The Top Sixteen Musical Releases of 2025 (So Far)

Have you examined the Billboard album charts recently? You might find some surprising entries—like Sleep Token, Ateez, and Brandon Lake, who recently landed in the top ten. However, the singles charts show a different story; songs like “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” “Lose Control,” and “Die with a Smile” continue to dominate. This contrasts with newer releases.

The albums featured below haven’t experienced similar chart dominance. Even Lorde’s pre-album singles peaked at number thirty-six (“What Was That”), and Addison Rae’s album saw a significant drop from number four to thirty-nine in a single week. But despite this, the spring and summer months have yielded a diverse selection of noteworthy music—from psychedelic hip-hop to folk, and from young artists to seasoned veterans, representing various locations worldwide.

Addison Rae’s Debut Album

Why do I enjoy Addison Rae’s debut album so much? Any initial reservations about listening to a record by a TikTok star quickly dissipate. Collaborating with two female songwriters from the Max Martin team, Rae creates a unique, occasionally surprising sound, drawing inspiration from artists like Lana Del Rey, Madonna, and Charli XCX. This makes her album one of the year’s most enjoyable pop releases.

Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts’ *Talkin’ to the Trees*

Rock’s most outspoken legend continues to release a prolific amount of music—old, new, unreleased, and unfinished. For his latest album, the seventy-nine-year-old Young has assembled a new backing band that combines his folk/acoustic and Crazy Horse styles. The album offers a diverse selection of Neil Young’s music – from wistful tracks to scathing critiques, while maintaining his characteristic rebellious spirit.

Pulp’s *More*

While the Oasis reunion has dominated headlines, the first new Pulp album in twenty-four years holds equal significance for many. Jarvis Cocker and his band’s cynical viewpoints on sex and class resonate more strongly with an older generation than the Gallagher brothers’ anthems about alcohol and cigarettes. *More* incorporates strings, disco beats, and Cocker’s distinct vocal style, showcasing his enduring wit and lyrical skill.

McKinley Dixon’s *Magic, Alive!*

McKinley Dixon’s fifth album is characterized by its excess— numerous guest artists, complex arrangements, and dense metaphors. Yet, the ambitious nature of *Magic, Alive!* is undeniably compelling. The album tells the story of three children grieving a friend and attempts to resurrect him through magic. Blending jazz, rock, and old-school hip-hop, the album resembles a series of interconnected short stories, demonstrating hip-hop’s potential for narrative.

HAIM’s *I Quit*

The album opens with Danielle Haim seemingly announcing her departure, only to change her mind immediately. This sets the tone for *I Quit*, which centers on the Haim sisters’ exploration of independence and singlehood. The album displays a diverse range of styles from shoegaze to dance music, before concluding with a rave-influenced song. While it may not surpass their 2020 album, it’s still a remarkable work.

Lorde’s *Virgin*

Although not Lorde’s best work, *Virgin* remains a valuable contribution. A decade after her debut, Lorde returns to a maximalist sound and emotionally charged themes, covering topics such as anxiety, gender fluidity, and body image. The album’s intensity and physicality suggest even greater things are to come.

Craig Finn’s *Always Been*

In his sixth solo album, the Hold Steady frontman collaborates with Adam Granduciel of The War on Drugs to create a poignant and heartfelt collection of songs. *Always Been* narrates the story of a former agnostic minister traveling the country in search of meaning. Granduciel’s production expands on the Hold Steady’s sound, resulting in a powerful and ambitious work.

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

This stunning sophomore album showcases McRae’s remarkable talent. Comparisons to Tracy Chapman are inevitable, but her music incorporates influences from Joni Mitchell and Taylor Swift, creating a distinctive sound. The album features insightful and humorous reflections on heartbreak, forming a cohesive narrative.

Galactic with Irma Thomas’ *Audience with the Queen*

Galactic, known for their New Orleans funk, collaborates with Irma Thomas on this album. Instead of relying on traditional New Orleans sounds, the album presents new compositions with a modern and rootsy style. Thomas’s vocals maintain their power despite the passage of time.

Momma’s *Welcome to My Blue Sky*

Momma’s fourth album solidifies their position in indie rock. *Welcome to My Blue Sky* blends grunge and shoegaze influences, resulting in an irresistible sound. While not groundbreaking, its energy and nostalgic themes are captivating.

Sault’s *X*

This mysterious British soul collective has once again released an album without prior announcement. The album showcases deep grooves, exceptional musicianship, and a jazz-funk atmosphere reminiscent of Roy Ayers and Stevie Wonder, incorporating ’80s touches and unexpected elements.

The War and Treaty’s *Plus One*

The War and Treaty’s powerful music is matched by their personal story. Their fourth album leans towards country influences, expanding the genre’s boundaries. Their harmonies and honest lyrics are deeply moving.

The Lumineers’ *Automatic*

The Lumineers’ new album has received little press, yet they continue to sell out stadium shows. *Automatic* incorporates electronic elements while maintaining the intensity of their earlier hits.

Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory’s *Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory*

This collaborative album marks a new direction for Sharon Van Etten, incorporating groove-based elements and influences from Talking Heads and New Order. It showcases Van Etten’s ongoing artistic growth and experimentation.

Kip Moore’s *Solitary Tracks*

After achieving success in Nashville, Kip Moore embarked on a more independent path. His latest album draws inspiration from the Clash and Ramones, featuring a deeply personal collection of songs.

Michigander’s *Michigander*

Jason Singer’s debut album blends power-pop, emo, and yacht-rock influences. The album’s upbeat songs explore complicated feelings and challenging times.