Listen to the full playlist above.
Evan Ballew, KHOL Music Director | Host of “Intermountain Best” (Fridays, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.)
Water From Your Eyes – “It’s a Beautiful Place”
You’d be hard pressed to find another band that sounds exactly like Nate Amos and Rachel Brown of Water From Your Eyes. Now on their seventh studio album, the Brooklyn duo continues to refine their sound under Matador Records, releasing an excitingly fresh kaleidoscope of musical ideas. Short instrumentals set the stage for larger pieces like “Nights in Armor” and “Spaceship,” keeping listeners in orbit.
Geese – “Getting Killed”
I couldn’t help myself. A new generational talent has found its footing in the world of independent rock music. Much like Julian Cassablancas of The Strokes helped define the sound of the early aughts, Cameron Winter’s voice is instantly recognizable and his lyrics paint vivid scenes of life’s good, bad and everything in between.
Way Dynamic – “Massive Shoe”
If a record makes it with you out of the summer that’s how you know it’s a good one. Still stoked on this fresh and colorful release from Australia’s Way Dynamic, where warm tones are the focal point.
Honorable Mentions: Autofiction – “Autofiction” / They Are Gutting a Body of Water – “LOTTO” / Wednesday – “Bleeds” / Algernon Cadwallader – “Hawk” / Racing Mount Pleasant – “Racing Mount Pleasant” / Youth Lagoon – “Rarely Do I Dream” / Dijon – “Baby” / Snocaps – “Snocaps”
D’John (John Garcia) | Host of “The Morning Mustard” (Weekdays, 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.)
Ancient Infinity Orchestra – “It’s Always About Love”
This one had me at the first listen. The whole project is like exploring outside during the changing of the seasons. I would describe this as “spiritual jazz,” and that’s exactly how it makes me feel.
Kaytranada – “AIN’T NO DAMN WAY!”
The whole album sounds like he is playing a live set that he just chopped up and titled the songs. Very easy to vibe out to and have fun to, before you know it, you’re giving it another listen.
Tame Impala – “Deadbeat”
I love the direction Kevin Parker is going with his music. This album marked a major shift towards house and higher bpm music, straying away from previous psychedelic rock projects.
Emily Cohen, Executive Director
Big Thief – “Double Infinity”
This album feels like a dream, suspended in the liminal space between consciousness and sleep. Melodically and lyrically, these songs hold both comfort and longing at the same time. Listen to “Los Angeles” and “All Night All Day” to go straight to the heart.
Jeff Tweedy – “Twilight Override”
From finding beauty in the cracks to finding contentment in what we have, this album circles these persistent life questions again and again, exploring how nostalgia convinces us there was once more, and maybe could be again. At thirty tracks, it’s a generous, wandering listen that recalls the depth and staying power of Wilco’s Mermaid Avenue recordings (one of the most formative albums of my ‘youth’).
Margo Price – “Hard Headed Woman”
I caught Margo Price this fall at the Center for the Arts, and the album carries that same tight, old-school country energy as her stage performance. With witty, catchy lyrics and a sound that nods to the genre’s greats, she’s charming without trying too hard. The album (and Price) is confident, sharp and a reminder of how satisfying classic country can be when done right.
Sophia Boyd-Fliegel, Managing Editor
Rachel Baiman & Viv & Riley – “Kissing Other ppl,”
Forlorn like you’ve never heard her. Even if you’re the social equivalent of happily married, you hear this album and decide it will play at the funeral of your broken heart.
Big Thief – “Double Infinity”
Parallel sentences as neat and uncomplicated as that guitar.
Sudan Archives – “The BPM”
If aliens came down to earth and demanded instructions for throwing it back, calmly hand over this album. They’ll get it.
Dante Filpula Ankney, Senior Reporter
Olivia Dean – “The Art of Loving”
Olivia Dean released the album of the year in my opinion (and that of many others.) Pure, carefree, unadulterated love and joy.
Colter Wall – “Memories and Empties”
The new king of the traditional country sound came back with a couple strong stories in song in this album that will make you think “maybe I should be a cowboy.” For me, it’s nostalgic. These, like most of his songs, take me to those high Montana prairies I grew up on.
Tyler Childers – “Snipe Hunter”
Here’s a guy that can’t miss! A legendary release with Rick Rubin. CMON NOW. Some rowdy, chaotic, go speed on some backroads type of good ‘ol country music! Listening through, you’ll go from “What the hell is he talking about?” to “I think I get it.” You don’t. But enjoy nonetheless.
Jenna McMurtry, Health and education reporter
Wednesday – “Bleeds” / MJ Lenderman’s “Dancin’ in the Club” cover
MJ Lenderman can’t miss. If the last two years offer any affirmation, the same goes for his music with his band Wednesday. And, accordingly, both were easy go-to’s on my playlists this year. From Wednesday’s September album release “Bleeds” (Lenderman’s the lead guitarist) to his recent solo work (2024’s “Manning Fireworks”), his range is far and his music consistent. Among the many recent collaborations, on Waxahatchee’s ‘Tigers Blood” (“Right Back to It”), Snocaps’ “Snocaps” (“Coast”) and This is Lorelei (“Dancin’ in the Club”), the Asheville, North Carolina, native has made a name for himself over the past year or so. The latter might just be my favorite collab in 2025. Lenderman’s slowed-down rendition of “Dancin’ in the Club” shows he’s redefining genre-pushing music that will surely prompt many “who’s on aux?”’s. As for Wednesday’s “Bleeds,” a no-skips album, be sure to give “Townie,” “Elderberry Wine,” “Phish Pepsi” and “Wound Up Here (By Holding On)” a listen. Lenderman is 2025’s loser that always wins.
Big Thief – “Double Infinity”
Double Infinity is for reflection and for road trips. Pack your bags, pick your highway of choice (these days I’ve been longing for Highway 395) and get back on the road to the tunes of “Incomprehensible,” “Los Angeles” and “Double Infinity.” When Adrianne Lenker sings of “cotton candy rain,” while driving to see the “lupine flowers,” she might as well be referencing either side of the Tetons during a mid-rain sunset. But beyond Big Thief’s typical penchant for rich imagery and eerily satisfying tunes, Lenker begs to remain “Incomprehensible” on the album’s lead single, tactfully taking on societal pressures of aging and how to instead not GAF and embrace all phases of life. On the title track “Double infinity,” Lenker is back to her usual haunting poetics, this time being okay with various versions of her past/future/self/relationships that could have been or still could be. A track for being at a crossroads in life, not knowing what’s next, whilst on the road.
Blondshell – “If You Asked for a Picture”
Blondshell is for the girls. “If You Asked for a Picture” picked up where her self-titled debut left off, this go-around with more timeless tracks about love, loss and friendship. It’s for getting in the car with your girlfriends and taking turns ranting about the latest updates in your social circle. “T&A,” “Change” and “Arms” are easy favorites. And now,
Honorable Mentions, because 2025 was a great year for music: Geese’s “Getting Killed” (“Cobra,” “Au Pays du Cocaine”/Cameron Winter’s “Love Takes Miles”), Mac DeMarco’s “Guitar” (“Shining/Rock and Roll”), Nation of Language’s “Dance Called Memory” (“Inept Apollo”), Saya Gray’s “SAYA” (“Shell of a Man”), Not for Radio’s “Melt” (“Back to You”), Snocaps’ “Snocaps” (“Coast” and “Heathcliff”), Indigo de Souza’s “Precipice” (“Be Like the Water”), Samia’s “Bloodless” (“Bovine Excision”), Chappell Roan’s “The Subway” (“The Subway”).
Zoe Curran, Digital Content Producer
Ken Ishii – “Cocoa Mousse”
January tones. If mastermind Ken Ishii’s pioneering techno album “Jelly Tones” is a 10/10, then “Cocoa Mousse” is an easy 11/10. I can’t believe this song is from the ’90s because it sounds like the future. The subject of my first Portland radio show and an easy addition to my holy grail tracklist, I wish I could hear this song for the first time again. Lush, discordant, utterly beautiful.
Oklou – “choke enough”
Spring in London. I have written before about my absolute adoration for this album. A fantastical, whimsical sonic landscape with lyrics rooted in Oklou’s everyday experiences. If I were a fairy nymph, this would be my soundtrack. Pro tip? Listen to the titular track on a loop. As the artist claims, loops are the closest we can get to perfection.
Alveol- 123
A deep summer breath. While returning from a visit home, pulled between two places into nowhere at all, Alveol’s song felt like a salve. The journey from sweeping opening chords to a muddy, ambient breakdown captured the bittersweet liminality of my transition to a new home. For dancing, for crying, for being out in the rain. Feel it all with this one.
Studebacher Hoch (Bill Helm) | Host of “Aprés Öpis” (Sundays 3 p.m. – 5 p.m)
Jon Batiste – “Beethoven Blues”
One of the most exciting albums released in 2025. Jazz improvisation on some of Ludwig von B’s most well known tunes. New Orleans-raised, Juilliard-schooled Jon Batiste takes Beethoven’s compositions to a whole different plane.
Christian McBride Big Band – “Without Further Ado”
Collaboration is the name of the game in jazz and Christian brings it with his big band and various popular vocalists, Sting and Jose James to name just two. An energy level seldom captured in any recording brings this performance to five stars from me. Nominated for a grammy this year, Christian’s arrangement of well-known tunes is at the forefront of straight ahead jazz.
Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band – “Vox Humana”
Recorded live at Dizzy’s Club in NYC, this album of familiar songs, to quote Bobby, “takes no prisoners.” This double album generates a vibe and groove that is impossible to sit still to. Janis Segal, of Manhattan Transfer fame, gives the rock standard “Spooky” the grooviest rendition I’ve ever heard.
Shibuyabaisse (Phil Wong) | Host of “Warm Waters” (Sundays 5 p.m – 7 p.m)
Turnstile – “Never Enough”
Through and through, the album stays consistent in what draws me to Turnstile as a band – the mix of energetic hardcore rock and soft, yet spirited, ballads. Love how they incorporated some house (genre) with their track, “Look Out For Me.” And you just can’t beat them referencing “The Wire” as a band out of Baltimore. IYKYK.
Lily Allen – “West End Girl”
I haven’t listened to a Lily Allen track since her 2006 hit, “LDN” – so when I saw she released an album that details the messy breakup between her and “Stranger Things” star, David Harbour, I was stoked. All that can be said is – the girlies love when the tea is hot… and catchy!
The Strokes – “Is This It”
There are two types of songs from The Strokes: “It’s so cool that I’m at a girl’s apartment” and “I’m so sad that I’m not at a girl’s apartment.” While the messages are basic (overgeneralized and slightly misogynistic), the tracks on this record just take me back to a simpler time. The album is approaching classic rock in age and, maybe for that reason, is one I come back to a lot, especially when I’m missing New York.
SanDanford (Daniel Sanford) | Co-Host of “OX Radio” (Mondays 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
Amine – “13 Months Of Sunshine”
This album was a celebration of self-expression and hit at a perfect moment of an uncertain summer for me. This album helped remind me why music moves me. I started dancing a lot more. This album wove in a genius mix of cunning lyrics, African rhythms, new electronic, pop. Talks a lot about learning through trauma and Amine’s personal journey, which I appreciated a lot.
Tyler The Creator – “Don’t Tap The Glass”
This album is just so fun!! I couldn’t stop listening and in terms of my in-depth feelings behind it. I felt it touched this aspect of “Why can’t we just dance in public any way we want more?” Fear of just letting it go and also with Tyler’s manifesto on the album, we leave our judgments at the door. We need more of this!!
Yaya Bey – “Do It Afraid”
Such a unique blend. Yaya is crushing it majorly!! Hard to not put this in the No. 1 spot.
DJP (Pete Henderson) / Co-Host of “The Fondue” (Tuesdays 5 p.m. – 7 p.m)
Vulfpeck – “Clarity of Cal”
Upon first listening to this album, I was floored. Vulfpeck delivers an amazing performance, and the group vocals were a little different than previous records from them. Every song packs a punch and I was totally floored when I found out that all tracks were LIVE in concert. Just goes to show how tight this band is and how each musician fits into the equation in a beautiful way.
I’m With Her – “Wild and Clear and Blue”
This superhero trio returns to the recording studio with an album that ages finer than wine. The more I listen to this album, the more I love it. The vocal harmonies are pure magic and the songwriting is taken to a deeper level with tracks like “Rhododendron” and “Find My Way to You.” The first track on the album pulls you in like a warm hug and gives you a cup of music tea for listening pleasure.
Parcels – “LOVED”
A more sentimental and introspective version of the band with this release. The music still has the funky undertones and unique vocal blends that have made this band rise to stardom. I really enjoy the track “Finallyover.”
Pahl (Alex Blackwelder) | Co-Host of “The Fondue” (Tuesdays 5 p.m. – 7 p.m)
David Byrne – “Who Is The Sky?”
Storytelling of modern culture through the eyes, ears, and feels of David Byrne at its weirdest. A true sensory album meant to be listened to in its fullest. Not to mention I love the collaboration with Ghost Train Orchestra! Live performances of this album are a must for listeners!
Billy Strings, Brian Sutton – “Live At The Legion”
Some of today’s greats playing the songs by the greats, who played the songs written and sung over the years through the oral tradition of storytelling. An authentic representation of traditional folk and bluegrass music, its humble roots, and its resurgence into the pop culture of today, reassuring it is alive and well kept in the hands of Mr. Strings and Mr. Sutton.
Vulfpeck – “Clarity of Cal”
Vulfpeck does it again, bringing new life, yet still funky, slightly more soulful, but more akin to the likes of Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers and Earth Wind & Fire all wrapped up into a sonic journey with themes of love, heartbreak, and simply the joy of life through music and dance.
Johnny Peanutbutter (Daniel Huckel) | Host of “Mixed Jam” (Tuesdays 9 p.m. – 11 p.m)
Vandelux – “Closer”
Love his sound all around.
Stick Figure – “Free Flow Sessions”
All of his (their) stuff is incredible.
Maya Delilah – “The Long Way Round”
One of my fav guitarists right now.
Carlyann Edwards | Host of “Sweet Treats” (Wednesdays 5 p.m. – 7 p.m)
Pecqre – “Rasta Instantané Avec L’Effroyable Pecqre”
Familiar sounds with a unique Japanese flair.
Vale (Valeria Abad Bunnett) | Host of “Sonic Bloom” (Thursdays 7 p.m – 9 p.m)
Ydegirl – “Stone Femmes”
I haven’t delved much into Nordic folk music myself. Ydegirl inspired me to begin, and I hope it encourages others to do the same.
Danger Mouse, Mormor – “Wonder”
Beautiful! Mormor’s latest release was in 2019, so this collaboration marks a powerful comeback and collaboration.
Blood Orange – “Essex Honey” (Track: Vivid Light)
I feel a deep connection to the emotional story told with such vulnerability throughout this entire album, blending classical orchestration and vintage electronic sounds. It reaffirms why Blood Orange has been one of my favorite artists since his debut album in 2011.
Cam Rood | Host of “Far Out” (Thursdays, 9 p.m. -11 p.m)
Men I Trust – “Equus Caballus”
Men I Trust is back in 2025 baby! With their releases of Equus Asinus and Equus Caballus, they have captured my attention yet again. Emma Proulx’s vocals have always hit me in a remarkable way. So soft, kinda edgy, full of emotion. A couple of my favorite tracks are: Husk, In My Years, and Worn Down.
J Dilla – “Dillatronic”
I know this album came out in 2015 but I heard it for the first time in 2025 and it really inspired me. J Dilla is a legend and don’t sleep on this one. Top tracks No. 27, 31 and 18.
Kaytranada – “Ain’t No Damn Way!”
C’mon. Kaytranada instrumental album? Yes, please. Possibly one of the best to ever do it, Kaytra surprised us with this gem at the end of summer. From start to finish it’s so easy to enter a flow state and jam out. Listen to this if you want to be inspired to make some groovy tunes, or bust a move in your kitchen. Top tracks: Space Invader, Goodbye Bitch!, Good Luck.
Ruby Jenco | Host of “Hidden Gems” (Fridays 5 p.m. -7 p.m.)
Samia – “Bloodless”
This is definitely my favorite album of Samia’s. The entire work is flawless from front to back. I remember listening to the whole thing on release night, laying in bed with my headphones on because I knew the first time listening to it was going to be amazing, and it was. The sound of the album is so interesting and I love the radio transitions that give the album a special feel of continuity and wholeness. Highlights for me include “Sacred,” “North Poles,” ‘Lizard,” and “Dare.”
Djo – “The Crux”
What a nostalgic feel throughout this album!! I love the emphasis of synth and the stylistic choices of this album. Definitely pays homage to The Beatles, The Strokes, and Talking Heads. Just a really fun and authentic album that brings a smile to my face. I love when I can feel an artist’s love for music through their work. Highlights include “Delete Ya,” “Fly,” “Back On You,” and “Potion.”
Lola Young – “I’m Only F**king Myself”
Vocal powerhouse Lola Young is back with her fourth studio album and this album kills me. It has so many highs and lows, is so vulnerable at points, and doesn’t shy away from a range of stylistic choices. The messiness of this pop-rock album definitely stands out against the rest of the pop scene. Even if it’s just a rebellious character, I love it. The song “SPIDERS” in particular is so raw and the feeling of insane yearning and screaming hits home. Highlights include “SPIDERS,” “why do i feel better when i hurt you?,” “CAN WE IGNORE IT? :(,” and “One Thing.”
Kayce Jane (Kayce of Jane) | Host of “3Y0MING NIGHT7IFE” (Fridays 9 p.m – 11 p.m)
Blu – “Pressure Applicator”
Gets me in THE ZONE! I love the filthy facial expression it gives me. The style of this song is quite obscure but very empowering. I love the vocal chop at the very end, “That’s what we’re here for, having a good time.”
Jimi Hendrix – “The Jimi Hendrix Experience” (Voodoo Chile 15 min version)
The energy Hendrix gives to his instruments is incomparable. The lyrics, the extreme string bends, the fact that he plays left handed and strings reversed on the pickups, chefs kiss Kruger
Kruger Brothers – “Up 18 North”
One of my best friends showed me a song on this album and it’s been my favorite album from these artists. The sentiment of the time I spent in Denver where I discovered this album reminds me of the magic of music and how it keeps people connected.
Parker Steveson | Host of “The Goods” (Saturdays 11 a.m. – 1 p.m)
Robert Plant – “Saving Grace”
The best singer in rock history continues to evolve as an artist even after seven decades in the business.
Circles Around the Sun – “Interludes For the Dead Vol. 2”
If Pink Floyd had been a purely funk/disco band, CAtS is what you’d get.
De La Soul – “Cabin in the Sky”
The best remain the best.
Johnny Boy King (John King) | Host of “Rock N’ Blues” (Saturdays 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
Samantha Fish – “Paper Doll”
Samantha Fish’s latest album reflects her progression as both an amazing guitar player and vocalist. She is no doubt one of the biggest names in blues today, mixing blues with rock, jazz, jump blues and more. I think this album is her best yet and really showcases Samantha’s immense talent as one of blue’s most amazing contemporary artists.
James McMurtry – “The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy”
James McMurtry just gets better and better. As an outlaw country singer-songwriter, he is currently at the top of his game. On this new album, tracks like “Laredo,” “Back to Coeur d’ Alene,” and “South Texas Lawman” showcase McMurtry’s talent for story telling. Take a listen…you won’t be disappointed!
Joanne Shaw Taylor – “Black and Gold”
Joanne Shaw Taylor is a force in the blues-rock genre today. Her vast talents are exhibited in this new album where her full-on axe-slinging guitar playing is on full display. She rocks, but can slow it down to a sultry grinding blues as well. This album is great, and I think you will think so as well if you give it a listen.
Gavel (Kevin Doyle) | Host of “The Heart of Saturday Night” (Saturdays 5 p.m. – 7 p.m)
Neko Case – “Neon Grey Midnight Green”
Great songwriting and her voice is that of a haunted angel.
Various Artists – “Another Day, Another Time: Celebrating the Music of ‘Inside Llewyn Davis”
A timeless classic keeping the folk genre alive and well. This is a great recording of musical legends assembled for a collaborative concert in NYC.
Randy Scruggs – “Crown of Jewels”
Scruggs, son of folk legend Earl Scruggs, put together this wonderful collaboration album. Check out the lineup of stars he got to play with on these classics!
Mike Werner | Host of “The Desert Grind” (Saturdays 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
The Big Rip – “Olympus Mons”
Now here is the find of the year. The Big Rip is a band from Porsgrunn, Norway which is near the southern tip of their beautiful country. I was fortunate to exchange emails with Danny Valle Johannessen (frontman) and I get a great vibe from him. I also get an amazing vibe listening to their album “Olympus Mons” as it has been on repeat since discovering it. Or should I say “albums,” as their 2023 release called “Order of the Goatlord” is another outstanding piece of music. And if you don’t believe me, ask the regular listeners of the Desert Grind and some will say that their song “Behold, This Mountain” is one their favorites. So here’s to Danny, Simen Lunde (drums), Mats Bredesen (bass), Ole Jørgen Kjørholt (guitar) and Eivind Dalevoll (guitar). May you thrive and keep delivering the goods! Love all the songs on the album.
Kaiser – “2nd Sound”
Finland is known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” with beautiful forests, and an excellent social welfare system. They also have the reputation as the happiest country in the world. Well, the world can be happy that the band Kaiser created their second album titled “2nd Sound.” It’s a high-energy outing of desert and stoner rock that thrives on fuzzy guitars, heavy bass and thundering drums. The album is well-produced and very enjoyable. Favorite song: “Meteorhead.”
Stoned Jesus – “Songs to the Sun”
How a band that is stuck in the crosshairs of one of the largest wars since WWII can write music, play, and record, while dealing with daily bombings, bomb shelters, lack of electricity and paralyzing fear, is beyond me. In 2023, they produced their album “Father Light” that was very good. Now in 2025, they have blown away the underground rock community with their album “Songs to the Sun.” This Ukrainian band deserves to be treated like royalty such as the forefathers of heavy rock and metal. You know who they are. Give this album a listen! All the songs are great but I really like “New Dawn.”
There were a bunch more bands like Guild, Coltaine, Kal El, The Great Machine, Love Your Witch, Dunes and Gaupa who all could have made it on to this list.
