As seems to be the case every year, selecting a top 25 was difficult task for 2025. There are so many good albums not on the list, that I liked almost as much as what was included. However, selecting the top album was not hard this year. Wednesday – Bleeds was an obvious choice to me. More on why is below. However, feel free to look at my list, tell me I’m wrong and scold me for what I left off. I’m a big ole boy. I can take it. Now let’s get to the list:
1) Wednesday – Bleeds The album is a masterful Southern Gothic project. The diversity of styles and the lyrical tone shifts are what makes this my hands down favorite album of the year. Building upon Rat Saw God, the album is a tug of war between pedal steel melancholy and Noise Rock squalls depending on the song. Each song is different but together they form a quilt brilliantly woven by Karly Hartzman.
2) Tyler Childers – Snipe Hunter It has been a while and I was beginning to think Childers was in a rut. Then along comes Rick Rubin who should win producer of the year for his work on this record. It was brilliance in every respect. He took Childers clever and quirky songwriting to new directions. The album captures the poignant songs as well as the humorous ones. We’ve been waiting for a new full album from Childers for a while and this proved worth the wait. Just don’t take so long for the next one.
3) The Shootouts – Switchback This a testament to The Shootouts mastery of the honky-tonk. The album was produced by Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, and it showcases tight arrangements with telecasters and pedal steel in tow. The recording highlights their ability to take on the dance floor and includes excellent balads as well.
4) Margo Price – Hard Headed Woman Margo Price is a bad ass. Enough said. Resilience is the them of the album and she brings in collaborators like Tyler Childers and Rodney Crowell. Stylistically this is a welcome return to her neo-traditional roots and she absolutely kicks ass.
5) Caamp – Copper Changes Color With this release, Caamp’s sound is fully formed adding a broader palate to it’s Indie-Folk vibe. The title is a metaphor of a copper patina over the passage of time. The band brought that patina not only in their personal lives but in their music and we are all better for it.
The Rest of the List (plus my Spotify playlist at the end):
6) Hayes Carll – We’re Only Human
7) Snocaps – Snocaps
8) Brent Cobb & The Fixin’s – Ain’t Rocked in a While
9) I’m With Her – Wild and Clear and Blue
10) James McMurtry – The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy
11) My Morning Jacket – Is
12) Kelsey Waldon – Every Ghost
13) Colter Wall – Memories and Empties
14) Charley Crockett – Dollar A Day
15) Turnpike Troubadours – The Price of Admission
16) Sunny Sweeney – Rhinestone Requiem
17) Jeff Tweedy – Twilight Override
18) Wet Leg – Moisturizer
19) Sierra Hull – A Tip Toe High Wire
20) Fust – Big Ugly
21) Daniel Donato – Horizons
22) Clover County – Finer Things
23) Palmyra – Restless
24) Larkin Poe – Bloom
25) West Texas Exiles – 8000 Days
Honorable Mention:
St. Paul and the Broken Bones – Self-Titled
Big Thief – Double Infinity
Paul Thorn – Just Like a Vapor
Goose – Everything Must Go
The Beths – Metal
The Mountain Goats – Through the Fire Across From Peter Balkan
The Wood Brothers – Puff of Smoke
And even more are included in this Spotify playlist:
About the author: Chip and his family live in Birmingham, AL. Roll Tide!