PASS IT ON’S TOP TEN ALBUMS OF THE YEAR
As we welcome the festive season and the year naturally draws to a close, we’re looking back at some of the greatest albums of this year!
On reflection, there has been an overwhelming amount of talent on display this year, with artists really putting some of their best work out to date. With the likes of CMAT’s revolutionary, genre-blending record Euro-Country and Antony Szmierek’s incredible debut offering Service Station At The End Of The Universe, the industry has not been this blessed with impeccable music in a while.
Here are Pass It On’s top 10 records of 2025.
10. wet leg ‘moisturizer’
Releasing their sophomore record ‘moisturizer’ this year, Wet Leg have once again proved their talent for outstanding rock music and impeccable live performances. Taking 3 years to release 'moisturizer’ after their debut record ‘Wet Leg’, we can definitely say it was worth the wait.
stand out tracks:
catch these fists
davina mccall
mangetout
9. doves ‘constellations for the lonely’
Mancunian legends Doves have had what can only be described as a rocky time over the past few years, with frontman Jimi Goodwin retiring from touring with the band and the cancellation of their last tour in 2021 (in campaign of their record ‘The Universal Want’). However, in 2025, the band sprung back into action with the release of Constellations For The Lonely - a joyous celebration of the struggles and achievements they have collectively faced over time. A marvellous record with poignant meaning and outstanding musicianship.
stand out tracks:
cold dreaming
last years man
renegade
8. pulp ‘more’
Releasing their first record in 24 years, there was an enormous weight of anticipation and expectation surrounding Pulp’s latest record ‘More’. However, the band showcased an extraordinary array of talent in one of the best comebacks of modern times. Proving they were not just a lucky band, thriving in the era of Britpop - the band put out some of the greatest music they have arguably ever created with this album.
stand out tracks:
spike island
got to have love
farmers market
7. sam fender ‘people watching’
Defining him as one of the biggest names in indie music of the last 20 years, Sam Fender’s 3rd album ‘People Watching’ cemented him as one of the all time greats amongst generations of fans. Achieving his 3rd consecutive number 1 record, ‘People Watching’ delivered emotional vulnerability, hard hitting riffs and an overwhelming excitement looking to the future of his career.
stand out tracks:
Little bit closer
people watching
remember my name
6. the last dinner party ‘from the pyre’
After an incredible debut album in 2024, ‘Prelude To Ecstasy’ - The Last Dinner Party proved once again they are a force to be reckoned with in this industry, releasing a sophomore album filled to the brim with glorious tracks, purpose and incredible musicianship.
The excitement around this band remains at large going into 2026.
stand out tracks:
this is the killer speaking
the scythe
second best
5. antony szmierek ‘service station at the end of the universe’
Redefining the relationship between spoken-word poetry and dance music - Antony Szmierek has undoubtedly become a household name in musical underdogs. Addressing hard-hitting themes and disguising them amongst upbeat ear worms is a skill not many have. Not to mention, Szmierek’s infectious charisma and energy during his live performances makes him such a stand out act on the circuit, and one that should not be missed.
stand out tracks:
rafters
yoga teacher
crashing up
4. florence + the machine ‘everybody scream’
Making her return to the spotlight, Florence released her sixth studio album on the night of Halloween 2025, delivering some of her darkest work in over a decade. Making fans reminisce of her debut record ‘Lungs’, ‘Everybody Scream’ demands an enormous sense of power and command, with strength and impact.
A truly exciting listen and a comeback for the books.
stand out tracks:
one of the greats
sympathy magic
everybody scream
3. wolf alice ‘the clearing’
Speaking of comebacks, Wolf Alice also made their return to the stage in 2025 and released what can only be described as a truly incredible labour of love with their third record ‘The Clearing’.
Experimenting with a multitude of genres and identity as a band - the record proves to be an exciting listen and captures the group in an entirely new light. To call this album a rebrand would be doing it a disservice.
Not to mention, the translation of this record to their live shows has been nothing short of impeccable and something to be applauded at every chance.
stand out tracks:
the sofa
white horses
bloom baby bloom
2. geese ‘getting killed’
Firmly stationing themselves as one of the most exciting bands in the world right now, Geese released their third record ‘Getting Killed’ and brought back the excitement and unpredictability of rock music in what can only be described as an album built on chaos and genius.
As the delicate nature of frontman Cameron Winter’s deep lyrics are partnered with the heavy, turbulent instrumentation of the record - Geese create something just short of a masterpiece with this album.
stand out tracks:
trinidad
taxes
au pays du cocaine
cmat ‘euro-country’
The self-proclaimed 'Dunboyne Diana’ stole hearts in 2025, gracing the Pyramid Stage, releasing her third album ‘Euro Country’ and becoming an international popstar in the name of the ‘Woke Macarena’.
Bringing the delights of country music to the forefront of pop music is a task not many could achieve, however CMAT proved herself worthy with her incredible live performances and unbelievable album campaign throughout the year.
A true superstar and force to be reckoned with.
stand out tracks:
Jamie oliver’s petrol station
euro-country
when a grown man cries