Top 30 Albums of 2025
30. Guerrilla Teens - Monkey's Paw
More heart-pounding greatness from Scott "Deluxe" Drake and his mighty band of Portland punk rock 'n' roll superstars. This album should have gotten way more attention than it did.
More heart-pounding greatness from Scott "Deluxe" Drake and his mighty band of Portland punk rock 'n' roll superstars. This album should have gotten way more attention than it did.
29. Melvic Centre - Trawler
An absolutely delightful throwback to 1990s college radio and melodic punk that somehow sounds current in 2025.
An absolutely delightful throwback to 1990s college radio and melodic punk that somehow sounds current in 2025.
28. Golden Shitters - Brutal Planet
From Hamilton, Ontario, Golden Shitters deliver a true album for our times — full of delightfully catchy punk rock songs about this world going straight down the toilet.
From Hamilton, Ontario, Golden Shitters deliver a true album for our times — full of delightfully catchy punk rock songs about this world going straight down the toilet.
27. Radioactivity - Time Won't Bring Me Down
A decade later, we finally get a third Radioactivity album, and of course it's a masterpiece.
A decade later, we finally get a third Radioactivity album, and of course it's a masterpiece.
26. Blowers - Blowmania
From my own review: "Many bands would be exhibiting palpable maturation by the time they got to their third album, but thankfully Blowers are doubling (or perhaps tripling) down on the thumping, rambunctious, and wonderfully stupid approach to rock 'n' roll that made them such sensations in the first place."
From my own review: "Many bands would be exhibiting palpable maturation by the time they got to their third album, but thankfully Blowers are doubling (or perhaps tripling) down on the thumping, rambunctious, and wonderfully stupid approach to rock 'n' roll that made them such sensations in the first place."
25. Ricky Rochelle - Second Layer
Having grown into something far more than just a Ramones-loving pop-punk guy, Ricky Rochelle takes a huge step forward on his latest solo album, writing frankly about mental health struggles, trauma, and his complicated relationship with his late father. Appropriately, Second Layer also adds musical layers to Ricky's repertoire, incorporating more modern and varied influences while still broadly appealing to fans of pop-punk. An absolute gem of an album from one of the best dudes in this scene.
Having grown into something far more than just a Ramones-loving pop-punk guy, Ricky Rochelle takes a huge step forward on his latest solo album, writing frankly about mental health struggles, trauma, and his complicated relationship with his late father. Appropriately, Second Layer also adds musical layers to Ricky's repertoire, incorporating more modern and varied influences while still broadly appealing to fans of pop-punk. An absolute gem of an album from one of the best dudes in this scene.
24. Ryan Allen - One Week Off
Ryan Allen ends up somewhere on my top albums list just about every year, and here he is again. He literally used a week off from work to make an album, and this is the kind of record he always excels at: home-recorded tunes with indie rock charm and power pop hooks. If you loved his album Basement Punk, this almost feels like a sequel.
23. Lùlù - self-titled
Lùlù's debut album, sung entirely in French and Italian, demonstrates that joyful & anthemic power pop rock 'n' roll is a universal language of its own.
Lùlù's debut album, sung entirely in French and Italian, demonstrates that joyful & anthemic power pop rock 'n' roll is a universal language of its own.
22. Snakeheads - Belconnen Highs
Aussie rock veterans James Roden and Pete Lusty, who were high school mates in Canberra and friends for over 35 years, formed Snakeheads in 2016 so they could hang out and play the kind of music they loved when they were kids. After Lusty died of very aggressive lymphoma in 2020, Roden decided a fitting tribute would be to finish the album they had started together. If you too grew up on The Clash, The Jam, and '80s Aussie garage and power pop, Belconnen Highs will set your soul on fire.
Aussie rock veterans James Roden and Pete Lusty, who were high school mates in Canberra and friends for over 35 years, formed Snakeheads in 2016 so they could hang out and play the kind of music they loved when they were kids. After Lusty died of very aggressive lymphoma in 2020, Roden decided a fitting tribute would be to finish the album they had started together. If you too grew up on The Clash, The Jam, and '80s Aussie garage and power pop, Belconnen Highs will set your soul on fire.
21. The Peppermint Kicks - Pop Rocks in My Chewing Gum
When Danny Kopko and Sal Baglio join forces, you can always expect fireworks. The second album from The Peppermint Kicks is a parade of glam/bubblegum/power pop smash hits straight out of 1974!
20. The Roxies - Keep You Up at Night
The Roxies manage to do so much of what I like (combine old school punk with power pop influences) while also being remarkably original and modern in their approach. Keep You Up At Night is full of moody, thoughtful songs but does not fail to satisfy at a more visceral level. If you slept on this one, it's worth your renewed attention!
The Roxies manage to do so much of what I like (combine old school punk with power pop influences) while also being remarkably original and modern in their approach. Keep You Up At Night is full of moody, thoughtful songs but does not fail to satisfy at a more visceral level. If you slept on this one, it's worth your renewed attention!
19. The Smart Shoppers - Shop Among Us
More new wave meets punk rock meets dork rock brilliance from Green Bay's most distinguished gentlemen.
More new wave meets punk rock meets dork rock brilliance from Green Bay's most distinguished gentlemen.
18. Los Pepes - Out of the Void
Somehow after six albums, the loudest power pop band on Earth is still going strong without having to change much about its musical approach. If anything, this band is actually getting better!
Somehow after six albums, the loudest power pop band on Earth is still going strong without having to change much about its musical approach. If anything, this band is actually getting better!
17. N.E. Vains - Running Down Pylons
TJ Cabot, Jeffrey Thunders, and friends are back with the most significant cooperation between New England and Atlantic Canada since the Webster–Ashburton Treaty. A straight-up killer garage punk album that marries the best of snotty punk, hardcore, and '70s punk influences.
TJ Cabot, Jeffrey Thunders, and friends are back with the most significant cooperation between New England and Atlantic Canada since the Webster–Ashburton Treaty. A straight-up killer garage punk album that marries the best of snotty punk, hardcore, and '70s punk influences.
16. Friends of Cesar Romero - Spider Dreamer Sweet Tooth
A typically outstanding effort from my favorite one-man-band. All the best of garage rock, power pop, pop-punk, and '60s pop rock 'n' roll combined into one perfect long player. J. Waylon remains the king of clever song titles.
A typically outstanding effort from my favorite one-man-band. All the best of garage rock, power pop, pop-punk, and '60s pop rock 'n' roll combined into one perfect long player. J. Waylon remains the king of clever song titles.
15. Trevor Blendour - Breaking Up
Still seamlessly combining pop-punk with doo-wop and early rock 'n' roll influences, the great Trevor Blendour takes things a little deeper this time with very honest lyrics about his personal struggles with health and love (or the lack thereof). This is one of the most underrated songwriting talents in our corner of the music scene, and he has never been better.
Still seamlessly combining pop-punk with doo-wop and early rock 'n' roll influences, the great Trevor Blendour takes things a little deeper this time with very honest lyrics about his personal struggles with health and love (or the lack thereof). This is one of the most underrated songwriting talents in our corner of the music scene, and he has never been better.
14. Miss Georgia Peach - Class out the Ass
Georgia and Travis, two of my favorite humans, reunite with their pals in Nashville Pussy & Nine Pound Hammer and again remind us what rocking old school country music is all about.
13. Loose Lips - Last Laugh
It would be easy to overlook this "side project" band given that The Prize and The Unknowns also released albums this year. But if you like great power pop with feet planted in garage and punk, Last Laugh is not to be missed!
It would be easy to overlook this "side project" band given that The Prize and The Unknowns also released albums this year. But if you like great power pop with feet planted in garage and punk, Last Laugh is not to be missed!
12. Hormones - Hot for Hormones
Hormones were one of my favorite new bands of 2025, and their debut album is an absolute delight. In a musical style that brings to mind the Ramones with a pinch of the Buzzcocks, these 14 tracks manage to be fun and infectious while also tackling a serious concept: what it's like to navigate love and life as a recently-transitioned trans woman. I fell in love with Hormones from the very first note, and I hope there's more in store from the world's hottest band!
Hormones were one of my favorite new bands of 2025, and their debut album is an absolute delight. In a musical style that brings to mind the Ramones with a pinch of the Buzzcocks, these 14 tracks manage to be fun and infectious while also tackling a serious concept: what it's like to navigate love and life as a recently-transitioned trans woman. I fell in love with Hormones from the very first note, and I hope there's more in store from the world's hottest band!
11. The Prize - In the Red
I always knew a full-length album from these Melbourne-based sensations would be something special. And here we have it: 11 tracks of powerfully poppy, punk-influenced kick-ass rock 'n' roll that would be all over rock radio if rock radio were still a thing. Ted says it's the best album of the decade, and that's not an unreasonable take.
I always knew a full-length album from these Melbourne-based sensations would be something special. And here we have it: 11 tracks of powerfully poppy, punk-influenced kick-ass rock 'n' roll that would be all over rock radio if rock radio were still a thing. Ted says it's the best album of the decade, and that's not an unreasonable take.
10. Civil Rats - Get Outta Here!
We need more bands in the world like Civil Rats, who come crawling out of the streets of Philadelphia with simple, thumping garage punk songs that are super-fun to sing along with. If you like catchy three-chord punk music with relatable lyrics about getting older, putting up with annoying people, and navigating the difficulties of life, Civil Rats are a band you need to know and love.
We need more bands in the world like Civil Rats, who come crawling out of the streets of Philadelphia with simple, thumping garage punk songs that are super-fun to sing along with. If you like catchy three-chord punk music with relatable lyrics about getting older, putting up with annoying people, and navigating the difficulties of life, Civil Rats are a band you need to know and love.
9. The Control Freaks - TV Generation
Greg Lowery and company return with album #4, and it's exactly what you would have hoped for: 12 tracks of fast, catchy, stupid punk rock done to perfection.
8. The High Frequencies - self-titled
Fronted by the queen of power pop, Lisa Mychols, and featuring three-fourths of The Waking Hours, The High Frequencies have delivered a debut album on JEM Records that will delight almost any fan of punky power pop that rocks.
7. Vista Blue - Clear Eyes, Full Hearts
An album from Vista Blue based on the first season of the acclaimed television series based on the popular motion picture based on the iconic Buzz Bissinger book Friday Night Lights was absolutely something I wanted and needed in my life. But Clear Eyes, Full Hearts is far more than just a silly concept album. It's a great pop-punk album, period, and I listened to it this year as much as I listened to anything. Now I find myself wishing I could catch the Crucifictorious show, hang out Alamo Freeze, earn a coveted spot on Grady Hunt's list, and go to State.
An album from Vista Blue based on the first season of the acclaimed television series based on the popular motion picture based on the iconic Buzz Bissinger book Friday Night Lights was absolutely something I wanted and needed in my life. But Clear Eyes, Full Hearts is far more than just a silly concept album. It's a great pop-punk album, period, and I listened to it this year as much as I listened to anything. Now I find myself wishing I could catch the Crucifictorious show, hang out Alamo Freeze, earn a coveted spot on Grady Hunt's list, and go to State.
6. The Unknowns - Looking from the Outside
The boys from Brisbane are back doing what they do best: cranking out old style catchy punk rock with energy to burn and hooks for days. 5. TA-80 - Open Late
The mighty TA-80 pull off something rather spectacular: play anthemic & mega-hooky poppy punk rock with the shredding zeal of an '80s hard rock band. So many bands would fail at this, but TA-80 makes it sound like the best thing ever. Open Late is full of killer tunes that ought to be cranked loud and thoroughly enjoyed. This is perhaps the one band on Earth I'd most like to drink cheap beers with at the roller rink.
The mighty TA-80 pull off something rather spectacular: play anthemic & mega-hooky poppy punk rock with the shredding zeal of an '80s hard rock band. So many bands would fail at this, but TA-80 makes it sound like the best thing ever. Open Late is full of killer tunes that ought to be cranked loud and thoroughly enjoyed. This is perhaps the one band on Earth I'd most like to drink cheap beers with at the roller rink.
4. The Dogmatics - Nowheresville
The Dogmatics releasing their first album in 40 years (!) could have been a recipe for disappointment. But Nowheresville is everything I hoped it would be and then some. The Dogmatics still sound like The Dogmatics without resorting to self-imitation. They're still the quintessential Boston garage/punk band, but they've also got some new tricks in the playbook. Successful second acts in rock 'n' roll are rare, but Nowheresville could legitimately be called The Dogmatics' best album.
The Dogmatics releasing their first album in 40 years (!) could have been a recipe for disappointment. But Nowheresville is everything I hoped it would be and then some. The Dogmatics still sound like The Dogmatics without resorting to self-imitation. They're still the quintessential Boston garage/punk band, but they've also got some new tricks in the playbook. Successful second acts in rock 'n' roll are rare, but Nowheresville could legitimately be called The Dogmatics' best album.
3. N*rc*s y Horchata - precious little album
Yes, I had to censor the name because Blogger always deletes my posts when I write about this band. And I didn't want this post stuck in limbo for a whole day. But you know which band I'm talking about! Making a big jump from album #1 to album #2, Detroit's finest builds off its signature melodic street punk rock 'n' roll style by embracing more post-punk and '80s Midwest punk influences. The songs are insanely good from start to finish, and the band has never sounded better. To me, Amado is one of the most underrated songwriters in the game. He has found a way to push himself creatively while still crafting songs that thrill and excite. And the entire band is on fire from start to finish. Behold an instant classic of modern-day punk rock!
Yes, I had to censor the name because Blogger always deletes my posts when I write about this band. And I didn't want this post stuck in limbo for a whole day. But you know which band I'm talking about! Making a big jump from album #1 to album #2, Detroit's finest builds off its signature melodic street punk rock 'n' roll style by embracing more post-punk and '80s Midwest punk influences. The songs are insanely good from start to finish, and the band has never sounded better. To me, Amado is one of the most underrated songwriters in the game. He has found a way to push himself creatively while still crafting songs that thrill and excite. And the entire band is on fire from start to finish. Behold an instant classic of modern-day punk rock!
2. The Airport 77s - Don't Let Go
I have loved this band from the very first email Andy sent me, and every release has been better than the one that came before it. On Don't Let Go, The Airport 77s show how you can still be broadly a power pop band yet build a diverse sound off of that. Digging deeper into its new wave and '80s college radio influences but also venturing into moody post-punk on the title track and near–yacht rock on the moving empty nester ballad "Satellite," The Airport 77s really spread their wings on their third album (and second on JEM Records). While this release does have its comical moments (check out the outlaw road ballad "Make 'Em Pay [Don't Make It Easy]"), it shows a much more serious and reflective side of The Airport 77s. And yet none of this comes at the expense of memorable choruses or earworm hooks. Hearing this album was like showing up at high school graduation and discovering that the class clown from sophomore year is now valedictorian.
I have loved this band from the very first email Andy sent me, and every release has been better than the one that came before it. On Don't Let Go, The Airport 77s show how you can still be broadly a power pop band yet build a diverse sound off of that. Digging deeper into its new wave and '80s college radio influences but also venturing into moody post-punk on the title track and near–yacht rock on the moving empty nester ballad "Satellite," The Airport 77s really spread their wings on their third album (and second on JEM Records). While this release does have its comical moments (check out the outlaw road ballad "Make 'Em Pay [Don't Make It Easy]"), it shows a much more serious and reflective side of The Airport 77s. And yet none of this comes at the expense of memorable choruses or earworm hooks. Hearing this album was like showing up at high school graduation and discovering that the class clown from sophomore year is now valedictorian.
1. The Vapors - Wasp in a Jar
My goodness, what year is it? I can't tell you how many times I've listened to The Vapors' New Clear Days over the years. It's quite possibly my favorite album of all-time, and for many years, I surmised that we'd never hear from The Vapors again, and that even if we did, it wouldn't be the same. Then came the improbable reunion and the excellent comeback album Together back in 2020. This year brought us the even better Wasp in a Jar, an album that proved to be classic Vapors in every sense. You can hear the age in David Fenton's voice. But that's a strength, not a weakness. Wasp in a Jar finds Fenton flourishing as a master of his craft and elder statesman of the independent music world. Musically, these songs marry punk, new wave, and power pop influences in vintage Vapors fashion. And as a lyricist, Fenton has never been sharper —whether he's writing about the current political climate, his battle with Parkinson's Disease, parenthood, or the band itself. Without trying to turn back the clock, Wasp In A Jar recalls New Clear Days. It's a similar yet quite different album — and dare I say nearly as good? I had this penciled in as my top album of the year from the start, and nothing came close to knocking it out of the top spot. Vinyl still available from Red Chuck Records!
My goodness, what year is it? I can't tell you how many times I've listened to The Vapors' New Clear Days over the years. It's quite possibly my favorite album of all-time, and for many years, I surmised that we'd never hear from The Vapors again, and that even if we did, it wouldn't be the same. Then came the improbable reunion and the excellent comeback album Together back in 2020. This year brought us the even better Wasp in a Jar, an album that proved to be classic Vapors in every sense. You can hear the age in David Fenton's voice. But that's a strength, not a weakness. Wasp in a Jar finds Fenton flourishing as a master of his craft and elder statesman of the independent music world. Musically, these songs marry punk, new wave, and power pop influences in vintage Vapors fashion. And as a lyricist, Fenton has never been sharper —whether he's writing about the current political climate, his battle with Parkinson's Disease, parenthood, or the band itself. Without trying to turn back the clock, Wasp In A Jar recalls New Clear Days. It's a similar yet quite different album — and dare I say nearly as good? I had this penciled in as my top album of the year from the start, and nothing came close to knocking it out of the top spot. Vinyl still available from Red Chuck Records!
Honorable Mentions:
Frankie Delmane & The Deviations - After All Of This We Must Fall In Love
Strange Neighbors - People Pleasers Pleasing People
Feedbacks - Bring Back the Light
WYLDLIFE - sorted.
Wisconsin Anger Team - Beyond The Everest Crater III
Beebe Gallini - Begged, Borrowed & Stealed
Goin' Places - Imperfect
Top 20 EPs of 2025
20. Handsome Dick Manitoba - Back on Broadway
Some of you might have heard of this guy.
19. Matthew Julian - The Wayside (songs that fell)
Imagine being so talented that you can release stuff this good as leftovers. The next Speedways album is written and now being rehearsed.
18. The Hellflowers - Teenage Radio
Six classic covers from this amazing SoCal punk band. Be sure not to miss Rum Bar's deluxe CD reissue of this band's first two LPs!
Six classic covers from this amazing SoCal punk band. Be sure not to miss Rum Bar's deluxe CD reissue of this band's first two LPs!
17. Shit Missile - self-titled
World class lo-fi trash from Berlin!
World class lo-fi trash from Berlin!
16. Whimsyland - Bounty Bay
They say sequels are made to be disappointing, but Chadd Derkins doesn't play by those rules.
They say sequels are made to be disappointing, but Chadd Derkins doesn't play by those rules.
15. Barpinson - Population
Saturday Night Karaoke main-man Prabu Pramayougha goes solo and takes things in more of a power pop direction.
Saturday Night Karaoke main-man Prabu Pramayougha goes solo and takes things in more of a power pop direction.
14. Linear Television - Sandy Beach
If you think pop-punk by way of '77 punk (or perhaps vice versa) sounds like my cup of tea, you would be right.
If you think pop-punk by way of '77 punk (or perhaps vice versa) sounds like my cup of tea, you would be right.
13. Borderlines - Repair Kit
Portland, Maine pop-punk veterans write the manual on how to make this sort of music for grown-ups.
Portland, Maine pop-punk veterans write the manual on how to make this sort of music for grown-ups.
12. Flutter - When You Love Somebody
Very excellent power pop from this new-ish band out of Denver, Colorado.
Very excellent power pop from this new-ish band out of Denver, Colorado.
11. Soda Pops - Sweet Nothing
"Bubbling with bright riffs and bittersweet vibes, Soda Pops bring a sugar-coated chaos with their garage pop tunes with distorted guitars, tongue-in-cheek lyrics about serious issues like substance abuse & mental health problems, sing-along hooks, and enough sweet nothings to keep your heart warm while it breaks."
"Bubbling with bright riffs and bittersweet vibes, Soda Pops bring a sugar-coated chaos with their garage pop tunes with distorted guitars, tongue-in-cheek lyrics about serious issues like substance abuse & mental health problems, sing-along hooks, and enough sweet nothings to keep your heart warm while it breaks."
10. Mala Vista - Snub Nose .38
In my book, this is the best '77-style punk band out there right now. One of my most loyal readers likened the title track to the best of Radio Birdman, and who am I to argue?
In my book, this is the best '77-style punk band out there right now. One of my most loyal readers likened the title track to the best of Radio Birdman, and who am I to argue?
9. Dimmicks - self-titled
Six tracks of amazing co-ed pop-punk from Toulouse, France! Malibu Lou says he's reminded of the Teen Idols, and that is some high praise!
Six tracks of amazing co-ed pop-punk from Toulouse, France! Malibu Lou says he's reminded of the Teen Idols, and that is some high praise!
8. Daniel James Gang - Darkness Over This Town
After dropping the smash hit "Misery" last year, Daniel James and friends came through with a full EP early this year. If dark and gritty Midwestern punk with irresistible pop hooks sounds like your cup of tea, you need to own this record.
After dropping the smash hit "Misery" last year, Daniel James and friends came through with a full EP early this year. If dark and gritty Midwestern punk with irresistible pop hooks sounds like your cup of tea, you need to own this record.
7. Vista Blue - The Shift Is Dead
There may literally be over 100,000 new songs getting released every day in this modern musical landscape, but these are the first six in history to make baseball puns out of Smiths song titles. I wish they'd added a song called "There Is a Guy Who Never Strikes Out," but that's a minor complaint.
There may literally be over 100,000 new songs getting released every day in this modern musical landscape, but these are the first six in history to make baseball puns out of Smiths song titles. I wish they'd added a song called "There Is a Guy Who Never Strikes Out," but that's a minor complaint.
6. Geoff Palmer - Kodak Flash
You can never go wrong with Geoff Palmer. I've been a fan of his since the early days of this blog, and the addition of my favorite guitar player to his band surely didn't hurt!
You can never go wrong with Geoff Palmer. I've been a fan of his since the early days of this blog, and the addition of my favorite guitar player to his band surely didn't hurt!
5. Friends of Cesar Romero - Cars, Guitars, Girls
Installment #47.5 in the Doomed Babe Series is a royal treat for fans of power pop with a side of heartbreak.
Installment #47.5 in the Doomed Babe Series is a royal treat for fans of power pop with a side of heartbreak.
4. Perilous - SOS
Originally released as a monthly series of standalone tracks, Perilous's summer of singles now lives as a proper EP. With its blend of old school punk, perfect pop, and kick-ass rock 'n' roll, Bufalo, New York's Perilous has emerged as one of the best new bands of the decade. In a better world, "Revolution Calling" and "Dear Heart" would be all over the radio.
Originally released as a monthly series of standalone tracks, Perilous's summer of singles now lives as a proper EP. With its blend of old school punk, perfect pop, and kick-ass rock 'n' roll, Bufalo, New York's Perilous has emerged as one of the best new bands of the decade. In a better world, "Revolution Calling" and "Dear Heart" would be all over the radio.
3. The States - Gimme Joy
I never know what to do with a 7-track album. Is that a long EP or a short album? Whatever it is, Gimme Joy was one of the best things to be released this year: a reminder of what loud and exciting rock 'n' roll with infectious pop hooks ought to be. Australia wins as always.
I never know what to do with a 7-track album. Is that a long EP or a short album? Whatever it is, Gimme Joy was one of the best things to be released this year: a reminder of what loud and exciting rock 'n' roll with infectious pop hooks ought to be. Australia wins as always.
2. The Vibeke Saugestad Band - The Sun Sessions
Norway's power pop queen Vibeke Saugestad, now based in New York, is back with a new band (her first in over a decade) and again treating the world to rocking pop music of the highest quality. The Sun Sessions finds her digging back into the '60s for musical inspiration. If the whole point of an EP is that it's supposed to leave you wanting more, then we can call it mission accomplished!
Norway's power pop queen Vibeke Saugestad, now based in New York, is back with a new band (her first in over a decade) and again treating the world to rocking pop music of the highest quality. The Sun Sessions finds her digging back into the '60s for musical inspiration. If the whole point of an EP is that it's supposed to leave you wanting more, then we can call it mission accomplished!
1. The Jive - Extended Play
More on this one later.
More on this one later.
Top 25 Singles of 2025
25. Outtacontroller - "Hold It Out"/"At Night"
As always, this band is pure class.
24. Unicorn Dogs - "Sad Adult"/"Replaceable"
You have to love a band that can write one song about how sucky it is to grow old and another about how AI is going to take all our jobs and still have it all come out sounding this rousing and anthemic!
You have to love a band that can write one song about how sucky it is to grow old and another about how AI is going to take all our jobs and still have it all come out sounding this rousing and anthemic!
23. Kurt Baker - "Warm in the Winter"
I bet some of you forgot that Kurt Baker released music this year!
22. Kid Gulliver - "24 Hours"
More great power pop from a band that specializes in that very thing.
More great power pop from a band that specializes in that very thing.
21. Automatic Lovers - "Boston Brats"
Old school '77-style punk rock from Spain that sounds like it really could have come out in 1977! B-side is a cover of local legends Kirk and The Jerks.
Old school '77-style punk rock from Spain that sounds like it really could have come out in 1977! B-side is a cover of local legends Kirk and The Jerks.
20. The New Brutarians - "Born Out of This Time"
This was the first installment in the "summer of hits" delivered by Adam T and friends. Glam punk with a power pop heart!
This was the first installment in the "summer of hits" delivered by Adam T and friends. Glam punk with a power pop heart!
19. Ricky Rochelle - "Imagine Being Eric"
Of course Ricky Rochelle's album Second Layer was a significant achievement in 2025, but he also released some excellent standalone singles. "Imagine Being Eric," with its early '80s new wave pop sound and message of kindness and empathy, was a true breath of fresh air this year.
Of course Ricky Rochelle's album Second Layer was a significant achievement in 2025, but he also released some excellent standalone singles. "Imagine Being Eric," with its early '80s new wave pop sound and message of kindness and empathy, was a true breath of fresh air this year.
18. Friends of Cesar Romero - "Empress of the South Pole"
This is the first of three singles by Friends of Cesar Romero to make this list. This one-man-band remains a true hidden gem of the garage/power pop/punk scene.
This is the first of three singles by Friends of Cesar Romero to make this list. This one-man-band remains a true hidden gem of the garage/power pop/punk scene.
17. Cindy Lawson - "The Reckoning"
Back with her first new release since 2023's Don't Come Crying To Me EP, the Twin Cities rock legend Cindy Lawson is in full punk rock mode on this blistering number about an evil individual who finally gets taken down. "Karma's a bitch, but so am I," sings Lawson, and you can't help feeling gleeful about her triumph. In Lawson's words, this song is "for anyone who's been burned, betrayed, and silenced."
Back with her first new release since 2023's Don't Come Crying To Me EP, the Twin Cities rock legend Cindy Lawson is in full punk rock mode on this blistering number about an evil individual who finally gets taken down. "Karma's a bitch, but so am I," sings Lawson, and you can't help feeling gleeful about her triumph. In Lawson's words, this song is "for anyone who's been burned, betrayed, and silenced."
16. Dany Laj and The Looks - "Ça Va"
Debuting their first-ever track to be sung exclusively in French, Dany Laj and The Looks send out a message of hope in times that too often seem hopeless. The idea that things will ultimately be okay can be hard to subscribe to, but this song will make you believe it.
Debuting their first-ever track to be sung exclusively in French, Dany Laj and The Looks send out a message of hope in times that too often seem hopeless. The idea that things will ultimately be okay can be hard to subscribe to, but this song will make you believe it.
15. Friends of Cesar Romero - "Can't Get You"
14. Sugar - "House of Dead Memories"
How can I not be excited about the return of one of the bands that was most instrumental in leading me into the wonderful world of music that exists outside the mainstream?
How can I not be excited about the return of one of the bands that was most instrumental in leading me into the wonderful world of music that exists outside the mainstream?
13. Autogramm - "Randy"
Any band that writes a song that's intended to lift the spirits of a pet cat has my heart for sure. If The Cars and Devo had a baby, this would be it. Great Diodes cover on the B-side!
Any band that writes a song that's intended to lift the spirits of a pet cat has my heart for sure. If The Cars and Devo had a baby, this would be it. Great Diodes cover on the B-side!
12. Split System - "On the Edge"/"On the Loose"
What can we say about this band that hasn't been said before? Real deal Aussie punk rock brings the fire and fury. Both of these songs are anthems for these anxiety-ridden times.
What can we say about this band that hasn't been said before? Real deal Aussie punk rock brings the fire and fury. Both of these songs are anthems for these anxiety-ridden times.
11. The Chelsea Curve - "Kindawanna"
The first new original song from The Chelsea Curve in over two years was a red-hot summertime smash! This mod-influenced power pop banger will have you daydreaming about all the fun things you could be doing with your latest crush.
The first new original song from The Chelsea Curve in over two years was a red-hot summertime smash! This mod-influenced power pop banger will have you daydreaming about all the fun things you could be doing with your latest crush.
10. The Lemon Drop Gang - "Somethin'"
From the band I've called the best on the Rum Bar Records roster, here are two more shots of sublimely crafted desert garage pop songs that meld unabashedly dark vibes with intoxicating melodies.
From the band I've called the best on the Rum Bar Records roster, here are two more shots of sublimely crafted desert garage pop songs that meld unabashedly dark vibes with intoxicating melodies.
9. Friends of Cesar Romero - "Florencia"
8. The Number Ones - "Sorry"
My god, this could have come out on Good Vibrations Records in 1979!
My god, this could have come out on Good Vibrations Records in 1979!
7. The Dahlmanns - "Leatherboys"
The triumphant return of The Dahlmanns is something a little different, with lyrics inspired by the erotic artist Tom of Finland and a sound straight out of late '60s/early '70s Detroit. But being a Dahlmanns song, it's still an infectious, hook-laden delight. And then you get a Prince cover on the flip side! The band's new album, Life in Reverse, will be out early in the new year.
The triumphant return of The Dahlmanns is something a little different, with lyrics inspired by the erotic artist Tom of Finland and a sound straight out of late '60s/early '70s Detroit. But being a Dahlmanns song, it's still an infectious, hook-laden delight. And then you get a Prince cover on the flip side! The band's new album, Life in Reverse, will be out early in the new year.
6. The Lemon Drop Gang - Mind and Wine
Is the best Lemon Drop Gang single yet? It just might be!
Is the best Lemon Drop Gang single yet? It just might be!
5. The Sideshows - "Brand New"/"The Start"
Rich Ragany and his longtime drummer Simon Maxwell traveled to the Spanish countryside to record with the legendary Sami Yaffa in his home studio. Magic happened, and a new band was born.
Rich Ragany and his longtime drummer Simon Maxwell traveled to the Spanish countryside to record with the legendary Sami Yaffa in his home studio. Magic happened, and a new band was born.
4. The Speedways - "Visiting Hours"
The first new Speedways track in a couple years was no disappointment. Matt channels Joe Jackson and Squeeze on this metaphor-laced ode to forgiveness. On the B-side, "Now That I Know How" recalls Tom Petty by way of the Beatles, and what's not to love about that?
The first new Speedways track in a couple years was no disappointment. Matt channels Joe Jackson and Squeeze on this metaphor-laced ode to forgiveness. On the B-side, "Now That I Know How" recalls Tom Petty by way of the Beatles, and what's not to love about that?
3. Brad Marino - "Voodoo"
Brad Marino is a staple of my annual best-of lists! "Voodoo" is one of his most straight-forward power pop tunes and an absolute gem of a song. On the B-side, "Between Planets" is a cover of one of the best Jesus and Mary Chain songs!
Brad Marino is a staple of my annual best-of lists! "Voodoo" is one of his most straight-forward power pop tunes and an absolute gem of a song. On the B-side, "Between Planets" is a cover of one of the best Jesus and Mary Chain songs!
2. The Coolies - "Bad, Bad Boy"
Joined on this track by Kathy Valentine and the late Clem Burke, Palmyra Delran and Melanie Vammen summon their dear friend Kim Shattuck's spirit on this absolutely perfect pop song. You'd swear she was in the room with them when the song was recorded. And in a way, she was.
You know, the nine-to-five is eating us alive
Eating us alive
We are not kings, we are foot soldiers
On the road to nowhere
This is not the way it was supposed to be
We promised ourselves a revolution
But we ended up walking out in the cold again
1. The Sleeveens - "Downtown"
This is a rare case where a songwriter (Stefan Murphy) essentially covers his own song, and you're not left thinking, "What was the point?" Yes, the original Mighty Stef version of "Downtown" is a classic in its own right. But the song was practically begging for a fiery garage rock 'n' roll kick in the pants from The Sleeveens, and I love how some of the lyrics have become all the more poignant due to the present state of the world (The line "How do they expect us to relate when they fill our heads with lies and then have the cheek to wonder why we grow to hate them?" could have been written yesterday!). The first verse alone is some of the most powerful poetry to ever grace a rock 'n' roll song:
This is a rare case where a songwriter (Stefan Murphy) essentially covers his own song, and you're not left thinking, "What was the point?" Yes, the original Mighty Stef version of "Downtown" is a classic in its own right. But the song was practically begging for a fiery garage rock 'n' roll kick in the pants from The Sleeveens, and I love how some of the lyrics have become all the more poignant due to the present state of the world (The line "How do they expect us to relate when they fill our heads with lies and then have the cheek to wonder why we grow to hate them?" could have been written yesterday!). The first verse alone is some of the most powerful poetry to ever grace a rock 'n' roll song:
You know, the nine-to-five is eating us alive
Eating us alive
We are not kings, we are foot soldiers
On the road to nowhere
This is not the way it was supposed to be
We promised ourselves a revolution
But we ended up walking out in the cold again
By the time Murphy sings, "We're ok, we can roll with the punches any day because we're made of steel, we're made of stone!" you'll be ready to run through a brick wall! The Sleeveens, who had my #1 single of 2023, are back on top!
2025 Song of the Year
Vista Blue - "Can't Lose"
Vista Blue - "Can't Lose"
This one was an easy choice. "Can't Lose" by Vista Blue was a song that became my personal anthem in 2025. Without getting into anything too specific, I'll just say this was a tough and challenging year in my life. From the first time I heard "Can't Lose," I realized the song was more than it seemed to be. And when adversity started to creep up on me this year, the song became a source of strength. On the surface, this is a simple pop-punk song from an album full of songs about the first season of the television series Friday Night Lights. And while it references a fictional football coach's iconic motivational speech, the song has a deeper meaning than Friday Night Lights or even football. Mike really managed to capture the more universal message of the phrase "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts. Look at how he's writing about football but also not really writing about football:
When you think you can't win, and you wanna give it up
Yeah, you think of giving in cause the days are too long
Lying on your back, and the sun is in your eyes
When you realize that the other guy was too strong
But each day we're paying our dues
And we say, "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose."
Yeah, you think of giving in cause the days are too long
Lying on your back, and the sun is in your eyes
When you realize that the other guy was too strong
But each day we're paying our dues
And we say, "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose."
I don't know about you, but I'm ready to take on the world! Coach Taylor can take a songwriting co-credit if he wants, but I love how Mike found a way make his message universal. When no one else in the world believes in you, you have to keep believing in yourself. If certain people look at Mike Patton and say, "He's such a talented pop-punk songwriter; why doesn't he write more love songs?", I would answer by saying that if you write about the things you love, all your songs are love songs.
Best Split Release of 2025
Gino and the Goons/Chinese Junk - Talk Trash With
I'm never quite sure what to do with splits. Do I just put them in with regular albums? Can I count them as compilations (probably not)? Are they their own category? Well here we have a split for the ages brought to you by the venerable Big Neck Records. As the liner notes say, "Gino and the Goons hit with their signature recklessness, loose, loud, and dirty rock and roll with stomping rhythms. Chinese Junk come in swinging from the UK with hook laden punk rockers, wrapped in a snotty, scuzzy lo-fi attack." These are two of the best bands from the modern-day garage punk and punk rock 'n' roll universe, both delivering a half-album's worth of primo material. When it comes to trash, only the finest will do.
Best Debut Release of 2025
The Jive - Extended Play
The Jive - Extended Play
Hands down, The Jive was my favorite new discovery of 2025. This duo from the Philly suburbs has brought back the radio hit power pop of my youth. And when I say these guys write hits, I mean these guys write hits! If you like catchy choruses, earworm hooks, punchy guitars, soaring harmonies, and timeless lyrics about the ups and downs of romantic love, this just might be your next favorite band. Extended Play is presented as an EP, but it plays more like a package of six singles that went #1 on six continents. When these guys sing, "I'm the one who got that melody stuck in your head/I'm the one who gets you dancing around," they might as well be talking to you.
Best Compilation Album of 2025
The Beaten Hearts - 2010 Recordings
The Beaten Hearts - 2010 Recordings
2025 was an excellent year for compilation albums. Rum Bar Records released an amazing retrospective on The Kowalskis as well as that really hot Brad Marino singles collection. The Bladder Bladder Bladder odds and sods comp on No Front Teeth was something I'd been waiting decades for a label to put out. But the comp that got the most plays in the Rutledge household in 2025 was this 11-track digital album which compiles all of The Beaten Hearts' 2009-2010 studio recordings. This blog is so old that I actually reviewed many of these songs when they first came out! The Beaten Hearts were Brian LaManna's band in between The Valentine Killers and The Phone Jerks. Among others, the lineup included Moncton punk legend Ray Auffrey and future Phone Jerk Tyler Boutilier. Six of these tracks came out on two separate 7" EPs in 2010, and the rest were unreleased until this year. It all comes together as a killer (no pun intended) album — mixing the best elements of '90s garage punk rawk 'n' roll with Pagans/Saints/Dead Boys old school punk fury and LaManna's thoughtful, often deeply personal lyrics. You can think of this album as a hint of what the second Valentine Killers album could have been or as a sign of what The Phone Jerks would later become. Either way, it rules, and it's free!
2025 Record Label of the Year
Mom's Basement Records
For the second year in a row, I had to give the nod to Mom's Basement Records. Being someone who has always loved pop-punk, I feel like this label manages to reignite that love every year. And I love how Mom's Basement can turn a new release into a true event. Just look at some of the stuff John and Tricia put into the world this year: that Borderlines EP, a Bacarrudas Halloween record, a surprise Young Hasselhoffs 7", a Beatnik Termites/Putz split 12", first-ever vinyl issues for Boris the Sprinkler's Gets a Clue and The Unicorn Dogs' Age Typical Junk Behavior, and new albums from The Remote Controls, Goin' Places, Dropped Out, The Rip Taylors, and Regal Beagle. And that's not even close to everything that came out this year on MBR! I really need to send these folks a tangible prize: perhaps official F & L varsity jackets, some high-quality glassware, or glow-in-the-dark yo-yos.
2025 Music Site of the Year
Takin' A Ride
Takin' A Ride
You might know Drunk Ted from Flipside and Scam-O-Rama Records. His site Takin' A Ride is always a must-read of mine because his passion for music is off the charts. His content includes live show reviews, record reviews, (very thorough) band interviews, and more. He travels a lot and sees a ton of bands, and I appreciate the reports from the trenches. I also appreciate that he's an old school punk guy and a '70s/'80s heavy metal guy. Something cool he did this year was to re-mix a whole bunch of soundboard recordings from Van Halen shows and post them on the site. And it must be said: any music site that publishes a six-part interview series with Hector Penalosa is a site you ought to be reading!
***
So that's a wrap on 2025. For a fuller picture of what was good in our world this year, be sure check out the reader top tens I posted yesterday. Bring on 2026! There's already quite a bit I'm looking forward to in the new year (such as new albums from Brad Marino, The Melmacs, The Speedways, and The Dahlmanns), and I'm sure there will also be plenty of surprises and new findings. To all of you, I hope the upcoming year is full of happiness and hot tunes. See you next year!
Faster and Louder Best of Archive
3 comments:
Never stop doing what you're doing Josh
Wow! I was already going to thank you for all the shout outs you gave me during The Prize mention and publishing my Top 10, then I read on to find you gave me "best blog of the year"! I guess I should keep it up.
But you are wrong. The "best blog of the year" isn't www.takinaride.com (plug plug, lol), it's Faster & Louder!
Oh! And The Jive! Wow! Another band you turned me on to. I just bought the EP.
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