New Album Roundup - Fall 2025
Here we are once again, nearing the end of 2025, but before I start getting to my year end rundowns, here are some of the new albums that I have enjoyed over the past couple months, Fall 2025 (late September, October, and November releases). Once again, there were many very good albums and a few really great ones. Overall, I listened to about 40 new albums this period, and these were the ones I most enjoyed (and a few I didn't like).
Lunatic Soul - The World Under Unsun
8th album from this 'side project' of Polish Prog band
Riverside's composer-vocalist-bassist Mariusz Duda that has grown into something much more. This album is the culmination of the previous LS albums and completes the overall story arc. Though there are glimpses of Riverside's sound here and there throughout the album, overall this has a very 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. This is an expansive double album, 14 tracks, just under 90 minutes of music, but it justifies every minute of its length, as the tracks all work and flow together, as 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. Though it has it's own unique style, influences are present, with an overall
Pink Floyd vibe and at times developing a
Mike Oldfield style intricate interweaving of melodic lines. In The Prophecy, the song builds to a lavish Tears for Fear style production, and in Mind Obscured Heart Eclipsed, they put it all together mixing all these influences into one glorious track, arguably the best on the album. Overall, a superb album that stands among the very best of the year.
Best Tracks: Mind Obscured Heart Eclipsed, Monsters, The Prophecy, Loop of Fate, The New End, Hands Made of Lead, Self in Distorted Glass.
Rating: 4.5Jonas Lindberg & The Other Side - Time Frames
Following up on the success of their wonderful previous album,
Miles From Nowhere (2022), 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. I particularly love their excellent use of lighter acoustic sections and then build into big, bold, soaring symphonic prog, punctuated by heavier, harder rockin' sections and scorching solos. The overall style is certainly reminiscent to some of
Neal Morse's various bands as well as
Pattern-Seeking Animals, but Lindberg has also developed his own unique flair. Once again, Jonas plays most of the instruments as well as some vocals, but is also supported by additional vocalists Jonas Sundqvist and Jenny Storm, as well as several other musicians (on guitars, drums, etc.). The album consists of 7 extended tracks (including a closing 17 min. epic) and a total of nearly 70 minutes of music, and is filled with joyous, uplifting, thoroughly enjoyable music. The only weak spot is the penultimate track, Running Out of Time, with a weak pop melody and unhelpful injection of hard rock dragged out to 8 min length. Other Other than that one lapse, this is a superb album, placing Jonas among the best of this genre.
Best Tracks: Gruvan, Someone Like Me, Galactic Velvet, Faces of Stone, The Wind.
Rating: 4Madison Cunningham - Ace
Third studio album from this American singer-songwriter-guitarist folk-rock artist is a real gem. Madison is an obviously talented singer-songwriter, with great vocals, melodies, and perceptive lyrics throughout, but what really sets this album apart from others in this field 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, making great use of clarinet, bass clarinet, flutes, strings, vibraphone, and various percussion, in addition to guitar and piano, as feature instruments, providing a fresh, vibrant, and natural sound. The songs themselves are complex constructions using elements of jazz, classical, and progressive rock, in addition to folk, pop, and rock, making for a varied and rewarding listening experience. The inventiveness and adventurousness of this album puts Madison right up there with greats such as
Joni Mitchell and
Kate Bush. A surprisingly great album from this emerging star.
Best Tracks: Golden Gate, Best of Us, Wake, Break the Jaw, Skeletree.
Rating:4
Spock's Beard - The Archaeoptimist
Premier U.S. Prog band Spock's Beard returns after a 7-year absence with this new album, and it is everything SB fans could have hoped for, a stellar album that explodes with masterful symphonic prog and that in many ways harkens back to their classic days when
Neal Morse guided the band. This one is lead by keyboard player
Ryo Okumoto, who wrote most of the songs, along with collaborator Michael Whiteman (
I am the Manic Whale,
Whimsical Creatures), and provides dazzling keyboard work throughout, but the others Dave Meros, Alan Morse, Ted Leonard, and new drummer Nick Potters, contribute great playing-singing and dynamite solos throughout. The album has 6 tracks, including the 21-min title epic, and a length of 61 minutes. It starts off with what was the lead single, 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. Electric Monk has somewhat of a
Kansas sound, Afourthoughts continues a 'Thoughts' tradition that goes back to the Neal Morse days and features scorching solos and a great
Gentle Giant-style acappella section. 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 (which features a funky
Steely Dan-esque middle section) and the 11 min closer Next Step, delivering stunning symphonic prog and everything you could want in epic prog tracks, 2 of the best of the year and right up there with the very best of SB ever. This album has just come out, so I've only listened to it a few times, but this seems to be right up there with the best of the year, a really great album by one of the premier modern prog bands.
Best Tracks: Next Step, The Archaeoptimist, Afourthoughts, St.Jerome in the Wilderness.
Rating: 4.5
Gazpacho - Magic 8-Ball
This is the 12th album from Norwegian art-rock band Gazpacho, first since
Fireworker (2020), as they continue with their richly textured, moody, atmospheric, hauntingly beautiful style. This album is a collection of 8 tracks with an overall theme of examining the role of fate in one's life. The album opens with Starling, a slow, dreamy ballad that establishes the brooding mood and immersive synth and keyboard style apparent throughout the album. We are Strangers injects a bit more pop melody and accessible style. Ceres picks things up a bit with some brighter keyboard riffs and a lovely melody. Gingerbread Man opens with an ethereal atmosphere but has a more lively midsection with syncopated rhythms. The title track provides a stark contrast with the rest of the album, more upbeat with a circus-like atmosphere and snarky ringmaster vocals, substantially lifting the mood. Immerwahr, the longest track, opens plaintively, developing a nice melody, then builds to a majestic conclusion. The Unrisen closes the album with strong melodic and vocal sections and rich textures, providing a solid close. This album continues what Gazpacho does best, but for me, it drags a bit with the languid, moody style, thus the tracks that break free from the sameness of the rest of the album are those I enjoyed the most. Thus, for some this album may rank higher, but I consider it a very good, but not quite great album.
Best Tracks: Ceres, Magic 8-ball, Immerwahr, Gingerbread Man, The Unrisen.
Rating: 3.5Cheap Trick - All Washed UpLegendary U.S. rock band Cheap Trick returns with a new album, their 21st, and another set of great fun and entertaining rock and power pop songs. Nothing very new or fresh here, just rock-solid rock 'n roll and power pop by a band that really knows how to do it. Hey, if it ain't broke... Filled with power chords, killer riffs, and catchy sing-along choruses. What more could you ask for from these wily rock veterans that don't take themselves too seriously? Rousing good fun and a surprisingly strong album that shows they still have a lot left in the tank and are certainly NOT 'All washed Up'.
Best Tracks: A Long Way to Worcester, Twelve Gates, All Wrong Long Gone, The Riff That Won't Quit, Wham Boom Bang.
Rating: 3.5
Myth of Logic - Memory of AfterMyth of Logic is the solo project of Prog composer-vocalist-multi-instrumentalist Scott G. Davis, who plays most of the instruments here, but with some contributions from additional musicians (violin, sax, guitar solo) on specific songs, and a nice new addition on this album is real live drums (from Louis Alexi) as previous albums used drum machines. This is his 4th album, and Scott has progressed and developed with each album, with this being his best yet. Scott's main influences are the classic 70's prog of
Genesis, Yes, ELP, Kansas, and
Rush, and they are apparent in his music, which also blends in some more modern elements, but is squarely in the realm of classic-style prog. Like his previous albums, this is a concept album, and follows a sci-fi tale of the alien Mercy. Its a long album, consisting of 8 tracks, 3 of which are more than 14 min. each, so the album clocks in at an expansive 80 minutes. The album is highlighted by thrilling and dynamic keyboard work throughout and expanded instrumental passages showing off that classic prog style, and strong melodies and themes keep the music moving. The opening epic track (Memory of After Part 1) is one of many highlights. However, a weakness of the album are the vocals, which are just OK, and don't really provide the strong presence that the songs need. Although the album is feeling more than a bit too long by the time it concludes with another epic (Memory of After Part II), overall, it is a really good album and fine example of modern exploration of classic prog style.
Best Tracks: The Memory of After Part 1, An Empath oin Exile, Disconnect, The Memory of After Part II.
Rating: 3.5Jeff Tweedy - Twilight OverrideThe 5th solo album from
Wilco Front man Jeff Tweedy, this is an expansive, 30-song triple album (111 min.)! And although this is really too much to handle all at once, the quality of the songs are remarkably good all throughout. They range from the plaintive, conversational singer-songwriter acoustic guitar and vocals style to more diverse arrangements to fully developed rockin' band tracks. Filled with personal, insightful lyrics and cool melodies, it's mostly quite laidback with a gentle groove and a free style, but can get more intense on occasion, and always has that special Tweedy charm. My guess is that these are a bunch of songs that he has had rolling around in various forms for quite awhile, and given his advancing age, wanted to get them all out while he still had the chance. Overall, it is quite a wonderful collection of songs, even if you have to break them down into multiple separate listening sessions to get through them all. Great stuff.
Rating: 3.5
The Mommyheads - No Quietus
This is the 17th album from this prolific veteran indie pop/rock band from New York. They specialize in a unique kind of progressive pop, featuring catchy melodies and inventive, quirky arrangements, and this latest album features some of their best. They have their own unique sound, but their varied and quirky style might be compared to XTC or 10 cc. With an emphasis on fun hooks and melodies, and always creative arrangements and production, they create colorful, highly enjoyable prog pop. Best Tracks: I'm Your Apocalypse, No Quietus, It's Only Life, Finally Free. Rating: 3.5
Smalltape - Tangram
Smalltape is primarily a solo project from German musician/sound designer Phillipp Nespital, with just some additions from selected guest artists. This is his 4th album and features an interesting mix of dreamy, atmospheric lounge jazz with pop and prog rock elements. Although the mix doesn't always quite work, at its best it provides some very compelling and engaging tracks and emotional highs. However, the album starts off slowly with the early tracks failing to have much impact, with some lackluster and dull sections weighing down any momentum. But it really picks up as it goes along, with all the best tracks in the second half, where the blending of genres becomes much more effective, with the soft jazz feel better incorporated with the pop melodies and dynamic prog influences, particularly in the standout tracks Selene and the sensational closer Tesselate (if all the tracks were this good, would be one of top albums of the year), and almost redeem the album as a whole. But overall, for me, it's good, not great, but does have many great moments throughout, making it well worth checking out, particularly if a fan of that soft jazzy style. Best Tracks: Tesselate, Selene, Gold Digger, Phoenix. Rating: 3
Steve Morse Band - Triangulation
U.S. Guitar god Steve Morse (
Dixie Dregs, Kansas, Deep Purple, Flying Colors) returns to the Steve Morse Band (his Power Trio, Dan LaRue-bass, Van Romaine-drums) with this new release, their 10th, but first after a 16 year gap. And its with this band that he really gets to cut loose. This album is certainly for the guitar aficionados out there, as this is all instrumental and all guitar, all the time - all the leads, rhythm, melody lines, harmony lines, and abundant soloing, it's all guitar. Sure the stellar bass and drum work provide the backing and keep things moving, but this is all Steve's show, as he lays down the grooves, riffs, melodies, and scorching solos in a variety of styles, including Dregs-style barn-burners, bluesy rockers, lightning-fast complex rythymic gymnastics, and even a ballad or two. He does have some guest musicians to jam with (John Petrucci, Eric Johnson), but these are also great guitarists. I would have liked to hear some guest artists on other instruments (keyboards, sax, violin, etc.) just to provide some variety in the instrumentation and soloing. The guitar interplay is great, but for me, after several songs I was getting a bit tired of the same formula and lack of any other instrumentation and would like to have heard some different sounds on some of these songs, but I'm sure this is what the real guitar fans want. Great playing for sure, but I was a bit disappointed at the sameness of the sound throughout.
Best Tracks: Tumeni Partz, Triangulation, Break Through.
Rating: 3Steve 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, such as
Jackson Browne, Indigo Girls, Jason Mraz, Della Mae, Tim O'Brien, and others, which keeps the songs and styles varied and goes along well with Steve's witty lyrics and easygoing style. Very enjoyable and entertaining (if you are interested in this kind of thing).
Rating: 3.5 Bernie Leadon - Too Late to be Cool
Bernie, former original lead guitarist-multi-instrumentalist for The
Eagles, has kept a low profile, but has remained busy over the years playing as a session musician on many albums and going back to his bluegrass roots in several bands. This is just his 3rd solo album, and first in over 20 years. For this new album Bernie once again worked with legendary producer Glyn Johns, who was responsible for the Eagles early albums. On this album, Bernie provides quite pleasant gentle folk-rock with a bluesy edge. Those expecting an Eagles sound, or even a bluegrass style may be surprised as there is virtually none of that, with only a couple songs sounding anything like the Eagles, and a decidedly more bluesy style, with some great guitar work, nice melodies and grooves, and effective arrangements. Overall, it is a good album, enjoyable, nice to hear from Bernie again, but not a standout.
Rating: 3ó
Brandy Carlile - Returning to MyselfThis 8th album from American singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile delivers her most personal, reflective, and honest collection of songs and features a variety of musical styles, from folk to pop to rock. At times quiet, contemplative, and wistful, and quite powerful and dynamic in others, showing her range and ability to cover a wide range of emotions in an effective and philosophical way. Certain to be a favorite among fans, but for me it is a good solid album and enjoyable listen, no more, no less. Rating: 3ó
Squeaky Feet - The Overview Effect
Interesting band from Colorado offering a unique blend of pop/rock melodies with oddball jazz fusion excursions. The vocals and melodies are mainly standard rock and power pop, but that is juxtaposed with quirky, angular, offbeat jazz and prog elements. Although the mix doesn't always work, providing some jarring transitions and head-shaking moments, at its best it provides cool improvisation, some unique listening experiences, and quirky, adventurous fun. But not quite sure just who the audience is for this volatile mix.
Rating: 3 Rick Wakeman - Melancholia
Legendary prodigious keyboard wizard Wakeman returns with an album of instrumental solo piano pieces with an emphasis on lonely, melancholy moods. 12 tracks of beautiful solo pieces, delicate, moody, emotional works displaying Wakeman's expertise not just as a pianist, but as a composer. However, due to the similar style and mood of these pieces, after several of them they start to seem somewhat interchangeable, fade and become just pleasant background music. Some very nice pieces here, and when in the right mood for this style, can be very moving and effective. But as a full album, it is just nice and only moderately successful. Rating: 3ó
The Last Dinner Party - From the Pyre
Strong follow-up to
acclaimed 1st album from this UK indie pop-rock band. This sophomore
effort features a bit more diversity of styles and complexity, showing a
wider musical range, but still exists primarily in their theatrical
art-rock drama pop style. Competent and well-produced but just not a
style that I personally connect with.
Rating: 3ó
Late Entry
Moron Police - Pachinko (JUST RELEASED, 11/28/25!)
This self-proclaimed "weird band from Norway" returns with their unique manic progressive pop style, their 4th full-length album and first since the tragic death of their drummer in 2022, and WOW, what an album! Brilliant from start to finish, it is a crazy concept album (in which the main character is turned into a sentient Pachinko machine in Tokyo) consisting of 14 tracks, about an hour long, and is 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. Special kudos to guest drummer Billy Rymer who does a sensational job filling in on these insane drum parts. The centerpiece of the album is the 12-min. extravaganza, Pachinko Part 1, an absolutely amazing track, surely one of the best songs of the year (or any year). Their genre-bending style continues through several more varied songs, with a few quieter moments of reflection, such as the gentle beauty of the ballads Make Things Easier and Sentient dreamer, and the synth-pop stylishness of Okinawa Sky, amidst the rapid attack of glorious tunes, clever wordplay, and symphonic prog flourishes, up to the exciting concluding track, Giving Up the Ghost, which reprises themes and melodies for a grand and emotionally satisfying finale. Although this album has just recently been released, there's no question it is among the very best of the year, and probably even of the century, destined to become an all-time classic. A sensational album that is pure fun and enjoyment throughout. No matter what your musical preferences are, this album has something for everyone. Best Tracks: Pachinko Part 1, Alfredo and the Afterlife, King Among Kittens, Take Me to the City, Make Things Easier, Apathy of kings, Giving Up the Ghost. Rating: 5ó
Not impressed with these ones
Turnstile - Never Enough
Mindless punkish pop that doesn't seem like it would appeal to fans of punk or pop. Rating: 2ó
Geese - Gettng Killed
Terrible vocals and lyrics ruin an album of what could have been somewhat musically interesting indie rock. Rating: 2ó
Tame Impala - Deadbeat
One man vanity show obsessed with generic pop songs and elementary synth noodling passed off as 'experimental'. Rating: 2ó
BB’s Rating scale:
1ó – Terrible, torturous to have to listen to
1.5ó - Poor, not worth your time
2 ó – Fair, maybe a couple half-way decent songs, but
sub-par overall
2.5ó – Average, OK, meh, not bad but not that good either
3ó – Good, solid album, several good songs, but not
spectacular. Certainly worthy, but may not be something you come back to very
often
3.5ó – Very good album. Some stellar tracks, very
enjoyable overall
4ó – Great album, filled with great songs, one that you
will want to come back to over and over again
4.5ó – Excellent album, beyond great, superb in every
way, just short of a masterpiece
5ó – A Masterpiece, among the greatest albums of its
type, and has stood the test of time
Once again, lots of really good new albums to check out. This pretty much wraps up the year for new releases, unless there are some surprise notable December releases. I will be putting together my lists of the best of the year soon and posting them sometime later in December. In the meantime, what were your favorites of this Fall season? What did you think of any of the albums I discussed? Let me know in the comments.
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