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 Roberto Luzuriaga.
Top Tracks
"Paradise" by Durand Jones & The Indications, "Inside Your Mind Pt. 2" by Tony Molina, "In My House" by Kendra Morris, "R.L." by Sault, "Ace Trumpets" by Clipse and "Penetrator" by YHWH Nailgun are all top songs for me in 2025!
10. Flirty Ghost by Rachel Kitchlew (Hip Dozer)
Already an accomplished contemporary and jazz harpist, Rachel Kitchlew's debut album is a beautiful collaboration with SHOLTO and David Bardon that puts you in a dreamy and soothing headspace from start to finish. The album weaves through playful and eerie songs that showcase Kitchlew's expert harp playing but never overshadows the production.
Listen: Bandcamp
9. Pequena Vertigem de Amor by Sessa (Mexican Summer)
Sergio Sayeg aka Sessa released Pequena Vertigem de Amor late in 2025, yet the album starts with a track that fits seamlessly into the evergreen likability of bossa nova. Sessa refers to this new album, his third full-length, as "crooked funk" and sees the songs as a personal meditation on becoming a father. From beginning to end, the album sets a very soulful mood and Sergio's voice is both smooth and awkward all at once.
Listen: Bandcamp
8. Unclouded by Melody's Echo Chamber (Domino)
Melody Prochet's music has been described as psych rock, dream pop and space rock. Leaning into the space rock for Unclouded, Melody's Echo Chamber's fourth album combines Melody's breathy vocals with British drummer Malcolm Catto's (collaborator with Madlib and DJ Shadow) infectious beats. If Stereolab and Broadcast had a musical offspring, the name of this beautiful baby would undoubtedly be Melody's Echo Chamber.
Listen: Bandcamp
7. Krok by Soyuz (Mr Bongo)
Soyuz, Belarusian for "union," released their fourth album in October of 2025. Krok means "step" in Belarusian, and for the band, this album title reflects their perseverance in continuing to make music. Due to political unrest in their homeland of Belarus and the outbreak of war in Ukraine, they've been forced to move to Warsaw, Poland, in the last few years. Whether you understand Belarusian or not, lead singer Alex Chumak's lyrics evoke feelings of hope and melancholy. Overall, Krok is a beautiful album full of lush string arrangements and folk ballads.
Listen: Bandcamp
6. A7 by Sferro (Twelve Trees)
While synthwave may have peaked in the mid-to-late 2000s, Sferro chooses to ignore this trend away from retro, chill, synth, vapor, and all the sub-waves within the electronic subgenre. Releasing EPs and LPs now for over a decade, Sferro has refined his synth chops and gives his audience a nine-track album full of bass-thumping synth grooves and dark soundscapes.
Listen: Bandcamp
5. Yarın Yoksa by Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek (Big Crown)
Blending Anatolian funk and psychedelia, Yarin Yoksa is a throwback to 60s soul without sounding contrived or overproduced. German-Turkish singer Derya Yıldırım's voice soars above the laid back bass lines and outstanding production by Leon Michels.
Listen: Bandcamp
4. I'll Be Waving As You Drive Away by Hayden Pedigo (Mexican Summer)
Hayden Pedigo is a perfectionist. As such, he has given his fans a new album that doesn't just sound like a new album by the Texas-born guitar instrumentalist. I'll Be Waving As You Drive Away is an exploration of solo acoustic guitar, coupled with what Hayden calls "micro-sampling," dropped momentarily in a shallow glass of psychedelia. Much like Depeche Mode, he enjoys the silence. Nevertheless, this album is nothing but silent. It speaks volumes and says not a word.
Listen: Bandcamp
3. Entrance Music by Okonksi (Colemine)
Pianist Steve Okonski's 2025 album Entrance Music sounds as if it were found in a time capsule from decades ago. Okonski keeps you enthralled throughout the album with his beautiful, lush melodies. His drummer and long-time collaborator, Aaron Frazer, drives each song and allows for ebbs and flows in what could easily be an album you play over and over again.
Listen: Bandcamp
2. Light-Years by Nas and DJ Premier (Mass Appeal)
In 2010, the hip-hop world lost one of its all-time best rappers in Guru (Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal). 25 years later, DJ Premier has collaborated with the legendary Nas to create an album that sounds so much like Premier and Guru's Gangstarr, it's almost scary. Both Nas and Premier are now icons in the rap game. To drop an album that of this caliber is a tribute to not only Guru, but the roots of hip-hop as a genre and the culture it represents.
Listen: Nas webstore
1. LUX by Rosalía (Domino)
Rosalía's fourth studio album LUX has lyrics in 14 languages, written and produced by Rosalía, draws inspiration from a myriad of sources including Joan of Arc, and was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra. There are guest appearances by Bjork, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Yves Tumor. Oh, its also a "pop album." To say this is the top album of 2025 is not giving it enough credit. This is an album that needs multiple listenings. One could rhapsodize about the beauty and innovation of this album of the year. But why bother? It is an absolutely beautiful achievement and solidifies Rosalía as queen of pop.
Listen: Rosalía webstore
Honorable Mentions
Another Place - Pachyman (ATO)
Touch - Tortoise (International Anthem)
Mirages II - Jean-Benoit Dunckel & Jonathan Fitoussi (Obliques)
Life is Beautiful - Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist (ALC)
Horizon - Resavoir & Matt Gold (International Anthem)