50. 'Belong' – Jay Som
Indie singer/songwriter Jay Som’s first album in six years feels more diverse than anything she’s put out before. She fully embraces pop punk on “Float” with Jim Adkins and navigates distortion on both “Cards on the Table” with Mini Trees and “Past Lives” with Hayley Williams. But Jay Som still manages to shine on her own, as solo cuts like “Appointments” and “Casino Stars” show clear mastery over the sparse, stripped-down style she does best, while “A Million Reasons Why” sees her use a rare falsetto. Lyrically, the album sees Jay Som dealing with change in different ways. She avoids fighting with her partner on “Drop A” and tries not to lose her sense of self on “Float,” but she also accepts changing friendship dynamics on “Cards on the Table” and lets go of someone desperate to leave on closer “Want it All.” Belong is the perfect title for this album, as listeners will feel an intimate connection with the material before its 33-minute runtime is up. – Raniel Santos
49. 'Where the Earth Bends' – Daffo
A new life was breathed into the undying art of songwriting when Daffo released their full-length debut album, Where the Earth Bends. With great tact, they write songs that balance the dark realities of adolescence with a sly sense of redemption. On higher energy pieces like “Absence Makes the Heart Grow” and “Habit,” heavier instrumentation compliments a simple, yet thoughtfully placed chorus sandwiched between relatable verses made just right for victims of self depreciation and overthinking. Light, acoustic accompaniment is a thoughtful balance for the depth of subject matter on songs like “Carrot Fingers” and “Unveiling.” On these darker tracks, their voice takes the wheel on a tonally satisfying dance between the lines of mass appeal and an arcane specificity. Altogether, this album is a frothing mouthful of creativity; a north star that twinkles beyond the night hours of the folk-pop niche. – Lucy Nece
48. ‘Tunnel Vision’ – Beach Bunny
With their third album, indie pop trio Beach Bunny deliver a lean and energetic listen that is cohesive in an unexpected way.
Returning producer Sean O’Keefe effectively toes the line from being faithful to the band’s back catalog and advancing their sound, best exemplified by the pristine mixes of “Vertigo” and “Clueless,” and the addition of synths on closer “Cycles.” Other additional musical elements, like organs and car sounds, make the mixes livelier.
Lili Trifilio’s anxious vocals on most of these songs tilt closer to the group’s early output than their more recent albums, but it feels like a conscious choice rather than human error or regression. The one exception is on “Pixie Cut,” which exudes confidence throughout. Trifilio’s compatriots, drummer Jonathan Alvarado and guitarist Anthony Vaccaro, pull their weight too, like with occasionally speedy drum fills on “Chasm” and the main guitar riffs of the title track and “Violence.”
But it’s the oft-contradictory lyrics that make the biggest strides. The primary themes are personal growth and reconciling future expectations with reality, most evident on “Chasm,” “Vertigo” and “Clueless.” It’s fascinating and rewarding to hear the album find itself as it goes on. – Raniel Santos
47. ‘Anyway’ – Anamanaguchi
Anamanaguchi returned in 2025 with a new sound, and a pivot away from their heavy-synths style – without letting go of everything that made them the cult favourites they’ve been for the last decade. Adding in proper vocals for the first time ever, the band released a 45-minute LP of noticeably trimmed-down songs (for them), including the stand-out track “Magnet”, a self-styled “love song with extreme feelings.” It could have been a risk, but Anyway was a successful step into a new sound while still maintaining the essence of everything that makes Anamanaguchi great, creating an album that deserves to be a fan-favourite. – Leo Edworthy
46. 'I Love My Computer' – Ninajirachi (NLV Records)
The Australian producer's debut album arrived as a fully formed statement from an artist who understands that the best electronic music exists somewhere between reality and digital fantasy. I Love My Computer honors the shiny 2010s EDM that shaped her while rebuilding those sounds into something genuinely contemporary, moving between dance, pop, and electro without losing momentum across its runtime.
The album worked because Ninajirachi treated her computer as an instrument rather than just a production tool, an approach that makes sense for someone who discovered electronic music through a screen in regional Australia rather than on a dancefloor. Her collaboration with daine on "It's You" became the album's only official feature, proving sometimes the best creative decisions come from breaking your own rules. Her live presence matched the album's ambition, with headlining shows across three continents, tours alongside umru and Porter Robinson, and her flagship Dark Crystal club events proving she can translate the album's digital maximalism into physical space, with 2026 seeing her make her Coachella debut. – Patrick Ames Conner
45. 'God Does Like Ugly' – J.I.D.
As soon as the intro “YouUgly” begins, the landscape of the album is set by J.I.D. Inspired by an uncanny saying from his grandmother, the Atlanta wordsmith dedicates the album to finding the beauty within the misappropriated and misunderstood. As his previous effort brought his personal story full circle, his latest LP is inspired by his neighborhood roots and his deep love for his hometown and upbringing, despite generalized perceptions. Across cuts like “VCRs” and “Community”, J.I.D. layers his lyrics with tales of harsh reality checks, as well as grappling numbness to it all on tracks like “K Word”. J.I.D.’s latest album is one of this year’s best as it carries the energy of Basqiat throughout the project: making the unapologetically black as beautiful as ever. – Kalen Murphy
44. ‘Pateka’ – Pateka
Bursting onto the scene earlier this year, experimental rock quartet Pateka came out with something special on their debut self-titled album Pateka earlier this year. A clashing mix of eccentric musical styles, living sounds, messed-up time signatures and a heaping dose of grooviness, Pateka sees the band work through several stages of grief in a semi-biographical style to come out the other side with renewed hope and vigour. It could have been unbearable – or even a difficult slog – but everything on Pateka came through for a special moment of wonky perfection. The result is a real treat for a total sensory overload, and hopefully there’s more to come from a band that’s definitely one to watch. – Leo Edworthy
43. 'Purity Ring' – Purity Ring
Where ethereal meets break beats, Purity Ring forged a new path on their highly anticipated self-titled album Purity Ring. As their first independent release, it bleeds with fresh personality. From the twinkling synths and syncopated vocals listeners have come to know and love, to live instrumental features on tracks like “part ii” and “imanocean,” the songs are connected by a string of eccentricity that still feels true to the heart of their longtime project. But there’s something brighter—more digital, which molds the project into a vision of the future, more blatant what we’ve seen from them before. Purity Ring put darkness to the side but kept the uncanny; cut the nostalgia in half, but carried poetry with them as sweet and preserved
as it came to us first in 2012 with Shrines. Untamed by over a decade of an algorithmic industry, Purity Ring’s creation is a beacon of hope; their self-titled album is a broken off piece of that light. As always, they have burdened us with the beauty of something just barely tangible enough to be grasped. – Lucy Nece
42. ‘Lethal’ – Rico Nasty
Rico Nasty came back with her first full album since 2022 this year, and it was absolutely worth the wait. The grunge girl of the hip-hop scene released Lethal with pop-punk label Fueled By Ramen, and let loose more than she ever has before with her rap-rock stylings to great effect. Fast and unapologetic, Lethal features stand out tracks “TEEHTSUCKER (YEA3x)”, “CRASH”, and “PINK,” as well as the sweet closing track from Rico Nasty to her son, where she waxes lyrical about him being the biggest, best joy in her life – which is what listening to this album feels like. Rico Nasty is the star everyone deserves to know about, and her pushing genre boundaries more and more is an endless source of excitement. – Leo Edworthy
41. 'Jonatan' – Yung Lean
Years of personal growth, both inside and outside of Yung Lean’s artistry, led to Jonatan. As his fifth studio album, it’s a contemporary reflection of a decade’s worth of music, from his humble beginnings as a pioneer of SoundCloud rap to his recent uptick of mainstream success. Longtime listeners might hear traces of his earlier works within the quick-witted poetry of this album, but there is something deeply purposeful about his writing now—a force that hovers somewhere between dark and light, blooming from the abstraction of his past. Heavy electronic production is blended with the acoustic and orchestral instrumentals usually reserved for his jonatan leandoer96 project, and his signature raw vocals bleed gritty emotion from track to track. Both lyrically and musically, there is a melancholic blanket thrown over the project, but with hints of energetic whimsy on tracks like “Forever Yung” and“Terminator Symphony." From start to finish, Jonatan makes use of all aspects of the creative process, injecting his distinctive touch into his most heart-wrenchingly personal album yet. – Lucy Nece
40. 'Archangel' – KETTAMA
KETTAMA’s Archangel bursts out of the speakers with a pulse that refuses to slow down. From the first beat, it’s clear this isn’t just an album, it’s a carefully constructed dancefloor journey, full of tension, release, and moments that make the chest vibrate. The production is razor-sharp: jagged synths collide with booming kicks, while airy pads and melodic flourishes occasionally break through, giving the album space to breathe. Tracks like “Yosemite” and “Take Me” hit with relentless energy, while songs such as “If U Want My Heart” soften the momentum with dreamy vocals and unexpected harmonies. This interplay of intensity and respite keeps the listener on edge, balancing chaos with craft.
What makes Archangel compelling is its ability to feel both underground and cinematic. It’s a record that can command a club while rewarding careful listening at home. KETTAMA isn’t just making music for the moment; every drop, every build, is layered with intent, shaping an emotional and physical response that lingers long after the album draws to a close. Archangel is kinetic, immersive, and unapologetically alive, marking a debut that stakes a claim in electronic music with confidence and vision. – Jessica Burr
39. 'STAR LINE' – Chance The Rapper
In the six years that’s passed since Chance dropped his debut album—which is insane to say—, the Chicago lyricist has been internally journaling his chronicles along the way. For an album to face so much anticipation and expectation leading to its release, Star Line emphasizes purpose over the pressure for Chance’s strongest release to date. As his pen never misses a beat, details his experiences with fatherhood (“The Highs and the Lows”), his city changing before his eyes (“Back to the Go”), and addresses stigmas within his community (“Negro Problem,” “No More Old Men”) in a way that hits close to home. For those that became fans of Chance in his Acid Rap days, his naturally colorful energy is not lost on tracks like “Ride” and “Drapetomania.” Far from one of the next up-and-comers, Star Line finds Chance settling into his role of rap’s most profiling storytellers today. – Kalen Murphy
38 'everything is a lot' – Wale
Now eight albums deep, Wale delivers his best and most polished body of work to date with everything is a lot. Sounding as hungry and candid as ever, the album’s title is fitting, as the inspiration behind the project comes with a price, and Wale accepts and bares the expenses. From lost love, expressed in songs like “Fly Away” and “City On Fire,” to survivor’s remorse for those he lost, as seen in “Survive” and “Lonely,”, it’s no stone the DMV rapper leaves unturned. But within the confessions is the hope and embracement of self being an anchor for his city amidst the storm (“Belly”), heads over heels for love (“Where to Start”, “Watching Us”), and staying in touch with the childlike artist side of himself that’s been driving him since day one (“Mirroronnabenz”). One of rap’s best releases feels almost like a timestamp record for listeners, as everything… has truly been a lot. – Kalen Murphy
37. 'Never Enough' – Turnstile
The opening title track of Turnstile’s fourth album sets the tone, with the ethereal intro transitioning into a rollicking banger and back again. From there, the band maintains a tight balancing act between hardcore and pop sounds, yielding some unique hits. The lyrics touch on themes of letting go of preconceived notions and learning to live independently. Highlights include “I Care,” which sounds endearingly nostalgic for “Under the Sea”-themed school dances, and “Sunshower,” which places the listener into a warm three-minute embrace. Frontman Brendan Yates shows a keen eye for production here, fitting warping effects on “Light Design,” distortion on the A.G. Cook-assisted “Dull” and trumpets in between breakdowns on “Dreaming.”
In addition to Cook, the list of collaborators exemplifies the goodwill Turnstile have received during their time as a band, with Blood Orange returning from Glow On and Hayley Williams, Faye Webster and Maestro Harrell also making vocal contributions.
All 14 tracks are so enjoyable that the 45-minute runtime feels brisk. Plus, each song transitions seamlessly into one another, making the listener feel like they’re experiencing one continuous ride. – Raniel Santos
36. ‘Amerika’s Next Top Party’ – PARTYOF2
In the fallout from grouptherapy., former members Jadagrace and SWIM reemerge as rap duo PARTYOF2. After teasing their new sound with the EP earlier this year, the rising duo released the underrated summer album Amerika’s Next Top Party. The album proved PARTYOF2 is rap’s next big act. From the catchy hooks on “JUST DANCE 2” to the back-and-forth playful beef on “FRIENDLY FIRE,” PARTYOF2’s album is a masterclass in dance and fun.
In between addressing what little turmoil is left and embracing for a new future, PARTYOF2 makes sure to keep the main thing true: they are here to shake it up. The messaging is there, so are Jadagrace's dance moves. Their rap ability helps deliver those flows that require a second listen. – Donovan Wilkins
35. ‘Raw Blue’ – Whirr
Whirr excels in the shoegaze genre with their best project in recent years. The punk band provides a roadmap for creating walls of sound in a way that’s unique and brandish. “Collect Sadness” is a mesh of longing and disdain. The moments found on that track and throughout the project speak to the direction modern shoegaze is headed. Raw Blue amplifies the discoloration and emotion by dissecting the foundation of shoegaze.
Raw Blue is nothing short of a victory lap for a band so pivotal to the rebirth of American shoegaze since the early 2010s. It shows consistency and a strong will to enact a certain youthful charm. The album comes in the early window of the year and doesn't seem to let go of its status within critical acclaim throughout the year. The hush breathless poetry works in tune with the overall sound. – Donovan Wilkins
34. 'Lotus' – Little Simz
Little Simz’ Lotus is a masterclass in controlled intensity, balancing introspection with unflinching power. From the first note, the album draws the listener into a world where jazz‑tinged horns, smoky synths, and taut percussion create spaces for both reflection and confrontation. Throughout the album, Simz navigates betrayal, loss, and resilience with precision. Tracks like “Thief” crackle with sharpness, a simmering rage tempered by craft, while moments such as “Only” and “Lonely” unfold in quiet vulnerability, allowing the weight of emotion to land fully. Her lyricism is both intimate and expansive, telling stories that are at once personal and universally resonant.
What sets Lotus apart is its pacing and texture. The album never rushes; it allows each beat, each pause, to breathe, letting the listener inhabit the emotional landscape rather than merely observe it. Simz’ voice is steady, clear, and commanding, threading the album together and anchoring the drama with authenticity. By the close, Lotus is less about resolution and more about presence and perseverance: a powerful, reflective journey that lingers, reminding the listener of strength found in both vulnerability and clarity. – Jessica Burr
33. ‘MOOD CONTROL’ – BLK ODYSSY
MOOD CONTROL is an R&B-packed project that shifts the tone of the listener’s subconscious with trap rap, soul, and funk. BLK ODYSSY interjects moments of a realm of musical limbo. On MOOD CONTROL, the album sees BLK ODYSSY explore themes of self-isolation, ethereal tones, and the search for human connection.
MOOD CONTROL is Quiet Storm for the new generation. Full of wisdom at times and club-ready at others, the album packs a punch for a continuous duration. The transition between tracks melts into each other, leaving a smooth musical aftertaste. At the heart of it, suffering remains at the forefront of BLK ODYSSY's goal for the album. Everything else just seeks to bring the artist face-to-face with it. MOOD CONTROL doesn't play it safe within the R&B landscape and is better off for it. – Donovan Wilkins
32. 'POP TOO' – Marina Satti
Following her bombastic EP P.O.P., Marina Satti's album POP TOO refuses singular definition. The LP contains nostalgic ballads, dance bangers, and pop-rap fusions. Essentially, a song for every emotional state experienced this year. Greek pop has never felt this interesting and internationally relevant while maintaining cultural specificity. Satti moves between modes effortlessly, trusting her voice and vision to maintain cohesion across stylistic diversity. The album's crown jewel might be "POP (all the voices in my head)," one of 2025's most “crazy” and daring tracks. True to its title, it features seemingly every vocal texture and perspective imaginable, creating controlled chaos that somehow resolves into catharsis. Throughout POP TOO, Satti demonstrates that actual artists can move freely into genres, when confident enough in their identity. She's crafted something that works whether you're seeking emotional release or just need music that moves bodies. – Angelos Andreosopoulos
31. ‘Blush’ – Kevin Abstract
When Kevin Abstract announced his new music collective, BLUSH, many were left wondering how to would fare to Brockhampton. With his fourth studio album, Blush, Abstract introduces a wide range of Texas-based musical artists into the fray. The result is one of hip-hop’s underrated projects of 2025. Grounded in its approach, the project is laced with dream pop production while giving space to the initial roster of BLUSH to trade harmonies and 16s.
While Abstract does his thing on Blush, the real moment comes from the varying degrees of creatives. The album leans into the chemistry of collaboration, and it's when Abstract does his best work. The album allows the rapper to overcome his perfectionist style and embrace change. Blush marks the beginning of a new creative pursuit for Abstract he begins to right the wrongs of Brockhampton's mistakes. – Donovan Wilkins
30. ‘Bleeds’ – Wednesday
Bleeds is a countrygaze powerhouse that sees the indie band Wednesday in their element. Leaning on their unique raspy sound, the band goes through their highs and lows as a band in a fresh way. The stories frontwoman, Karly Hartzman, weaves on Bleeds details rage and, at times, a longing for the Southern charm of old. Wednesday’s sixth album is a trip through the backroads of the gothic south.
Wednesday are seasoned in themselves and craft. Bleeds is reaffirming its status within the indie rock scene. Swampy and heated in between the melodies, Hartzman provides shade under the wasteland with MJ Lenderman back as guitarist despite his 2024 breakout solo year. With a title like Bleeds, Wednesday spills enough of itself on the album that it warrants an emergency visit. – Donovan Wilkins
29. 'West End Girl' – Lily Allen
Lily Allen’s West End Girl lands like a cinematic confession, equal parts sharp wit and tender vulnerability. From the opening track, it’s clear this is an album forged in the crucible of heartbreak, but Allen refuses to linger in despair. Instead, she channels raw emotion into narratives that are both intimate and performative, like diary entries delivered with the precision of a stage monologue. The production is a clever balance of lush strings, punchy beats, and grand flourishes, giving the songs a theatrical sweep without ever feeling overwrought. Tracks like “Ruminating” and “Just Enough” simmer with quiet ache, while “Pussy Palace” and “Nonmonogamummy” crackle with biting humour and pointed commentary, reminding listeners that Allen’s sharp tongue is as central to her artistry as her vulnerable heart.
What makes West End Girl compelling is the tension it holds between spectacle and sincerity. Allen flirts with melodrama but never lets it overshadow the humanity beneath. It’s an album that thrives on contrast: mournful and mischievous, intimate and grandiose, painful yet strangely exhilarating. By the final notes, it leaves a lasting impression, confessional pop elevated into something truly epic. – Jessica Burr
28. ‘Vanisher, Horizon Scraper’ – Quadeca
The third installment in what has been a trilogy of grandiose, experimental, art pop concept records that began with 2022's I Didn’t Mean to Haunt You, Vanisher, Horizon Scraper sees Quadeca at his most sonically and conceptually daring. From the beautiful choral harmonies on "NO QUESTIONS ASKED," to the lush orchestral instrumentation on ‘MONDAY,’ to the sprawling and confessional 8-minute "FOREGONE," Quadeca spares no expense in building an apt musical backdrop over which he can adequately outline the chronicles of a sailor embarking upon a solo voyage in search of freedom, inadvertently being motivated by his own-self destruction.
During this journey, the sailor has moments of introspection, self-reflection, and nostalgia, all culminating with the Danny Brown-assisted ‘THE GREAT BAKUNAWA," and the album closer "CASPER," which features Harry Wilkinson of Maruja fame. In the former, the protagonist comes face-to-face with the moon-eating Bakunawa dragon from Filipino lore, which can only be defeated by music. The latter is a haunting, bombastic outro that includes a chilling spoken word performance from Wilkinson over distorted, chaotic production. With this foray, Quadeca cements his place in the pantheon of generational artists pushing the boundaries of what an album can be, taking his place at the table with a level of poise that isn’t seen nearly as much as it should these days. – Deaundre Dixon
27. ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ – The Weeknd
Being arguably the biggest artist in the world currently, The Weeknd has absolutely nothing left to prove, and could easily coast off the success of years of critically beloved and commercially record-breaking albums and singles. However, the Toronto native has instead opted to once again push conceptual, sonic, and visual boundaries on his sixth and final studio album Hurry up Tomorrow; a tale of fame, excess, love, lust, and ultimately redemption. Across its 22-song, 1-hour and 24-minute runtime, The Weeknd takes listeners on a journey through the madness and chaos that have embodied this Weeknd character, and by the album’s conclusion, seeks atonement for his part to play in all of it, practically begging a higher power to
bring an end to this eternal weekend, so tomorrow can finally come. The production is glossy and exquisite, the feature list is stacked, and to top it off, there’s an accompanying feature film. All in all, Hurry Up Tomorrow is a fitting final hurrah and farewell to one of the defining artists of
our generation. – Deaundre Dixon
26. 'Let God Sort Em Out' – Clipse
As most artists returning to their music focus on redefining their sound, Clipse’s comeback album redefined the year in rap. Front to back, LGSEO is reflective of the Louis Vuitton headquarters it was birthed in. Each stitch that Pharrell tailors in the album’s opulent production is done with precision as Pusha T sounds as sharp as ever and his brother, Malice, re-emerges with the strongest “rapper of the year” campaign of 2025 backed by multiple mesmerizing verses. Between the standout features on “F.I.C.O” and “Chains & Whips,” the emotional moments of grief expressed on “Birds Don’t Sing,” or the otherworldly chemistry the duo share on standouts like “Ace Trumpets” and “So Be It,” the album checks all the boxes to be a clear Album of the year contender. In an era where mainstream is watering down rap’s impact and craftsmanship, the Virginia trio rewrites the narrative with a classic… a culturally inappropriate classic. – Kalen Murphy
25. 'The Art of Loving' – Olivia Dean
From the opening chords, Olivia Dean’s Art Of Loving invites you into a world painted in warmth, soft keys, shimmering strings and gentle bossa-nova rhythms. What lingers, is the honesty in her voice. This isn’t glossy pop posing as soul, it’s soul for quiet nights, unsent messages, and the ache of wanting more than simply “enough.” Tracks like “So Easy (To Fall in Love)” feel like the first flush of a summer romance with playful, breezy and seductive tones, while “Let Alone the One You Love” and “Loud” carry the weight of disappointment. “Man I Need” blends buoyant, feel-good energy with tender honesty, whilst There are no dramatics or cinematic breakdowns in The Art of Loving, just soft-spoken, soul induced truths, breathy confessions, and the kind of intimacy that unfolds only in the quiet hours.
It’s not about perfect love, or grand gestures; it’s about what happens in the hush between two people, or the hollow left when those moments drift away and finding love within yourself. And in those in-between spaces, Olivia Dean turns longing, loss, and hope into something shimmering and human. “I’ve Seen It” closes the album with tear jerking reflection, observing and celebrating love in all its forms with quiet, soulful clarity. The Art of Loving balances warmth, vulnerability, and surprising bursts of power. Its soulful craft, emotional clarity, and moments of real lift create a record that feels lived-in and luminous, tender at its core, yet confident and bold when it needs to be. – Jessica Burr
24. 'Portals//Polarities' – Night Tapes
With 13 tracks that sound otherworldly, Portal // Polarities by UK-Estonian band Night Tapes, comprised of Max Doohan, Sam Richards, and Iiris Vesik, reinvents electronic and dance music with a lo-fi spin, showcasing the power of bending genres to create a world drenched in a dreamy aesthetic, somewhere between reality and a dreamlike state.
From standout tracks like “babygirl (like n01 else)” and “helix,” the album weaves together dream pop, dance, electronic, downtempo, and hints of trip-hop, evoking a very late-’90s vibe while still feeling entirely fresh and true to the band.
The production fully immerses the listener, while Vesik’s airy, thin vocals enhance the aesthetic to its fullest, firmly planting you in their ethereal world. – Angela Cook
23. ‘Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You’ – Ethel Cain
Hayden Silas Anhedönia’s third studio album closes the chapter on Ethel Cain. WTIALY is the culmination of more than 10 years of lore and musical imagery that further elevates the southern gothic queen’s storytelling ability. WITALY serves as a prequel to Preacher’s Daughter, further opening up the Southern landscape with slowcore instrumentals. While WTIALY pushes the scope of Cain’s reach while adding new production for a sleek finish.
What was once a niche and devoted fanbase, the Daughters of Cain has since grown in the years since its southern roots. Despite the attention and wandering eyes, Anhedonia manages to remain steadfast in their whispering vocals and haunting instrumentals. It’s Cain’s second release this year, after Perverts, and it leaves more questions than answers about the future of Ethel Cain. – Donovan Wilkins
22. 'Pressure' – Julia Wolf
Pressure is the album millennials have been waiting for since they grew up and realized life wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.
It delivers emo-goth-fairy, Amy Lee realness with a freshness that is entirely Julia Wolf, an alt-pop rock artist from Long Island, New York.
Threading glitch, screamo, math rock, and drum and bass through catchy alt-pop topline melodies, ethereal vocals, sharp lyrics, and guitar-driven arrangements that, while clunky and murky at times, underscore the rage-fueled energy of the album, Pressure moves with a force that makes it impossible not to headbang along.
The album is cohesive and world-building, pulling listeners in instantly and refusing to let go. With bangers like “In My Room,” “Pearl,” “Fingernails,” and “Jennifer’s Body,” it is raw, emotional, chaotic, and tightly crafted. – Angela Cook
21. ‘Live Laugh Love’ – Earl Sweatshirt
The follow-up to 2022's Voir Dire, Live Laugh Love sees Earl Sweatshirt combatting the demons that have afflicted him for at least the last decade. Musically lush and full of niche soul samples that delicately ride the line between subdued melancholy and nostalgic introspection, Sweatshirt is granted the perfect stage to pen some of his most unfiltered and self-aware bars to date. Songs like "CRISCO," "TOURMALINE," and "exhaust" find the emcee reflecting on family dynamics, embracing his newfound fatherhood, and advising his younger self, while cuts like "Static" or "FORGE" see him more confident, flexing his impeccable lyrical prowess, proving that, despite all the thoughtfulness, the man can still rap toe-to-toe with even the best of his contemporaries. This is an album that has something for any Earl Sweatshirt fan and is a must-listen if you’re looking for a well-sequenced, concise, and cohesive hip-hop listening experience from an artist who not only lives up to expectations, but far exceeds them – Deaundre Dixon
20. 'F*CK U SKRILLEX YOU THINK UR ANDY WARHOL BUT UR NOT' – Skrillex
F*CK U SKRILLEX YOU THINK UR ANDY WARHOL BUT UR NOT hits different because it feels genuinely alive. The fact that it is a 34-track project already tells you Skrillex wasn’t holding anything back. It comes from a place of honesty, someone creating without hesitation, without worrying about how the world is going to react. That kind of freedom is rare, and you can feel it from the jump.
What makes it a real top contender is the intention behind it. This isn’t an album trying to blend in with what’s happening right now, it’s calling the whole scene out. It carries that rebellious, almost recklessly honest energy that reminds you why the underground matters. There’s humor, frustration, ego, vulnerability, confidence and all the things that make a project feel human instead of packaged. And the genre jumping just seals it. It moves between electronic, hyperpop, experimental bass, and a bunch of chaotic in-between moments with a series of collaborators including Wuki, G Jones and more. It’s eclectic in the best way, and that range is exactly why the album stands out and deserves the spotlight. – Alshaan Kassam
19. 'Eusexua' / 'Eusexua Afterglow' – FKA Twigs
FKA Twigs delivered one of the year's most complete artistic statements across two interconnected releases. Eusexua married her subversive counterculture instincts with contemporary electronic pop expertise, bridging the alt-pop foundation of LP1 and Magdalene with the mainstream R&B explorations of CAPRISONGS. The limited-run EUSEXUA world tour brought the album's primal energy to life through performances across 2025 that felt genuinely transformative.
Eusexua Afterglow arrived as the sublime morning-after, a companion piece that recontextualized the original album's intensity through softer focus through tracks like "HARD" and "SUSHI". Together, they created a complete narrative arc that few artists attempt . Twigs proved that commercial viability and artistic ambition aren't mutually exclusive when you're willing to trust your vision completely. – Patrick Ames Conner
18. 'The Passionate Ones' – Nourished by Time
17. 'hooke's law' – keiyaA
keiyaA’s hooke’s law is a gravitational pull of an album, a project that bends soul, jazz, and experimental production around her voice in ways that feel both futuristic and ancestral. Named after the physics principle describing elasticity, the record explores emotional stretch and recoil: how far the heart can be pulled before it snaps back, transformed. Her production is textured and tactile, full of distorted drums, warm synths, and unexpected harmonic turns that mirror the inner turbulence she’s writing through. Lyrically, keiyaA is one of the most compelling voices in contemporary underground music, and takes her music to unexpected heights with such ease and composure. hooke’s law builds a world that rewards deep listening, a body of work that tugs at you with its honesty and sonic daring. – Alice Vyvyan-Jones
16. 'choke enough' – oklou
Welcome to oklou's electropop universe, where French music reclaims its place in contemporary conversation. choke enough delivers precisely what its title suggests: an exploration of feelings that resist articulation yet remain perpetually present. The album captures rainy days and sun-drenched walks with equal precision, navigating affairs, friendships, and the undefined spaces between defined relationships. Oklou's production approach favors unexpected notes and rhythmic patterns that catch listeners off-guard, pairing experimental tendencies with lyrics that hit hard emotionally. There's a particular quality to French electropop when done well, a willingness to embrace melancholy without drowning in it, to make bodies move while engaging minds. choke enough achieves this balance throughout, creating something simultaneously introspective and physically engaging. Each track feels carefully constructed yet maintains spontaneous energy, suggesting an artist who understands that precision and passion aren't opposing forces. It's sophisticated without pretension. – Angelos Andreosopoulos
15. 'ANGIE' – spill tab
For the experimental listener who loves whimsy, melancholic melodies, and unconventional song structures that pull you into portals you never saw coming, ANGIE, the debut album from French-American alternative pop singer-songwriter spill tab, also known as Claire Chicha, is the album for you.
What does the album offer?
It’s unpredictable, a true sonic experiment that leans into emotion at every turn. Take “Adore Me,” for example. It feels intimate and dramatic while still dreamy, lush, and romantic.
“Assis” brings in elements of breakbeat and drum and bass as Chicha sings in French, a pairing that fits the fast-paced percussion beautifully.
Across its 12 tracks, it’s clear that spill tab isn’t afraid to pivot mid-song into new arrangements, keeping everything organic and surprising.
ANGIE shines brightest in its production, vibe-driven aesthetic, and unexpected turns, immersing the listener in spill tab’s experimental world and inviting us to lean all the way in. – Angela Cook
14. 'a strong desire to survive' – duendita
13. ‘Getting Killed’ – Geese
One of music’s most daring rock bands right now, Geese is America’s first Gen Z rock stars. Getting Killed is a moshpit of daring lyrics, in-your-face chorus, and a nonstop thrill-seeking adventure. Underneath all the head-bashing and drunk dive bar layers, Cameron Winter and crew keep their foot on the gas and leave a trail of stadium rock operas.
Getting Killed forces the young band to grapple with the pressure of fame, homesickness, and how to navigate today's world. Geese reach a larger audience with Getting Killed and manage to hold fast to their values and morals. One of the most daring rock albums in recent years, Geese stands squarely at the forefront of megastardom. Much like the ones before them, Geese cracks open the sky with a thunderous roar. – Donovan Wilkins
12. 'The Boy Who Played the Harp' – Dave
With The Boy Who Played the Harp, DAVE expands his narrative universe yet again, moving from rapper to full-scale storyteller. The album feels almost mythic, weaving autobiography with folklore, political tension with spiritual searching. DAVE’s lyricism is sharp as ever, but here it’s softened by orchestral arrangements, choral textures, and moments of delicate stillness that mirror the album’s title. He writes about community, violence, ambition, and kinship with a clarity that is deeply moving. The harp motif threads through the project, hinting at themes of boyhood, precarity, and artistry as survival. What results is one of DAVE’s most emotionally nuanced bodies of work, a reminder that he’s not just documenting contemporary Britain but shaping its cultural canon in real time. – Alice Vyvyan-Jones
11. 'Essex Honey' – Blood Orange
Essex Honey finds Blood Orange returning to the fragmented, atmospheric world he’s known for, but with a new warmth and a sense of homecoming. Dev Hynes blends muted R&B, crisp pop, and ambient textures into a record that feels like moving through memories: hazy summer nights, fleeting youth, the bittersweet glow of nostalgia. His songwriting is looser and more impressionistic here, letting moods and colours lead the way. But beneath the softness lies a sharp emotional tension as he explores identity, queerness, loneliness, and the complicated pull of where you’re from. Essex Honey isn’t just another chapter in Hynes’ evolving artistry; it’s one of his most cohesive and soulful statements in years. – Alice Vyvyan-Jones
10. 'Virgin' – Lorde
After four years away, Lorde returns with her most personal work yet. Track by track, she constructs a universe exploring love, attachment, family dynamics, and power structures. The album unfolds as genuine soul-searching, building toward "David," where she confronts fundamental questions about identity and autonomy. Her voice remains distinctive, that careful enunciation paired with melodies that feel both conversational and carefully constructed. The production stays restrained, allowing her observations about relationships and self-discovery to land with maximum impact. The result rewards close listening, revealing layers that only emerge with repeated engagement. Lorde has always excelled at capturing specific feelings that resonate universally, and this collection continues that tradition while pushing into more vulnerable spaces. – Angelos Andreosopoulos
9. 'Showbiz!' – MIKE
The mass appeal of MIKE, besides his working man bars, is his charisma that shines on every project; coupled with a warm energy that flows over the intermittent mix of sample heavy instrumentation and eccentric original production. With three albums having been released this year under his belt (with another deluxe version dropping at the time of writing this), it’s safe to say MIKE has been keeping busy. Coupled with a non-stop work schedule and dedication to growing his 10K Global group, MIKE’s Showbiz! has managed to maintain its relevance and place in multiple headphones despite releasing at the start of the year, and for good reason.
Showbiz! doesn’t carry the same thematic weight of a Beware of the Monkey, it’s MIKE at his most confident and that passion bleeds though like no other. It’s the New York rapper enjoying himself, assembling his favorite people to create songs that rock with motive. It’s home to multiple highlights in production as well, teetering between sample loop heavy jams like “man in the mirror” and deeply haunting tracks like the gorgeous “Spun Out.” With 24 fully inspired and refreshing pieces, Showbiz! shows a true artist of the century at his peak. – Alan Baez
8. 'Mark William Lewis' – Mark William Lewis
Mark William Lewis’s debut feels like the work of someone who knows exactly what they want to say and refuses to rush it. He moves between warm folk tones, light electronic textures, and soft jazz inflections, creating songs that feel carefully shaped and softly composed. His writing is understated but sharp, collecting small moments of uncertainty and calm, blended with an autumnal nostalgia that feels familiar but fresh. The album’s real strength is its patience: Lewis gives every moment room to breathe, allowing the listener to lean in. It’s a first record that draws power from subtlety rather than scale, and it leaves a lasting impression because of it. Mark William Lewis is one of the most exciting voices to have had their moment in 2025, and we’re intrigued as to what he brings next. – Alice Vyvyan-Jones
7. 'Through The Wall’ – Rochelle Jordan
If you’ve been tracking Rochelle Jordan’s musical journey, you know that she has been building up to the release of Through the Wall. She encapsulates this moment in her documentary, as she recounts how she experienced a lot of imposter syndrome through her journey. Through The Wall serves a piercing force that cuts through that imposter syndrome, and where Jordan fully steps into her confidence. In tracks like "Ladida," and "Bite the Bait" she coasts over moments of assurance and when she can fully embrace the poignancy of her artistry. The precision of the dance tracks, accompanied by her sleek vocals, lets you know she is ready to take the stage. Her credulity in her songwriting lets her audience know that she is willing to let aggregates of her musical divagation to take her place as the dance queen of the 2020s. The attention to detail and the intrinsic world-building that Jordan and producer KLSH have created is the perfect balance displayed in Through The Wall. Exploring genres like Chicago house, Garage, Jungle, and Techno, the duo notifies you of their ability to transcend seamlessly between different dance genres. Rochelle is establishing herself in a place that she was always destined to be in and is providing the opportunity for other Black women in dance music to do the same. – Adrianna Maxwell
6. ‘Magic, Alive!’ – McKinley Dixon
2022’s Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? was and still very much is a staple of decade defining Hip Hop when it first dropped and I genuinely couldn’t fathom any way McKinley Dixon could outdo himself, but low and behold, the Richmond-born fan of fine literature and jazz subverted expectations with another classic. Magic, Alive! carries itself with pride, along with confidence in its presentation and visceral imagery. Despite not being the heaviest bar-centric project amongst its Hip Hop contemporaries, Magic, Alive! thematically extends itself from Dixon’s previous exploration of race and class struggle with an extra layer of joy polished through jazz instrumentation, but with a refined sense of storybook imagery.
There’s a fantastical filter over Dixon’s presentation as a rapper, breathing from his animated vocal delivery to the subtle, intimate moments in the production, it reads like that of a storybook you find rummaging through your local library. It also in turn reads as a sequel to a previous book, playing off themes and conceptual songs like the dynamic “Run, Run, Run PT.II.” Dixon presents a body of work that not only has well crafted raps as its base, but a larger, warmer concept to get lost in, crushing its execution with a closing track that truly sounds magical.
5. 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' – Bad Bunny
Different language, same feelings. Bad Bunny proves this simple truth across his latest album, which finds the Puerto Rican superstar returning to his roots with renewed purpose. The imagery tells the story: a monobloc plastic chair positioned before trees might be the most universal visual imaginable, capturing something essential about home and authenticity. Combining Latin music and reggaeton at their finest while maintaining accessibility that transcends linguistic barriers. The production here prioritizes warmth and groove over flashy experimentation, trusting that compelling rhythms and honest emotion will connect regardless of whether listeners understand Spanish. It's his most grounded work yet. The result feels both celebratory and reflective, honoring tradition while remaining thoroughly contemporary. This is the most compelling piece of art straight from Puerto Rico this year.-
4. 'Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party' – Hayley Williams
Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party is the latest solo album from alt-rock and pop-punk artist Hayley Williams, best known as the lead singer of Paramore.
The album is lyrically raw, experimental in arrangement, and sees Williams confronting deep parts of herself in a way that is accessible, catchy, and thoroughly enjoyable.
It immerses listeners in this chapter of her life with vulnerability and honesty, exploring her beliefs and personal reflections throughout the record.
“True Believer” stands out as a track that poetically addresses racism in the South, the façades families maintain to hide their true feelings, and the commercialization of cities like Nashville, Tennessee, where new developments prioritize profit over community; a reality familiar across much of North America.
Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party is a deep and reflective listen that showcases how attuned Williams is as an artist and sensitive observer of the world in 2025. – Angela Cook
3. ‘Dia’ – Ela Minus
Ela Minus is all about the quiet moments, utilizing an onslaught of vibrant textures and minimal design to explore an expansive range of emotions. In the five years since her debut project, acts of rebellion, Minus has lived many lives, all of which lead back to producing quietly in her bedroom. Minus’ approach to song construction plays off the personal exploration of the feelings encountered in her day to day, translated through technical synthesizers and elaborate drum machines; she’s able to say the loudest of statements through such minimal sounds. Dia is the equivalent of Minus shouting from her rooftop, exploring some of the most gut wrenching feelings through some of the most forward thinking production from this year.
The separation between Minus and the work of her peers comes from her ability to capture specific moments through intentional sounds. Where her debut album was primarily recorded in a Brooklyn apartment she would inevitably be kicked out of, Dia captures the resounding consequential success from it. Dia marks an exceptional phase for the Columbian singer and producer, capturing the same struggling artist, but with a platitude of new resources at her disposal.
From the near uncomfortable, eerie crackling synths of “ABRIR MONTE” to the confident, loud booms of “ONWARDS,” Dia teeters between warehouse rave to fear induced trance, fully embracing the little emotions in between. It’s a champion sound mixed of synchronized drums and ambient loops, recorded from multiple studios all over the world, for an international sound that’s also reminiscent of home. – Alan Baez
2. 'Fancy That' – PinkPantheress
When PinkPantheress first came on the music scene in 2021, with To Hell With It, she existed as an enigma. In Fancy That, she is fully embracing her womanhood. “My name is Pink, and it 's nice to meet you.” On songs like "Illegal," you see her proclaim her identity, and it is imbued with sensuality and flintiness.” She also decided to be a bit more direct on tracks like “Tonight” The production accompanies this smooth and sexy persona that PinkPantheress puts on. Using London Jungle and Garage beats (an ode to the dance scene in London created by Black Londoners), she creates her own pop industrial universe, often feeling post-apocalyptic. The speed is often rapid, and it often feels robotic but filled with vigour.
Even with interposing into a bolder approach, PinkPantheress still maintains her taciturn essence. She truly is a representative of Gen Z’s avoidant nature and aversion to letting life be full of dilemmas. But her ability to let us learn more is impressive, because even with the sharpness of the production, her experimental nature on the projects lets us see her more messy and perilous side, especially on tracks like “Nice to Know You.” Following up with the remix album Fancy Some More in October, PinkPantheress positions herself as a global dance superstar. Collaborating with artists like Anitta and Ravyn Lenae, and producers/DJs Dj Caio Prince and Nia Archives, she’s letting the world know that she’s ready for international superstardom by uniting with various dance cultures worldwide. – Adrianna Maxwell
1. 'LUX' – Rosalía
As the fourth studio album by Spanish singer Rosalía, LUX incorporates 13 languages, neo-classical motifs, and exquisitely detailed orchestration that creates a feeling of suspended time. The result is a cultural milestone that captivates both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Departing from her previous album MOTOMAMI, a project defined by hard-hitting Afro-Caribbean rhythms, irresistibly catchy melodies, and kinetic production, LUX marks a striking shift. It is a bold, introspective work built around aria-like compositions inspired by the biographies of saints from around the world.
Was it risky for Rosalía to release an album like this? Sure. But was it worth it? Absolutely.
It’s an album that most renowned pop artists wouldn’t dare attempt, given how far it strays from the commercial mainstream.
By leaning into religious themes and featuring live orchestration on most tracks, Rosalía elevates the beauty of real instrumentation.
Songs like “Sexo, Violencia y Llantas” and “Divinize” still draw on the alt-pop, electronic, and experimental elements she’s known for, but the album as a whole moves with a legato sweep and stands as a true masterpiece; daring, exhilarating, and inventive.
LUX brings classical music into the pop landscape in a way that is both smart and compelling for an artist of her caliber. – Angela Cook
