Soul-baring ballads, alt-rock fury and neon-lit techno: five-star albums you may have missed this year

December 26, 2025

TL;DR

Annahstasia's debut album, 'Tether', is praised for its unique voice, moving songs, and intimate feel, reflecting her industry experiences.
Valentina Magaletti's collaboration with Koshiro Hino on 'Kansai Bruises' is celebrated for its exhilarating percussion, virtuosity, and textural delight.
Madison Cunningham's third album, 'Ace', uses haunting metaphors to explore falling in love and divorce, shifting focus to woodwind and string arrangements.
Producer Sarz's debut album, 'Protect Sarz at All Costs', is noted for its genre-fluid approach, blending various African and global sounds.
Daniel Avery's album 'Tremor' is described as dark, industrial, and serpentine, featuring understated voices and a departure from his earlier techno work.
Naples' latest album builds on his previous ambient techno work with a more populist approach, featuring vocal samples and playful detailing.
A posthumous collection of unreleased studio sessions and radio tapes by pianist Radu Lupu, spanning from 1970 to 2002, is highlighted for its rare repertoire and exemplary playing.

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