As 2025 draws to a close, the year stands out as one of the most creatively rich and commercially dynamic chapters in modern music. Across pop, rap, alternative, and global genres, artists delivered albums that did far more than dominate the charts.
The year began with immediate impact. The Weeknd returned in cinematic form with Hurry Up Tomorrow, completing a conceptual era that blended synth-pop, R&B, and existential storytelling. Lady Gaga followed with Mayhem. Tate McRae’s So Close to What marked a major evolution, establishing her as more than just a rising star. Debut albums also played a crucial role, as Jennie and LISA stepped confidently into solo territory.
Momentum only intensified in the second half of the year. Sabrina Carpenter built on her career peak with Man’s Best Friend, an album that featured fan favorites like “Manchild” and “Tears.” Breakout acts like Alex Warren and Sombr emerged with emotionally resonant releases, while Tyler, The Creator once again defied expectations with Don’t Tap the Glass.
September became a turning point. Twenty One Pilots, Ed Sheeran, and Cardi B all returned with high-profile releases, while Olivia Dean’s rise signaled a renewed appetite for soulful, timeless pop. As the year closed, Taylor Swift dominated the final months with The Life of a Showgirl. Rosalía capped off 2025 with one of the decade’s most daring projects, pushing experimental pop into new territory. Below is our ranking, based on the scores we gave each record.
Kiari – Offset (7.4)
Label: Motown
Tracks: 18
American Heart – Benson Boone (7.4)
Label: Night Street, Warner Records
Tracks: 10
Love & Hyperbole – Alessia Cara (7.4)
Label: Def Jam
Tracks: 14
What Happened to the Streets? – 21 Savage (7.4)
Label: Slaughter Gang and Epic Records
Tracks: 15
UY Scuti – Young Thug (7.4)
Label: YSL, Atlantic Records, and 300 Entertainment
Tracks: 20
Don’t Click Play – Ava Max (7.4)
Label: Atlantic Records
Tracks: 12
I Said I Love You First – Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco (7.4)
Label: SMG Music LLC, Friends Keep Secrets, Interscope Records
Tracks: 14
Dreamsicle – Maren Morris (7.4)
Label: Columbia Records
Tracks: 14
It’s Not That Deep – Demi Lovato (7.4)
Label: Island Records
Tracks: 11
Midnight Sun – Zara Larsson (7.5)
Label: Sommer House and Epic Records
Tracks: 10
Everyone’s a Star! – 5 Seconds of Summer (7.5)
Label: Republic Records
Tracks: 12
I Feel Everything – Maggie Lindemann (7.5)
Label: Swixxzaudio
Tracks: 16
I’m The Problem – Morgan Wallen (7.5)
Label: Big Loud, Republic Records, Mercury Records
Tracks: 37
Music – Playboi Carti (7.5)
Label: AWGE, Interscope Records
Tracks: 30
Swag – Justin Bieber (7.5)
Label: Def Jam Recordings and ILH Productions
Tracks: 21
Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party – Hayley Williams (7.5)
Label: –
Tracks: 18
The Art of Loving – Olivia Dean (7.5)
Label: Capitol Records and Polydor Records
Tracks: 12
Ruby – JENNIE (7.5)
Label: Odd Atelier, Columbia Records
Tracks: 15
Wishbone – Conan Gray (7.6)
Label: Republic Records
Tracks: 12
Karma – Stray Kids (7.6)
Label: JYP Entertainment and Republic Records
Tracks: 9
Pretty Idea – Amber Mark (7.6)
Label: Interscope and Jasmine/PMR Records
Tracks: 12
Love? Or Something Like It – Halle (7.6)
Label: Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records
Tracks: 15
Eusexua Afterglow – FKA Twigs (7.6)
Label: Young and Atlantic Records
Tracks: 11
Virgin – Lorde (7.6)
Label: Universal Music New Zealand, Republic Records
Tracks: 11
Am I The Drama? Cardi B (7.7)
Label: Atlantic Records
Tracks: 23
You’ll Be Alright, Kid – Alex Warren (7.7)
Label: Atlantic Records
Tracks: 21
Star Line – Chance the Rapper (7.8)
Label: –
Tracks: 17
Everybody Scream – Florence + The Machine (7.8)
Label: Polydor and Republic Records
Tracks: 12
Perrie – Perrie Edwards (7.8)
Label: Columbia Records
Tracks: 16
Princess of Power – Marina (7.8)
Label: –
Tracks: 13
Paid In Memories – Jessie Reyez (7.8)
Label: FMLY, Island Records
Tracks: 21
Blue Valentine – NMIXX (7.8)
Label: JYP Entertainment
Tracks: 12
Alter Ego – LISA (7.9)
Label: LLOUD, RCA Records
Tracks: 12
So Close to What – Tate McRae (7.9)
Label: RCA Records
Tracks: 15
Caos – Miguel (7.9)
Label: ByStorm Entertainment and RCA Records
Tracks: 12
Play – Ed Sheeran (8.0)
Label: Gingerbread Man Records and Atlantic Records
Tracks: 13
Finally Over It – Summer Walker (8.0)
Label: Love Renaissance and Interscope Records
Tracks: 18
Hearts Sold Separately – Mariah The Scientist (8.0)
Label: Buckles Laboratories and Epic Records
Tracks: 10
Vie – Doja Cat (8.0)
Label: Kemosabe and RCA Records
Tracks: 15
Breach – Twenty One Pilots (8.0)
Label: Fueled by Ramen
Tracks: 13
I Barely Know Her – Sombr (8.0)
Label: Warner Records
Tracks: 10
Man’s Best Friend – Sabrina Carpenter (8.0)
Label: Island Records
Tracks: 12
That’s Showbiz Baby! – Jade (8.0)
Label: RCA Records
Tracks: 14
Mayhem – Lady Gaga (8.0)
Label: Streamline, Interscope Records
Tracks: 14
Eternal Sunshine: Brighter Days Ahead – Ariana Grande (8.0)
Label: Republic Records
Tracks: 6
Smoochies – Ashnikko (8.1)
Label: Parlophone Records
Tracks: 15
Don’t Tap the Glass – Tyler, The Creator (8.1)
Label: Columbia Records
Tracks: 10
The Dream – The Favors (8.1)
Label: Darkroom Records
Tracks: 12
West End Girl – Lily Allen (8.1)
Label: BMG
Tracks: 14
Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd (8.2)
Label: XO, Republic Records
Tracks: 22
Deadbeat – Tame Impala (8.4)
Label: Columbia Records
Tracks: 12
The Life of a Showgirl – Taylor Swift (9.0)
Label: Republic Records
Tracks: 12
Lux – Rosalía (10)
Label: Columbia Records
Tracks: 14
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