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- The Best Albums of 2025 So Far...
Somehow it’s already August, which means we’re legally required to start ranking things, even if most publications jumped the gun back in June. But whatever, we’re doing it now, and honestly? 2025 has been delivering. From pop girl resurrections to indie comebacks to the gays being unwell (musically), here are the best albums of the year so far, in no particular order.
1. Virgin – Lorde
Our Lorde is back. Virgin is moody, hot, confusing, spiritual, and a little nasty in the best way. It’s not trying to please the masses. It’s trying to exorcise something. Every track feels like a diary entry and is the kind of album that makes you want to chain smoke by the ocean while contemplating every choice you have ever made.
Read my full review here.
2. Ruby – JENNIE
“WHOOOO WANNA ROCK WITH JENNIE?!” Me, I do.
This is what happens when a pop star finally gets to be fully in control. Ruby is confident, cinematic, and more grown than anything else coming out of K-pop right now. Not to mention it clears the other BLACKPINK solo projects (oops).
3. moisturizer – Wet Leg
moisturizer doubles-down on the chaotic energy from their 2022 debut, and I love that for them. The sophomore slump curse does not exist here. The guitars are crusty in the right way, and you just know they’re having fun.
Read my full review here.
4. Glory – Perfume Genius
This album feels like collapsing into bed after committing a crime of passion. Glory is queer, operatic, horny and devastating. It’s not for casual listening, it’s for feeling everything all at once and maybe crying in a bathroom at 3am.
5. MAYHEM – Lady Gaga
She’s back. MAYHEM is what happens when Gaga stops trying to please the TikTok algorithm and remembers she’s a freak with an Oscar. This album is glam, industrial, disco-funk mayhem (duh), and it works because it doesn’t care if you like it. She sounds unhinged again, and I mean that as a compliment.
Read my full review here.
6. Addison – Addison Rae
If you’re still hating, you’re just not listening. Addison’s debut is surprisingly cohesive, sweet, slightly psychotic pop. It’s giving coquette with a grudge. She’s not reinventing the wheel, but she is making pop bangers with personality, and that counts for something.
Read my full review here.
7. Sable, Fable – Bon Iver
The continuation of 2024’s Sable, Bon Iver released Sable, Fable. Justin Vernon really said, “Here’s a double dose of emotions, figure it out.” And we are figuring it out. Through tears.
8. Fancy That – PinkPantheress
She’s still our sad rave girl. Fancy That keeps the BPM high and the feelings lowkey tragic. It’s short, catchy, a little deadpan, and still sounds like it was made on a cracked iPhone 6 in someone’s bedroom. Don’t overthink it, just dance and cry.
Read my full review here.
9. I quit – HAIM
Title says it all. This album feels like quitting your job, moving to Topanga, and finally letting yourself feel something. It’s warm, jaded and, weirdly timeless. They’re not trying to go viral. They’re just making good music. Revolutionary.
Read Kiara’s full review here
10. DON’T TAP THE GLASS – Tyler, the Creator
Tyler went full cartoon villain on this one. DON”T TAP THE GLASS is chaotic, colorful, funky, and wildly unserious. He’s sampling disco, talking his shit, and clearly having a ball. It’s giving “let me be annoying AND brilliant,” which is honestly the Tyler brand.
Curious about what else Steven is into? Get real-time updates at shelf.im/stevenmorea
