2025 Real Music Review
Dec 16, 2025
The 10 Best Albums of 2025
Completely Subjective, Absolutely True
The central theme for me and music this year was a willingness to slow down. To really contemplate and take things in. When I reflected on the albums released this year that I loved, I was surprised by how many there were. Some were standouts, but there were many others I genuinely enjoyed, albums that gave me a sense of peace when everything around me felt more out of control. So here’s to 2025 and another wonderful year of music. Sometimes, amidst the chaos, the most creativity emerges, and that feels especially true.
Truman Sinclair: American Recordings
All credit where it’s due, my pal Al recommended this album for a listen and he was correct. I always need a little folk and grit to remind me of what’s real and rooted, and American Recordings did just that for me. In some ways, it feels like a puff piece to name your album after the great Johnny Cash, but the differences were clear and similarities drawn as Sinclair’s songwriting unfolds into these beautiful and pointed sonnets. Powerful imagery in bloodlines makes me want to join my local protest or, better yet, stuff my phone away. You can tell Sinclair studies; there’s a lot of inspiration scattered throughout, like the Neil Diamond harmonica intro and references to Woody Guthrie in “Black Train.” It’s an honest view of America, tragic and real but not sugar-coated. I hope he continues to develop in this really profound direction, given it’s his first record under this alias. He’s so young and extremely talented, reaching back into more classic American folk, nicely done!
Cameron Winter: Heavy Metal
I’m sure some folks are tired of this pale white dude from Brooklyn showing up all over their RGB screens. Cameron Winter though, I can’t deny that this album is profound. Sometimes a song will really grip you. You’ll be driving down Powell towards the Emeryville Marina, nonchalantly listening, and “Cancer of the Skull” comes on and all of a sudden you’re reduced to a puddle. This album did that for me often and in unexpected ways. I kept coming back to it and finding more that I enjoyed. For me, that’s an album I’ll have in rotation for a while. It’s challenging to describe too, talented and distinct vocals paired with a heavy piano sound and the most meaningful and occasionally absurd lyrics ever. If it was a BRAT girl summer, then it’s definitely a Cameron Winter year because this album has a hold on me.
Big Thief: Double Infinity
Sometimes it really does require a live performance of a new album to drive it all home. I had the privilege of seeing Big Thief at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley back in September, and sparing details, it was a really emotional show. I’ve been a fan of Big Thief for years, but it was really special to hear this powerful album live. The song “Double Infinity” stands out, and without even knowing the intent of the song by the artists, for me it really felt like it was addressing the state of the world. The hate and the violence, the lack of understanding and empathy. Big Thief will always represent a band that has a high level of intelligence but also an astounding ability to connect people through stories and emotion. I was surprised how much the song titled “Los Angeles” would absolutely destroy me. The news of their long-standing bassist leaving I know was a challenge, but I’m so glad that they continue to find their voice.
Blood Orange: Essex Honey
Absolutely stunning. I loved the production on this record along with the often sad and complex lyrics. A lot of storytelling and reminiscing but still relatable moments. There’s a lot of weight to this record, and the more I listened to it, I could pull apart the layers and discover more. I appreciated the honesty along with the creativity and just an incredible use of sounds and textures to create a truly rich and powerful sound. The vulnerability is clear, and it’s special when you can find both comfort and pain in an album. I’ll keep this one spinning, and glad to have yet another beautiful Blood Orange record.
Geese: Getting Killed
I’m not even ashamed to have both Cameron Winter albums on this list, because he deserves to be here. How do you drop an album titled “Getting Killed” and not expect it to go hard? Again, like Heavy Metal, this album is profound. The lyrics are powerful, dark, nearly absurd, but still mean something, everything. What makes it all come together is the sheer talent of the band. The drummer, for instance, is incredible. Musically, everyone is extremely talented and creative, and when you combine that with the lyrical genius of Mr. Winter and an even more accessible format than past albums, it’s a certified hit. The strangeness and creativity meant I kept coming back to this album. You can learn something new from it every time, which makes it so meaningful for me. Great stuff, perfect even.
Teethe: Magic of the Sale
This album did not get enough attention. I had the privilege of seeing Teethe back in 2023 when they co-opened with TAGABOW for *waveform. At the time, I had barely heard of them, but I loved their performance of their debut album, Teethe. Since then, they’ve been on my radar. When Magic of the Sale dropped earlier this year, I did not expect the level of attention to detail or the number of layers this record would have. There’s so much emotion, really great songwriting, and I love the arrangements. I think with the weight of everything this year, genres like slowcore really fit into the sad but powerful emotional space I’ve been looking for. There’s also a nice twinge of alt-country, with steel guitars and folkier sounds. Overall, I could escape into this record, and I kept coming back to it. Some really beautiful stuff.
Dutch Interior: Moneyball
Another great slowcore record, which was very much my vibe this year. Dutch Interior is a band I’ve been aware of but never deeply listened to before. This record popped up unexpectedly, but it instantly had me hooked due to its beautiful instrumentation and calming presence. It reminds me of a slower, more subdued Modest Mouse sound, with bits of country and Americana that make it feel real and grounded. At times, it has a touch of grunge and experimentation that keeps it interesting and makes it a record worth coming back to. Overall, a great album, one that I enjoyed listening to intently and also having on in the background to comfort and complete the moment. I’m excited to see them perform in the new year and know it will be a cohesive and beautiful show.
Alex G: Headlights
Happy Alex G year to all who celebrate! I was initially feeling the punk urge to be contrarian and not put this album on my top list, but that would be dishonest. Alex G has been my favorite band for years, and I think at times I expect something to break or move into a different realm that I don’t resonate with. When this record first came out, I didn’t feel especially excited about it. Maybe it was fatigue, or the annoyance of feeling like it was expected by my friends that I would love it. Regardless, I initially felt squarely just okay about it. This is typical for me. Then I saw him live on this album’s tour, and something about the live rendition by an artist I love and admire deeply really hit it home. This album feels like a continued evolution of his work. It’s special being a fan for so long and seeing him evolve and change while still remaining unmistakably Alex G. It’s hard to describe, but the essence of his creativity and experimentalism remains, now with more wisdom, refinement, and honesty. I’ve come back to this album again and again this year, and as much as I wanted to fight it, I really enjoyed it.
Men I Trust: Equus Asinus
Dreamy, mellow, and beautiful are a few adjectives that come to mind when I consider Equus Asinus by Men I Trust. I looked up the Latin title and learned it translates to “domestic donkey,” so that’s cool. The melodies on this record feel very true to the Men I Trust style that I love, but I appreciated the more acoustic approach this album took. Overall, I really enjoyed returning to this record when I needed a softer tone to round out a tough day, or even just to have on while I was studying or working to get into the right mindset. It’s a calming album, but it also holds a lot of weight. I appreciate this new approach from the band as they steer away from heavier bass and create something still powerful, but more subdued.
Frog: 1000 Variations of The Same Song
My friend Scott and I were chatting about how good and important the band Frog is. For people who know me well, loving a band called “Frog” almost seems performative, but fortunately they are truly an amazing band. For me, it’s a wonderful combination of excellent songwriting, storytelling, strong instrumentals, and a unique voice. This band feels honest and authentic, showcasing their layers with a less polished feel that works well because of their natural talent and genuine style. Their sincerity is what makes them so special to me, combined with real stories and references I can relate to. A great record, and I’m excited for future albums from this comforting band.
Honorable Mentions
LOTTO — TAGABOW
Blizzard — Dove Ellis
Belong — Jay Som
Ripe Fruit Rots and Falls — Chokecherry
Sky Record — Dan English
God’s Gonna Give You a Million Dollars — Shallowater
Widaparte — this town is a lamentable shipwreck, this life too
Into a pretty room — lots of hands
Wednesday — Bleeds
Grand Delusion — Comma Cinema
