The best album of 2025 is Can't Shake This Dream by Two Harbors. I've already chosen the title track as my track of the year but the whole record is mega. All ten tracks, beyond spectacular. I'm so grateful to this band for continuing to play that Brit rock sound and doing it so well.
Congrats to all top ten artists. Here's to 2025!!!
Welcome to the best tracks of 2025! Easily, one of the best lists I've ever made. So many choices and a really strange and diverse list. Without further adieu, here it is.
25. How To Make Your Ass Bigger by Six Sex
A crazy, fun song starts us off at number twenty five. Six Sex is a fucking riot!
24. Debut Song by KiiiKiii
Easily, the most adorable song of the year. Just wow!
23. Make Me Whole by Yukimi, Little Dragon
Slick, beautiful, nostalgic...just an amazing track.
22. Eyes Too Big For My Belly by Stereophonics
The 'phonics released a helluva a record this year. This track is the best one. Rocker!
21. Knocking (At Your Door) by Rusty Williams
Thank god for Hayley Williams grandpa. He made this record back in the day and now it's finally out. Soft rock bliss!
20. More The Life by The Horrors
The Horrors continue to blow me away. This track is chill to the core....literally
19. Speaker's Corner by Suzanne Vega
Nice to see Vega back with one of her finest efforts ever. This track is pure gold.
18. Everyday Magic by My Morning Jacket
Easily the most pure pop song on my list this year. Just a stunner....
17 Joyride by Kesha
"You say you love me. Well, so do I."
Hahahahahah....awesome:)
16 Feel Free by Jeff Tweedy
Love this one the moment I heard the first notes. One of his most personal and best tracks ever.
15 Never Know by Kooks
Kooks keep making great music. What a massively cool track...
14 Javelin by Rizzle Kicks
The vibe of this song is just fucking great. It simmers right along.
13. More Than a Friend by Triptides
Just gorgeous psych pop....so so good!
12. A Drop In The Ocean by Doves
Another gem from the Mancunian treasures. This song is universe expanding.
11. Hooked by Franz Ferdinand
This song just kicks ass. So so club!
10. Lay Low by Eddie Chacon
Please put this song on with some candlelight, wine and a romantic partner. Just beaucoups of romance!
9. Someplace on Madison by Monkey House
Monkey House is a great fucking band. They have recaptured a sound I thought was gone forever.
8. Can't Say No by The Wombats
Hey, the Wombats are back, la'! Thank goodness.
7. Mean Time by Born Ruffians
This song absolutely kicks ass all over the place. The hooks, my god the hooks!, all over the place and simply wonderful.
6. Walking Away by Michi
Sexiest song I've heard in years. I shake every time I listen to it...
5. Paradise by Durand Jones and the Indications
Durand Jones is a treasure of soul. He is carrying the torch foeward!
4. Coming Down The Road by Miles Kane
Miles...Miles...Miles....you wonderfully naughty boy. You keep making stellar music.
3. Seoul City by Jennie
What a song. Seriously, just sit back and imagine yourself in Seoul, South Korea. All the vibes and haps, folks. Just incredible.
2. Lovin' You by Richard Ashcroft
Richard Ashcroft (aka god's fist) is back with a new record that has this insanely good track on it. It makes me want to love everyone.
1. Can't Shake This Dream by Two Harbors
The best track of 2025 is Can't Shake This Dream by Two Harbors. It's the title track from their album released this year. Many things impress me about this song...the sound, of course, the female back up vocal that reminds one of some "Gimme Shelter" action, and the groove is most honest. Great rolling beats of love!
But the part of the song that is the best is how positive it is. The lads from Two Harbors are some of the kindest people I know who stick to their Oasis style of music no matter what. It's a really awesome thing to see that level of commitment in a band.
And their commitment is to having a kind, positive world where anyone can do anything.
Cheap Trick is back! And it's yet another classic fucking record that sounds like it came out in 1979. All Washed Up is pure Trick and it opens up that way.
The Rockford, Illinois lads sound better than ever on the eleven tracks contained on this smoker of a record.
It just keeps going...
It's one of those "never lets up" Cheap Trick records that puts the listener right back in the year 1979 with all its glory. Check it out!
Tulpa is a truly wonderful Brit Rock outfit. This Leeds outfit has their first offering out and it's called Monster of the Week. Straight away, it sends the mind out into the cosmos...
Next we get melancholy...
Later, things get really crazy...
The pscyh pop vibes are strong with this outfit. Start listening!
The Belair Lip Bombs are quite a fun band from down under. Their jangle pop is infectious! Their latest is called Again and it starts off with this catchy number...sort of the title track, I guess.
Daniel Caesar is back with a wonderful new record called Son of Spergy. It's quite a beautiful R&B kiss from the Canadian wunderkind. It opens with this tone setter...
The haunting nature just sucks you in...
Later we get this gem...
He lets us know where we are all at....
The future of soul music is secure with folks like this dude around!
Sparks put out a new EP a couple of weeks back and I've been overplaying it ever since, of course! Madder! is just a ton of fun. Can't help but dance to every track, starting with the opener!
Casey Daniel is back with fab new record called My Heart Is An Outlaw. This is the best effort yet from the Texan as she really nails the Americana vibe quite well on this one. Opening track lets you know where it's at...
One of my favorite bands of all time, The Subways, just dropped a greatest hits package with some new tracks added for a bonus. When I'm With You is completely bril' with all of you favorite Subways songs.
LA's own Automatic has release their third and finest record yet. Is It Now? has the best vibe of club and indie all mixed together in a fantastic aural delight.
39 Lightyears from Heaven is the latest space age drone offering from Brainwasher. It's one of those sit back and cruise to the cosmos records from the Germans which makes it truly spectacular.
Good Flying Birds are quite a fun band from Indianapolis, Indiana. They have a great jangle pop album out called Talulah's Tape. It sounds magically like it was recorded in someone's garage which means finest kind. Check it out!
The Charlatans have kissed me deeply every day for the last 35 years. Their latest is called We Are Love and it's hard to disagree with this sentiment. These West Midlands lads spread their hearts out every day across the cosmos.
The heavy and dream pop sound of Lathe of Heaven is on my mind today as I listen to their latest offering, Aurora. This record is an absolute powerhouse of cosmic love. Check it out!
I'm quite happy to see that Say She She is still making great music. Their latest is called Cut & Rewind and it's quite spectacular in all its popness. It has just enough of an edge to maintain their alternative and indie vibe.
Mappe Of has a new record out called Afterglades and it's quite the mellow, introspective album. It really suits me these days and sets my mind in a very chill place which is a good thing.
October really rolled by fast and I feel like I've neglected the Autumn Music Series this year. Not many posts. But the latest album from The Autumn Defense marginally makes up for it. Here and Nowhere is quite a fall wonder and I highly recommend a listen.
Twenty One Pilotsare, in many ways, the perfect American band. They tell stories about middle America and their life experiences in very painful yet wonderful ways. Their latest is called Breach and it forcefully continues this general theme.
The able opens with this fantastic number
The imagery...just haunting.
This one is likely my favorite on the record. It just kills!
The last track on the record honestly sums up who they are...
I am very grateful that this outfit continues to tell the story of my country.
bar Italia is back with a corker of a new record. It's called, most appropriately, Some Like It Hot and the opening tracks lets us know what we are in for on the rest of the record...
The Favors are quite the unique little outfit. They have this very special vibe that is deep and dark Americna. Their first album, The Dream, just dropped and it's quite wonderful. Check it out!
Tame Imapala's latest is a lush exploration of the heart, soul, and mind. Deadbeat is a tour de force for the band and brings the listener close to the truth.
Ariel Pink is back with another collection of loungey psych pop. With You Every Night is simply wonderful. It makes me want to be romantic with a loved one...
The self titled debut record from The Cords is here and jangle pop fans as well as dudes with guitars fans (me) are ecstatic! The Scotish duo has stormed on to the music, bringing all the glory and fury of guitar based pop.
The opening track lets you know where you are at...
Miles Kane stands over the world like a colossus of music. Every song and every record is sheer perfection. His latest further adds to his awesomness. Sunlight In The Shadows adds to his massive lexicon.
Let's start with my favorite track.
Then the opener is mint...
And, of course, the title track delivers...
The man is shovel to the head stunning. Start listening!
Robert Plant is back with a wonderful folk soaker called Saving Grace. Musical guests abound on this one and the record shines in its beauty. And the Americana on this one...very impressive for a Brit...
Flock of Dimes. Wow. What a band. Bringing chill to a new level that somehow manages to meld perfectly with the soul. Their latest is called The Life You Save. Easily the best yet.
Benny Sings is quite a sunny fellow and his latest offering, Beat Tape III, is an excellent illustration of this. His music is nostalgic and yet very current. I just love the places he sends us!
Those amazing and loveable lads from Liverpool are back with a completely incredible record. Circa Waves have really outdone themselves with Death & Love. The record just bursts with dudes with guitars jangle pop!
SG Lewis...holy crap what a beautiful record he has made. Anemoia is easily in my top ten of 2025 with its cosmic strands of awesomeness. The layers he creates are shovel to the head stunning.
First track...
Second track...
Third track...
And the next seven songs that fill out the album are just as good. It's one long club story and that story is deeply compelling.
The power...the glory...the ROCK of Glenn Hughes is on my mind today with his amazing new record called Chosen. It brings the fire and passion! Man, I'm glad people are still making music like this!!
Holy crap is Yellowcard a fantastic band. The Jacksonville outfit has a really wonderful new record out called Better Days. The power and the glory that is this album is a stunning thing to behold.
Richard Ashcroft writes and performs music with god's fist. He is an absolute fucking legend and when he releases a new album, it is always monumental. Lovin' You is out and completely amazing.
Durham's own Bombadil are back with a very heartfelt album called The Moon Got Back Home. These lads really hit the soul with their latest round of explorations.
Taylor Swift's new record, The Life of a Showgirl, is great. I don't care what the haters say. All they going to do is hate hate hate. It's just a fact that it has many good songs.
KAYTRANADA is a boss. His latest is called AIN'T NO DAMN WAY and it's exactly how I feel these days. You are in the groove and being a boss like him immediately.
Saint Etienne teaches all of us the true meaning of class and grace. They are now in the fourth decade (!) of letting us know how to vibe and be cool. After all, they are the coolest. Zero doubt.
Their new record is called International which pretty much sums up their whole jam. They are the trend setters, the ones who tell us the look.
Margo Priceis back with a joyfully upbeat record filled with mightily impressive numbers. Hard Headed Woman is her most powerful record yet. It just goes strong for over an hour.
David Byrne is back with a triumphant new record called Who Is The Sky? The album goes beyond the typical stuff that he puts it. Honestly, it makes me go to a place where I didn't even know that I had a place.
There's finally a chill in the air here in the North Woods so it's time for my first installment of the Autumn Music Series. First up is Robin Kester with her wonderfully touching new record called Dark Sky Reserve.
The album is filled with the moods of fall and all it's leaf crunching romance. Find a loved one and listen with them!
Sometimes it's just good to hear something LOUD and OBNOXIOUS. That's clearly I'm Nice Now by Atlanta's own Upchuck. This is a sick record. Go listen to it and slam with some friends!!
Oh, Ivy. We have missed you so much. It's been fourteen years since your last record and all of us were dying (Dying!) for new music. And now we have it again in the form of Traces of You. So so happy that your version of lounge pop is back!
Superchunk is still around! Thank god!! Their latest is called Songs in the Key of Yikes and I know exactly how they feel. The lads from Chapel Hill have a tremendous time on this one.
Jon Batiste is a national treasure. The R&B master from Louisiana has made yet another gem with Big Money. He delves deeply into his bag of soul on this one and produces pure magic.
London's own Flyte is back with a wonderful new record of chill called Between You And Me. The band goes deeply introspective on this one, delving down into the most interesting of human emotions.
Hey, The Chameleons are back! And it's the first record of new material since 2001. Arctic Moon takes me back to those halcyon years of jangle guitars and psych pop in the 1980s. Every track is gold, folks!
Who is up for some great techno? Look no further than the latest offering from Melbourne's own Cut Copy. Moments is synth heaven, replete with 80s vibes and many cool takes on life and love.
Gulp is quite a fun dream pop band from Wales. They have a new record out called Beneath Strawberry Moon and it is wonderful. It's a great soul supporter!
Jeff Tweedy is a god. His new record, Twilight Override, proves this to be so. This triple (!) record is full of just fucking incredible songs. What is it about his voice? It's John Lennon and Jerry Garcia all rolled into one.
This track just blew me away...
And always the most interesting subjects...
Folks, this record is just gorgeous, from start to finish...
Orions Belte have quite the amazing record out. Pur Jus is a cavalcade of style ranging from lounge to psychedelic pop and all the way back to alternative/indie. Sit back and listen cleanly, dudes...
Hayley Williams=genius. No simpler way to put it. Her latest solo endeavor is called Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party and it is filled with insanely good music. Each track is a truly transformative experience.
Brooklyn's own Big Thief are back with Double Infinity, a record that will blow your socks right on your ass! Every track is simply gorgeous in its theme and craft.
CMAT is back and making wonderful music again. Is it pop? Is it country? Who cares? It's bloody magnificent!! EURO-COUNTRY is wall to wall awesome. The sing-a-long vibe is immediate.
Curtis Harding is back with a tremendous record called Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt. It's yet another shining example of why this man is a soul legend.
Chicago's post punk outfit Ganser is back with Animal Hospital, a gritty record that really shows their growth as an artist. It's an exploration of the genre that is sorely needed right now.
Blood Orange is back with yet another stunner of a record. Essex Honey is as sweet as your imagination allows. The stories he tells are stark and riveting.
Toronto's very fun guitar pop band have a very wonderful new record called No Hard Feelings. The Beaches are more refreshing than a cold glass of water on a steamy day. So fun! So poppy!!
The Beths are back with a corker of a record called Straight Line Was A Lie. The Auckland wonders have a unique brand of alternative/indie. Love those guitars!
Ontario's own Ron Sexsmith has a wonderful new record out called Hangover Terrace. It has an alt country and AM Gold feel to it that I find to be the perfect fit right now.
Irvine Welsh is the man I dream of being if I hosted my own 1970's soul show. Known mainly for his writing, Welsh has now allied himself with The Sci-Fi Soul Orchestra and have conquered the R&B universe. Men In Love is a colossus!
Opening track...
Here's a declaration...
And we are in love at last...
Folks, this is also a great dance party record, home or club use. Start listening!
The quiet certitude of Modern Nature is suiting me quite well these days. Their latest offering, The Heat Warps, is a deep exploration of the chill life...with cool guitars!
The Chicago Duo of Water From Your Eyeshavea fun little record out called It's A Beautiful Place. Every track is just a dandy romp through indie wonderland.
Much hullaballoo has been made about the dover of Sabrina Carpenter's latest record. Yet, Man's Best Friend is more than just a cover. It's a most excellent collection of fine pop songs. Check it out!
I've really been enjoying the drone-y shoe gaze of Hard Habits latest offering. Blue Reminder is a gorgeous record that cuts right in the soul with its honesty.
What can I say about The Black Keys that hasn't already been said? They are the ultimate alternative indie outfit that has defined the last three decades of the genre. Dan and Patrick are cosmic artists weaving their aural exercises into our souls. Their latest is called No Rain, No Flowers and it's shovel to the head stunning.
The opening track is also the title track...
The vibe on the title track is just...perfect. Really no words for it. Just live it.
Later we have this dark excursion...
Just gives me the shivers.
And the LOVE song, with a dash of Motown...
Mos def a Top Ten of 2025. There is not a single track on this record that is less than amazing.
Deftones have alked many paths for a long period of time with a very loyal legion of fans, some of whom span generations now. Each release is a powerhouse and their latest, private music, is my favorite so far in their thirty seven year career. It's whole lot of thunder and swagger!
The very lovely and extremely talented shoegaze outfit, Winter, are back with wonderful record called Adult Romantix. It's easily their most intimate and my fave so far!
Royal Otisare back with a dynamite record called hickey. It's all the lovely that they bring to the world with their chill vibe and cool ass sound. I feel emotionally better after listening to this one.
Melbourne's own Folk Bitch Trio have their first full length out and I have been enjoying it immensely these last few weeks. Their harmonies are out of this world! More importantly, the tunes and the themes, even with all their softness in delivery, hot like a thousand pound hammer.
The world's greatest party band is back with The Hives Forever Forever. Of course, it had to be "Forever" twice, right? After all, it is The Hives. The pomp, the power, and the fury are all present on this one.
It kicks off with this statement.
And then right into some old school Hives...
Later we have this absolute gem...
Legalize living! And start listening to this fucking amazing powerhouse of a record!
The Clearing is the latest record from London's own Wolf Alice and it's quite the charmer! The sheer beauty of the record is completely overwhelming, sending my mind, body, and soul to new universes.
Hometown pride is large for me with She's Green, a dream pop outfit that chills me with love every day. Their latest is called Chryrsalis and it's a shoegazer's delight. Zoom into space with this beauty!
Alison Goldfrapp has a fab new record out called Flux. It's wonderful romp through love, life and people-y things. She's got some pretty serious self-actualization going on with this one and I love it!
Ah, Laufey. You have completely taken my soul with your music. It sends me into the most wonderful fits of nostalgia and sanguinity. It's from another time when love was much different. And it's also 21st century in its antique sheen.
The latest is called A Matter of Time. The opening track perfects serves the martinis...
Next is pure lounge. Where's my Vesper Lynd?
Later we have this absolute gem...paging Nelson Riddle!
I am openly weeping at how good this record is....start listening!
Jack Garratt is quite the Little Chalfont lad. His third long player is finally out and it's a doozy! Pillars brings all the vibes and grooves that growing kids need.
NZ's own Bret McKenzie is back with a wonderful new record called Freak Out City. It's a collection of Beatle-esque pop songs guaranteed to lift the soul.
Power up, bitches! Halestorm has a new record out that is guaranteed to knock your socks right on your ass. Everest is a steep climb but it's worth it when you read the top...which is immediately!
Holy crap do I love the latest from Cass McCombs. The reflective self chill vibe is turned all the way to eleven on this one! Interior Live Oak is one of the best of 2025.
The quiet, introspective sounds of Hayes Carll are suiting me just fine these days. His latest is called We're Only Human and it has been in heavy rotation in the "kick back" portion of my day.
The Modfather is back with a collection of ultra rare cover songs that truly dazzles the mind and warms the heart. Finding El Dorado is our Joseph Campbell's heroes journey and it begins with this amazing track.
Next we have my favorite track on the record...
Towards the end, he offers up this stunner...
Weller has gone deeeply introspective on this one and I love it!
Ethel Cain is just what the doctored ordered for me these days. A zony wonder, her latest is called Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You and it really puts my heart in some solid places. Tough places but necessary nonetheless.
Just fucking crazy. That's how I'd describe the latest offering from Tokyo's own BABYMETAL. METAL FORTH is a veritable tour de force of power, guaranteed to make us all fall in worshipfulness to the majesty of this band.
Bad Suns are back with a stellar new record called Accelerator. The Woodland Hills, Cali boys are firing on all cylinders on this one. Some pretty sweet grooves and funky vibes on this one...
NYC's own Anamanguchi is back with their fourth long player and it's quite a romp! Anyway is rock 'em, sock 'em from back to front. Guaranteed to start a mosh in a nursing home!
Highspire is proudly carrying the torch of dreampop and shoegaze. Their latest offering is called Crushed and it has indeed done that to me with its awesomeness.
I can't believe I'm typing this but Styx has a new record out. And it's fantastic. Circling From Above harkens back to the early art rock years, opening with this beautiful title track...
Next we have this exploratory endeavor...
Later we have this classic Styx pop song...
It warms my heart greatly to see this band still going strong!
Cory Hanson is quite the charmer. His latest record, I Love People, has swept me off my feet in a very Ryan Adams kind of way. The Americana is thick on this one!