Mark Rockpit – The Rockpit’s Best Albums of 2025

2025 was a strange year — not because it lacked quality, but because it delivered it in unexpected ways. There were only a handful of truly exceptional albums, records that demanded to be heard again and again, that stopped you mid-scroll and made you sit up straight. Surrounding them, though, was an almost overwhelming volume of genuinely great releases — albums that didn’t chase trends, didn’t embarrass themselves, and didn’t waste your time.

It was a year defined by depth rather than dominance. And Australian Releases stood proud this year – with any of them capable of rubbing shoulders with the International list this year. 2025 might even have been the best year for Aussie Rock in the l6 years of The Rockpit.

I’ll admit something unusual for me: I listened to less than I normally would. Life, gigs, deadlines, real-world noise. And because of that, I’m certain there are undiscovered gems still out there, albums waiting quietly in inboxes, Bandcamp corners, or buried in release schedules. I obsessed over so many albums this year that others inevitably slipped past — and that, in its own way, is a sign of how strong 2025 really was.

The straight-up rock energy of Buckcherry’s Roar Like Thunder dominated conversations early on. It was loud, unapologetic, and built for the stage, it reminded me why riffs, groove, and conviction still rule. Similarly, H.E.A.T.’s Welcome to the Future delivered soaring choruses and polished confidence without slipping into nostalgia or parody. Melodic rock done right — modern, muscular, and proudly anthemic. Midnite City proved that the UK has one of Melodic Hard Rock’s shining lights and most consistent bands. At the end of the day though there was one release that won a very tight race to the top spot.

Veteran artists proved they still had plenty to offer. Bush’s I Beat Loneliness was one of the year’s more challenging listens, but also one of its most interesting. Rather than rehash past glories, it leaned into atmosphere, introspection, and emotional weight — an album that grew with each listen.

Blues and roots music had its moment through Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s Young Fashioned Ways — a joyous, life-affirming record that crackled with chemistry and authenticity. It served as a timely reminder that when blues-rock is played with purpose, it remains as vital as ever. For me though one album stood out above all others and really touched me deeply. An album from a man who has been creating incredible music that has been criminally under the radar for years.

Ultimately, 2025 wasn’t about one album towering over everything else. It was about consistency, craft, and the quiet satisfaction of discovering another strong record when you thought the year had already peaked. Some of these albums will sound even better with time — when the noise fades and the songs are left to stand on their own.

As Live albums went The Commoners – Live in the UK would have been untouchable in 2025 if it hadn’t been for Dirty Honey – Mayhem & Revelry both will do down as future live classics I have no doubt, and few live albums in recent years have managed to capture a band’s live sound so well…

The Rockpit – Top 20 Albums of 2025 (International / Non-Australian)

Babylon A.D. – When the World Stops
H.E.A.T. – Welcome to the Future
Midnite City – Bite the Bullet
Crazy Lixx – Thrill of the Bite
Rocket Queen – One Last Night
Buckcherry – Roar Like Thunder
Sister – The Way We Fall
Harem Scarem – Chasing Euphoria
Peter Murphy – Silver Shade
W.E.T. – Apex
Dynazty – Games of Faces
Gotthard – Stereo Crush
Toby and the Whole Truth – Look Out! Vol. 1
Jizzy Pearl’s Love/Hate – Punk Rock Fiesta
Robin McAuley – Soulbound
Lacuna Coil – Sleepless Empire
L.A. Guns – Leopard Skin
Enuff Z’Nuff – Xtra-Cherries
Bush – I Beat Loneliness
Pop Evil – What Remains
Mike Tramp – Songs of White Lion Vol. 3

Top 10 Australian & New Zealand Albums of 2025

Wicked Smile – When Night Falls
Dellacoma – Searching for You in the Darkness
Jon Stevens – Shimmer
Devilskin – Re-Evolution
Cassidy Paris – Bittersweet
The Superjesus – The Superjesus
Sisters Doll – Scars
Southern River Band – D.I.Y.
Shotgun Mistress – Kings of the Revolution
Paul Kelly – Seventy

Top EPs of the Year

The Electric Boys – Shady Side of Town
Vermantics – The Pictures You Paint

Top Live Albums of the Year

1= The Commoners – Live in the UK

1= Dirty Honey – Mayhem & Revelry (Live)

Top Blues & Roots Releases of the Year

Mark Knight & The Unsung Heroes – Sixth Time’s the Charm
The Dead Daisies – Lookin’ For Trouble
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram – Hard Road
Robert Jon and the Wreck: Heartbreaks and Last Goodbyes
When Rivers Meet – Addicted To You
Samantha Fish – Paper Doll
California Irish – The Mountains Are My Friends
Larkin Poe: Bloom
Robin Trower – Come and Find Me
Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd – Young Fashioned Ways
Eric Gales: A Tribute To LJK
Joanne Shaw Taylor – Black and Gold
Joe Bonamassa: Breakthrough
Fishbone – Stockholm Syndrome
Walter Trout – Sign of the Times

Rob’s Best Albums of 2025

2025 has been a year where my musical muse has been all over the place. As a result, I’ve listened to a lot of great albums — so many, in fact, that this list could change tomorrow. Many of these records were rated equally highly in my reviews.

With hesitation and excitement, here’s my list: