Top Albums of 2025 So Far: A Midyear Music Roundup

Explore the best albums of 2025 so far, featuring diverse genres and incredible artists making waves this year.

2025’s Best Albums: Midyear Highlights

We’ve hit the halfway mark in 2025, and wow—what a year it has been! While the world keeps spinning with its ups and downs, music remains our trusty refuge. This year’s first six months have gifted us some truly remarkable albums—records that make us think deeply, provide an escape, and offer emotional release.

This list features an eclectic mix of emerging talents and seasoned pros spanning hip-hop, jazz, indie rock, funk, folk, and more. Our picks are alphabetized (not ranked) because every album on this list has its own unique magic.

Alan Sparhawk — With Trampled by Turtles

After the heartfelt and raw White Roses, My God—Alan Sparhawk’s solo record following the loss of his wife and musical partner Mimi Parker—his latest album with Trampled by Turtles explores grief with even deeper honesty. By blending and bending the bluegrass style of his Duluth bandmates, With Trampled by Turtles brings to life songs Sparhawk had been crafting with Parker before her passing in 2022. This album feels like a true expression of mourning and resilience. — David Harris

Arcade Fire — Pink Elephant

If you're a longtime Arcade Fire fan, Pink Elephant might’ve stirred mixed feelings. But coming into it fresh, the album captivates from the eerie synth opening “Open Your Heart or Die Trying” to the bittersweet “Ride or Die.” Despite controversies surrounding frontman Win Butler, this seventh album from Montreal’s indie royalty offers a sonic journey layered with emotion and atmospheric depth. — Matt Thompson

Bad Bunny — DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS

Bad Bunny’s finest work yet is both a vibrant homage to Puerto Rico and a fierce anti-colonial statement. From salsa-infused beats like “Baile Inolvidable” to mountain folk sounds in “Café Con Ron,” he fuses tradition with modern reggaeton. Not shying away from the island’s uncertain future, the album’s themes are deeply rooted in cultural pride and social commentary, while he plans a bold world tour that notably skips the U.S. — E.R. Pulgar

Bartees Strange — Horror

Facing the horrors of modern existence, Bartees Strange channels raw emotion into a mash-up of grooving and blistering indie rock. Tracks like “Hit It, Quit It” explore what it’s like navigating predominantly white music spaces as a Black artist, while “Baltimore” reflects on personal uncertainty. With his most confident and cathartic effort yet, Horror offers both strength and solace. — Brendan Hay

Bootsy Collins — Album of the Year

Bootsy Collins proves funk royalty still rules with Album of the Year, released April 11. Featuring guest spots from Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and more, this 18-track funk feast bursts with infectious grooves and Bootsy’s signature playful adlibs. It’s like being invited to the best party on the planet—where every song is a celebration of mastery and musicianship. — Kyle Eustice

Borja — Cuando Coincidimos

Spanish singer-songwriter Borja has evolved from indie darling to Latin pop heartthrob with his sophomore album Cuando Coincidimos. From surf-rock vibes on “Se Busca” to the intense “Brutal,” he weaves personal stories and romantic escapades with a refreshing edge. His performance opening for Karol G in Madrid and collaborations with top artists spotlight his rising stardom. — Lucas Villa

Djo — The Crux

Joe Keery’s project Djo delivers a wild, quirky mix of sounds on The Crux, blending influences from Scritti Politti to Bowie’s glam spirit. The album is a playful yet heartfelt ride through themes of love and self-discovery, all wrapped in lush, eclectic instrumentation. Despite the occasional mullet nostalgia distracting, it’s hard not to be charmed by this fun, offbeat record. — Matt Thompson

Domino Kirke — The Most Familiar Star

Domino Kirke’s The Most Familiar Star navigates change and acceptance with textured soundscapes and meditative vocals. Drawing from life’s sharp turns—parenthood, personal loss, and newfound recognition as a doula—Kirke explores identity and love, ultimately guiding listeners toward peace through her deeply personal songwriting. — Lily Moayeri

Eiko Ishibashi — Antigone

Japanese multi-instrumentalist Eiko Ishibashi returns with Antigone, a song-based album steeped in eerie, ethereal beauty. Singing mostly in Japanese, she transforms avant-garde influences into haunting torch songs that float in a dystopian dreamscape. This album feels like mourning and enchantment all rolled into one, a delicately crafted sonic journey. — Reed Jackson

Ela Taubert — Preguntas a Las 11:11

Colombian rising star Ela Taubert is making waves with her debut album Preguntas a Las 11:11. Mixing heartbreaking pop anthems like “¿Cómo Pasó?” with high-profile collaborations—including Joe Jonas on a Spanglish hit and Max Martin’s production—she turns personal stories into Latin pop gems with a fresh, vibrant sound. — Lucas Villa

FKA Twigs — Eusexua

After a summer of transformative partying, FKA Twigs returns with Eusexua, blending playful dancefloor energy with raw vulnerability. Collaborations like the one with North West on “Childlike Things” add to the album’s eclectic vibe. From minimalist eroticism to the euphoric transcendence of “Striptease,” Twigs crafts pop that moves both body and soul. — E.R. Pulgar

Garbage — Let All That We Imagine Be the Light

Let All That We Imagine Be the Light channels a turbulent mix of anger, frustration, love, and gratitude. Frontwoman Shirley Manson, recovering from injury, channeled her emotions into this vibrant and unapologetically raw album. While sharply critical of modern life, it also offers moments of resilience and hope through an unfiltered yet generous lens. — Lily Moayeri

Infinity Knives & Brian Ennals — A City Drowned in God’s Black Tears

Brian Ennals doesn’t hold back on the politically charged A City Drowned in God’s Black Tears, opening with a fiery declaration and continuing with dark humor and sharp critique. Producer Infinity Knives balances the intensity with varied musical backdrops, from acoustic touches to Latin grooves, creating an intense, visceral, and complex hip-hop experience. — Al Shipley

James Brandon Lewis — Apple Cores

Saxophonist James Brandon Lewis channels jazz legends like Don Cherry and Ornette Coleman in Apple Cores, an album bursting with free jazz, hip-hop, dub, and fusion. His trio creates a sonic cityscape that pulses with energy, spontaneity, and a bold urge to reinvent jazz on his own terms. — Reed Jackson

Jerry David DeCicca — Cardiac Country

Written just before life-altering heart surgery, Cardiac Country reflects on love and life through Jerry David DeCicca’s plainspoken country-folk lens. Collaborating with pedal steel legend B.J. Cole, DeCicca paints a vivid, melancholic portrait of the heartland, transcending geography and physical limits with heartfelt storytelling. — Reed Jackson

L.S. Dunes — Violet

The supergroup featuring members of My Chemical Romance, Circa Survive, Thursday, and Coheed and Cambria surprises with Violet. Producer Will Yip brings out the best in this eclectic lineup, blending powerhouse vocals, frenetic guitars, and solid rhythms into a magickal synergy. It’s not a side project—it’s a meeting of kindred spirits. — Brendan Menapace

Luke Spiller — Love Will Probably Kill Me Before Cigarettes and Wine

Luke Spiller’s solo debut sheds the theatrical holdback and dives deep into personal storytelling. Love Will Probably Kill Me Before Cigarettes and Wine is a dramatic, cinematic album shaped by relationships, raw honesty, and vulnerability that pulls listeners into his emotional world. — Lucas Villa

Maria Somerville — Luster

Hailing from the Irish coast, Maria Somerville’s Luster flows like ocean waves—ethereal, earthy, and mesmerizing. Her second album on 4AD blends hypnotic shoegaze textures with pop structures, creating a captivating sound that ebbs and flows with haunting beauty. — Stephen Deusner

Nels Cline — Consentrik Quartet

Guitar virtuoso Nels Cline returns with a larger ensemble on Consentrik Quartet, balancing avant-garde solos with jazz traditions. Sharing the stage with saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, Cline blends hard bop, noir ballads, and distortion-driven bursts of energy on this Blue Note release. — Alan Sparhawk

Neton Vega — Mi Vida Mi Muerte

Mexican breakout star Neton Vega steps beyond corridos with his swaggering debut Mi Vida Mi Muerte. Mixing hip-hop influences with reggaeton and collaborations with Peso Pluma, Vega’s dynamic vocals and storytelling mark him as a rising Latin music force. — Lucas Villa

PUP — Who Will Look After the Dogs

Toronto’s punk band PUP chronicles their journey through highs, lows, and existential struggles on Who Will Look After the Dogs. Stefan Babcock’s candid lyrics confront mortality and self-doubt, yet the band stands resilient, embracing their chaotic authorship of life. — Brendan Menapace

Rodeo Boys — Junior

Rodeo Boys from Lansing challenge the heartland rock mold with Junior, exploring themes of heartbreak and yearning through the perspective of non-binary frontperson Tiff Hannay. These songs offer a refreshing and heartfelt take on familiar struggles in a world that often lacks understanding. — Brendan Menapace

Saint Levant — Love Letters

Trilingual Palestinian-Algerian rapper Saint Levant returns with Love Letters, a mix of ’80s Arabic pop and potent anthems of pride. Featuring collaborations with Palestinian artists, this album explores romance and resistance, shining a light on heritage and hope. — E.R. Pulgar

Sam Moss — Swimming

Virginia-based guitarist Sam Moss channels inspiration from Emily Dickinson to craft Swimming, an album of graceful guitar work and intimate vocals. Recorded with North Carolina musicians, it’s a thoughtful, observant collection that reveals fresh insights with every listen. — Stephen Deusner

Sparks — MAD!

Russell and Ron Mael remain masters of their craft on their 28th album MAD!, combining dark humor and catchy, looped melodies. The Maels get a bit sentimental here, with some of their most sincere songs yet, proving their songwriting skills remain razor-sharp after all these years. — David Harris

Telethon — Suburban Electric

Wisconsin’s “hard pop” band Telethon blends power pop, alt-rock, and rock opera theatrics on Suburban Electric. This vivid collection of story-driven songs feels like an intimate tour through a neighborhood full of quirky characters and personal moments, packed with fun references and catchy hooks. — Brendan Hay

Tunde Adebimpe — Thee Black Boltz

TV on the Radio frontman Tunde Adebimpe’s solo Thee Black Boltz is raw and soulful, spotlighting his dynamic voice more than ever. Navigating grief and heartbreak, he also delivers energetic indie dance tracks, showcasing a new side to his emotive and charismatic artistry. — Brendan Hay

Viagra Boys — viagr aboys

Swedish punk provocateurs Viagra Boys deliver a darkly humorous dive into body horror on viagr aboys. The bonus track “Therapy” stands out with its wild, twisted take on counseling. This album is gritty, unfiltered, and a bold statement in punk’s evolving landscape. — Arsenio Orteza

Wardruna — Birna

Against the backdrop of global environmental crises, Norwegian collective Wardruna channels ancient animist traditions on Birna. The album’s glacial pace and epic soundscapes evoke the heartbeat of a hibernating bear, blending atavistic music with modern anxieties in a hauntingly beautiful way. — David Harris

William Tyler — Time Indefinite

William Tyler’s Time Indefinite breaks new ground, moving beyond guitar-centric compositions to create textured sound sculptures. Layers of synths, static noise, and decaying choirs create a shifting sonic world that is both chaotic and disarmingly beautiful, marking Tyler’s boldest work yet. — Stephen Deusner

“These albums have made us think, helped us escape, and have been emotionally cathartic.” – Curated music editors

Conclusion

Music in 2025 is rich, diverse, and emotionally resonant. Whether you crave introspective indie, boundary-pushing jazz, or high-energy punk, the albums released so far offer something powerful and personal for every listener. What album has moved you most this year?

FAQs

• What genres are covered in the top albums of 2025?
  The list spans hip-hop, jazz, indie rock, funk, folk, Latin pop, punk, and more.
• Are these albums ranked or alphabetized?
  The albums are alphabetized, reflecting equal appreciation rather than ranking.
• Which artists had notable collaborations this year?
  Bootsy Collins featured Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube, Ela Taubert collaborated with Joe Jonas, among others.
• Is there any political or social commentary in these albums?
  Yes, albums like Bad Bunny’s and Infinity Knives & Brian Ennals’ works include strong social and political themes.
• Where can I find more music recommendations like these?
  Explore music platforms, artist websites, and curated lists that update regularly for new releases.

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