Hello!!!!! Idk if its too early for this, so no rush to answer!!! But id love to know your top 5 albums of the year? ♥️ ilysm
Luuuuce my love!! <3 Thank you for this question, I've been thinking about a lot since you sent it. I think I've finally narrowed it down.
1 - Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party by Hayley Williams
This one surprised me, because I've never really liked much of Hayley's solo stuff before this. But I think this record's vulnerability and honesty about getting older and introspection really resonated with me. I like the blend of different genres - the way Hayley approached it more as a collection of songs than a traditional album let her experiment a lot and it resulted in some really good work. I like this record a lot more than I've liked anything from Paramore or Hayley's other solo work in a long, long time.
Standout tracks: EDAABP, Brotherly Hate, True Believer, Discovery Channel, Hard, and Parachute
2 - That's Showbiz Baby! by Jade
It was so exciting to see Jade's first solo record come to fruition. She was always my favorite in Little Mix. And I think she truly showed that her understanding and mastery of pop music is genius-level, at this point. This album blended so many genres and styles. It's just a really delightful listen, top to bottom - full of humor and self-deprecation, but also a lot of introspection. Her vocals are, naturally, so SO stellar. I cherish Little Mix, but I do think this album shows that Jade could - and should! - be a star in her own right. I'm really excited to hear the new bonus tracks!
Standout tracks: Angel of My Dreams, IT Girl, FUFN (Fuck You For Now), Unconditional, Headache, and Natural at Disaster
3 - Breach by Twenty One Pilots
I got to listen to this one from start-to-finish during a long drive. I wasn't really expecting such a close follow-up to Clancy - I like TOP a lot but I'm not really up on the lore - but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this record. I've been a big fan of Twenty One Pilots since "Car Radio" was a hit, and I've really enjoyed watching them grow as artists and a songwriting duo. This album showcases a lot of Josh's drum skills and still has the classic, esoteric-yet-specific imagery that makes Tyler's lyrics so compelling. I think Breach ranks overall towards the middle of my TOP rankings, but it was a really good record from 2025!
Standout tracks: RAWFEAR, The Contract, Drum Show, Center Mass, One Way, and Days Lie Dormant
4 - moisturizer by Wet Leg
I was so glad my good friend and mutual @cheeerfuloblivion recommended this band to me! For one, they're super fun in their live performances - they have great band chemistry and seem like they're having a blast playing music together. And their sound is so groovy, fun, and refreshing. The lead singer has a stellar voice, an unexpectedly impressive range. "Mangetout" is my favorite pump-up song from this year!
Standout tracks: mangetout, davina mccall, jennifer's body, 11:21, CPR, and catch these fists
5 - Everybody Scream by Florence + the Machine
A late arrival, but the Halloween release date was perfect - because this is a spooky, spiritual, feminine, raw album about magic and sex and heartbreak and ferocity and feminism and rage. It's a really good record for the season, and also just in general! I have to be in the right mood to listen to Florence, but I've found myself in the right mood for this record a lot! One of my favorite F+tM releases in a long time!
Standout tracks: One of the Greats, Perfume and Milk, Buckle, The Old Religion, Music by Men, and And Love
Here's some honorable mentions!
Cokeland County by Shauna Dean Cokeland
This Movie Sucks by Durry
The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift
And, just for fun, and with no further explanation, here's a handful of albums that didn't come out in 2025 that I revisited and loved!
- I Made You Something by The Island of Misfit Toys
- The Thirteenth Step by A Perfect Circle
- The Great Impersonator by Halsey
- Good News for People Who Love Bad News by Modest Mouse
- The Tortured Poet's Department by Taylor Swift
Thank you for indulging me Luce, ILY foreverrrr <33333