The Best Albums and Songs of 2025: Critics’ Top Picks

BBC News compiled a ‘poll of polls’ to rank the best music of 2025, selecting albums and songs that captivated critics in various genres. With contributions from over 30 year-end lists, the compilation highlights the top albums, including works by established artists like Pulp, Lady Gaga, and FKA Twigs, alongside newcomers like Addison Rae and Geese. Surprisingly, major sellers like Taylor Swift’s *The Life of a Showgirl* and Alex Warren’s *Ordinary* did not feature prominently. Some of the most acclaimed albums include Rosalía’s *Lux*, a deeply personal and experimental work blending classical, flamenco, and avant-pop, and Geese’s unpredictable *Getting Killed*. Notable singles include PinkPantheress’s *Illegal* and Olivia Dean’s *Man I Need*. The rankings, based on points from publications like Rolling Stone and NME, reflect the diversity and unpredictability of 2025’s music landscape, with more intimate, experimental sounds taking precedence over commercial hits. Critics highlighted the year’s thematic exploration of love, desire, and societal issues in albums and singles that defy conventional pop trends.