2025's Standout Albums According to Our UK Website
In the first half of 2025, the music industry has seen a burst of creativity and innovation, with a diverse range of artists releasing albums that cater to various tastes and preferences. From reflective confessional tracks to dance-worthy anthems, here's a round-up of some of the most notable releases.
Kicking off our list is Doechii's Alligator Bites Never Heal, an album that seamlessly weaves together golden era boom bap raps and smooth R&B melodies. This eclectic mix is a testament to Doechii's versatility as an artist, making her a standout name in the hip-hop scene.
Jason Isbell's Foxes In The Snow, recorded at the Electric Lady studio with just his acoustic guitar and voice, is another notable release. Hailed by some as a masterpiece, the album showcases Isbell's raw talent and emotional depth, making it a must-listen for fans of folk and Americana music.
For those seeking a more electronic edge, bdrmm's Microtonic offers a fresh take on shoegaze roots, backed by Mogwai's Rock Action label. The album's blend of electronic beats and dreamy soundscapes is a unique addition to the shoegaze genre.
Lucy Dacus' Forever is a Feeling is another highlight of the year. This album is a perfect ode to the passage of time, with eloquent wisdom and standout tracks like Most Wanted Man and Lost Time. Dacus' heartfelt lyrics and melodic tunes make this album a favourite among indie-pop fans.
Beirut's A Study of Losses, released in 2025, is a perfect soundtrack for the twilight hours. The album's blend of melancholy and wonder creates a cinematic soundscape that is both haunting and beautiful.
Mogwai's The Bad Fire also creates a cinematic soundscape, layering together blends of melancholy and wonder. The album's unique mix of post-rock and electronica is a testament to Mogwai's innovative approach to music.
Samia's Bloodless, released in 2025, is a grunge-rock record with clever lyrics and a perfect balance between grunge-rock and tender singer-songwriter moments. The album's raw energy and emotional depth make it a standout in the grunge-rock genre.
HotWax's Hot Shock is a riff-heavy post-punk record that is sure to get heads banging. This album is a perfect addition to any post-punk playlist.
Yeule's Evangelic Girl is a Gun is a continuation of the more cathartic sound yeule explored on her second album, still peppered with jagged feedback loops and glitchy electronics. The album's blend of pop and experimental electronica is a unique addition to the pop music scene.
Feel at home, from Loyle Carner's album, was introduced by his son's xylophone taps. The track's simple melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a standout on the album.
Bon Iver's latest album, SABLE, FABLE, features collaborations with Mk.gee, Dijon, and Danielle Haim, among others. The album explores themes of contemplation, spirit, and love, making it a perfect listen for those seeking introspective music.
Little Simz's album Lotus explores a darker and angrier narrative, making it a project that is simultaneously menacing and witty. The album's unique blend of hip-hop and spoken word is a testament to Simz's versatility as an artist.
Loyle Carner's hopefully! explores themes of fatherhood, legacy, and the quiet hopes we carry through life. The album's heartfelt lyrics and melodic tunes make it a favourite among indie-pop fans.
Lambrini Girls' album is a punk rock record that tackles themes of identity, injustice, sexual harassment, misogyny, and body autonomy. The album's raw energy and powerful lyrics make it a standout in the punk rock genre.
Girlpuppy's Sweetness is a blend of angst-pop and 90s guitar sounds. The album's catchy tunes and emotional depth make it a favourite among indie-pop fans.
FROM encourages patience in love, with its heartfelt lyrics and melodic tunes. The album's unique blend of pop and R&B is a testament to the artist's versatility.
The Horrors' Night Life is a midnight sprint through industrial sleaze and synth-drenched noir. The album's unique mix of post-punk and electronica is a testament to The Horrors' innovative approach to music.
The Weather Station's Humanhood, Van Morrison's Remember Now, The Bats' Loline, Brìghde Chaimbeul's Bog an Lochan, Goat/Graveyard's Light as a Feather, Andy Bell's Pinball Wanderer, Matt Berry's Heard Noises, Aloe Blacc's Stand Together, Black Moth Super Rainbow's Soft New Magic Dream, clipping.'s Dead Channel Sky, FACS' Wish Defense, Hawkwind's There Is No Space for Us, Heartworms' Glutton for Punishment, HOUSE Of ALL's House of All Souls, Jethro Tull's Curious Ruminant, Edvard Graham Lewis' Alreet?, The Loft's Everything Changes Everything Stays the Same, Mekons' Horror, Ministry's The Squirrely Years Revisited, Lael Neale's Altogether Stranger, Pulp's More, Rose City Band's Sol y Sombra, Shriekback's Monument, Songhoy Blues' Héritage, and Sparks' MAD are some of the other notable releases of 2025.
These lists highlight a diverse range of genres and artists, showcasing the variety and creativity in music released during the first half of 2025. With so many great albums to choose from, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a fan of indie-pop, hip-hop, punk rock, or post-punk, 2025 has offered a wealth of new music to explore.
This wide array of releases includes Samia's Bloodless, a grunge-rock record that combines clever lyrics with tender singer-songwriter moments, and Yeule's Evangelic Girl is a Gun, an album that blends pop music with experimental electronica. Both albums offer unique additions to their respective genres, contributing to the diversity in entertainment through music in the first half of 2025.
