Hello! How are you doing? Here is this years big old albums piece. You can read it below, but I recommend the video version to get nice little clips of the albums (plus a really silly bit throughout). Hope you find something you love!

What was that? What just happened? The music Gods must have been looking down on us this year because we were blessed with an outrageous year of music. 

There are so many artists I love who I hoped would release music this year and did. But not only that, three of my top four from last year released new projects! How spoiled can I get! But it wasn’t just existing artists who made this year for me; I locked into new releases, listening to eight or so fresh albums a week. And I tell you what, it was such a joy to be introduced to so many new artists and albums. Every Friday turned into Christmas, a bad week could be turned around by a new artist taking over my life. If there’s anything that I want you to take away from this list, it is to go out and try something new, because your life will be better off for it! 

A few bits of house keeping before the list. 

First, a quick shout out to these albums that I really enjoyed a few listens with, but just didn’t quite get the time to dedicate to them. I may end up revisiting one year and having my life changed! 

Anna von Hasusswolff – Iconoclasts

Balu Brigada – Portal 

Beach Bunny – Tunnel Vision

Benjamin Booker – LOWER

CMAT – EURO-COUNTRY

Daniel Caesar – Son Of Spergy 

Dead Calm – Keep Moving 

Earl Sweatshirt – Live Laugh Love

GIVĒON – BELOVED

HAIM – I Quit

JADE – THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!

Jay Som – Belong

Kevin Abstract – Blush 

Kmoe – K1

Lola Young – I’m Only F**king Myself

Loyle Carner – hopefully !

Mac DeMarco – Guitar 

Matt Maltese – Hers

Miley Cyrus – Something Beautiful

Mon Laferte – FEMME FATALE

Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving

Rebecca Black – SALVATION

Rich Brian – WHERE IS MY HEAD? 

Rocket – R is for Rocket  

Shura – I Got Too Sad For My Friends 

Silvana Estrada – Vendrán Suaves Lluvias 

Snõõper – Worldwide 

Sudan Archives – THE BPM

The Favors – The Dream 

The Weather Station – Humanhood 

Venturing – Ghostholding 

Second, a shout out to my runners up. These guys had a solid week in rotation, but have just missed out on the top 50. Shout out to Marlon Williams, such a special album. Shout out to “Driving Me Crazy” by Snuggle, and “Copycat” by Danny Brown, two tracks I was obsessed with. And a big shout out to Julien Baker, I’m so sorry I don’t like country music but I liked what y’all were going for. 

Third, a shout out to these non 2025 albums that I adored this year. 

Dijon – Absolutely

My third most listened to album of the year. I am so late to the train, but it certainly took off this year. More on Dijon later. 

Mk.gee – Two Star & The Dream Police 

KICKING myself for not listening to this last year because it would have placed so high, my ninth most listened to album of the year. 

Ryan Beatty – Calico 

Such a beautiful album with insane production, I am a fan. 

And I’ve been listening to a whole lot of Chappell Roan because she’s the best. I’m so excited to see her at Laneway shout OUT. 

And finally before the top fifty, a moment of silence for these artists who were in the top 50 at some point, before being pushed off by another album. My extra honourable mentions if you will. Thank you to these artists. I love you. 

OKAY THAT’S ENOUGH OF THAT TOP FIFTY THIS YEAR LET’S GO.

50 – Florence + the Machine – Everybody Scream

Florence came out swinging with this record and connected with every punch she threw. If you’re after a grand yet intimate record with outrageously good writing and ridiculously good singing, maybe try this. “And Love” is a sick and twisted song that is essential listening. 

She has spoken a lot about the urgency of this record and the catharsis that it brought for her, and I truly feel like this will really connect with you if you need to let it all out. Everybody loves a good scream, and this album is here for you to scream along to. 

49 – Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out 

I can say much the same of this new Clipse record, it’s grand, it’s intimate, the writing is incredible and performances are perfect. “The Birds Don’t Sing,” is one of the songs of the year, an incredible tribute to the duo’s parents. It is so beautiful. There is a stupid variety of beats and flows throughout this project, every time I listen through I think “man, this run of tracks is insane,” and that thought lasts for thirteen tracks. 

48 – Ringlets – The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time for Walkies)

First Kiwi’s on the list! Shout out. These guys are so silly and so loud and I can’t wait for them to hit the big leagues.This album is loud, it is fresh, it is absurd, and it is everything I wanted out of a sophomore album from Ringlets. This also may be my favourite album title of the year, so silly. The sky is the limit for these little Kiwis. Will see you at Laneway!

47 – Mini Trees – Slow It Down

I’ve been on the Mini Trees hype train since day one and remain obsessed by Lexi Vega’s sound and voice. Here she is back with another banger of an indie pop album with addictive choruses and slick as production. Her writing has gone up a level too, there are moments here that I feel right here (my heart, and it hurts). She is on track to make it big one day, watch this space! 

46 – Men I Trust – Equus Caballus & Equus Asinus

Two Men I Trust records in one year! What the heck! I’m combining them into one spot so I can have more records in my top 50, but don’t let that take away from either of these fantastic projects. Equus Caballus is a more classic, upbeat, groovy Men I Trust vibe that we all know and love. But I really found myself obsessed with the more low key Equus Asinus. It released just as we entered Autumn, and the vibes were perfect. “Paul’s theme” was on loop in my life, that piano solo is perfect. Two of the easiest recommendations on the list. 

45 – Blood Orange – Essex Honey  

This right here, this is some of the production of the year. The sounds here, especially in the percussion, it feels like someone has reached directly into my brain and is giving it a nice little scratch. Just like wrch wrch wrhc, you know? There’s not a wasted feature here; “The Field,” and “Mind Loaded,” both fill my heart with the very specific type of joy when music is good. It’s different from regular joy, it’s musical joy. I can’t wrap my head around the sounds of this album, it is essential listening. 

44 – Model/Actriz – Pirouette 

These guys are doing it like no one else at the moment, industrial dance, who would have thought? Never have I listened to music so intense and scary, yet have so badly wanted to move my body to it. It is an outrageous combination that you just need to listen to to understand. I involuntarily yell whenever I hear “Diva”, it is so good I don’t know how you can make music like this and get away with it. Very excited to see where the group go next, hopefully somewhere close to me so I can go and witness it live!

43 – PinkPantheress – Fancy That 

I didn’t expect to love this project, but I didn’t only love it, I adored it. I had a solid week where I would listen to this between every other album I listened to. It is so addictive that I had a night with various songs stuck on loop in my head as I tried to sleep, and I wasn’t even upset (okay I was a little, I really like sleep). She is so much more than just another TikTok artist, and I’m sure she will only get bigger and better. Will see you at Laneway! 

42 – Oklou – choke enough 

This album is like FKA Twigs for woodland creatures. The little beeps and boops are so sweet, it feels like a duckling waddling all over a piano. This album has such an interesting structure, the fun bangers are saved for the end, and the beginning is filled with these dreamy bangers. I bounced off this album when it first released, but came back to it later in the year and I must have been in the right head space for it, because it HIT. Shout out to the French. Will see you at Laneway!  

41 – Rosalía – LUX   

There truly isn’t anything I can add to the discourse on this album, what an achievement. It is the record that 2025 needed. A perfect hand crafted piece of art made with passion and love only possible through a human being. As silly as it sounds, its release gave me so much hope for the future of music, and all art for that matter. People were so passionate about it, and it was a reminder that people are smart, artists will never be replaced by AI, we crave art that has soul. This album has it and infinitely more. 

40 – Annahstasia – Tether

A voice like none other on this list, absolutely breathtaking. My dad was going on a flight, and I recommended the album for the plane, it felt like a fitting setting. I’m happy to report that he listened to the album not only then, but on multiple flights following. I even did it myself recently, and I tell you what, it is an experience like none other. Her voice already makes you want to ascend, and when you are 30,000 ft in the air, watching the sun set and the clouds turn to an orange glow, you understand what life is all about. That is my review of this album and also the experience of flying. Add to your library NOW. 

39 – Phoebe Rings – Aseurai

Kiwi’s are back! This time with Phoebe Rings. Some of the best dream pop of the year. If you’re into Men I Trust, these guys should be on your radar. “Goodnight” is one of the closers of the year, that is some epic stuff. One of my biggest regrets of the year is not finding out about these guys sooner to see them in my hometown. Hoping they come back soon so I can cry to “Goodnight” live! Surely they open for my #4 artist in March (SPOILERS). 

38 – Tame Impala – Deadbeat

Controversial one here! People did not like this new Tame project. Me personally? I liked it, in fact, a few of the tracks here I adore. “Dracula” is a banger, and a well deserved hit. “Not My World” REALLY hit, that second half is so Spyro. People seem to hate that song though, maybe I’m not a good judge. One thing I know for sure is that the greatest show I’ve ever seen live remains Tame Impala for the Slow Rush tour. You should do everything in your power to get to one of his shows, because they are incredible. This is a great album and I’m sick of pretending it isn’t! (I never did). 

37 – Wisp – If Not Winter

Shoegaze is one of my favourite genres to say out loud, so thank god for this album, because shoegaze does not get much better than this! I am generally very good and protective of my ears, but I will admit to listening to this a little louder than you possibly should on more than one occasion. It screams to be listened to loud, the louder, the more… relaxing it is. Can I explain what I mean by that? No, no I can’t. “Guide light” is SUCH a banger, one of the songs of the year. I am beyond excited to see it live. Will see you at Laneway! Shoegaze. 

36 – Leith Ross – I Can See The Future

Lyrics! I don’t know how some people are so talented with words, and Leith Ross, they have nailed it with this record. “Grieving” is a perfect song, perfectly written, and perfect sounds. And the hits just keep coming, “Point of View” had me singing every time it came on, and the softer songs like “Home” had me losing my mind every single time. I actually can’t believe how great this album is. Finally, “Stay,” wow. Some fantastic backing vocals from Dijon, it is one of the Vibiest songs of the year. 

35 – Lorde – Virgin

This is it, she did it. This is everything I wanted from the next Lorde project. Listening to this album loud is the way to go. The production is so powerful, so crisp, and in combination with some of her best writing, everything came together perfectly. There’s so much perfection here. “Hammer” is a perfect opening track, “What Was That” was a perfect lead single, “Man Of The Year” is a perfect song. She cooked! Can I please have free tickets to the Christchurch show? I couldn’t afford it. 

34 – Tyler, The Creator – DON’T TAP THE GLASS

Ever heard of fun? I think that people, especially music people, are allergic to having fun. Not every album needs to be deep, introspective, boundary pushing Rate Your Music and Album of the Year bait. Tyler already did that last year, and it was incredible! Sometimes, you just gotta boogie, and boogie I did! This album is such a great quick burst of Tyler energy, perfect for any activity where you have to move. Any sort of movement! I was washing the dishes when I had my first listen, and it is the only memorable moment of my dish washing journey this year. 

33 – Big Thief – Double Infinity

Man this is a good album guys like we are really getting into some hot hot territory here. The chorus of “All Night All” Day is transcendent. Actually, so many of the choruses here make me feel like I’m flying. “Grandmother?” Are you kidding me? What a track! It’s too early in the list to start breaking down. I need to chill. What a beautiful bunch of songs, writing and vocals are on point. These are some masters at work. The harmonies! 

32 – twenty one pilots – Breach

Just one year after their return to making good Music with 2024’s Clancy, twenty one pilots returned to wrap up their blurryface story with Breach. They have some certified classics here; “City Walls,” banger; “Drum Show,” banger; “Center Mass,” banger of all time. I do have to say though, they are INCREDIBLY STUPID for leaving “Drag Path” off the album. It is the best song of the era, and they locked it behind a limited time paywall? The track fits right in after “Tally” to lead right into “Intentions.” I don’t know if it was a label thing to make more money, or if they genuinely didn’t feel that the track fit on the album, but either way, you’re stupid. Anyway, great album lads! 

31 – FKA twigs – EUSEXUA

This was the first album of the year to make the list! And it was never in danger of not making it because damn, what a great collection of bangers. Songs like the title track, or “Striptease” are unlike anything else in my list, she’s really in a league of her own. The one thing that deducts a few points from this album is that it was released just as I was wrapping up my time at university. So it’s a little tricky to go back to without feeling overwhelmed and stressed. That is on me though! Sorry FKA twigs. 

You know what album I liked more than this one though?

30 – FKA twigs – EUSEXUA Afterglow 

I’m not sure if I’m alone on this one, but I actually liked Afterglow just a teeny bit more. I think it is mainly thanks to one song: “Sushi.” I had a solid two weeks of absolute obsession with this track. The synth and the vocal effects and the sampling, it’s absurd how well it all flows and shifts and comes together in the end. It never gets old! The rest of the album slaps, “Wild and Alone” and “Hard” are such a great one two punch, shout out. 

Why have I split these albums into two yet didn’t split up Men I Trust or the albums I have at #18? I don’t know! Stop asking questions and go listen to “Sushi.”

29 – Laufey – A Matter Of Time

Laufey has blown up to such an incredible degree and it is so well deserved. It’s impossible to talk about this album without acknowledging the whole “performative male” meme from this year. When an artist is meme’d to such a degree, there’s a risk that people who aren’t as tuned in to the internet might end up dismissing the subject of the memeing. If that is you, don’t let Laufey take that stray. This album is fantastic and you should give it a listen. I’m obsessed with the musical theatre/classic Disney movie vibe that pops up across this project. And Laufey’s performance across the album is of course impeccable. I’m 6’4” by the way (from the meme). 

28 – Wednesday – Bleeds 

Wednesday are BACK. For me their sound is so strong that I will always love anything they release. But this album is elevated by its writing, such a great step up from a group whose writing was already fantastic. You really feel the location of this album, it has such a strong vibe, and the flow from track to track is perfect. By the time you get to “Wasp,” you’ll be screaming along with Karly. Once again an incredible vocal performance. I’ll listen to a hundred more of these albums. 

27 – Water From Your Eyes – It’s A Beautiful Place

Hell yes. This is one of the coolest records of the year. It is experimental indie rock in the sense that they are reinventing the wheel. The sounds in this record are freaking outstanding, and unlike anything you will have heard before. I get excited before every listen because it is so endlessly fresh and funky and so cool to experience. “Playing Classics” is a banger for the ages. Get that song pumping at the club and I’ll be there. 

26 – Ethel Cain – Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You 

Isn’t it so cool that we live in a time where we can watch a generational talent like Hayden make art. Like man, this is some art right here. If you’re in the mood for a long, contemplative and ethereal project to sink into, sit down, remove all distractions, and listen to this. Her voice is absurdly beautiful, how does she do it? I also adore the instrumentals; even without words, the vibe of these tracks add depth to the world being created before our eyes. A random side note to those who are fans of the greatest game of all time Outer Wilds, you need to listen to this project, specifically “Willoughby’s Theme.” Obsessed. 

25 – Joey Valence & Brae – HYPERYOUTH

Top 25! And we kick off the bottom half with a party. Holy. What a record. This is perhaps the most fun I had listening to music all year, each listen became its own little rave. The energy of this album! You won’t find anyone else who puts as much into their performance as these two, they are electric. And yet, within all of the fun, these boys casually reflect on growing up, and lament the fact that people move on. It is a perfect combination of fun and sad. I’m going to return to this album for years to come, I can’t let go. 

24 – Little Simz – Lotus

When I think of powerful artists, the first artist I’ll think of is Little Simz. What a powerhouse of a human being, and this album right here is another hit in an endless stream of classic records. “Thief” is one of the opening tracks of the year, she doesn’t hold back and it goes so hard. Simbi has always been very open in her writing, but she really goes deep in these tracks and it is such an honour as a fan to be given such insight into someone’s life. “Free” and “Lotus” are two of the best tracks in her entire catalogue. It’s just so crazy that there are people that can be this great and consistent, when will the hits end? At this rate, never. 

23 – Lucy Dacus – Forever Is A Feeling 

I saw a lot of people stinking on this project, and I think it is because people are miserable. There are artists like Lucy who have made music that can only really be described as devastating. And something I notice with all “sad” artists is that when they eventually one day make a record where they are happy, people turn on it. They need that miserableness to meet them at their level. And that is okay! We need music to listen to when we are feeling at our low! But don’t take it out on people when they are happy and make happy music! This album is so beautiful! Lucy is in love! The album captures this love so tenderly. It’s devastating in its own way, with tracks like “Lost Time” looking at how you can have so much love for someone, that you only wish you had started loving them sooner. Lucy, stop that! Anyway, I know my critique of people who dislike this album doesn’t apply to everyone, but I know it applies to a few. And to those people I say, one day you’ll love this album, I promise! Shout out Lucy. Will see you at Laneway! 

22 – Racing Mount Pleasant – Racing Mount Pleasant 

Man this album is outstanding what the hell. Relistening to it as I write, there are so many moments that make me put my head in my hands and say phwoah. It is an album of so many incredible grand and tender moments. These guys have had lots of Black Country, New Road comparisons, which I get for sure, but there is plenty here that is unique. I’d say they’re more like Ethereal Country, Smooth Road. There’s something about this album man, it makes me nostalgic for childhood summers, running around a campground with my friends, biking down to the beach, laying on the grass and looking up at the stars. It’s a warm embrace of an album, and I love it dearly.  The ending of the self titled song, absolute cinema. 

21 – Japanese Breakfast – For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) 

Four long years I waited for more music from my artist of 2021, and she freaking delivered one of the loveliest albums of the year. The sounds here make my heart so full, it is so rich and moving, I feel like I’m being held. And then there is “Honey Water,” which I imagine is the song you hear as you ascend into heaven. The full strums on the acoustic guitar and the grand chorus and whatever the hell that instrument is in the final minute, easily one of Michelle’s greatest songs. Side note I am so pumped to read her second book, my god, give it to me now. Love this album despite no longer having my brown hair. 

20 – Zack Villere – SNOEY

Man this is some good stuff what the hell. From a friend of Dijon’s, we have an album full of minimalist bangers. This project is so sweet and soft and yet it goes so hard and really hypes me up. This is thanks to some fantastic features and harmonies, the performances are perfect. “Issy” is a top ten song of the year, the vibe is unreal and I could probably have it on loop for the rest of my life. “Ooey Gooey” is such a fun song with an earworm of a chorus. And “Public Opinion” makes me scream it’s such a sick little quiet banger. Each track is so unique and fun and it is essential listening for the year! The album also has a really funny, super strange story strung throughout. If you’re into weird little albums, you’ll love this. 

19 – Psychedelic Porn Crumpets – Carpe Diem, Moonman & Pogo Rodeo

Final double album on the list! What a year for the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, taking home the award for my favourite band to recommend to people just so I can see their reaction to the name. I adored the second of the band’s offerings this year, “Manny’s Ready to Roll” a particular highlight. But, their first record of the year took over my life for a hot minute in May. This is psych rock perfection, it’s not surprising they’d want to release two albums with this sound because it is so well worked and so so addictive. Each member of the band really makes their presence known. I make the bass face so much when I listen, you know the one. I’m scared that if I listen again I’ll be permanently stuck like it. Shout out to the Aussies. 

18 – Ninajirachi – I Love My Computer 

Speaking of the Aussies, here is the Aussie album of the year! My God, what an incredible project from Ninajirachi. I’m not nostalgic for EDM from the 2010’s, but wow, this album captured my whole heart and soul. It is relentless, banger after banger that flows into each other and keeps you not only moving, but feeling. This project has so much yearning in it, reflecting on growing up in the age of the internet. I love music made by people my age about what it is like to be my age! What can I say? “Delete” is such a high point for not just the album, but music this year. It captures something so specific and relatable and now. I kept returning to this over and over again through the second half of the year, and I suspect I will continue to do so as we enter 2026. Again, shout out to the Aussies, love you. 

17 – drug bug – a seasons end.

Look at that cover! This album may not have insane production or incredible performances or anything that you expect for an album to make it this high on the list. What it does have is joy, whimsy, and passion. That is all I need! I was clinically obsessed with this record, “such a thrill to be with you again” fills my heart with so much joy. It is absurdly fun. I love the horns and the string instruments and the sound and the vibe and just everything about this little album. I would love to see him perform live. But frick man, living in New Zealand, I’m never going to see an artist from Canada with 20k monthly listeners. Do me a favour and stream this album! Make it blow up! I gotta rock out with these whimsical people live! 

16 – Maruja – Pain to Power 

YES! This is it, this is the album right here. This is THE album of 2025. No other album quite captures what it is like to be alive right now. It is an angry album, and it will make you scream. “Look Down On Us” is essential listening, even if it is a type of music you’re not into. Listen and listen to the words. 

“When it’s money over minds, 

 there will never be a truce.

They look down on us” 

This album is catharsis unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. But it’s not just catharsis in someone putting words and sounds to what we are feeling, it’s catharsis in this group moving through their anger and finding hope.

“Turn pain to power, put faith in love

Be firm and loyal, in yourself put trust

Be twice the ocean, be twice the land

Be twice the water, for your sons and daughters”

It’s simply stunning. The ending of “Reconcile” might just be the greatest musical moment of the year. This is such an important album. Free Palestine. 

15 – caroline – caroline 2 

Yet another album on the list that is unlike anything else. “Total euphoria” is an insane opening track, and is exactly as advertised. That last minute and a half will have you floating. So much of this project is euphoric, and the absolute highlight is “Two riders down.” You should pause reading this, get some headphones, lay down in a dark room, and listen to it loud (actually that might be a little scary). It’s simply out of this world. It’s listening to albums like this that make me go yes, this is why I am alive. I love music so much and I love new music and this music is just so music it’s so beautiful it’s so transcendent it’s so different and challenging and an experience like no other and I am so grateful to have had so many Fridays this year where I was blown away by something new its such a beautiful way to live. Thank you Caroline, you made my year. 

14 – Geese – Getting Killed 

What the hell happened here! Of all artists, I never expected Geese to blow up the way they have this year. I am so stoked for them because they deserve every bit of great press. I got such a fright last year when Cameron Winter released his solo project. I wasn’t a huge fan of it, I know, I know. But worse, I thought that its release may have meant no more Geese projects. But no, they are back here and they bring the best of Cameron’s solo work and combine it with what I realise is the reason why I didn’t connect with his solo album, and that is the greatest and tightest band in the business right now. The gang are flawless, fresh, and freaking wild for the variety of sounds they have going here. It’s as far as you can get from boring. The final four tracks are so good it is insane. If you haven’t yet, go back and listen to 3D Country, Cars on the PS2 vibes. If you know you know. Will see you at Laneway! HELL YEEEEEAAAHHH! 

13 – Viagra Boys – viagr aboys

Funny album of the year. Viagra Boys continue to confuse the game with their quippy and hard hitting dance punk. It is hilarious hit after hilarious hit, the lyrics don’t feel like words you should say out loud, let alone sing. “Store Policy” is so gross and so funny and that bass and whatever that sax is doing? How did they make it sound like that? But what really makes this album for me is the closing track, “River King.” Instead of leaving us with a hilarious closer like “Return to Monke” from their last album, they went and made one of the most beautiful love songs of the year. 

“Looking at you, everything feels easy now.” 

Something I have always loved is when someone known for being a silly goose goes and does something serious. It always seems to mean more when a silly person steps up. It’s like woah, they really mean it. Viagra Boys may be the silliest boys out there, but they also seem like the loveliest boys, and I think that is beautiful. 

12 – Quadeca – Vanisher, Horizon Scraper

Falling into stereotypes here, I loved this album. The hype surrounding it was unreal. People were calling it album of the year long before it was released, singles were hailed as the songs of the year, people were absolutely rabid for it. I was skeptical. I hadn’t listened to his previous work, and the singles didn’t blow me away on first listen. 

On release day I sat down to read Peanuts and listen to the project. About half way through the first song I realised I had to stop reading and focus on the album, and by the second song I realised I had to watch the album movie for my first listen, and by the end I realised I had just spent an hour and nine minutes ascending in my living room.

Absolutely blown away. “RUIN MY LIFE” is one of my new favourite songs of all time, those drums cut right through me. And the final track might be the best closer of the year, the way my jaw dropped as the song sinks and rises above the waves? Unbelievable music and an unbelievable experience. 

11 – McKinley Dixon – Magic, Alive!

There’s no one else doing it like Mckinley Dixon right now, this is jazz rap perfection. I truly feel like this should be mandatory listening for everyone on earth. If you’re into writing or storytelling in any form you must listen. This project is so dense with incredible verse, processing on loss and grief and I can’t even comprehend how you begin to write something so brilliant. Beyond the words, the sound is both out of this earth and incredibly grounded. Every member of the recording band is clearly having the time of their life in the studio, their energy is infectious and it lifts the whole project to a level no one is even close to touching. It is pure magic. Go to your library right now and add this project! 

10 – Hayley Williams – Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party

You know, this year has been great for music. The only thing that could possibly make it better would be if Hayley Williams randomly dropped 17 tracks on her website one day… OH SHE DID? What a joyful and devastating surprise this was. This, for me, absolutely clears her first two solo projects. I liked them enough, but they never hit me as much as a Paramore record would. This one however, is equal with some of Paramore’s best. Yet, it is so clear in its identity as a Hayley project. “True Believer” is tied with “Look Down On Us” for the song that defines 2025, that second verse is just buh. You know? And all of the songs about a certain relationship are each incredible and catchy and tragic and as a die hard fan of Paramore it is so hard not to get parasocial but man I think it is over. But that is okay! I’m okay! “Parachute?” Unbelievable stuff from Miss Williams. 

9 – Haley Heynderickx & Max García Conover – What of Our Nature

So I almost died when Haley announced this. After last year’s masterpiece Seed of a Seed, I was content in waiting another six or so years for her next project. But then bam one morning I woke to the announcement of this and my life flashed before my eyes. This is such an outstanding collaborative project, with two super distinct voices that really complement each other, especially when they are backing vocals for each other. It’s literally perfect. Some may not be a huge fan of Max’s voice, but I love him, and his super intelligent and quippy writing is outstanding. Haley is at her best here, “Fluorescent Light” and “to each their dot” are peak songwriting. I get really obsessive over great lyrics. I’ll end up listening to songs over and over again just to hear the artist’s specific words again. It’s like an “aha!” moment, hearing language strung together in such a stunning way. It never gets old, and Haley is one of the best lyricists out there, I just can’t get enough of her music. Every time I hear any of her words on this project, or in any of her music, it feels like the first time again, it blows me away. Such a special treat that I was not expecting. Thank you Haley and Max. 

8 – Magdalena Bay – Nice Day: A Collection of Singles 

SPEAKING OF SPECIAL TREATS. Okay, this isn’t an album, but the cool thing is that this is my list and I can do what I want! The two months where Magdalena Bay released these four pairs of singles were two months of absolute bliss. These songs include some of their best work to date. “Second Sleep” is so grand and epic and the final moments are pure bliss. “Human Happens” is one of their best ever choruses, and the bass in the chorus of “Paint Me A Picture” is so funky it is absurd. The eight tracks are all so good it’s honestly hard to believe they are real. Music is a very powerful form of art, and the way it can change a day or week is something not to be taken for granted. These tracks really lifted me as they were released and I’m just so grateful for music and Magdalena Bay and amen. 

7 – Saya Gray – SAYA  

On my first listen of this album I thought “huh nice, there are some good songs in here. Don’t know if I’ll return to it.” And then I returned to it a few more times and went “yeah this is pretty good, I could see it making the honorable mentions at the end of the year.” And then I just kept coming back because this album only gets better with each listen. I am in love with all of the freaky sounds on display. This is such a tight, strange, unique project that feels like it has crashed down to earth from an alien planet. There was one late night where I was driving down an empty motorway and “HOW LONG CAN YOU KEEP UP A LIE” played. The song perfectly encapsulated the isolated and haunting vibe of the drive, it was really quite a moving moment that I’ll never forget. Sometimes music just hits you, ya know! I would love to call out every track because they are all so unique and fun, but I’ll just call out the closer “LIE DOWN..” because it is a phenomenal ending and one that riles up so many emotions in me that I can’t quite pin down. If you’re in the mood for some art pop, it doesn’t get much better than this. 

6 – Black Country, New Road – Forever Howlong

Black Country, New Road I love you so much thank you for returning and blessing us with your whimsical tunes. Like I said with Lucy Dacus, I feel like the gang here fell victim to people being miserable. There are fans who fell in love with the tragedy and darkness of the previous BCNR records, only to listen to this one and say the band are worse now. What, they’re singing about friendship and love for one another? Utter woke nonsense. Well hey I’m sorry to those who don’t like this album because you’re missing out on an unbelievable project. These guys just know how to put together a tune. Every song is so layered and rewarding, there is never a dull moment. Like, listen to “Nancy Tries to Take the Night!” What a track! Every track is unreal! Tyler, Georgia and May all have such incredible and distinct voices, it’s actually outrageous that they only now lead the band. They bring new life to the group, and I can’t wait to see them continue to evolve and push the boundaries of the form. 

5 – Mei Semones – Animaru

Album cover of the year! Look at the little guy go! It is so hard to put into words how much I adore this album, I think you really just need to add it to your library and listen ASAP. It is indie pop, jazz pop perfection. I’ll never forget the night I first listened to it. I added it because album cover, and I lay on the couch and something super rare happened; From the first ten seconds of “Dumb Feeling” I knew this would be an album I love. Most albums, even the following four albums, took a few listens before they really clicked. This album though, it was instant. That is mainly due to the unbelievable musicianship and beautiful vocal performance of Mei Semones. I actually don’t understand how anyone can play an instrument in the way she and the rest of the band play. It is SO tight, you’d think they have some kind of superpower. “I can do what I want” is outstanding, it has such a crazy structure and it will get stuck in your head. “Rat with Wings” is my favourite of the project, that final moment is such a great victory lap for what is one of the most impressive albums I’ve heard in my life. 

4 – The Beths – Straight Line Was a Lie

The Beths, my beloved. It’s always a bit scary when your favourite artist releases a new album. What if they are washed now? What if it’s boring? What if? Well, The Beths put any concerns to rest immediately, going with the power move of opening an album with a chorus and not slowing down from there. The band are at their best, with what I think is the best production the band has ever gifted us. It really is perfect, they sure know how to make those guitars jangle nice. The highlight of the album, as is with every Beths record, is Liz Stokes unashamedly kiwi performance, and her incredible words. Here she continues sharing her beautifully honest words, with a focus on health and her relationships with those around her. There are so many lyrics I want to highlight, every word of “Mosquitoes” is so stunning and devastating, it’s the sort of emotional punch you’d expect to be saved for a closing track, but they hit you with it on track two. And that chorus of “Metal,” just look at these words. 

“And I know I’m a collaboration

Bacteria, carbon and light

A florid orchestration

A recipe of fortune and time

Yeah, it’s a lot to take in”

IT IS A LOT TO TAKE IN LIZ, STOP MAKING ME THINK ABOUT IT. What an album from the most consistent band in the country, nay the world. Do yourself a favour and listen to this album and get yourself to a live show as soon as you can. 

3 – Dijon – Baby

I’m not alone in saying that Dijon is my artist of the year. He has been on an unbelievable run, from working with Justin Bieber, to acting in the film of the year alongside Leo? The man has been everywhere. As I said at the beginning, I was kicking myself for not getting into his stuff earlier. At the beginning of the year, Absolutely dominated my life. It still does to be honest. If that wasn’t enough, he went and dropped this groundbreaking album to solidify himself as my person of the year and one of my new favourite artists.

This album is so new. There is so much here that is soon to be replicated by your favourite artists. How does he make it sound like that? What is happening in “(Freak It)?” How is “Yamaha” the greatest song ever made? “FIRE!” are you KIDDING ME? It is absurd. I’m so obsessed with the insane, overproduced in a good way, sounds. You can never guess what the next beat will sound like. And it would all fall apart if not for Dijon’s eternally passionate performances that tie everything into such a fantastic package. “Kindalove” is a triumph of a closer and a beautiful ending to the album and year that is a very exciting next step in a career that I’m sure is only going to continue to skyrocket. 

2 – Bon Iver – SABLE, fABLE 

It’s been a year of incredible lyrics, but these ones from Justin, they alone make this album #2: 

Oh, how everything can change

In such a small time frame

You can be remade

You can live again

What was pain now’s gain

A new path gets laid

And you know what is great

Nothing stays the same

This album is something very special. One of those classics where each song has a good argument for being my favourite. The prologue tracks have such a cozy vibe, but with lyrics that absolutely tear you apart. Then bam, arrive at “Short Story” and the album shoots you into the stratosphere with this incredible burst of energy. “Everything Is Peaceful” Love is yet another song of the year contender, and might be a frontrunner because it is a song that I can see the muppets singing all together, you know? It just has that muppet vibe, big time complement. “Day One” is incredible and has awesome features from Flock of Dimes and, oh who is that? It’s Dijon. Of course he is here. Then you get Mk.Gee production on “From” and you have one of the greatest sounding tracks of the year, easy. Man, there have been a lot of euphoric moments in this list, but the ending of “If Only I Could Wait?” Outrageous stuff. “There’s A Rhythmn” (official spelling) is one of my favourite closing tracks of the year, it is so so so lovely and the writing once again is fantastic. This is the kind of album that I just never want to end, it is pure bliss from front to back. 

And now for the big number one. Who took out the top spot? Well I’ll tell you! My Mount Rushmore of artists are The Beths, Julien Baker, Jeff Rosenstock, and a little band who go by the name of PUP. 

1 – PUP – Who Will Look After The Dogs 

PUP, I love you. Thank you for this album, you are so loud and great. This is one of the least accessible albums on my list and the one that I rarely recommend to people, but it is the album I listened to more than anything this year. These guys are the most authentic artists out there, they wear their heart on their sleeves and you feel it in every corner of this record. They are incredibly self-deprecating in promoting themselves, but the passion of Stefan’s performance, the earnestness and openness of the lyrics and the entire band’s killer performances have really come together to make what I think may be the best PUP record to date. 

“No Hope,” BAM, what an opening track that really sets the tone for the record. It’s a bleak one, and they don’t hide away from the bleakness. They continue to open up through songs like “Concrete” and “Falling Outta Love,” two choruses I screamed in my car maybe a million times this year. I still can’t get over how epic they sound. The lead single “Paranoid” was one that didn’t blow me away on the first few listens, but I ended up listening to it over 150 times because that is normal and cool and I love it so much it is so chaotic and messy and cathartic. “Hallways” is devastating, one of the break up songs of all time in an album full of incredible break up songs. “Shut Up” is such a stunning ending, it’s so rare to get such a calm and emotional closer from PUP, but it is the song that the album deserved. 

Something else that really elevated this album for me was the fact that I freaking got to see it performed live. I honestly never in my life thought I would see PUP perform in New Zealand, it really felt impossible. But they came, and it was one of the greatest nights of my life. Thank you so much to PUP and the crew for making the trip out here, I can’t imagine you made any money off it whatsoever, but I’m so so so so so so so so so so grateful, it was such a special night. 

Looking to 2026, I don’t even know what I could possibly ask for. Just kidding I do! Below is a list of some artists I like who I think could possibly drop something, with a few certainties in there and a few long long shots. I think we will see Phoebe Bridgers! Will we see Jeff Rosenstock? Will we see a Julien Baker solo record? Or what the hell, dare I say we may see a return of Modern baseball? Just kidding… unless. If we get just one of these, my year will be made. Beyond all of these, I’m just so excited to continue discovering new artists who will no doubt blow me away. Do yourself a favour and get into new music! Give things a go! It will change your life! I think I’ve talked enough for one day, thanks for making it this far, and shout out music. 

Alex Lahey 

Alvvays

Arlo Parks

By Storm

Caroline Polachek

Chappell Roan

Father John Misty

feeble little horse 

The Front Bottoms

The Japanese House

Jeff Rosenstock

Jessie Ware

Joji

Joyce Manor

Julien Baker

Kentrick Lamar 

Luna Li

Mitski

Modern Baseball (LOOOOL) 

My Chemical Romance 

Phoebe Bridgers 

Ryan Beatty 

Sampha 

Sarah Kinsley

Slaughter Beach, Dog

Soccer Mommy 

Weyes Blood 

100 gecs 

Strange way to end the piece there. Here’s another sentence!