Simply put, 2025 was a great year for music. From Geese to Deafheaven to Clipse, many legendary artists cemented their status with their recent releases. But, I want to give some huge shoutouts to other, less popular artists whose works deserve a lot of love. Here are five albums that came out that year that I haven’t been able to stop bumping.
“I Love my Computer” by Ninajirachi
What is it? An electronic dance record, dabbling into hardstyle and cutecore elements that somehow really work well together. The mixing on every track is absolutely incredible, with the album sounding like one consistent DJ set rather than 12 unconnected parts. In an increasingly technological world, both the music itself and the lyrics tackle the codependent (to put it lightly) relationship we’re beginning to develop with technology and each other. It’s painfully relatable — there’s an entire song about posting on your story just so that one person will see it, carefully choosing the song and photo to send subliminal messages. Which, of course, I have never done. From the first song, the album grabs your attention and refuses to let it go. It’s impossible not to dance while listening.
Who would enjoy this? Block Blast high-scorer Omegle user thrifts-to-find-clothes-for-the-club Pink Whitney apologists.
Top two songs: “Fuck My Computer” and “Delete”
“Bleeds” by Wednesday
What is it? An ode to lost loves and new rebellions. As an avid MJ Lenderman enjoyer, I was heartbroken to hear he’d no longer be a touring member. But hey, his breakup with lead singer Karly Hartzman made for some great songs! Wednesday keeps their signature twang with this new sound but turns up the heat on the acoustic ballads that litter the tracklist. The upbeat songs still work extremely well, composing my favorite numbers of the record, but alt-country fans will rejoice at every minute of the professional yet crooning sound.
Who would enjoy this? Twenty-something midwest childhood yearner wishes-Jason Molina was-still-alive D1 antiquer.
Top two songs: “Elderberry Wine” and “Phish Pepsi”
“Beimax Chessclub” by Marjorie W.C. Sinclair
What is it? A recommendation from my coolest friend! But also… I’m not entirely sure? Sinclair continues to confound audiences with his nonchalant, rapid, almost spoken-word flow, absolutely impossible to decipher and/or understand lyrics and insane beats that leave me in shock every single song. Sinclair is a relatively new Bay Area artist, but his cult following is already impressive. This took a while to grow on me, to be honest, but I’ve totally bought into it now. Despite Sinclair’s unexpectedly melancholic musings on relationships and love, it’s still a listen you’ll have fun with. The layers to all of the mixing is super impressive, and every song is so unique. It’s just really enjoyable and completely unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. Severine Kaiser’27 put it best in her comment to me about the album: “Bell yeah!”*
Who would enjoy this? Electronic-raploving production-nerd too-nichefor-Bladee overstimulation-needing Soundcloud addicts.
Top two songs: “Airliner Tycoon” and “Grenz Str. 13”
“Trying Not to Have a Thought” by Algernon Cadwallader
What is it? A comeback. The classic midwest emo band is back from hiatus in a big way! Running just under 45 minutes, the album is a tight display of where the missing seven years have taken the band. Although they stray from their more DIY/punk(ish) roots of their earlier work (a la “Some Kind of Cadwallader”), the more polished indie emo production makes the band pop. The lyrics are surprisingly serious to be yelled with such a goofy countenance, but the bright, twinkling guitar work is endlessly impressive. The inspiration from more “traditional” emo is obvious, but the sound still feels modern and new. If there’s one thing the band hasn’t lost, it’s their dynamic energy.
Who would enjoy this? Modern-Baseball-missing flapbrim-wearing tote-bag-but-in-anon-performative-way “Regular Show”-watching IPA drinkers.
Top two songs: “Hawk” and “Shameless Faces (even the guy who made the thing was a piece of shit)”
“Forever” by Bassvictim
What is it? A fresh take on youth culture. The London-based duo has been making waves on social media lately, and rightfully so. Straying further away from the tougher, edgier sound of “Basspunk” and “Basspunk 2,” “Forever” takes a more introspective look into the party girl sound they produce. The music itself is still a blast to listen to; as the subtly stacked synths and choppy production still make for a guaranteed head bob, but the album struck an emotional chord with me. It’s like the feeling of gratitude you get while walking to a party your friend is hosting: sweet, but still coupled with that excitement in your chest.
Who would enjoy this? Oddly sentimental effortlessly cool has-only-one-bag-with-everything-in-it slurpee-drinking lipgloss wearers.
Top two songs: “27a Pitfield St” and “Grass is Greener”
*This is not a typo, this is simply how Kaiser says hell yeah.
