A Lot on My Crate

First off, let me first say thank you for anyone stopping by and taking the time to read this. Secondly, I know it’s the middle of February and everyone has already done their best of year lists. Let’s not make a brouhaha on when’s the cutoff for an albums of the year list is appropriate! Or make one! Who am I to tell you what to do? I can say that I’m really excited to finally get to this point and compile and rank a list of my favorite albums from last year of 2025. Because making lists is fun. I started A Lot on My Crate last summer thanks to a push from a friend, and want to commit to the bit to bolster my mediocre writing skills to talk about my enthusiasm of music new and old and in all shapes and sizes. This has been a lot of fun and I wish I hopped on this sooner so I didn’t have to feel rushed into doing this. The year 2025 has delivered us with some great musical projects from talented people that I would like to share with anyone stopping by here. If any album, artist, or song from this list has been able to resonate to a single person, then I will feel much content and declare a mission accomplished. I would also like to preface that no matter what rank these are, I still recommend them to everyone, as all of these albums are worth listening to, in my opinion. So, here’s my list of 24 albums all ranked (not a rounded number I know) and I added a link to my past overviews of each album at the end of each passage. All this from a guy who just loves all kinds of music.

#24: Hit It! by vianova

There are a multitude of reasons why this metalcore album made it on the list. It is a fun project that takes creative risks and makes the listens so fresh. You got your expected intense riffs and screams, but there are some surprising jabs and sucker punches that vianova utilizes and takes those liberties to knock your ass onto the floor. Whether it’s a soft scratchy piano, a church choir, synth wave, or even a pop rap direction, I applaud them for making it work and implore any metalcore fan to check this bad boy out.

Why You Should Spin: Hit It! by vianova (11-29-2025)

#23: Black Star by Amaarae

Sex, drugs, and club bangers are all this album provides. Amaarae has blessed us with something that is so night coded and braggadocious. It’s on the dance floor and in your face. If you like pop rap that gets you into a trance, then this will get you through the night and deliver those vibes.

Why You Should Spin: Black Star by Amaarae (9-10-2025)

#22: Metallic Life Review by Matmos

I regret not making an overview of this album as I wanted to talk about the astounding opening track of Metallic Life Review. There are no limits when it comes to Matmos’ vision, I’m convinced at this point that they can produce engaging music by sampling stagnant air at this point. This mystical album is produced using samples of metallic material. If it was anyone else trying to replicate this idea, it would get gimmicky so fast. Matmos has the experience and backbone to commit and flesh out a product like this. I can listen to this album if I want to relax or just get anxious. For fun! Give this a try and have fun knowing how they were able to produce these spellbinding sounds.

Song of the Day: “Norway Doorway” by Matmos (7-1-2025)

#21: Death Hilarious by Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs

If you are someone that needs to vent and wallow in the bellows of your mind. Then this album is your weapon of choice. It is a heavy album, but has very much relatable lyrics. Despite it being a heavy sludge album, it can be soothing too. Even has a sick El-P feature. That’ll do pigs. That’ll do.

Why You Should Spin: Death Hilarious by Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs (8-26-2025)

#20: Stardust by Danny Brown

One of the most eccentric rappers of today dropped not only one of the most fun albums, but is also sonically, a mind-blowing experience. Stardust is a whole different animal compared Danny’s other works, but he pulls it off. The man doesn’t want to be pigeonholed to a guy who just does one thing. Now all the gloves are off and listening to his last few projects, you can’t predict what he’s going to do next. Not only does he uplift you with his pen, but he, the producers, and features sound like they’re having a blast.

Why You Should Spin: Stardust by Danny Brown (12-25-2025)

#19: Loner by Barry Can’t Swim

One of the most lush records on this list. If you listen to track, “Kimpton” you’d definitely know what I mean. This album is all about vibes and mood, but behind the veil is someone trying to find themselves. And to convey that on an electronic album that’s not dominated with lyrics, is a tough task to do. Props to this album for being great at self healing.

Why You Should Spin: Loner by Barry Can’t Swim (10-4-2025)

#18: Animatronics by Rolando Simmons

What you can find in Animatronics is a world that is oh so enigmatic. This IDM electronic album makes you look at this world through a scope and is like watching slides of machines in an assembly line being productive. The album walks the line on being so whimsical and desolate at times. I will always remember feeling like being watched on “White Lace Throne”, or the presentation of a booming industry on “Purple Soap”, and I’ll always feel at ease with its cavalier march of finished products at “Memory Defrost”. If you want a bend of the mind, here are your coordinates.

Why You Should Spin: Animatronics by Rolando Simmons (11-8-2025)

#17: viagr aboys by Viagra Boys

Ever want to laugh, but feel like dying inside? Viagra Boys have been an unstoppable force of punk, while being meticulous on using humor and in viagr aboys, the self deprecating to cope and criticize folks of today. I will always laugh at how he portrays a nihilistic dude who cares about feet pics and the guy who eats cigarettes for breakfast. But much of the music in viagr aboys is perfect mosh material. They all feel like punk anthems go nowhere, but up. A lot of love is given to this album online for a myriad of good reasons. Viagra Boys deserves their flowers and this is my favorite from them to this day.

Why You Should Spin: viagr aboys by Viagra Boys (12-12-2025)

#16: Phonetics On and On by Horsegirl

What Horsegirl has made here, is a sunny energy that pervades throughout and brightens the mood. I beseech you to listen to this soft indie rock album if you want a lot of catchy tracks and just want to let loose and skip down the street. This album saved me through boredom of a vacation and I have tracks, like “Rock City” and “Switch Over” to thank for that. This has been one of my most frequent when it comes to heavy album rotations. I can just listen to this record again and again, and never get sick of it.

Why You Should Spin: Phonetics On and On by Horsegirl (9-29-2025)

#15: Rammana by Salin

One of my most proud finds is this gem, Rammana. Salin and her collaborators were able to pull off an ambitious feat and fuse traditional Thai folk and funk. It has so many tracks that exudes so much color and unique instrumental palettes that enriches your ears. It sounds so festive and you can actually feel the people be proud doing this (I will always love that jaw harp on “Puaj”). When it comes to fusion of different cultures, sometimes they come out very tacky and treat the culture they are representing as an “aesthetic” and not an important entity itself. But these artists and performers not only put in their skill and craftsmanship, but their respect. If you listen to the ending track, Rammana you’ll know that these people are able to unite together and bring two worlds together. Not that Gal Gadot “Imagine” shit, but a merging of two cultures that feels like two spirits dance in unison.

Why You Should Spin: Rammana by Salin (11-15-2025)

#14: GOLLIWOG by billy woods

Billy Woods does what he does best. Emit a dark aura with his words around us. Not to shock us, but to make us stare at the problem right in front of us. This specific record shows Billy’s craft is utilized like a surgical knife and is versatile. Since we live in a world of ignorance, we need more voices like Billy’s to just be aware of the horrors around us. It scares us. It’s supposed to.

Why You Should Spin: GOLLIWOG by billy woods (1-11-2026)

#13: Revengeseekerz by Jane Remover

Revengeseekerz is a wild ride, with the brake lines cut and no stops. Jane Remover making rage go to eleven, by testing our threshold of this loud destruction of everything around us. And the thing is, we want more, because after that satisfying destruction, we feel like a need of a cigarette. This album is gassed the hell up with a personal message amongst the rubble.

Why You Should Spin: Revengeseekerz by Jane Remover (12-7-2025)

#12: The BPM by Sudan Archives

The BPM is a treat for us. Even with its message of empowerment and romance, it is still a danceable triumph and can be blasted on your car’s speakers. Sudan Archives displays her talent that she is resourceful, versatile, and passionate about all of her projects. Oh yeah, and she plays a mean violin still! This was the most recent addition to the list, which I’m glad didn’t fly under the radar as I should have listened to this album way earlier. This is house music that has so much life put into them with memorable beats assembled by her and her Detroit collaborators. This is house music done by someone who I would’ve assumed has done this for so many years if I didn’t know her name. But people should know her name and take the Sudan Archives moniker seriously by now.

Why You Should Spin: The BPM by Sudan Archives (2-12-2026)

#11: Tranquilizer by Oneohtrix Point Never

I knew people put respect into Daniel Lopatin’s work in the circle of electronic music fans. When praise came around for Tranquilizer, I gave it a shot and it shot me right in the neck. Oneohtrix Point Never’s dart gave me New Age sounds that are so textured, rich, and colorful. Impressive work by someone who used sample packs to create most of this esoteric behemoth. It’s not random sounds thrown into a wall and seeing what sticks, but each track including the chaotic ones, you can hear they’ve been given a lot of thought and care to make them sound what they do. It’s a calculated calm. It’s a maddening meditation. It’s a whole new world of wonder. I’m never going to forget the feeling of my first listen of this project and I’ll certainly put more respect into Oneohtrix Point Never’s name and dig into his past albums.

Why You Should Spin: Tranquilizer by Oneohtrix Point Never (1-4-2026)

#10: Eusexua by FKA Twigs

The original version (the version I love the most) was released on January of 2025 and so it’s the earliest selection on this list, but I am still spellbound to it. It is definitely one of the most experimental records on this list. I can also say with confidence that this is the most sensual record that made it on here as well. This album sounds like a machine that wants to be loved. It also sounds like it’s from the future. FKA Twigs takes great creative liberties to make this avant-garde art pop album just make you feel a large range of emotions when it comes to being comfortable with someone else or yourself. It’s a noble effort and she’s a champion for uniting everyone to not feel any shame with who you are and who you love. Also, she’s an absolutely insane dancer (see the Drums of Death video to see what I mean). FKA Twigs always has pushed the envelope when it comes making music, because that’s what always made me gravitate towards her. But I didn’t think she’d be able to go so above and beyond with this one as this is now my favorite Twigs album to date.

Why You Should Spin: Eusexua by FKA Twigs (2-17-2026)

#9: Let God Sort Em Out by Clipse

How impressive is it when a hip hop group comes together after a sixteen year hiatus and delivers a refreshing sound? Rapper Pusha T and producer Pharrell Williams have been really active in other things, but brother Malice’s last record was 2017 and he has been doing singles on and off. A lot of verses made by the group has made just go “wow”, whilst head bobbing to these sick beats. I will always feel emotional through the tough opener “The Birds Don’t Sing”. I will always be astounded by the powerful message in “Chains & Whips”. I will always thump to the Arabic sample on “So Be It” and its hot goss bars. I will always feel this powerful gravitas in “Inglorious Basterds”. And I will always will love the “This is culturally inappropriate” tags. This is an album you should blow out on the speakers of your car. This is an album that will raise many roofs. This is also an album I feel old and new hip hop heads will be able to enjoy, because of how accessible it is. Props to the Thornton brothers for making the hip hop industry quake.

Why You Should Spin: Let God Sort Em Out by Clipse (11-22-2025)

#8: Traces by Cahl Sel

If there are any of you out there that wants to travel to an alien world without leaving the comfort of your home, then this album is the perfect vessel for you. Traces is an ambient techno and IDM album that just scratches that part of your brain that is soothing to feel. This is also a futuristic sounding LP, but it seems to extend to the beyond and brings a meditative peace. It has ambient synths that sound like the cosmos, as well as punchy drum sequences that can jump start anyone’s engine. Cahl Sel made an album that sounds not from this galaxy. So, I hope he and his sound gets discovered out in the starry sea. And I hope his audience grows from here.

Why You Should Spin: Traces by Cahl Sel (1-24-2026)

#7: Pirouette by Model/Actriz

If there is music that can make you just stand on edge, it’s Pirouette by Model/Actriz. It is anxiety inducing, but I wouldn’t say it’s a punishing listen. Abrasive, oh absolutely. Punishing, no. The band was able to convey the hardships of someone’s suffering and manifest that into a dancing frenzy. Their kind of dance punk is very industrial, so people would hear this harshness in other spaces similar to this. However in my opinion, their frontman vocalist, Cole Haden made Pirouette stand and dance on its two legs. The pain in his voice is so palpable, that he utilizes it so well to just hammer us with what he’s going through. This band is two for two when it comes to just memorable and haunting albums. It’s just so hilarious when I go vibe to this album and say “Hell yeah!” as someone sings “I drag my nails on blackened stone.” This album is the equivalent of getting pummeled to death with sharp stone and still smiling like a maniac.

Why You Should Spin: Pirouette by Model/Actriz (12-17-2025)

#6: Magic, Alive! by McKinley Dixon

The bar has absolutely been raised higher on what rappers and their contemporaries can do these days. McKinley Dixon is just a tour de force and goes out guns blazing with his superb lyricism and storytelling. This winner of a concept album just surprises me so much and not only do the songs hold up by themselves, but the album experience is unforgettable. I have to say Magic, Alive! is cinematic as I care about the characters in the harsh environment they’ve been thrown into. The record sounds like church, jazz club, and the streets as the narrative dots its I’s and crosses their T’s. I mean listening to “the south made me realize it’s hot in heaven” is such a poignant bar. It’s albums like these that make me believe, please forgive me, that magic is possible. However magic or no, Dixon succeeds on wowing this audience on stage. Can’t wait to see what’s up his sleeves next. This talented artist deserves all the praise these days, as I found myself comparing a lot of rappers today to him recently.

Why You Should Spin: Magic, Alive! by McKinley Dixon (7-16-2025)

#5: Bleeds by Wednesday

What I find best about this indie rock album is that from the first minute that Bleeds starts, I found myself teleported into the mess that is a small town that is trying to do its best and devour you. It’s an album that gives the warning signs of what people can do and they don’t have the best attentions. However, they also convey that it’s complicated, this is a place you’ve bonded with, made memories, and found trouble. It has made you for who you are. A stronger person than before. Don’t give in. There are many great moments that make you want to either rock and lash out with “Townies”, or just mellow and float with the amazing self-healing, “Elderberry Wine”. The sound that Wednesday made is very dirty. It’s not a delicate band, nor a clean listen. If one wants to punch the drywall or sit on the side of a rusty bridge, this right here is your soundtrack.

Why You Should Spin: Bleeds by Wednesday (10-24-2025)

#4: Tether by Annahstasia

Tether is a chamber folk album where Annahstasia will support you despite her not being actually by your side. She sings these bittersweet lyrics to speak from experience as she has seen many places and faces. Tether is a shining example that less is more. It’s mostly acoustic guitar and her voice, while using some instruments in this isolated space to project Annahstasia’s sound. And the sound of her voice! Probably my favorite voice that I’ve found this year hands down. When this album was over, I had to close my eyes, tone down on so many emotions, and process everything. The beginning sounds like a painful long goodbye, while the end sounds like a house of worship. Because of the emotional range of this album, I have to claim this is a damn impressive debut.

Why You Should Spin: Tether by Annahstasia (1-30-2026)

#3: Getting Killed by Geese

This album has been on so many lists that I thought I’d jump on the bandwagon! In all seriousness, what’s more to say about this album? I wouldn’t be surprised if this album is even on your list, or probably the top spot. I mean why not? It’s a phenomenal record. Cameron Winter and crew made a masterpiece that is 3D Country and then just wowed the world with the exponentially better Getting Killed. It has everything in a rock album, the songwriting, the vocals, the melodies, and the emotional weight this thing carries. You can’t tell me with a straight face that you don’t want to shake your shoulders during “Cobra”, not be sad during “Au Pays du Cocaine”, and refrain from shouting at the heavens during “Taxes”. Writing about this album is just time wasted from not listening to it. Everyone and their neighbor’s dog are getting raptured by this thing. Believe the hype and jump on this bandwagon.

Why You Should Spin: Getting Killed by Geese (1-20-2026)

#2: I Love My Computer by Ninajirachi

The first single I’ve heard from this album is a woman who wants to fuck her computer. Whether that means literally or figuratively, I went “sonuvabitch I’m in.” Then the release of I Love My Computer arrived and I am so grateful for this gem. There are many great EDM projects out there, but I have to admit, not a lot of them can tell a personal narrative very well, since many of them focus on the instrumentation instead. Nothing wrong with that, but Ninajirachi was able to not only kick ass on production, but is able to deliver strong songwriting. It’s about her complicated relationship with technology, but she’s eternally grateful for it. It’s a love letter to how technology has changed her life to become the person she is. Whether it’s for creating music or seeing the darkest things on the Internet, Ninajirachi was able to convey her message that technology doesn’t have to be a Skynet. It made her life much more rich. In the song “Sing Good”, it was very moving on how a computer gave her confidence to make music. Whether she still believes she can’t sing well or has gotten better, it’s an absolutely beautiful moment. This LP has great beats, great melodies, and the most endearing lyrics. This is definitely my electronic/dance record of the year.

Why You Should Spin: I Love My Computer by Ninajirachi (12-20-2025)

#1: Lotus by Little Simz

It’s been this album. It has always been this album. Doing this list, I was swapping rankings around and being deep in thought on some positions, but Lotus has always been the King Queen of them all. This has been a great year for hip-hop with McKinley Dixon, Danny Brown, and Clipse bringing such great art to us. They are deservedly worthy of being called greats. Little Simz is on that list too. Looking back at how awe-inspiring she has been I know she has reached some hearts if she has got me through some tough times. She just does it like second nature. She survived so she can tell us to survive. She’s got the pen to back it up and has many ways to tell her stories. The story of betrayal from a friend, which has initiated the creation of this album, which in turn has saved herself. After grieving on losing said friend, she turns to us and tells us to hold our chin high. Her goal at the end was hoping we would heal with this. The jazz in this jazz rap album is so rich and memorable, proof that Little Simz knows how to find other talented producers if she gave up on a former one. So, I’m very grateful for adding this arsenal to my collection to fight against any bad vibes coming my way. I’m grateful of the emotional roller coaster. I’m grateful for the bangers. I’m grateful for the struggle she shares. I’m grateful for her saying we’re not alone. Lastly, I’m grateful for this album being on the number one spot of 2025. It would make me full of bliss if anyone else can resonate with her music. I still find her underrated, as Little Simz in turn, deserves her flowers too.

Why You Should Spin: Lotus by Little Simz (2-5-2026)

Thank you again for stopping by and reading this blog if you have gotten this far. This has been so much fun just sharing all this great art with you. Resume your 2026! Hope you are having a great year so far. I also hope you stick around here on A Lot on My Crate, as I slowly try to spruce this place up. I’ll be busy, as I’ve got a lot on my plate right now. Oops, I mean a lot on my cra- .

“The cane!”