Our Top 10 Lists have been named in honor of late Blog Director and DJ Clarence Ewing, who pioneered and published this annual feature for nearly a decade.
Our next list is from Alex Archibeque.
Introducing my favorite albums of 2025! This was a great year for music, but these albums stood out for me. I tend to rank albums based on how much I personally listened to the album vs. how "good" I think the album is. However, most of these checked both boxes for me. Enjoy!
10. Friend by james K (AD 93)
Electronic indie album from the New York artist. Extremely calming and a great album to have on in the background while working. Reminds me of driving at night.
Recommended track: "Play"
Listen: Bandcamp
9. big city life by Smerz (Escho)
This was the first year I heard of this Norwegian duo. The initial singles from this album were very striking and I was excited to hear the entire album - it did not disappoint! This album is true to its name and reminds me of being in a big city (especially reminds me of New York for some reason).
Recommended track: "You got time and I got money"
Listen: Bandcamp
8. Goodbyehouse by Snuggle (Escho)
A strong year for Scandinavian artists (see my number 9 album)! This band is from Copenhagen and made some of my favorite indie soft rock. Great cold weather music to accompany the Chicago winter.
Recommended track: "Marigold"
Listen: Bandcamp
7. Never Enough by Turnstile (Roadrunner)
This album isn't quite as good as GLOW ON, but Turnstile have proven that they are consistent. So many catchy rock songs. Reminds me of growing up in southern California listening to mainstream alt rock radio (in a good way).
Recommended track: "LOOK OUT FOR ME"
Listen: Bandcamp
6. Holo Boy by This Is Lorelei (Double Double Whammy)
Nate Amos' side project (he's also in Water From Your Eyes) tends to produce the albums I gravitate towards for some reason. This album is an eclectic group of tracks that I wish I wrote. This album came out recently and I've had it on repeat.
Recommended track: "Holo Boy"
Listen: Bandcamp
5. I Love My Computer by Ninajirachi (NLV Records)
Electronic pop from Australia. This album has a very nostalgic sound that reminds me of high school (kinda sounds like easy Kesha to me). The production is great and the pop hooks are like candy. I would recommend listening to this album in the gym or while on a run.
Recommended track: "iPod Touch"
Listen: Bandcamp
4. Headlights by Alex G (RCA)
A lot of people were worried about Alex G's major label debut, but he still maintained his unique sound without "selling out" in my opinion. Not quite as strong as his previous record, but the highs are still high enough to put this into my #4 spot.
Recommended track: "Beam Me Up"
Listen: Bandcamp
3. Getting Killed by Geese (Partisan)
I admit it took me a while to get into this record. Cameron Winter's voice was the main hurdle for me, but I came to appreciate it and even like it. Once that roadblock was out of the way I realized this was a special record. This is topping most people's list this year.
Recommended track: "Islands of Men"
Listen: Bandcamp
2. Bleeds by Wednesday (Dead Oceans)
I listened to this album so much this year. "Elderberry Wine" was on repeat when it first came out, and I still stand by it being my song of the year despite being a bit played out. There are a few tracks I could do without at the end, but there are so many standout tracks that I will revisit in years to come.
Recommended track: "Elderberry Wine"
Listen: Bandcamp
1. Choke Enough by Oklou (True Panther)
The album I listened to the most this year. I also feel like this album is the most "2025 sounding record" of the year. Every song is good in my opinion and repeat listens make the album even better. This is another great cold weather album that I'm sure I will always go back to.
Recommended track: "blade bird"
Listen: Bandcamp
Honorable Mentions
The Passionate Ones - Nourished By Time (XL Recordings)
LOWER - Benjamin Booker (Fire Next Time Records)
Fancy That - PinkPantheress (Warner Records)
Straight Line Was A Lie - The Beths (Anti-)
SABLE, fABLE - Bon Iver (Jagjaguwar)
Lifetime - Erika de Casier (Independent Jeep Music)