2025 is poised to be a rather standout year in music, with an array of highly anticipated albums set to shape the cultural and creative landscape. As artists push the boundaries of their craft and experiment with different styles, listeners can expect an exciting blend of fresh sounds, innovative concepts, and personal storytelling. From introspective ballads to electrifying rap beats, the year promises to deliver music that resonates across generations and genres.
The biggest upcoming album releases of 2025 reflect the evolving nature of the industry, promising both timeless artistry and modern experimentation. With influences spanning global styles and cultural movements, the most exciting albums of 2025 will assuredly capture the imagination of audiences worldwide. Fans can look forward to huge returns, bold reinventions, surprising collaborations, and some major attacks on the charts over the next 12 months.
10 Kesha
TBD
Kesha’s journey in the music industry has been as intriguing as it is tumultuous. Bursting onto the scene with the party anthem “TiK ToK,” she became synonymous with carefree, glitter-filled pop. However, her career took a sharp turn toward introspection with Rainbow, where she showcased her resilience and emotional depth. Though her artistry has matured, her mainstream appeal has become more niche in recent years.
Kesha’s last album, 2023’s “Gag Order,” was the final full-length to be released as part of her deal with Kemosabe and RCA.
In 2025, Kesha’s new album has the opportunity to remind the world of her versatility. Whether she leans into her soulful ballads or reignites her electro-pop roots, her ability to craft infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics is undeniable. The challenge will be breaking through in a year crowded with high-profile releases. While she may not dominate charts globally, her devoted fanbase will likely elevate the album’s status with positive reviews, even if it is not a commercial juggernaut.
9 Charlie Puth
Charlie Puth is a pop powerhouse known for blending smooth vocals with razor-sharp production. From viral hits like “See You Again” to the funky “Attention,” his knack for crafting radio-friendly earworms has been a cornerstone of his success. While his sound remains consistent, his critics argue that it has yet to evolve enough to keep up with more daring artists in the genre. Yet that will not stop his next album from being one of 2025’s most anticipated.
In 2025, Charlie’s album will likely lean into his strengths: infectious hooks and meticulously layered production.
In 2025, Charlie’s album will likely lean into his strengths: infectious hooks and meticulously layered production. Fans can likely expect a little bit of playful experimentation due to the continued success of genre-blurring artists over time. A few high-profile collaborations or unexpected sonic shifts could help him gain even more of the spotlight with his new album. While he may not command as much buzz as others on this list, Charlie’s track record suggests his album will be packed with polished, hit-ready singles primed for social media and streaming playlists.
8 Central Cee
Can’t Rush Greatness – January 2025
Central Cee is rapidly becoming synonymous with the rise of UK drill and melodic rap. Known for his introspective lyricism and ability to craft relatable narratives, he has quickly established himself as one of the leading voices in modern hip-hop. Mixtapes like Wild West and 23 showcased his talent, while chart-topping tracks like “Doja” and “Sprinter” cemented his mainstream appeal.
Drawing from his childhood and the hardships his family faced after his parents’ separation, the album promises to offer deeply personal storytelling paired with sharp, innovative production.
In 2025, Central Cee’s upcoming album, Can’t Rush Greatness, is set to continue his ascent. Drawing from his childhood and the hardships his family faced after his parents’ separation, the album promises to offer deeply personal storytelling paired with sharp, innovative production. Singles like “Band4Band” featuring Lil Baby and “Gen Z Luv” have already generated buzz, solidifying anticipation for what’s next.
7 Alessia Cara
Love & Hyperbole – February 14, 2025
Alessia Cara remains one of pop’s most authentic and relatable voices, celebrated for her introspective storytelling and emotional depth. Hits like “Here” and “Scars to Your Beautiful” established her as a voice for the underrepresented, and her knack for weaving deeply personal experiences into her music continues to resonate with listeners. While recent releases may not have captured the same widespread attention as her earlier hits, they’ve showcased her artistic growth and a willingness to explore new creative territory.
Her 2025 album, Love and Hyperbole, presents an exciting opportunity to reintroduce herself to a broader audience. With her unique blend of heartfelt lyrics and soothing vocals, Alessia has the potential to deliver an album that strikes a chord across generations. If she incorporates fresh production and bold collaborations, her upcoming project could not only reconnect with longtime fans but also attract a new wave of listeners eager for genuine, soul-baring artistry.
6 Tate McRae
So Close To What – February 21, 2025
Tate McRae has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in pop. Her emotionally charged hits like “You Broke Me First” showcase a talent for capturing the angst and vulnerability of listeners, particularly members of Gen Z. With a rapidly growing fanbase and consistent chart performance, she’s positioned herself as a major player in the industry despite being relatively new.
As her starpower continues to rise, Tate has the potential to become even more dominant, but she will still need to continue distinguishing herself from the crowded field of up-and-coming artists.
Her 2025 album could solidify her as a lasting force in pop, especially if she continues to refine her sound. Balancing her raw, emotional delivery with more expansive production will help her attract an even broader audience. As her starpower continues to rise, Tate has the potential to become even more dominant, but she will still need to continue distinguishing herself from the crowded field of up-and-coming artists. While not quite on par with legacy acts yet, Tate’s trajectory suggests she is only getting started.
5 Blackpink’s Lisa
Alter Ego – February 28, 2025
Lisa of Blackpink represents the global phenomenon that is K-pop. As a solo artist, she’s already proven her star power with hits like “Lalisa,” which showcased her charisma and versatility. Her work bridges cultural gaps, appealing to both dedicated K-pop fans and international pop audiences. Lisa’s 2025 album has the potential to elevate her further into solo superstardom.
With the ever-growing influence of K-pop on Western music, Lisa’s release is expected to be a major event. Lisa’s intricate choreography, dynamic visuals, and genre-blending sound ensure that she’ll command global attention. While her solo career is still developing, Lisa’s connection to Blackpink’s juggernaut fandom gives her a significant edge. Her challenge lies in crafting a distinct artistic identity that separates her from the group while maintaining the charm that has made her a global icon.
4 ¥$ (Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign)
Few artists can generate as much polarizing buzz as Kanye West. His continued collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign under the name ¥$ is just as intriguing as ever, and Vultures 3 seems to continue the trend of the fusion of Kanye’s avant-garde tendencies with Ty’s smooth R&B vocals. Kanye’s reputation as a boundary-pusher ensures the project will be anything but predictable. Ty, meanwhile, brings a contemporary flair that will balance Kanye’s more experimental inclinations.
While not officially confirmed for 2025, this album will more than likely release in the year. This is because their first two albums in this album trilogy were released within six months.
While Kanye’s controversies may overshadow his music at times, his artistic output consistently sparks discussion. The likely-to-release-in-2025 album has the potential to redefine modern hip-hop, provided it balances innovation with accessibility. Ty Dolla $ign’s involvement could also broaden the appeal, bringing a fresh dynamic to Kanye’s larger-than-life persona. Regardless of the outcome, this release will be one of the most talked-about events of the year, cementing its place in cultural discourse.
3 Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey remains one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in modern music. Her cinematic, melancholic style has garnered her a fiercely loyal fanbase and critical acclaim. Particularly, fan favorite albums like Norman F***ing Rockwell!* and Chemtrails Over the Country Club have solidified her legacy as a masterful storyteller. According to Rey herself, her album Lasso will primarily be a country album, making it her first album to do so.
Her 2025 album is expected to continue her interesting style, with listeners eager to see what her tenth album can bring to the table compared to her previous repertoire. With her poetic lyrics and haunting melodies, Lana’s ability to craft deeply atmospheric music ensures that her release will captivate. While she may not dominate charts like pop heavyweights, her cultural impact transcends traditional metrics, making her a unique and enduring voice in music.
2 Lady Gaga
LG7 – February, 2025
Lady Gaga is a force of nature, known for her ability to reinvent herself with each era. From the glittery pop of The Fame to the stripped-down intimacy of Joanne, her versatility has kept her at the forefront of pop culture. Her recent ventures into film and jazz have only expanded her appeal, with Lady Gaga’s appearance in Joker: Folie À Deux being one of her most interesting ventures yet.
Lady Gaga stated that this album’s genre will be “dark pop.”
The 2025 album is highly anticipated, with hopes for a return to her high-energy pop roots. Gaga’s knack for blending theatricality with emotional depth ensures her projects are more than just music; they’re cultural moments. Her ability to balance mainstream appeal with artistic integrity makes her one of the most exciting artists on this list. Whether it’s dance floor anthems or poignant ballads, Gaga’s release will be nothing short of a spectacle.
1 Rihanna
TBD
Rihanna’s upcoming album is the undisputed crown jewel of 2025’s music calendar, and is without a doubt the most anticipated album of the year, provided rumors of its release prove accurate. With nearly a decade since her last release, Anti, the anticipation for her return is unparalleled. Rihanna’s influence extends far beyond music; she’s a fashion diva, businesswoman, and cultural icon. Her ability to stay relevant without releasing new music is a testament to her star power.
Rihanna stated that her newest album will infuse her typical style with reggae undertones.
The 2025 album has the potential to redefine pop and R&B. Precedent would suggest that fans can expect both bangers and ballads, and a mix of the bold experimentation of Anti and the commercial appeal of her earlier work. Rihanna’s ability to dominate multiple industries ensures that her return will command global attention. No matter the direction she takes, this album is poised to be a defining moment for the music industry for the year.