The top 10 albums of 2025

As we near the end of 2025, its time to reflect on the music that helped define the year. Despite the chaos of the world, these albums offered a much-needed escape, from the long-awaited return of pop icons to the emergence of new, boundary-pushing voices. Heres a look at the top 10 albums of 2025 that kept us going through the highs and lows.

10. Djo - The Crux

After years of slaying demogorgons, Joe Keery (a.k.a. Djo) returned with a deeply personal and diverse album. "The Crux" is a 12-track exploration of love and loss, with Keery blending nostalgic '80s pop, folk, and orchestral elements. Tracks like "Delete Ya" and "Potion" showcase his emotional range, while "Golden Line" highlights his devotion to family. Keerys musical evolution is as compelling as his emotional journey through heartbreak.

9. Sudan Archives - The BPM

On her third album, Brittney Parks (Sudan Archives) blends violin with infectious rhythms and bold experimentation. "The BPM" is a sonic journey where genres collide, from house to Irish folk. Tracks like "A Bugs Life" and "Ms. Pac Man" show her fearless approach to both party anthems and introspective exploration. A rollercoaster of emotions, this album is as exhausting as it is enlightening.

8. Olivia Dean - The Art of Loving

Olivia Dean's sophomore effort solidified her as a global neo-soul powerhouse. With tracks like the breezy "So Easy (To Fall in Love)" and the rhythmically addictive "Baby Steps," "The Art of Loving" is a minimalist triumph. Deans velvety voice takes center stage, creating a deeply emotional yet understated album that explores love, relationships, and self-empowerment.

7. Alex G - Headlights

On his 10th album, Alex G continues to explore the everyday struggles and stories of his life. "Headlights" is a reflection of his growth as an artist, combining polished folk-rock with the lo-fi charm that made him a DIY legend. Tracks like "Beam Me Up" and "Logan Hotel" show his evolution into a more introspective, mature artist grappling with fame and responsibility.

6. Geese - Getting Killed

Brooklyns Geese delivered a gritty, chaotic album that captures the angst of the Anxious Generation. "Getting Killed" is a mix of volatile guitar riffs and unpredictable song structures. With wild vocal performances from Cameron Winter, the album's aggressive energy contrasts with its vulnerable, introspective lyrics. Its a thrilling ride that pushes the boundaries of rock music.

5. Lady Gaga - Mayhem

Lady Gagas "Mayhem" marks her most eclectic work yet, spanning genres from funk to industrial to glam rock. With tracks like "Killah" and "How Bad Do U Want Me," she showcases her versatility, blending pop, rock, and theater. The album is both a return to form and a bold leap into new sonic territories, reaffirming Gagas status as one of pops most daring icons.

4. Perfume Genius - Glory

Mike Hadreas continues to evolve as Perfume Genius on his seventh album, "Glory." This record is a collaboration of ethereal and emotional depth, with Hadreas exploring trauma, intimacy, and identity through lush arrangements. Tracks like "No Front Teeth" and "Glory" combine Americana with rapturous rock, making "Glory" a transcendent album full of contradictions and beauty.

3. FKA Twigs - Eusexua

FKA Twigs' third studio album strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and experimentation. "Eusexua" blends genres like techno, drum and bass, and trip-hop while maintaining Twigs distinctive vision. The album is a journey into the themes of dominance, submission, and transformation, showcasing Twigs ability to mix cerebral exploration with sensual allure.

2. Bad Bunny - Deb Tirar Ms Fotos

Bad Bunny's return to Puerto Rico for "Deb Tirar Ms Fotos" is a love letter to his roots. The album fuses reggaeton with traditional sounds like plena and salsa, creating a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture. With tracks like "Deb Tirar Ms Fotos" and "Baile Inolvidable," Bad Bunny blends modern pop with timeless Latin sounds, crafting an album that feels both personal and universally powerful.

1. Rosala - Lux

Rosalas "Lux" is a monumental achievement, blending genres and mythologies to create an album that is both grand and intimate. Drawing inspiration from female saints, Rosala explores themes of faith, love, and desire with stunning vocal performances and a rich orchestral backdrop. With contributions from artists like Patti Smith and Charlotte Gainsbourg, "Lux" is a work of monumental ambition, showing Rosalas mastery in pushing musical boundaries.

Honorable Mentions

• Bon Iver - Sable, Fable: Justin Vernons latest project sheds his introspective melancholy for a more outward-looking, joyful sound.
• Destroyer - Dans Boogie: A maximalist album of dense compositions, with Dan Bejars sardonic lyrics leading the charge.
• Haim - I Quit: A pop-rock exploration of modern romance, filled with emotional highs and lows.
• Turnstile - Never Enough: The hardcore band delivers another genre-defying album with energy and innovation.
• Kali Uchis - Sincerely: A sultry, sophisticated album that blends R&B with soulful slow jams inspired by personal loss and joy.

Author: Connor Blake