2025 Real Music Review
Dec 16, 2025
The 10 Best Albums of 2025
Completely Subjective, Absolutely True
The central theme music this year was a willingness to slow down, to really contemplate and take things in. When I reflected on the 2025 albums that I loved, I was surprised by how many there were. Some were clear standouts, but there were many others I genuinely enjoyed. These were albums that brought a sense of peace when everything around me felt out of control. So here’s to music in 2025. There’s something about chaos that invites creativity, and going into 2025, 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 the song 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 never 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. For me, this is the perfect album to listen to while on a road trip, ideally somewhere in the desert or to put yourself in a frame of mind when you want to be fiercely independent.
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. I kept coming back to it and finding more to grip me. It's an album to listen to when you're falling in love with someone or just so happy to be in love with the person you're with. A sense of comfort and even pain in knowing it's worth it. For me, it comes down to the details in the instrumentals and lyrics. Subtle outros and thoughtful use of sound and textures to layer together a new emotion. Lyrics that communicate something you know well but in the most unexpected way. I can’t quite determine the impact of this album yet which is why I know I’ll be coming back to it for years. If it was a BRAT summer, then it’s definitely a Cameron Winter.
Big Thief: Double Infinity
Sometimes to truly understand an album, it requires a live performance. 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. There was a confrontation from the audience, and initially, Big Thief responded with music. The song “Double Infinity” has taken on a new meaning for me and without even knowing the intent of the song, 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 and 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. A city I don’t have a strong personal connection to yet, Big Thief was able to connect me. That ability is what I love about this band. The news of their long-standing bassist leaving was a surprise, but I was relieved to see and hear that as a band and with their new touring bassist, Joshua Crumbly, they continue to find their voice. Give it a spin if you're out in nature and just need to feel an added layer of emotion. It'll do it.
Blood Orange: Essex Honey
Absolutely stunning. I’ve been a fan of Blood Orange for years, but I especially loved the production on this record along with the often sad and complex lyrics. It felt extremely personal, as a lot of Blood Orange does, but the use of storytelling and features really added to the depth. There are many layers to this record, and the more I listened, I could pull it apart and discover more. I appreciated the honesty along with the creativity and just an incredible use of sounds and textures to create a rich and cohesive album. The vulnerability is clear, and it’s special when you can find both comfort and pain. I’ll keep this one spinning, and glad to have yet another beautiful Blood Orange album. A great record to listen to when you need some time to be introspective, looking out the window on a train and feeling something, type-of-way.
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, absurd, and still manage to connect and have so much meaning. What makes it all come together is the sheer talent of the band. Each member is extremely talented, and the real strength comes from their ability to create a unique sound with calculated emphasis and thoughtful layering. When you combine this with the lyrical genius of Mr. Winter, it’s a certified hit. Like Heavy Metal, there’s a strangeness to the album that intrigues in such a way that I want to come back to it. You can learn or realize something new every time, which makes it so meaningful. Great stuff, perfect even. Throw it on when you’re on a drive or better yet, pick up the vinyl and sit back and listen. There’s no one time and place for it, it’ll find a way to inspire.
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 attention to detail or the number of layers this record would have. There’s so much emotion, great songwriting, and complex arrangements. I think with the weight of everything this year, genres like slowcore really fit into the sad and 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. I recommend it when you're winding down or just need a slower afternoon to process things. This album can really shift that mood. Overall, a beautiful album that I know I'll keep coming back to.
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 immediately 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 listen, one that I enjoyed intently and also on in the background to complete the moment. I would put this on for a road trip or better yet, a night drive. I’m excited to see them perform in the new year and anticipate that it will be a thoughtful and meaningful 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 just "okay" about it. No one song was grabbing me, but it was still enjoyable. Then I saw him perform the album live and like seeing Big Thief, it really made the album come to life. There's something about watching an artist who you respect, perform their work that really hits it home. This album feels like a continued evolution of his work with even more personal elements woven in. 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 often this year, and as much as I wanted to initially fight it, I really enjoyed it. I recommend this one for when you want to get inspired or just have to drive across town.
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. Die hard fans might dislike how the heavier and faster bass sounds are missing, but personally I loved the softer approach. I really enjoyed returning to this record when I needed a lighter 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. Put this on when you need to clear your head or just rest after a stressful day. I promise you'll feel lighter.
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, and unsurprisingly, they are incredible band. They manage to stand out while still telling stories that feel accessible and grounded. For me, it’s a perfect blend of strong songwriting, thoughtful instrumentals, and a truly unique voice. This band feels honest and authentic, showcasing their layers with a less polished feel that works because of their natural talent and distinct style. It's folk but in an entirely new flavor. Their originality is what makes them so special to me, combined with relatable stories and themes. It's a great record, and I’m excited for whatever else this band creates. Another great road trip album, especially if theres fall foliage, or better yet—a pond. 🐸
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
