2025 was a solid year year for new music and the shift to guitar-based rock music continued to grow. This was quite evident with the immense success of bands like Turnstile and Deftones, who sold out the biggest venues of their career after decades of being a band. Newer artists like Audrey Hobert, Geese and sombr had breakout years catapulted by social media exposure and talent. The thing that they all had in common was certainly the fact that they released a full body of work that showed the breadth of their songwriting talent and knack for creating songs that resonated with huge audiences. Check out our list of the top albums of 2025 from our contributing writers Ryn Taylor, Alicia Gutierrez and others!
25 Balu Brigada – Portal
The New Zealand brother duo Balu Brigada made their mark with the summer anthem “Backseat” and the release of their debut album Portal earlier this year. After opening a world tour for Twenty One Pilots and headlining their own North American tour, the brothers have found their groove pop sound and aren’t afraid to explore new sonics. With tracks “So Cold” and “Sideways,” Portal’s upbeat, catchy beats reveal a deeper narrative about being led along by a lover. Balu Brigada’s ability to captivate listeners with their lyricism, blunt tones, and homages to other alternative pop hits is unique and refreshing in the music scene.
24 Rocket – R is for Rocket
LA’s indie/alternative band Rocket’s debut album “R is for Rocket” incorporates a consistent flow of mesmerizing vocals and instrumentals that define a bright future for the band. Rocket’s sound throughout the album is intricately curated to invite listeners of all genres. Aithea Tuttle’s vocal performance is light, gentle, and very easy on the ears. Her voice, paired with the catchy guitars and instrumentals in tracks such as “Another Second Chance,” is welcoming yet intriguing. The overall sound of the album is precise and adequately labels Rocket as a band to be on the lookout for in the indie/alternative scene.
23 FKA Twigs
FKA Twigs’ third official album EUSEXUA reimagines the electro-pop R&B scene with a unique Twigs flair full of sweaty, hypnotic sensuality. On “Keep It, Hold It,” Twigs imitates an almost-Kate Bush persona with her soothing vocals and delicate woodwinds. The upbeat artistic track “Childlike Things” features North West, who raps a full Japanese verse, maintains a youthful innocence to it. “24hr Dog” nearly feels like a lost MAGDALENE track as it carries the same vulnerability and soft production as “home with you” or “cellophane.”
22 Japanese Breakfast – ‘For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women)’
As with many artists, the fourth studio album from Japanese Breakfast, ‘For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women)’ showcased a different sound than her previous album, ‘Jubilee’. Where ‘Jubilee’ was a collection of upbeat pop, ‘For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women)’ is comprised of ten songs that see Japanese Breakfast, the moniker for singer/songwriter Michelle Zauner, lean into orchestral strings, pedal steel guitars, and country-tinged arrangements. Tracks like opener “Here Is Someone” build slowly with woodwinds and reverb-heavy guitars, while “Orlando in Love” sets a narrative tone with references to Renaissance poetry. Standouts include the driving shuffle of “Mega Circuit” and the warm duet “Men in Bars” featuring Jeff Bridges on vocals. The album centers around Zauner’s exploration of relationships, gender expectations, and personal reflection through mythological and everyday imagery. ‘For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women)’ is characterized by polished production and consistent songwriting that’s a strong and enjoyable branch in the continuing evolution of Japanese Breakfast.
21 Militarie Gun – God Save the Gun
Militarie Gun’s latest addition to their discography, “God Save The Gun,” takes audiences for a memorable emotional roller coaster. The opening track, “B A D I D E A” instantly hooks listeners with a catchy chorus that captivates listeners for the remainder of the album. Tracks such as “God Owes Me Money” continue to gravitate listeners with catchy synths and hard-hitting drums that blend flawlessly together. Themes of hopelessness and finding belonging in the world revolve heavily throughout the album, especially in the track “I Won’t Murder Your Friend.” The honesty of the lyrics, paired with the raw emotions of the vocals and carefully crafted instruments that gave a different level of relatability to so many listeners. “God Saves The Gun” reminds listeners of the purpose of music, creating a connection with new and seasoned listeners of the punk genre for years to come.
20 Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
Olivia Dean’s second album, ‘The Art of Loving’, builds directly on her 2023 debut Messy with tighter songwriting and broader pop appeal. Tracks like “Nice to Each Other” and “Man I Need” resonated with fans right out of the gate, mixing upbeat grooves with straightforward takes on relationships and independence. Dean’s voice is the focal point of many of the tracks on the album and major highlight through catchy tunes like “So Easy (To Fall in Love)” but especially during “Loud”, where her vocals shine. ‘The Art of Loving’ sounds both fresh and familiar with retro pop and soul elements—piano lines, brass accents and light strings. The album is a major step forward for the emerging artist who’s poised for a big breakout in 2026, where her arena shows are selling out and highly anticipated.
19 Jensen McRae – I Don’t Know How, But They Found Me
Jensen McRae returns with her sophomore album, I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!, and embraces hard-hitting lyrics on control, pressure, and self ridicule. The album tackles realization after realization as McRae’s desire to be understood by others and more importantly, herself. Sunny opening track “The Rearranger,” which details the yearning for a second chance at a rocky relationship, contrasts the closer “Massachusetts,” where McRae realizes the past lover is no longer worth her attention. Coated with sharp melodies and lyrics, I Don’t Know How But They Found Me! is an introspective breakup album for fans of Lizzy McAlpine, Noah Kahan, and Holly Humberstone.
18 Die Spitz – Something to Consume
Die Spitz’s sophomore album, “Something to Consume,” is a carefully crafted artwork that blends a variety of punk rock that grativates to audiences. The album opens with the single “Pop Punk Anthem (Sorry For The Delay)”, which introduces listeners with gritty vocals and guitars that really set the sound for the rest of the album. Throughout the tracklist, listeners are met with mesmerizing vocals that are accompanied by heavy instrumentals and gritty, unclean vocals. It is chaotic yet clean, the combination that shouldn’t work, but it does perfectly. Each track melts into another, meticulously crafting a staple for modern punk music.
17 Wet Leg – moisturizer
Wet Leg avoided the sophomore slump with their second studio album, ‘moisturizer’ that was released over the summer. Now a full five-piece, Wet Leg keep their sarcastic edge but adds moodier moments in cuts like “11:21” and the closer “U and Me at Home.” Sonically, their brand of post-punk energy and indie rock hooks still sounds fresh and is notably expansive with the additional musicians on tracks like “Catch These Fists” and “CPR” that hit with sharper guitars and heavier drums compared to their debut. Tackling love and obsession head-on, lead singer Rhian Teasdale is on point mixing her deadpan delivery with more direct lyrics on songs such as “Davina McCall” and “Jennifer’s Body.” Based on the overwhelming positive response from the band’s live shows supporting the album during the fall, ‘moisturizer’ has the cachet of multiple repeat listens and many tracks that will endure.
16 Parcels – LOVED
Australian band Parcels released their third studio album ‘LOVED’ in the fall to much anticipation and exceeded expectations. The album marks a clear shift toward a more stripped-back sound from their previous efforts. Now long based in Berlin, Parcels recorded ‘LOVED’ across multiple locations following a rare break, resulting in 12 tracks that prioritize live instrumentation over electronic elements. Opener “Tobeloved” sets an upbeat pace with tight harmonies and funk guitar lines, while tracks like “Safeandsound” and “Yougotmefeeling” highlight their strong musicianship and keen sense for catchy melodies. The vocals remain a standout, especially on tracks like the quieter “Summerinlove”. ‘LOVED’ fits in perfectly with Parcels’ previous works that shows there are solid talented musicians behind the electronic keyboards.
15 Audrey Hobert – Who’s The Clown?
The debut album from Audrey Hobert, ‘Who’s The Clown?’ dropped in August 2025 and immediately became a favorite amongst fans and artists like. The album is comprised of twelve tracks that offer a unique take on everyday mess-ups in dating and social scenes. Hobert’s fast-talking lyrics feel like overheard conversations, especially on the opener “I Like to Touch People,” which kicks off with awkward party fantasies, and singles like “Sue Me” and “Bowling Alley,” where she details indecision about going out versus staying in. “Thirst Trap” captures the very relatable perspective on society’s obsession over selfies, while “Phoebe” shifts to quieter moments of doubt. On top of it all, Hobert’s sense humor is a characteristic that stands out as the most authentic within the personal anecdotes and relatable scenarios. ‘Who’s The Clown?’ is not just confessional pop but pure poetry of a young person navigating life.
14 They Are Gutting a Body of Water – Lotto
They Are Gutting a Body of Water’s latest album, “Lotto,” does a lot in terms of keeping the shoegaze genre alive in 2025. Tracks such as “The Case” and “Sour Diesel” encapsulate the fundamentals of the genre with chunky guitars, spoken word, and mesmerizing vocals. Fan favorite single, “American Food,” stands out compared to the rest of the album, and incorporates softer elements that still pair well with the rest of the album. “Lotto” was 27 minutes filled with seamless vocals and instrumentals that gave audiences not an album, but an experience to fully immerse themselves in with every listen.
13 Blondshell – If You Asked For A Picture
Blondshell, or Sabrina Teitelbaum’s sophomore album If You Asked for a Picture centers on experiencing your twenties, motherhood, and past relationships. The alternative rock feel of the album hits hard on tracks such as “Thumbtack” and “Event of a Fire”. Blondshell’s soft, gritty vocals shine on the album’s later tracks “Toy” and “Model Rockets” paired with a casual, sharp guitar and drums. The album embraces ambiguity and a hint of privacy to command the listener’s attention without dumping everything out all at once.
12 Lily Allen – West End Girl
As soon as ‘West End Girl’ by Lily Allen dropped in late October, both fans and casual fans were abuzz from the release. Her first release in seven years, Allen made headlines with the album as it tackled the collapse of her marriage to David Harbour, starting with the title opener’s shift from domestic setup in New York to a tense phone call about opening the relationship. Sonically, ‘West End Girl’ is mostly upbeat with electronic elements as lyrics dig into infidelity, like confronting the other woman on “Madeline” or navigating post-breakup dating on “Dallas Major.” The funky “Nonmonogamummy” and defiant closer “Fruityloop,” Allen’s vocals are confident and strong, while at times conversational. Not the typical breakup record, ‘West End Girl’ is strong storytelling with raw specifics and polished that takes Allen into the next phase of her life and career.
11 Julia Wolf – Pressure
‘Pressure’ by Julia Wolf marks a clear shift into heavier territory compared to her previous work. The sophomore album from Wolf is filled with glitchy electronic beats, emo guitar riffs, shoegaze layers, and occasional metal breakdowns with her pop-leaning vocals. Across the 11-track project Wolf captures frustration through raw lyricism about obsession on tracks like “Kill You Off” and “Loser”, while “Pearl” and “FYP” tackle comparison and industry burnout head-on. If there’s any album that can be described as alt-pop with edge, it’s the fantastic ‘Pressure’ by Julia Wolf.
![Loser- Julia Wolf [official music video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9K6EiW7c0jw/0.jpg)
10 Dijon – Baby
Four years after his last release, ‘Absolutely’ Dijon released his second studio album ‘Baby’ over the summer, much to the delight of many fans. Focusing on life as a new father and family life, tracks like opener “Baby!” and “Another Baby!” hit hard and ring true against the guitar-heavy sonics. At times, ‘Baby’ leans into glitches, samples and distorted beats like on “FIRE!”, which weaves in gospel elements while “Automatic” toggles between bass lines and synth breaks. ‘Baby’ shows Dijon’s growth with the polished R&B and funk and organic lyricism.
9 Wolf Alice – The Clearing
Wolf Alice’s fourth studio album, ‘The Clearing’ sees the highly respected British band pivot into mature 70s-inspired sonics while maintaining their trademark sense of indie rock. Lead singer Ellie Rowsell really takes the center stage throughout the 11 songs with strong vocals, many at times highlighted by high-range moments and quieter reflections. This is notable on standouts like “Bloom Baby Bloom” that hits with big choruses and rhythmic drive, while slower cut like “Just Two Girls” leans into acoustic and string arrangements. Rowsell’s penchant for confessional yet relatable songwriting is just as strong as ever as she reflects on growing older in “Play It Out” and finding comfort in the routine of everyday life in “The Sofa”. ‘The Clearing’ is a natural and welcome evolution for the celebrated Wolf Alice.
8 Geese – Getting Killed
Geese delivered what would be described as a stroll through an abstract art exhibit in the best way possible with their newest album, Getting Killed. The opening track and single “Trinidad” intrigues listeners with intense instrumentals and vocals that truly brace audiences for the experience of the rest of the album. Frontman Cameron Winters delivers a hard-hitting performance, marked by silky vocals that convey vulnerability and raw emotion, brilliantly displayed in the song “Au Pays du Cocaine”. This album showcases a musical oxymoron, featuring beautiful vocals paired with avant-garde lyrics and instrumentals that shed light on what the future holds for Geese.
7 Night Tapes – Portals//Polarities
The highly anticipated debut album ‘portals//polarities’ from Night Tapes builds on their previous works and then some. Blending dream pop textures with trip-hop beats and electronic layers, the London trio push into upbeat shoegaze territory with driving rhythms in standout “Helix”, while “Babygirl (like no1 else)” fits the vibe for late-night drives with its nocturnal grooves. ‘portals//polarities’ is a great debut album for a band that has strong momentum to take them to the next level.
6 Oklou – Choke Enough
Thirteen tracks doesn’t seem long enough for the debut album ‘choke enough’ by Oklou. Boasting a growing fanbase that includes many peers in the music industry the French producer builds on her Galore mixtape sound with restrained electronic production—muted drums, layered synths, and processed vocals that stay breathy and understated throughout. Across the album, songs like “ict” and “blade bird” stand out for its textures and catchy melodies that include woodwinds and strings. Features from Bladee on “take me by the hand” and underscores on “harvest sky” fit the low-key vibe while creating an atmospheric sound. ‘choke enough’ by Oklou is a strong debut for even the casual fan who can appreciate Oklou’s brand of ambient sonics.
5 Deftones – Private Music
Deftones’ long-awaited album, “Private Music,” was everything a Deftones album should be. It was edgy, beautiful, dark, and well-crafted. The opening track, “Mind is a mountain,” hooks listeners instantly with the iconic guitars from Stephan Carpenter. The different elements synths combined with the heavy guitars brought that distinguished sound that is Deftones. Tracks such as “Ecdysis” portrayed these elements brilliantly, crafting a dreamy and euphoric sound for listeners. “I Think About You All The Time” was a beautifully crafted song that was captivating with the soft vocals of Chino Moreno, which were met with guitars that paired well with the flow and yearning of the track. “Private Music” incorporates the legendary sounds Deftones have made staples in their previous work, while also giving a refreshing twist that unites new and old Deftones fans together.
![deftones - my mind is a mountain [official music video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eVqZrI9JE6Q/0.jpg)
4 Tyler, the Creator – Don’t Tap That Glass
Tyler, the Creator’s ninth studio album, ‘DON’T TAP THE GLASS’, dropped as a surprise just nine months after CHROMAKOPIA. Built for moving and dancing, Tyler, the Creator set out to make an album that was meant to be a celebration of living in the moment and more than achieves it with sonics that lean into synth-heavy funk, house, Miami bass, and New Orleans bounce. Tracks like “Sugar on My Tongue”, “Tweakin'” and opener “Big Poe” are fun and embody a “vibe” that will be played for many a fun occasion.
3 Turnstile – Never Enough
After the success of Turnstile’s third album, Glow On, speculations flooded the internet on what Turnstile had in store for their newest project. Never Enough brought a mix of ambiance and energy that pulls listeners in further and further with every song. Atmospheric tones in songs such as the title track and the ending of “SUNSHOWER” brought a moment of clarity and peace amidst the intensity and adrenaline of tracks like “DULL” and “BIRDS.” The change of tempo and energy was a breath of fresh air and blended effortlessly with the rest of the album. “Never Enough” was meticulously chaotic, refreshing, and inspiring for the future of the rock and hardcore community.
2 PinkPantheress – Fancy That
PinkPantheress cements herself as her own genre focused on connecting with fans with her most ambitious project yet. The singer-songwriter remains true to herself with the experimental house and pop production on Fancy That. Despite the album’s short 20 minute length, each song swirls and lives inside of her listeners’ heads because of the catchy double meaning lyrics like “Hey, ooh, is this illegal?” on the viral social media hit “Illegal” and “Is it right? I don’t know, but you’re taking my control” on “Stateside.” The album is a time machine back to the early 2000s UK scene full of shiny melodies, well used samples, and a bold return to vulnerability.
1 Hayley Williams – Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party
Hayley Williams’ third solo album, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, began as a spontaneous release of 17 singles before it developed into a full length record with the help of her fans. Through fan curated playlists, the original singles were given new meanings on the good and hard times of life, IYKYK. Williams’ gut-wrenching lyricism on “Parachute” (one of the later added tracks) and the raw reality of “True Believer” hone in on the musician’s love for her craft and push for more intimate connections with the world. The Hayley Williams-esque roll out of Ego is one for the books and succeeds at capturing nearly every human emotion possible.
