Instead of debating the best albums of the year ourselves (although we have shared our fair share), we decided to ask the artists who make the music that moves us. We reached out to a group of musicians and performers we dig to learn which records stood out to them over the past year. From Shirley Manson of Garbage to Nation of Language, Portugal. The Man, The Linda Lindas, actor/singer Juliette Lewis, and more. Their picks offer a personal snapshot of the albums that resonated most in their worlds.

Shirley Manson of Garbage

The Smile You Send Out Returns To You by Constant Follower. The most exquisitely beautiful, gentle record . In a world of immense cruelty, it calms my nervous system and soothes my fury.

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Dijon – Baby

I know this is probably on everyone’s end of year lists but I found this one fascinating. The aesthetic, the vibe the lack of traditional structure. It feels so adventurous, while remaining truly sincere. Plus dude is handsome as hell and puts on a great show. Seeing Dijon play at Roseland in portland Oregon end of the year with my producer partner Kane Ritchotte really solidified this one for me. The show reflects the same risks and honesty as the album. It remains raw and real with a backing band that deeply understands each other.

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Nation of Language

lan – Safe Mind’s Cutting the Stone

Nothing gets stuck in my head faster than a Safe Mind song. Everything feels so well executed – it’s got an energy and tone that instantly turns my mood around. We were lucky enough to do a short tour with Safe Mind, and watching them capture the audience and keep them hooked was incredible.

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Aidan – Cate Le Bon’s Michelangelo Dying

She never misses, and here she once again masterfully pairs the weird and the heart wrenching, the most ear tingling vocals, the sickest basslines.

“Heaven is No Feeling” is my track of the year, hands down. Also, the photography and design paired with this album are gorgeously haunting. 10/10 record.

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Alex – Model/Actriz’s Pirouette

To write a song that’s brutally honest is one thing, but to write one that’s brutal and honest in equal measure is another. My favorite live band a couple years running-watching them unspool their bacchic, vaudevillian no-wave tableaus is a singular pleasure. NYC in 2025 is resurgent and dynamic and, for my money, M/A are at the tip of the spear.

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Cain Culto

My favorite album of the year is the BPM by Sudan Archives. It takes me on a glitched and transcendent journey of self love and deeper freedom! So many great dancing moments and I love the way she experiments with the violin.

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Juliette Lewis

I have to say the Lily Allen album ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve never heard an album in recent years- that from top to bottom is pure storytelling gold with amazing melodies, hooks and a completely incredible sonic productions. hooks galore all of it. I was absolutely floored by this album and then also Tame Impala.!!

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Eloise of The Linda Lindas

Hey this is Eloise (bass)! Death of the Heart by JER is my favorite album of the year. It’s so catchy, and perfectly encapsulates the times we live in, touching on how racism, colonialism, and apathy are killing us. Ranging from the beautiful melodies of “Silence is Violence” and “Grow Through What We Go Through” to the pure anguish of “Capitalism Breeds Devastation” and “What Will You Do,” JER perfectly captures our frustrations, and calls us to channel them to action.

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Esha Tewari

Who’s The Clown by Audrey Hobert! I love it because i feel like ive never heard pop music done like it and its so unique!

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The answers we received offer a rare glimpse into the listening habits of artists we admire—revealing shared influences, unexpected picks, and the records that left a lasting mark on them. Whether you’re looking to discover something new or curious about what’s been on repeat for your favorite musicians, these selections celebrate a year of music as seen through the ears of the artists themselves.

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