Michael Lello’s Top Albums of the Year on Highway 81 Revisited

As we near the end of another year, it’s time to reflect on the best albums that captivated us in 2025. This year saw an array of fantastic music releases across different genres, showcasing talent and creativity from artists worldwide. Here is a list of the top 10 albums that stood out among the rest:

1. Wolf Alice – “The Clearing”
2. Ethel Cain – “Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You”
3. Blondshell – “If You Asked for a Picture”
4. Geese – “Getting Killed”
5. Arcade Fire – “Pink Elephant”
6. Sunflower Bean – “Mortal Primetime”
7. My Morning Jacket – “Is”
8. Midlake – “A Bridge to Far”
9. The Antlers – “Blight”
10. moe. – “Circle of Giants”

These albums vary in sound and style, demonstrating the diversity and richness of the music landscape in 2025. Each artist brings their unique perspective and creativity to the table, resulting in a collection of standout albums that have left a lasting impression on listeners.

Wolf Alice’s “The Clearing” presents a mesmerizing blend of rock and dream pop elements, creating an ethereal and immersive listening experience. Ethel Cain’s “Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You” showcases haunting vocals and emotionally charged lyrics that resonate with audiences on a personal level. Blondshell’s “If You Asked for a Picture” delivers catchy hooks and infectious melodies that make it an instant favorite for many.

Geese’s “Getting Killed” is a dynamic and energetic album that pushes boundaries and challenges the status quo, while Arcade Fire’s “Pink Elephant” is a bold and innovative release that showcases the band’s evolution and growth. Sunflower Bean’s “Mortal Primetime” is a genre-blurring masterpiece that fuses elements of indie rock, pop, and psychedelia into a cohesive and captivating record.

My Morning Jacket’s “Is” is a masterclass in songwriting and musicianship, with each track offering something new and exciting for listeners to explore. Midlake’s “A Bridge to Far” is a lush and atmospheric album that transports listeners to another world, while The Antlers’ “Blight” is a haunting and introspective release that delves into the depths of human emotion.

Finally, moe.’s “Circle of Giants” rounds out the list with its infectious grooves and intricate arrangements that showcase the band’s musical prowess and inventive spirit. Each of these albums has made a significant impact on the music scene in 2025 and will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.

In conclusion, the best albums of 2025 span a wide range of genres and styles, offering something for every music lover to enjoy. From rock to pop to indie, these albums represent the best of what the music world has to offer and are a testament to the talent and creativity of artists across the globe. So, as we bid farewell to 2025, let’s remember these stellar releases and look forward to what the future holds for music in the years to come.