We live in the golden age of new music. More new albums are released now than at any other point in history. We are quite literally spoiled for choice. Even with the best will in the world, we can only listen to a small fraction of all the albums released in a given year. Fewer still can be given the time and attention necessary for a proper review. Free time is in short supply, but that doesn’t mean that these records which fall by the wayside aren’t worthy of note. Brand new for this year, we’ll be kicking off our Listmas celebrations with a look at the “best of the rest”. The overlooked albums that didn’t get a proper feature on the site, but nonetheless left an impact on me, soundtracked my year, and left me longing to share them with people in some capacity. Here’s a brief shout out to a handful of the best Forgotten Gems of 2025.
Yoshika Colwell – On The Wing
Warm and comforting, elegant yet understated, Yoshika’s debut album is the kind of record you keep returning to whenever you need a safe harbour to shelter from the storm.
Great Grandpa – Patience, Moonbeam
At times dark, brooding and angsty, while elsewhere feeling grand and opulent. Big Thief meets BCNR. An ambitious and eclectic art rock record full of promise, with the B side especially hinting at bigger things on the horizon.
Brown Horse – All The Right Weaknesses
A rollicking country rocker that has a sense of expansiveness and momentum at its heart, propelling it forward. Perfect for fans of Wednesday and Wild Pink.
Folk Bitch Trio – Now Would Be A Good Time
Pairing spellbinding harmonies with their own uniquely dark, dry wit, this Aussie outfit have already carved out an identity all their own with this delightful debut.
Message To Bears – Tired Eyes, Waking Hearts
Blending ambient soundscapes, haunting electronic flourishes and gorgeous orchestral swells, this sweeping, cinematic baroque pop record demands a kind of reverence – one that it absolutely earns.
The Ophelias – Spring Grove
A sublime follow-up to 2021’s Crocus, which builds beautifully on the triumphs of its predecessor. Full of lush, nostalgic melodies, and achingly melancholic violin, it’s the band’s most mature and assured work yet.
Ichiko Aoba – Luminescent Creatures
As a rule I only feature albums in English, but I was sorely tempted to make an exception for this Japanese singer/songwriter. This record is home to some of the most heavenly and ethereal compositions I’ve heard in a long time.
Bartees Strange – Horror
This record is Bartees at his best and worst. His experimental tendencies coalesce into some tough listens, but it’s balanced out by also being home to some of his most addictive earworm hooks to date.
The Belair Lip Bombs – Again
Such a fun listen. Easily the most playful and incendiary guitar work I’ve heard in 2025. Would have loved to have spent more time with it, as every listen reveals some new detail.
Rianne Downey – The Consequence Of Love
A deeply charming debut, one that deftly walks a line between country pop and more traditional Scottish folk. Radio ready hooks abound, while still feeling refreshingly authentic and full of heart.
Belwood Music 