The 20 Best Albums of 2025: A Soundtrack for the Bold and Broken
- Joao Nsita
- 8 minutes ago
- 11 min read
Introduction
If 2024 was about playing it safe, 2025 was the year music artists decided to set the rulebook on fire. In a world increasingly driven by algorithms and "dopamine hits," the best albums of the year dared to be difficult, messy, and profoundly human. We saw pop stars embrace the "Rage and Recovery" aesthetic trending on TikTok, while indie darlings leaned into the "Cozy Horror" vibes dominating Pinterest.
From Lily Allen’s raw, unfiltered divorce anthem to Bad Bunny’s political love letter to Puerto Rico, musicians used their platforms to tell stories that were uncomfortable, necessary, and undeniably catchy. The prevailing mood was confessional: artists weren't just singing; they were bleeding onto the tracks. Whether it was Dave grappling with his faith or Lola Young rejecting the polish of pop stardom, 2025 gave us a soundtrack for every shade of the human experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we are counting down the 20 albums that defined the year. These are the records that we couldn't stop listening to, the ones that made us cry on the subway and dance in our kitchens.
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20. Turnstile – Never Enough
Genre: Hardcore / Alternative Vibe: A psychedelic mosh pit for the soul.
If you thought heavy music wasn't for you, Turnstile is here to change your mind. The Baltimore band, already beloved by musicians across genres, solidified their status as rock's most exciting innovators with Never Enough. This album is a journey—one minute you're getting your eardrums blasted by the frantic "Sole," the next you're grooving to the funky "Seeing Stars."
The collaboration with Hayley Williams was a masterstroke, bridging the gap between emo nostalgia and modern hardcore. Tracks like "Birds" build tension with whirring electronics before exploding into classic punk fury. It’s an album about freedom, connection, and the joy of losing yourself in the noise.
19. Billie Marten – Dog Eared
Genre: Folk / Indie Vibe: A long walk in the rain on a Sunday morning.
Billie Marten has always had a voice that sounds like a secret, but on Dog Eared, she lets us in completely. Recorded in Brooklyn, this album feels less like a performance and more like a conversation. It lollops along with a gentle, intuitive pace, guided by Marten’s airy croon.
From the jangling guitars of "Feeling" to the rain-dappled "Planets," the album captures the beauty of nature and the quiet moments of introspection. It’s a record for those who find comfort in the small, often overlooked details of life—a perfect companion for the "Slow Living" trend we've seen growing on Pinterest.
18. Jim Legxacy – Black British Music
Genre: Emo-Rap / Experimental Vibe: The glitchy, chaotic sound of grief.
Jim Legxacy’s debut mixtape for XL Recordings is a stunning, heart-wrenching achievement. Black British Music is not an easy listen, but it is an essential one. Opening with a candid discussion about the loss of his sister and his family's health struggles, Legxacy sets the tone for an album that is deeply personal and universally resonant.
The production is a head-spinning mix of echoing beats, vintage samples, and claustrophobic synths that mirror the feeling of being overwhelmed by life. "’06 Wayne Rooney" stands out as a muted pop-punk anthem for a generation trying to make sense of their trauma. It’s the sound of a mind buzzing with too many thoughts, trying to find a frequency that makes sense.
17. JADE – That’s Showbiz Baby
Genre: Pop / Dance Vibe: The cheekiest girl in the club taking control.
Of all the Little Mix alumnae, Jade Thirlwall was always the one to watch, and her debut solo album proves why. That’s Showbiz Baby is cheeky, daring, and unapologetically fun. Finally free to express her singular vision, Jade tears through the music industry's absurdities with a wink and a smile.
"Angel of My Dreams" is a chaotic, brilliant introduction, shifting from ballad to banger in seconds. Tracks like "FUFN (F*** You For Now)" and "Lip Service" are instant club classics, blending sass with smooth vocals. It’s the sound of an artist having the time of her life, and inviting us all to the party.
16. Brandi Carlile – Returning to Myself
Genre: Americana / Folk-Rock Vibe: Wisdom earned through years of love and loss.
Brandi Carlile has become one of the most distinguished voices in American music, and Returning to Myself is her most introspective work yet. Stripped back and raw, it documents a midlife transformation—the quiet realizations that come after years of marriage, motherhood, and career highs.
There are no bombastic anthems here, just nuanced songwriting that cuts to the bone. "Anniversary" explores the struggle to find footing in a long-term relationship, while "A Woman Oversees" looks back on youthful freedom with a wistful eye. It’s a mature, beautiful record about growing older and growing into yourself.
15. FKA twigs – Eusexua
Genre: Electronic / Avant-Pop Vibe: A 4 AM epiphany on the dancefloor.
Eusexua is FKA twigs' love letter to the club—not just as a place to party, but as a place to heal. The album takes you through the arc of a night out, from the whispery anticipation of the opener to the euphoric release of "Girl Feels Good."
Twigs uses the dancefloor as a space to exorcise trauma and toxic relationships. The collaboration with North West on "Childlike Things" adds a playful, unexpected layer to an album that is otherwise intensely focused on adult liberation. It’s the most accessible Twigs has sounded since her debut, without sacrificing an ounce of her artistry.
14. CMAT – Euro-Country
Genre: Country / Pop Vibe: A campy, tear-stained rodeo in Dublin.
CMAT is a star, and Euro-Country is her victory lap. This album has everything: camp celebration, Irish wit, and heart-wrenching stories about the devastating effects of capitalism. It’s a weird, wonderful mix that only CMAT could pull off.
"Take a Sexy Picture of Me" became a TikTok sensation for its multilayered examination of body image, while the title track tackles the loneliness of modern life with a tragicomic touch. CMAT proves that you can be funny and profound at the same time, making country music feel fresh, relevant, and distinctly European.
13. Dave – The Boy Who Played the Harp
Genre: Hip-Hop / Grime Vibe: A late-night confession in a lonely room.
After a four-year hiatus, Dave returned with an album that feels less like a comeback and more like a reintroduction. The Boy Who Played the Harp is a sombre, ambitious work that finds the rapper grappling with fame, wealth, and faith.
It’s a glitchy, muted affair, but the lyrics are sharper than ever. "175 Months" and "My 27th Birthday" offer startlingly honest looks at his internal struggles, questioning whether he's lost his way. The collaboration with Kano on "Chapter 16" is a highlight, a conversation between two generations of UK rap royalty. It’s a brave, vulnerable record from an artist who refuses to be anything but real.
12. Big Thief – Double Infinity
Genre: Indie Folk / Rock Vibe: Earthy, raw, and full of mystical questions.
Losing a band member can break a group, but for Big Thief, it seems to have only strengthened their resolve. Double Infinity is a career standout, vibrating with an earthy energy that feels ancient and new all at once.
Adrianne Lenker’s storytelling is at its peak here. Songs like "Los Angeles" and "Words" capture fleeting moments and abstract feelings with a precision that is breathtaking. The band seems less interested in traditional structures and more focused on capturing the ineffable—the feelings and expressions that words can’t quite explain. It’s a magical listen.
11. PinkPantheress – Fancy That
Genre: Drum & Bass / Garage / Pop Vibe: A Y2K fever dream for the TikTok generation.
"My name is Pink and I'm really glad to meet you." If you didn't have that line stuck in your head this summer, you probably weren't online. Fancy That solidified PinkPantheress as the voice of Gen Z, stitching together UK garage, drum’n’bass, and pop nostalgia into a frantic, addictive package.
The album is a whirlpool of genres, designed for short attention spans but rewarding deep listening with its clever sampling and production. It’s not trying to be "cool" in the traditional sense; it’s creating its own definition of cool—one that embraces the chaotic, fast-paced nature of modern life.
10. Lola Young – I'm Only F*ing Myself
Genre: Grunge-Pop / Alternative Vibe: Messy, loud, and unapologetically real.
Lola Young isn't interested in being a "clean girl." Her third album is a punkish, distortion-soaked testament to addiction, desire, and the jagged search for identity. It matches the distracted mood of its narrator, owning up to mistakes with a bratty, refreshing candor.
From the viral hit "Messy" to the grunge-heavy "SPIDERS," Young strips away the polish to reveal the raw nerve underneath. She writes about substance abuse and toxic relationships with a directness that is startling. It’s a brave, jagged record that refuses to compromise.
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9. Tyler Childers – Snipe Hunter
Genre: Country / Bluegrass Vibe: A rowdy, joyful romp through the backwoods.
Tyler Childers let loose on Snipe Hunter, delivering his most spirited and fun collection of songs to date. There’s no grand concept here, just a series of rousing, feel-good tracks that celebrate the highs and lows of life.
"Eatin’ Big Time" and "Bitin’ List" are instant classics, full of humor and grit. But it’s "Nose on the Grindstone" that hits hardest, pairing the imagery of hard work with the reality of opioid addiction. It’s an album for wanderers, a travelogue from a "travelling hillbilly" who sees the world with clear, empathetic eyes.
8. Perfume Genius – Glory
Genre: Art Pop / Indie Vibe: Paranoia and beauty dancing in the dark.
Glory hums with a nervous energy. Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) explores his own avoidant tendencies and fears of loss on this jittery, beautiful record. It’s an album that exists in two realms: the quiet sanctuary of home and the liberated, body-contorting world of the stage.
Tracks like "It’s a Mirror" and "In a Row" use low pulses of synths to create a sense of unease, while "Left for Tomorrow" shifts the context of grief to the loss of a beloved pet. It’s a deeply emotional, atmospheric work that lingers long after the last note fades.
7. Little Simz – Lotus
Genre: Hip-Hop / Soul Vibe: A rebirth forged in fire and betrayal.
Despite its peaceful name, Lotus is a sharp, vengeful record. Arriving after a tumultuous period in Little Simz’s life, it takes aim at betrayal and financial disputes with a white-hot rage. But it’s also a story of resilience and reclaiming power.
Simz’s flow is impeccable as ever, whether she’s seething on "Hollow" or stalking a beat on "Thief." The album fuses rap, soul, and jazz to create a universe where pain is transformed into undeniable art. It’s a kill-shot from a master of her craft.
6. Addison Rae – Addison
Genre: Dream Pop / Synth-Pop Vibe: A glossy, euphoric pop fantasy.
The rebrand of the year goes to Addison Rae. Shedding her TikTok influencer skin, she emerged as a fully-fledged pop star with her self-titled debut. Addison is a slick, curated collection of dream pop that nods to Britney, Madonna, and Lana Del Rey.
"Diet Pepsi" and "Aquamarine" are standout tracks, offering a mix of glitchy Jersey-club beats and wistful, atmospheric pop. It’s an album of fog-shrouded windows and sun-kissed skin—pure, unadulterated pop euphoria that proves she’s here to stay.
5. Geese – Getting Killed
Genre: Indie Rock / Post-Punk Vibe: Streetwise intellect meets swaggering funk.
Brooklyn’s Geese lived up to the hype with Getting Killed. This album is suffused with a sharp, streetwise intellect that most bands only dream of. Frontman Cameron Winter channels the likes of Thom Yorke and Mick Jagger, delivering lyrics that are both surreal and deeply observant.
"100 Horses" and "Trinidad" showcase the band’s ability to blend funk, rock, and post-punk into a sound that feels both classic and entirely new. It’s a dark, absurd, and excellent record that cements their place in the indie rock canon.
4. Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos
Genre: Reggaeton / Salsa / Plena Vibe: A vibrant, melancholy party in Puerto Rico.
Bad Bunny continued his global domination with an album that is deeply rooted in the sounds of his homeland. Debí Tirar Más Fotos ("I Should Have Taken More Photos") is a fusion of reggaeton, salsa, and plena that meditates on the passage of time and the fate of Puerto Rico.
From the joyful opener "NUEVAYoL" to the heartbreaking "BAILE INoLVIDABLE," the album balances sensual rhythms with contemplative lyrics. It captures the ache of nostalgia—the feeling of looking back on a moment and wishing you had held onto it tighter.
3. Lily Allen – West End Girl
Genre: Pop / Garage / Ballad Vibe: The ultimate divorce album.
Lily Allen returned with a blistering, confessional album that had everyone talking. West End Girl is a raw autopsy of a marriage, detailing every hurt, betrayal, and moment of paranoia with Allen’s signature wit and honesty.
"Pussy Palace" became the earworm of the year, a brutal but catchy takedown of an ex’s indiscretions. The album swings from ballads to 2-step garage, capturing the chaotic energy of a life turned upside down. It’s messy, real, and utterly delicious.
2. McKinley Dixon – Magic, Alive!
Genre: Jazz Rap / Neo-Soul Vibe: A dazzling, conceptual resurrection.
McKinley Dixon’s Magic, Alive! is a firecracker of a record. This concept album follows three friends trying to resurrect a fourth, blending jazz, gospel, and hip-hop into a triumphant sound.
Dixon commands the listener with the charisma of a preacher, weaving tales of grief and magic over lush instrumentals. "Sugar Water" and "Recitatif" are standouts, building tension and release with a mastery that is awe-inspiring. It’s a project that affirms the power of storytelling to keep the dead alive.
1. Rosalía – Lux
Genre: Experimental / Classical / Pop Vibe: Divine intervention in audio form.
Taking the top spot is Rosalía’s audacious, genre-defying masterpiece Lux. This is an album that demands attention, singing in 13 languages and employing the London Symphony Orchestra to create a sound that is both ancient and hyper-modern.
Tracks like "Berghain" smash together techno, classical, and reggaeton into a towering gothic cathedral of sound. It’s a work of fierce intelligence and ambition, exploring themes of love, faith, and the divine feminine. Lux proves that pop music can be challenging, complex, and transcendent.
Conclusion
The music of 2025 was defined by its refusal to be background noise. From the intricate storytelling of McKinley Dixon to the raw confessions of Lily Allen, these albums demanded to be heard, felt, and dissected. They provided a soundtrack for a year that was often overwhelming, offering both escape and confrontation.
As we look forward to 2026, these records will stand as a testament to a time when artists took big risks and reaped even bigger rewards.
FAQs
What is the best album of 2025? Lux by Rosalía is widely considered the best album of the year for its ambitious blend of genres and emotional depth.
Did Lily Allen release a new album in 2025? Yes, she released West End Girl, a critically acclaimed "divorce album" known for its raw honesty.
What genre is trending in 2025? "Rage and Recovery" and "Cozy Horror" aesthetics influenced music, with a resurgence in drum’n’bass, garage, and country fusion.
Who is the breakout artist of 2025? Addison Rae successfully pivoted from influencer to pop star with her well-received debut album Addison.
Is Bad Bunny's new album in Spanish? Yes, Debí Tirar Más Fotos is primarily in Spanish, celebrating Puerto Rican culture and sounds.
What is the "Sad Girl" aesthetic in music? It refers to melancholic, introspective music often featuring themes of heartbreak and longing, exemplified by artists like Wednesday and Jade.
Did Little Simz win awards for Lotus? The album has been highly praised and is a strong contender for major awards, following the success of her previous work.
Is Magic, Alive! a concept album? Yes, McKinley Dixon's album follows a narrative about three friends trying to resurrect a fourth member of their group.
Where can I stream these albums? All these albums are available on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal.
How can I find more music recommendations? Check out our Music Hub for more curated lists and reviews.
External Links
Call to Action: Ready to update your playlist? Stream these masterpieces on Spotify or Apple Music today! And for stories that hit just as hard as these songs, listen to That Love Podcast.
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