2025 proved once again to be an eventful year worldwide for the music industry, with rising artists emerging and major artists releasing new songs across multiple genres. Global stars such as Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga returned with highly-anticipated music, while countless other artists delivered new music to bless listeners’ ears. As a Spotify user with over 70,000 minutes every year, I was excited to see my personal picks for this year’s Top 5 Albums. Here they are:
- DOPAMINE by Lil Tecca
One word: summer. Lil Tecca saved the summer again with this dynamic, catchy album. Well, my summer, at least. DOPAMINE’s release was highly anticipated since Tecca dropped “Dark Thoughts” back in March, which became an instant hit. He did not disappoint with the album. DOPAMINE seemed to prove Tecca’s consistency once more as Tecca dropped countless hits, including “OWA OWA,” “X Factor,” and my personal favorite – “On Your Own.” The deep bass, alongside the dreamy synthesizers, never disappoints. As well, the transitions in between the songs are extremely smooth, making me excited to hear the next song in the album. Many tried to label Tecca as a one-hit wonder with his mega-hit “Ransom” back in 2019, but the haters were proven wrong. Again. He certainly raised listeners’ dopamine levels this year.
- $ome $exy $ongs 4 U by Drake, PARTYNEXTDOOR
This one might be controversial. The reviews for Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s collaboration $ome $exy $ongs 4 U are mixed, but my listening experience was honestly very pleasing. Most casual listeners are probably familiar with only two songs in the album: “NOKIA” and “DIE TRYING.” Those two songs alone have over 700 million listens on Spotify and blew up all over social media. But the real gems in this album for me were in Drake’s lyrical rap, notably in “GIMME A HUG” and “GLORIOUS.” Although many fans criticize Drake for his somewhat immature lyrics about (expectedly) love, I find them acceptable, at least for now. The haters will keep talking, but Drake will continue dropping bangers.
- Lonely At The Top by Joey Bada$$
What an album. Joey Bada$$ never disappoints, especially with his impressive lyrical flow. Throughout the album, Joey reflects on his pathway to success and his retrospective mood in the current day. The concepts in Lonely At The Top are definitely mature, a skill Joey showcased since his celebrated debut album 1999. He speaks of psychological issues he has faced previously as an artist, as well as the isolation he chooses to embrace in his everyday life. Many tracks are relaxing and melodic, perfect for drives. My favorite has to be “HIGHROLLER,” which has a faster rhythm than the rest of the songs, but still offers a glimpse into Joey’s lyrical genius and flow. Lonely At The Top surely makes the top of my list.
- Essex Honey by Blood Orange
A little break from all the rap albums, Blood Orange (Devonté Hynes)’s Essex Honey takes second on my list. An emotionally refined and vulnerable album, Essex Honey delves into themes of grief following the death of Hynes’ mother. The album is filled with features from multiple artists, including Daniel Caesar, Lorde, and Mustafa, each adding an extra whimsical voice on top of Blood Orange’s very own. The album’s message is indisputably powerful, exploring how love and memories can transcend time and physical displacement, even after one’s demise. Every song feels picturesque, allowing listeners to envision a dream-like landscape as if watching the end credits of a movie. The mingling of countless instruments (saxophone, guitar, and synthesizers) in the background add to this misty atmosphere. Sometimes we can find home in music.
- DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS by Bad Bunny
Does Bad Bunny ever miss? I guess not. Once again, Bad Bunny showed up with his sixth studio album, combining his Puerto Rican background with his musical vision to produce another cross-cultural masterpiece. DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (I should have taken more photos) is a reflection and a declaration of Bad Bunny’s outlook on his current life. Through each song, he calls for continuous presence and love towards those around us and declares preservation for Puerto Rican culture in the modern era where cultures often fall vulnerable to gentrification. Bad Bunny continues to connect lyrics to his identity and cultural pride, one that has given him backlash in the past, but leaves him unbothered and resolute in his beliefs. As showcased by DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS’ symbolic album cover (featuring two white plastic chairs that many can resonate with nostalgia), Bad Bunny respectfully pays homage to his past and heritage, calling others to leave nothing behind.
What are your top albums this year?
