It is December 1st, and as tradition goes, it's time for our team to reflect on the albums that made an impression on us this year. During the year, we kept a calendar list of all 2025 albums we're excited about, so we did our homework early on.
This is a list of essential albums that we, as fans and listeners, think you should give a chance before the end of the year, and whether you like it or not, entirely up to you. Starting today, we will also post a video on social media, highlighting one or two albums a day until Christmas. There is no rank of the records simply because it feels weird, and it’s not something we do.
Albums and conceptually created bodies of work are important, especially in today's day and age, because they allow for a focus, uninterrupted listening. A skill that fades away because of social media and the society we live in, so we believe it's important to preserve it. There’s a lot of music being released out there, and with the recent rise of AI, that amount has multiplied exponentially. It is that overabundance of content a trigger point why many people go back to following human curators, radio hosts, blogs, and newsletters, and if anything, that feels like a great pushback. Certainly one that we, as a team, root for.
If you're curious about what we picked in the years before, here are the links:
- Albums of 2024 (part 1 and part 2)
- Albums of 2023
You can follow our playlist (available on all platforms), updated daily here.
Stay up to date.
New music and exclusive updates in your inbox weekly.
50 essential albums of 2025
Prepare for a smooth blend of soul, jazz, R&B, instrumental hip hop, rap, electronic, chill, and a few unexpected gems along the way. Albums that moved us, and we hope to preserve for generations ahead. This list serves as a way to document things, so they don't get lost in the ocean of endless information.
If you're on TikTok or Instagram, you can follow the audio commentary (and support us in our fight against the algorithm).
Kokoroko - Tuff Times Never Last
July 11th / Brownswood
The colorful cover art on Kokoroko's sophomore album Tuff Times Never Last, beautifully represents the vibrancy of the music throughout this experience.
A conversation about the lively UK jazz scene would be incomplete without mentioning the impact of Kokoroko, a London-based septet that infuses jazz's elegance with the influences of funk, highlife, and afrobeat. From the instrumentals to the vocal performances, the album exudes a message of optimism, triumph over struggle, and sounds like what it feels like to spend time in the summer sun. “Sweetie” captured this beautifully thanks to the uplifting, choir-like vocal performance emphasized by the triumphant presence of the brass embellishments. The horn section on “Just Can’t Wait” also breathes life into the track by ushering waves of brightness that feel like sunlight breaking through. Tuff Times Never Last is definitely an experience that brings people together, fostering a sense of joy and connection the moment it plays.
Words by Lu
Flwr Chyld - Insyde Out
/ Nov 7th / UMG
Flwr Chyld's artist name beautifully captures the essence of his music - soulful, blooming, and full of vibrant colors that unfold with each listen.
This is exactly what we’re acquainted with on his latest album Insyde Out, a project that has stood out as one of my favorite r&b/soul LPs this year. Flwr Chyld is a Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter creating soul-drenched R&B that fuses live instrumentation with rich, modern textures. Not only that, on Insyde Out, he traverses through the different eras of soul, plucking what we love about these various time periods and neatly placing them into his aesthetic. With that being said, it's no surprise that his list of features includes Kadhja Bonet, Amaria, Malaya, and Pink Siifu. “SummerFall” with Amaria is one of the brightest gems in his sonic treasury - the drums are booming, the guitar licks are groovy, and Amaria’s presence creates the kind of experience that puts you in the mood for making a baby.
Words by Lu
McKinley Dixon - Magic, Alive!
June 6th / City Slang
Magic, Alive! is one of those albums that rewards multiple listens and stays with you long after it ends. Every time I listened to it, I discovered new elements that I was into, and his lyrics became more piercing. Also, the whole energy felt more intimate every time.
McKinley Dixon feels like one of hip-hop's best-kept secrets, and I say that with full intention. The first time I stumbled onto his music a few years back, I had that rare, stop-everything moment - the kind that signals Kendrick-level depth, care, and lyrical vision. This album unfolds as a tender, imaginative story about four childhood friends, fractured by loss when one of them passes away. What follows is a search not just for resurrection, but for connection - ways for the three left behind to speak to him, remember him, and keep him present in their world. It’s gentle, soulful, and quietly devastating in the most beautiful way. Wholesome and profound don’t often coexist this naturally, but here they do.
The production is also absolutely insane, and as you explore the record more with each listen, you start noticing all the jazzy elements, live instruments, and overall orchestration. Magic, Alive! feels like a collection of stories wrapped in some of the most masterful production I have heard in a while. It's an album about being alive in all its complicated glory.
Words by Anna
Day 18
Barry Can’t Swim - Loner
/ July 11th / Ninja Tune
This year, Barry Can't Swim's Loner has emerged as one of the most texturally rich electronic albums to grace our ears, earning acclaim for balancing energetic house rhythms with introspective, ambient touches.
Drawing from downtempo, jazz, soul, and ambient influences, Barry manages to preserve the sound that first won over fans while seamlessly blending it with an edgier, dance-floor-leaning style. This was already apparent through the rollout, thanks to the fascinating singles that were dropped. What gives the album a deeper appeal is the thread of lonerism that runs through it. The tracks explore themes of identity, nostalgia, and reflection, making this quite a personal project for the Scotting producer.
One of the standouts is "Kimpton" as it showcases a calmer side of the project while wrapped in the organic embellishments usually attributed to his collaborator O'Flynn. Gliding over the ethnic plucks are worldly vocal samples that give the track an anthemic charm, and this is certainly heightened by the presence of lush string arrangements in the mix. Loner seamlessly drifts between club and living room with its fluid blend of high-energy grooves and reflective, cinematic textures.
Words by Lu
Mild Minds - Gemini
Feb 21st / Foreign Family Collective
Given the consistency of his signature sound, Mild Minds (aka Benjamin Plant) makes crafting emotive dance music look effortless, creating sounds that glide seamlessly between the dancefloor and the living room.
As vibrant as his 2025 album Gemini is, it has a melancholic nature to it that lingers beneath the surface, giving even its brightest moments a reflective, almost wistful depth. Throughout, we’re acquainted with luminous synths and UK Garage-leaning drums, while his vocal performances offer a dreamy feel that heightens the emotive impact of the album.
The opener "I NEED U" serves as an ideal introduction to Gemini. It’s adorned with a prominent warm pad that complements the passionate vocal delivery. Towards the second half, the track bursts to life as the drums explode into the drop, creating an electrifying moment that elevates the energy while the synths offer an immersive feel. If you enjoyed this track, you’re bound to be wholly immersed in the album from start to finish.
If you want to find out more, read our full interview with Mild Minds.
Words by Lu
Day 17
SAULT - 10
/ Apr 18th / Forever Living Originals
Hands down, my summer of 2025 soundtrack. Laid-back, but groovy, feel-good, but thoughtful. SAULT, despite the recent Little Simz / Inflo situation, remain on the top of their game.
10 exhales soul, and I love the retro feel embodied in some of the tracks. I remember roaming the streets and feeling like in a 70s movie, and if this doesn't speak about the power of this record, I don't know what will. My favourite gem? That's easy - "I.L.T.S.".
Words by Ivo
threetwenty - separate from the noise
Dec 12th / New Century Sound
Landing just before the holiday rush, separate from the noise marks the long-awaited (for me) debut LP from threetwenty - the Nigerian-American/Swedish duo of Ivana Nwokike and Filip Hunter, and it feels like a deep exhale.
Across 10 lush, self-released tracks on their own imprint New Century Sound, the album carves out a calm, soul-first space, channeling smooth R&B and neo-soul with the kind of intention that’s becoming increasingly rare. One of my highlights is "fruit", a glowing nod to the '90s Soulquarians era and their joint "let me grow" is probably my favourite track of 2025. That should tell you alot.
Words by Ivo
Ray Lozano - SILK&SORROW
March 28th / Melting Pot Music
One of the few cases when an album title gives you the gist of what you’re about to experience.
German-Filipino singer Ray Lozano is a must-know name in the contemporary neo-soul/r&b scene. 2025 marked her highly anticipated sophomore album SILK&SORROW, out via Cologne label Melting Pot Music.
The record is co-produced by Samon Kawamura and is a beyond-worthy follow-up to her 2021 debut Pairing Mode (on which she also worked with Kawamura). With SILK&SORROW, Ray Lozano delves into the paradoxes of everyday life, crafting an emotional and beautifully rough soundscape that resonates with those navigating the push and pull of intimacy and isolation, overwhelming emotion and emptiness. The album's title quickly sets the stage for the duality we all live in - SILK wraps you in warmth and reassurance, while SORROW delivers an unexpected emotional blow. Sonically, it’s gentle, yet melancholic - proof of how tenderness and heartache often co-exist.
"KIKI and "LOTA" are my favorites, but the whole 11-track listening experience is amazing, too.
Words by Nasko
Day 16
Flofilz - Hagaki
/ Sep 12th / Melting Pot Music
Flofilz’s Hagaki 葉書 is the kind of record that tells a story. A story of travel, culture, and the beauty of freedom that allows us to explore the world. This is the 4th chapter of his “travel” (not sure how to call them) series, where every album feels like a sonic postcard, pairing sound and imagery from the cities that shaped the producer. Following Paris, Lisbon, and London, the latest stop on the map was Tokyo.
The album dropped in September, and it is Florian's love letter to Japan’s people and culture. A masterpiece with the power to transport you straight to The Land Of The Rising Sun in an instant, further elevated by Robert Winter’s stunning photography and his gift for capturing the everyday.
The two have taken this sonic and visual experience to a whole new level, and owning this record and the booker that came with it felt like the kind of storytelling I needed in my life in 2025. Hagaki is where sound meets image at every turn. Robert Winter’s photography traces Tokyo’s record shops, jazz clubs, ramen bars, and temples across a 20-page photo book and Riso-printed magazine, and it makes you feel being there with them, exploring this beautiful world as the album unfolds.
Nahokimama & Toshiki Soejima - Kimama Beats
/ Dec 3rd / Stereofox Records
While we try not to and promote our own label releases on the essential lists (because they're all essentials), this wonderful Nahokimama & Toshiki Soejima album had to be on here. One of the most soul-touching instrumental records of the year, and we're simply honoured to be part of the journey of the talented wife-husband duo. Also, 2 of the nicest people we've ever met!
The 10-track Kimama Beats is a sonic garden born from spontaneity & pure creativity – a cross-continental bloom, led by Nahokimama & supported by Toshiki Soejima. Drawing from the free-spirited essence of “kimama” (気まま, meaning carefree or whimsical – also used in her artist name), this album is an exploration of musical instincts unbound by borders.
words by Nasko
Day 15
Rochell Jordan - Through the Wall
/ Sep 26th / EMPIRE
This may be a hot take for some, but I firmly believe that Rochelle Jordan is one of the most forward-thinking acts in the realm of electronic music right now - and her new album Through the Wall proves it. I had the pleasure of interviewing Rochelle, in case you want to learn more about the talented artist.
Rochelle Jordan is the kind of artist who disobeys form and tradition and plays by her own rules when she's creating. Towards the early years of her career, Rochelle made a name for herself in Toronto with a moody brand of r&b brimming with 90s nostalgia. Over the years, she’s refined this energy and distilled it into various forms of electronic music, carving out a lane that few others occupy today. Her vocal performances on this album add so much soul to the deep house, UK garage, and even IDM-inspired production. Additionally, her performances lean more atmospheric than before, with lyrics centered on romance, sexuality, and the challenges she’s currently navigating. Appearances from familiar figures, including MPH, Machinedrum, DāM FunK, Hamdi, and her longtime partner KLSH, demonstrate how deeply connected she is to the culture right now. From start to finish, expect a listening experience packed with surprises and left-leaning club music that oozes soul.
Words by Lu
CARRTOONS - Space Cadet
Sept 23rd / +1 Records
We were long overdue for some CARRTOONS fun, and Space Cadet arrived like a perfectly timed reminder of why Ben Carr still feels untouchable when it comes to groove control.
Anchored by his impeccable bass instincts, the album moves effortlessly between disco-soul highs like "Thursday Disco", where Haile Supreme’s glossy, gorgeous vocals feel tailor-made for CARRTOONS’ tight instrumentation, and the dreamy hip-hop pulse of "Cascade," pairing Rae Khalil and Wiki’s streetwise energy with punchy drums, soft synths, and floating keys. That versatility isn’t accidental: Space Cadet feels like the sound of an artist stepping away from noise, rewriting obsessively, and trusting feeling over feedback, resulting in a record that’s both intentional and blissfully loose.
The constellation of collaborators here is massive, yet nothing overshadows the emotional core of the project, perhaps best captured on “Tightrope,” where Phonte, Topaz Jones, and BeMyFiasco glide over a beat that feels like fresh air in today’s hip-hop landscape. There’s a genuine humility running through the album — Ben openly crediting his collaborators as the “real stars,” while embracing a more communal process where best ideas win, whether created in Brooklyn studios or sent back and forth across months. Inspired by drifting, love, jealousy, and the simple joy of making music again, Space Cadet doesn’t chase virality or trends — it invites you to float, lock into the groove, and stay there a while.
I had the pleasure of interviewing CARRTOONS for the release of Space Cadet, so in case you search for more intel on the record and his process.
Words by Ivo
Reuben James - Big People Music
May 16th / Rufio Records Limited
In January this year, the UK singer & songwriter Reuben James made our jaws drop with “Own Thing” - the 1st single from his third studio album Big People Music. Not that we’ve expected anything short of amazing, but the surprise came from a major switch in Reuben’s sound - his signature smooth r&b/neo-soul delivery turned disco and funky.
With Big People Music, Reuben James steps into a richer, more mature chapter - a genre-blurring journey shaped by themes like self-worth, love, heritage, and the highs and lows of a life on the move. Drawing on inspirations from the likes of jazz, funk, reggae, retro soul, and live-in-the-room performances, the album reflects his desire to make “timeless” music that hits deeper than his earlier work.
The 16-track record still has the slow-burners we love so much (i.e. “You’re Mine” with Emeli Sandé, CARRTOONS, and Moses Boyd) but to me, the focus is definitely on his more upbeat take on soulful music - “Feel It Coming” with Jay Prince, for instance.
Big People Music is packed with friends & collaborators - Theo Croker, Jamie Cullum, HONNE, Keyon Harrold, among others, making this one of the richest albums you’ve heard in 2025 (or maybe ever).
Words by Nasko
Day 14
Butcher Brown - Letters From The Atlantic
Mar 28th / Concord Jazz
While I've kept close tabs on Butcher Brown since the release of King Butch (2020), I was surprised to find out that their new record, Letters From The Atlantic, marks a special milestone in the career of the Virginia quintet. It blows my mind that these guys have created 10 records and still manage to outdo themselves. The follow-up to their Solar Music (which had a prominent spot on our Best Albums of 2023 list) deserves all the recognition it's been getting in the first weeks of its release.
The crew, made up of DJ Harrison (keys), Corey Fonville (drums), Andrew Randazzo (bass), Marcus “Tennishu” Tenney (trumpet, sax, and vocals), and Morgan Burrs (guitar), announced the album with the short, but firm "we sound as if we’ve grown up". The album is an homage to the global groove sound and a not-very-surprising evidence for the level of musicianship reached by the collective mind created by the 5-piece.
Featuring a plethora of collaborators, like Yaya Bey, Melanie Charles, Leanor Wolf, Mia Gladstone, Victoria Victoria, along with Nicholas Payton and Neal Francis, the album is bold, energizing, calm, romantic, enjoyable, vibrant, and nostalgic at the same time.
Words by Ivo
Salin - Rammana
Mar 28th
If there’s one album in 2025 that feels less like a collection of tracks and more like a voyage through time, water, and memory, it’s Salin's sophomore record Rammana. On the top of my list! Also, I was very happy we got to interview Salin, an experience that helped me understand her sonic world better.
The Thai-born drummer and producer doesn’t just blur cultural lines here, I think she dissolves them entirely. Rooted in Afro-jazz, psychedelic funk, and traditional Thai sounds, Rammana unfolds like a living archive of rhythms that have traveled oceans and generations. Salin approaches this record not as a curator, but as a listener first, as someone tracing the echoes between West African grooves, Isaan folk traditions, and the pulse of modern psychedelia, then letting them breathe together naturally.
Singles like "Puaj" shimmer with hypnotic bamboo Jew’s harp melodies tied to the Nyah Kur tribe, riding grooves that feel both ritualistic and playful, especially when the rhythm flips mid-track, nudging your body into new motion without warning. The title track “Rammana” anchors the album’s philosophy: a Thai drum, a traditional Urak Lawoi folk song, and a symbol of African rhythms carried by sea and absorbed into Southeast Asian culture. It’s a powerful reminder that musical heritage doesn’t stand still - it migrates, adapts, and survives through connection.
What makes Rammana truly special is its lightness of spirit. I love how tracks flow with warmth, funk, and a quiet confidence earned through curiosity rather than certainty. As someone who has spent a lot of time in Thailand, I root for the success of their artists and culture, and it was so cool to see her weave her heritage into this record.
Put it on anywhere, let it run from start to finish, and you’ll understand that this isn't just one of the most exciting records of the year - it’s a bridge, beautifully built.
Day 13
Verses GT - Verses GT
Sep 12th / LUCKYME
This year, Nosaj Thing and Jacques Greene officially formed a new moniker, Verses GT, and with this project, they tastefully blended their signature sounds in one of the most gorgeous manners possible.
For the most part, their debut self-titled record is predominantly centered around UK Garage, however, the pair have presented a moody and atmospheric take on the genre. This leads to an introspective listening experience that invites you to lose yourself in the textures, rhythms, and subtle emotional undercurrents woven throughout each track.
The lead singles “Your Light” and “Unknown” execute this beautifully, especially when we hear them in context with the entire album. George Riley's vocal performance on “Your Light” adds an emotive charm that glides effortlessly through the haze, grounding the track's ethereal feel with soulful intimacy. "Unknown" isn't necessarily a "challenging" listening experience like some of their individual works; however, it certainly encapsulates the eerie charm that's commonly found in both artists' sonic aesthetic. What makes this album so gripping is its minimal vibe that is rich with an emotive and immersive impact.
Words by Lu
Grandbrothers - Elsewhere
/ Sept 26th / _and_others
Around five years ago, classical music infused with electronic elements began growing in popularity. And Grandbrothers was undoubtedly one of the artists who were at the forefront of that movement with their musically opulent craftsmanship.
Telepathically attuned to each other’s talents, Grandbrothers is a duo comprised of pianist Erol Sarp and software designer Lukas Vogel. The grand piano stands as their creative source, and this is tastefully flaunted across their 5th studio album, Elsewhere. With vintage analog keys and rhythmic, dance-leaning grooves, the project delivers plenty of surprises - and may even appeal to a wider audience than their more experimental work. This is exhibited throughout "We Collide" as it leads with UKG-leaning drums while the melodic portion of the track comes to life with glossy, emotive keys. This is all wrapped in an immersive soundscape thanks to the airy sound design, which ultimately enhances the track's dramatic, fierce nature. The fact that they pull from a variety of genres (UKG, IDM, melodic house, and classical) on Elsewhere makes for a truly dynamic listening experience from start to finish.
Words by Lu
Day 12
Erika de Casier - Lifetime
May 8th / Independent Jeep Music
Erika de Casier's album Still made it on our The 100 Best Albums of 2024: Stereofox Picks list, and a year later, she's done it again. The Danish singer and producer returns with her 4th studio album called Lifetime, and I firmly believe that body of work is her biggest masterpiece to this day. Also, entirely self-produced.
A mystic blend of 90s trip-hop, futuristic r&b, and alt-pop, the whole record feels like a lucid dream. Tastefully sexual, the 11 tracks on Lifetime have the magnetic power to stop time and pull you into this gravity-free world, guided by Erika's magnificent vocals. I love the atmospheric production she went for with this album, something which adds this feeling of nostalgia across the board.
I coined a term for the sound Erika de Casier, Rowena Fysx, and (to a lesser degree) Avara create, and that's witch r&b. That's the kind of ethereal ambient r&b that feels both dark and soothing, and it lures you in a Siren-like manner. Built on shadowy production and occult-pop undertones, the sound often wraps itself around lush, sensual vocals. It exists in the in-between - a space defined not exactly by genre, but by feeling, both haunting and familiar.
Words by Ivo
Avara - a softer place to land
Apr 18th
I just mentioned Avara in my previous spotlight, so naturally, it was time to talk about one of the most sensual independent r&b records of 2025 - a softer place to land. She was also one of the 20 Emerging R&B Artists You Need to Watch in 2025, so we had our hopes up for this year, and they were justified!
The LA-based singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist excels at creating dream-like worlds, and based on everything she's put out in the past 2 years we can firmly declare - she's not afraid to experiment.
Packed with collaborations, the album (which she refers to as a mixtape) unfolds as a cinematic, dark, and sensual body of work. Like a film score in motion, Avara’s sound transcends genre, quietly pushing the boundaries of contemporary r&b. My favourite picks are hands-down "TEMPTED" and "goodthing", which we've shared earlier this year.
Words by Nasko
Day 11
Chaos In the CBD - A Deeper Life
May 9th / In Dust We Trust
If you're looking for the perfect soundtrack for a chillout session on a pristine beach or just a way to turn your day into a slowly cooked, lush groove, then Chaos In The CBD's debut album A Deeper Life is the remedy you need.
The whole album is absolutely wonderful, packed with great features and live instrumentation, and it employs elements of jazzy house music, lounge, jazz, soul, and r&b. The New Zealand-born, London-based brother duo offers a mind-easing experience in its purest form.
I loved the title track because of its simplicity - it's one of those minimal things you can spin on a loop and just trip throughout the day. The whole album evokes a longing for their nature-rich youth, reflecting on the enchanting coastlines and verdant rainforests of New Zealand.
Words by Ivo
Dam Swindle - Open
May 30th / Heist Recordings
Over the years, Dam Swindle has made a name for themselves for their luminous brand of soulful dance music, and their new album Open perfectly captures this sentiment.
Open features countless collaborations with high-profile artists and sees the duo flex their sound from ambient, electronica, to synthwave, hip-house, and more. This is done in a cohesive manner that celebrates the duo’s musical opulence and versatility. One of the standout gems from this body of work is found in the earlier moments of the project "The Present Is Always Perfect". This release blurs the sonics of the past with the present, thanks to the bright synths layered over a vibe reminiscent of upbeat acid jazz from the early 2000s. The vibrant rhythm invites involuntary foot taps while the melodic portion of the track creates a soundscape we're bound to be immersed in.
Words by Lu
Day 10
anaiis - Devotion and the Black Divine
/ Sep 26th / 5dB
With such a strong rollout and seeing anaiis appear in so many meaningful collaborations throughout the year, Devotion and the Black Divine quickly became one of my most anticipated albums of 2025.
I can assure you that excitement was well placed as anaiis over delivered on every front across this project. I first came across the UK-based, French-Senegalese artist anaiis last year through her colorful, Brazilian-influenced project with Grupo Cosmo. Devotion & The Black Divine however dives into a range of sonic and lyrical themes, some uplifting, and some somber. Thematically, the album’s themes draw from her journey into new motherhood and her lived experience as a Black woman navigating life across multiple countries. With such personal and deep topics, instrumentally the soundscape here is intimate, musically rich, and vibrant by virtue of the fascinating rhythms we’re acquainted too.
The strings floating in the backdrop of "Moonlight" - one of the key tracks - adds to the emotional weight of the album as anaiis delivers empowering verses about being comfortable in your skin and embracing what's within you. On “Deus Deus”, her voice carries both smoke and light as we can hear the pain behind the beauty. Much like the entire experience of the album, “Deus Deus” sets in like a prayer for comfort and strength, guiding the listener through a tender, reflective space.
Words by Lu
Jay Prince - SHINE
/ May 16th / Ditto Plus
Although I caught one of his shows years ago, long before I really knew his catalog, I can’t help but feel late to the party, because it was only this year that Jay Prince’s brilliance truly clicked for me.
Born in East London to both Angolan and Congolese parents, Jay's musical journey began in the church, where he mastered the piano, bass, and guitar. On his debut album, SHINE, it’s clear he understands music on a deeper level compared to most rappers by virtue of the stellar musicality on display here. The opening track “Nation” evokes a sense of unity with its grand string arrangement and uplifting choir performance.
Because Jay explores such broad subject matter and wraps it in a diverse, vibrant soundscape across genres, SHINE becomes an album that speaks to many and hits close to home. On one of my fave tracks, "New Day", he not only showcases his flair as a rapper, but also as a vocalist. The track is fleshed out by dreamy, comforting keys and glittery synths to give the track an edge. However, it's really the vocals that breathe life into the track as his vocal delivery encapsulates the message that there are always new days ahead regardless of the struggle. It’s clear that peace, positivity and growth are integral components to Jay’s message across SHINE.
Day 9
Deftones - private music
Aug 22nd / Reprise Records
For me, ever since we started Stereofox back in 2013, one of the strangest things has been to somehow try and separate my complete music taste from the part I share via the platform and the label. There is so much music I listen and find that just doesn't really fit the chill vibe we go for here, but I have to say - Deftones have shaped who I am musically today.
As someone who remembers being exposed to White Pony back in 2000, when I was 13 years old, it feels so great to see the recent new wave of love for these guys. One of the most consistent bands for over 3 decades, it seems a whole new generation just discovers the raw beauty of their music.
I watched their interview with Zane Low on Apple Music and it made me smile seeing them all together and talking about the recording process from today's prism. The whole album is full of energy and wisdom and it has been a soundtrack to many gym sessions where I feel the need to lock in and reach for my inner special strengths. A very strong record that feels consistent and somehow weirdly spiritual. It's great to see the energy love and passion these guys have for music after all these years.
Words by Ivo
Turnstile - Never Enough
June 6th / Roadrunner Records
t’s hard to picture ambient and punk sharing the same sonic space, yet on their 2025 release Never Enough, Turnstile demonstrate just how seamlessly those opposites can coexist.
The U.S.-based group has become the most prominent act to emerge from the hardcore scene, and this album, with it’s sonic diversity, is sure to pull a whole new wave of listeners into their world. Turnstile not only ventures into various genres, the presence of instruments like flutes, trumpets, and synthesizers elevates their arrangements with color and depth we haven't often heard from them. They’re able to make heartfelt themes such as loneliness, self-doubt, and heartbreak across the album sound incredibly catchy and make listeners so invested in the songwriting. The opener “NEVER ENOUGH” is an anthemic track that’s bound to have you screaming at the top of your lungs towards the first half, and then offer a sense of soft solace towards the second portion. Another dimension is added to the experience when we consider that the album is paired with a full-length film, thus emphasizing the journey-like appeal of Never Enough. This is hands down my faverite album that graced my ears this year, AND it’s a project that continues to reveal new layers with every listen.
Words by Lu
Day 8
Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist - Alfredo 2
Jul 25th
Who said sequences tend to be bad? Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist’s Alredo 2 is a prime example of how to top an origin.
5 years after their Alfredo drop, the legendary duo is back with one of the most solid (for me) hip hop records of 2025. I was genuinely stoked when the record landed in my hands. It’s the kind of album I love spinning on a slow weekend just sinking into the couch, zoning out, letting my mind wander to random places without any pressure attached.
From the synth-drenched slow-burn of “Gas Station Sushi” to the mellow glide of “Feeling,” where Larry June drops a few effortless bars, the whole record breathes this chilled-out energy. Even with punchier moments like the JID-assisted “Gold Feed,” the project still lands in that easygoing, laid-back lane for me.
I absolutely love The Alchemist’s level of beat excellence on Alfredo 2 because he is leaning into those smoky jazz-fusion shades that feel lifted straight from the late-60s/early-70s universe. Super dope.
Words by Ivo
Mick Jenkins & EMIL - A MURDER OF CROW
Oct 3rd
On his new project with EMIL, A Murder of Crows, Mick Jenkins sounds reinvigorated, channeling both raw passion and emotional vulnerability.
The last body of work to wholly grip me from Mick Jenkins was his 2016 debutThe Healing Component, and in some ways A Murder of Crows is quite reminiscent of his older works. Produced by EMIL, his instrumentals carry rich musical opulence on this, tastefully balancing elegance and rawness in a manner that complements Mick’s aesthetic.
Musically and lyrically, A Murder of Crows stands out for its cohesion and depth, demanding close attention through its thought-provoking allure and socially conscious bars that reveal a more vulnerable side of Mick Jenkins. A track that stood out for me here was the emotionally heavy "DeadStock" - a listening experience where he pulls the curtain back and lays out his flaws and struggles in such a poetic manner. The soulful, jazz-influenced instrumental certainly complements the themes we're welcome too, especially towards the end when the keys and synths come to life.
Words by Lu
Day 7th
Elijah Fox - Ambient Works for the Highways of Los Angeles
/ Feb 14th / 10K Projects
Elijah Fox is one of the most creative and talented pianists of our generation and it has been an absolute pleasure following his journey since 2019 when I first heard his music. Elijah’s story is wild in the best way: trained at Oberlin Conservatory before diving into New York’s creative chaos, he’s since become the quiet force behind sessions with SZA, Masego, YG, Schoolboy Q, Denzel Curry, Childish Gambino, Kali Uchis, the list goes on and on. On top of that, he brings his unmistakable touch to the stage as the touring keyboardist for the phenomenal Yussef Dayes.
Whether he’s crafting worlds as Elijah Fox or leaning into the beat-driven realm of Søren Søstrom, there hasn’t been a composition I haven’t properly vibed with. Honestly, Elijah is a special kind of inspiration and I bet his music will stand the test of time. Also, Søren Søstrom he has actually worked with a few of our label family artists like DESH, which I always found super cool.
Anyhow, today’s spotlight is his brilliant 2025 release Ambient Works for the Highways of Los Angeles - a body of work whose title is self-explanatory and I couldn’t think of a better fit. A blend of Brian Eno and Boards of Canada, but chanelled through Elijah’s jazz prism, this 22-tracks album is a gorgeous instrumental experience that feels like a movie score. Sound-wise, I still think there’s a lot of variation even though the theme persists over the course of the 33 minutes and 26 seconds of Ambient Works for the Highways of Los Angeles. A stunning display of Elijah’s compositional instinct and arrangement finesse, blending the intimacy of classic piano with the futuristic energy of synths.
A record that can soundtrack some beautiful moments in a person’s life.
Words by Ivo
Purelink - Faith
/ Jun 6th / Peak Oil
Purelink’s Faith is a must-experience for any human soul that needs a comfort in a world, filled with turbulent events.
Whether you like ambient music or not, there’s no denying - this is exquisite and the New York-based electronic trio are almighty when it comes to creating immersive atmospheres designed to detach you from reality.
Another shout-out to Stephan Kunze and his Zen Sounds newsletter. A source of wise words, inspiring creative writing, and music that challenges my taste, in the most beautiful way possible. I had the pleasure of having him as a guest on our Fox Tales podcast in 2023, an episode I highly recommend you check out.
I prefer to listen to the album in its entirety, but my stand-out track is certainly “Rookie”, which brings in electronic innovator Loraine James, whose calm, conversational delivery drifts like a steady beacon through Purelink’s airy blend of organic strings and subtle digital pulses. It feels uplifting and a little haunting at the same time - a quiet glow suspended in the uncanny.
The whole record is a gift to humanity. When you think about it, what’s most impressive is the way Purelink push beyond the known electronic formulas and territories, leaning into a warm, liquid feel. I appreciate the incorporation of live instruments and reliance on human vocals paired with their signature haze of dub-tinted ambience.
Music to get lost to because while calm, this is extremely adventurous.
Words by Ivo
Day 6 (Dec 6th)
Yukimi - For You
/ March 28th / Ninja Tune
Since Little Dragon played such an influential role in my late teens to early adulthood, the prospect of exploring Yukimi’s solo project For You made me even more excited.
Her project sees a stunning new perspective from the Yukimi fans know and love as she blends pop,-r&b, and alternative soul with a more vulnerable lyrical focus. It’s a pretty dense experience that rewards listeners who sit with the project and traverse in her train of thought. The album’s emotional weight comes from deeply personal themes - identity, vulnerability, resilience - presented in a way that feels universally resonant, creating a shared experience between the Swedish singer and the listener. "Stream of Consciousness" with Lianne La Havas beautifully encapsulates this sentiment as introspective lyricism is complemented by warm, tranquil guitar arrangements. The chemistry between Yukimi and Lianne is evident not just in their vocal interplay but in the way they seamlessly weave together a cohesive narrative through their verses - something I found truly captivating.
Words by Lu
Thandii - Free Up
/ Aug 29th / HaloHalo
Thandii's FREE UP is easily one of the most sonically adventurous albums you’ll come across, blending jazz, soul, hip hop, pop, psychedelic indie, and even world music influences into a cohesive masterpiece.
Jessica Berry and Graham Godfrey - the creative force behind Thandii are insanely talented musicians and have played live with artists like Michael Kiwanuka, SAULT, and Little Simz, so you can only imagine the musical affluence you’re about to hear throughout this project. The title of this body of work is fitting considering their intention to have listeners move their body and feel free in their own skin. This is highlighted throughout the playful yet artsy visuals which were paired with the album, particularly on tracks like “Try Try Try”. I also can’t neglect to mention how this release along with others on the project capture a distinctive soul sound that feels retro yet resonates with today's youth.
"You Got It" is not only a shining example of this sentiment, but it's also one of the brightest gems from FREE UP. The drums are warm and colorful, qualities that are reflective of Jessica's vocal performance. Halfway through the track, these glistening keys enter the mix and offer a sophisticated jazz touch next to the playful charm of the other elements.
Words by Lu
Day 5
Little Simz - LOTUS
June 6th / Awal Recordings
Lotus is everything we know and love about Little Simz, proving once again that she's one of the best things the UK hip-hop scene has to offer.
The highly anticipated album leans into more experimental sounds, and it really suits her. The first half pushes into new sonic territory, while the second half returns to that lyrical, reflective zone she does so well. What stands out is how subtle her vulnerability is: it doesn't feel like someone pouring their heart out on stage, but more like a quiet, intimate moment shared with a small room of people.
Lotus feels like Little Simz settling into herself in the most natural way, and context matters here: after her falling out with previous collaborator Inflo (one of the founders of SAULT), there was curiosity about where her creative direction would go. And it really went places! It feels like she found a new spark. Her collaborations with Sampha, Obongjayar, and Yussef Dayes are some of the standouts, and I'd love to hear more of those in the future. As always, all the verses, flows, bops, and overall energy are stellar.
Seeing her perform this album live was a highlight of my musical year.
Words by Anna
Greentea Peng - TELL DEM IT’S SUNNY
/ Mar 21st / Awal Recordings
South London’s own Greentea Peng steps back into the smoke with her second full-length album, TELL DEM IT’S SUNNY, a record that moves like a mood swing and is full of attitude.
Her 2025 release finds Greentea Peng exploring a darker, more intimate side of her craft, merging soulful and psychedelic textures with dub, trip-hop, and sharper, more hard-hitting elements. It’s really beautiful to see the rawness of the lyrical themes reflected in the production. This sentiment hits hardest on - ironically - “Create or Destroy 432”, one of my favorite tunes on the album. She locks into something magical on this number, her seamlessly glides over rough guitar riffs and punchy drums. When she leans into softer feelings, she moves like vapor across the album in a manner that’s quite hypnotic especially on “Green” and throughout the verses of “Glory”. By the time we reach the album's end with “Bali Skit Pt. 2”, the smoke starts to clear. No words, just dubby echoes and melted thoughts. It’s a slow exhale after a late night/early morning journey through Greentea Peng's life - a blunt in one hand and regrets in the rearview.
Read the full TELL DEM IT'S SUNNY album review.
Words by Marvin
Day 4
JMSN - ...it's only about you if you think it is.
Oct 15th / White Room Records
JMSN’s new album solidifies his place as one of the most versatile artists of our generation who doesn't shy away from experimenting with his sound.
If you grew up on 90s rock and grunge music, like I did, you will absolutely love this new album. I appreciate the rawness of the sound and if you expect anything similar to his previous albums, whether that’s Heal Me or his self-titled release, just forget about it. This is a beast on its own and it is a prime example of artist creative freedom. A center-piece on here is JMSN’s voice itself and while there’s tons of loud, distorted music, at the end of the day it serves as a background and doesn't lead the direction of the album.
...it's only about you if you think it is. feels like a rebellion.
Words by Ivo
Tyler, the Creator - DON'T TAP THE GLASS
Jul 21st / Sony Music
It feels like a moment each time Tyler, the Creator unveils a new album for us to dive into. That’s exactly what happened when he dropped DON'T TAP THE GLASS - a body of work that blends what we know and love from Tyler with influences from yesteryears.
The Pharrell feature on the opening track “Big Poe” is a significant prelude of what’s to come - the N.E.R.D. inspiration stands out across the production and it’s so freshing. DON'T TAP THE GLASS is dance-friendly and this is intention is brought to life by bright colors, fascinating grooves, and grit that characterizes the instrumentals. This tastefully works with his raw delivery too. Shades of Flower Boy are also apparent in the more vulnerable moments of the album such as “Ring Ring Ring” (reminiscent of “911”) and “Big Poe”. On here, Tyler’s form of grit is represented by lots of distortion, heavy drums, and overall loudness, and it’s beautiful to see how well this works with moments of softness and color.
Words by Lu
Day 3
Yoni Mayraz - Dogs Bark Babies Cry
/ Sep 5th / PPK Records / La Reserve Records
Yoni Mayraz is London-based keyboardist and producer whose sophomore album Dogs Bark Babies Cry instantly blew me away. Released via Pino Palladino & David Passick's PPK Records, the album features a galaxy of talent including bassist Tom Driessler (Yussef Dayes, Adele), rapper Fly Anakinm, harpist Miriam Adefris and Portuguese drumming prodigy Zoe Pascal, to name a few.
Channeling a lot of psychedelic and Middle Eastern influences, the album feels like a trip in the desert. “Dogs Bark Babies Cry is the moment when a commotion takes place. Dogs start barking, babies cry. It’s an ominous sound, yet a natural one. One that can be heard from afar,” explains Mayraz.
I appreciate the folklore references and the odd timing signatures paired with a sense of spiritualism. Built on a lot of 70 jazz funk grooves, the album feels like the soundtrack to an old detective story and I’m all in for that.
“It's full of feeling,” Mayraz elaborates. “The whole album is an exploration of internal tension - fears and desires, beauty and decay.”
One full listen in, and it’s impossible not to recognize the quiet genius Yoni Mayraz threads through every corner of this record.
Braxton Cook - Not Everyone Can Go
/ Aug 29th / Nettwerk
Braxton Cook’s Not Everyone Can Go feels like the kind of record born from a period of readjustment where letting go makes room for something new, deeper and warmer. Across the 14 tracks on album, packed with great features, Braxton blends his jazz lineage as a saxophonist with soul-soaked storytelling and inspiration influenced from the people who helped him shape the release.
In our interview with Braxton from earlier this year, the award-winning, Juilliard-trained singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist elaborates, “So this album is meant to really chronicle this season of life that I’m in. It’s by no means a sad album though - it’s a project that captures the grief of letting go but also celebrates the joys of rediscovering love, fun, joy, and new relationships.”
A reflection of becoming a father earlier this year, the album feels like a brave venture into other genres and a watermark of Braxton’s evolution as an artist, creating beyond jazz and exploring the beautify of soul and r&b music.
Day 2
Rival Consoles - Landscape from Memory
/ Jul 4th / Erased Tapes Records
The sound design on Landscape from Memory carries an almost futuristic sheen, as though Rival Consoles is working with tools not yet invented or acquired from outer space. There is a bit of bias as I write this ashe is among my favorite producers, so be prepared for some ultimate glazing over the next few words.
When God said let there be light, Rival Consoles was the electrician. As a multidisciplinary artist, the British producer brings a uniquely nuanced relationship with technology to his work - something that shines on Landscape from Memory where he operates as if he’s like a sonic Ironman. The music feels like materials, bending, distorting, shimmering, colourful shards of glass and metal. Something that is also noticeable throughout the project is that there is a lot more presence of intricate rhythm sections. This, paired with his distinctive soundscape creates a dynamic interplay that pushes the project into richer, more immersive territory. One of the memorable moments here is "Jupiter" - a track characterized by both diversity and the ability to surprise listeners. Starting with a minute-long, synth-heavy build-up, I loved the switch and the four-on-the-floor energy he introduces later on, which reminded me of Bonobo's work. Throughout this projects, synths are given a voice and it’s almost as if Rival has created a new language through his tasteful arrangements.
Read our full interview with Rival Consoles, if you want to know more about Ryan.
Words by Lu
Cuezy. - DEPARTURE TO UTOPIA
Sep 26th / Vibe Jams
DEPARTURE TO UTOPIA is a real-life example of how skillful German producer Cuezy. is at sonic world-building. A 16-track journey that pulls you out of the everyday and drops you straight into a hyper-real, synth-soaked simulation. Blending future beats, soulful textures, and nostalgic echoes from the golden age of SoundCloud, the album unfolds like a cinematic universe where every track feels essential to the trip.
Give it your full attention and it will give you something rare in return - an unforgettable experience that lingers long after the final note.
Read the full album review of Cuezy.'s DEPARTURE TO UTOPIA.
Words by Ivo
Day 1
Silas Short - LUSHLAND
Apr 25th / Stone Throw Records
Exactly a year ago, Silas Short was selected as one of the 20 Emerging R&B Artists You Need to Watch in 2025 and I am so happy we did that. An exceptionally talented young artist and from what I can tell online - humble and positive human being.
2025 saw the release of his magnificent debut album, LUSHLAND - a smooth bridge between classic a-la-Soulquarians sound and a contemporary energy. The record unfolds like a sonic diary, tracing Silas’ recent move from Chicago to LA, with every track carrying a piece of that journey’s raw energy and personal revelations.
Silas Short is one of the people that I consider at the forefront of today's modern neo-soul sound. Packed with wonderful collaborators, ranging from Ryan James Carr and Luke Titus to the Roots' James Poyser, in just 38 minutes and 49 seconds he manages to travel through time, emotions and genres. Short gently taps into the full spectrum of r&b's glow, channeling the tender, heart-melting ballads of the early '70s while effortlessly weaving in the head-bopping hip-hop soul and buttery neo-soul textures that defined the '90s. All of which sounds very 2025. Not many people can do that and that's why I appreciate being a contemporary of such artist.
Words by Ivo
Luke Titus - From What Was Will Grow A Flower
Apr 25th / Sooper Records
I love the fact that we're riding the Chicago wave and following up Silas Short's LUSHLAND, it's time to spotlight one of the collaborators on that record - another Chicago native, Luke Titus.
In April of this year, the drummer/producer returned with From What Was Will Grow A Flower, a record that reimagines jazz through his own deeply human lens. It's a project where emotion sits beneath every rhythm - experimental at its edges, intimate at its core, and blooming with the kind of nuance only an artist like Luke can pull off.
On the album itself, Luke elaborates, "This album is about spirituality and connectivity, both with the universe and the self, as told through my personal journey. It questions reality as a way to deepen one’s connection to it. I dedicate this album not only to anyone who has been through hard times, but to anyone who relates to the cyclical nature of the human experience. And more than that, I dedicate this album to my mom."
From What Was Will Grow A Flower is a bold new step in Titus' music journey and besides showcasing his jazz drumming roots, we get to enjoy his vocal abilities, paired with a very forward-thinking and open approach to production that feels inspired by the psychedelic energy of artists like Toro y Moi and Tame Impala.
Mugs, t-shirts,
hoodies, vinyls & more.
