As 2025 draws to a close, Metacritic has unveiled its annual rankings of the best albums of the year, highlighting a diverse and genre-spanning collection of critically acclaimed releases. From reggaeton, Latin trap and R&B to post-punk and alternative metal, this year’s top records reflect an evolving musical landscape where artistic risk and reinvention were consistently rewarded.
Metacritic’s lineup includes only full-length studio albums or mixtapes released between January 1 and December 31, excluding EPs, reissues, live albums and compilations.
The rankings are based on each album’s Metascore as of December 17. Below are the top 10 highest-rated albums of 2025.
1. DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS by Bad Bunny (97)
The year’s top-rated album is also one of its earliest. DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS—which translates to I Should Have Taken More Photos—is the sixth studio album from 31-year-old Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny.
Released just five days into the new year, the Spanish-language album received six Grammy nominations and several Latin Grammy wins, including Album of the Year.
2. Lux by Rosalía (97)
Following up her 2022 album Motomami, Spanish artist Rosalía returns with Lux, an ambitious project that blends orchestral flourishes—courtesy of the London Symphony Orchestra—with experimental pop structures.
The album includes a collaboration with Björk.
3. Blizzard by Dove Ellis (94)
The debut album from Irish indie rock musician Dove Ellis made an immediate impression, earning critical comparisons to Jeff Buckley.
The project, Blizzard, also landed Ellis a support slot on tour with Geese.
4. Baby by Dijon (94)
Dijon Duenas, known simply as Dijon, followed up his 2021 release Absolutely with Baby, an experimental R&B album that showcases his genre-blurring style.
A Grammy-nominated producer who has worked with Justin Bieber and Bon Iver, Dijon earned widespread praise for the album’s free-form approach.
5. Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party by Hayley Williams (91)
Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams returned with her third solo album—and the first to be self-distributed.
Originally released in pieces online, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party became a cohesive statement when compiled in August, drawing the strongest reviews of her solo career.
6. Glutton for Punishment by Heartworms (91)
The debut album from Heartworms, the stage name of Jojo Orme, was produced by Dan Carey—a British record producer known for his work with Wet Leg and Fontaines D.C.
Glutton for Punishment offers a dark and textured take on English post-punk.
7. private music by Deftones (90)
Returning for their 10th studio album, Deftones reunited with producer Nick Raskulinecz to deliver private music. The alt-metal veterans’ latest work sits among their most celebrated efforts.
8. Sad and Beautiful World by Mavis Staples (90)
At 86, gospel and soul legend Mavis Staples continues to impress.
Sad and Beautiful World, produced by Brad Cook, includes covers of songs by Frank Ocean, Tom Waits, Gillian Welch, Curtis Mayfield and others.
9. Constant Noise by Benefits (90)
The second album from English electronic-punk duo Benefits leans even further into electronics than their debut. Constant Noise features a guest appearance by The Libertines singer, Pete Doherty.
10. Glory by Perfume Genius (90)
Mike Hadreas, who performs under Perfume Genius, earned his best reviews since 2020’s Set My Heart on Fire Immediately with Glory. The alternative album includes a guest appearance from Aldous Harding.
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