The new year couldn’t have started off better. January brought us an exciting wave of groundbreaking albums. Lil Baby kicked things off with WHAM, his first album since 2022’s It’s Only Me. Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, and FKA Twigs made their highly anticipated comebacks, while Central Cee and (G)I-DLE’s MINNIE released their debut albums. Notable projects also arrived from Teddy Swims, Kane Brown, and Mac Miller.
As we now look forward to what February has in store, here’s a look at the ten best albums of January, based on our ratings.
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WHAM – Lil Baby (6.8)
Lil Baby kicked off the new year with WHAM (Who Hard As Me), his fourth studio album and the final chapter in his “Hard” series. With production from ATL Jacob, Southside, and Wheezy, the album features an impressive lineup of guest appearances. Young Thug and Future join him on Dum, Dumb, and Dumber, while Travis Scott lends his voice to Stuff. Other collaborators include GloRilla, Rod Wave, and 21 Savage.
Her – MINNIE (6.86)
MINNIE, a member of K-Pop girl group (G)I-DLE, captivated fans with her debut mini-album Her. In this project, she proves that she can shine just as brightly on her own.
Can’t Rush Greatness – Central Cee (6.9)
After two successful mixtapes, Central Cee lived up to expectations with his debut album, Can’t Rush Greatness. The 17-track project features collaborations with hip-hop heavyweights like Lil Baby, 21 Savage, Dave, and Lil Durk. The British rapper’s rapid-fire delivery stands out on tracks like Top Freestyle and No Introduction.
Balloonerism – Mac Miller (6.92)
To celebrate what would have been his 33rd birthday, fans received Balloonerism, Mac Miller’s second posthumous album. Originally recorded over a decade ago between 2013 and 2014, the LP includes tracks Mac worked on prior to releasing his Faces mixtape.
I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2) – Teddy Swims (7.0)
After a breakout 2024, Teddy Swims returned with I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2). Blending R&B, soul, and pop, the album explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Standout tracks include Bad Dreams and Hammer to the Heart.
The High Road – Kane Brown (7.04)
Country star Kane Brown is back with The High Road, his most personal album yet. Drawing from his experiences with love, depression, and self-reflection, the LP blends country with other musical influences, offering fans an emotional and deeply resonant journey.
Debí Tirar Más Fotos – Bad Bunny (7.1)
Bad Bunny delivered Debí Tirar Más Fotos, his sixth studio album and the follow-up to Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana (2023). Seamlessly fusing salsa, reggaeton, and house music, the LP also shines a spotlight on rising Puerto Rican artists like Chuwi, Omar Courtz, Los Pleneros de la Cresta, Dei V, and RaiNao. With 17 tracks, Debí Tirar Más Fotos is both a love letter to Puerto Rico and a reflection of Bad Bunny’s personal journey.
Eusexua – FKA Twigs (7.15)
FKA Twigs delivered one of January’s most intriguing albums with Eusexua. A true masterpiece, the album blends techno, electronic, and avant-pop, taking listeners on a high-energy ride before closing with Wanderlust, a track that highlights her vocal prowess. In her own words: “Eusexua is a practice. Eusexua is a state of being. Eusexua is the pinnacle of human experience.”
Perverts – Ethel Cain (7.2)
Ethel Cain returns with Perverts, her first album since 2022’s Preacher’s Daughter. Released under her own label, Daughters of Cain, the album takes a bold turn into dark ambient and post-industrial sounds, moving away from her previous storytelling style in favor of a more experimental, atmospheric approach. With tracks like Perverts, Housofpsychoticwomn, Pulldrone, and Amber Waves stretching beyond 10 minutes—some surpassing 13—Cain fully embraces immersive, drawn-out compositions.
Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd (8.2)
The Weeknd closed out the month with what may be one of 2025’s best albums, Hurry Up Tomorrow. The final installment in his trilogy, the LP is a stunning masterpiece, featuring standout tracks like Cry For Me and Wake Me Up. The album takes listeners on an emotional rollercoaster, capturing themes of nostalgia, time’s passage, and the excitement of the next chapter in his career. With Hurry Up Tomorrow debuting to 58 million streams, it’s safe to say The Weeknd has once again proven his dominance.
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