2025's hottest music releases that everyone’s talking about

As we approach 2025, the excitement surrounding its musical calendar is palpable. The year promises some highly anticipated albums, with a stacked lineup of releases. Central Cee is set to drop his long-awaited debut, Ethel Cain will follow up her brilliant first album, and both FKA Twigs and Lana Del Rey have new records in the works.

Eusexua – FKA Twigs (24 January)

Eusexua is an album that promises to be a game-changer. It marks FKA Twigs’ first full-length release since her 2022 mixtape Caprisongs and her first proper album since Magdalene in 2019. The album is inspired by techno, offering a "deep but not sad" vibe, according to Twigs herself. With production from the talented and mysterious Two Shell, the album’s title reflects a new euphoric pleasure she’s coined. From the stunning techno-ballad title track to the pounding digital percussion of “Drums of Death,” this one is set to be incredible.

Can’t Rush Greatness – Central Cee (24 January)

After two successful mixtapes and a string of hits, Central Cee is finally dropping his debut album. Can’t Rush Greatness has already delivered two impressive singles: “Band4Band,” a massive collaboration with Lil Baby, and the story-driven “Gen Z Luv,” about an Instagram romance. The UK rap scene is eagerly anticipating his first full-length project to see what he’ll bring to the table.

Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd (24 January)

The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow is expected to be the third and final installment in his trilogy that began with After Hours and Dawn FM. The album has already teased a combination of earworm melodies with intriguing, atmospheric production, with “Timeless” being a woozy, experimental track that promises to keep listeners hooked. The Weeknd has hinted that this album may signal a departure from his stage persona, making this release even more exciting.

Polari – Olly Alexander (7 February)

Olly Alexander, frontman of Years & Years, will debut his solo album Polari, inspired by a type of British slang used by sailors, criminals, and the LGBTQ+ community. The album is expected to bring ‘80s-inspired sounds, nodding to the likes of Erasure and the Pet Shop Boys. With singles like “Cupid’s Bow” already showing off its dancefloor potential, this album promises to be a celebration of queer culture.

People Watching – Sam Fender (21 February)

Sam Fender’s follow-up to his chart-topping Seventeen Going Under has a lot of pressure riding on it, but if anyone can deliver, it’s him. His new album People Watching features the title track, a poignant exploration of growing up, visiting an elderly friend, and navigating personal struggles. Fender’s emotive, Springsteen-esque rock is sure to resonate with fans.

TBC – Lady Gaga (February)

After her appearance in Joker: Folie à Deux, Lady Gaga is set to release a new album in February, described as “true chaos.” The first single, “Disease,” showcases her continued evolution into a powerhouse of electronic music, with fat synth lines and growled vocals. Gaga is always an unpredictable force in pop, and this album will likely be no different.

Night Life – The Horrors (21 March)

The Horrors continue to evolve with Night Life, their sixth album. The early single “Lotus Eater” hints at an epic, seven-minute track that blends krautrock and trip-hop influences with their signature goth sound. A revival of the gothic genre in 2025 might be on the horizon, and The Horrors are leading the way.

Music Can Hear Us – DJ Koze (4 April)

DJ Koze is back with Music Can Hear Us, his first solo album in seven years. Collaborating with Damon Albarn, Koze is set to deliver an eclectic mix of dance, folk, and psychedelic sounds. His last album Knock Knock was a lush, dreamy masterpiece, and this one promises to follow suit, with the official release calling it “a 64-minute return trip to space.”

The Right Person Will Stay – Lana Del Rey (21 May)

Lana Del Rey has teased her next album, The Right Person Will Stay, which was previously expected to be an all-country record. While it's likely to have fewer genre jumps than initially thought, everything Lana Del Rey touches is worth the wait. Expect introspective ballads and cinematic storytelling in her signature style.

Don’t Be Dumb – A$AP Rocky (early 2025)

After a long wait, A$AP Rocky will release his first album since 2018. The singles so far suggest a return to his experimental roots, and the video for “Tailor Swif,” shot in Kyiv in 2021, is a psychedelic masterpiece. The anticipation for this album is high, as fans are eager to see what he will bring to the table next.

These upcoming releases are already creating waves of anticipation, and 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for music fans!