All Songs Considered The Best Albums of 2025
15 snips
Dec 12, 2025 In a vibrant exploration of 2025's music scene, the hosts celebrate 12 standout albums that prove the album format is alive and thriving. They dive into Rosalía's emotive orchestration in 'LUX,' and discuss Wednesday's captivating storytelling and small-town nuances. The R&B revival shines with Nourished By Time and Daniel Caesar's genre-blending styles. Other highlights include Dave's introspective tunes, Clarice Jensen's innovative cello landscapes, and Gwenefer Raymond's genre-fusing guitar brilliance. A must-listen for music lovers!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Orchestral Pop That Hits The Heart
- Rosalía's Lux blends high-concept orchestration with immediate pop hooks that hit emotionally.
- Stephen Thompson says track "Reliquia" triggered involuntary crying, showing artistry can be deeply accessible.
Genre Leap With Intimate Details
- Wednesday's Bleeds pairs genre-bending instrumentation with Carly Hartzman's vividly specific small-town storytelling.
- Ann Powers highlights the record's vocal range from hardcore screams to country crooning as a sign of artistic growth.
Production As Composition
- Nourished By Time's The Passionate Ones fuses 80s R&B, Prince and Michael Jackson references, and modern production as composition.
- Daoud Tyler-Ameen says effects and production choices act as integral compositional elements, not decoration.