Top 10 British & Irish Albums of 2025
A year of returns, reinvention and remarkable songwriting, these are the British and Irish records that defined 2025 for me.
2025 will be a tough year to top in terms of the musical calendar, and I’m branding it the Year of the Comeback. Oasis’ reunion shows took over the world, Radiohead shocked fans with a surprise European tour, and Bob Dylan re-entered the charts earlier this year thanks to the biopic effect. Elsewhere, 90s icons returned, from Lily Allen dominating online discourse for weeks with her scandalous West End Girl, to Pulp reminding us of their studio talent with their first album in over two decades.
Last year belonged to the cultural phenomenon that was Charli XCX’s BRAT, while on a more personal level, Fontaines D.C.’s Romance occupied the majority of my brain space. And although we haven’t quite had that singular, all-consuming moment this time around, it’s still been another stellar year for British music shaping the wider musical landscape.
In an era where (trigger warning) AI has loomed large over conversations about music, creativity has prevailed. Between emerging talent and unexpected releases, it’s been an exciting year. Below, you’ll find my favourite albums from the UK and Ireland, in alphabetical order.
Black Country, New Road: Forever Howling
After the loss of their frontman, Black Country, New Road’s third album is a clear statement of resilience, leaning into rich arrangements, imaginative lyrics and plenty of recorders as the six-piece move forward with confidence, led by three striking voices.
CMAT: EUROCOUNTRY
EUROCOUNTRY is pop done brilliantly - bold, catchy and emotionally sharp, with Irish folk touches woven through relatable lyrics, big hooks and bigger feelings. It flirts with the political without losing its heart, anchored by gorgeous vocals and songwriting that cuts deep.
Lausse The Cat: The Mocking Stars
After seven years away, Lausse The Cat returns with The Mocking Stars, a cinematic trip through jazz-infused grooves, surreal soundscapes and poetic storytelling that feels like floating through someone’s dream. Rich, imaginative and full of personality, it’s one of 2025’s most unique musical worlds.
Lily Allen: West End Girl
Lily Allen’s West End Girl is a brutal, unfiltered reinvention. Raw, witty and emotionally addictive, like eavesdropping on the most honest conversation you’ve ever had. Written in a flash and packed with killer hooks and shameless honesty, it’s a revenge album like no other.
Maribou State: Hallucinating Love
Maribou State’s Hallucinating Love marks a smooth, feel-good return, turning a tough period into something warm, hopeful, and easy to get lost in. With crisp production, subtle emotion, the Andreya Triana-assisted ‘All I Need’ lands as the album’s defining moment.
Olivia Dean: The Art of Loving
2025 has been Olivia Dean’s year. She’s everywhere, no office playlist can escape her, but would we want it any other way? Her second album is a warm, neo-soul-influenced take on love that’s catchy, inventive and deeply felt, proving that when the songwriting is this strong, sticking to a classic sound makes perfect sense.
Pulp: More
Pulp’s long-awaited return is a Britpop comeback that genuinely feels worth the wait, pairing a more mature sound with that unmistakable, cheeky groove. The record is joyful and quietly heartbreaking in equal measure, celebrating the golden era of Britpop while proving their legacy is still thriving in 2025.
The Royston Club: Songs for the Spine
Songs for the Spine is a no-skip release and a huge moment for the Welsh four-piece, with tracks like ‘Cariad’ and ‘The Patch Where Nothing Grows’ already feeling like proper anthems. The softer moments carry real emotional weight, holding together a cohesive, confident and impressively well-crafted second album.
Sam Fender: People Watching
Sam Fender’s People Watching is heartfelt, gritty and observant, turning everyday life and quiet struggles into big-feeling, anthemic songs with sharp social insight. With cinematic sound and brutally honest lyrics throughout, it cements his place as one of Britain’s most compelling songwriters.
Wolf Alice: The Clearing
Wolf Alice’s The Clearing sees the band step away from heavy guitar anthems into a more mature, 70s-inspired sound that feels confident and carefully considered. Richly layered and beautifully written, it’s a wonderful listen, with Ellie Rowsell sounding heavenly throughout and proving the band’s evolution is as compelling as ever.
