New Album Roundup - Spring 2026

New Album Roundup - Spring 2026 

Hey, here we are in Summer already, but there's been a lot of great music already released so far this year. Here is my rundown of the best new albums I heard this Spring. I listened to about 50 new albums in this time and these were the most notable. All of these were released over the past three months (April-June 2026).  

Albion - In the Month of May I

This 2nd album from Albion provides more dynamic symphonic progressive folk, mixing in traditional Irish and Celtic themes with elements of Symphonic Prog and metal. Beautiful melodies and vocals, great arrangements and instrumental prowess. This album leans even more into the folkier aspects than the first album, with more acoustic work and the use of heavier guitar riffs limited to just a couple tracks. Their prominent use of flute and prog folk arrangements invites inevitable comparison with Jethro Tull, and although there are similarities Albion has their own unique sound and styler. Although this album doesn't quite reach the heights of their fantastic debut, Lakesongs of Elbid (2024), it is a great follow-up and most worthy successor, with great songs and dynamic instrumentation. A special treat for those that crave a mix of folk and Prog. Best Tracks: Eldest, Down with The Hero, Calan Mai, She is the River, Cherry Hill. Rating: 4 stars

Magenta - Tarot

This veteran symphonic Prog band led by multi-instrumentalist-songwriter Rob Reed and featuring the wonderful vocals of Cristina Booth returns with their first album of all-new material since 2020's Master of Illusion. With this release, the band looks back toward their earlier days (and 1st album, Revolutions, 2001), with what is almost an homage to the symphonic prog style of the classic prog band Renaissance. The songs were written specifically to feature Christina's vocals and the neo-classical prog style of Renaissance, with orchestration and keyboard and bass-dominant arrangements, but with an uptempo rock sensibility. The album is structured with 6 main tracks (4-10 min each) based on Tarot cards separated by very short acoustic or orchestral Etudes (20-30 sec each). It makes for a very entertaining album (although the Etudes seem too short to have much impact). Magenta remains among the elite of the modern prog bands. Best Tracks: The World, Strength, The Lovers, The Empress, Tarot. Rating: 4 stars

Brass Camel - Brass Camel

This unique Canadian Alt-rock band combines many different elements (including classic rock, prog, funk, blues, power pop, and even some glam) into a wonderful mix of styles to create something new. There are glimpses of everything from The Beatles, Little Feat, Queen, Badfinger, 10 cc, Rush, The Black Crowes, and maybe even some Alice Cooper, all mixed together for some rousingly good songs and arrangements, that provides many quirks and surprises. Fun album that sounds both somewhat familiar, yet very different and unique. Best Tracks: Why Bother, Ice Cold, Catch Us If You Can, Last Call, Everybody Loves a Scandal. Rating: 3.5 stars 
 
 

Yes - Aurora

The current version of Yes (Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Billy Sherwood, and Jay Schellen) returns with their 2nd album with this lineup (follow-up to 2023's Mirror to the Sky) and 24th album overall, and delivers a solid album that both honors the past but also tries to move in some new directions. In some ways this is sort of like Yes-lite, or DAD-Yes, as the songs have a more gentle sound and style, less rock, more acoustic and more orchestration, but the songs are generally good, just with a somewhat different mood and feel. Steve Howe's guitar, and especially acoustic guitar work shines throughout, as well as various vocals and harmonies, and rich arrangements. Along with the tracks that try to recapture that Yes sound, there are some departures, such as the more classical and orchestrated Ariadne, the funkier rocker All Hands on Deck, and the fun, poppy Jambustin'. No, this is not Yes from their classic period, but how could it be? That was 50 years ago. This is a fine album that shows where the band is today, and it is quite good. Best Tracks: Countermovement, All Hands on Deck, Ariadne, Jambustin', Watching the River Roll. Ratng: 3.5 stars

Death Cab For Cutie - I Built You a Tower

This 11th album from longtime US Indie rock band DCFC, led by introspective singer-songwriter Ben Gibbard, shows the band in top form, with some of their most beautiful and poignant songs, and a wonderful album. The songs chronicle the emotional turmoil following the end of Gibbard's marriage, but are beautifully rendered. From the stark, simple beauty of Stone Over Water and Full of Stars to the punkish energy of Envy of birds, to the two different songs both titled I Built You a Tower, it all works beautifully. Simple song structures, but great melodies and vocals, clever, insightful, emotional lyrics, and wonderfully effective arrangements. This one hits hard and stays with you with beautifully heartbreaking songs. Best Tracks: Stone Over Water, Riptides, Envy the Birds, I Built You a Tower, Trap Door, Full of Stars. Rating: 4 stars

Elder - Through Zero

8th album from this US Heavy Prog band that has really developed from their early days of psych-rock and stoner metal into a premier heavy Prog band. Their previous album, Innate Passage (2022) was one of the best of the year, and they just keep going from there. A great Prog sound that is atmospheric and complex, but also quite heavy at times (without indulging metal cliches) while also maintaining a spirited rockin' groove, kind of like a heavier, harder-rocking Pink Floyd. Their constantly moving rhythm section with interweaving keyboard lines keeps the tempo brisk and energetic, providing the perfect foundation for the guitar riffs laid on top, which is also surprisingly bright and uplifting. Great collaborative instrumental work that meshes together well throughout, effective vocals, and quite melodic and atmospheric despite the heaviness. It all works extremely well on multiple levels. All the tracks are great (6 songs, each 6-11 min), but the album really takes off from the title track on offering an exhilarating album experience. Best Tracks: Through Zero, Strata, Sight Unseen, Blighted Age. Rating: 4.5 stars

The Lemon Twigs - Look For Your Mind

Brothers Brian and Michael D'Addario are back with more shimmering 60's style pop-rock, following up on their previous album, A Dream is All We Know (2024), this time narrowing in on the early to mid-60's sounds and styles of bands such as The Byrds, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and Simon and Garfunkel. With their beautiful harmony vocals and meticulously crafted arrangements, these talented musicians recreate classic 60's pop sounds. But although it all sounds great, is extremely well-done, and I wanted to really like this, I just don't. Something just seems a bit off here. Rather than just be influenced or inspired by those classic bands, these songs come off more as imitations, or worse yet, replication of these sounds and styles, rather than original songs. And the songs themselves are just not as good as the originals, just dressed up in this 60's sheen. I know this band receives much high praise for these tributes, but other than the 'Oh, this sounds just like that' factor, I just don't really enjoy these songs that much and they don't withstand repeated listens, at least for me. Best Tracks: Nothin' But You, Bring You Down. Rating: 3 stars

Dodgy - Hello Beautiful
Dodgy is a band from the UK that started as a successful Britpop band throughout the 1990's, have broken up and reformed a few times since then, and are now back with their first new album in 10 years, and it is fabulous, and one of the best finds of the quarter. Now, I am not familiar with their earlier releases (and never heard of them until now), but love this album. For me, their sound here is not at all Britpoppy, but rather has a real 70's hi-quality pop-rock sound, reminiscent of bands like The Doobie Brothers, The Kinks, America, and Todd Rundgren. Lead singer's vocals are somewhat similar to Ray Davies (which gives that somewhat Kinks sound), and they craft just a wonderful kind of folk-rock, vocal pop, and quality pop-rock, with great melodies and hooks, wonderful vocals and harmonies, and well-crafted arrangements. They evoke a 70's style without imitating or copying any one band or sound (and for me much better and more enjoyable than The Lemon Twigs album). Just Love this one, every track is low-key great. Best Tracks: It's Not the End, Call It What You Want, Looking Back, Beside Me, Summer Forever. Rating: 4 stars

Advent Horizon - Falling Together

This exciting Heavy Prog band from Salt lake City, Utah, made a big splash with their previous album, A Cell to Call Home (2023), which was absolutely fantastic. What was so great about this band and that album in particular was the great (and delicate) balance and mix between the heavy (metal) elements, classic melodic rock, and lighter more acoustic melodies and vocals. Just a fantastic blend that was unlike any other band. With this ambitious new album, they have again created something special, but they have also disrupted that wonderful blend by moving in a much heavier direction. The album is still very good, but the heavy elements dominate now, even including the addition of some extreme growling vocals. To be sure, there are still some beautiful melodic moments and great vocals, but these are fleeting, much less prominent, and are overpowered by the onslaught of heavy guitar throughout most tracks. That great balance has been lost and their sound now fits more closely with what other prog metal bands are doing, albeit some very good prog metal. Thus, although still quite good, this album was a disappointment for me, as I was really looking forward to some similar magic to what they created on the last album. To me, none of the songs here are as good as anything from the last album, although there are many fine moments. Best Tracks: Past Life Parable, Patience, Gravity I. Rating: 3.5 stars

Bruce Soord - Ghosts in the Park

4th solo album from founding member, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and primary songwriter for the Pineapple Thief, Bruce Soord. It is dark, moody, and atmospheric. Yes, somewhat melancholic, but with shimmering arrangements and instrumentation, and Soord's wonderful vocals. It is like all the quieter, gentler, brooding parts of Pineapple Thief maintained throughout the whole album, but without the heavier outbursts and more rockin' elements, which in some cases really seems missing here, and is what keeps this album from reaching the heights of the Pineapple Thief albums. Still, very good, with some great guitar, instrumental sections, and melodic moments throughout. The slow, sustained atmosphere is cool, but sounds a bit too much the same from song to song. But, if you are in the right mood for this, it is very effective and beautiful. Best Tracks: Day of Wrath, Ghosts in the Park, Our Predicament, Kept Me Thinking. Rating: 3.5 stars

Exploring Birdsong - Every House We Built

This just-released (6/26/26) first full-length album, following two fantastic EPs, The Thing With Feathers (2019) and Dancing in the Face of Danger (2023), shows the full potential of this wonderful UK Prog trio fronted by the dynamic keyboards and great vocals of Lynsey Ward, and ably supported by Jonny Knight (bass) and Matt Harrison (drums). Bringing a modern pop sound into their Prog landscapes, they blend multiple genres from dreamy pop to heavy prog to create their unique sound and style. Often moving from plaintive piano phrases to an immersive wall of soaring vocals, keyboards, bass and thundering drums, while maintaining a strong melodic sense amidst rhythmic intensity, they deliver bold and dynamic tracks, quite proggy, yet still fit rsomewhat within the pop world. Best Tracks: Footprints, Arrythmia, Meadowlands, Spy in the House of Love, The Warning, I_You.  Rating: 4 stars

Noah Kahan - The Great Divide

OK, so I had never heard of this American folk-pop singer-songwriter before this album dropped, but evidently he hit it big a few years ago with his last album, Stick Season (2022). Anyway, listened to this and really liked it. Very enjoyable, he's got a nice folky style with some slick pop production. His somewhat folk, somewhat pop songs, are simple but with catchy hummable melodies and hooks, with direct, often blunt, relatable lyrics, and basic but effective arrangements, and are just very pleasant and enjoyable. He covers a lot of ground in the Americana, Folk-rock, country-rock vein, but with a mainstream pop sheen. Sometimes sounds like a slicker Head and The Heart and on some ballads like a folky Ed Sheeran. Whatever, it goes down quite nicely for a pleasant good time. However, after awhile, and with the massive length of the album (17 songs, 77 min, let alone the extended edition with 21 songs and 96 min)), it does wear a bit thin with its sameness and repetitive style, but in smaller doses its quite nice. Best Tracks: Downfall, Great Divide, Headed North, Haircut, Porch Light, We Go Way Back. Rating: 3.5 stars

Artificial Silence - Hollow Drift

2nd album from this exciting young Prog band from Tacoma, Washington featuring, an enticing mix of symphonic prog, melodic rock, metal elements, and sophisticated vocal arrangements, as well as dashes of classical, jazz, pop, and soft rock. Beautiful melodies and vocals punctuated with driving rock and metal make a heady blend. However, in some places, the metal elements seem to be working against or even undermining the vocal melodies, and a lighter touch would be preferred, such as on Paradise and Tidal Lock. But the full potential of the band is realized on the fantastic epic-length title track (24 min.), where the band eases back on the metal aspects and lets their great vocals, melodies, songwriting, and instrumental prowess shine, showcasing numerous different styles to great success. Shows great promise, and with this album, the band is just on the brink of greatness. Best Tracks: Hollow Drift, The Shadow, Voice of a Stranger. Rating: 3.5 stars

 

Different Light - Binary Stars (Part II - Alternate Reality)

 Here's a Prog Band from Prague (Czech Republic), with the follow-up to their previous Binary Stars (Part I - Operant Condition) from 2020. Their music combines all the Proggy elements you expect with solid doses of classic rock and power pop, for a complex but very accessible sound. Think along the lines of Neal Morse, but maybe even more reminiscent of Styx, Kansas, or even a proggier Toto. A very effective and enjoyable album of melodic prog. It is structured into multiple suites of short songs comprising a 60+ min concept album. Very Nice. Best Tracks: A Fool's Errand. MindSpeaker Suite, Constant Silver Lining suite, The Syncretist. Rating 3.5 stars

Paul McCartney - The Boys of Dungeon Lane

The legendary Sir Paul McCartney, perhaps the greatest popular songwriter of all time, at 84 years old, delivers a surprisingly good album, a quite wonderful album of personal songs. Yes, his singing voice is shot at this point, but he makes it work here, with a collection of mostly very good tracks covering a variety of styles. Although I have not been a fan of many of his recent albums, and Paul is long past his prime years of the 1970's, he can still be counted on to put out at least one really good album every decade. In the 80's it was Tug of War, in the 90's Flaming Pie, the 2000's Chaos and Creation in the Backyard, the 2010's New, and now this one, a quite entertaining blend of well-written and performed songs looking back on his life and times. Best Tracks: Ripples in the Pond, Down South, Come Inside, As You Lie There, The Days We Left Behind, Home To Us. Rating: 3.5 stars

Muse - The Wow! Signal

Interesting album from Muse, and a bold step forward relative to their other recent releases. Strange mix of styles and tracks, but with some real standouts. Although the album has somewhat of a space-age theme with the title reference and some more spacey synths and such, there are also plenty of gothic stylings with cathedral organ, choirs, and dark theatrical flair, their compelling drama pop, as well as some pure pop and dance tracks. But the two standout tracks are straight-up rockers, Cryogen and The Sickness in You, with heavy guitar and killer riffs and groove. It's a bit all over the pace stylistically, with some real ups and downs, but overall, surprisingly good and a promising return from the band. Best Tracks: Cryogen, The Sickness in You, Hush, Unravelling. Rating: 3.5 stars

Bruce Hornsby - Indigo Park

Interesting but very uneven album from piano master Hornsby. He tries out many different sounds and styles here, with some working and some not at all, his ? album. There are some very good songs in his recognizable sumptuous piano-based pop-rock style, but others where he goes more synthy or poppy are less successful. And then there are those where he tries to be more edgy or discordant, with talk-singing and atonal melodies that just don't work. He's just not Tom Waits or Randy Newman, and these departures weigh the album down, although do provide something different from Bruce. Thus Overall, worth hearing, but a mix of good and bad. Best Tracks: Indigo Park, North Dakota Slate Roof,  Sliver of Time, Take a Light Strain. Rating: 3 stars

Joe Jackson - Hope and Fury

After various forays into other musical styles, UK singer-songwriter Jackson returns with his first rock-oriented album in many years and a style Jackson refers to as "bicoastal Latin-jazz-funk-rock" and is most reminiscent of his albums Night and Day (1983) and Laughter and Lust (1991). He still slings his biting, sardonic lyrics, this time focusing on his observations of modern day England (and let's just say he is not happy with what he sees), but is bolstered by his characteristic piano-based, jazz-tinged, latin percussion backed, swinging rock. Although there is nothing new here (quite similar to previous work), it's nice to hear him get back to this style, and it is an enjoyable listen, but just doesn't stack up among his best work. Rating: 3 stars

Devin Townshend - The Moth

Big, ambitious, theatrical concept album, with full orchestra and dramatic presentation of this rock opera Townshend has been working on for many years. An impressive production, but musically, it is a very hit and miss affair. Obviously a passion project for him and a major work, but the music itself is less impressive and tends a bit too much toward the opera side, with its classical trappings and vocal style, and not enough on the rock side, to make it consistently entertaining. But have to give credit to the massive undertaking here. Rating: 3 stars

Foo Fighters - Your Favorite Toy

Well-done, competent rock from these veterans, if somewhat generic and similar to past releases. A step down from their last album, the more memorable and varied But Here We Are (2023). They go for a leaner and meaner sound on this one, but the heavier sound isn't necessarily better. It sounds fine, and fans will approve, but after listening, I didn't remember a single song or riff from this one. Rating: 3 stars

Ringo Starr - Long Long Road

Ringo and producer T-Bone Burnett return with another country album, following the successful Look Up (2025), again featuring Ringo's laconic vocals over Burnett's impeccable Americana production and numerous guest stars to bolster Ringo's limitations. But this 2nd effort delivers somewhat diminishing returns, with more of the same, but with noticeably weaker songs, being just OK and failing to rise above mediocrity. Rating: 2.5 stars

Slift - Fantasia
Post-punk (or is it post-rock? I never know) darlings. This is absolutely terrible, with obnoxious screaming vocals through the whole thing. There may actually be some interesting things happening musically here, but the vocalist screaming at me throughout ruins everything else. Unlistenable. Rating: 1.5 (the extra .5 only due to some nice instrumental work)

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, that wraps up the new and notable albums I've been listening to lately, lots of good stuff there. Some of these I've only had the chance to listen to a few times, so it's possible some ratings could change a bit with repeated listening, but this is how I'm feeling now. What did you think of the latest crop of albums? Let me know what your favorite albums have been so far this year?  
   

 
 
 

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 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 it 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.

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.