Words by Katherine Cardinale
2025 wraps up another great year in music, with veteran artists like Bad Bunny, Laufey, and ROSALÍA releasing critically acclaimed albums, and breakout stars like Olivia Dean, sombr, and KATSEYE making their mark in the industry. No matter what artists and genres you love, there was something fresh and new for everyone in 2025. Music continues to be a uniting force even during difficult and uncertain times, and I had a great time learning more about each of our contributors’ favorite release of the year. Each response is unique, which highlights the variety in taste within our publication. If you are looking for your next favorite artist, album, or song, keep reading for some fantastic recommendations!
Why: “This was a super difficult decision to make and after looking through each of my monthly playlists from last year, I picked this album not only because of how great it is but also as a result of the impact it had on my year. MAYHEM is an album that many believe is reminiscent of Gaga’s 2008-2013 sound, which has had a permanent impact on pop music and is loved by people all over the world. I recently said to my friend that this choice is definitely partially because of Lydia B Kollins’s iconic MAYHEM performance mixes, but it also holds on its own as a standout album of 2025 for me. I also had the opportunity to see Gaga for the first time ever last summer on this album cycle’s tour, and it was a truly incredible experience that had this album’s era all the more memorable.”
Emmie: Man’s Best Friend by Sabrina Carpenter
Why: “Sabrina Carpenter has always wowed me with her music and how it has evolved over time, so it wasn’t a surprise that Man’s Best Friend quickly became my favorite album of the year. Despite the (silly) discourse surrounding it, Sabrina brought a new, maximalist sound to pop music and I love it. Anyone that disagrees… should put a bit more whimsy in their life :). Every time I listen to the record I hear something new, I understand another innuendo I didn’t before, or I catch another hint of her biggest influencers (Fleetwood Mac, ABBA, Dolly Parton, etc.). Man’s Best Friend always makes me wanna get up and dance!”
Desirea: The Hives Forever Forever the Hives by The Hives
Why: “With The Hives’ newest album, they deliver the same raw energy that we have been used to for 30 years but still manage to stay current and relevant. They show that they are continually evolving and are absolutely unstoppable. It has honestly been a huge inspiration for me in my continued creative journey.”
Why: “IDOLS is YUNGBLUD rebirth into the modern rock era. This album has redefined rock and roll in the 21st century, bringing back a genre which seemed to be slowly wilting away in time. The album was promoted alongside his cover of Black Sabbath’s song “Changes,” as well as the release of One More Time, his EP with Aerosmith. Since the release of IDOLS, Yungblud has reshaped the mould that early rock and roll was defined by, keeping the roots of the genre alive while continuing to make it his own.”
Zachary: Addison by Addison Rae
Why: “It’s always fun to get a new voice on the pop scene, and I’d been following her music for a few years. I think it all clicked for me with the release of “Headphones On” – it really felt like she had studied the greats of the past, didn’t rush the album or any song until they felt ready, and released a project that was both referential and innovative. I love the small production team, the music videos were great, and while the lyrics are a bit weak, I think there is so much potential for Addison going forward.”
Melissa: SO CLOSE TO WHAT??? (deluxe) by Tate McRae
Why: “It’s an empowering album with a lot of variation – from bangers to sad songs that are relatable. Listening to this album lifts my mood instantly. Having heard it live also makes it even better!”
Kaley: Forever Is A Feeling by Lucy Dacus
Why: “This album came out at an extremely relevant time for me personally. I felt like Lucy was speaking to me through her lyrics, almost uncannily. Definitely got me through a few hard and a few lovely months.”
Skylar: choke enough by Oklou
Why: “This is one of the best debut studio albums I’ve ever encountered. Every track felt like its own world, meticulously crafted with layered soundscapes and bittersweet vocals. This was my go-to album while driving this year – there’s just something about getting behind the wheel with this one playing, and so many layers are peeled back by the surround sound.”
Whether you had a MAYHEM spring, Virgin summer, Melt fall, or Everybody Scream winter, we hope you had a great year in music. Here is a playlist that features each contributor’s favorite song from their favorite 2025 music release. We hope that you love these choices as much as we do!
Loudspeaker Collective 