NPR Unveils 2025’s Top Albums

Music enthusiasts often find themselves asking for recommendations on the latest albums. As 2025 unfolds, NPR Music’s team has curated a selection of standout albums that represent the year’s musical landscape. Despite varying opinions, there was consensus on one remarkable album.

NPR Music’s Top Albums of 2025

The team of twelve critics, including editors and podcast hosts, compiled individual lists of their favorite albums of 2025. Each member highlighted a personal top pick, creating a compilation of recommendations that reflect diverse musical tastes across various genres.

Top Album Picks

• Annie DiRusso – Super Pedestrian
• Record Label: Summer Soup Songs
• Release Date: March 7
• This debut album captures youthful experiences through energetic rock jams and relatable lyrics.
• Queralt Lahoz – 9:30 PM
• Record Label: Say It Loud
• Release Date: April 4
• Lahoz’s second album blends sultry vocals with innovative flamenco influences.
• Mary Halvorson – About Ghosts
• Record Label: Nonesuch
• Release Date: June 13
• Halvorson’s chamber-jazz compositions showcase emotional depth and musical improvisation.
• Kal Banx – RHODA
• Record Label: Top Dawg Entertainment
• Release Date: August 15
• This double LP reflects on Banx’s personal struggles and familial connections through rich soundscapes.
• Nourished By Time – The Passionate Ones
• Record Label: XL Recordings
• Release Date: August 22
• The album combines political themes with an engaging blend of pop and R&B influences.
• Gwenifer Raymond – Last Night I Heard the Dog Star Bark
• Record Label: We Are Busy Bodies
• Release Date: September 5
• Raymond’s unique fingerstyle guitar work draws on folklore and intense musical imagery.
• Wednesday – Bleeds
• Record Label: Dead Oceans
• Release Date: September 19
• This album explores emotional depth through haunting lyrics and poignant instrumentation.
• Patrick Watson – uh oh
• Record Label: Secret City
• Release Date: September 26
• Watson’s album contemplates vulnerability and connection following personal challenges.
• Clarice Jensen – In holiday clothing, out of the great darkness
• Record Label: 130701
• Release Date: October 17
• This work melds classical and electronic elements with profound cello sounds reflective of Bach.
• Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
• Record Label: Neighbourhood
• Release Date: October 23
• Dave’s introspective album challenges hip-hop culture while showcasing his lyrical prowess.
• Daniel Caesar – Son of Spergy
• Record Label: Republic
• Release Date: October 24
• This album offers a heartfelt exploration of family and faith, reinforcing Caesar’s musical growth.
• Rosalía – LUX
• Record Label: Columbia
• Release Date: November 7
• Rosalía’s album intertwines personal themes with musical meditations akin to Coltrane’s legacy.

This list of top albums of 2025 encapsulates the eclectic soundscape of the year. As listeners explore these selections, they are encouraged to dive deeper into the unique stories and sounds that each album offers. Discover more about NPR Music’s number one album and favorite songs of the year at El-Balad.