Great Grandpa, the Bard, and Bangers: The Top Albums of 2025

Dec 18

‘Twas none other than William Shakespeare who wrote, as a kick-ass opener to his smash-hit play, Twelfth Night: “If music be the food of life, play on.” As usual, Bill was bang-on. Music is indeed sustenance that feeds, nourishes and comforts. Music is a salve that soothes and heals. And in times like these, music (to varying degrees) is what keeps us sane (relatively speaking).

As 2025 clunks to a close we look in the rearview mirror at a year that was by many measures a stinker -- although, musically speaking, the year was stellar. And now (drumroll, please), without further ado: My Top Twenty Albums of 2025 (be still your beating hearts)!

#1. **Great Grandpa, Patience, Moonbeam.**

A stunning album. Everything about it. Sonically related to Chanel Beads and melodically to Hovvdy Hovvdy -- and that alone is a pretty flexible musical feat. Brilliant vocals and creative musicianship; I’m certain these guys were high school/college band-geeks, in the very best way. Want to sample? Check out Never Rest, Junior, Ladybug. Like, Wow. Just Wow.

#2. Wet Leg, Moisturizer.

Sophomore Jinx be damned; Moisturizer is a Monster. There's no sellout here, no decline in creativity. Wet Leg is for real, and the band is spectacular. One banger after another, mad musicianship, rad riffs and luscious licks (see what I'm doing there). Oh, and hooks aplenty. Want to sample? Check out mangetout, Pond Song, Pillow Talk, U And Me at Home.

#3. Benjamin Booker, Lower.

An album that’s so all over the map it’s difficult to describe and impossible to pigeonhole. I love Lower’s sound, style and vibe. And the single, Rebecca Lattimer Felton, is one of the choicest cuts of the year. Want to sample? Black Ops (as an opener, this is a power-flex), Pompeii Statues, LWA in the Trailer Park, Show & Tell.

#4. Perfume Genius, Glory.

Words fail. So, I'll just say that Glory is... Tres Cool. Honestly, it’s one of those albums that you want to push on your friends who say there's nothing new, nothing tres cool out there, and that modern music pales in comparison to the Good Old Days -- you know, Foghat's greatest hits et al. Which they've had on repeat since 1975… Thing is, you know from the opening thirty seconds of It's a Mirror, that Glory is transcendent; packed with songs that actually make you... feel. You know, wanna ball your eyes out or go deep into philosophical contemplation with each and every listen. To boot, the backing band is tighter than a duck’s butt. And, kids: that’s water-tight. Want to sample? No Front Teeth, Clean Heart, Me & Angel.

#5. Divorce, Drive to Goldenhammer.

Brit band. Debut album. Musicians raised on grunge and shoegaze, and who categorize their current sound as a cross between Wilco and Abba. Whaaat? Could I be anymore intrigued? Well, after a few unimpressed meh-listens, the mood, magic, and melody kicked in. Earworms, damn near every song. Impeccable vocals. Super-hooky melodies (yes, that’s a term). Impressive, tight, and at times surprising musicianship. Want to sample? Antarctica (great opener), Lord, Karen, Jet Show, Old Broken String, All My Freaks, and Parachuter can play on repeat in my head anytime they like. Great find (thanks, Matt).

#6. Snocaps, (self-titled).

The Crutchfield twins, Allison and Katie -- reunited (and it feels so good) and making music together for the first time in forever – and joined by Indie-Rock Guitar-God MJ Lenderman, having just vamoosed from Wednesday (see #7). Sound awesome? Yes, it does sound awesome. A genre-crossing romp that features great guitars, pure vocals, and twelve songs that are nothing less than a sweet escape. Want to sample? Heathcliff, Wasteland, Brand New City. Doom.

#7. Wednesday, Bleeds.

For all the Chicken Littles who say, ‘rock is dead’ and ‘there are no good bands anymore’, this band/album is for you. Want to sample? Reality TV/Argument Bleeds is a classic-rock album opener, and the MJ Lenderman-led guitar romp that is Candy Breath breathes new life into the genre. If ballads are your bag, check out some of bandleader Karly Hartzman’s softer songs, Townies, Elderberry Wine. Wednesday is for real. And Bleeds is a thrilling ride.

#8. Kathleen Edwards, Billionaire.

Tired of coffeeshop life Edwards quits Quitters Coffee and soft launches herself back into the music world. Covers of acts like the Replacements and Tom Petty start appearing online. Then, presto: she’s back in earnest with Billionaire, her first album in five years. And yes, it was worth the wait. Edwards has not forgotten the way around a killer hook. And her lyrics remain clever, sharp and visceral. Want to sample? Little Red Ranger, my favorite ballad of the year, is a Canadian Classic -- replete with a Wayne Gretzky quote, a shoutout to Rick Danko, and two ripe references to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Other Choice Cuts: Save Your Soul; FLA, and When the Truth Comes out (with a killer guitar solo by album co-producer Jason Isbell).

#9. The Beths, Straight Line Was a Lie.

The Beths are pure melancholy packaged in pure joy. If they're singing about End Times, you're still toe tapping and stupidly singing along. Straight Line is no exception. While the band continues to evolve, the bottom line remains the same: creative musicians bringing irresistible melodies to life. Want to sample? The opener/Straight Line Was a Lie certainly sets the tone, a jangly-pop tune that is classic Beths; Mosquitoes, Metal, and the final four powerhouse/songs: Take, Roundabout, Ark of the Covenant, and Best Laid Plans.

#10. Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band, New Threats from The Soul.

Almost as odd (on initial listens) as Neutral Milk Hotel. About as bravely and bizarrely poetic as Purple Mountains. And on a similar wavelength as Wilco circa Being There. Wildly eclectic, with innumerable interesting and engaging tempo changes. New Threats is a wild and woolly ride unfit for the faint-hearted. Want to sample? The title track, as it weaves to 9+ minutes, is killer. Other favs: Mutilation Springs -- a rambling rumination -- and Mutilation Falls. Ryan Davis is quite the songwriter (I'd be nervous to spend a minute inside his head), and his voice is but one of the many things that make this album seem at once timeless and unique...