This isn’t a countdown, and it’s definitely not us pretending there’s one album that ruled them all. This is just a look back at 2025 and the records that genuinely made the year feel worth it. The albums we kept coming back to. The ones that lived in the car, in our headphones, and in those late night moments where music does what it’s supposed to do. If 2025 meant anything to you musically, chances are one of these played a part… or it’s about to point you towards something you missed the first time around.
Super Sometimes – From Then & Now
Super Sometimes might still be pretty fresh to the scene, but From Then & Now proves they’re already playing the long game. The album works almost like a snapshot of their journey so far, pulling together releases from the past few years into something that feels cohesive and intentional. It’s an easy must listen, not because it shouts for attention, but because it quietly earns it. There’s something exciting about hearing a band still figuring things out while clearly knowing they’re onto something special. If this is the foundation, 2026 could be huge for them.
Sunday Morning – Eternal Grief
Eternal Grief by Sunday Morning is one of those albums that hits straight away and doesn’t really let go. From start to finish, it’s incredibly strong, but it carries extra weight if you’re missing someone who’s no longer here. There’s a sincerity to this record that makes it feel less like a collection of songs and more like a shared moment. It’s heavy without being overwhelming, and honest without feeling forced. Sometimes an album just understands what you’re feeling, and this one really does.
Hot Mulligan – The Sound A Body Makes When It’s Still
Hot Mulligan continuing their run with The Sound A Body Makes When It’s Still feels almost unfair at this point. They genuinely don’t miss. This album slides straight into their discography as another standout, full of sharp writing, emotional honesty, and that familiar Hot Mulligan energy that somehow feels both chaotic and comforting. It’s the kind of record where every listen uncovers another lyric that hits a little too close to home. If you’ve ever trusted this band before, this album only gives you more reason to keep doing so.
Turnsile – Never Enough
Turnstile’s Never Enough has been on constant rotation for us, and honestly, the title says it all. The more you listen, the more it clicks. The band sound confident, fearless, and fully locked into what they’re doing right now. It feels like a record made by a band who know exactly who they are and aren’t interested in standing still. Will this be the one that earns them a Grammy? Maybe. Either way, it’s already cemented itself as one of the year’s defining releases.
Ben Quad – Wisher
If you’re a Hot Mulligan fan and somehow haven’t spent time with Ben Quad’s Wisher yet, fix that immediately. This album scratches a very similar itch, blending emotional intensity with hooks that stick around long after the track ends. It feels personal, a little unhinged in the best way, and incredibly easy to fall into. There’s a rawness here that makes everything feel genuine, like these songs had to exist rather than just wanting to.
The Starting Line – Eternal Youth
It’s been a long wait, but The Starting Line returning with Eternal Youth was absolutely worth it. Their first studio album in over a decade could have felt risky, but instead it feels natural and confident. They didn’t miss a step. The album balances maturity with that familiar emotional pull fans fell in love with years ago. It doesn’t sound like a band chasing the past, but one embracing where they are now while still honouring what made them special in the first place.
Yellowcard – Better Days
We’ll be honest, we didn’t go into Yellowcard’s Better Days with sky high expectations, but this album completely won us over. There’s a freshness here that feels genuine, and Travis really did wonders in shaping the overall sound. It’s uplifting without being cheesy, reflective without dragging itself down. By the time the album finishes, it’s hard not to feel like Yellowcard still have plenty to say, and they’re saying it well.
Charmer – Downpour
Charmer’s Downpour is one of those releases that can’t help but feel overlooked, which is a real shame. This album is a genuine work of art, full of thoughtful songwriting and moments that linger long after the final track. It rewards patience and repeat listens, slowly revealing just how strong it really is. If you missed it the first time around, now’s the moment to give it the attention it deserves.
Arm’s Length – There’s A Whole World Out There
Arm’s Length seemed to burst onto the scene and immediately pull people in, and There’s A Whole World Out There played a massive part in that. This album connected fast and deeply, blending vulnerability with a sense of scale that made everything feel bigger than the sum of its parts. It’s emotional, honest, and incredibly easy to get attached to. There’s a reason so many people fell in love with this band through this record.
Mayday Parade – Sad
Mayday Parade closing things out with Sad feels fitting, because the title doesn’t lie. It is a sad one, but it’s also the kind of sad you keep coming back to. The album leans fully into emotion, delivering songs that feel personal, reflective, and quietly powerful. It’s not about wallowing, it’s about feeling understood. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need on repeat.
2025 gave us plenty of releases, but these albums are the ones that truly stuck! Bring on 2026..
