In no particular order, my favorite television shows of 2025:
Dept. Q (Netflix)
Alien Earth (Hulu)
Task (HBO Max)
Andor (Disney+)
Adolescence (Netflix)
The White Lotus (HBO Max)
Silo (Apple TV)
Severance (Apple TV)
The Last of Us (HBO Max)
My Melody and Kuromi (Netflix)
I also really enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox on NESN. It was great when they made it to the playoffs, but I wasn’t impressed by the national network broadcasters. I ended up putting WEEI on for my audio. Overall, the Major League Baseball postseason was exciting, especially the World Series.
Watching the Major League Baseball World Series with my cat
Here are 50 favorite songs of 2025 that helped me get through the year, available on Apple Music and Spotify. A friendly reminder to anyone who didn’t read Liz Pelly’s excellent Mood Machine: Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist-if you find something you like, please support the artists by buying their music/merch and by seeing them in concert.
Ada Monroe Getting Into the Christmas Spirit | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
Looking for some tunes to add to your Christmas playlist? Check out my “Step Into Christmas” playlist on Apple Music and Spotify! It includes bangers from Emmy the Great & Tim Wheeler, The Linda Lindas, and The Darkness. Plus classics from The Pogues (feat. Kirsty MacColl), Pearl Bailey, and Julie London. And there are some brand new tracks from Laufey, Ash, and Hilken & Melissa (feat. Kay Hanley).
Candy-O as Sandy Claws | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
Here’s a slew of great releases that didn’t make it into my Top 25 Favorite Albums of 2025, but that I like quite a bit or am just falling for now. Here they are, listed alphabetically by release title. There are some fabulous EPs in there for good measure. If you’d rather just listen, check out my Best of ‘25 playlist on Apple Music and Spotify. And please, if you find something you like, support the artists by buying their music, merch, and seeing them when they tour!
Smerz – Big City Life Superb electronica from the Norwegian duo.
Wednesday – BleedsFuzzed out indie rock with a bit of twang.
SASAMI – Blood On the Silver ScreenThe former Cherry Glazerr member proves again to be versatile on this, her third album. Listeners will find a more pop/dance sound reminiscent of Robyn. It’s energetic and infectious.
Samia – BloodlessSamia’s voice is dazzling on this indie folk-rock album.
Sudan Archives – The BPMEclectic beats, violin, and lush vocals make this album divine.
Jessica Lea Mayfield performing at 3S Artspace | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
Jessica Lea Mayfield – Choose Myself EP Every track on this five-song EP is stellar. I was lucky to finally see Mayfield when she opened for Lucero in September.
Chalk – Conditions III EP Chalk is one of my favorite new artists. Excellent industrial tunes.
HEALTH – CONFLICT DLCI’m just getting acquainted with the December release from the industrial rockers. Librarians note: it’s not about the Library of Congress.
Say She She – Cut & RewindCatchy, modern R&B/pop from three classically trained singers.
Greet Death – Die In Love It’s melodic, at times heavy-ish, alt-rock with hints of shoegaze. The vocals on “Same But Different Now” remind me of Jaz Coleman of Killing Joke.
Divorce – Drive to Goldenhammer I’m at a loss for words on how to describe this full-length debut from the British band. Just go listen to it. You’re welcome, Massachusetts*.
VLURE – Escalate Dance-y, industrial-ish, electro pop from Scotland. A poppier Front 242 mixed with Pop Will Eat Itself.
FKA twigs – EUSEXUA This album is so good that I forgive FKA twigs for co-starring in The Crow (2024). Recommended for fans of Kelli Ali-era Sneaker Pimps.
SPC ECO – Hello I’m in absolute love with the title track. It woulda been on my Best of 2025 playlist but it’s not available on Apple or Spotify. It is available on Bandcamp, which is where I bought this dreamy electronica album.
The Last Dinner Party – From the PyreNo sophomore slump for The Last Dinner Party! Super excited to see them when they hit Roadrunner in Boston next year.
Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers – GloryFun Australian pop rock.
Idlewild – IdlewildWhen I got laid off by Warner/Elektra/Atlantic, my friends at EMI Music Distribution took me to see Idlewild that night. Idlewild helped to soothe me. And a couple of decades later, they still soothe with an album of melodic, soaring gems.
Hatchie – Liquorice Ethereal dream pop tunes. Recommended if you like Cocteau Twins or The Sundays.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds at Agganis Arena in Boston | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Live GodYeah, yeah, yeah-Another live Bad Seeds release! I’ll take it! I got to see them tour Wild God and it was an ebullient experience.
Sparks – MAD!Sparks have been together for over 50 years and their music is still relevant, infectious, and witty. Do yourself a favor and, if you haven’t already, watch Edgar Wright’s documentary, The Sparks Brothers, about the Mael brothers.
Laufey – A Matter of Time On this, her third album, the Icelandic chanteuse channels singers from the 1940s with aplomb.
Depeche Mode at TD Garden in Boston | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
Depeche Mode – Memento Mori: Mexico CityThe first time I listened to this, I got goosebumps. It is a bit tender listening to their first live album since the death of Andrew Fletcher.
The Cure – Mixes of a Lost WorldI had very high hopes for this remix album, as I’m a big fan of both Mixed Up and Songs of a Lost World. But I’m not a huge fan of remixes in general. I’d take a live performance or b-side over a remix most days. But I still like Mixes, most notably the tracks remixed by Paul Oakenfold and Chino Moreno.
Wet Leg – MoisturizerSuper catchy alternative rock.
Throwing Muses – Moonlight ConcessionsRaw, indie rock. Kristin Hersh has been a staple in my music collection since high school.
terraplana – natural Brazilian shoegaze that reminds me of Boston’s Drop Nineteens.
Travels With Brindle – No. 1 in HeavenEP On this spunky EP, Travels With Brindle delights with a ukulele-based take on Sparks’ Giorgio Moroder-produced classic.
Hammock – Nevertheless Tranquil ambient/functional music that’s a trip.
Marissa Nadler – New RadiationsHaunting, ethereal, goth-folk.
White Lies – Night LightA swell album from White Lies. If you haven’t heard them, they sound kinda like Interpol, if they were British. On this, their seventh album, they’ve matured and branched out a bit.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Perimenopop My queen of English dance pop reigns and celebrates perimenopause!
Wishy performing in NYC | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
Wishy – Planet Popstar EP Charming dream pop with a dash of shoegaze hooked me. The Indiana band is fantastic live.
Labrinth – Prelude EP I’m pretty sure that Labrinth, AKA Briton Timothy Lee McKenzie, came from the future to share his innovative music with us. Expect a new full-length album, Cosmic Opera: Act I, on January 30.
Deftones’ alternate artwork | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
Deftones – private music Despite being around since last century, Deftones have created an album with a modern, thrumming intensity.
Hotline TNT – Raspberry Moon Sweet hooks, distortion, and songs that remind me of both Catherine Wheel and Teenage Fan Club.
The Beths – Straight Line Was a Lie I’m so late to The Beths party! The Kiwi indie-power pop rockers delight on their fourth album. Recommended for fans of Velocity Girl and Alvvays.
Swim School – Swim SchoolThis album was so close to making my Top 25, but I’ve only just stumbled onto the Scottish band. I have listened to this album a couple of times and I really love it.
Bryce Dessner – Train Dreams (Soundtrack) Yup. Bryce Dessner of The National doubles as a scorer of films. I recommend watching the movie, starring Joel Edgerton, and checking out this beautiful and haunting score. Plus, there’s the touching title track collaboration with Nick Cave that has been short-listed for an Academy Award nomination.
Melody’s Echo Chamber – Unclouded1960s-inspired Gallic pop with a flowing, warm sound.
Luvcat – Vicious DeliciousIf you ever wondered what Kylie Minogue would’ve sounded like if she continued to work with Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds beyond “Where the Wild Roses Grow,” Luvcat is for you.
Just Mustard – WE WERE JUST HERE Shoegaze/alt. rock plus a vocalist who sounds a bit like Alison Shaw from Cranes. Yes, please.
Lily Allen – West End Girl Such a poppy, fun … breakup album!
Willoughby Tucker… on vinyl | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
Conan Gray – WishboneI adore Conan Gray. His Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade performance was stellar. Wishbone is a sort of glorious pop bildungsroman. I’m wicked excited to finally see him next year.
Lovina Falls – Would That It WereEP Lovina Falls is the brainchild of Boston’s Valerie Forgione (ex-Mistle Thrush). This EP collects three alternative rock/baroque pop singles and adds two new lovely tracks.
Jehnny Beth – You Heartbreaker, YouJust in case you thought I was going too pop with my “Conehead” selection, the indomitable Jehnny Beth should ameliorate any worries. This is another record that was almost in my Top 25. It’s like a mix of Tool and PJ Harvey.
*Divorce’s song, “Fever Pitch,” ends with the line: “Thank you, Massachusetts.” I can only presume that it’s about the Red Sox.
It was really hard to narrow down my favorite albums of this past year. Here’s the cream of the crop. Stay tuned for my “Rest of the Best” list soon!
25. Billy Nomates – Metal HorseA solid release from Billy Nomates AKA Victoria Ann “Tor” Maries. Love “Dark Horse Friend,” which features Hugh Cornwell of The Stranglers.
24. NewDad – Altar They’re brooding, yet there’s also a lightness. I kept thinking that they reminded me of a darker version of The Glee Club, and it turns out that they’re both from Galway!
23. Anika – AbyssHearing Anika sing, “Sometimes I know, life can just suck,” resonates with me. Recommended for fans of Broadcast and baroque pop.
Juliana Hatfield and Ed Valauskas at The Burren Backroom in Somerville, MA | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
22. Juliana Hatfield – Lightning Might StrikeJust under the wire, Hatfield’s latest indie rock album came out on December 12. I actually held off publishing this list because I was waiting to hear it. The wait was worth it. If you haven’t kept up with Hatfield’s prolific career, Lightning Might Strike is the perfect album to reconnect with. It’s a nervous breakdown with melodies and hooks for days.
21. Alison Goldfrapp – Flux My favorite dance/pop album of the year.
20. Coach Party – Caramel This album is sweet and energetic. I’m jealous of everyone who got to see the Ash/Coach Party double bill in the UK!
19. Steve Queralt – SwallowOf course, the bassist from Ride released a gorgeous and sublime album of soundscapes. Guest appearances by Emma Anderson (Sing-Sing/Lush) and Verity Susman (Electrelane, MEMORIALS) complete this dreamy concoction.
18. Andy Bell – pinball wandererBell is perhaps best known as the guitarist/vocalist of Ride and the bassist for a little act called Oasis. Full of Madchester beats, Andy Bell’s solo foray is groovy.
17. Maria Somerville – Luster A divine album of swirly dream pop.
16. The Cords – The CordsAbsolutely charming indie pop from Scotland.
15. Lambrini Girls – Who Let the Dogs Out Fantastic noise-punk from the UK. Be sure to check out the Peaches remix of their instant classic single “Cuntology 101.”
14. Ólafur Arnalds & Talos – A DawningAn understated and gorgeous album of ambient pop.
13. Miki Berenyi Trio – TriplaFormer front person of Lush and Piroshka delights with her latest project.
12. Saint Etienne – International Efferfescent pop tunes. Possibly one of the best albums of their storied career.
11. Black Honey – Soak Recommended for fans of Metric and Catatonia. So many great, sing-along earworm tracks like “Insulin,” “Dead,” and “Shallow.”
10. Shame – CutthroatUgh. I looooove Shame so much. They’re like a grittier Kaiser Chiefs. Their fourth album is full of vim and vigor.
9. Wolf Alice – The ClearingUpon first listen, I was a bit disappointed, as I felt Wolf Alice had gone in a different direction from their last release. But this album has grown on me, and it’s now in “Bloom Baby Bloom.” It’s full of seventies warmth while still retaining a current edge. They’ve matured and evolved.
8. Goddess – GoddessI am enamored with this project from Fay Milton of Savages. Each track features a different, dynamic vocalist. I sought it out because Ex:Re (AKA Elena Tonra of Daughter) was featured, and I ended up loving the whole album.
7. Deep Sea Diver – Billboard HeartInfectious indie rock! I’m obsessed with this album.
Matt Berninger at an in-store performance at Rough Trade in NYC | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
6. Matt Berninger – Get SunkA stunning sophomore effort from the voice of The National. After releasing his first solo album, Berninger found himself enduring a period of writer’s block. A move from Los Angeles to Connecticut and a new way of writing-scribbling on baseballs-broke the curse. And alas, we found ourselves with two new albums from The National in one year (2023), and with this beautiful, sombre meditation that is Get Sunk. Personal note: Every time I hear “Bonnet of Pins,” I feel happy because Berninger and I sang a few lines from it together at an in-store performance at Rough Trade NYC. He has such a gifted way of connecting with audiences.
Nine Inch Nails performing at TD Garden in Boston | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
5. Nine Inch Nails – TRON:ARESThis soundtrack has everything: great score work we’ve come to expect from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, a banging NIN single (“As Alive As You Need Me to Be”), and haunting pieces like “Echoes” and “I Know You Can Feel It.” Do note: “Who Wants to Live Forever?” is not a cover of the Queen song from the classic film Highlander, but rather it’s a duet with Reznor and guest vocalist Judeline.
4. Suede – AntidepressantsThis album is so good! These songs are anthemic, soaring, and speak to my soul. With lyrics like, “Oh, oh, well it’s broken music and it’s broken people | Who will save the world, oh oh save the world.” Brett Anderson just gets me.
Pulp performing at Suffolk Downs in Boston | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
3. Pulp – MoreI did, indeed, want More from Pulp. I’m glad the Sheffield Britpoppers got back together for their first album in 24 years. More, their eighth studio album, ranks up there with Different Class, His ‘n’ Hers, and This Is Hardcore, and is sort of a mix of the three.
Ash | Photo courtesy of Ash
2. Ash – Ad AstraA power pop opus is how I described the ninth studio album from Ash in my full review.
Shirley Manson of Garbage at Roadrunner in Boston | Photo by Amy Lordan-Tripp
1. Garbage – Let All That We Imagine Be Light Garbage’s eighth album picks up where No Gods No Masters left off, and is, dare I say, optimistic? The whole album sounds fantastic. The quartet, led by the indomitable Shirley Manson, is not going down without a fight. For example, a portion of the lyrics to “Chinese Fire Horse”: “You say my time is over. Over, over. That I have gotten old. So old. That I no longer do it for you. And my face now leaves you cold … And I should just retire. Retire, retire. Just a fucking minute. Who you talking to?”
Pop Culture Omnivore 