music
December 23, 2025
‘It contains the greatest song ever about an ice cream truck’: readers’ favourite albums of 2025
The beautiful despair of Cameron Winter, the perfectly imperfect life of Lily Allen, the maximalist R&B of Dijon and more: here’s what our readers have had on heavy rotation The 50 best albums of 2025
TL;DR
- Geese's "Getting Killed" praised for rhythmic production and Cameron Winter's lyrical depth, exploring beauty and despair.
- Lily Allen's "West End Girl" celebrated for wordplay, delivery, and honest storytelling.
- Picture Parlour's debut EP noted for distinctive vocals and infectious guitar riffs, with an art-rock feel.
- Self Esteem's "A Complicated Woman" lauded for honest, humorous lyrics and stadium-ready anthems.
- Brooke Combe's "Dancing on the Edge" highlighted for its 70s vibe and British soul sound.
- Ninajirachi's "I Love My Computer" described as a modern Wall of Sound, evoking emotion for computer sounds.
- Dijon's "Baby" commended for stretching maximalist R&B with texture and unconventional production.
- Florence and the Machine's "Everybody Scream" praised for soaring vocals, storytelling, and exploration of power.
- Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl" noted for its infectious hooks and emotional resonance.
- Clipse's "Let God Sort Em Out" called one of the best rap albums of the decade with excellent production and features.
- El Michels Affair's "24 Hr Sports" described as a genre-bending project blending hip-hop and soul.
- Lord Huron's "The Cosmic Selector Vol 1" appreciated for unique style blending storytelling and atmosphere.
- CMAT's "Euro-Country" lauded for capturing the highs and lows of Ireland's Celtic Tiger era.
- Loyle Carner's "Hopefully!" celebrated for raw songwriting on parenting themes and rich soundscape.
- Jerskin Fendrix's "Once Upon a Time… in Shropshire" called a masterpiece weaving nostalgia, grief, and anxiety.
- Black Country, New Road's "Forever Howlong" praised for evolving style and impactful songs.
- Big Thief's "Double Infinity" described as a soul-cementing soundtrack, evoking love and place.
- Oklou's "Choke Enough" noted as catchy, uplifting, and a constant return-to album.
- YHWH Nailgun's "45 Pounds" intriguing for its wild percussion and collapsing rhythms.
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