It’s hard to believe that 2025 is over. This has been a crazy year, filled with highs and lows and every moment has been soundtracked by great music.
For my 2025 highlights list, I’ve chosen a handful of albums that spoke to me throughout the year. Included are works that I expected to enjoy as well as ones that caught my attention with their energy and lyricism.
06) Billy Idol, Dream Into It (Dark Horse/BMG)
Idol makes a comeback after more than a decade with a solid ninth studio album. He waxes nostalgic without getting hung up on the past. Idol’s songwriting is still as edgy and energetic as ever, as this album speeds through non-stop. It has that short/fast/ loud punk trifecta.
Key Track(s): “Dream Into It”
05) The Rumjacks, Dead Anthems (Four Four)
This album is a rowdy Celt-punk party. It’s bursting with energy, from the hyped-up gang vocals to the big rock and brass instrumental arrangements. There is never a dull moment on this record, as the band even finds a way to keep the slower songs interesting.
Key Track(s): “Come Hell or High Water”
04) Badflower, No Place Like Home (Big Machine)
One of the most hyped albums of 2025’s second quarter, No Place Like Home is full of catchy tracks that are as deep as they are pleasant to the ear. They play well on the radio, but they also mean something. You can hear the emotion in their lyrics as you’re singing along.
Key Track(s): “No Place Like Home”
03) Yungblud, Idols (Locomotion/Capitol)
I’ve been impressed with Youngblud’s blend of classic rock, punk and edgy pop for a while now. With Idols, he takes a journey through the rock universe, pulling bits from brit-pop (“Lovesick Lullaby”), power ballad (“Zombie”), piano-driven space-rock (“Supermoon”) and more with precision and admiration. It’s up for a rock music Grammy and I really think this one could be a real contender.
Key Track(s): “Lovesick Lullaby,” “Zombie,” “Supermoon”
02)All Time Low, Everyone’s Talking (Basement Noise)
With Everyone’s Talking, All Time Low continues to produce exceptional, fun pop punk.’ “The Weather” has been a staple in my rotation this year, and tracks like “Everyone’s Talking,” “Suckerpunch” and “Viva Las Vegas Nerve” are highlights.
Key Track(s): “The Weather,” “Everyone’s Talking,” “Suckerpunch”
