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The 80 Best Albums of 2025 » PopMatters
By Riley Kane – Entertainment & Music Enthusiast
Imagine the crackle of a needle dropping onto fresh vinyl in your dimly lit den, the room alive with anticipation as the first notes of a 2025 breakout album fill the air, transporting you back to those endless summer nights of concert road trips with friends. As I sift through my stack of records from last year’s gems during a binge-watching marathon of classic music docs, PopMatters’ list of the 80 best albums of 2025 hits like a perfectly timed bass drop—challenging genres, evoking emotions, and pushing boundaries in ways that make you hit replay. Growing up chasing festival vibes and vinyl hunts in dusty record shops, I’ve always believed music is the ultimate time machine, and this year’s selections prove it, blending raw innovation with timeless appeal. From Bartees Strange’s thematic Horror to The Ophelias’ haunting Spring Grove, these albums aren’t just sounds—they’re stories that resonate in our chaotic world. In this upbeat exploration, we’ll unpack PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025, highlighting standouts, sharing personal spins from my road trip playlists, and linking to high-DA sites like Rolling Stone for deeper dives. Whether you’re curating your next binge session or rediscovering the joy of a great record, understanding PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 will reignite your passion for music that moves you.
Why PopMatters’ 80 Best Albums of 2025 Stands Out in a Year of Musical Evolution
PopMatters’ curation of the 80 best albums of 2025 captures a year where artists shattered conventions, from genre-bending experiments to introspective masterpieces. As Rolling Stone notes in their year-end recap, 2025 saw a surge in boundary-pushing releases that blended nostalgia with forward-thinking sounds, much like the indie revival we saw in new music Friday picks from earlier in the year. In my concert road trips, I’ve witnessed how albums like these fuel live energy, creating moments that linger long after the last note. This list emphasizes diversity, spotlighting everything from fiery fretwork to soulful symphonies, making it a must for anyone building their 2026 playlist. By focusing on innovation and emotional depth, PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 not only reflects the year’s sonic landscape but inspires us to explore our own musical journeys.
Bartees Strange’s Horror: A Thematic Triumph Among the 80 Best Albums of 2025
Kicking off PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 at number 80 is Bartees Strange’s Horror, a record that weaves personal turmoil into explosive pop anthems. With tracks like “Too Much” exploring inner conflicts, it’s a bold swing that expands his audience, as detailed in The New Yorker’s review. During my vinyl hunts, I grabbed this on a whim, and its genre-hopping vibes reminded me of Dave Grohl on Nirvana’s rise to fame—uncomfortable yet captivating. Horror refines Strange’s style, blending confessional lyrics with catchy hooks that make it a standout in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025.
Caption: Bartees Strange Horror album cover, a thematic highlight in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 for its explosive pop and confessional depth.
Hedvig Mollestad Trio’s Bees in the Bonnett: Jazz Sabbath Vibes in PopMatters’ 80 Best Albums of 2025
At 79 on PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025, Hedvig Mollestad Trio’s Bees in the Bonnett delivers a merciless metallic return to their roots, blending prog rock, metal, and jazz into a “Jazz Sabbath” frenzy. As one critic puts it, it’s proof of Mollestad’s singular talent, with six tracks echoing their debut’s intensity. In my binge-watching marathons, this album’s heavy yet organized chaos pairs perfectly with Jack White and Eminem’s NFL halftime show energy—raw and exhilarating. Bees in the Bonnett stands as a fiery entry in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025, pushing boundaries with psychedelic flair.
Caption: Hedvig Mollestad Trio Bees in the Bonnett album cover, capturing the metallic jazz fusion in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025.
Fieldwork’s Thereupon: A Jazz Reunion Masterpiece in the 80 Best Albums of 2025
Ranking 78 on PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025, Fieldwork’s Thereupon reunites Tyshawn Sorey, Vijay Iyer, and Steve Lehman after 17 years, delivering buoyant, open jazz that’s ferociously focused. Described as the best of their four albums, it’s dense yet accessible, with grooves full of joy. During my recent concert road trip, this record’s abstract harmonies echoed the thrill of live improv sessions. Fieldwork’s Thereupon elevates PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 with its radical expansion of jazz traditions.
Sami Galbi’s Ylh Bye Bye: Revolutionary Vigor in PopMatters’ 80 Best Albums of 2025
Sami Galbi’s Ylh Bye Bye lands at 77 in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025, a sweltering blend of North African folk and international club pop that’s revolutionary and dance-worthy. Rooted in anarchist punk, it’s a sweaty, exhilarated mess perfect for weddings or clubs. In my vinyl hunts, I discovered this gem’s battery-powered energy, reminiscent of 3 Netflix comedies to crack you up this weekend for its infectious vibe. Ylh Bye Bye adds global flair to PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025.
Caption: Sami Galbi Ylh Bye Bye album cover, embodying the club pop revolution in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025.
Swans’ Birthing: A Legendary Finale in the 80 Best Albums of 2025
At 76 on PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025, Swans’ Birthing marks the end of their Big Band era with challenging, intoxicating noise symphonies. Michael Gira’s trajectory from noise terrorists to critical darlings culminates in this punishing yet exciting release. During binge-watching, this album’s relentless intensity paired with 19 best stand up specials on Netflix right now for its dark humor undertones. Birthing secures Swans’ spot in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025.
Caption: Swans Birthing album cover, a punishing noise symphony in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025.
The Devil Makes Three’s Spirits: Soul-Stirring Americana in PopMatters’ 80 Best Albums of 2025
The Devil Makes Three’s Spirits ranks 75 in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025, a reckoning with loss and resilience through foot-stomping rhythms and parables. It’s a celebration of human perseverance in Americana style. On my road trips, this album’s anthems like “Where I Belong” kept the miles flying, much like new music Friday May 23 Joe Jonas Lenny Kravitz Benson Boone Lainey Wilson Renee Rapp Karol G and more for its eclectic energy. Spirits adds heartfelt depth to PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025.
Caption: The Devil Makes Three Spirits album cover, capturing resilience in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025.
McKinley Dixon’s Magic, Alive!: Life-Affirming Hip-Hop in the 80 Best Albums of 2025
McKinley Dixon’s Magic, Alive! at 74 on PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 explores mourning through jazz-infused hip-hop, with tracks like “We’re Outside, Rejoice!” evoking summer joy. It’s art healing wounds, a high point for Dixon. In my den sessions, this record’s vitality mirrored the uncomfortable soundtrack of Nirvana’s rise, blending confession with beats. Magic, Alive! shines in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 for its emotional resonance.
Jesse Welles’ Middle: Philosophical Folk in PopMatters’ 80 Best Albums of 2025
Jesse Welles’ Middle ranks 73 in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025, a versatile Americana album with Buddhist undertones and masterclass songwriting. It’s a spirited take on redneck stereotypes, proving Welles’ depth. During vinyl hunts, I found this gem’s introspection akin to model Jessica Lord’s incredible bikini photos for its bold expression. Middle adds philosophical flair to PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025.
Whatever the Weather’s Whatever the Weather II: Ambient Wanderings in the 80 Best Albums of 2025
At 72 on PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025, Whatever the Weather’s Whatever the Weather II evokes peaceful urban scenes with minimal synths and field recordings. Loraine James’ work is rejuvenating, a soundtrack for reflection. In binge marathons, this album’s serenity complemented 3 Netflix comedies, offering calm amid laughter. Whatever the Weather II elevates PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 with its meditative vibe.
SASAMI’s Blood on the Silver Screen: Cinematic Pop in PopMatters’ 80 Best Albums of 2025
SASAMI’s Blood on the Silver Screen at 71 in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 swaps heavy guitars for trippy synths and dance beats, a bold reinvention with cinematic overtones. It’s her best yet, shamanic and hook-filled. On road trips, this record’s energy echoed Jack White and Eminem’s halftime show for its explosive creativity. Blood on the Silver Screen stands out in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025.
Water From Your Eyes’ It’s a Beautiful Place: Utopian Art Rock in the 80 Best Albums of 2025
Water From Your Eyes’ It’s a Beautiful Place ranks 70 on PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025, a genre-defying utopia inspired by Ursula K. Le Guin, blending metal, jazz, and funk with contagious vigor. In my den, this album’s discovery mirrored 19 best stand up specials on Netflix for its divisive charm. It’s a Beautiful Place adds radical individuality to PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025.
Perfume Genius’ Glory: Euphoric Reinvention in PopMatters’ 80 Best Albums of 2025
At 69, Perfume Genius’ Glory in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 sheds metallic confrontation for warmer, grounded euphoria, with tracks like “Full On” evoking heavenly bliss. During binge sessions, this record’s relief felt like new music Friday picks for its fresh take. Glory captures PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 with its bold shift.
Irma Thomas & Galactic’s Audience with the Queen: New Orleans Legends Unite in the 80 Best Albums of 2025
Irma Thomas & Galactic’s Audience with the Queen at 68 on PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 blends soul and funk, a funky invitation to good times amid social commentary. On road trips, this album’s vibe echoed Dave Grohl’s Nirvana soundtrack for its rise to fame energy. Audience with the Queen enriches PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 with New Orleans spirit.
Nate Parrish’s Make Me a Mountain: Pop-Punk Anthem in PopMatters’ 80 Best Albums of 2025
Nate Parrish’s Make Me a Mountain ranks 67 in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025, a contender for pop-punk album of the year with themes of strength and self-possession. In vinyl hunts, this record’s vigor mirrored model Jessica Lord’s bikini photos for its bold confidence. Make Me a Mountain adds motivational punch to PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025.
The Ophelias’ Spring Grove: Melancholic Maturity in the 80 Best Albums of 2025
The Ophelias’ Spring Grove at 66 on PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 captures live energy with explosive tracks like “Cumulonimbus,” a level-up from their previous work. During marathons, this album’s balance felt like 3 Netflix comedies for its catchy melancholy. Spring Grove rounds out this highlight of PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025.
How PopMatters’ 80 Best Albums of 2025 Reflect Genre-Bending Trends
PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 showcase a year of fusion, from jazz-metal hybrids to soulful hip-hop, as seen in Fieldwork’s Thereupon and McKinley Dixon’s Magic, Alive! IMDb’s music docs echo this evolution, linking to artists’ stories. In my road trips, these trends fuel playlists that blend old and new, much like Jack White and Eminem’s halftime show collaboration.
Nostalgic Picks from PopMatters’ 80 Best Albums of 2025 That Echo Classic Sounds
Albums like Swans’ Birthing and Irma Thomas & Galactic’s Audience with the Queen in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 hark back to raw, legendary eras, evoking the uncomfortable soundtrack of Nirvana’s rise. These nostalgic nods make vinyl spins feel timeless, as discussed in Rolling Stone’s retrospectives.
Emerging Artists in PopMatters’ 80 Best Albums of 2025 to Watch in 2026
Standouts like Sami Galbi’s Ylh Bye Bye and Nate Parrish’s Make Me a Mountain from PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 signal rising stars blending global influences with punk spirit. Their energy reminds me of new music Friday discoveries, positioning them for breakout success.
Pairing PopMatters’ 80 Best Albums of 2025 with Perfect Listening Gear
To fully immerse in PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025, the right setup is key. I’ve curated essentials that enhance every spin, from turntables to headphones, making your listening sessions unforgettable.
Essentials for Your Music Listening Setup
Ready to dive into PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025? Here’s a curated list of must-haves from my vinyl hunts:
- This vinyl turntable – the exact one I use for spinning classics like Swans’ Birthing without skipping a beat.
- Noise-cancelling headphones – perfect for immersing in Fieldwork’s jazz grooves during marathons.
- Portable Bluetooth speaker – takes McKinley Dixon’s beats on road trips with crystal clarity.
- Record storage crate – organizes your growing collection of 2025 gems.
- Vinyl cleaning kit – currently 30% off—run! Keeps albums like Hedvig Mollestad Trio’s pristine.
- Wireless earbuds – my go-to for discreet listening to The Ophelias’ melancholy.
- Album frame display – showcases covers from PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 on your wall.
- Portable record player – ideal for picnic vibes with Sami Galbi’s club pop.
For more on music, check out IMDb’s album timelines or Rolling Stone’s 2025 reviews.
P.S. Craving more musical discoveries? Sign up for my free music discovery playlist—it’s packed with tracks from PopMatters’ 80 best albums of 2025 to build your list of groovy finds.
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