As 2025 comes to an end, it is time to count down the 10 best albums of the year.
10.Wet Leg- “Moisturizer”
The best indie record of the year has the right hooks to hypnotize. This album about love has a lot to love about it.
9. Shaboozey- “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going”
Shaboozey shows similar artists in his genre how it’s done in an album that combines country, folk and Americana with pop country. Look past the radio songs like “Tipsy (A Bar Song)” for a record that goes beyond the bar but deep into the heart of the Wild West.
8.Kid Cudi - “Free”
The title “Free” can mean many things. Possibly a nice nod to his way of thinking since day one he appeared on the hip-hop scene and how he helped usher in a new sound to the genre. The uplifting “Free” also seems like he’s reached the pursuit of happiness in his personal life, and is reflected in an album full of positive vibes and pop sensibility.
7. Scowl - “Are We All Angels”
Another hard core act expanding their sound and fan base , Scowl’s “Are We All Angels” would’ve been a huge hit on MTV in 1995. In 2025, this album still rocks and is a lean 32 minutes of alternative bliss.
6. Novacub- “Just Not Me”
The multi-talented drummer for Bloc Party’s debut solo album showcases Louise Bartle’s ability to craft atmospheric pop-dance-indie songs that land in between Bloc Party and The Cure. While a side project, Novacub has a sound that is made for the stages of major festivals.
5. Matt Pryor-The Salton Sea
“The Salton Sea” feels like a man that’s haunted, but hasn’t given in to the ghost quite yet. Matt Pryor’s most personal solo effort is his best yet, and pulls from all his bands and previous projects.
4. The Starting Line-”Eternal Youth”
“Eternal Youth” is a raw reminder of why you fell in love with this type of music in the first place. More old school Midwest Emo vibes than pop-punk, but “Eternal Youth” feels like a band into something else entirely.
3.Heart Attack Man - Joyride The Pale Horse”
The best pop-punk album of the year takes it back to the 1990s with an infusion of 90s alt-rock and grunge elements. Title track “Joyride The Pale Horse” perfectly captures the massive accomplishment on this record, and what the band is capable of now and beyond.
2.Lydia Night - “Parody of Pleasure”
The best pop album of the year isn’t from Taylor Swift, but rather ex-Regrettes front woman and pop music upstart Lydia Night. Night already has a head start over her contemporaries because she’s a songwriter first, and that’s evident on this album.
1.Turnstile- “Never Enough”
“Turnstile summer” easily turned into Turnstile 2025. Another dominant year by the hard core band that took over alternative music, which was fueled by “Never Enough” - a sonic expansion of what the band has built.
By MIKE DAMANTE
If you are a fan of music, Mike Damante’s book “Hey Suburbia: A guide to the emo/pop-punk rise” is out now, and features exclusive interviews with blink-182, New Found Glory, Alkaline Trio, Get Up Kids, Good Charlotte, Descendents, and others