Rock/Alternative: Geese, “Getting Killed”
When I first listened to the new Geese album “Getting Killed” a day or two after its initial release, I was truly floored. See, I had been a Geese fan prior to the drop of their most recent album, as I had originally gotten into them through their uniquely voiced lead singer, Cameron Winter’s, solo work. “Getting Killed” pushed the boundaries of modern alternative rock music, creating a cohesive blend of impactful lyricism and chaotic instrumentals. The whole album is frantic, energetic and truly something so diverse that can’t be replicated. Winter’s lyrics are so smart and thoughtful in this album, and the instrument work is pure art, specifically the drums. Winter sings with such unruly emotion that it’s hard to not listen in and pay attention to what he says. I think this album brought something so real and different to the alternative scene that was much needed, and worked as Geese’s big break into the mainstream. This is not only my favorite rock album of the year, but it no doubt won the title of my favorite overall record of the year.
Hip-Hop/Rap: Mac Miller, “Balloonerism”
Released seven years after his passing, Mac Miller’s 2025 album “Balloonerism” was worth the w
ait. Miller originally wrote and recorded the album in 2014, but then was never officially released, so fans deemed it as “lost” when Miller passed away. This album told a story, and I think that’s what makes it so special. It wasn’t just a bunch of random songs compiled together to make an album, each song had a specific place on the album and there were no outliers. This album was full of remarkable synths and existential lyrics. Miller was only 22 when he made this album, and I honestly think his young age comes through in the best ways through the songs. You can hear his growth and his experiences when he raps and sings and that is such a specific, unique thing about the album. I think this album was so important to be released, as it was a true testament to who Miller was as an artist.
Pop: Lorde, “Virgin”
Lorde’s most recent album “Virgin” worked as one of her most personal yet. The whole album was an extremely personal narrative of her experiences working on her own self-discovery. With haunting, emotional lyrics and synth-y instrumentals to go along with it, I truly think this was the best pop album of 2025. Lorde’s previous album, “Solar Power,” was criticized by fans because they couldn’t connect with it and it was so different from her other works, it seems like “Virgin” is almost her response to that, as she digs into how she doesn’t have it all figured out in her life. Lorde confronts her insecurities publicly on this album, which made her seem much more relatable for her fans, and I truly think that’s why this album worked out so well, because of her openness about her vulnerabilities. This album gave listeners a peek into her mind, and allowed her to be perceived as much more human by fans.
