Our 12 favourite albums of 2025

2025 was another outstanding year for recorded music – and a particularly strong one for the album as a complete, coherent art form. We saw bold creative leaps from established names, thrilling breakthroughs from rising artists and a continued blurring of genre boundaries. From the inventive indie of Black Country, New Road and the emotive storytelling of Dave, to the genre-defining pop vision of Rosalia and the atmospheric experimentation of Bon Iver and Oklou, it was a year that rewarded adventurous listening. Across the board, 2025 delivered albums that challenged, surprised – and stayed with us.

At Bowers & Wilkins, we’ve always believed in the album as the ultimate expression of an artist’s intent. It’s why we partner with the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), why we support Record Store Day and why we proudly sponsor the Mercury Prize. So it’s been a pleasure to gather our thoughts and select our favourite 12 albums of 2025.

With such a wealth of remarkable records to pick from, we hope our choices offer something for every curious listener, and maybe even highlight a future classic that might have slipped under the radar.

We hope you enjoy exploring them.

Black Country, New Road – Forever Howlong

Forever Howlong sees Black Country, New Road continue their evolution with a beautifully focused release. The album blends chamber-pop touches with inventive indie arrangements, resulting in songs that feel intricate without ever becoming overpowering. Moments of theatrical flair sit comfortably alongside more delicate passages, giving the record a fluid, dynamic feel. It’s a striking step forward that highlights the band’s growing confidence and expanding musical palette.

Bon Iver – Sable, Fable

Bon Iver’s Sable, Fable merges electronic textures with organic warmth in a way that feels effortlessly cohesive. Justin Vernon’s layered vocals float through atmospheric production, creating a sense of intimacy even in the album’s most experimental moments. Subtle shifts in tone keep the record engaging from start to finish, and its understated melodies leave a lasting impression. It’s a quietly impactful release that rewards both close attention and casual listening.

Bruce Springsteen – Electric Nebraska

Electric Nebraska reimagines Springsteen’s iconic storytelling with vivid, full-band arrangements that add new urgency to familiar themes. The songs feel raw and immediate, driven by a sense of grit that contrasts with the original’s sparse intimacy. Springsteen’s vocals carry a weathered intensity that brings fresh emotional weight to the material. It’s a thoughtful reinterpretation that stands confidently alongside its source while offering something genuinely new.

CMAT – Euro-Country

CMAT delivers another charismatic and sharply written album with Euro-Country. Her blend of humour, honesty and pop craftsmanship shines across tracks that balance big hooks with heartfelt narratives. The production feels playful but polished, giving the songs a lively, theatrical edge. It’s a confident, personality-filled record that highlights CMAT’s growing versatility and unmistakable charm.

Dave – The Boy Who Played the Harp

On The Boy Who Played the Harp, Dave pairs introspective writing with rich, cinematic production that gives the album a warm, reflective tone. His delivery remains calm and assured, allowing the emotional weight of his lyrics to come through with clarity. The project feels thoughtful and carefully constructed, moving between personal reflection and wider social themes. It’s a compelling release that shows Dave’s artistry becoming even more refined.

Lambrini Girls – Who Let The Dogs Out

Lambrini Girls’ debut bursts with the raw energy and sharp wit that have made their live shows so acclaimed. Who Let The Dogs Out is fast, loud and full of attitude, but it also carries a clear sense of purpose beneath the chaos. The band balance humour with pointed commentary, resulting in a record that’s both cathartic and thought-provoking. It’s a fierce, unapologetic introduction to a group with plenty to say.

Little Simz – Lotus

Lotus showcases Little Simz’ ability to weave introspective lyricism with warm, soulful production. The album feels poised and expressive, moving gracefully between moments of vulnerability and confidence. Each track is carefully arranged, giving Simz the space to deliver her lines with clarity and emotional precision. It’s a mature, beautifully realised record that builds on her already exceptional body of work.

Lucy Dacus – Forever Is a Feeling

Lucy Dacus returns with an album full of tender, carefully observed songwriting. Forever Is a Feeling is understated but deeply affecting, with arrangements that give her lyrics room to take centre stage. Small details and subtle melodies accumulate into songs that feel quietly powerful. It’s a warm, reflective album that showcases Dacus at her most thoughtful and assured.

Oklou – Choke Enough

Choke Enough is the debut album from French musician, singer and producer Oklou. Released via True Panther, the 13-track project sees her blend the worlds of trance, pop and R&B into something very much her own. From start to finish, playful melodies and gentle vocals anchor this record, keeping it dreamy yet undeniably catchy. Choke Enough follows her 2020 mixtape, Galore, and now features a series of excellent remixes from the likes of jamesjamesjames, Malibu, Nick León and Aaron Hibell.

Rosalia – LUX

Rosalia’s LUX blends traditional influences with bold, futuristic production, resulting in one of her most adventurous albums yet. Her vocal performances are consistently striking, moving seamlessly between delicate melodies and rhythmic experimentation. Each track feels carefully crafted, creating a vivid sense of atmosphere across the record. It’s a confident, innovative release from an artist who continues to push the boundaries of pop.

Sam Fender – People Watching

People Watching highlights Sam Fender’s ability to combine intimate storytelling with soaring, anthemic arrangements. The album moves between reflective ballads and big, emotional rock moments, all tied together by his distinctive vocal delivery. Fender’s writing feels grounded and relatable, giving the record a strong emotional core. It’s a heartfelt, well-crafted release that shows his continued growth as a songwriter.

Wet Leg – Moisturiser

Wet Leg return with Moisturiser, an upbeat and witty follow-up that expands on their signature sound. The album features sharper production and bigger hooks, yet keeps the quirky charm that made their debut so memorable. Playful lyrics and lively guitar work drive the record’s momentum, giving it a breezy but confident feel. It’s a fun, engaging release that reinforces their place as one of the UK’s most enjoyable indie acts.