This year has thrown a plethora of exciting new artists our way, so much so that they’re worthy of their own list separate from our Albums Of The Year list. We’ve ranked our top 10 best-loved debut albums of the year, from brand new breakthroughs to artists who have taken the plunge into the next stage of their career with their first long play release.
1010. Panic Shack – ‘Panic Shack’
Panic Shack challenged the norms of the industry with their fiercely feel-good debut. The witty Welsh punk quartet proudly embraced their working class backgrounds on ‘Tit School,’ poked fun at ludicrous beauty standards on ‘Gok Wan,’ and made us all wish we were their fifth member on ‘Girl Band Starter Pack’ – all backed by funky basslines and infectious drum beats.
99. jasmine.4.t – ‘You Are The Morning’
After being featured as one of our Future Five back in January, Jasmine Cruickshank undoubtedly made 2025 her year with debut LP ‘You Are The Morning.’ Released on Phoebe Bridgers’ label Saddest Factory, the folk pop album spans such themes as romance, gender identity and mental health stigma, all with Cruickshank’s razor-sharp lyricism.
88. Victoria Canal – ‘Slowly, It Dawns’
One of the most exciting breakout artists of 2025, Victoria Canal let her silky vocals take centre stage on debut album ‘Slowly, It Dawns.’ Her versatility was proven by various different instrumental backings, from soft piano on ‘swan song’ to a gentle but unmistakable drum ‘n’ bass beat on ‘Cake.’ The precision in the record’s writing and production made for a polished, cohesive debut.
77. Heartworms – ‘Glutton For Punishment’
Groovy basslines, clanking industrial sound effects, and fearlessly candid lyrics were all seamlessly infused into Heartworms’ distinctive debut. The British soloist, real name Jojo Orme, concocted a record that is equal parts post punk and goth pop, topped off with her expressive vocal delivery and neat, snappy lyricism.
66. Annahstasia – ‘Tether’
With a breathtaking voice that carries the raw depth of Nina Simone and the peaceful but sharp-edged aura of Florence + The Machine, Annahstasia needed little more than her vocals and some delicate strings to craft an exceptional debut. ‘Tether’ is a genre-defining album that gained Annahstasia her much-deserved flowers.
55. Lambrini Girls – ‘Who Let The Dogs Out’
In a world where it’s more important than ever for artists to use their political voices, punk rockers Lambrini Girls have long understood the assignment. ‘Who Let the Dogs Out’ was a long-anticipated debut that explored the many layers of female rage against a backdrop of growling guitars and general debauchery, with all the raucousness of their explosive live performances.
44. Rose Gray – ‘Louder, Please’
Rose Gray’s attention-grabbing, infectious dance pop debut gripped hedonism with both hands. From hyperpop banger ‘Damn’ to ‘Hackney Wick,’ a frame-by-frame ode to her upbringing on the East London party scene, ‘Louder, Please’ strongly embraces the club culture, warehouse raves, and DIY techno that raised her.
33. John Glacier – ‘Like A Ribbon’
Rising British rapper John Glacier’s mixed bag of a debut subverted the zeitgeist of modern hip hop, infusing it with a wide range of UK-rooted genres including grime and garage. Collaborations with fellow musical innovators Sampha and Eartheater brought further variety to an already vibrant and ambitious debut.
22. Oklou – ‘Choke Enough’
Marylou Maniel, better known as Oklou, showed she has what it takes to become a trailblazer in the burgeoning electronic scene with her bold, imaginative debut ‘Choke Enough.’ The album saw her experiment with a Baroque-style sound, showcase her delicate vocals, and collaborate on production with A. G. Cook and Danny L Harle.
11. Addison Rae – ‘Addison’
She’d dabbled in music before with an EP featuring Charli XCX and a subsequent ‘brat’ remix, but no one could have foreseen that TikTok’s first millionnaire would trade in the viral dance routines to come out with one of the most genuinely high quality pop albums of the decade. Promising singles ‘Diet Pepsi’ and ‘Aquamarine’ were teased in 2024, and the inescapably catchy ‘Headphones On’ arrived just in time to soundtrack our 2025 summer. Pulled together on the album with the addition of hyperpop bangers ‘Fame Is A Gun’ and ‘New York,’ ‘Addison’ cemented Rae as a bona fide pop princess.
