Top Albums of 2025

Celebrating Albums in 2025

Spotify Wrapped thrilled music fans this year by debuting a novel feature—users could view their most-played albums. Accompanying this was a passionate statement: "Long live the album." While the digital era sees many listeners favoring singles over full albums, the comprehensive art form of creating an album persists. Musicians continue to embrace the craft of storytelling through albums, despite changing listener habits.

Adele, in 2021, pushed Spotify to disable shuffle as the default when playing albums, emphasizing that music tells a story meant to be heard as intended. Similarly, Taylor Swift began releasing albums in full rather than scattering singles. Artists who manage to captivate us beyond a single track present intentional, cohesive works where the totality surpasses standalone segments.

BENEE – "Ur an Angel I'm Just Particles"

Taking a spot on this year's list, New Zealand's BENEE displays her indie-pop prowess once more. Her sophomore album intricately combines everyday language with unusual melodies. The album’s abstract journey—moving from fixation to an emotional collapse, to uplifting rise—illustrates a compelling narrative. BENEE described the album as a cohesive tale rather than unrelated pieces, achieving a maturity and unity in her work.

Aminé – "13 Months of Sunshine"

With '13 Months of Sunshine,' Aminé serves up an energetic summer anthem. Known for vibrant beats, this album shows Aminé flexing his poetic capabilities while venturing into fresh alt-pop realms with collaborators like Jim-E Stack. It’s a musical mix that deftly balances carefree rhythms with introspective lyrics.

Billie Marten – "Dog Eared"

Billie Marten’s fifth offering, "Dog Eared," is an impressive showcase of heartfelt musicianship. Recorded live in a New York studio, the album encapsulates an intimate and collaborative spirit. Marten combines natural instrumentals with her compelling voice, offering listeners a heartfelt musical journey reflective of both legendary and modern contemporaries.

Wolf Alice – "The Clearing"

British powerhouse Wolf Alice returns with a bold, expansive sound on "The Clearing." Channeling the extravagant melodies of the '70s with inspiration from ABBA and Queen, this album is a dramatic evolution from their earlier raw rock vibes. The songs are both arena-ready and introspective, showcasing the band’s growth and adaptability.

Playboi Carti – "Music"

In 'Music,' Playboi Carti delivers an ambitious hip-hop feast over 30 tracks, featuring industry giants like Kendrick Lamar and The Weeknd. The album navigates varied creative paths without losing momentum, positioning Carti as a true innovator in the genre.

Jennie – "Ruby"

Stepping into her own light, BLACKPINK's Jennie dazzles with her solo debut, "Ruby." Collaborations with major artists enhance the album, yet Jennie's powerful presence and bilingual flair remain the standout. Her track "Like Jennie" is a unique fusion of pop elements that rings distinctly personal and innovative.

Saya Gray – "Saya"

Saya Gray’s debut transforms the lines between organic sounds and synthetic pop. Her album explores an eclectic mix of acoustic and electric, inspired by diverse landscapes. The self-crafted songs traverse myriad emotions and sonics, making up an inventive auditory landscape.

Lucy Dacus – "Forever Is a Feeling"

Lucy Dacus showcases her storytelling prowess with "Forever Is a Feeling," capturing the intricacies of love and relationships through detailed narratives. Her craft lies in observing minute details that illuminate larger stories, making each song an intimate reflection on life’s quiet moments.

Wet Leg – "Moisturizer"

Wet Leg's 'Moisturizer' builds on their initial success with deeper musical syntheses and lively lyricism. With a sound matured through experience on international tours, the album stands as a vibrant testament to their skill and humor-infused artistry.

Blood Orange – "Essex Honey"

Blood Orange's 'Essex Honey' delves into the depths of emotional landscapes following personal loss. Dev Hynes merges diverse musical talents into a cohesive, poignant exploration of grief and memory. This personal anthology stands as his most moving work to date.

PinkPantheress – "Fancy That"

With 'Fancy That,' PinkPantheress transports listeners to the internet era of youthful discovery. Her playful and nostalgic approach to alt-pop, mastering the art of viral moments in music, offers a refreshing escape into a more carefree digital nostalgia.

Jade – "That's Showbiz Baby!"

Jade, previously of Little Mix, enters the solo scene with her album "That's Showbiz Baby!" Melding timeless diva influences with cutting-edge sounds, Jade crafts a distinct and confident musical identity, paving the way for her solo stardom.

Oklou – "Choke Enough"

Oklou presents "Choke Enough," a cuts-above electro-pop collection enticing sophisticated music lovers. This debut positions her effortlessly within the electronic music elite, celebrated for its dreamy synth-pop vibes and notable collaborations.

Addison Rae – "Addison"

Addison Rae mesmerizes with her album "Addison," reshaping perceptions from social media celebrity to credible artist. Collaborating with female producers, Rae opts for subtler, melodic efforts over easy hits, crafting an enchanting auditory experience with staying power.

Hayley Williams – "Ego Death At a Bachelorette Party"

Hayley Williams' 'Ego Death' marks her independent artistic direction beyond Paramore's commercial chapter. The album shuns traditional music industry pathways, highlighting themes of autonomy and societal critiques through raw, engaging storytelling and fan interactive elements.

Dijon – "Baby"

Dijon’s "Baby" defies conventional album norms, springing from spontaneous creativity. With pieces polished through artisanal edits and imaginative liberties, it presents a bewildering yet mesmerizing collection of indie-pop, where every piece, scrappy or refined, finds its place.

Lily Allen – "West End Girl"

'West End Girl' from Lily Allen dives into personal turmoil with dark humor and emotional intensity. The narrative unfurls like a vividly detailed, psychological drama, pulling listeners through the highs and lows of a tumultuous relationship's end.

Lady Gaga – "Mayhem"

Lady Gaga's 'Mayhem' surprises with its depth and musical variety, blending the dark allure of her early work with grandiose melodies. Having traversed personal shadows, Gaga emerges artistically invigorated, showcasing revitalized creativity and a spectrum of emotive tracks.

Bad Bunny – "Debí Tirar Más Fotos"

Unleashing his deep cultural roots, Bad Bunny’s album radiates Puerto Rican influence, stepping outside mainstream trends. This work is hailed for its preservation of cultural traditions while simultaneously capturing the artist's foundational spirit in a global sphere.

Rosalía – "Lux"

Rosalía's 'Lux' enchants as a transcendent masterpiece, blending technical prowess with global sounds. With a linguistic mosaic and orchestral backing, it serves not just as an auditory experience, but as an epic symphonic journey made for the curious heart.