“September 2025 Guitar World Editors’ Picks: He’s Now Playing”
The September 2025 Guitar World Editors’ Picks feature a diverse range of artists and music releases that have caught the attention of the editors. With impressive guitar work from Seera, SPRINTS, Mammoth, Mei Semones, Jay Som, Walter Trout, Jacob Collier, and many others, the editors were faced with a plethora of choices this month.
September is typically a month filled with new music releases, and this year was no exception. In addition to the influx of new music, the editors were also preoccupied with the constant stream of new guitar gear being announced. Every week felt like a miniature version of NAMM, with exciting new developments and releases to keep track of.
The editors refrained from diving into lengthy discussions about their personal favorites from the extensive playlist but encouraged readers to explore the selection for themselves. Some standout tracks included Seera’s “Shams,” which reimagines Isaac Albéniz’s “Asturias” in a prog and psych-inspired manner, as well as SPRINTS’ “Better,” a lush blend of shoegaze with colorful distortion and catchy melodies. Another notable feature was the Struts’ “Could Have Been Me,” previously hailed by Brian May as “one of the best rock songs ever,” with May himself contributing to a harmony-laden remake.
On the folkier and lo-fi side, tracks like Hudson Freeman’s “If U Know Me,” a TikTok hit with a unique down-tuned (acoustic!) riff, and Jacob Collier’s “I Know (A Little)” offered listeners a different sonic experience. The latter track gave a glimpse of what to expect from Collier’s upcoming guitar-centric album, showcasing the multi-instrumental prodigy’s talent and creativity.
The diverse selection of music releases highlighted in the September 2025 Guitar World Editors’ Picks showcases the range of talent and innovation present in the contemporary music scene. From intricate guitar work to genre-bending compositions, these tracks offer a glimpse into the evolving landscape of modern music.