The Sixteen Best Musical Releases of 2025 (So Far)

Have you examined the Billboard album charts lately? Recently, Sleep Token, Ateez, and Brandon Lake surprisingly appeared in the top ten. However, the singles charts remain relatively stagnant, with songs like “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” “Lose Control,” and “Die with a Smile” still dominating.

The albums featured below haven’t achieved that level of widespread popularity. For instance, Lorde’s highest-charting single preceding her new album only reached number thirty-six, while Addison Rae’s album experienced a significant drop in chart position. Despite this, the spring and summer of 2025 yielded a diverse and enjoyable selection of musical offerings, spanning various genres and artists.

Addison Rae’s Debut Album

Despite initial reservations, Addison Rae’s debut album quickly captivates listeners. Collaborating with two female songwriters from the Max Martin team, Rae creates a unique and occasionally jarring sound, drawing inspiration from established artists like Lana Del Rey, Madonna, and Charli XCX. This makes her album one of the year’s most enjoyable pop offerings.

Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts’ “Talkin’ to the Trees”

This prolific rock legend continues to release a substantial amount of music – a mix of old, new, and unfinished material. His latest album showcases a new backing band, blending the energy of Crazy Horse with his acoustic style. The album offers a diverse range of songs, from wistful melodies to politically charged anthems. While not his best work, it demonstrates his enduring passion and creativity.

Pulp’s “More”

While the Oasis reunion gained significant attention, Pulp’s first album in twenty-four years is equally noteworthy. Jarvis Cocker and company’s witty and cynical commentary on social issues resonates even more powerfully now that they are older. “More” integrates strings, disco beats, and Cocker’s theatrical vocals, maintaining the signature wit and lyrical depth that defines their music.

McKinley Dixon’s “Magic, Alive!”

McKinley Dixon’s fifth album is ambitious and expansive, perhaps to a fault. The album features numerous guests, complex arrangements, and layered metaphors. However, this ambitious approach is ultimately compelling. Over eleven tracks, Dixon narrates a story of three children who grieve the loss of a friend and seek to bring him back to life through magic. It’s a compelling work that showcases hip-hop’s creative possibilities.

HAIM’s “I Quit”

HAIM’s “I Quit” opens with a playful contradiction, reflecting the album’s theme of exploring independence and celebrating singlehood. It’s not a somber breakup album but rather an energetic and dynamic collection of songs. The album is eclectic, showcasing varied sounds from shoegaze to dance beats, creating a vibrant and engaging listening experience. Although not their best, it still displays their musical talent.

Lorde’s “Virgin”

Lorde’s “Virgin” isn’t her best work, but it’s still a strong offering. Twelve years after her debut, she delivers an album that returns to the maximalist sound and emotional depth of “Melodrama.” The album addresses themes of anxiety, gender identity, and body image, set to dynamic and pulsating beats. It showcases her artistic evolution and hints at future success.

Craig Finn’s “Always Been”

This is Craig Finn’s most complete solo album. Collaborating with Adam Granduciel of The War on Drugs, he creates a deeply moving and emotionally resonant collection of songs. The album tells the story of a former minister’s journey across the country. Granduciel’s contribution expands the sound beyond the Hold Steady’s typical style, making it a compelling and ambitious narrative work.

Jensen McRae’s “I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!”

Jensen McRae’s second album introduces a significant new talent in the music scene. While comparisons to Tracy Chapman are inevitable, McRae forges her own path, drawing inspiration from Joni Mitchell and Taylor Swift. Blending folk, pop, and electronic elements, she crafts songs that explore the complexities of heartbreak with humor and honesty.

Galactic with Irma Thomas’ “Audience with the Queen”

Galactic, known for their New Orleans funk, collaborate with Irma Thomas on a fresh and unexpected album. Instead of relying on traditional New Orleans sounds, they create new compositions with a contemporary flair. While Thomas’s vocals show the effects of time, they still possess an undeniable power. The album tackles themes of injustice and social commentary.

Momma’s “Welcome to My Blue Sky”

Momma’s fourth album cements their status as prominent figures in indie rock. Their grunge-inspired sound, reminiscent of bands like Belly and the Breeders, is undeniably catchy and engaging. The album’s lyrics are heavily influenced by their touring experiences, yet maintain a sense of nostalgia for the alt-rock era.

Sault’s “X”

The enigmatic British soul collective Sault delivers another surprise release. Known for their mysterious approach to releases, “X” is characterized by deep grooves, stellar musicianship, and a blend of jazz-funk influences. Building upon their previous work, this album incorporates ’80s sounds and unexpected elements of metal and reggae, resulting in a highly compelling collection of songs.

The War and Treaty’s “Plus One”

The War and Treaty’s powerful music is matched by their equally compelling personal story. The album blends soul, gospel, and country influences, incorporating contributions from prominent artists like Billy Strings and Miranda Lambert. Their harmonies and heartfelt lyrics explore themes of resilience and overcoming adversity.

The Lumineers’ “Automatic”

The Lumineers’ latest album, “Automatic,” incorporates electronic elements while retaining the intensity of their earlier hits. While it received little initial press, their ongoing success in touring demonstrates their continued popularity, influencing other successful artists in the genre.

Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory’s “Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory”

Sharon Van Etten’s collaborative project with her band results in a groove-oriented sound, drawing influences from Talking Heads and New Order. While not a drastic departure from her previous work, the album showcases her exploration of new vocal styles and sonic landscapes, demonstrating her ongoing artistic growth.

Kip Moore’s “Solitary Tracks”

Kip Moore’s sixth album reflects a shift in his career trajectory. After achieving success in mainstream country, he embarked on a more independent path, resulting in a deeply personal and reflective album. Inspired by punk rock, the album comprises twenty-three songs, mostly written by Moore himself, revealing his artistic evolution and personal journey.

Michigander’s “Michigander”

Jason Singer’s debut album under the Michigander moniker showcases his versatility. Blending power-pop, emo, and occasional yacht-rock elements, the album delivers catchy and upbeat tunes that explore complex emotions. This album marks a significant step in his musical career, showcasing his unique style and songwriting.