As the clock struck 12 and midnight arrived Dec. 31, the 2025 music season officially came to a close. But, that doesn’t mean all the incredible hits of last year will be left behind. Here, I have compiled a list of some of the most notable albums from that era, ranked in no specific order. As we take a step into the future, let’s take a look back, and celebrate the incredible music that made 2025.
Album 1: “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS”
Bad Bunny
A bold project that dropped during a period of reflection, Bad Bunny once again impressed the masses with his latest album “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.” With a return to his Puerto Rican roots, Benito continued to show his innovative vision and evolved artistry. Bad Bunny made it very clear he chose community over chasing mainstream charts, but he continues to show his feelings about his culture and the future of the genre, all while making a profound statement about his global stage at the same time.
“Pero queriendo volver a la última vez que a los ojos te miré”
Album 2: “Man’s Best Friend”
Sabrina Carpenter
A standout release that dropped recently, Sabrina Carpenter once again captured the public’s attention with her latest pop album. With her classic suggestive persona and signature aesthetic, Carpenter continued to show her mastery of the traditional pop star mold. Carpenter made very clear this album leans into her familiar polished style, but she continues to show a sharp understanding of modern culture with her edgy lyrics, all while winking at the camera at the same time.
“Won’t you let an innocent woman be?”
Album 3: “The Life of a Showgirl”
Taylor Swift
Dropping as a standout release, Taylor Swift explores a new persona with her latest album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” The record highlights Swift’s ability to blend high-concept ambition with the familiar pop sounds of the last decade. Swift makes it clear that the project is centered on the power of attention and cultural significance, using her massive influence to command the listener’s focus. While the production mirrors much of the commercial music of the era, Taylor continues to show her knack for storytelling and organic passion, proving that she can still capture the world’s affection through the art of the show.
“Life is a song, it ends when it ends”
Album 4: “DON’T TAP THE GLASS”
Tyler, The Creator
A surprise that released over the summer, Tyler The Creator once again impressed the masses with his alternative album “DON’T TAP THE GLASS.” With hits like “Sugar On My Tongue” and “I’ll Take Care of You,” Tyler continued to show his innovative production and style. Tyler made very clear this album has no deeper meaning, but he continues to show his feelings about love and culture with his lyrics, all while dancing to abstract beats at the same time.
“Thank the Gods I’m nothing like you”
Album 5: “SWAG”
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber once again intrigued the masses with his experimental R&B album “SWAG.” With a moody and soulful sound, Bieber continued to show his growth through lo-fi and synth-heavy production. While the tracklist felt inconsistent at times, he made very clear this album is a step toward being a serious musician instead of a pop idol, all while exploring his life as a husband and father.
“I’m counting the days, how many days til I can see you again”
Album 6: “Let God Sort Em Out”
Clipse (Pusha T and Malice)
Dropping as their first project in nearly two decades, Clipse impressed with their long-awaited comeback album “Let God Sort Em Out.” With production help from Pharrell, the duo showcases a polished, modern evolution of their classic Neptunes sound. While the tracks are filled with heavy lyricism and guest features like John Legend, the group focuses on maintaining their legendary status through sharp delivery. Pusha T and Malice make it very clear they are still masters of their craft, proving their relevance to the culture while rapping over high-end, blockbuster beats.
“Beware my name, that there is delicate”
Album 7: “MAYHEM”
Lady Gaga
In the spring of 2025, Lady Gaga once again wowed her fans with her industrial-pop album “MAYHEM.” With tracks that mirror the energy of her classic eras, Gaga continued to show her bold production and signature style. Gaga made very clear this album is a reclamation of her roots, but she continues to show her confidence and “fresh” sound with her lyrics, all while preparing for her Coachella headline performance at the same time.
“In her tongue she said death or love tonight”
Album 8: “I Barely Know Her”
Sombr
A standout arrival for 2025, Sombr made a major splash with his debut indie-pop project “I Barely Know Her.” With tracks that highlight his bedroom-pop intimacy and viral-ready melodies, the 20-year-old artist showcased a mastery of self-produced instrumentation alongside collaborator Tony Berg. Sombr leans into his indie identity to transform raw heartbreak into high-energy anthems, successfully bridging the gap between relatable, personal storytelling and mainstream appeal.
“How can you look at me and pretend I’m someone you’ve never met?”
Album 9: “MUSIC”
Playboi Carti
As a long-awaited evolution, Playboi Carti once again stunned listeners with the release of his latest project, “MUSIC.” Moving away from his signature vocal style, Carti highlights a deep, raspy tone while still weaving in his classic high-pitched delivery across a massive 30-track run. Carti makes it clear that his sound is ever-changing, blending elements of trap, industrial, and EDM into a cohesive yet varied experience. While the album is extensive, he ensures that every song remains distinct, offering a diverse palette of sounds that guarantees something for every fan to enjoy.
“You were just askin’ for some change, now you changed?”
Album 10: “A Matter of Time”
Laufey
A standout release from 2025, Laufey once again captivated her audience with her most mature and experimental project yet, “A Matter of Time.” With tracks like “Lover Girl” leading the way, Laufey continued to showcase her signature blend of jazz-pop mixed with new, theatrical elements. While some listeners found the project’s darker energy a bit over-the-top, she made very clear her growth as a storyteller through honest lyrics, all while cementing her place in the modern jazz world with lush production.
“You said I’d never understand the things that make a man a man”
As we look back on the important moments in music of the past year, it is important to look to the future as well. As of writing this, A$AP Rocky recently released “Don’t Be Dumb,” and Bruno Mars will be releasing “The Romantic” later this year. Personally, I am very excited to see how these artists perform in 2026, see what new stars will appear, and to see what will blow us away next.
This article was edited by Emily Logan, Michelle Ayala and Polly Greaves.
