2025 has been a good year for music, with a slew of releases by major pop stars alongside a flurry of exciting new artists across genres, providing something for every taste, reports BritPanorama.
With the likes of Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift making headlines, alongside engaging bands such as The Last Dinner Party and Smerz, narrowing down this year’s top albums to just ten has proven challenging. After thorough consideration, here are the selections for the best albums of 2025.
10. PinkPantheress – Fancy That
PinkPantheress has transcended her “TikTok artist” label, delivering songs that may be brief but pack significant impact. With precise production, extensive sampling, a keen Y2K aesthetic, and a relaxed expression, she has established herself as a defining dance music artist of her generation. Fancy That offers a compelling mix of garage, drum and bass, and pop, featuring tracks like the addictive “Illegal” and the nostalgic “Stars.”
Though the album’s 21-minute runtime may disappoint some, there is an ample remedy in her remix album Fancy Some More, where Pink collaborates with artists like Nia Archives, Basement Jaxx, and Kaytranada to provide extended edits.
Stream: “Illegal”, “Tonight”
9. Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
Olivia Dean’s sophomore album, The Art of Loving, solidifies her position among serious new British talents. The record explores various dimensions of love—its joys and sorrows—showcasing her classic-sounding voice and emotionally resonant lyrics. The third single, “Man I Need,” emerged as a summer favourite, yet it only scratches the surface of the depth found throughout the album.
Stream: “Man I Need”, “I’ve Seen It”
8. Geese – Getting Killed
Brooklyn’s Geese are solidifying their status as one of the decade’s prominent indie acts. Their third album, Getting Killed, contrasts chaotic energy with strong songwriting, reflecting the disillusionment of Generation Z while retaining a nostalgic charm. Lead singer Cameron Winter, with his dynamic range, invokes charisma whether he is shouting or soft-spoken, drawing parallels with British contemporaries.
Stream: “Cobra”, “Getting Killed”
7. Blood Orange – Essex Honey
Dev Hynes returns as Blood Orange with Essex Honey, an album that effortlessly blends tender acoustic melodies with lively neo-funk influences. Featuring a diverse roster of collaborators, the album portrays themes of loneliness and emotional complexity. Its maturity shines through with tracks that balance warmth with a raw, unfiltered edge.
Stream: “Somewhere in Between”, “The Field”
6. Lily Allen – West End Girl
Lily Allen’s West End Girl provides an unvarnished account of her tumultuous marriage to actor David Harbour. The album, rife with intimate revelations, has captivated listeners and fostered discussions about the ethics of celebrity relationships. Allen’s candid narratives evoke both shock and empathy, as she navigates personal struggles while portraying vulnerability throughout the album.
Stream: “Pussy Palace”, “Madeline”
5. FKA Twigs – Eusexua
FKA Twigs has made a striking return with her album, Eusexua, a compelling blend of gothic techno and electropop. The album is a captivating listen, characterized by rhythmic intensity paired with haunting vocals. The opener consumes listeners with a pulsating bass, while other tracks reveal Twigs’ unique artistry, establishing her firmly within contemporary music discourse.
Stream: “Eusexua”, “Drums of Death”
4. Rosalia – Lux
Rosalia’s Lux showcases a remarkable evolution in her artistry, combining classical influences with pop elements to convey a palette rich in emotion. The album’s lead single, “Berghain,” opens with a powerful orchestral introduction, setting the stage for a diverse exploration of sound epitomizing both passion and turmoil. Rosalia’s innovative fusion redefines genre boundaries within the pop landscape.
Stream: “Reliquia”, “Berghain”
3. Dave – The Boy Who Played the Harp
With his project, The Boy Who Played the Harp, Dave reflects profound vulnerability wrapped in hard-hitting rhythms and layered beats. Inspired by the biblical figure David, the album elaborates on themes of inner turmoil and love. Tracks such as “My 27th Birthday” are relatable and poignant, illustrating the artist’s emotive lyrical style.
Stream: “Chapter 16” feat Kano, “Selfish” feat James Blake
2. Sam Fender – People Watching
Sam Fender’s People Watching resonates with themes of love and societal expectations, articulated through a distinctive voice that retains a strong sense of place. Co-produced by The War on Drugs, the album balances expansive soundscapes with profound personal insights, exhibiting mastery in both storytelling and composition.
Stream: “People Watching”, “Rein Me In”
1. CMAT – Euro-Country
CMAT has notably emerged as a significant figure in music with her album Euro-Country, characterized by incisive lyrics addressing personal and political themes. The single “Jamie Oliver Petrol Station” reflects her creativity and depth, while tracks like “When a Good Man Cries” highlight her experience with vulnerability. CMAT proves to be a standout artist of this decade.
Stream: “When a Good Man Cries”, “The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station”
…and the worst
Ed Sheeran – Play
Despite multiple listens, Ed Sheeran’s Play fails to resonate. The album, which meanders through various genres, is bogged down by translucent lyrics aiming for commercial success. Although Sheeran’s songwriting talent is evident, this installment indicates a need for more decisive editing.
