I have 50, but I have decided to keep it to 10. I do not have the willpower right now to edit a list of that size. The bottom 5 are listed in a somewhat particular order. Once we reach the top 5, the order becomes purposeful.
If you desire to see the other 40 albums I happened to enjoy, I will add the list to another post and share it. We do things to a very professional standard around here, if you couldn’t already tell.
No, I didn’t review all of these, same goes for the other lot, but that is because I am one man with other obligations. I need to listen to things repeatedly in order to write these, and there is only so much time in a day, a week, a month, a year. I do my best, believe me.
Without further ado, let us begin our journey through Dan’s top 10!
10. Model/Actriz – Pirouette
Model/Actriz have been a burgeoning act since the dawn of the 2020’s. Merging synthesised dance beats with shrill no-wave guitar noise, this group seemed like they were carrying the torch for a new generation of post-punk style music that subverted as much as it slayed.
The queer edge provided by frontman Cole Haden is just the cherry on top. This fresh collection of tracks proves the band’s staying power as a tour de force of groovy, industrial experimentation, whilst offering up more vulnerability than they ever have before. Much needed amidst a growing climate of othering and phobia towards a community of people simply trying to live their lives.
9. Maruja – Pain To Power
The Windmill Scene needed a shake-up. Black Country, New Road lost their frontman (he didn’t die, he just left) shortly after the release of their magnum opus, black midi recently split up after only a few fire records together, Squid can’t carry all of the load themselves, as reliable as they’ve been. Who’s next?
Enter Maruja. A collective of jazzy punks who know how to drive home a message. While they’ve copped criticism for their inclination towards lyrical simplicity, that appears to be the name of the game. Lush jazz fusion meets grime-caked punk flurries in what is likely to be a staple Windmill recommendation down the track. While I can understand people’s disappointments, I think it pays to be as upfront, as unequivocal as these lads are. The ones on top look down on us, it’s as easy as that.
8. Imperial Triumphant – Goldstar
New York avant-metal freaks Imperial Triumphant returned this year for what is their most easily digestible crop of cuts to date. That’s not a dig either, it provides a sense of clarity to the chaos. The riffs are not just atonal, they also shine in these mixes. The drumming is more pummeling this time around. The bass tones snap, they crackle, they pop. The focus on songwriting makes this a borderline pop album at times. It’s different, it’s amped up, it’s feral: it’s Imperial Triumphant. Try new, Goldstar!
7. Little Simz – Lotus
You can read my thoughts on this album in more detail in my review, but just to reiterate: Little Simz is England’s unstoppable hip hop force. We can officially crown her the Queen of UK hip hop, and we can all safely say that this is some of the most introspective, thoughtful and nourishing rap music you will hear, not just this year, but probably for a while. Check it out.
6. Panda Bear – Sinister Grift
Do you like psychedelic music? Do you like wistful contemporary R&B? Do you like dub music? Do you recognise the name Panda Bear from the legendary left-field pop outfit Animal Collective? If the answer is yes, yes, yes and yes, then you would be remiss not to try this record here. The songs are beautiful and devastating in equal measure. You will find yourself humming melodies from just about every track. This is as concise as pop music gets, and you will be all the better for having sampled it.
5. Clipse – Let God Sort ‘Em Out
An album I should have reviewed. I needed to cover this one. Talk about comeback albums, this one likely takes the cake for this decade. Clipse over Pharrell production? Are you kidding me? That’s the best possible combination you could ask for! This is a damn near-perfect tracklist, featuring Pusha T and Malice at their brilliant best. Features from the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, The Creator will blow your socks off, they match the energy of this album perfectly. It is a serious delight, for both long-time fans of this duo, as well as newcomers.
4. Annahstasia – Tether
This one was a late listen for me. It dropped back in June, and it has been living under my nose this whole damn time. A generational debut record, is what this is. Her chilling baritone is reminiscent of artists like Nina Simone and Tracy Chapman, her writing is pensive, poetic, utterly gripping and soul-destroying. The instrumental backdrops here are consistently ornate, complimentary; an echo of Annahstasia’s absolute aura.
It feels crazy to drop it this high, having only heard it barely two weeks ago. Alas, here we are, this thing has beaten out some projects I thought for sure were locked in. I am an instant believer, and will be keeping a very close ear out for what comes next.
3. Navy Blue – The Sword & The Soaring
As far as abstract hip hop goes this year, this one destroyed the competition. Even a close collaborator like Earl Sweatshirt, or a scene-sharer like billy woods, couldn’t quite match up for me. Navy Blue is a jack of all trades, master of many. A skater, model, producer, lyricist and rapper, he routinely pumps out some of the most thought-provoking, close-to-the-heart hip hop music of whatever time it drops. This one is no exception, and proves him to be a formidable component of the abstract and drumless lanes as things stand. A highly recommended listen if you want something soothing and soulful.
2. Tropical Fuck Storm – Fairyland Codex
These filthy Melburnian rockers doing us proud, what the hell is their deal? Oh, so you’re just gonna kick ass with ‘The Drones’ for the duration of the 2000’s, then you’re gonna split that up and continue to run rampant in the late 2010’s and early 2020’s with “Tropical Fuck Storm”???
No matter where Gareth Liddiard and co are at in their musical journeys, you can guarantee that they’re going to be doing whatever they’re doing with as little adherence to norms as possible. “Fairyland Codex” is perhaps their most bizarre stroke of genius to date. Apocalyptic, noisy, scuzzy, synthetic, and somehow moving all at the same time. I dare anyone reading this to listen to this record and not be at least slightly impressed at what they manage to pull off. It’s my personal favourite rock record of the year, for reasons that should be apparent to anyone with ears.
1. McKinley Dixon – Magic, Alive!
It is my absolute pleasure to close this list out with, not just the best hip hop record of the year for me, but the best album of 2025 point blank period. My praise for what McKinley does here is endless. Live, organic hip hop instrumentation needs to make a comeback, pronto. It’s a choice of recording that is reminiscent of groups like The Roots, or solo stars like Kendrick Lamar with his career and decade-defining album ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’. It breathes life into the album, making it a three-dimensional blast. Aside from that, McKinley Dixon’s conceptual brain is on full display here, conjuring up a story of perseverance and mateship that is as powerful as it is detailed. His rapping never falters once either. It is an absolute *MUST LISTEN* album. It is my official top album of 2025. If you can find the time, give it a spin.
That’s it. That’s the year. We’re done. I’ll be back in full force next year. Double the reviews, double the articles, double the content. I’m gonna fully commit, I’m gonna go wild!
Thank you for reading if you’ve found the time. I made the jump from video to text as it was a massive load off in terms of overall work. I can listen to more, I can write more, it’s a win/win. 2026 is going to be a year full of activity, and you don’t wanna miss out 😎.
Until next time…
Dan Will Review 