If you ask a music lover about great albums lately, you’ll get plenty of responses. The NPR Music team gathered a dozen of their favorites from 2025 and aimed to highlight the most exciting picks. It’s a year marked by some strange trends. Genres felt like they were shifting, and new pop stars didn’t quite hit the mark. Amid this, they felt that discovering new music was becoming more challenging.
To tackle this, each team member listed their top ten albums and picked one standout recommendation. Spoiler: there was one album they all agreed was a must-listen.
Annie DiRusso: Super Pedestrian
Annie DiRusso’s debut album, Super Pedestrian, released on March 7, is packed with energetic rock tunes. It’s a fun and lively listen, exploring themes of youthful confusion with catchy choruses that really resonate. Stephen Thompson, an NPR critic, praises its authenticity, hinting that DiRusso’s journey from TikTok to nationwide tours is just beginning.
Queralt Lahoz: 9:30 PM
Released on April 4, Queralt Lahoz’s album blends traditional flamenco with modern beats and captivating melodies. Anamaria Sayre describes it as a thrilling journey through sound, blending various musical eras and styles. It’s an album that showcases her sultry voice, elevating it from poppy to something much deeper.
Mary Halvorson: About Ghosts
Mary Halvorson’s About Ghosts redefines modern jazz. Joined by skilled improvisers, she presents a dynamic exploration of sound. Nate Chinen highlights Halvorson’s unique voice as a composer, making this album a standout piece of art. It engages listeners in a rich conversation about the evolution of jazz.
Kal Banx: RHODA
Kal Banx’s album, RHODA, drops on August 15, and it’s a personal journey through grief and self-discovery. Critics note its emotional depth, blending snippets of family conversations with compelling beats. It captures the essence of home and belonging, echoing a longing many can relate to.
Nourished By Time: The Passionate Ones
On August 22, Nourished By Time releases The Passionate Ones. Marcus Brown’s lyrics tackle themes of complacency and the struggle against societal pressures, cloaked in an upbeat sound reminiscent of ’80s R&B. Hazel Cills emphasizes its political messaging, translating personal experiences into a compelling call for action.
Gwenifer Raymond: Last Night I Heard the Dog Star Bark
Gwenifer Raymond’s album, which came out on September 5, is all about fingerstyle guitar artistry. Her unique style draws from Welsh folklore, with songs that echo both beauty and haunting themes. Lars Gotrich describes it as a mesmerizing blend of tradition and innovation.
Wednesday: Bleeds
Bleeds, released September 19 by the North Carolina band Wednesday, reveals layers of complexity and emotional depth. Karly Hartzman’s songwriting has evolved wonderfully, creating an album that is both relatable and profound. It’s not just good music; it’s a reflection on life and relationships.
Patrick Watson: uh oh
In uh oh, Patrick Watson confronts personal struggles following a vocal cord injury. While the album has moments of darkness, it shines with wonder and gratitude, showcasing guests like Martha Wainwright. Critics are captivated by the mix of vulnerability and transcendence in his music.
Clarice Jensen: In Holiday Clothing, Out of the Great Darkness
Labeling herself as a crossover artist, Clarice Jensen’s album, dropping on October 17, draws from Bach’s cello suites while incorporating modern technology. Romantic yet experimental, her work finds harmony between classical sounds and electronic influences. Tom Huizenga notes its appeal to both classical purists and contemporary music fans.
Dave: The Boy Who Played The Harp
Dave’s album, releasing October 23, is a deep dive into self-assessment and cultural criticism within hip-hop. His combination of personal reflection and grand musical composition helps position him as a leading voice in the genre, tackling complex themes while staying relatable.
Rosalía: LUX
On November 7, Rosalía’s LUX explores themes of spirituality and feminine mysticism in a way reminiscent of John Coltrane’s classic A Love Supreme. Critics draw parallels between the two, emphasizing the depth and personal nature of her lyrics.
These snapshots of some of the year’s best albums reveal an exciting landscape in contemporary music, fully reflecting the complexities of modern life. For more, you can check out these albums on streaming platforms or follow NPR’s growing playlist of favorites.
