2025 RECAP ✨
2025 RECAP ✨
A quick round-up of some of my favorite albums, songs, and music moments FROM this year.
All right, let’s do this thing…
Let me start by saying that, as a loyal and dedicated Shane Albums reader, you may have questions (or qualms) about my recent inactivity—as well as this very recap coming quite late in the year. A couple notes on that:
You work for me. I don’t work for you.
It seems “list season” keeps coming earlier and earlier each year. Most blogs and publications are putting out their year-end recaps in early December these days and inevitably miss some December release(s). Famously 2014’s Black Messiah by D’Angelo (RIP) but also Cameron Winter’s 2024 release Heavy Metal, which appeared on (and topped!) many 2025 lists…as well as this very December’s Holo Boy by This Is Lorelei, which I expect will receive much of its acclaim in 2026. In the case of This Is Lorelei, my procrastination—which is, of course, the real reason this list is just now coming out—actually paid off: you can find that album included in my Top 20 below.
Before diving into the music itself, let’s talk about the year. In many ways, I would consider 2025 to be a follow-up to 2024. But to 2024, with its lowly Rizzlers and Hawk Tuahs, 2025 said, “Hold my matcha! It’s Labubu and 6-7 time!” I can’t wait to learn new words next year.
As far as musical trends go, 2025 seemed to serve as a changing of the guard. We saw disappointing and memory-holed releases from many indie greats who came up during the 2010s or earlier (I’m talkin’ Mac DeMarco, Japanese Breakfast, Car Seat Headrest, Lucy Dacus, Destroyer, Whitney, Arcade Fire [lol], and others), while a newer crop of artists continued on their consistently good track and put out great albums this year, solidifying their place at the top of the genre. In this latter camp, I’m thinking about bands like Hotline TNT, Geese, Water from Your Eyes, and Wednesday, who you can all read about below. Related, MJ Lenderman fans lament Our Savior not putting out a proper album this year; thankfully, two of his exes did, and they’re both awesome.
I plan to be more active next year, dear reader, so please stay tuned for more brilliant takes, thoughtful discourse, and fewer Labubu references. With that, I’ll cut to the chase and get to the reason everyone’s here—the Honorable Mentions!
ALBUMS
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Armand Hammer — Mercy
The seventh collaborative album from rappers billy woods and Elucid, and the second to feature full production by the Alchemist. I generally find their music to be genius, almost to the point where listening to it can sometimes feel like homework. I’ll not infrequently have to pause an Armand Hammer song to process the lyrics and stroke my chin, but it pays off when you hear bars like “Part of keeping your word isn’t saying much.” Slick, easy, often piano-led beats from the Alchemist, which often hang in the background so that the focus can be kept on the word-heavy lyricists.
Bonnie “Prince” Billy — The Purple Bird
Sweet, blissful listening that’s consistent with much of his output to date—if not a touch brighter. Lovely harmonies and full instrumentation throughout. Glad I finally had the pleasure of seeing him perform live this year. All in all, “Turned to Dust (Rolling On)” from this record was one of my favorite songs of 2025.
FKA twigs — EUSEXUA
Really cool, immersive project, with Björk being an obvious stylistic comparison. Mostly spacey, but there are some catchy, uptempo joints on here like the wild “Childlike Things” that features none other than North West rapping fully in Japanese. Unfortunately, this project didn’t really have the replay quality or sticking power that MAGDALENE and LP1 did for me. And I gotta say, EUSEXUA is one of the lamest album titles of recent memory, too.
MIKE — Showbiz!
MIKE is one of my favorites within whatever abstract, talk-rap subgenre he works. Very listenable, considering his music’s so wordy; songs like this album’s “man in the mirror” highlight the fun, easy side of this sound. The hefty runtime found me falling off a bit, though, and kept MIKE out of my elusive Top 20. Better luck next year, MIKE!
Snõõper — Worldwide
One of the most high-energy albums I heard this year. Their “egg punk” sound does get a little samey after a while, but it’s certainly digestible with the record being less than 30 minutes. If you give it a listen, make sure you stick around long enough to hear one of the most unique Beatles covers I’ve ever encountered with their version of “Come Together.”
TOP 20
20. DARKSIDE — Nothing
Super fun and upbeat record from Nicolas Jaar and Dave Harrington. I skipped their 2021 album but loved their 2013 debut, Pyschic, with its subtle, atmospheric sound. Although I prefer that style from DARKSIDE, the duo’s dancier direction on Nothing is incredibly well done. Tons of warm, catchy tracks on here such as “S.N.C,” which blends guitars and other live instruments with Jaar’s glitchy, electronic production style.
Favorite track: “S.N.C”
19. Snocaps — Snocaps
A late-year, surprise release from the newly formed supergroup featuring Katie Crutchfield (aka Waxahatchee), her twin sister and frequent collaborator Allison, MJ Lenderman, and producer Brad Cook. Whether the band continues to exist and put out music beyond this album is unclear, but they blessed us here with a quick set of songs that hearkens back to ‘90s indie groups like the Breeders or Sleater-Kinney. Maybe not incredibly memorable, but it came as a very welcome surprise, and the vibe is right up my alley.
Favorite track: “Brand New City”
18. Greg Freeman — Burnover
There can only be so many Jason Molina wannabes in the already crowded alt-country space, and while I sometimes have to roll my eyes at how much Greg Freeman sounds like his influences, he popped off this year with some great songs and has a unique enough flair to set him apart from others. Well-written and clever lyrics, a full sound from his band, and an album title that taught me a new lesson about the history of my beloved Upstate New York.
Favorite track: “Point and Shoot”
17. Perfume Genius — Glory
I was a little disappointed to not see this album get the attention and respect this year that I think it deserves. Perfume Genius is one of the most consistent artists in the game, and he’s so skilled at building albums that mix simple, down-the-middle tracks with grander ones featuring pretty daring production decisions. While not as anthemic as some of his earlier albums like Too Bright or No Shape, this feels like an album you can really sink into.
Favorite track: “It’s A Mirror”
16. This Is Lorelei — Holo Boy
As mentioned above, a year-end release that I was glad I could include on my 2025 list. It’s kind of maddening how prolific this guy is, between his incredible output under the This Is Lorelei moniker and his work in the band Water from Your Eyes. Released just one year after the great Box for Buddy, Box for Star (which has been steadily gaining steam), Holo Boy is just as catchy and dynamic. It could be benefitting a bit from recency bias, but I think I can be objective in saying that most of these songs go crazy.
Favorite track: “Dreams Away”
15. Nourished by Time — The Passionate Ones
I hadn’t heard of Nourished by Time before this year, but this album has become a go-to for me thanks to its throwback production style, unique—almost moan-y—vocals, and overall hypnotic vibe. Tons of cool synths and drums on here; the more I think about it as I write this, the more I think I should’ve ranked this album higher… Shit.
Favorite track: “9 2 5”
14. Cory Hanson — I Love People
On its face, Cory Hanson’s music might seem pretty standard: it’s got a light and breezy country rock sound, he has a lovely singing voice, and nothing about the instrumentation or production comes off as too challenging or inhibiting. But when you dive into his lyrics, you find that he’s a genuinely strange and singular artist. His music is tongue-in-cheek and full of non sequiturs, and I appreciate that he made an entry into the contemporary Christmas songbook here with “Santa Claus Is Coming Back to Town.” Cory’s last album was called Western Cum, which tells you everything you need to know about him.
Favorite track: “Bird on A Swing”
13. Benjamin Booker — LOWER
Really beautiful and intimate album that’s ultimately quite heavy despite the soft vocals. The production mixes gentle, acoustic instrumentation with dark, staticky synths for a pretty intense feel. This noisy, lo-fi direction is huge change-up from Benjamin Booker’s earlier bluesy output, but he sounds like a natural here.
Favorite track: “SLOW DANCE IN A GAY BAR”
12. Bon Iver — SABLE, fABLE
Similar to Perfume Genius, I haven’t seen Bon Iver get too much love this year-end. That could be because he’s chosen, again, to name and style an album’s title in a horribly annoying way. Or perhaps the listeners just have falsetto fatigue. Regardless, this is his best work in nearly a decade and finds him going in a much poppier direction. There are definitely some forgettable tracks on here but at least three incredible ones (see the chorus on “Everything Is Peaceful Love,” the screeching guitars on “Day One,” and the huge, building harmonies on “From”). Justin Vernon has said this will be the final Bon Iver album; if true, he’s going out with a bang(er).
Favorite track: “From”
11. Alex G — Headlights
Not his greatest album to date but an entirely satisfying collection of songs that’s fitting for a major label debut. The G-Man plays it pretty safe on Headlights with plenty of singer-songwriter cuts, but he thankfully keeps it a little weird with the more experimental “Louisiana” and “Bounce Boy,” which together break up the middle part of the record. I love him pushing his vocals on “Spinning,” the simplicity of “June Guitar,” and the sunny feel of the lead single “Afterlife.” I would be remiss, though, if I didn’t mention “Far and Wide” being one of the worst and most baffling songs (by any artist) in recent memory.
Favorite track: “Spinning”
Least favorite track: “Far and Wide”
10. Ryan Davis & the Roadhouse Band — New Threats from the Soul
True to the band’s name, this record has a live, in-the-room, roadhouse feel. The group’s several members are undeniably talented at their respective instruments, but there’s a looseness to their playing that makes this album pure fun to listen to. Ryan Davis’s lyrics are disarming and playful, and the song’s wild structures take you through twists and turns, slow-building instrumentals, and big harmonies. The nine-minute title track might be my favorite song of the year with its funny, quotable lines and four or five separate singable moments.
Favorite track: “New Threats from the Soul”
9. Oklou — choke enough
Despite my general disdain for all things French, Oklou really won me over here with her distinctive twist on bedroom pop. Though relatively quiet and uncrowded, some of these songs are real earworms and have been stuck in my head for months. Great music, equally for the background or to fully dial in on. I’m not sure this is a fair comparison, but this sounds like what I want an FKA twigs record to be.
Favorite track: “blade bird”
8. Friendship — Caveman Wakes Up
The song “Free Association” stopped me in my little tracks the first time I heard it, with its deep vocals, knotty guitars, and wry lyrics. The songwriting across this entire album focuses largely on the mundane—the “get[ting] home from work and complain[ing] about work”—but it’s not some sad sack BS. This music is genuinely inspired, and there are plenty of rockers to go around, like the track “Tree of Heaven.” Dig it.
Favorite track: “Free Association”
7. Hotline TNT — Raspberry Moon
Everything you’d want from a Hotline TNT record: loud, catchy guitar riffs, fuzzy mixing, and sweet (if not muffled) vocals. I heard someone describe this album as “like an ice cream sundae,” and I think that’s apt. Nothing on here is too groundbreaking for the group, though I do appreciate the more anthemic efforts, like on “Julia’s War.” This album (which can’t be found on Spotify) was the sole reason I signed up for a free trial of Apple Music this year.
Favorite track: “Break Right”
6. Geese — Getting Killed
One of the most talked-about albums of the year, at least in the indie sphere. Polarizing—largely because of Cameron Winter’s vocals—but also the recipient of much praise and “rock is back” talk. The production (interestingly from Kenny Beats) is unique and near-perfect, and there are some songs on here that feel generational. While a few tracks could be cut in my opinion, like “Half Real” and “Bow Down,” I think this is an excellent, dynamic album very much worthy of the hype. Regardless of what you think, I reckon we should all be glad that there is such a buzzy indie band taking off right now.
Favorite track: “Cobra”
5. Shallowater — God’s Gonna Give You A Million Dollars
I was put onto this record only a few months ago (shout-out Tabb), and it quickly became one of the only things I wanted to listen to for a spell. It would be hard to put this band into a box: they certainly work upon a slowcore, post-punk canvas but frequently switch between soft, acoustic playing and punishing, sludgy riffs; all of this is balanced by a warm, country western twang. Emotional vocals and some seriously awesome instrumental moments. Give these guys a listen!
Favorite track: “God’s Gonna Give You A Million Dollars”
4. Water from Your Eyes — It’s A Beautiful Place
Dizzying and playful record with drab, almost spoken vocals over constantly moving instrumentation. It’s short and sweet and, despite its occasional snarkiness, has some real tender moments, like on the track “Blood on the Dollar.” Unlike the band’s previous work, there are guitar solos all over this album, which according to guitarist Nate Amos is because “Nothing’s funnier than a guitar solo.” Despite their slacker front, these guys are incredibly talented (see the soaring guitar on the Hotline TNT-esque “Born 2”).
Favorite track: “Blood on the Dollar”
3. Earl Sweatshirt — Live Laugh Love
This album grew on me quite a bit over the year, as Earl Sweatshirt albums often do. Earl’s going unc mode here and embracing a much more wholesome and earnest demeanor than he used to. Whereas his raps used to be lightning fast and stacked with puns and wordplay, he’s slowed down quite a bit from his early days and now has a much more relaxed approach—without sacrificing any of the quality of his lyricism. His takes on fatherhood and career and fame are grounded and thoughtful, and the record is short but plenty immersive. I also quite like the more sing-song direction on tracks like “TOURMALINE.”
Favorite track: “TOURMALINE”
2. Wednesday — Bleeds
An absolute ripper and definitely my favorite Wednesday album to date. Some elements of Karly Hartzman’s songwriting are admittedly becoming a bit tired (surely she must be running out of stories about high school buddies taking too many prescription drugs, right?), but there’s enough varied material and guitar shredding to keep me from caring about that for too long. Even when it comes to the softer, more emotional tracks, like “The Way Love Goes” (which was the subject of this incredible piece by Karly in Vulture this year), it’s all killer, no filler. “Townies” is an all-timer with such a satisfying hook, and “Elderberry Wine” seems like the type of song we’ll be singing for decades.
Favorite track: “Townies”
1. Panda Bear — Sinister Grift
For me, this was the album to beat for much of the year, and guess what? It didn’t get beat! Panda Bear sold his turntable and bought guitars to make the most summery, bouncy, and fun album of 2025. Less psychedelic and less challenging than some of his solo work and much of his output via Animal Collective, this album has that intangible magic quality and is just so listenable and replayable. With the breezy guitar licks and steel drums, he’s definitely not beating the Beach Boys allegations. And despite most of the album being bright and cheery, songs like “Anywhere but Here,” “Venom’s In,” and “Left in the Cold” take on a wider, more glacial tone, making for a well-rounded and robust record. Plus, this album has “Defense” on it. C’mon!
Favorite track: “Anywhere but Here”
SONGS
As usual, I’m not going to rank songs but rather just share a playlist with my favorite track from each of the 25 albums listed above, plus a few additional ones from SPELLLING, DJ Python, Cola, Lorde, The Berries, Joyce Manor, and others. Unfortunately, I can’t include music from Hotline TNT on this playlist, as they’re fighting the good fight against Spotify.
Beyond these tracks, I’ll forever recognize 2025 as the year I first heard “That’s So True” by Gracie Abrams. That shit changed my life.
CONCERTS
To take us home, here’s a non-exhaustive list of some of my favorite shows and concert moments of the year:
Of course, seeing Sir Paul McCartney at the ~500-person Bowery Ballroom
If you haven’t already, you can read all about my time at that show here
Surprising my (Irish) parents with tickets to Fontaines D.C. while they were visiting the city
Searching for earplugs at the punishing Prostitute TV Eye set
Getting seasick aboard the Liberty Bell at the annual Water from Your Eyes boat show
Feeling like a woman as Shania Twain kicked off her tour in Missoula, Montana
Taking in separate sets from MJ Lenderman, Waxahatchee, and Father John Misty at the beautiful Beak & Skiff Apple Orchard upstate
Being bathed in sunlight and angular guitars while Cola played atop Elsewhere’s rooftop
Witnessing Wilco, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson croak out a few classics in Saratoga
Jamming to Mdou Moctar’s incessant shredding on a warm summer night outside the Knockdown Center
Putting aside any principles or ethics I have to catch Morrissey put on a shockingly great show at Radio City Music Hall
Jumping from one venue to another to catch the unlikely double-billing of Panda Bear and then Militarie Gun
Catching Greg Freeman open for Grandaddy at their Sophtware Slump 25th anniversary show
Being mesmerized by Grizzly Bear (and special guest Victoria Legrand of Beach House) at one of their Brooklyn Steel reunion performances
Running a 10K with members of Kneecap before their wild gig in Killarney
Unfortunately, my only photo from the Paul McCartney show
The sights and sounds of the lovely Beak & Skiff
A quick jog with Kneecap’s Móglaí Bop