1. Doves – Constellations For the Lonely (Deluxe)
What year is this? Hey, I’m as surprised as you, but yes, Doves made my number one album of 2025. I started listening to it in February and never stopped. Most bands lose the feeling as they get older, but after 25 years, Doves’ 6th album is their best.
And to top it off, they added 2 songs to a deluxe version later in the year that could each be singles in their own right.
2. Geese – Getting Killed
The most unexpected success story of 2025. Cameron Winter brought his solo turn as a classic indie crooner to the band and the result is astounding.
3. Deafheaven – Lonely People with Power
I am contractually obligated to include Deafheaven on every list I make. Lonely People with Power rounds out the gazey sounds of Infinite Granite with the classic Deafheaven black propulsion. Or as my wife calls it “oh please not the guy that sounds like he’s dying.”
4. Bad Bunny – DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
2025 is the year Bad Bunny became the biggest pop star on the planet and used his powers for good: teaching the world about boriqua and fighting fascists.
5. Friendship – Caveman Wakes Up
I’m late to the Friendship train but I’m fully on board. I hear bits of Jason Molina and Bill Callahan but this stands on its own.
6. Rosalía – LUX
Rosalia uses the peak of her powers to put out a major label album featuring…songs in 14 languages backed by an orchestra. Latin pop stars putting everyone else to shame this year.
7. Car Seat Headrest – The Scholars
You had me at Car Seat Headrest put out another concept album with 13 minute songs.
8. Dijon – Baby
The same year we lost D’Angelo we get an incredible album from a spiritual successor. Baby pushes boundaries of soul in all the right ways.
9. MONO NO AWARE – 走馬灯
Music for floating.
10. Tyler, The Creator – DON’T TAP THE GLASS
Tyler keeps putting out albums as extended skits and I’m here for all of them.
11. Heems – A Hundred Alibis
Heemy trying his hand at singing with a supporting cast of indie stars. It doesn’t land on every track, but the Biggie inspired verse over the shimmering guitar from Lee Ranaldo from Sonic Youth makes me pump my fist every time.
12. Sorry – COSPLAY
Downbeat trip hoppy sounds that will stealthily get you bobbing your head without realizing it.
13. Annahstasia – Tether
I love the juxtaposition of her sledgehammer voice over spare folk arrangements.
14. Just Mustard – WE WERE JUST HERE
Evidently this is the year of female-led trip hop-ish bands. Just Mustard layers in shoegaze and noise rock to create something great.
15. Jeff Tweedy – Twilight Overdrive
Classic Jeff. A triple album with no skips.
16. Sudan Archives – The BPM
Probably my favorite violin dance album.
17. Titanic – HAGEN
Italian art film soundtrack, without the movie.
18. Addison Rae – Addison
Sometimes all you want is some bubblegum.
19. John Glacier – Like a Ribbon
This John’s a lady. Her voice is like a nice glass of whiskey, warming as it goes down.
20. Decius – Decius Vol. II (Splendour & Obedience)
The European disco party continues.
21. Emile Mosseri – tryin to be born
One of my favorite composers released a non-soundtrack album and it has many of the same qualities that make his soundtracks so excellent.
22. Macario Martinez – Si Mañana Ya No Estoy
The kid got his moment in the spotlight and hasn’t let go.
23. Queralt Lahoz – 9:30PM
Reggaeton laced with flamenco makes bangers.
24. The Raveonettes – PE’AHI II
Wall of fuzz.
25. Pink Pablo – ALL I DREAM
Second Puerto Rican on the list. The production is bold and so much fun.
A very exciting year for those interested in letter case styling.
- 7 album titles in ALL CAPS
- 1 in lowercase
- 1 in AlTeRnAtInG lEtTeRs
- 1 band name in ALL CAPS
And the trend of Spanish-language music on the pop charts has reached my list.
- 6(!) albums predominantly in Spanish
- 1 in Japanese
Sound off.