As a music nerd, I feel it’s my duty to publish a yearly list of favorite albums. I’m always interested in what’s new and exciting, particularly in the indie rock genre. There are also some old-school bands/artists that I will continue to follow until the bitter end.
So, in some particular order, here are my top picks for 2025. I’ll add more to the list if I hear anything new and extraordinary. Enjoy!
Deep Sea Diver – “Billboard Heart”
I can’t help but pick this one as my favorite album of the year. Every song here is a “banger”, as the kids say. There’s a great mix of melody and old-school rock ‘n roll.
Lucius – “Lucius”
Lucius crafted the most delicate and beautiful album I heard in 2025. The lyrics seem deeply personal and hit me right in the heart.
Tunde Adebimpe – “Three Black Boltz”
The lead singer of indie legends TV on the Radio makes his solo debut with “Three Black Boltz”. Adebimpe’s voice is one of a kind, so the album naturally sounds like TVOTR, to a point. He shows off his incredible range. “Magnetic” features a massive, in-your-face sound. But songs like “ILY” are soft and sweet. Tunde rocks, but he can also go much deeper.
Doves – “Constellations For the Lonely”
I’ve been a fan of Doves for over two decades, and I can’t think of a song I don’t love. They have a unique blend of psychedelic rock, dance, and even a bit of strings. “Constellations For the Lonely” trends more towards the prog-rock genre and will seriously haunt you.
Ben Kweller – “Cover the Mirrors”
I loved Ben Kweller’s debut album, “Sha Sha”, which came out in 2000. Life’s taken us all sorts places since that time. Sadly, Ben’s 16-year-old son was killed in a car accident in 2023. As a parent, I can’t imagine the pain the Kweller family has endured.
“Cover the Mirrors” is Ben coming to terms with his loss and declaring his will to go on. It’s a beautiful album. However, knowing the underlying context makes it a masterpiece.
Bush – “I Beat Loneliness”
I’ve made no secret of my love for Bush. They’re one of my all-time favorite bands and have been for 30+ years (damn, I feel old).
“I Beat Loneliness” is their latest release, and the band rocks as hard as ever. The album contains all the essentials: heavy guitars, mysterious lyrics, and the occasional slow track.
Sea Lemon – “Diving for a Prize”
Like many newer artists, I first heard Sea Lemon on SiriusXMU. Their song, “Crystals”, features Death Cab for Cutie’s Benjamin Gibbard. While that’s an outstanding track, the rest of the album shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s full of synth and dream-pop vibes that make for perfect chill music.
Witch Post – “Beast”
Talk about dreamy, Witch Post combines some out-there sounds with beautiful harmonies. The only downside to this album? It’s a mere eight songs, spanning 27 minutes. I can’t wait to hear more from them.
Wednesday – “Bleeds”
No band can go from country twang to thrasher rock better than Wednesday. Discovering which direction they’ll take a song is half the fun of listening. On “Bleeds”, you get the incredibly chill “Elderberry Wine” and the all-over-the-map “Pick Up That Knife”. Every song is sort of like opening a mystery present.