🎹 Music for this post is the music for this post.
2025 wasn’t quite 2024…but there were enough good records to make my typical list of six this year. There were a bunch of others that I liked as well, but these are the ones that I kept returning to throughout 2025.
1. Car Seat Headrest – The Scholars
https://www.carseatheadrest.com
This is so far and ahead of all of the others on this list that it isn’t fair. I have a feeling it might wind up becoming my album of the decade. I noticed that it didn’t make a lot of 2025 year-end lists, and my theory is that it isn’t the type of album too many people have the patience to listen to anymore: it’s 71 minutes of textural, harmonic, and thematic exploration. Like watching a movie, it bears sitting down and listening from start to finish. CSH fans tend to treasure Twin Fantasy (Face To Face), but I think this is even better. Sacrilege? Time will tell, I suppose.
2. Perfume Genius – Glory
Another wonderful album from start to finish, with thoughtful duets. Texture, space, melody…and it sounds just different enough to qualify as original.
3. Hayden Pedigo – I’ll Be Waving As You Drive Away
Simple instrumental beauty from start to finish. It fills the heart and soul with peace, which was something lacking in 2025.
4. Joan Armatrading – How Did This Happen and What Does It Now Mean
https://www.joanarmatrading.com
Technically this album came out in late 2024, and I was tempted to include it in last year’s list, but its official release was in January 2025, so I’m lucky to be able to include it this year. Still going strong after all these decades, Joan is unstoppable, and to have an album like this come out at a time like this is a gift…and it certainly deserves Album Title of the Year.
5. Robert Randolph – Preacher Kids
https://www.robertrandolph.net
This album sings, and this album swings. Sweet, sweet soul all around. Not enough of this these days, either. If “Big Women” doesn’t make you move and smile, check in with a doctor.
6. Strange Neighbors – People Pleasers Pleasing People
Here’s a band on nobody’s 2025 list but mine. What a great jangle pop band. “Beer at the Bar” might be the best group sing-along song I’ve heard in ages.
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