If something was very clear to us this year, it is that 2025 was a dangerously good year for music. The kind that accompany you through breakups, Uber trips at 3 am, afternoons of catharsis and impromptu parties with your friends. We had triumphant returns, albums that feel like therapy and also new stars who were officially crowned the popstars of Gen Z.
These are the albums that marked 2025 and that we will continue to listen to for a long, long time.
Our favorite albums of 2025
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I should have taken more photos — Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny not only dominated pop in 2025… he redefined it again. With I should have taken more photosBenito delivered what many already call his most personal and Puerto Rican album. Here he mixes reggaeton and trap with salsa, bolero, plena and sounds that connect with past generations, all with a nostalgic vibe that hits straight to the heart.
Songs like “DtMF” and “Nuevayol” became instant anthems, and the cultural impact was so strong that even Yale launched a course on their influence. Oh, and in case there were any doubts, this same album will take you to the Super Bowl LX halftime show. Historical.
LUX — Rosalía
Rosalía decided to make 2025 an artistic manifesto. In LUX He sings in ten languages, collaborates with the London Symphony Orchestra, invites Björk and Patti Smith, and throws himself headlong into a spiritual, mystical and conceptual universe.
After three years of silence, Rosalía returned stronger than ever, and now we see her play with the sacred, the feminine, divinity and creative force from a totally experimental place, with moments as intense as “La Perla” and as ethereal as “La Jugular”, inspired by Sufi mysticism. It is not an easy album, but it is one that confirms that Rosalía continues to be one of the most visionary artists in current pop.
Essex Honey — Blood Orange
Dev Hynes returned to do what he does best: take R&B, pop, soul, hip hop and turn them into something deeply urban, intimate and elegant. Essex Honey It sounds like wet streets, broken loves, small everyday victories.
With new collaborations and a production that feels close, warm and sophisticated, Blood Orange proves that it is no longer just an experimental project, but an institution within alternative pop. An album to listen to with headphones, walking without rushing.
Addison — Addison Rae
The most unexpected pop star of the year. When many were still doubting Addison Rae’s artistic turn from TikTok to music, she arrived with one of the best pop albums of 2025. Addison It’s pure 2000’s nostalgia done right: it’s reminiscent of Britney’s pop, of the era when the important thing was to dance to a good rhythm and let yourself go. Not only is it a solid debut, it is also the official presentation of a new It Girl, with a renewed image, ethereal aesthetics and a lot of personality.
“Diet Pepsi” became irresistible, “High Fashion” is camp at its finest and the entire album reeks of cigarettes, wired headphones and messy glamour. At this point there is no doubt: Addison Rae is one of the most genuine pop stars of her generation.
The Art of Loving — Olivia Dean
2025 was the year we all fell in love with Olivia Dean—or fell in love again while listening to her. Her second album is a warm embrace that speaks of romantic love, self-love, love between friends and the emotional chaos that all of that implies.
With a soft, honest and deeply human soul, songs like “Nice to Each Other” and “Man I Need” confirm that his voice is destined to make history. The Art of Loving It’s one of those albums that makes you want to slow dance in the living room with the person you love.
A Matter of Time — Laufey
Laufey let us see his most vulnerable side on his third album. Here she moves away from classic jazz a bit to explore femininity, personal growth and love from a much rawer place. Produced by Spencer Stewart and featuring Aaron Dessner, the album combines introspective ballads with soft melodies that stay in your head. “Lover Girl,” “Forget-Me-Not,” and “Snow White” are already fan favorites. An album that feels like maturing with elegance.
Wishbone — Conan Gray
With this album, Conan Gray confirmed that he is one of the great storytellers of his generation. Wishbone tells the story of a secret queer love, the pain of losing it, and the slow but necessary path to personal acceptance. Produced by Dan Nigro, the album blends pop and pop-rock with intimate lyrics and visuals that feel like an indie film about first gay love. Each song functions as a chapter of this emotional story, and songs like “This Song”, “Vodka Cranberry” and “Caramel” ended up turning this project into a true emotional and generational statement that many young people felt as their own.
Man’s Best Friend — Sabrina Carpenter
Everyone thought it was too early to release another album, and Sabrina basically responded with “hold my drink.” And yes, he showed us that he still had a lot to say and sing, because this project was equally or more iconic than Short n’ Sweet. After that success, he returned with an album that maintains sensuality, humor and playful aesthetics, but with sharper lyrics and a simply perfect visual concept.
From “Tears” to “Manchild,” everything about this project feels calculated, fun, and unforgettable. Man’s Best Friend finished consolidating Sabrina Carpenter as a true pop star of our era.
MAYHEM —Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga returned to her essence and did it in a big way. MAYHEM marks her long-awaited return to the dark, intense and theatrical dance-pop that made her a legend, with powerful production and a visual aesthetic that feels as provocative as it does iconic. Love, desire, identity and fame intersect in an explosive album that sounds simultaneously nostalgic and futuristic, like a love letter to his own legacy.
Tracks like “Vanish Into You,” “Killah,” and “Abracadabra” dominated the charts from day one, and the album earned multiple 2026 Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year. Yes, Gaga returned to do what only she knows how to do, redefine pop in her own way.
I Barely Know Her — shadow
One of the absolute revelations of the year. Sombr’s debut introduces us to a new heartthrob of Gen Z like we haven’t seen in a long time. Written and co-produced by himself with Tony Berg, the songs explore young romance, disillusionment and growing emotionally in real time.
Even if you’re not a fan of sombr, you’ve probably already heard these songs everywhere. With hits like “back to friends” and “undressed,” the New York artist reached number one on alternative radio in record time and displaced Hozier from the rock charts. From playing in his room at LaGuardia High School to dominating the global charts, this is what a star in the making sounds like.
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