Best Albums of 2025

If 2025 proved anything, it’s that an album hits just right when it feels deliberate. Most of the best projects this year didn’t rely on a single viral moment or a flawless rollout but they held their ground through point-of-view storytelling and world-building. Some leaned into their roots so sharply you could feel their homebase in the production while others took familiar music formulas and made them into something more honest and true to self. And across languages, genres, continents, in what has been such a weird year globally, artists sounded more sure of who they are and what they represent.

Below, EnVi’s Best Albums of 2025 rounds up the records that defined our year.

Bad Bunny – DeBÍ TiRAR Más FOToS

In 2016, a new contender hit the music scene in Puerto Rico with the single “Diles” released alongside star-studded artists like Arcangel, Farruko, and Ñengo Flow. While the song did numbers in PR, many were still left wondering who exactly this guy was. A year later, the rapper dropped his hit “SOY PEOR” which also garnered a few million streams on Spotify and a humble billion views on YouTube – at that point it was hard to deny Bad Bunny’s impact. Now, nine years later, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio is known as El Rey del Pop – the King of Pop. And rightfully so. 

After releasing banger album after album from YHLQMDLG and EL ULTIMO TOUR DEL MUNDO to Un Verano Sin Ti and nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana, many are left thinking what else could he possibly release? Enter DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. The 17-track album boasts a one-hour runtime that makes use of every second while also leaving the listener wishing for just one more song. The album won him Album of the Year at the Latin GRAMMYs, entered the Billboard 200 chart for 48 weeks and peaking at No. 1 for four, and the tracks could be heard all over the internet. While in the US Hispanics were being demonized in the media, Puerto Rico continued to be othered all while facing gentrification, colonialism, overtourism – in the face of this Bad Bunny released a project that was gloriously Bori. 

In the opener, “NUEVAYoL,” he brings the island to the states, appealing to the hearts of those whose homeland is far but have carved out their own corner of the country in New York. With “LO QUE LE PASO A HAWAii,” he tells a cautionary tale of the tragic history of Hawaii, who suffered a similar fate at the hands of the US, and warns Puerto Rico to fight against the threat to their culture. On “EoO,” he embraces that staple Puerto Rican reggaeton sound – where the genre originated and he doesn’t let you forget it.

Each track is a love letter to his people and his island, from the light-hearted wordplay to the difficult tales of a marginalized people. It might be difficult to follow this up, but DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS is without a doubt a staple in Benito’s discography. – Vanessa Arias

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Saint Levant – Love Letters (Deluxe)

Saint Levant, born Marwan Abdelhamid, released Love Letters at the top of the year before it was given its latter half six months later and turned into a deluxe album. Packed with the rich and diverse cultures of Palestine and Algeria, Love Letters (Deluxe) presents a story of Abdelhamid longing for love, self, and his motherland. With strong tracks like “DALOONA / دلعونة” opening the album and the mesmerizing yet heartwrenching “SAMRA / سمرة” closing it out, the album is hypnotic in its entirety.

The album’s single, “DIVA /  بنت الذهبية.,” became a bright track that led from spring to summer until the B-side, “KALAMANTINA / كلمنتينا,” took over. The song went viral, attracting old and new listeners to dance and celebrate Palestinian heritage, and even landed the singer with a Huda Beauty collab. – Eliza Orlic 

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KATSEYE – BEAUTIFUL CHAOS

After debuting in 2024 via survival show Dream Academy and scoring a viral hit with “Touch,” KATSEYE quickly became one of pop’s most-watched new acts. Their struggles to debut were thrust back into the spotlight thanks to the Netflix docuseries Pop Star Academy, putting all eyes on the group to see what they’d do next. And they delivered.

In May, they dropped “Gnarly,” the polarizing lead single from their BEAUTIFUL CHAOS EP, complete with off-kilter beats, non-linear verses, and… Teslas? While some wondered if the group was doomed, all the chatter only fueled its rise. Soon, the earworm was everywhere: in Instagram captions, on the Billboard charts, and being chanted in the streets, “gang gang gang gang.”

What followed was a whirlwind summer of award-show stages and festival slots, while autumn brought in their first headlining tour and two GRAMMY nominations. With only five tracks, the EP still makes its mark in girl-group history, delivering pure, top-down, sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs pop perfection. From the catchy and quotable “Gameboy” to the surprisingly emotional “Mean Girls,” — which closes with the line “God bless the T-girls and all the in-between girls” a loving nod to the trans community in the midst of rising attacks on transgender rights in the U.S. — BEAUTIFUL CHAOS doesn’t waste a second of its short run time. 

The standout, though, is “Gabriela,” crafted by a pantheon of pop’s biggest hitmakers, including Andrew Watt and Charli XCX. With its Spanish flair, the track had been shopped to other artists before finding its perfect match in KATSEYE. Member Daniela, of Cuban and Venezuelan descent, shines in the Spanish-language bridge, delivering a smooth, addictive warning for the side chick to back off.

For fans who’ve been rooting for them since day one, BEAUTIFUL CHAOS feels like a sweet, long-overdue victory. And if this is what KATSEYE can do in 14 minutes, the world better be ready for what’s next. – Davonna G. Gilpin

ICYMI see our exclusive KATSEYE photos here!

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SE SO NEON – <NOW>

SE SO NEON frontwoman Hwang So-yoon introduced audiences to the next adventure in her life this year with the late-summer release of <NOW>. The pre-released tracks like “Remember!” and “New Romantic” built up anticipation through the summer for the band’s return to music after their 2023 single “Kidd.”

<NOW> opened with the pre-release tracks, boasting the laid-back, infectious indie rock sound the band is known for. These tracks embodied the questions and changes in So-yoon’s life as she embarked across the sea to move to Los Angeles from Seoul, working on this album all the while. As the opening track, “Twit Winter” asked the pressing questions, “How has time shaped us? Where could that place be? / How are you? Can you hear my voice?” 

The introspective theme continued with the track “NOW,” paired with a stronger rock sound. So-yoon cranks up the grit in her usually low-toned vocals in the post-chorus to scream the refrain: “Infinite tenderness / A child’s omnipotence / A choir of insects.” So-yoon’s talent with the guitar bled through each song, bringing listeners on a journey through ethereal tracks like “Secret Police” and “Small Heart.”

Fans were able to experience this album live on stage this fall, with SE SO NEON’s world tour kicking off in September and running through to the end of the year. Audiences sang along to the repeat chorus in “Remember!,” jumped up and down to So-yoon’s guitar riffs in “NOW,” and got to hear some long-time favorites from SE SO NEON’s nine-year career. – TJ Jenkins

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PinkPantheress – Fancy That

The lyrics “My name is Pink, and I’m really glad to meet you” amongst a symphony of synths reminiscent of a 2000s dress-up game is a surefire way to enchant listeners in the first few seconds of an album. Fancy That is emblematic of a new era for PinkPantheress, one that captures her maturity as an artist and emotional growth as she approaches her mid-twenties. Her earlier projects, to hell with it and Heaven knows, were evocative of young angst in the internet era. However, Fancy That is noticeably more upbeat with a reassured confidence, especially with tracks like “Tonight” and “Romeo.” 

PinkPantheress shared on X that in preparation for Fancy That, she “studied the art of real tracklisting for the first time [on] this project so that it, front to back, flowed almost like one long DJ set.” It is no surprise that everything flows seamlessly on the album, and when the vibe switches up on “Noises” and “Nice to Know You,” it is preceded by “Intermission.” PinkPantheress further expanded Fancy That with the remix album, Fancy Some More?, which includes a “hall-of-fame” level list of features.

Earlier in her career, PinkPantheress kept her identity a mystery as a young student sharing song snippets onto TikTok. Now, PinkPantheress’s look is definite enough to be a Halloween costume — a “JCPenney” style, mini-purse, and long, honey blonde hair with bangs. Fancy That feels like a rediscovery of PinkPantheress, and it is no surprise that it landed her first GRAMMY nominations for “Best Dance / Electronic Album” and “Best Dance Pop Recording.” – Jade Diones

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Addison Rae – Addison

There was no promise of a musical career when Addison Rae dropped her debut single “Obsessed.” Marred by a Hype House affiliation, top-billed credit on the critically and commercially panned gender-swapped remake of She’s All That, and inescapable scrutiny from being social media famous, a badly written generic pop song couldn’t save her from being labeled as nothing more than a pretty face who dances on TikTok.

For Rae, though, it was nothing a little rebrand couldn’t fix. While her debut 2023 EP AR (which contained the Charli XCX-assisted “2 die 4” and the Gaga-penned “Nothing On (But The Radio)”) received lukewarm response, it became an underground hit. The follow-up hit single “Diet Pepsi,” is where things changed, rising as the dark horse of 2024 pop music. It set a precedent for her upward trajectory — single after single showcased her campy lyricism, dance- and synth-pop predilections, and artistic vision, which peaked with “Headphones On” and the self-titled record that earned her a Best New Artist nod at next year’s GRAMMYs. – Quinn Huang

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HAECHAN – TASTE

K-pop’s starboy HAECHAN made his solo debut this year with TASTE, an 11-track album released in September. The NCT member pours himself into his favorite genre, R&B, while blending in touches of soul, hip-hop, and jazz. Listeners are taken on a journey through love, artistry, and growth as HAECHAN finds his voice as a solo artist and reveals the romantic that’s always been there — all through that unique, honey tone fans know and love. 

The album opens with “Camera Lights,” where HAECHAN asks “Can we start off with something like…” before guiding the producer with a few “boom-booms.” The song melts into a neo-soul number with jazzy keys and loose drums. It’s the kind of song you sway to with your eyes closed, letting yourself drift away, just as HAECHAN sings, “I’m blurrin’ in this atmosphere / Your haze flows slower, slower.” He then moves into the title track “CRZY,” where HAECHAN flaunts the full range of his artistry and charisma. His mellifluous vocals glide between velvety harmonies and raspy raps, riding an electric 2000s Justin Timberlake-inspired beat that makes it nearly impossible not to dance. When HAECHAN sings “Baby, you drive me crazy,” he’s speaking for all of us. 

Each of TASTE’s tracks has its own sound and vibe, all tied together through HAECHAN’s R&B core. “WYN?” featuring rapper HAON adds an infectious edge and swagger, while “Intermission” and “Talented” highlight HAECHAN’s confidence: “I don’t care who’s watching / They’ll remember this moment” and “I’m that talented / Just born to be, a natural move.” 

The album closes in a full-circle moment as HAECHAN walks into a studio, humming a melody, hinting that this is just the beginning. TASTE feels like exactly what its title promises: a sample of the artist he’s becoming. After years of growth as NCT’s main vocalist, HAECHAN’s solo era wasn’t just about proving himself, but also celebrating his journey and showing the depth of the artist he’s become. – Kayla Gayle

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Karol G – Tropicoqueta

La Bichota becomes Tropicoqueta! Pop star and Latin America’s heartthrob, Karol G, pays homage to her roots. Almost like a love letter to her culture, the album blends reggaeton, merengue, vallenato, salsa, mariachi, and more. Featuring 20 tracks and six collaborations, Tropicoqueta brings together Hispanic icons such as Marco Antonio Solis alongside rising stars like Feid. Leaning into more instrumental arrangements, the tracks are infused with romantic melodies, guitar strings, funk, dembow, and pop.

Paying tribute to those who came before her while opening doors for those who will follow, the album includes standout hits such as “Ivonny Bonita,” performed at this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and “Latina Foreva,” which entered the Billboard Hot 100 and charted on Spotify’s Global Top 50. From opening for Gloria Trevi to now headlining her own stadium tours, Karol G’s evolution is unmistakable. Tropicoqueta is nominated for Best Latin Pop Album at this year’s GRAMMYs, marking this her third nomination. – Citlalli Esquivel

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Fujii Kaze – Prema

Expanding his discography with his first fully English album, Prema highlights Fujii Kaze’s motivation to uplift through his music. Being sung in a global language, his poignant lyricism is able to be appreciated by a wider audience. Ranging from emotional ballads, such as “It Ain’t Over,” to joyful tunes like “Hachikō,” Fujii Kaze crafts a story mimicking the highs and lows of life. Influences from gospel and R&B in each track invoke nostalgia and make each song uniquely timeless. 

A Sanskrit word meaning “divine love,” the title track, “Prema” sets a precedent for the rest of the album. During part of the chorus, Fujii Kaze asks, “Prema / Don’t you know that you are love itself?” indirectly telling listeners to direct love inwards as much as they do outwards. Placed at the album’s midpoint, the song represents the album’s climax through a hopeful tone. A common message through Fujii Kaze’s music, Prema is the perfect soundtrack for you to dance through all the chaos. – Dara Gonzalez

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grentperez – Backflips in a Restaurant

Backflips in a Restaurant was introduced so naturally, fans didn’t realize what they were missing until they had it. Pre-releases started dropping in September 2024 and slowly added up until the ultimate release of the album in March. Sweet and youthful, Backflips in a Restaurant showed a cheekier side of grentperez that fans see online but don’t often hear expressed in his music. Over time, Perez has also shown significant production and lyrical development, with this album compiling his own personal tales of love as well as his friends’. The album presented hits like “Girl at the Station” and “Movie Scene” as well as standout collabs with Benny Sings in “Fuzzy Feeling” and Ruel in “Dandelion.” 

In true Perez fashion, his other artistic talents shone through as well, with a full album visualizer released alongside the album. In the film, viewers watch Perez paint an album-themed mural, with each song being represented through different illustrations. – E.O.

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XLOV – UXLXVE

When the lineup was announced for the genderless K-pop group, XLOV, many speculators were intrigued to see that three of the members – WUMUTI, RUI, and HARU – were fan-favorites from the survival show, Boys Planet. Once the teaser pictures for their debut single, I’mma Be, dropped, however, it was a whole different story. Right off the bat, it was clear that XLOV wasn’t meant to be your typical “boy group.” WUMUTI, RUI, HYUN, and HARU were featured in suits coupled with feminine makeup, showcasing what would become the standard for their concept moving forward. With their first official EP, I ONE, the group continued to break boundaries, with “feminine” choreography and again, a genderless styling concept. With their final project for the year, UXLXVE, the group went all in and proved exactly why they aren’t like the rest. In just 15 minutes, the group featured six songs that ranged from hip-hop on the title track “Rizz,” to hyperpop with “Biii:-P” to R&B with “Scent,” with leader WUMUTI assisting in lyric writing and direction. 

In a rigid industry out of a conservative country, it’s not common for groups to break the mold as viciously the way XLOV have. The group makes it clear that they have no interest in being trapped by the binary, encouraging their fans to embrace their gender identity through styling, choreography or lyrics. They are unapologetically themselves despite the criticism they might receive. Despite facing censorship in music shows, the album has still garnered millions of streams on Spotify and proves precisely why the group, despite having less than a year together, are a force to be reckoned with. – V.A.

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f5ve – SEQUENCE 01

As “interdimensional dream agents from Tokyo,” it is no surprise that f5ve are carving out their own unique path not only within Japanese pop, but the overall global music scene. Their debut album, SEQUENCE 01, is representative of their pop diva identity, veteran status, and fearless artistry. Members SAYAKA, KAEDE, MIYUU, and RURI were members of the iconic girl groups Happiness and E-Girls who dominated the 2000s Japanese pop scene. Youngest member, RUI, is also the leader of iScream — who performed on stages like the historic TOKYO DOME. This level of experience combined with the genius of their GRAMMY awarded executive producer, BloodPop®, produced a project which is timeless, yet future-forward for the grand pop scheme. 

“Underground” critiques the mundanity of constant work culture through a Eurobeat sound paired with Para Para. Beyond its digital pop beats, “Jump” encourages listeners to dream big with the ones you love. Meanwhile, songs like “Sugar Free Venom feat. Kesha” and “Bow Chika Wow Wow” are unapologetic confidence boosters that embrace their femininity. In f5ve’s pursuit of creating “surreal aural landscapes in which fear can’t exist,” SEQUENCE 01 proves to be more just as much of a reminder to live authentically as it is a collection of dance hits.  – J.D.

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G-DRAGON – Übermensch

With his first album after twelve years, G-DRAGON wowed the K-pop scene with the loud and powerful Übermensch. A lot can happen in twelve years, and a lot did happen, but this album speaks to the fact that G-DRAGON will always return to his fans and his home. Starting strong, the album opens with “HOME SWEET HOME” where he is joined by the two other BIGBANG members, DAESUNG and TAEYANG, to reaffirm to fans where they stand. As the album progresses, it only gets more impactful. The art and style behind Übermensch are modern movements in themselves – it’s bright, loud, and full of acceptance for individualism. 

The album’s lead singles “POWER” and “TOO BAD,” a collab with Anderson .Paak, both speak to the idea that G-DRAGON is not conforming – he never has and never will. With “POWER,” the artist faces off against everyone who has smeared his name, and “TOO BAD” dares them to try to do it again. The back-to-back tracks are full of personality but still allow for the ballads tucked later in the album to shine as well. Übermensch was well worth waiting for, and we can’t wait to see what is next.  – E.O.

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Japanese Breakfast – For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)

Japanese Breakfast’s fourth studio album For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) encapsulates just that: ten beautifully forlorn tracks on love in all its complicated glory. Lead single “Orlando in Love” tells a tale of a male protagonist enchanted by a woman of the sea, beckoned to his death, while “Honey Water” ponders on a relationship fraught with cheating: “The lure of honey water draws you from my arms so needy.”

Though the project sticks to the softer side of indie-rock, its tracks are sonically diverse and offer a fresh story with every song. “Mega Circuit” brings an unexpected country twang with an introspective criticism of the radicalization of young men in today’s generation. “Well, I better write my baby a shuffle good,” frontwoman Michelle Zauner sings in the music video amid a backdrop of dry winter woods and ATV-riding, “Or he’s gonna make me suffer the way I should.”

“Picture Window” keeps the country guitar melody but switches up the story with a look into the anxious mindset while being in a relationship. “Are you not afraid of every waking minute / That your life could pass you by?” Zauner asks, “But all of my ghosts are real.” 

For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) is yet another installment in Japanese Breakfast’s diverse discography, providing listeners with the perfect soundtrack for all our most melancholy moments. – T.J

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Jackson Wang – MAGICMAN2

Jackson Wang returned to the Magic Man universe with a clearer sense of control and intention on MAGICMAN 2. Building on the darker, more introspective turn of his 2022 release, the sequel feels more focused, about letting go of the demons that have plagued the Magic Man for years. Cooked out of a period of real reflection, including Wang taking time away from nonstop touring to focus on living life, writing and recording, the project pulls from albums of diary-like songwriting and explores his internal landscape across a few different emotional phases.

The album leans into moody pop, R&B, and alt-leaning production, giving Wang room to explore themes of isolation, power, self-reflection, without overexplaining them. The album opens with “High Alone,” an early single that sets a reflective tone. It’s understated, touching on loneliness and the deeper wounds that don’t come from outsiders but from the people and experiences you trust most.

The lead single “GBAD” stands as one of the clearer thematic pillars of the album. Built around the idea of setting boundaries and prioritizing your own well-being, it captures the tension of being labeled the bad guy when you refuse to be pulled in every direction. Wang sings the inner monologue many people recognize in these moments, punctuated by the blunt honesty of lines like, “Life is great / just gotta be a dick sometimes,” I mean who can’t relate to that? 

The project balances that introspection with quieter, more personal moments. On “Dear:,” Wang weaves in voice messages from his parents, grounding the album in emotional connection and encouragement, and “Sophie Ricky,” named after his mom and dad, fleshes that out with a direct tribute that feels so sincere because if you know anything about Wang, you know his parents are his everything.

Wang’s MAGICMAN 2 is by far his best work and outshines its predecessor by miles. It works because it trusts its own pace and perspective and paints a cohesive picture of an artist looking inward, setting his own terms, and using the music to say what he needs to say. – D.G.G

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JADE – THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!

JADE steps into the spotlight with THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!, an album that puts over a decade of her pop career front and center. After Little Mix went on hiatus in 2022, JADE has taken the reins of her artistry. She’s using this era to reflect on the highs and lows of life in the music industry while embracing the freedom to be unapologetically herself. Across the 14-track album, each song is packed with confidence, reinvention, and a fierce sense of identity. 

The album opens with “Angel of My Dreams,” an experimental pop track where JADE critiques the industry’s money-obsessed chaos while still acknowledging the thrill of being the center of attention: “Sellin’ my soul to a psycho / They say I’m so lucky… But it feels nice in the spotlight.” From there, the album shows JADE’s wide artistic range, bouncing among high-energy electro-pop, dreamy disco, and raw emotional moments. “Midnight Cowboy” has a playful, sultry attitude with lines such as, “I’m a real wild bitch, yeah I’m mental / I’m the ride of your life, not a rental.” “Self Saboteur” dives into the mental tug-of-war between craving intimacy and wanting to run, while “Glitch” turns anxiety and imposter syndrome into a jittery, pulsing spark of self-reflection. “Natural at Disaster” ties it all together with low-register grit, powerful runs, and soaring notes that remind you just how strong JADE’s vocals really are.

From start to finish, THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY! is JADE asserting herself as a solo artist with confidence and unmistakable charm. This album proves she’s in control of her sound and is more than ready for center stage. – K.G.

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SZA – SOS Deluxe: LANA

Still riding the tidal wave of SOS’s impact, SZA’s SOS Deluxe: LANA is the dreamy extension of the sonic escape the R&B queen first established in 2022. Released on December 20, 2024, the deluxe project expands her acclaimed sophomore album with 19 new tracks, including singles such as “Saturn,” “BMF,” and “Scorsese Baby Daddy,” alongside standout collabs with Kendrick Lamar, Phoebe Bridgers, and Don Toliver. To usher this new era into the world, SZA embarked on the co-headlining Grand National Tour with Kendrick, performing their shared hits like “30 for 30” from LANA and “luther” from GNX. 

What began as a handful of long-teased outtakes evolved into a sprawling self-portrait and SZA’s own ongoing metamorphosis, a theme she constantly revisits in this album. Throughout LANA, she confronts toxic habits, heartbreak, and the equally painful, slow journey toward self-forgiveness. The opening track, “No More Hiding,” lays out her intentions with clarity, declaring her readiness to step out of the shadows, into the sunlight, and finally face herself head-on. Each song is crafted with care, drifting between bravado highs, tender confessions, and existential musings. Paired with her nature-inspired, insect-rebirth aesthetic, SOS Deluxe: LANA is SZA in the midst of a transformation, shedding old patterns and emerging into a perfectly imperfect form. – M.D

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BINI – FLAMES

The biggest girl group in the Philippines, BINI, has been ready for world domination since they started — they’ve just been waiting for the rest of the world to catch up. And with FLAMES, their third official LP, it feels like they finally cracked the code. Members Maloi, Colet, Jhoanna, Mikha, Gwen, Stacy, Sheena, and Aiah push into a new era with an album that shows exactly why they’ve become the face of modern P-pop.

Offering a range of tracks, from soft, mid-tempo ballads like “Infinity” and unmistakable poppy jams like lead single “Sweet Tooth,” to bad-bitch, confident anthems like “Bikini,” the album covers every corner of their sound.

The album takes its name from the nostalgic Filipino game that predicts love compatibility and BINI leans into that coming-of-age energy throughout the project. Each letter in F.L.A.M.E.S. ties to a theme (Friendship, Longing, Affection, Motivation, Endearment, Self-discovery), and each track mirrors those feelings in its own way to combine glossy pop with breezy island touches and a whole lot of heart. 

The members flex their vocal prowess and their ability to harmonize as they thread effortlessly between Tagalog and English, painting a vivid picture of youth, friendship, romance, and self-discovery. Track five, “Katabi,” is a true standout on the album, from the acoustic, stripped-back production to the bilingual lyrics that lean into longing and the quiet ache of missing your person. It’s one of the most vocally revealing moments for the group as all eight members get the chance to shine.

As they head toward Coachella 2026 as the first Filipino group ever to take the desert stage, FLAMES feels like both a victory lap and a launchpad for them fully stepping into their global star era. – D.G.G

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ATEEZ – GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 ‘In Your Fantasy Edition’

Just when you think they can’t, ATEEZ proves yet again, that they can and will. The global K-pop boy group came in hot with the releases this year. From their Japanese album Ashes to Light and 12th EP GOLDEN HOUR : PART.3, featuring the iconic summer hit “Lemon Drop,” the group was releasing hits like they were rookies with something to prove. What they proved is that they will, apparently, never run out of absolute bangers. 

Back in July, the group dropped the extended version of their 12th EP, labeling it the ‘In Your Fantasy Edition,’ eponymously named after the title track for this version of the album. The extended version featured five tracks from the original version, alongside eight solo tracks and a new title. For the first time ever, the group navigated uncharted waters with solo tracks showcasing the artistry of each individual member adding a flare to the album. The group once again worked with BL$$D alongside their inhouse producers with all eight members partaking in the lyric writing for the project. The title track “In Your Fantasy” served  2000s realness that could almost be “SexyBack (feat. Timbaland)” by Justin Timberlake’s modern sister (The girls that get it, get it). The song garnered 40 million streams, dethroning “Lemon Drop” as the most streamed song on the album, despite releasing a month later. Overall, this album exhibits ATEEZ’s range, from ballad to EDM to electropop to everything in between.

With GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 ‘In Your Fantasy Edition’, the group displays precisely why they have earned their place amongst other industry giants despite hailing from a smaller entertainment company. – V.A.

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ROSÉ – rosie

Rosé’s solo debut album, rosie, released on December 6th. Named after the pop princess’s nickname, this winter album contains 12 tracks spanning pop-punk energy, alternative-pop, and intimate ballads that will suit any of your introspective moods. From the award sweeping single “APT.” featuring Bruno Mars and capturing the intoxicating highs of love, to the heartwrenching “toxic till the end” that unravels a tumultuous relationship, Rosé explores the full spectrum of her early twenties experiences. And yes, it’s very much relatable.

Each song on rosie is a chapter in herself she hadn’t yet shared during her time as a BLACKPINK member. The singer takes us through the fragility of her emotions, the ups and downs, and most importantly, the vulnerability. The final song, “dance all night” is a perfectly placed curtain closer, as all of her angst, sparkle, and vulnerability come together in a bittersweet ending. – M.D 

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JID – God Does Like Ugly

In a year of outstanding rap albums, JID’s God Does Like Ugly sits among the top with other rap titans. The way JID moves in this album is much like how a D1 athlete dominates the field — there is no wasted movement, there are no throwaway bars. Each line is meticulously crafted with intention, which makes the lyricism in this project a major focus point. God Does Like Ugly appropriately kicks off with “YouUgly (with Westside Gunn),” where JID raps about his long overdue come-up and acknowledges his abilities. A standout moment is the bar “Just took a fuckin’ ceiling challenge to show I’m above my peers, be serious” in reference to his viral moment on TikTok with the “Surround Sound Challenge.” 

God Does Like Ugly includes a roster of strong features, including Ciara, Don Toliver, Ty Dolla $ign, Pusha T, and fellow Dreamville Records artists, EARTHGANG. Amongst these industry greats, JID does not come close to being overshadowed as he delivers some of the best performances of his career. This project also does an excellent job of displaying JID’s versatility with the mid-tempo, lyrical sounds of “Community” and “VCRs” to the upbeat, club bumping beats of “Sk8.” 

It is no exaggeration to say that God Does Like Ugly is a career defining moment for JID. In the current rap climate that places less emphasis on poetic verses in exchange for a catchy, viral hook — this album proves that lyrics still matter. The album feels like a retelling of JID’s life, where he pays homage to his roots in Atlanta and reflects on streetlife without glorifying it. 

God Does Like Ugly is not only a project that dedicated JID fans will appreciate, but an excellent introduction to JID’s artistic ethos for those who want to explore more lyrical rap. – J.D.

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MINNIE – Her

Debuting with her first mini album, Minnie invites us into the world of “HER.” Inspired by the idea of being her own muse, the album features seven self-produced and self-composed tracks, including collaborations with her fellow (G)I-DLE member YUQI and TEN of WayV. Showcasing the many sides of Minnie, the album spans a range of genres, from pop-influenced tracks to smooth, sultry R&B. With the pre-release “Blind Eyes Red” and the lead single “HER,” the project almost reads like a diary, revealing different sides of who she is and how the past seven years of being in (G)IDLE have made “HER”. – C.E. 

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Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving

British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean broke into international success this year with her sophomore album The Art of Loving. Now nominated for Best New Artist at the GRAMMYsand fresh off an SNL performance, it feels like she’s only just getting started.

Released in September after a run of buzzy singles like “Nice To Each Other” and “Little Lady,” the project’s breakout moment came with “Man I Need.” Dean’s voice, which became a staple on everyone’s daily TikTok scroll, lands perfectly on a fun, catchy pop track with an uncomplicated, classic instrumental. The song’s charm comes from how she uses her tone and inflection to lay it all out clearly: if you want to be with her, step up, communicate, and meet her where she is. The song reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts, a career milestone for Dean.

The emotional center of the album arrives with the penultimate track, “A Couple Minutes,” a deeply relatable check-in on an ex. It feels almost like a lyrical sister to Adele’s “Hello,” moving through lines like, “back on your sofa / of course I still care / love’s never wasted when it’s shared…” and building to the gut punch of “only have a couple minutes, guess we’re going back to real life.” The Motown-esque production, complete with sweeping strings that give it a touch of grandeur, creates one of those rare songs that appeals to everyone and makes you stop, sit with it, and really listen.

Other standouts include “So Easy (To Fall In Love),” “Baby Steps,” and “Close Up.” They help round out a body of work that feels both classic and completely current. – D.G.G

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SB19 – Simula At Wakas

Closing an album trilogy, Simula At Wakas displays the best of SB19’s energy and powerful performance. While SB19 have a strong signature sound, the entirety of the tracklist shows how versatile they can be. The album begins with “DAM,” an anthem that calls listeners to action. “The universe when I dream / Even at worst I will not falter,” they sing in the pre-chorus, and continue to declare their confidence in their abilities to conquer their dreams. Just as the SB19 members worked relentlessly to accomplish their ambitions as artists, you too should be “Shooting for the Stars.”

Overall, the album’s emotional connection is undeniable. “Quit,” a punk rock track, feels especially vulnerable. In the song, the members sing of their personal struggles in the spotlight while receiving public scrutiny. SB19 vow to be unapologetically themselves, a brand of authenticity that will follow into their new era. – D.G.

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CLOSE YOUR EYES – ETERNALT

CLOSE YOUR EYES prove that there is power in understated sincerity with their debut EP, ETERNALT. The concept for ETERNALT is “literature boys” — an original, yet universally resonant approach for a debut. Opposed to the fast tempos and intense dance tracks that have taken the fifth-generation of K-pop by storm, ETERNALT opts for soothing, mid-tempo tracks packed with poeticism. Each song has a story woven within it, conveyed through symbolism rather than a straightforward depiction. “How To Dance” shares the importance of learning how to dance in the inevitable rain that is brought into our lives, instead of waiting for the storm to pass. Meanwhile, songs like “Subtitled” and “All My Poetry” excel at their unique depictions of love with lyrics like “In this movie that captures you / My lyrics become subtitles” and “All the poems and novels within me / Are stories embroidered with you.”

ETERNALT also dips into the phenomenon of destiny through its visual storytelling. Much like how they were formed under the survival program, PROJECT 7, fate brings members JEON MIN-WOOK, MA JING-XIANG, KIM SUNG-MIN, JANG YEO-JUN, SONG SEUNG-HO, KENSHIN, and SEO KYOUNG-BAE together in CLOSE YOUR EYES’s world-building. The members display an undeniable harmony throughout the EP, literally and figuratively, making it one of the most unique debuts in recent years. – J.D.

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Diljit Dosanjh – AURA

Diljit Dosanjh continued his global rise this year with the kind of consistency you expect from an artist fully settled into who he is. Making history in 2023 as the first Punjabi artist to perform at Coachella, he’s spent the last two years everywhere: touring, stepping onto bigger stages, starring in top-grossing films, and turning heads at the 2025 Met Gala as one of the best-dressed men of the night. His collaboration with Jackson Wang on “Buck” only widened the reach, setting up the perfect runway for his fourteenth album (yes, you read that right) AURA.

The album is exactly what the title suggests, a vibe. Dosanjh leans into a mix of slower, smooth tracks and easy upbeat jams that play to his strengths. “Me & You” sits in that warm, lovey dovey pocket he does so well, while “Balle Balle” carries more bounce without losing the project’s overall calm. “God Bless,” a straight up hip-hop track, closes out the album with a punch. “BAN” is a peak moment, halfway through the tracklist. It’s the track with overwhelming global crossover appeal, with genre-fluid production and a catchy hook that listeners will keep coming back to. The album also makes space for softer moments too; “Mahiya” is stripped-back and almost folksy, carried by acoustic guitar and a simplicity that lets Dosanjh’s voice sit front and center. – D.G.G

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Want more of our favorite music? Check out our Best Songs of 2025 here!