ten albums i loved this year
a small list of my favorite albums from 2025
Oh look, it’s Abby’s AOTY post for 2025!
I resist music rankings for many reasons. Namely, there is always someone out there with the next irritating “What about—” comment coming down the pike, ready to totally disrupt your flow. Also, I have such little credibility in this world to begin with, so why put myself in the arena to be picked apart and lectured from now until the end of next year?
So—while yes, I am resistant to year-end lists, I still want to share a few of the albums I loved in 2025. Of course, that would probably end in a too-long essay most people would just end up scrolling through to get to the end, so instead, I am going to try my best to provide the details of each album (genre, title, etc.) as well as a mini review, vibe check, and Bandcamp link where applicable.
Adult Romantix by Winter
Genre: dream pop, shoegaze
Favorite Tracks: “In My Basement Room” and Candy #9”
A love letter to the DIY music scene of Los Angeles, this album echoes a bittersweet goodbye. Samira Winter moved from LA to NYC this past year, spending time in sublets and friends’ couches. Adult Romantix is the result of this chaotic, yet necessary growth spurt. The first half of the album has an ethereal quality that often transcends its genre boxes. Yes, shoegaze, alt-rock, and pop are all present here, but there is something more nuanced simmering just below the surface. It’s reflective without relying on the cliches of nostalgia. I like to listen to Adult Romantix on early morning commutes, letting the soundscape wash over me like waves crashing on the shore from the Pacific.
Anything Can Be a Hammer by bloodsports
Genre: noise rock, post-punk
Favorite Tracks: “Rot” and “Anything Can Be a Hammer”
A complete departure from the rest of this list, bloodsports has crafted a furious noise rock album in the vein of Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr. It’s not messy, per se, but there is a scrappy quality present that threatens anyone who doesn’t vow to give it their full attention. I love the ping-ponging effect between the noisy, experimental tracks and the melodically-focused songs. Its short run time is definitely a plus in this case and adds to the overall vibe of carefully crafted commotion with a sharp edge.
The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean
Genre: neo-soul, pop-jazz
Favorite Tracks: “Nice To Each Other” and “Baby Steps”
This album is smooth, sweet, and sexy. It slides down your throat like pink rosé on a Sunday afternoon in late August. You can’t help but dance to it, letting Dean’s silky voice soothe your tense muscles until you’re a heap of sentimental mush. I can honestly say this album never grew old and tiresome, even as Olivia Dean soared through time and space to land a residency at Madison Square Garden and a nomination for Best New Artist at the Grammy’s. This album is just that good.
Believer by Sister Ray
Genre: folk, singer-songwriter
Favorite Tracks: “Unfolding” and “Wings”
This album is so fucking good, I sort of can’t believe no one has picked up on its genius sooner. I saw Sister Ray open for The Weather Station back in March and enjoyed their set just as much, if not more in some ways, than the main act. Their talent and stage presence had everyone hypnotized and begging for more. As for the album itself, the production is very in tune with that Toronto jazzy-folk scene I love so much and includes a star-studded team of playing musicians. I find myself reaching for this record in my quieter moments, yearning always to be understood even as I let myself fall apart. Just take a listen and let it melt away the armor.
Get Serene by Lampland
Genre: alternative, indie rock
Favorite Tracks: “Holding Down Delete” and ""I Wanna Be Surprised”
This album is a cautious bike ride through the cul-de-sac of all your past lives. Get Serene lulls you into safety with its shyness and subtlety before asking you plainly to reckon with the false promise of nostalgia and the shift towards a new age of adulthood. Check out the liner notes for a fun surprise—Katie Von Schleicher and Margaux Bouchegnies feature prominently on this album, which makes for a sweet DIY Brooklyn music scene reunion. I also had the distinct pleasure of meeting front man Tommy Bazarian in July and seeing Lampland perform this album live, so maybe I’m biased! Definitely an underrated album of the year.
Humanhood by The Weather Station
Genre: folk, singer-songwriter
Favorite Tracks: “Neon Signs” and “Irreversible Damage”
This album is a symphonic exploration of humanity in conversation with a climate in crisis. A quarter into the new millennium and we are no better off than we were when the first scientists warned us about the coming tide 50+ years ago. This record is a perfect snapshot of our natural world as it bucks against humanity’s endless pursuit of more, more, more. Little do the humans know—we’ll be the first species to go.
It’s Summer, I Love You, and I’m Surrounded by Snow by Dead Gowns
Genre: alternative folk, indie rock
Favorite Tracks: “Bad Habit” and “Swimmer”
It’s Summer, I Love You… is one of those five-years-long passion projects that consistently hits all the right notes. It’s proof that taking your time to craft an album with hard work and dedication can and will pay off in the end. Frontwoman Geneviève Beaudoin sings with a righteous belt unlike anyone else. I love how different each song sounds from its preceding track, showcasing the band’s diversity of sound. This record is one for the books and a fantastic debut for Dead Gowns.
The Life You Save by Flock of Dimes
Genre: indie pop, alternative
Favorite Tracks: “Afraid” and “River In My Arms”
This album is a lush and expansive forest. It’s full of pain, introspection, and forgiveness. While it investigates the topics of family trauma and addiction, it in no way trivializes them. Rather, it opens like a mountain vista on the horizon, revealing its totality with sonic majesty. The Life You Save is a perfect road trip record to spin while you travel home for the holidays.
Red sky at morning by h. pruz
Genre: folk, singer-songwriter
Favorite Tracks: “After always” and “Force”
This album sounds like floating in a lapping lake at dawn. It’s soft, yes, but in no way weak. If anything, this album is courageous. The improvised interludes add something magical and otherworldly to an otherwise grounded collection of songs. I’ve met and seen Hannah perform more than a few times now, which makes this new release all the more special to me. I hope you all will check it out!
Two Birds by sister.
Genre: alternative, indie folk
Favorite Tracks: “Two Moons” and “Power”
A deeply intimate portrayal of a close friendship in flux. Best friends and collaborators Hannah Pruzinsky and Ceci Sturman let you into their most private of worlds with a small smile and a gentle wave. As you listen, you may feel as if you’re privy to secrets you were never supposed to hear, and this only heightens the intensity of the emotion. Two Birds is the perfect album for a snowy hike through mountain trails while you contemplate whether to call your long-lost best friend.
Honorable Mentions
All wonderful albums! Just didn’t get a chance to listen to them as much as I wanted to (and should have).
Final Thoughts
A year ago this week, I was in my parents’ house, dreaming of the day someone might care what I had to say about music. I read through all the AOTY posts I could find on Substack, desperate and hungry for whatever was happening in the music space. I wanted to be part of it more than anything.
It’s surreal that I’ve somehow created something this real just by writing a newsletter every week. The gratitude I feel to all of you cannot be expressed without me devolving into tears, so I will instead leave you with this: 2025 was a harsh year but it was also a new release haven. I can only hope that 2026 continues along this path.
Happy Holidays! I hope you all rest, relax, and have a wonderful time with your loved ones. See you all in 2026 ✌️
That Lampland record is 🔥
I love AOTY lists mostly to create lists of things I should listen to, still. This list is great!