I wanted to spend some time with you about albums that clearly made an impression but were also the ones that did not immediately ascend but one day conceivably might due to just spending more time with them. The artistry on display is without question as these are all strong, richly presented, unquestionably layered works. Some of them might even be some of your favorite 2025 releases but for me, they are hovering just under the ones I loved even more.
JEFF TWEEDY
Released September 26, 2025
Already a 2025 critical and fan favorite, this 30 songs triple album is indeed one I need to spend more time with. Now, unlike so many listeners, I am one who adores the extended album experience as typically presented upon double albums. In fact, many of my most favorite albums are doubles. So, the prospect of a triple is not intimidating for me as a listener as I so often love the idea of being submerged in a world. All of that being said, my fervor for Jeff Tweedy's musical universe of solo material, and of course, Wilco, has softened a tad over the years but I remain a fan and this new album largely continues in Tweedy's more recent wheelhouse of no frills production, relaxed presentation and in-the-room aesthetics that feel as if the songs are being unveiled just 10 feet away. Tweedy has created an experience fully designed for you to luxuriate in, to take your time with in our frighteningly accelerated culture. And I plan to do just that.
NINE INCH NAILS
Released September 19, 2025
One more reason to thank David Bowie while continuing to mourn his passing is to be thankful for whatever role he played in aiding Trent Reznor in his sobriety many years years ago.
While I do not actively listen to Nine Inch Nails very much these days, I also cannot imagine a world where this fully idiosyncratic sound did not exist. During the alternative music boom of the 1990's my peaks were actually not Nirvana and Pearl Jam, while I love both bands. My preferences were The Smashing Pumpkins and Nine Inch Nails. By the time Trent Reznor officially partnered with Atticus Ross and they ventured into film scoring, the output has been so prolific and bountiful that I have to add it that it has been impossible for me to keep up with it all...and there has admittedly been much that I have missed.
Even so, this film score to the third in the "Tron" series boats a complete score under the NIN moniker yet, true to form, it is a dense experience where we can hear how Reznor and Ross have fully mastered the art of film composition yet without watering down the very qualities that make them as unique as they are.
And still, there are surprises in passages that feel akin to Walter Carlos' synthetics from Stanley Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange" (1971) to hearing Reznor's growth as a singer with the propulsive "As Alive As You Need Me To Be" and the stunning duet with Judeline on "Who Wants To Live Forever?"
TORTOISE
Released September 9, 2025
Another band that I would never had heard of if not for the late John Hughes.
The Chicago based instrumental outfit first came to my attention through their inclusion in the soundtrack to one of Hughes' rarest, and one of his final films, "Reach The Rock" (1998)--a film scored by Tortoise drummer John McEntire. That film score propelled me into the band proper and they completely filled my wheelhouse of arcane, angular instrumental works as I had long built up a passion after digesting gallons of Tangerine Dream growing up.
The band's eighth album, and their first in nine years, continues their elastic post-rock path as element of prog, jazz, and the avant garde in fashions that feel so otherworldly while simultaneously warmly recognizable.
Despite the scary album cover photo, Tortoise's music has always served as a source of engagement as they have never existed as an outfit that felt as if they were writing and performing above me, so to speak. They have consistently felt approachable, never prickly, forever inviting me to return and dive into their world for another luxurious stretch.
Returning to David Bowie, album opener "Vexations" felt like an update of his "Speed Of Life." Mere seconds into "Elka," I was so in love with that Tangerine Dream-ish hypnosis. "Promenade a Deux" carries that Ennio Morricone sweep. I think you can understand where I am going with finding certain musical touchstones but trust me, and especially after all of their existence, Tortoise sounds like absolutely no one else.
"LULLABY FOR THE LOST"
DONNY McCASLIN
Released September 26, 2025
David Bowie is here to thank once again, for if he had not handpicked this musician for his final album, I never would know of him.
As I am certain with many of you, I was introduced to saxophonist Donny McCaslin and his bandmates through Bowie's final album "Blackstar" (released January 8, 2016). I was so amazed with what I had heard that I remained steadfast in following his output ever since. His latest album carries a more explicitly leaning edge towards a rock music aesthetic and rhythms while remaining as artfully incendiary and as inventive as ever. This album, very much like the ones already mentioned by Tortoise, Nine Inch Nails plus other albums to follow in this listing, is an experience which is purposefully immersive and by no means designed for passive listening. It is demanding of your fullest attention.
VERNON REID
Released October 3, 2025
Case in point is the latest solo offering from Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid, a figure I will follow anywhere ever since I was introduced to his musical world back in 1988 with his band's debut album.
I think out of his entire musical discography, I remain the most blown away by a solo release entitled "Mistaken Identity" (released June 1996) where he collaborated with legendary hip-hop producer Prince Paul. That album's audacious melding of art rock, hip-hop, funk, fusion, blues, soul and anything else Reid could think to incorporate blew my head apart in the best ways.
"Hoodoo Telemetery" feels to continue in this vein as it is undeniably a schizophrenic album, also in the very best ways. Again, it is demanding your full attention as you hang onto the rapid rocket ride through the history of music--and therefore, Black music--with Reid's bottomless influences and interests alongside his restless creativity and stratospheric guitar heroics.
"SON OF SPERGY"
DANIEL CAESAR
Released October 24, 2025
As unsettling as the algorithms are, it is striking with how correct they have been when they eerily arrive to suggest something new for me that I just may be interested in. Daniel Caesar was just one of several artists in 2025 I was pointed towards...and was subsequently entranced by.
He is an artist that I know nothing about and had not previously heard of but on my first few listens, he suggested something that could possibly exist within the same universe as late period Talk Talk and/or solo Mark Hollis and definitely, Frank Ocean's "Blonde" (released August 20, 2016).
There is a near weightless quality to the album, yet that is not to suggest that it is without substance. I am thinking in terms of the atmospherics of the work. It feel so ephemeral, ethereal as it poses a dialogue between Caesar and himself regarding questions of spirituality, masculinity, family, humility and existence.
"UNCLOUDED"
MELODY'S ECHO CHAMBER
Released December 5, 2025
Released right at the end of the year, I know that I haven't been able to yet give the album the complete attention it deserves to reach its greatest impact. But, that being said, the fourth album from psychedelic pop singer-songwriter-musician Melody Prochet did instantly tickle my synesthesia.
Prochet has always possessed an impressive knack for finding the perfect artists to collaborate with in order to realize her vision, from Tame Impala's Kevin Parker to members of the band Dungen. This time, she is working with El Michels Affair and once again, the breathiness of her vocals, combined with the dazzling colors of her songwriting now merged with the hip-hop atmospherics makes for another hallucinatory joyride.
LIZ LONGLEY
Released March 21, 2025
SLOAN
Released September 26, 2025
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