The 15 Best Album Debuts of 2025 (So Far)
aka The Wax Museum Freshmen Class of 2025! Liner notes and vinyl pressings inside.
There’s something about a debut album that hits different. It’s the urgency, the flaws, the wild energy of a band discovering itself in real time. I’ll take that over a polished career record any day.
Last year brought us standouts like Wishy, Friko, Mk.gee, The Last Dinner Party, and Sprints. This year’s class is just as stacked. Some are louder. Some are weirder. All arrive with purpose.
So let’s get to it. With apologies to XXL, this is The Wax Museum Freshman Class of 2025. Fifteen debut albums worth your time, your turntable, and maybe even your end-of-year list.
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The Wax Museum Freshman Class of 2025
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube
Here’s a playlist of my favorite song from each album by our Freshman 15, clocking in at exactly one hour. The best hour of your week? Many are saying it.
Saya Gray - SAYA
Get Vinyl: Clear | Black
If I’m handing out Rookie of the Year honors right now, Saya Gray’s name is etched on the trophy. SAYA is a wild, genre-resistant debut that slips between psych-folk, art-pop, and glitchy prog like it’s second nature. Every track feels like a different room in the same house. No two people will have the same favorite track, usually a sign you’re hearing something special.
Ribbon Skirt - Bite Down
Get Vinyl: Cloudy Clear
