must listen to for Foster

7

I Love my Computer - Ninajirachi

It sounds like iPod Touch, yellow Pikachu case

FL Studio free download in my search history

Genre: Electronic Subgenre: EDM Country: Australia Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: All at Once

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 4

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 20/21 A+

Review

I took a break from listening to EDM between 2015 and ~2023 when Fred Again's Boiler Room set dragged me back to the genre against my will. Given that I'm still getting a fair view of the contemporary mainstream landscape, it's only fair that I compare Ninajirachi to her peers. And with that said, nobody is doing it like Nina.
On other Electronic albums I've reviewed this year, my main complaint on most of them was that the producer doesn't sing, which leads to a disconnect between the lyrics and backing track, amongst other, more specific mismatches. I've been following Nina since her 2019 EP *Lapland*, which she released when she was 19, and one thing you can always say about her is music is that it is incredibly focused and she plays has a hand in every aspect of her work. What sets *I Love my Computer Apart* from her prior discography is that it's significantly more personal and heartfelt. It feels like more like a memoir at times than an EDM album. "Ipod Touch", for example, brings up moments from her childhood that made her fall in love with Electronic Music. "Sing Good" is another obvious example of this kind of writing, with her telling the story of how she was able to open up and be brave enough to sing on her songs rather than just producing them. I really don't think you're going to get than kind of personal touch on anything else in the EDM genre today. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Andrew Aidan B Sally
A must listen to for Phil

6

Heavy Metal - Cameron Winter

You're making me feel like I'm a zero dollar man

You're making me feel like a dollar in your hand

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Singer-Songwriter Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: $0

Scores

Nuance 4

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 5

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +3

Total: 19/21 A+

Review

Yes, this came out at the end of 2024, emdash, fuck you. This year was a pretty emotional one for me, and while sad songs have never been in my rotation, songs about love and relationships have been and have been exacerbated as of recent. None of the songs on Heavy Metal are particularly or outright sad, though his voice and piano riffs may initially make you think they are. In fact, this album gave me more hope than any other music this decade.
I may not be in as much need of hope as most people in the world, but jesus christ this album spoke to me in unexpected ways. I gave it a listen after weeks/months of seeing the unique album cover pop up on a mix of folks “best of 2024” list or “albums to listen to Jan 2025” yadayadayada. The reason for that praise is clearly due to Cameron's care and passion behind his music. I don't think there's a single other artist I've listened to this year that sang from the heart at a level that he did. I was absolutely destroyed after learning he was born in 2002, because the maturity shown in each song, both lyrically and sonically, are that of someone in the mid-30s, minimum, reminiscent of Bob Dylan or even the Beatles on the songwriting front.
Side note: it's pretty wild the differences between Cameron's solo work and as the frontman of the band Geese. I liked and appreciated Geese's album this year, but didn't love it, whereas *Heavy Metal* is impossible not to love after a few listens. You better start walking because love takes miles.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Andrew Foster Aidan B Aidan C
A must listen to for Aidan C

5

Pressure - Julia Wolf

I want your things in my room, I miss you all of the time

I stalk myself on the internet just to see what you'll find

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Emo Country: USA Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: FYP

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 5

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 21/21 A+

Review

For the record, I listened to this well before she got a disrespectful but prominent feature on a dr*ke song which shall not be named.
I gotta say this is pretty much a flawless album, while also balancing an impressive use of early 2000s nostalgia with modern sounds and themes. Julia's voice is so unique, and the softness of it and her words mesh shockingly well with the more metal instrumentation in the background. Speaking of the instrumentation, I forget the guy's name but she worked closely with one producer/guitarist on *Pressure* that deserves as much praise as Julia. It's downright masterful stuff.
Anyways, would recommend. This is another album that I don't have a ton to say about because it doesn't need defending.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Andrew Lena Tess Sally
A must listen to for Tess

4

Forever Howlong - Black Country, New Road

I shall boil some beans

I should get my vitamin B

Genre: Indie Subgenre: Baroque Pop Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Forever Howlong

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 5

Listenability 2

Bonus Points +3

Total: 20/21 A+

Review

I have to admit that this is a case of me deciding this would be an album of the year contender before it even came out.
After BC,NR's previous frontman dropped out, I was curious how the band would choose to move forwards. Their previous album, Live at Bush Hall, gave a preview of that path, but went over my and many other's heads due to the confusing marketting of it being a full fledged BC,NR album but sold, in my view, as just a collection of concert recordings. To say I love the direction this band took is putting it lightly. It's impossible to fill the shoes left by the previous singer Isaac Wood, but he was replaced by the three female members of the group all stepping up the plate as singers, and the new form BC,NR takes is, in my opinion, even stronger than before. 99% of fans would say otherwise despite enjoying Forever Howlong, but I'll stand by that claim because the diversity and uniqueness that's spawned from their band makeup is really unlike anything else I've heard before. There really is no one word to describe this album.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Andrew Lena Emily Aidan C
A must listen to for Emily

3

Euro-Country - CMAT

I don't miss you like I should

But l'd kill myself to find out if you think this song is good

Genre: Pop Subgenre: Pop Country Country: Ireland Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: Lord let that Tesla Crash

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 5

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 21/21 A+

Review

After my first listen to *Euro Country* I thought "Some great melodies and instrumentation, and an interesting premise, though the vibe that comes with supplanting american style white trash on europe is tough to both chew and swallow". I acknowledged it was still worth listening to as that premise is also what makes it so unique, but as a completed package, it's something I struggle to love despite the utter greatness of its components. Admittedly, this is also a good example of how my judgements of music unfortunatley are not 100% based on the music in itself, because the album cover is confusing to someone who is unaware of the themes of the work within it. This album is well worth all the praise it receives, but the seriousness of the music is directly denied by the comedic album art.
Pause. I listen to the album a two or three more times.
Incredibly emotional and evocative of a profound, universal western rural experience - I left this album with a sense of yearning for empty roads and cold sunsets, while also getting a history lesson on the unique difficulties faced by 21st century Ireland. This album is absolutely devastating in the best way possible. A visceral recollection of the Celtic Tiger, a girl my age thrown into a world surrounded by suicide, poverty, the disolution of families, communities, homes, and the feeling of powerlessness which comes with that and seeing its perpetrators celebrated. Love gained and love lost, yet every song is filled with eclectic energy, great melodies, and phenomenal singing that makes it incredibly enjoyable nonetheless. And that only describes the title track. Good god this is one for the ages on lyrics alone. Please listen to this album intentionally.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Andrew Lena Emily Foster Tess Sally

2

People Watching - Sam Fender

She caught me by the arm, kissed me through the song,

Disarmed the anger I held like a rock my whole life

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Heartland Rock Country: United Kingdom Language: English Format: Album Favorite Song: None

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 5

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 21/21 A+

Review

It was extremely difficult choosing between this album and my #1 as my AOTY.
4 out of 5 albums on this list are those that don't stop me in my tracks. The top 60 of this 100 are at the very least "good", but not many of them are those that make me say "wow this is really something special" on first listen. "People Watching" is an album that you will understand why it receives it's praise on first listen. On the first listen, I had to ask myself if I was hearing things correctly.
I am not being hyperbolic when I say every song on this album is not only lead single-worthy, but also individually career defining for any other artist. I mentioned earlier under Kevin Abstract's Blush that nobody wants an album that's equivalent to a meal with 15 subsequent steaks, but this is an exception. Each song is a heavy hitter with a strong story to it that, and while simple, are all very legible even when listening casually. Melodies across the board are infectous and the instrumentation across the album is nothing short if spectacular. The basslines on "Rein Me In" is a highlight for me, along with the guitar loop on "Nostalgia's Lie".
My only somewhat negative comment about *People Watching* is that it doesn't push the needle forward in genre. It's a collection of hitworthy songs, yet still plays it relatively safe in it's universal accessibility. That's fine because there are definitley moments on here that will still catch you off-guard amongst their other already incredible components, but it doesn't experiment much, approaching Alex Warren "ordinary" vibes. It's music video comments are filled with boomers telling you their age and how the song reminds them of buddy whothefuck that they listened to when they got home from Vietnam. Forget it.
Universal Accessibility is not a bad thing by any means so I don't know why I bothered writing so much about that. Anyways, I enjoyed the hell out of this album and would recommend to anyone and everyone. It's honestly as close to perfect as anything on here.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Phil Andrew Lena Emily Foster Aidan C Tess Sally
A must listen to for Andrew

1

Soft Spot - Honningbarna

I watch a video of Kristian Valen pulling two MP5's out of a Ferrari in Marbella

Whoa, it's wild being alive

Genre: Rock Subgenre: Noise Rock Country: Norway Language: Norwegian Format: Album Favorite Song: God Gutt

Scores

Nuance 5

Narrative/Lyrics 5

Novelty 5

Listenability 3

Bonus Points +3

Total: 21/21 A+

Review

I'm a nobody but I still treat this as the highest praise I can possibly give, period. Chills, start to finish. A portrait of the modern man crumbling under the weight of the 21st century, grappling with remnant of late 90s corporate rejection with the real and violent threat of the contemporary borgeois. It took a long long time to decide my album of the year between the early in the year release of the inventive *Forever Howlong*, the lyrically perfected *Euro Country*, and the emotional, expertly crafted and executed *People Watching* and *Pressure*, but at the end of it all, no music this year stood up to the feeling I have when listening to *Soft Spot*. In fact, it's not even close. This album honestly slowed down my ability to listen to other music because I was re-listening to it in full too many times.
Perfectly mixed, infectious energy, lyrics that will make you rage and cry - it has it all and is incredibly digestible at that for something in the hardcore genre. Best of all, there is not a song on the tracklist, save, debatably, the intro and interlude, that would make you feel otherwise. Downright incredible levels of energy with something powerful, contemporary, and relevant to boot. No soft spots for fascist hot shots.

Listen

Would love to hear the thoughts of: Foster Aidan B Aidan C
A must listen to for Foster

The 120 Albums and EPs I Listened to in 2025

Introduction

Artists I am not listening to

Other Artists I listened to this year

Lonely at the Top - Joey Bada$$

Scores

Review

Ruby - Jennie

Scores

Review

Dumb - Flume & Emma Louise

Scores

Review

The Life of a Showgirl - Taylor Swift *

Scores

Review

Even in Arcadia - Sleep Token

Scores

Review

God Does Like Ugly - JID

Scores

Review

Weirdo - Emma Jean Thackray

Scores

Review

Don't Tap the Glass - Tyler the Creator

Scores

Review

Man's Best Friend - Sabrina Carpenter

Scores

Review

Earthwave - AU5

Scores

Review

I Barely Know Her - Sombr

Scores

Review

13 Months of Sunshine - Amine

Scores

Review

Sincerely - Kali Uchis

Scores

Review

Princess of Power - Marina

Scores

Review

Sable Fable - Bon Iver *

Scores

Review

Everybody Scream - Florence and the Machine

Scores

Review

Crash Bogus - Torr

Scores

Review

No Rap on Sunday - Kota the Friend

Scores

Review

Guitar - Mac Demarco

Scores

Review

Baby - Dijon *

Scores

Review

Baloonerism - Mac Miller *

Scores

Review

Vie - Doja Cat

Scores

Review

A Matter of Time - Laufey

Scores

Review

Datamosh - High Society

Scores

Review

Synthetic Love - Tokyona

Scores

Review

Endlessly - Chanpan