New Album Roundup - Winter 2026 (Jan-Mar)

New Album Roundup - Winter 2026

Well, here we are, with the first 3 months of 2026 already behind us, winter is gone and springtime ahead. Although I haven't been posting to the blog over that time, I have been busy and listening to all the new music coming out. So, it's time once again to highlight some of the best new albums that have been released over the past 3 months (January-March 2026). I've listened to some 30+ new albums in these early months of 2026, and there have been many quite good ones, and a few that really stand out as something really special. Anyway, these are the albums that I think are notable and have liked the most thus far. 

Big Big Train - Woodcut

Have to lead-off with this, as Big Big Train is one of my favorite current bands, and they have done it again with this fantastic new release. Of course, BBT is a UK Prog band known for their beautiful pastoral melodies, soaring instrumental passages, evocative narratives, and sweeping majestic symphonic Prog, maintaining effective use of strings and horns, as well occasional bursts of heavier prog instrumental sections. BBT has now fully emerged from tragedy and turmoil earlier this decade with a new lineup that has evolved into perhaps their strongest ensemble thus far. And here, the band presents their first fully immersive concept album, 16 interrelated tracks (66 min. of music) that tell the story of a woodcarving artist, exploring the themes of creative obsession, struggle for recognition and the emotional highs and lows of the creative process. But, as always, it's the music that is most important here, and the songs play out in a wonderful sequence of beauty, style, and emotion from beginning to end, covering a variety of musical styles from beautiful melodic sections to thunderous, energetic rock. Vocals are superb throughout, led by Alberto Bravin, but each of the various vocalists in the band get their chance to shine on different songs. Overall, a wonderful cohesive album that is sure to remain among the very best albums of the year. Best Tracks: The Artist, Chimaera,  Cut and Run, The Sharpest Blade, Counting Stars. Rating: 4.5 stars.

Neal Morse Band - L.I.F.T.

The latest from prolific U.S. Progger Neal Morse is a return of the Neal Morse Band, and it is fantastic. Neal releases a lot of albums (35+ since 2000) in many forms and various collaborators, and with various degrees of success (ranging from ho-hum to the greatest Prog classics), but for me at least, his output with the Neal Morse Band has always been among his best albums, as this ensemble, with Eric Gillette (guitars), Bill Hubauer (keyboards), Randy George (bass), and Mike Portnoy (drums) joining Neal, brings out the best in them all. But after Mike Portnoy left to rejoin Dream Theater in 2024, the future of NMB was in doubt, yet here we have a new NMB album, their first since Innocence and Danger (2021) and 5th overall, and it is a joy from start to finish. It is a fully fleshed out concept album, with each song delivering a powerful punch, perfectly blending classic rock with great prog. The songs all work here and all fit together to make a most satisfying album experience, filled with great melodies and instrumental virtuosity. 13 songs (70 min. runtime), and although no epic-length tracks, there's still plenty of opportunities for proggy instrumental sections and for each band member to shine. Love this album, sure to be one of the best of the year, and best from Neal in many many years. If you've liked Neal's work in the past but haven't been impressed with his more recent albums, be sure to check this one out, as it is ranks up there with his best.  Best Tracks: Reaching, Carry You Again, Gravity's Grip, Fully Alive Part 2, Love All Along. Rating 4.5 stars

Spirergy - Whenever Forever

Third album from this UK Progressive rock outfit, which is a project of multi-instrumentalist Dave Allen, and it's a wonderful journey through 70's-style classic melodic symphonic prog. Nice blending of vocal and instrumental sections, and mix of guitars and keyboards as lead instruments. Best tracks tend to be the longer ones, where Dave gets a chance to really stretch out in extended instrumental sections. I particularly love the prevalent incorporation of acoustic instruments (piano, acoustic and 12-string guitars) amidst the electronics (electric guitars, synthesizers). Songs and styles are very reminiscent of the usual classic bands (Genesis, Yes, ELP, Rush, etc), and most reminds me of Starcastle, but also still forge their own way. Songs include a mix of shorter and longer tracks, including the epic-length (16 min) title track, and The vocals fall somewhere between Jon Anderson and Geddy Lee (for better or worst). Overall, a wonderful and very entertaining album that fans of classic Prog should definitely check out. Best Tracks: Carry Me Home, In the Small Hours, See it in Your Eyes, Whenever Forever. Rating: 4 stars 

Rope and Ladder - This Is Wild

2nd album from this Indie rock duo (Jay Clark and Ryan Dolen) from Boston, with a unique sound that I would call Power Folk or heavy folk-rock, in that their songs have somewhat of a Folk aesthetic, but are presented with a powerful, theatrical rock approach. Their songs are somewhat melancholic and uplifting at the same time. Often start off with mellow acoustic guitars before building to powerful anthemic and sometimes symphonic arrangements, and with beautiful vocals and harmonies throughout. But they also feature a variety of different styles, from the stark acoustic gloom of I Watched You Watch Him Die to the power blues of Holy Ghost, to the channeling of The Kinks in the delightful power pop title track, to the angelic Lemon Twigs-style harmonies of Still, and at other times resembling the symphonic Folk of Cloud Cult. Every song is a winner on this surprising and delightful album. Best Tracks: This is Wild, Grandfather, Fight or Flight, No Hard Feelings, Wasted on Me. Rating: 4 stars. 
  
The Dear Hunter - Sunya

This genre-defying U.S. alternative progressive pop band's much anticipated follow-up to their fantastic 2022 album, Antimai, is finally here. This concept album continues to flesh out the world presented in Antimai, featuring a similar sound palette, mixing in jazz, funk, soul textures to their unique sound. Whereas Antimai explored the physical and social structure of the city-state, Sunya ventures out beyond the city to the people and places of the outlying regions. Although not quite as sonically bold and dynamic as its predecessor, Sunya features rich and sumptuous soundscapes - there's a lot going on here - with complex, layered, and intricately detailed arrangements and instrumentation, creating lush and encompassing sonic landscapes. Once again, Casey Crescenzo's vocals, as well as the backing harmonies, are superb, with Casey's voice seeming to fit right in with whatever style of song they present. Wonderful songs throughout, from the opening Wastelands, Marauders, the most rockin' track, the 3-part heart of the album, The Glass Desert, with Glass Desert III showing a Tears for Fears-style lush pop, and concluding with the dreamy title track. A Great album, with the only complaint being that it is too short, just as the full ambiance seems to be in full swing, it's over, and we want more. Can't wait for the next phase and where they will take us next. Best tracks: Marauders, The Glass Desert I, II, III, Sunya. Rating 4.5 stars

Hallas - Panorama

This 4th album from Swedish prog band Hallas takes us back to the 70's. The first half of the album is a brilliant epic-length (21 min) early 70's style symphonic prog masterpiece, Above the Continuum, that is just sensational. It features everything you could want in a prog rock epic, from the gentle melodic sections to thunderous rocking, grand majestic themes, and instrumental acrobatics, with no lulls or lapses throughout its extended runtime. Takes you back to early 70's symphonic prog, and certainly with glimpses of the prog greats (Genesis, Yes, ELP, Moody Blues, etc.) abound, yet the overall style and sound is squarely their own on this masterpiece. Absolutely fantastic and sure to be among the very best epics of the year. However, for the second half of the album, they switch to 4 shorter songs and a more straight-forward 70's melodic hard rock style, driving rock with heavy riffs and catchy melodies. Still very well-done, but just not that special or interesting, at least for me. If whole album was as good as the first half, it would be one of the best of the year, but overall, still a very good album. Best Track: Above the Continuum. Rating: 3.5 stars

Legs on Wheels - Gobble

2nd album from this unique eclectic alternative progressive/art rock band from the U.K. that features a fun, energetic, all-over-the-place style, incorporating aspects of many different genres. As for what they sound like, imagine a mixture of early Split Enz (especially the vocals), XTC (quirky off-kilterness), Gentle Giant (for the progginess and complexity), and maybe some 10 cc and They Might Be Giants (for the silliness), something like that. Lyrics seem to be mostly nonsense, and the music features many odd time signatures, rhythms, and abrupt changes between sections, but still remains melodic. There's some musical magic here, and it mostly works. The album closer, Masteroid, is longer (11 min) and gives the band a chance to stretch out a bit more instrumentally, and also has some sections that resemble a more proggy Steely Dan, among other highlights. An album with lots of fun quirks and oddities. Best Tracks: Masteroid, Waiting for his Drowning, Centipede, Winner Winner. Rating: 3.5 stars

Motorpsycho - Gaia II Space Corps

Versatile and prolific prog band Motorpsycho is back and goes full-on Psych-Rock/Space rock with this latest release, with only occasional glimpses of their Prog influences (such as on The Oracle). They deliver a solid rockin' album of psychedelic hard rock propelled by repeating heavy guitar riffs, solid melodies, and soaring solos. They add some of their usual flair to the proceedings, but overall, they stick to the script of bringing back the sound of 70's psych rock with fun, jammy style for this album. Best Tracks: The Oracle, Gaia II Space Corp, TSMcR, The Great Stash Robbery.  Rating 3.5 stars

Major Parkinson - Valesa Chapter II: Viva the Apocalypse!

Norwegian Prog pop/rock. I really wanted to love this quirky genre-defying band and their mix of jazz, pop, rock, funk, prog, and metal, as their no-holds-barred approach is similar to bands I love such as The Dear Hunter and Moron Police, but sadly, I just could not. Musically this is some really cool stuff with funky complex beats, rhythms, and intricate and inventive arrangements. There's a lot going on here. But the shouty, growly, talk-singing lead vocals and annoying lyrics are terrible, and greatly detract from every song. That plus the unevenness of the album (First half or so is great, second half plummets bad, especially the extended annoying metal nonsense of Karma Supernova and Maybelline) really weaken what could have been a great album. The album then bizarrely closes with a straightforward sweet pop song (Kiss Me Now) for a weak finish. If you can get past the poor vocals and couple weak tracks, there is a lot to like about this band and album, but given the weaknesses I can't score it as anything above a good rating. Best Tracks: Superdad, Father Superior, Showbiz, Viva the Apocalypse. Rating: 3 stars 

Tigran Hamasyan - Manifeste

Exceptionally talented Armenian jazz pianist and composer goes all out on this release with an ambitious, sprawling 14 track, 72 min, album that is stylistically all over the place, featuring interpretations of Armenian folk tunes and hymns, smooth jazz, jazz-rock fusion, freeform jazz, Prog and Prog-metal, and polyrhythm math-rock, and everything in between.  Mostly instrumental, but  lyric vocals on a couple tracks, and non-word vocalizations on several more. Best known for his staccato rhythms and intricately pulsing melody lines creating dynamic technically complex compositions. At times reminiscent of the melodic jazz of Pat Metheny Group, at others more freeform or avant jazz forms.  However, due to the vastly different style and tone of the varying tracks, the sprawling album becomes a somewhat uncomfortable listen, as one listener is not likely to fully appreciate all the different styles here (for example, I didn't care much for some of the slower hymn-like tunes). This is one of those albums where best to pull out your favorites in a playlist rather than listen straight through, but there is no denying the talent here. Best Tracks: Manifeste, Ultradance, Dardahan, War-time Poem, Prelude for All Seekers. Rating 3.5 stars

Perfect Beasts - Perfect Beasts

New hard rock band fronted by everywhere vocalist-guitarist John Mitchell (Karmakanic, Frost, It Bites, Kino, Arena, Lonely Robot, Asia) that features melodic hard rock and classic rock, with just a touch of Prog. The sound is dominated by heavy guitar riffs and catchy melodies and choruses, with Mitchell's soaring vocals the best part of it. There's some pretty good songs here (but also some duds), but i seems like they are trying a bit too hard to put a heavy hard rock edge to most of the songs that doesn't always blend well with the melodies. Some nice instrumental touches, overall, quite well done, but just not a style that resonates much with me. But if you're looking for some more tuneful hard rock, this might be for you. Best Tracks: Genie's Out the Bottle, Non-Stop to the Moon, On a Curve, Undertow. Rating: 3 stars

Hamasaari - Pictures

2nd album from this French Prog band features moody, atmospheric, melancholic modern Prog. Especially adept at juxtaposing lighter acoustic melodic sections with heavier, powerful, grungey, prog-metal passages, while maintaining a somber, haunting feel.  Best Tracks: Frames, Home, Our Head Spinning, Under the Trees. Rating: 3.5 stars

Plantoid  - Flare

2nd album from this eclectic UK Prog band follows-up their acclaimed debut, Terrapath, with their own distinctive brand of modern Prog. Although they have lots of interesting moods and sounds, for some reason it just doesn't work for me. The songs don't really go anywhere or amount to much. In this case, the lack of melody or cohesive structure undermines its effectiveness, and I just can't quite get into it. Rating: 2.5 stars

Quick Hits

Soft Machine - Thirteen
Legendary UK psychedelic Canterbury scene band that evolved into a premier Avant jazz-rock fusion band returns with more quality instrumental experimental improvisational jazz-rock. Rating: 3 stars

Gong - Bright Spirit
Another legendary UK psychedelic Canterbury scene band returns with their own trippy, spacey, middle-eastern influenced jazzy psychedelia, updated with some modern touches. Rating: 3 stars

Dina Ogon - Manniskobarn
Swedish indie pop-rock. Kind of like a mellow Swedish Fleetwood Mac. Nice, pleasant. Rating: 3 stars

Squeeze - Trixies
Veteran UK new wave pop band are back (after 9-yr gap) with this interesting concept album about the people in and around a local bar. Overall, some quite good songs, some unmemorable songs, in a variety of styles. A nice listen, but just never really soars. Rating: 3 stars

Weedpecker - V
Polish rock band delivers cool, compelling space-rock/psych-rock. Somewhat reminscent of Motorpsycho, but also with their own style and sound. Rating: 3 stars. 

Buck Meek - The Mirror
Solo album (his 4th) from Big Thief guitarist-backing vocalist Meek. Nice, basic lo-fi sound, but overall, the songs are a bit lackluster and underdeveloped, and Meek's meager vocals don't help. Just OK. Rating 2.5 stars.  

Melissa Etheridge - Rise

Solid album from this veteran American singer-songwriter. Shows she can still really rock and deliver powerful, emotional classic rock and Americana. Rating: 3 stars 

Angine de Poitrine - Vol II

Lastly, I feel I need to weigh on this outrageous French-Canadian duo who have become internet sensations with their wild circus costumes and look, and intricate microtonal math rock sounds. First, you have to admire how they have made themselves essential pop culture icons, and  I applaud their ability to bring attention and acclaim to what is basically a very esoteric musical form that normally would only be of interest to music theory nerds. However, it still is basically a novelty act, and one that would seem to have a quite short lifespan in the public eye. The act, both visually and musically, wears thin pretty fast. Musically, it is different and unique, at least for a while. It sounds kinda cool at first, but then grows tedious and repetitive. It's just not very sustainable. For me, the novelty didn't even last for the whole album (or even through whole songs, as each songs seems too long by at least half). It was a chore to make it through the entire album (I still haven't made it through an entire video). Despite all the complex microtonal flourishes and rhythms, the songs are basically monotonic drones with repetitive riffs and soloing over the top. Some have claimed this to be the future of music. No. Now, it may spur the next 'bad trend' of music, as people and bands rush out to buy microtonal guitars and experiment with them, with mostly dismal results, but other than that, it will likely remain just a curiosity. Perhaps when artists can incorporate microtonal techniques to create real musical compositions, then maybe that could lead somewhere, but this as it is, is just an interesting curiosity. And as an album, it is just OK. Rating: 2.5 stars 

BB’s Rating scale:

1 star – Terrible, torturous to have to listen to

1.5 stars - Poor, not worth your time

2 stars – Fair, maybe a couple half-way decent songs, but sub-par overall

2.5 stars – Average, OK, meh, not bad but not that good either

3 stars – Good, solid album, several good songs, but not spectacular. Certainly worthy, but may not be something you come back to very often

3.5 stars – Very good album. Some stellar tracks, very enjoyable overall

4 stars – Great album, filled with great songs, one that you will want to come back to over and over again

4.5 stars – Excellent album, beyond great, superb in every way, just short of a masterpiece 

5 stars – A Masterpiece, among the greatest albums of its type, and has stood the test of time

OK, so that's what I have for the first quarter of 2026. Some really good stuff in there. What did I miss? What were your favorite new albums so far in 2026? Let me know in the comments.

On the Way Back

 

 

Hey There! How you doing this winter? OK, I know, long time, no posts or activity here. Well, I intended to take some time off in January before getting back into things, but then that was extended, both through laziness and some technical issues. The personal computer I used for this blog (and many other things) melted down and became inoperable and it has taken awhile to get things back in order. That's also why several requests to fix broken download links have not been addressed, as I did not have access to the hard drive where all those files are located. I'm getting things worked out now, so should be able to get back up and running soon. But I have been keeping busy, and will have some things of note to post soon. Already lots of good new music released this year and much more coming. In the meantime, keep checking out past posts and downloads, and thanks for your continued support. Still under snow here, but Spring will be here soon!

 

 

Best (My Favorite) Songs of the Year - 2025

 

To wrap-up my year-end review lists, here are my picks for some of the best songs of the year (Top 20), as well as best instrumentals (Top 10) and best epics (Top 10). Choosing the best individual songs is a bit trickier than the best albums, as there are so many songs, and I could have filled the list with basically all the songs from the very best albums (such as Pachinko, A Shout Into The Void, and Transmutation), but I have opted to include only one song from each album to provide more variety, and thus had to choose among many great song options. So, not surprisingly, most of the songs do come from my favorite albums, but there are a few great songs that came from albums that did not make my top albums list and represent the best from those albums. So here they are, at least at this moment, as these can change very quickly over time. 

Best Songs (For more info on the albums the songs come from, see my albums of the year post as well as my previous reviews of most of these albums [links included in the albums of the year posts])

20. Someone Like Me - Jonas Lindberg & The Other Side

19. Balthazar - Motorpsycho

18. Considerations  - The Flower Kings

17. Frippa - Clann

16. Bend the Clock - Dream Theater

15. De Tre Gatier - Lars Frederik Froislie

14. Tiny Star - Echolyn

13. Gone - Bjorn Riis

12. Tessalate - Smalltape

11. Signals - Ihlo

10. Golden Gate - Madison Cunningham

9. Hello Sunshine - Flyte

8. Better Than This - OK Go

7. Blue-Eyed Raven - Styx

6. Spaceman in Tulsa - Counting Crows

5. The Artist - Big Big Train (from upcoming album, Woodcut)

4. Lose This Ball and Chain - Karmakanic

3. Brain on Fire - Great Wide Nothing

2. Next Step - Spock's Beard

1. Pachinko - Moron Police

 

Best Instrumentals

10. Kip Satie - Motorpsycho

9. Jupiter Suite - Lux Terminus

8. Fimbulvinter - Bjorn Riis

7. Triangulation - Steve Morse Band

6. Mind Obscured, Heart Eclipsed

5. Gamle Mester - Lars Frederik Froislie

4. Sunrise - Anders Buaas

3. Gruvan - Jonas Lindberg

2. One Thousand Eyes - Great Wide Nothing

1. Terraforming - Ambient Den

 

Best Epics (14+ min.) of the Year

There is something special about epic-length songs, when done right, and Prog is known for their epic tracks, and 2025 was a big year for epics (after several years of fewer occurrences), with more than 30 notable epics that I was aware of. Here are the 10 best of he year.

10. The Memory of After Part 1 (15 min.) - Myth of Logic, from album of same name

9. Water in Our Hands (29 min.) - Echolyn, from the album Time Silent Radio vii

8. Our Final Song (14.5 min.) - Arjen Anthony Lucassen, from the album Songs No One Will Hear

7. The Passing (32 min.) - Jacob Roberge, from the album of the same name

6. Neotzar (21 min.) - Motorpsycho, from self-titled album 

5. Opus Imperfectus Pt. 1 (18.5 min.) - Magic Pie, from the album Maestro

4. The Wind (17.5 min.) - Jonas Lindberg, from the album Time Frames

3. Terraforming (16.5 min.) - Ambient Den, from self-titled album

2. The Archaeoptimist (21 min.) - Spock's Beard, from album of same name

1. Transmutation (23 min.) - Karmakanic, from album of same name

So there you have it, that wraps up my look back at the music of 2025, which was a stellar year for music, if you knew where to look and find it. Great songs, great albums. Let me know what your favorite music of the year was. Looking forward to more great music in 2026. I wish everyone a safe and joyous Happy New Year (as much as possible in these trying times) to extend all throughout the year. I'll be back with more music news and analysis soon.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All! - Christmas Music

 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Wishing all of you the best this holiday season. And if you haven't yet had your fill and are still in the mood for more Christmas and Winter-themed music, there is plenty here available for you. Although this is an off-year for my Bi-Annual collection of Christmas music (no new collection this year), there is still much to offer if you haven't already checked out my previous collections and other Christmas music posts. So, here's a listing of all the Christmas, Holiday, and Winter themed music and shows available here, including all my previous unique delightful and eclectic Christmas-related collections. In addition, there are several other Christmas-related shows and compilations that have been posted previously.  As I've said before, personally, I love Christmas music of all types, classical, rock, pop, jazz, etc., from the traditional to the outrageous, the serious to the silly, the classics to the newest ditties, and these compilations contain some of my favorites. Enjoy the season while it lasts. 

BB Chronicles Collections:

BB Chronicles 2024 Christmas Collection 

 

 

BB Chronicles 2022 Christmas Collection

 

 

BB Chronicles 2020 Christmas Collection - A Coping with Covid Christmas

BB's Christmas Collection 2018 - New, Old, and Revived


BB's Chronicles Christmas Collections 2016 (featuring 2 full collections - Bright and Blue)


BB's Christmas Chronicle 2014 - Tiny Tree Christmas


BB Chronicles Holiday Sampler 2012 - No Rest for Ye Merry Gentlemen


BB Chronicles Echlectic Christmas Chollection 2010


Other Christmas posts:

Aimee Mann and Ted Leo Christmas Shows: 2014 - Boston ; 2015 - Boston ; 2019 - Los Angeles

A Celtic Christmas Sojourn - 2015-Boston

Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets - Nick Lowe’s Quality Holiday Review - 2015-Los Angeles

Bruce Springsteen Live Christmas compilations

Chicago - 1998 Christmas show

Bill Kirchen's Honky Tonk Holiday Party - 2010 - Northampton, MA 

Enjoy some festive Holiday music!.

Again, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year to All!

Note and Warning about the Upload.ee downloads : The upload.ee website has gotten less user-friendly since these files were uploaded. The first couple times you click on the green download button will cause a deceptive pop-up add for some software or something. Do not click on anything on these pages (just close window)! Go back to upload.ee page and ONLY click on the green download button, nothing else. The download will automatically start, but may two or three clicks to get it to go. It works, just takes patience. Sorry for the inconvenience, but haven't had the chance to upload to a different site yet.

 

More Best Albums of 2025 - Honorable Mentions

 

 More of the Best Albums of 2025 - Honorable Mentions

I previously featured my Top 40 picks for Best Albums of the Year. Here I continue these Year-End Lists with more of the best albums, many more honorable mentions that were also good to very good. I've separated these into sections for the really very good, those albums that were really impressive, but that just didn't quite make my Top 40 list, and then those that I would just call good, and worth checking out, that may have had some really great moments, but also may have been uneven or had lesser tracks that made the album a bit less exemplary, but still overall, good. I've also subdivided each group into the Prog-related and non-Prog album categories (because I know that Prog is a special category that appeals to a more select group). There are just minimal comments here. For more info refer to my previous seasonal new album roundups for most of these. So here they are:

More Very Good 2025 Albums:
Prog-related 

Jean_Pierre Louveton - Post-Scriptum (jazz-inflected, guitar-driven, atmospheric French Prog)

Lux Terminus - Cinder (Dynamic, vibrant, piano-driven eclectic instrumental heavy Prog with jazzy overtones)

Glass Hammer - Rogue (Welcome return to symphonic Prog, with mostly mellower melodic prog and an emphasis on vocals and pop-rock melodies) 

CEN-Projekt - Carnival of Lost Souls (German composer-multi-instrumentalist Chris Engel's classic-style symphonic prog, creating wonderful melodies and compelling instrumental work).

Dim Gray - Shards (Norwegian Prog band continues exploring their blend of atmospheric, emotional soundscapes with lush symphonic backing and soaring melodies. 

Rick Miller - Perspective (strong album of mellow atmospheric prog from Canadian multi-instrumentalist, with something of a blend of Pink Floyd, Alan Parsons Project, and the Moody Blues. Soothing, somewhat dark, but very enjoyable.  

Agropelter - Book of Hours (Impressive debut from this Norwegian instrumental symphonic Prog band, a project of multi-instrumentalist Kay Olsen plus numerous guest musicians. Strong classical influences and a classic prog style, with  wonderful sections, beautiful melodies, great musicianship and instrumental prowess).  

Mostly Autumn - Seawater (Dramatic, atmospheric folk-rock with prog elements, filled with simple but effective songs and engaging melodies that are given lush treatment. Great emotional vocal performances of the main female and male vocalists are highlights))

McStine and Minneman - III (Impressive third collaboration between prog vocalist-multi-instrumentalist Randy McStine and drummer Marco Minneman, blending elements of pop, prog, art rock, and alternative, as well as mixing traditional melodic songs with bold experimentation)

Non-Prog (rock, pop, folk, etc.)

Racing Mount Pleasant - Racing Mount Pleasant (Sincere, emotional, and starkly beautiful songs given additional dramatic heft with effective use of wind and horn arrangements for a unique symphonic folk sound) 

Midlake - A Bridge to Far (Dreamy vocals and melodies, and pleasing arrangements highlight this very enjoyable folk-rock album)

Alison Krauss and Union Station - Arcadia (Alison/Union Station reunite after 14 years, with beautiful results, alternating between Alison's sweet, pretty ballads and the band's Appalachian folk songs sung by new vocalist Russel Moore)

The Head and the Heart - Aperture (A welcome return to a more folky homespun style and sound for this indie folk-rock band, with a more stripped back and lo-fi style. Fine vocals and harmonies and pleasingly simple arrangements) 

Stereolab - Instant Holograms on Metal Film (Unique Anglo-French avant-pop band, a style from early 60's French and European pop, with soft-spoken female vocals over jazzy pop and mixing in modern elements from Krautrock and electronica for a uniquely retro-futurist sound) 

My Morning Jacket - Is (The band settles into a comfortable, more pop-infused groove here, with a safe, but beautiful and highly enjoyable sound and style) 

Lou Hazel - Riot in the Red (American singer-songwriter presents heartfelt folk and Americana. Wonderful songwriting, and sparse but effective arrangements highlight his world-weary reflections and perceptive observations)

Steve Martin and Alison Brown - Safe, Sensible, and Sane (Steve teams up with renowned banjo player Alison Brown for a very entertaining album of original folk and bluegrass banjo songs and pieces. Full of delightful guest collaborators, which keeps the songs and styles varied and very enjoyable).  

Envy of None - Stygian Waves (2nd album from this pop band featuring former Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson and vocalist Maiah Wynne showcases an atmospheric and immersive sound, with better grooves and melodies and encompassing soundscapes than debut)

Mary Chapin Carpenter - Personal History (Americana singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter returns with this deeply personal album of heartfelt, introspective songs, stripped down arrangements, and touching thought-provoking lyrics)

Van Morrison - Remembering Now (Aging legend returns with his best album in decades, showing renewed spirit and a sound and style that harkens back to his earlier albums, as he looks back at his life and musical journey with touching and introspective lyrics).

More Good, Worthy Albums (though somewhat flawed, uneven, or overall less effective than those higher up on my list)
Prog-related

Steven Wilson - The Overview
IQ - Dominion
Smalltape - Tangram
Steve Morse Band - Triangulation
Arjen Anthony Lucassen - Songs No One Will Hear
Discipline - Breadcrumbs
Squeaky Feet - The Overview Effect
Magic Pie - Maestro
Cosmograf - The Orphan Epoch
Imaginearium - Siege 
Jethro Tull - Curious Ruminant
Dream Theater - Parasomnia
Dominic Sanderson - Blazing Revelations
Moon Letters - This Dark Earth
Untold Stories - Wind and Memories
Edensong - Our Road to Dust
Joviac - Autofiction
Night Flight Orchestra - Give Us the Moon
Hats Off Gentleman - The Uncertainty Principle
Pareidolon - The Unattainable Shore
Jason Bieler - The Escapologist
Jack O'the Clock - Portraits
Weather Station - Humanhood
Numen - The Outsiders

Non-Prog

Brandi Carlile - Returning to Myself
Peel Dream Magazine - Taurus
The Last Dinner Party - From the Pyre
David Byrne - Who is the Sky?
Ringo Starr - Look Up
Bernie Leadon - Too Late to be Cool
Stephen Bishop - Thimk
Ben Kweller - Cover the Mirrors
Rick Wakeman - Melancholia
Sam Fender - People Watching
Brian D'Addario - Till the Morning
Mogwai - Bad Fire

So, yes, lots of great music in 2025. Anyone that says today's music is no good just hasn't looked around, as there is great music happening all over, all the time. You just have to find your niche, your community,  and the artists that are meaningful to you. They are out there.  

Still to Come: Best Songs of 2025

Best (My Favorite) Albums of 2025 - Top 40

 

 Best (My Favorite) Albums of 2025 - Top 40 

Here we are at the end of another year, and it's time to take a look back at all the great music released this year. Although it may have been a quite crappy year overall, for a lot of reasons, it was a really great year for music, that is if you look beyond the mainstream popular stuff. I certainly found a lot to like this year, in several different genres, including some all-time great albums as well greats in the making. Overall, I listened to about 150 new albums this year (I cut back a bit from last year, which was just too many) and found some real gems from both old and new artists. As is my musical preference, the bulk of them were in the general category of progressive rock or prog-related, but also included many rock, pop, and folk albums as well. And these were my very favorite, my top 40 best albums of the year. Just about all of these have already been covered in my seasonal new album roundup reviews, so the descriptions here are pretty brief, but the links to those roundup reviews are included after each album (Win25, Sp125, Sp225, Sum25, Fal25) to guide you to more info about each. So, without further ado, here's my top 40 favorite albums of the year.


40. The Black Keys - No Rain, No Flowers 
Very enjoyable album from this versatile veteran rock duo that leans more toward pop and blue-eyed soul, with more lush arrangements and polished sound than their more rockin' albums. Sum25

39. Psychedelic Porn Crumpets - Carpe Diem, Moonman
A weird, wild, creative and compelling album featuring a blend of heavy psychedelia, energetic garage rock, dreamy pop psych, and eclectic prog rock.  Sum25 

38. Whimsical Creatures - Wistful Thinking
Debut album from this UK acoustic folk-prog duo (multi-instrumentalist-vocalist Michael Whiteman and vocalist-flutist Ella Floyd) features vocal harmonies and all acoustic instrumentation providing a breezy, refreshing sound. Sum25

37. Ihlo - Legacy
2nd album from UK Prog Metal band is a major step forward toward symphonic prog, with soaring melodies, great vocals, and impressive instrumental arrangements, but still a bit too much metal remnants for me. Sum25

36. Myth of Logic - Memory of After
Best yet from this solo project of Prog composer-vocalist-multi-instrumentalist Scott G. Davis, with dynamic keyboard work throughout and expanded instrumental passages highlighting classic 70's style progs, and strong melodies and themes. Fal25

35. The Mommyheads - No Quietus
Prolific veteran indie pop/rock band from New York with a unique kind of progressive pop, featuring catchy melodies and inventive, quirky arrangements. Fal25

34. Flower Kings - Love
A strong entry from this veteran prog band that takes a gentler, mellower tone overall than much of there previous work, emphasizing melodies and intricate instrumental tapestries. Sp125

33. Cosmic Cathedral - Deep Water 
Neal Morse's latest band features a jazzier, funkier, and looser vibe than other Morse albums, but still mainatains most of the hallmarks of Morse's compositions and style. Sp125

32. Sloan - Based on the Best Seller
Latest from stalwart Canadian indie rock band delivers great fun, featuring bouncy, upbeat 70's-80's-style power pop with great melodies, hooks, vocals, and harmonies throughout, and a nice variety of sounds and styles. Sum25

31. Big Thief - Double Infinity
Another very good indie folk-rock album with a strong set of songs imbued with a pleasant easygoing charm and highlighted by Adrianne Lenker's plaintive vocals and perceptive lyrics, as well as sparse but effective arrangements. Sum25

30. Little Feat - Strike Up the Band 
Mix of old and new players bring back the classic Feat sound and style for a triumphant new album. Sp225

29. Ambient Den - Ambient Den
Impressive debut from this new Australian Prog band. Although they go for crossover appeal in some more poppy tracks, the highlights of the album are the soaring symphonic prog instrumental excursions, with the 16-min epic instrumental Terraforming the absolute best, an adventurous, mesmerizing track. Sum25

28. Gazpacho - Magic 8-Ball
Richly textured, moody, atmospheric, hauntingly beautiful songs, with brooding and immersive synth and keyboard style, punctuated with some brighter keyboard riffs and lovely melodies and vocals. Fal25

27. Coheed and Cambria - The Father of Make Believe
Wide variety of styles and strong melodic sense highlight this latest entry in their ongoing series of albums. Win25

26. Jeff Tweedy - Twilight Override
An expansive, 30-song triple album filled remarkably good songs throughout, ranging from plaintive acoustic guitar and vocals to more diverse arrangements to fully developed rockin' band tracks. it's mostly laidback with a gentle groove and free style, wth personal, insightful lyrics and cool melodies. Fal25

25. Cheap Trick - All Washed Up 

 Legendary band returns with another set of great fun and entertaining rock and power pop songs, filled with power chords, killer riffs, and catchy sing-along choruses. Nothing new here, but great to hear such a a rousingly strong album from these veterans. Fal25
 

24. The Doobie Brothers - Walk This Road 
The return of Michael McDonald, along with founders Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons, together for the first time, provide great variety and create some new Doobie Brothers classics. These seasoned professionals know how to craft appealing and effective songs with top-notch musicianship and arrangements. Sp225
 

23. Nad Sylvan - Monumentata
Nad's chameleon vocal style, strong songwriting, and contributions from numerous guest artists create a strong album that combines prog and mainstream rock. The songs have a solid rock feel, but are filled with clever arrangements and proggy instrumental breaks that keep them always interesting and vibrant.  Sp225
 

22. Solstice - Clann
Tasty mix of folk, jazz, and melodic prog in an upbeat, joyful style that is accessible and engaging, with great vocals and harmonies. Featuring the alluring effortless vocals of Jess Holland and great vocal harmonies, as well as highlighted use of violin, guitar and keyboards throughout. A wonderful album of uplifting, positive melodic tunes that is sure to make you feel good. Sp125
 

21. Flyte - Between You and Me

UK alternative folk duo delivers gentle folk-rock with deeply personal reflections and features an intimate, quietly wonderful, impactful, and cohesive album. Beautiful vocals, melodies and harmonies, great acoustic guitar, and simple but effective arrangements. Sum25
 

20. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - Phantom Island
Latest from this prolific genre-hopping band presents breezy, upbeat psych-rock with added orchestration (strings, winds, horns) for fuller richer sound. The songs still have a light, spacey charm, with some infectious grooves and melodies, lifted to additional textures and sounds with the added orchestration. Sp225
 

19. Jacob Roberge - The Passing
Canadian multi-instrumentalist's debut album is a grand excursion in symphonic prog, highlighted by the epic title track consisting of multiple sections, styles, and dynamics, encompassing the best of symphonic prog, embracing  the styles of the classic bands as well as more modern influences to produce a wonderful majestic track that satisfies on every level, with beautiful melodies and rousing instrumental passages, and culminating with a grand majestic finale.Win25
 

18. Rocking Horse Music Club - The Last Pink Glow
Worthy follow-up to their previous masterwork, Circus of Wire Dolls (2023), as it maintains the beautiful songwriting, exquisite production, and impeccable arrangements and instrumentation throughout,incorporating prog, pop, folk, jazz, and blues into a presentation of Jack Kerouac's A Haunted Life. Sp125
 

17. Motorpsycho - Motorpsycho

Another wonderful album from this eclectic versatile Norwegian Prog band, as they  back to heavier aspects and their psych, prog, and hard rock roots, but also contains bits of everything from their past and still maintains their melodic sensibilities and that Motorpsycho sound, in this expansive self-titled double album. Win25

16. Bjorn Riis - Fimbulvinter
Guitarist from prog band Airbag presents moody, atmospheric soundscapes with a poignant, introspective, and personal feel for a wonderful album, as  the songs create brooding and powerful moods, punctuated by great guitar lines and fills. Sp125

15. Madison Cunningham - Ace 
Talented singer-songwriter, with great vocals, melodies, and perceptive lyrics throughout, but what really sets this album apart is the bold and dynamic approach to instrumentation, arrangements, and production. Compelling songs are bolstered by the inventive arrangements and contributions of a chamber ensemble, providing a fresh, vibrant, and natural sound. Fal25

 

14. Anders Buaas - Trollringen
Wonderful, mostly instrumental melodic prog album from this Norwegian multi-instrumentalist. Absolutely beautiful, full of great instrumental Prog tracks and a few vocal tracks, with prominent acoustic and classical guitars, gentle moving melodies, lovely spirited instrumentals, jazz and folk influences, and grand and dynamic themes. Sum25

 
 

13. Pattern-Seeking Animals - Friend of All Creatures

This offshoot of Spock's beard has developed into one of the premier modern melodic progressive rock bands. Great melodic Prog in another batch of wonderful songs, beautiful and well-played, with great vocals and musicianship, and the full range of emotions, dynamics, and instrumentation. Win25

12. Karfagen - Omni
Keyboard-centric symphonic prog from prolific Ukranian musician Antony Kalugin's band, featuring their most accessible and cohesive release to date. Although broken up into individual tracks, it plays out as one long suite of interconnected songs, and it is more focused on vocals, harmonies, and pop-rock melodies (with numerous guest vocalists) than their usual more instrumental-heavy releases. There is still plenty of great instrumental prog on display here, but the vocal melodies and arrangements take center stage. Sp125

11. Jonas Lindberg - Time Frames
This Swedish Prog band has taken a further step forward with another great album of modern melodic symphonic prog. Their sound is a masterful mix of catchy pop melodies and vocal harmonies combined with extended instrumental passages, grand themes, and virtuoso musicianship. Excellent use of lighter acoustic sections that build into big, bold, soaring symphonic prog, punctuated by heavier, harder rockin' sections and scorching solos. Fal25

 

10. Styx - Circling From Above

Legendary 70's rock band continues their recent resurgence with this dynamite album, as they build on their core melodic rock sound with progressive and classic elements. The tracks cover a variety of styles featuring classic Styx vocal harmonies and soaring melodies, but also including diverse influences from several other classic bands, for a wonderful excursion through classic and prog rock. Each member gets a chance to shine here on lead vocals and great songs.  Sum25

 

9. Counting Crows - Butter Miracle: The Complete Sweets

After a long 11 years since their last full album, we finally have a new album from Counting Crows, and it is fantastic! Although half the album was previously released as an EP (Butter Miracle Suite One), this offers a great mix of songs that highlight Adam's strong storytelling style and unique rock vibe of the band, showing all of the qualities that I love about the band, with a fresh new sound, but also right in line with previous classics. The new tracks are all great, from the blues-rock opener, the rousing single Spaceman in Tulsa, the roots-rock gem Boxcars, the angsty story-telling ballad Virgina in the Rain, and the catchy bluesy rocker Under the Aurora, they really add another dimension to the other trracks, and lots of great stuff here. A wonderful addition to the band's stellar legacy. Sp125

 8. Echolyn - Time Silent Radio ii & vii

U.S. symphonic prog band Echolyn emerged from a 10-year absence with not 1 but 2 great albums here, providing their unique rockin' prog sound, mixing classic melodic rock and power pop with sumptuous symphonic prog for a wonderful set of albums. TSRii consists of 2 epic-length tracks (16 and 29 min.) that ebb and flow and take their time to develop through multiple musical sections and themes, but never lose focus, remaining consistently enjoyable and entertaining throughout. Whereas TSRvii, has 7 shorter tracks that are even better, with songs that are brighter, punchier, with more emphasis on melody and catchy rock tunes, but still with plenty of proggy goodness throughout, and both albums featuring their unique that sound that is not quite like any other band. Win25

7. Lunatic Soul - The World Under Unsun

Led by Polish Prog band Riverside's composer-vocalist-bassist Mariusz Duda, but with a different sound and style, more subdued, moody, and atmospheric, but still quite melodic, filled with cool beats, bass lines, and melodic riffs, and Duda's otherworldly vocals. This is mainly a one-man show, as Duda plays or provides virtually all the instruments, sounds, and vocals, with just some additional drums and sax provided by others. An expansive double album (14 tracks, nearly 90 min.) that justifies its length, as the tracks all work and flow together, the music takes its time to explore themes, build and develop into masterful soundscapes. Many of the tracks are nearly or entirely instrumental, but vocals are used effectively throughout to enhance mood and advance the storyline. Overall, a rich, superb, atmospheric album. Fal25

6. OK Go - And the Adjacent Possible

Its been 11 years since the last full album release (Hungry Ghosts, 2014) by this wildly creative and inventive eclectic indie pop band, and the world has been a noticeably less fun place in their absence. Known for their extraordinary, ingenious, and meticulously crafted music videos, the boys do not disappoint in either the music or video department with this latest release, as they go above and beyond again and deliver a fantastic new album. All-out, fun, good-timey pop songs, featuring well-crafted, imminently tuneful, clever, and catchy songs in a variety of pop styles,  incorporating power pop, sunshine pop, synthpop, alt-pop, pop ballads, and dreamy vocal harmonies, even some 70.s glam rock, and with just enough quirks and weirdness to always be interesting and fun. Great summer album, this is what pop music should be (but was sadly ignored). I've probably listened to this album more than any other throughout the year because it provides so much fun and enjoyment.  Sp125 

5. Lars Frederik Froislie - Gamle Mester

2nd solo album, following the splendid Fire Foretellinger (2023) from Lars, the keyboard player from Norwegian Prog band Wobbler is further proof that new classic-style Symphonic Prog is alive and well in 2025. Froislie plays all the instruments (and vocals as well), with just some help on bass, and of course a big emphasis on keys/synths, with the great diversity of keyboard sounds and styles always hitting just the right feel for the song. Richly textured, complex, and dynamic songs, as Froislie weaves his melodies and compositions with some recognizable touches from previous masters (Genesis, Yes, Jethro Tull, ELP, Gentle Giant, etc.), along with modern Scandinavian influences, but is never derivative, creating remarkably fresh, warm and adventurous songs. Mostly instrumental, but with vocals (in Norwegian) sparingly added where they can be used to best augment the songs. Sp125

4. Spock's Beard - The Archaeoptimist

Premier U.S. Prog band returns after a 7-yr absence with this stellar album that explodes with masterful symphonic prog and that both harkens back to their classic days and forges forward. Led here by keyboard player Ryo Okumoto, who wrote or co-wrote all the songs, provides dazzling keyboard work throughout, but the others contribute great playing-singing and dynamite solos as well. It starts off with Invisible, a strong opener showing that classic Spock's Beard sound, and the album just continues to build from there, with great melodies, dynamic and complex song structures featuring ever-changing rhythms, beats, and grooves, and sensational instrumental passages. But the culmination of the album, the final 2 tracks, which account for half the album's length, are the absolute best, with the epic title track and the closer Next Step, delivering stunning symphonic prog and everything you could want in epic prog tracks. A really great album by one of the best modern prog bands. Fal25

3. Karmakanic - Transmutation

Another 'side project' for The Flower King's bassist, Jonas Reingold, that grew into something much more, becoming one of the premier modern symphonic prog bands, is back after a 9-year absence with this brilliant album. Jonas and band have brought along many wonderful prog guest artists to help out, including Steve Hackett (and members of his touring band), Andy Tillison (The Tangent), John Mitchell (Frost, It Bites, Lonely Robot), Randy McStine, Nick D'Virgilio, and Simon Phillips, to produce one of the best albums of the year.  It opens with a burst of energy in the brief, but powerful rockin' instrumental Bracing For Impact, and then continues to get better and better with each subsequent track, culminating with the sensational Prog epic title track (23 min), which is stunningly brilliant, with everything you could want in a prog epic, from tender acoustic sections to glorious majestic themes to incredible soloing and exciting instrumental passages. Best epic of the year. Win25

2. Great Wide Nothing - A Shout Into The Void

This 4th album from Keyboard-centric U.S. Prog Trio delivers an absolutely fantastic musical experience. Delightful prog elements masterfully presented in an energetic, bold, dynamic, hard-driving modern rock context, with catchy melodies and hooks throughout, yet still maintains a strong melodic sensibility, with catchy melodies and hooks throughout. A concept album of sorts with a theme dealing with social commentary on our place in the world of today. Sensational keys/synth-work (Dylan Porter), from the backing aura to dazzling solos, always with just the right sounds and voices. Powerful bass and vocals from primary songwriter Daniel Graham, and dynamic drumming backing from Jeff Matthews. A unique, powerful and excitingly enjoyable album, brilliant from start to finish. Every track is superb and they all work together to create something really special .Absolutely adore this album, have played it repeatedly all year. Every song great, no weaknesses, a masterpiece. This has been and I thought would remain as my undisputed album of the year, right up until late November, when things changed quickly, because ... Sp125

1. Moron Police - Pachinko

Just released on 11/28/25, but I have been listening to this everyday since, and I just can't get enough of it, as this is just a phenomenal album. Brilliant from start to finish, it is a crazy concept album, a big, bold, exhilarating, boisterous, uplifting, joyous romp. It is filled with their unique blend of frenetic high energy catchy pop melodies amidst hard-driving rock beats, jazz and prog elements, and just non-stop fun and entertainment. Endlessly inventive and creative, as quick, punchy, unforgettable tunes abound as it moves from one track to another, featuring great vocals, sensational synth-keyboard work, and excellent arrangements and production, including just-right instrumentation and use of additions such as sax, trumpet, banjo, violin, or whatever is needed to fill out the perfect sound. The indisputable best album of the year. And not only the best album of 2025, but also one of the very best albums I have ever heard! Anyone who has liked any of the albums and artists I have featured on this blog needs to check this one out. Regardless of your musical preferences, this has something for everyone and is just sensational, every track, no weak spots at all. Fal25  
 

Well, there you have it, those are my very favorites of the year. there also were many other good to very good albums that didn't quite make this top 40 list, and I'll go through some of those in a separate post. But what were your favorite albums of the year? What would you recommend I listen to that I may not have checked out? Let me know what you thought of my selections and the year in music overall.

 

Another Original Song - And a Game to Play

 

 

 OK, I'm back again with another of my original songs (click on above Youtube video link to play).  This is the title track from my recent album collection, Borrowed Words. This one is a bit different in how it was created and has a component that you can participate in. 

I usually write the music (chords and melody) of a song first, then try to come up with lyrics that somewhat fit it, and I often struggle to come up with lyric ideas and write decent lyrics to songs. So, for this song, I came up with the idea of 'borrowing' some lyric lines from some of my favorite songs and artists.  What I did here is that for the verses I used a single lyric line from some great songs and stitched them together to make a whole new song. So, what we have here is an original song, but that has 18 individual lines from other famous songs used in the verses and outro, built around the concept of the importance of  'borrowed words'.  

And the game around the song is this:

 Can you identify the artists and songs that the lines are taken from? 

Some of these of these lines are very well-known, while some may be a bit more obscure. But for readers of this blog, they are all artists that I like and have talked about and featured on this blog. Now there is one trick, in that there are 18 individual 'borrowed' lines, but there are 20 lines in the verses and outro, because 2 lines are my own (and actually taken from an old poem I wrote many years ago, so 2 lines are ringers, but the other 18 are borrowed from other sources.  

Anyway, so check out the song if interested, listen, and play along to see if you can identify the individual lyric lines taken from other famous songs. Let me know how many you were able to identify.

If interested enough, I can give some clues. But anyway, hope you like the song, and just for fun, play along and try to identify the song lyrics I borrowed to make this song. If you do like this song, please click the like and leave a comment on the Youtube page. 

Thanks.