BEST OF
2025
The 20 Best Albums of 2025
Featuring Blood Orange, FKA twigs, GIVĒON, and more.
2025 has wrapped up, ushering in another year full of new experiences and more importantly, new music. But before moving on–to the next release, the next single, the next sound–it’s important to take a look back on the albums that defined 2025.
The list below is just a snapshot of the music that released last year, the tip of the iceberg. Some things are bound to fall through the cracks. Regardless, the rationale for deciding on the following albums came down to a few factors: impact, creativity, boldness, storytelling, uniqueness and above all, enjoyment. With these aspects in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best albums 2025 had to offer:
By Graham Rogers
Jan. 21, 2026
20. The Knocks, Dragonette – Revelation
Jun. 6, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
This collaboration was about six years in the making, and it was worth the wait. Launching off their previous single “Slow Song,” The Knocks and Dragonette worked together to create an album inspired by the synth sounds of the 80s with a strong pop-electronic flair. Not only are the songs alone impressive, but as is the setting; set at the fictional Revelation Technologies, the album explores themes of music as an escape from the mundanity of corporate life. Featuring Aquaria (a winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race) in the visuals, Revelation embodies a retro-futurist lens, bending genres both in its audio and visual. By framing the album in this way, they are free to create an album with a sound that embodies pop music from the 80s, while sporting contemporary production as heard on “Love Me Alive”. While sometimes albums that took years to make can result in the final product being disappointing or half-baked, Revelation cleared expectations, resulting in one of the best pop projects of the year.
19. Daniel Caesar – Son Of Spergy
Oct. 24, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
One of the most unique aspects of Son Of Spergy is its rollout; Daniel Caesar held multiple free, impromptu concerts in parks across North America, with one taking place at John Hendry Park in Vancouver. Thousands of people flocked to these shows (despite less-than-warm weather), which usually took place the same day they were announced, leading various news organizations to cover the pandemonium that ensued. If you picture this happening, you might think of a mosh-pit in disarray, inhabiting unsuspecting parks and creating havoc: but keep in mind the kind of music Caesar makes. Previewing various new songs that would eventually wind up on Son Of Spergy, the crowds were treated to a serenade rather than a rager. As for the songs–and the album itself–the eventual release navigated dimensions of family, masculinity and faith. Named after his father, this album speaks to those who have experienced turmoil with their family and the reconciliation that can come through forgiveness. Despite subjects that should feel heavy, this record negates that concern with a warm, cozy soundscape. Acting almost as a blanket if you give it the space to wash over you. This happens in part due to Caesar’s blend of R&B and folk, as well the performance from the features; Bon Iver and Sampha are two that come to mind, sliding into the production seamlessly. From catchy guitar riffs like that on “Call On Me” and the gentle groove of “Root of all Evil,” Son Of Spergy is the perfect album for an afternoon stroll on a sunny autumn day.
18. Tyler, The Creator – DON’T TAP THE GLASS
Jul. 21, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
Created while on tour, DON’T TAP THE GLASS is a high-energy, danceable, and above all fun album. Coming off the back of CHROMAKOPIA, a much more introspective, emotional project, DON’T TAP THE GLASS brings Tyler back to a (relatively) simpler space. Not to say simpler is worse, rather the opposite; while I loved CHROMAKOPIA for its complexities, returning to a sound and theme based on pure enjoyment of music through a surprise album was a necessary next step for Tyler. Hearing him discuss the emotional process of creating CHROMAKOPIA, it’s not shocking that he decided to go the route he did with the release this project. The outcome of this pivot speaks–or rather sings–for itself, with songs like “Sugar On My Tongue” and “Ring Ring Ring” bringing the emotive and galvanizing beats Tyler promised before release. Despite its short runtime, DON’T TAP THE GLASS fills out its track list with song after song of earworms. When it’s clear an artist is having fun creating their music, it becomes almost impossible to not join in that fun; just as Tyler said, this project was made to give people a method of letting out pent-up energy, without fear of embarrassment or shame. In this regard, it succeeds in spades; Tyler manages to continually reinvent himself and surprise his audience, creating a spectacle that’s nearly impossible to ignore.
17. Bon Iver – SABLE, fABLE
Apr. 11, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
As is likely to be expected from a Bon Iver record, SABLE, fABLE is at times heartbreaking. However, in opposition to much of their previous work, the songs here are presented as upbeat and bright, expanding the overarching theme of the record, which is the perseverance of hope through adversity. SABLE is just one “half” of this album, presenting itself as the darkness, while fABLE is the light at the end of the tunnel; the contrast is clear when listening, going from the downbeat sunset of “AWARDS SEASON” to “Short Story” serving as the unexpected sunrise after a long, dark night. At its core, this is a breakup album; but while an older work like For Emma, Forever Ago wore that isolating pain on its sleeve, SABLE, fABLE transforms those desolate emotions into something warmer. The introduction of R&B elements on songs like “Walk Home” contribute to that warmth, along with lyrics that aren’t as soul crushing as those I have come to expect from Bon Iver. It’s rare that I come away from a Bon Iver album feeling happy; cathartic maybe, depressed definitely, but this album introduces a welcome change to the groups outlook on music, and life. Their well of sad songs is deep, but I am glad they’ve now added those like “From” to their catalogue, giving the listener the long-awaited sunrise following a career of a seemingly eternal night.
16. Gelli Haha – Switcheroo
Jun. 27, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
Switcheroo is characterised, unsurprisingly, by its title; serving as both a new sound and a new start for Gelli Haha (formerly Angel Abaya), the album is an engaging, dance-fueled pop record filled with unorthodox production and anthems of liberation. The clearest example of this, as others have pointed out, is the track “Dynamite”. On first listen, the production doesn’t sound as groundbreaking as I’m making it out to be. But listening closer, you’ll realize the back half of the beat samples a bear attack. This outside-of-the-box thinking is what separates her from the pack, and is emblematic of Switcheroo as a whole. Gelli Haha repeatedly bites a sound so obscure or random, yet managed to “switch” it around in some way to work in her favour. The end result is an extremely enjoyable listen. Comparing this album to her previous work as Angel Abaya, it’s clear how impactful shedding the baggage of her previous persona was for her. Listening to “Better” and “Spit” back-to-back, you could easily be fooled into thinking they were two different artists. And, for all intents and purposes, they essentially are two different artists. With Switcheroo, Gelli Haha was able to reinvent herself–and her music–while avoiding a stumble-step that could come from a pivot as hard as this. If this new, more authentic version of herself able to continue putting out music as inventive as “Pluto is not a planet it’s a restaurant,” this is an artist worth paying attention to.
15. Mac Miller – Balloonerism
Jan. 17, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
Despite being released nearly eleven years after its initial creation, there are no parts of Balloonerism that date it back to the 2010’s; this album is a testament to how ahead of his time Mac Miller really was. He seems nearly prescient on this record, not only because of the sounds he was experimenting with but also because of the overwhelming presence of death and mortality present throughout. “Funny Papers” is a chief example of this, with the lyrics showing a level of maturity most wouldn’t expect from a then 22-year-old; this song is emblematic of much of the album, with the metacontextual aspect of his death making Balloonerism both beautiful and haunting to listen to. While there is a darkness within much of Mac’s music, this album–especially its production–truly highlights how pure Mac was. Finishing and releasing this album once again showed the world what kind kind of artist Mac was, and reminds us how heartbreaking it is to lose such a talent so early in their lives. Although this project released very early in the year (with this article being written close to its one-year anniversary), it has stuck in my mind ever since I first listened to it. Given the subject matter, it’s no surprise that it left that effect. While that may be a good or bad thing depending on your point of view, to me that is a sign of a truly profound piece of art.
14. Blood Orange – Essex Honey
Aug. 29, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
Essex Honey is not a reinventing of an artist, which so many clamor to put on lists like these, but the perfecting of an already-established institution. With this album, Blood Orange has been building to an invisible climax we all felt was coming, but neglected to acknowledge; punching the listener with vivid memories, unwavering grief and acceptance, Essex Honey highlights all of the strengths I’ve come to expect from Blood Orange. An aspect of his music I’ve come to really appreciate is the way he manages to blur the lines not only between genres, but between where his voice begins and the instrumentation starts. To me Blood Orange is a vocal chameleon of sorts, dissolving into his production and being woven into the fabric of his songs through a unique ability that comes from a mastery in mixing. I have found myself thinking, “that’s a good sample,I wonder how he found that,” only to realize it’s just him; this album evokes that thought maybe more than any of his other projects, with “Mind Loaded (feat. Caroline Polachek, Lorde & Mustafa)” immediately coming to mind. Blood Orange is able to create music that makes you feel hollow, as grief often does, even when the music itself is beautifully arrangedou feel as though you’re in Essex alongside him. The features, the drums and the strings on Essex Honey are all placed so masterfully you can’t help but wonder how he manages to pull it off each time. That is the magic of his music though, and despite the tragic circumstances art can be created in the wake of, Blood Orange still crafts a laid-back spectacle that is nearly impossible to avoid getting swept up in.
13. FKA twigs – EUSEXUA
Jan. 24, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
Both maximal, and minimal, EUSEXUA embodies the feeling of physically being in a club while your mind has floated elsewhere. Whether this feeling is coming from alcohol, drugs, sensuality or music is null; the important part is the euphoria that comes from the blending of them all together. EUSEXUA, as the name suggests (being a mash-up of euphoria and sexuality), sets out to not only elicit but embody that feeling through music. FKA twigs utilizes transcendent vocals and production to achieve this, spanning from the spacey “Girl Feels Good” to the up-tempo “Childlike Things”. At no point did I expect where this album would go, contributing to the alien and un-earthly vibe EUSEXUA carries. She created an album that creates a perfect personification of a feeling many would struggle to articulate. Using music to push the envelope of what is euphoric and what is sexual, and what constitutes pain or pleasure; the true success of this album is the ability to not only vocalize, but create a body of music that manifests a feeling that I would only ever be able to conceptualize in the abstract.
12. JID – God Does Like Ugly
Aug. 8, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
Following an album as acclaimed as JID’s previous record, The Forever Story, would be a difficult task for nearly anyone–nearly. While admittedly its arguable if JID managed to surpass that herculean bar, he got about as close as you could hope for; God Does Like Ugly dives headfirst into themes surrounding faith, systemic inequality, identity and personal growth all dressed up in impressive lyricism and crisp production. Ranging in content from a song about Atlanta’s roller-skating culture on “Sk8 (with Ciara & EARTHGANG),” to the introspective and moody “K-Word (with Pastor Troy)” tackling themes of accountability and spirituality, God Does Like Ugly is a ride in the true sense of the word. Rooted in complexity and contrast, the project slowly pushes the listener to accept their flaws, and understand that imperfection is an unavoidable aspect of beauty. JID (or more accurately, his late grandmother who originally offered the idea) chose to title the album after an inversion of the southern phrase “God don’t like ugly,” choosing to confront the spiritual struggles that paved the way to his self-acceptance. Regardless of if this album surpasses his previous heights, it still stands quite tall on its own. Filled with catchy hooks and memorable bars, God Does Like Ugly cements JID’s legacy as one of the most exciting, impressive and introspective MC’s in the game.
11. McKinley Dixon – Magic, Alive!
Jun. 6, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
Easily one of the best storytelling albums of the year, Magic, Alive! is a chronicle in every sense of the word. McKinley Dixon brings the listener through a story of death and rebirth, and the role that art plays in that journey. Featuring some of the best jazz-rap instrumentation of the decade alongside dense lyrical content, Dixon has crafted a story that is as entertaining as it is tragic; it follows a group of friends that turn to music after the death of their friend, trying to rationalize and solve a life cut short through any means at their disposal. Eventually, art becomes the answer to this fundamental hurdle in life. Dixon proves that art and music serve a role beyond entertainment, becoming integral in the process of immortalizing those that have passed. Blurring the lines between what is magic and what is art, Magic, Alive! manages to make you believe that magic is real, at least in the time you’re listening to it. With “Run, Run, Run Pt. II” being one of my favourite songs of the year, it’s impressive that so much of this album is at that high of a caliber. Finishing the album with “Could’ve Been Different (feat. Blu & Shamir)”, the listener is reminded to appreciate living in the present, and encouraged to seek meaning in the wake of senseless death; Magic, Alive! is an immensely impressive project, filled with amazing beats and transformative vocal performances.
10. Black Country, New Road – Forever Howlong
Apr. 4, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
Forever Howlong was one of my most anticipated records of the year. Just two days prior to the release of their last album, Ants from Up There, the lead singer Isaac Wood left the band due to severe mental health issues. Following the release, the album received overwhelmingly positive critical reception with many citing it as one of the best of the year. With pressure and expectations reaching a boiling point in the three-year lead up to Forever Howlong, most were worried–or curious–for the future of Black Country, New Road. However, in 2025 the group negated any doubts people may have had, releasing a stunningly gorgeous record that rivals any of their previous work. Forever Howlong cemented the fact that the group can not only function, but evolve under new vocalists sharing the work; Tyler Hyde, Georgia Ellery and May Kershaw are not only impressive musicians in their own right, but are now accomplished vocalists who mesh together flawlessly. The albums unique mesh of prog-rock and indie folk, demonstrated clearly on “Salem Sisters” and “Happy Birthday”, create a sense of gravitas that is rare in music today. Songs like “For the Cold Country” should dispel any notion that what made this band special was their former lead singer; what makes this group so exciting is their adaptability, and resolve to persevere in the face of difficulties. Which is all done, mind you, while delivering some of the best instrumental and vocal performances of 2025.
9. Nourished By Time – The Passionate Ones
Aug. 22, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
How can you improve upon lo-fi neo-alternative R&B? At first glance, the answer (and question) might be difficult to rationalize. However, Nourished by Time found a simple answer: inject it with some good old-fashioned anti-capitalism. Defined by the nearly involuntary search for love under oppressive systemic pressure, The Passionate Ones is a stunning sophomore project blurring the lines between art and activism. This album is so up-front with its messaging, yet laid back enough you can miss it entirely; you get out of this album what you put into it, it can either be a statement piece or a simple laid-back vibe. I can’t say I can think of many albums or artists I could say this about–Rage Against The Machine, for example, is quite up front about their politics. It’s in the name, after all. Yet with The Passionate Ones, he manages to create beauty and love where so many see and find none. If you really wanted to, you could play “BABY BABY” at a dance party, or a protest and it wouldn’t feel out of place at either. This album is so steeped in its themes that you go to buy the vinyl, and find yourself feeling guilty for preferring to hunt down the “indie exclusive” variant instead of just buying the plain old jet-black copy. You could listen to this while paying little attention, enjoying the pleasant melodies and beats on songs like “Crazy People,” but you would be doing yourself–and the album–a disservice by doing so. So often talking about music, people point to “revolutionary” albums as benchmarks in their genre. In the case of The Passionate Ones, the word revolutionary takes on a whole new scope, not exclusively occupying the sector of music but politics as well.
8. PinkPantheress – Fancy That
May 9, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
I’ll admit, up until recently I hadn’t given PinkPantheress the attention or respect she deserves. I remember absently listening to Fancy That around its release date as I saw a lot of discourse on the internet surrounding it, and I came away forgetting the entire thing despite how short it is. I am very glad I ended up circling back and giving it another try, because this album features some of the best production of the year. Taking heavy inspiration from Basement Jaxx–“Girl Like Me” features an interpolation of their song “Romeo,” with the final track also sharing the same name–the production here is bouncy, punchy and crisp. Paired with Pink’s distinct vocals these nine tracks fly by, which is no issue due to how replayable these songs are. She clearly subscribes to the old adage all killer no filler, managing to make an album with a runtime of just twenty minutes fall into the top 10 of the year, beating out plenty that might have had “more to say”. Fancy That is easily one of the best pop adjacent projects I listened to this year, leaning into early 2000’s sounds (looking toward Basement Jaxx once again) to create a vibrant collection spanning genres like jungle, dance and electronic. Each of these genres blend together seamlessly, with Pink’s vocals serving as the glue holding it all together; just listen to “Stateside” if you need proof.
7. Wet Leg – moisturizer
Jul. 11, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
With moisturizer, Wet Leg has established themselves as a leader in the modern indie rock sphere. The album details the experience of falling in love for the first time; something which is not new or fresh to the genre, however Wet Leg frames this in the context of someone’s first homosexual relationship. In this case the framing comes from the perspective of lead singer Rhian Teasdale, who was inspired to write the album after finding herself in her first LGBTQ+ relationship. Although the album is filled with (a very reasonable) amount of loathing toward men, highlighted on “catch these fists,” people should not be turned away from checking this out merely due to subject matter some people (guys) might have difficulty connecting to. Although its inspiration came from something I cannot experience, I still found myself connecting with a lot of the lyrics. That’s because once you strip it back, this is simply an album about love and lust, and how exhilaratingly turbulent relationships can be in their early stages–“liquidize” serves as the thematic anthem, a realistic reminder of how it feels to fall in love with someone. Pushing this feeling further, “davina mccall” encapsulates the feeling of having butterflies in your stomach. Featuring raunchy and inventive lyrics, moisturizer is chock-full of attitude and spunk while redefining what “love” means. Even if you find yourself having difficulty connecting with the content, the music itself allows for an even easier connection. At times feminine, at times masculine, moisturizer is a bold step forward for Wet Leg; here they chose to kick open the new door they’ve created, rather than being satisfied with just stepping through.
6. GIVĒON – BELOVED
Jul. 11, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
This one’s for the yearners out there. If you identify with that label and haven’t given this a spin you are absolutely missing out. Lush, 70’s inspired soul instrumentation paired with GIVĒON’s smooth, powerful voice makes this album an extremely pleasant (and also gut-wrenching) listen. That said, BELOVED was not an album I anticipated finding its way on this list, let alone this high. When going through the releases from this year I listened to, I’ll admit this project slipped my mind. After giving it some more time, BELOVED easily stood out as not only one of the best R&B albums of 2025, but one of the best albums in general. The raw emotion GIVĒON is able to convey through his lyrics and his vocals results in his strongest body of work yet; while his past albums have strengths of their own, this is the project that I believe we saw GIVĒON come into his own as an artist. The maturity present on this project has come as a result from the work that came before, which is clear on songs like “RATHER BE,” “STRANGERS” and “I CAN TELL”. However, although I singled these songs out it is important to note that each track here is deserving of its spot. There is not a track that I think should have been left on the cutting room floor, resulting in BELOVED being GIVĒON’s most fully realized project yet.
5. Ninajirachi – I Love My Computer
Aug. 8, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
This year saw a host of debut projects drop, with some already appearing on this list but I Love My Computer is without a doubt the strongest debut studio album I listened to in 2025. Having only released a few EPs prior to this album, Ninajirachi has started her album career on an extremely strong note. Constructed with a distinct 2000’s era electronic sound and alongside her greatest collaborator, I Love My Computer tells a story of self-discovery through a frutiger aero-tinted lens. Her computer–who is “featured” on points of the album through static noise–was the impetus for the musical journey Ninajirachi experienced. This album tells the story of that journey, highlighting the nostalgic simplicity of technology at the beginning of the millennium to the dangers that originated in the wild west of the early internet. Looking past the amazing production and contagious melodies, Ninajirachi crafted an album that at its core has soul, despite the fact that her computer lacks one. She feels strongly about her computer, which is made clear on songs like “F*ck My Computer” and “Infohazard”; these songs display the conflicting relationship she has with technology, while containing some of the best electronic and hyperpop inspired music I’ve heard in recent memory. This album stayed in heavy rotation since its release, and she now has an audience eager to see what she cooks up next with FL studio (and her trusty computer) in the future.
4. Viagra Boys – viagr aboys
Apr. 25, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
Of all the words you could use to describe viagr aboys–vulgar, surreal, comedic, even tranquil–boring would not be one of them. Out of the gate, Viagra Boys engage you with absurd lyrics about mortality, marking the introduction of a main thread present throughout the album; the theme of mortality is ever-present, provoking the listener to engage with the concept of death inspired by the anomie derived from modern society. Keep in mind, of course, that the band eliciting these feelings is incongruously named Viagra Boys. But it's that contrast that makes this album so special. In both the energetic songs like “Man Made of Meat” and the calmer respite of “Medicine for Horses,” they manage to arouse the listener with heavier contemplations than you may have expected going in; viagr aboys is, in many ways, a trojan horse. They delivered an album dripping in attitude and satire that still hits the emotional beats you’d hope it would, a feat many would struggle to pull off–with viagr aboys, it comes across effortlessly. After finishing this album you might feel like washing your hands clean of the grime it left behind: but you’ll come back to it, if not for the catchy choruses and addicting riffs, but for the rare glimpses of genuine beauty hidden under the veil of grungy absurdity.
3. Djo – The Crux
Apr. 4, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
Djo is an artist that I have to say, frustrates me; not due to his musical talent or knack for writing extremely catchy hooks, but because he continually does not get the recognition he deserves as a musician. As of recently this is changing somewhat, with his very popular song (but nowhere near one of his best) “End of Beginning” flying to No. 1 on the Global 200. This is of course deserved, however I find it tragic that the rest of his catalogue is continually overlooked. Since his first solo album Twenty Twenty, Djo has continued putting out quality work; The Crux is no exception. This album wears its inspirations on its sleeve, pulling from the work of those like The Beatles, The Strokes and LCD Soundsytem. “Charlie’s Garden,” for example, sounding like a track that could have been ripped straight out of Paul McCartney’s personal vault. While for many artists this would come off as shallow imitation, that’s not the case with Djo.
The Crux explores exactly what it’s named after: cruxes in various people’s lives, that serve as crucial lynchpins in the fabric of their personal ethos. This record embraces themes of self-acceptance in the face of heartbreak, of doubt, fame and fear across 12–or 24, if you want to include the also-great The Crux Deluxe–tracks. Djo reflects. On “Delete Ya” he faces the disillusionment that can come from a seemingly stable relationship, while others such as “Egg” portraying the internal struggles people can face, both serving as cruxes of important life events. The Crux is all about breaking through the monotony of everyday life and how important it is to break those chains, regardless of how difficult that process may be. It’s difficult to encapsulate my thoughts on this album in such a short piece here, which is evident in the length of my full review on the album. If all you’ve heard of Djo is “End of Beginning”, I have to say I’m envious; The Crux is a perfect introduction to a stellar catalogue.
2. Clipse, Pusha T, Malice – Let God Sort Em Out
Jul. 11, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
In a year when many saw mainstream hip hop as stagnant, Clipse swooped in to deliver one of the best rap projects of the year; maybe within the 2020’s thus far, which is made even more impressive by the fact that this album comes after the duo took a sixteen-year hiatus. This hiatus was in part due to No Malice (formerly Malice) undergoing a spiritual Christian awakening, Pusha T’s solo career taking off as well as various legal disputed interrupting the music process. With both brothers taking some time to themselves, they returned to Clipse with an album of staggering quality. Throughout his career, Push has had one clear through line that has stayed prevalent across each project: cocaine. This has not changed with Let God Sort Em Out, but it has evolved. On songs like “M.T.B.T.T.F” Push has managed to continue rapping about the same subject matter as always (while still managing to keep it fresh), but alongside his punchy bars he intertwines deeper messaging about the drug trade and street life. Push is revisiting old subject matter, while at the same time adding another layer upon it, which would not be possible without his brother No Malice. He injects the emotion into the record, with the albums intro “The Birds Don’t Sing” framing the parental and spiritual themes up front. With their late father’s blessing being integral to No Malice’s return to rap, the emotional journey that follows is made even more impactful through the context of the brother’s lives. It’s difficult to single out any bars or beats, considering how hard they all hit. “Chains & Whips,” “So Be it,” “F.I.C.O”– I could just name the entire tracklist. Let God Sort Em Out is a triumphant return for such a monolithic group in the rap scene, with one of the strongest comeback records of the decade.
1. Joey Valence & Brae – HYPERYOUTH
Aug. 15, 2025
Spotify – Apple Music – Tidal
Out of the gate, HYPERYOUTH is unlike anything I’ve ever heard before; Beastie Boys meets Skrillex is not a sound that most would expect to work, but Joey Valence and Brae have nearly made it their trademark. I’ll say I did not expect what I found to be the funniest album of the year would also wind up being my favourite, or what I consider “the best” of 2025 (as arbitrary as that title can be). Thinking of the Oscars, as much as I love Tropic Thunder, I can’t pretend to be surprised when No Country For Old Men ends up winning best picture: it’s the serious, dramatic one after all. But, with that said, if I had to choose which I would watch, I’d lean toward Tropic Thunder. HYPERYOUTH inhabits a similar space for me. It’s filled with impeccable comedic bars, inventive production, and a lot of heart. Joey and Brae inject a sense of joy into their music that I feel has been missing as of late; in a pretty turbulent time to be a young adult, it’s both refreshing inspiring to see a duo close to my age spreading the simple message of togetherness. Some could call it naïve or corny, but with Joey and Brae you simply cannot deny their earnestness.
I’ve shown this album to basically anyone willing to listen. To me that embodies the spirit of their music, and HYPERYOUTH in particular; have fun, get to know each one another and enjoy your life. Across HYPERYOUTH there are songs that encourage you to let loose, like “SEE U DANCE (feat. Rebecca Black),” but beside those tracks are others like “PARTY’S OVER” that inspire bittersweet feelings of nostalgia, along with glimpses of doubt and fear. Any doubts the duo have about their chances of “making it” have been dispelled with this album; they have finally arrived at a larger stage, free to share their message–and frankly, their awesome music–with more people than ever. I cannot wait to see what the duo does next, and I am eagerly awaiting what their next evolution both as artists, and as people looks like. Come this time next year, I would not be surprised to see an immense amount of growth in their audience, and that could not happen to a more deserving pair.
This list was compiled, written and edited by Graham Rogers.
Jan. 21, 2026