The Best Albums of February 2025

A shockingly debut-heavy roundup of February's best albums, the usual playlist of 2025's best tracks, plus a new record giveaway (for TWO winners!)

Previously:

The Best Albums of January 2025

February was an especially rich month for new releases.

I don’t recall when I last felt so overwhelmed by great new music this early in the year. It’s normal to be scrambling to catch up around November when it’s time to compile the ol’ Best-Of lists, but after only two months? Now I remember why I used to avoid this monthly exercise altogether.

Nevertheless, I sally forth undeterred. I’m so brave.

One curious thing I found is that most of my February picks are debuts. I think that’s pretty exciting, especially as ammo against the “no good new music these days” crowd. Not that any of you can relate.

If you find that I’ve missed your favorite, which is essentially a given, remember that the fun part is in sharing yours with the rest of the class.

Monthly roundups past the first three albums are for paid subscribers, as you’ve no doubt noticed. But everyone can keep track alongside me as I bookmark all of my favorite songs throughout the year.

Playlist: Best Tracks of 2025

Also on Amazon, Apple, Tidal, and YouTube.

(A little tip I keep forgetting to share — referring friends to the newsletter gets you comped for a while. It’s a good way to show support if you’re unable to pay.)

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The Best Albums of February 2025

I don’t rank; albums are listed in alphabetical order.

1. Adwaith - Solas

   I first featured Adwaith on my Witchy Disco playlist, then again on last week’s playlist of non-English language songs. But their latest (and very ambitious) double record release deserves its own special mention. Sung entirely in Welsh, Solas is a sweeping, genre-hopping experiment in the limits of post-punk’s boundaries. Fans of The Cure will be just as happy with it as fans of ABBA. (Standout track: Miliwn)

2. Art d’Ecco - Serene Demon

   I frankly can’t believe I’ve never heard of this absolute over-the-top glam icon before. Need a little “Me Generation” energy? You’re covered. Missing that androgynous rock icon flair in your life? No need to leave the house — we’ve got Prince and Bowie at home. (Standout track: The Traveller)

3. Bartees Strange - Horror

   I almost hate to add such an expected record to this list. Almost. Yes, it’s a slick Antonoff-produced album that every critic is salivating over, but I promise it’s actually that good. For fans of TV on the Radio, Genesis Owusu, and Yves Tumor, this one is definitely another genre-hopper. And though it could potentially feel inconsistent to some, I think it works as a whole. (Standout track: Wants Needs)

Six more albums to go!