2025 Albums in Focus
Once again we are back in list season. You think about the all-important goals or resolutions for 2026, ideas for last minute gifts that our loved ones can order off online platforms offering next day delivery, annual listening data compiled by that streaming platform which tells where you sit in the overall percentage of Taylor Swift’s global audience, ensuring you have enough food to feed a small army from the annual Christmas multiple trolly expedition to big [INSERT SUPERMARKET OF YOU CHOOSING], various NFL Power Rankings claiming that the Cowboys for once are not dead (but are actually one of the most exciting teams in the National Football League right now) of course the all-important ‘Naughty or Nice’ list kept by the big guy who travels the entire world to bring joy to one and all in a single night.
So rather than compiling our own Tyler Childers inspired “Bitin’ List” for the year, it’s time for our countdown of our favourite albums of 2025 which really hit the mark to finish up in this year’s top ten.
So rather than compiling our own Tyler Childers inspired “Bitin’ List” for the year, it’s time for our countdown of our favourite albums of 2025 which really hit the mark to finish up in this year’s top ten.
'MaRynn’
MaRynn Taylor
Black River Entertainment
Starting off strong with a fun and positive record. I like her sound and I really like her voice a lot, also considering the rest of the list, surprisingly this is the only album with the tracks stylised entirely in lower case on this list - by that I mean it is female heavy and I’ve been told it is how people type and looks nicer aesthetically. However this lovely little album is sonically appealing, it’s really sweet and nice to listen to in a way that entices you in to the world of the Michigan raised songstress to give you a really strong introduction to her. Filled with catchy hooks, infectious melodies, relatable lyrics and plenty of smiles, this is a really fun sun-kissed pop-country debut that we really hope will help her find her way across the pond to see us very soon.
MaRynn Taylor
Black River Entertainment
Starting off strong with a fun and positive record. I like her sound and I really like her voice a lot, also considering the rest of the list, surprisingly this is the only album with the tracks stylised entirely in lower case on this list - by that I mean it is female heavy and I’ve been told it is how people type and looks nicer aesthetically. However this lovely little album is sonically appealing, it’s really sweet and nice to listen to in a way that entices you in to the world of the Michigan raised songstress to give you a really strong introduction to her. Filled with catchy hooks, infectious melodies, relatable lyrics and plenty of smiles, this is a really fun sun-kissed pop-country debut that we really hope will help her find her way across the pond to see us very soon.
'Getting By’
Lily Fitts
Thirty Knots Records
My personal discovery of 2025 and how glad I was to come across this delightful lady from Massachusetts. We got to see her play in Hyde Park during the summer and is about to return with Max McNown for his UK headline tour where you will get to experience something very magical with her sound, her lyricism and her storytelling. Her debut album is a blend of dreamy folk and real red-dirt country sounds which while angelic on the ears also shows her sassy and devilish side coming out in a beautiful and witty way. I imagine a certain streaming platform will wrap up the year as the record that I have listened to most and that is because it is a record that is really to deliver you through both the ups and downs with a truly mesmerising voice.
Lily Fitts
Thirty Knots Records
My personal discovery of 2025 and how glad I was to come across this delightful lady from Massachusetts. We got to see her play in Hyde Park during the summer and is about to return with Max McNown for his UK headline tour where you will get to experience something very magical with her sound, her lyricism and her storytelling. Her debut album is a blend of dreamy folk and real red-dirt country sounds which while angelic on the ears also shows her sassy and devilish side coming out in a beautiful and witty way. I imagine a certain streaming platform will wrap up the year as the record that I have listened to most and that is because it is a record that is really to deliver you through both the ups and downs with a truly mesmerising voice.
'Hey Country Queen’
Mackenzie Carpenter
The Valory Music Co.
This is pure pop-country perfection and really contagious record from start to finish. Throughout the thirteen tracks, the Georgia native showcases why she is already a platinum-selling songwriter and why she is not only paying homage to the Country Queens but she well and truly is on the way to becoming one herself. From late night dive bar swooners, RNB vibes, motivational pick-ups, breakup advising, flirtatious little ditty’s, big up-tempo bangers, the lyrical masterpiece of “Red Wine Blue” and a magical collaboration with those naughty boys from Midland, this has it all throughout the project which really shows her charm and wit as both a songwriter and a vocalist. It’s just a really fun record with a lot of cool sounds right the way through that is a genuine all-killer, no filler collection.
Mackenzie Carpenter
The Valory Music Co.
This is pure pop-country perfection and really contagious record from start to finish. Throughout the thirteen tracks, the Georgia native showcases why she is already a platinum-selling songwriter and why she is not only paying homage to the Country Queens but she well and truly is on the way to becoming one herself. From late night dive bar swooners, RNB vibes, motivational pick-ups, breakup advising, flirtatious little ditty’s, big up-tempo bangers, the lyrical masterpiece of “Red Wine Blue” and a magical collaboration with those naughty boys from Midland, this has it all throughout the project which really shows her charm and wit as both a songwriter and a vocalist. It’s just a really fun record with a lot of cool sounds right the way through that is a genuine all-killer, no filler collection.
‘Solitary Tracks’
Kip Moore
Slowhearts Production LLC / Virgin Media Group
Earlier this year, we genuinely bought two tickets to gun show as Ian flew to Stockholm in Sweden and I went back to Cologne in Germany to see him tour this record. Kip is one of our favourite live performers that plays banger after banger but what makes his sixth studio album so strong is how these songs don’t just sound so good live but they fit so perfectly within his extensive catalogue. This is definitely up there as one of his finest works so far and it feels his most personal. It is the longest record on my list yet it feels that all twenty three songs have purpose and add value where there aren’t any songs to skip which is rare within a project of this size. Internationally his recognition is so deserved and this project reaffirms why but also is a reminder to the folk back in the States that he remains one of the finest in the business.
Kip Moore
Slowhearts Production LLC / Virgin Media Group
Earlier this year, we genuinely bought two tickets to gun show as Ian flew to Stockholm in Sweden and I went back to Cologne in Germany to see him tour this record. Kip is one of our favourite live performers that plays banger after banger but what makes his sixth studio album so strong is how these songs don’t just sound so good live but they fit so perfectly within his extensive catalogue. This is definitely up there as one of his finest works so far and it feels his most personal. It is the longest record on my list yet it feels that all twenty three songs have purpose and add value where there aren’t any songs to skip which is rare within a project of this size. Internationally his recognition is so deserved and this project reaffirms why but also is a reminder to the folk back in the States that he remains one of the finest in the business.
‘Let Go Letters’
Avery Anna
Warner Music Nashville
The first of three “concept projects” on this list and as far as concept records go, the idea behind this one is so wholesome. An album created off the back of letters written by her fans where they were letting go of things in their past that were providing hurt or trauma to them which she has turned into a truly powerful and emotive collection that is so real. Beginning with a spoken verbal letter back to her fans and later featuring a collaboration with Maggie Antone, this record captures the essence of what people need to move on from and respects where the stories came from whilst bringing things to a positive perspective. I got to spend some time with Avery in Camden on what I recall as one of the hottest days in memory that London has ever seen and her warmth along with her big personality is infectious which both come across so well through this project.
Avery Anna
Warner Music Nashville
The first of three “concept projects” on this list and as far as concept records go, the idea behind this one is so wholesome. An album created off the back of letters written by her fans where they were letting go of things in their past that were providing hurt or trauma to them which she has turned into a truly powerful and emotive collection that is so real. Beginning with a spoken verbal letter back to her fans and later featuring a collaboration with Maggie Antone, this record captures the essence of what people need to move on from and respects where the stories came from whilst bringing things to a positive perspective. I got to spend some time with Avery in Camden on what I recall as one of the hottest days in memory that London has ever seen and her warmth along with her big personality is infectious which both come across so well through this project.
‘Darling Blue’
The Marcus King Band
American Recordings / Republic Records
Man, this is goooooood! This man could sing the phone book and you would be compelled but this full-band record has everything. It still retains the dirty, swampy, blues filled feel that you are craving but it has more of a commercial edge to previous offerings without taking away any of the authenticity. His voice is phenomenal and something that you will never forget so hearing a full band recording once more for the first time since 2018 is really fun to hear and this has so much variety to draw you in from start to finish which materialises as a real work of art that began as the band working on songs for their live shows yet bloomed into something for their fans to own and cherish.
The Marcus King Band
American Recordings / Republic Records
Man, this is goooooood! This man could sing the phone book and you would be compelled but this full-band record has everything. It still retains the dirty, swampy, blues filled feel that you are craving but it has more of a commercial edge to previous offerings without taking away any of the authenticity. His voice is phenomenal and something that you will never forget so hearing a full band recording once more for the first time since 2018 is really fun to hear and this has so much variety to draw you in from start to finish which materialises as a real work of art that began as the band working on songs for their live shows yet bloomed into something for their fans to own and cherish.
‘Bed of Roses’
Caylee Hammack
Capitol Nashville
This is the next project that has a concept aspect as there was an accompanying novel telling the stories behind the song and how everything falls into place. I have been such a huge Caylee Hammack fan for as long as I have known about her music and her voice is one of the most powerful, distinct and recognisable in the genre where this project which was five years in the making has delivered this to perfection. With input from Dan Huff, Meg McRee, Tenille Townes, the UK’s own Lucie Silvas and her husband John Osborne which are all so distinctive yet the Georgia native really delivers so much emotion throughout the project. A thing of pure beauty which Caylee talked about so extensively in our interview prior to her performing at The Royal Albert Hall where the Foy Vance duet ‘The Hill’ along with the rocky banger ‘Cleopatra’ are able to stand out amongst this beautifully creative collection.
Caylee Hammack
Capitol Nashville
This is the next project that has a concept aspect as there was an accompanying novel telling the stories behind the song and how everything falls into place. I have been such a huge Caylee Hammack fan for as long as I have known about her music and her voice is one of the most powerful, distinct and recognisable in the genre where this project which was five years in the making has delivered this to perfection. With input from Dan Huff, Meg McRee, Tenille Townes, the UK’s own Lucie Silvas and her husband John Osborne which are all so distinctive yet the Georgia native really delivers so much emotion throughout the project. A thing of pure beauty which Caylee talked about so extensively in our interview prior to her performing at The Royal Albert Hall where the Foy Vance duet ‘The Hill’ along with the rocky banger ‘Cleopatra’ are able to stand out amongst this beautifully creative collection.
‘Man’s Best Friend’
Sabrina Carpenter
Island Records
This may appear as quite a bit of a curveball and could well set some people off but hear me out: she has performed at The Grand Ole Opry, collaborated with Dolly Parton on a CMA Award eligible track (which I may have voted for in the open round of the ballot) and ‘Go Go Juice’ is not just a banger but is as much a country song as anything else you will hear that has been released this year. There is a heavy Jack Antonoff footprint throughout this blend of pop, disco, R&B and country sounds which is banger after banger. Country music at its core is about songwriting reflecting real life which is relatable and Sabrina definitely portrays that throughout this record which is pure pop perfection that creatively ventures into the genres that we love on multiple occasions.
Sabrina Carpenter
Island Records
This may appear as quite a bit of a curveball and could well set some people off but hear me out: she has performed at The Grand Ole Opry, collaborated with Dolly Parton on a CMA Award eligible track (which I may have voted for in the open round of the ballot) and ‘Go Go Juice’ is not just a banger but is as much a country song as anything else you will hear that has been released this year. There is a heavy Jack Antonoff footprint throughout this blend of pop, disco, R&B and country sounds which is banger after banger. Country music at its core is about songwriting reflecting real life which is relatable and Sabrina definitely portrays that throughout this record which is pure pop perfection that creatively ventures into the genres that we love on multiple occasions.
‘Man Of The North’
Liam St. John
Big Loud Rock
This is the album that I have listened to more than any other since it came out and (sorry to be one of those guys) it sounds so good on vinyl. Yes, he has great hair and I really enjoyed having a beer with him plus he does an incredible cover of ‘Toxic’ but not only was I sold straight away on seeing him live, this record is exactly what I had been craving. It’s a magical blend of swampy southern rock sounds, powerful ideologies and a captivating vocal style which is perfect for any setting. It’s smooth and slick yet dirty, where it sounds so clean with so much depth lyrically. LSJ was truly my artist discovery of 2025 and if you haven’t had the chance to listen to this stunning piece of art, you need to change that quickly as it really is a blues-rock display that belongs being hung up in a gallery as a really deep, emotive and powerful record.
Liam St. John
Big Loud Rock
This is the album that I have listened to more than any other since it came out and (sorry to be one of those guys) it sounds so good on vinyl. Yes, he has great hair and I really enjoyed having a beer with him plus he does an incredible cover of ‘Toxic’ but not only was I sold straight away on seeing him live, this record is exactly what I had been craving. It’s a magical blend of swampy southern rock sounds, powerful ideologies and a captivating vocal style which is perfect for any setting. It’s smooth and slick yet dirty, where it sounds so clean with so much depth lyrically. LSJ was truly my artist discovery of 2025 and if you haven’t had the chance to listen to this stunning piece of art, you need to change that quickly as it really is a blues-rock display that belongs being hung up in a gallery as a really deep, emotive and powerful record.
‘Cherry Valley’
Carter Faith
Gatsby Records / MCA
A debut full-length record is a showcase of an artist’s life’s work so far but more importantly it is a statement which introduces themselves and gives you an insight into who they are along with the world that they live in. It is incredibly rare to encounter a window which paints the full picture of someone like you find the North Carolina native offering with her first release. The Tofer Brown produced collection really shows the balance of her warmth, her vulnerabilities, her quick nature, compassion, humour, ability to reflect and of course her feisty and witty personality which can be more than a little cheeky to really let you know who you are listening to and where they are coming from. In part you could attach “concept album” as a label to the album as ‘Cherry Valley’ is a place on a road sign that she drove through with Ashley Monroe and then manifested what this place could be like which helps glue the album together so cohesively which in turn makes it feel so real as you move through the seasons of her world. The album has its ups and downs, heroes and villains, one off adventures and lifelong lessons along with a mixture of both happy and sad tears which makes it the purest and truest record of the year. An absolute masterpiece which lays the foundation for Carter Faith to deservedly become the name on everyone’s lips for many years to come.
Carter Faith
Gatsby Records / MCA
A debut full-length record is a showcase of an artist’s life’s work so far but more importantly it is a statement which introduces themselves and gives you an insight into who they are along with the world that they live in. It is incredibly rare to encounter a window which paints the full picture of someone like you find the North Carolina native offering with her first release. The Tofer Brown produced collection really shows the balance of her warmth, her vulnerabilities, her quick nature, compassion, humour, ability to reflect and of course her feisty and witty personality which can be more than a little cheeky to really let you know who you are listening to and where they are coming from. In part you could attach “concept album” as a label to the album as ‘Cherry Valley’ is a place on a road sign that she drove through with Ashley Monroe and then manifested what this place could be like which helps glue the album together so cohesively which in turn makes it feel so real as you move through the seasons of her world. The album has its ups and downs, heroes and villains, one off adventures and lifelong lessons along with a mixture of both happy and sad tears which makes it the purest and truest record of the year. An absolute masterpiece which lays the foundation for Carter Faith to deservedly become the name on everyone’s lips for many years to come.
