In the coming years, 2025 is likely to be seen as a pivotal moment. Our digitally driven lives are becoming more fragmented, with AI's influence making it increasingly difficult to differentiate between reality and fabrication. In the realm of music, we've already witnessed an uptick in 'clone' songs swiftly spreading across our timelines, overshadowing human creators left in the wake of algorithmic processing. We find ourselves in a time where information is readily available, yet paradoxically, it's never been more challenging to truly comprehend it. In this context, the role of curators has grown immensely significant. The skill of curation is urgently needed, and while the Christmas season presents an opportunity to pause and recharge, it also serves as a chance to reconnect with voices we admire and to reclaim some of the cultural influences we've been missing. As we near the end of 2025, the CLASH team – including staff, writers, photographers, and others – has collaborated to spotlight the best album-length projects released this year. It's been a year overflowing with exceptional work; the resulting list showcases several potential classics, demonstrating remarkable consistency in quality from start to finish. Indeed, the major challenge has been achieving a consensus. As lives become more distinct and isolated, cultural discussions have fragmented endlessly, often reduced to simplistic ideas in the age of social media. Nevertheless, one clear winner emerged through a majority vote from the writers and staff. Join us as we review the standout long-form releases of 2025 and spotlight our deserving champion. — 60. Loyle Carner – hopefully ! This deeply personal and introspective project, Loyle Carner's 'hopefully !', delves into themes of familial heritage and the subtle aspirations we carry throughout life. Released in June in anticipation of his headlining act on The Other Stage at Glastonbury, it stands out amongst emotionally charged albums. Although it feels less abrasive and confrontational than its predecessor, 'hugo', 'hopefully!' still serves as a profound exploration for Carner, who candidly addresses the challenges of contemporary fatherhood and the joys of nurturing a child through nostalgic, smooth musical gems. - Harvey Marwood 59. JADE – THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY! THE ENCORE Instead of the typical three additional songs artists offer in an encore, JADE, known for her exceptional creativity, surprised us with eight new tracks recently as a continuation of her debut solo album, 'THAT’S SHOWBIZ, BABY!'. The second disc of the project displays a greater cohesiveness compared to the first, highlighting JADE's advancing understanding of her unique nu-pop identity. The lead single 'Church' could easily grace MTV with its fresh mix of sultry, bare moments and explosive rhythms. Much of the subsequent collection follows this trend, tapping into nostalgia with a reimagining of older pop elements, giving the album lasting appeal as JADE moves away from fleeting trends to reveal the full breadth of her artistry. - Zahra Hanif 58. The Armed – The Future Is Here And Everything Needs To Be Destroyed The sixth album from the Detroit band is boldly presented in capital letters for a reason. 'THE FUTURE IS HERE AND EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE DESTROYED' is an intensely beautiful and ferocious work, making the loud styling of its title appropriate. This album pushes the band's newfound clarity to its ultimate limits. The music is as heavy as ever, alongside unexpectedly accessible diversions. The pointed lyrics target a world that often appears to be unraveling, dominated by individualists clashing under the watchful eye of a small elite. Their music is cutting and incisive while also showcasing an inventive and profoundly humanist belief that we are capable of far more than the chaos that surrounds us. - Tom Morgan 57. Audrey Hobert – Who’s The Clown The rise of new voices in music is always thrilling. Until this year, 26-year-old singer-songwriter Hobert was primarily recognized as Gracie Abrams’ best friend and major collaborator. On her debut full-length, she offers her own take on storytelling through diary-like lyrics: standout tracks such as 'Thirst Trap' and 'Sex And The City' vividly portray the lengths young women go to capture attention, infusing romanticized meaning into their almost imperceptible actions. - Eduarda Goulart 56. JENNIE – Ruby JENNIE’s inaugural album signifies a new era of exploration for the Korean artist, brimming with ideas from a wide array of genres including trap, space disco, muted RnB, and folktronic ballads. While other K-pop artists' major crossover efforts often suffer from tonal dissonance, 'Ruby' succeeds by weaving softness and edginess seamlessly. The introductory track 'JANE' features downtempo maestro FKJ with a sci-fi-inspired background, while the atmospheric RnB number 'Damn Right', featuring Kali Uchis and Childish Gambino,

      Georgia singer/songwriter Clover County has rediscovered her playful spirit, transforming life’s chaotic and enchanting moments into songs that evoke a sense of home on her ethereal debut album, ‘Finer Things.’

      Stream: ‘Finer Things’ – Clover County

      At this moment, the finer things for me are gas station sodas and staying in a Hilton instead of a Motel 6 while on the road. To me, that feels like a luxury.

      * * *

      It’s a rare gift to find an artist who feels timeless amidst unusual times. Their writing reflects a unique clarity: songs that are not contrived or engineered for mass appeal (or virality), but are instead genuine and honest expressions of their true selves. Ironically, the artists who are most authentic often make the deepest connections. They write to convey emotions, to process experiences, and in doing so, forge connections. This is the reason many of us fell in love with music in the first place.

      Clover County is one such artist. The 24-year-old singer/songwriter (born A.G. Schiano) released her debut album ‘Finer Things’ this fall, which is as rich in substance as it is relatable. With sonic unity and lyrics that beautifully focus on life, she has established herself as a pure and intentional artist who is just beginning her journey.

      ‘Finer Things’ – Clover County

      Clover County speaks with a quiet wisdom about the life experiences that inspired her songs and stories, which resonate profoundly. Despite her young age, she has a significant understanding of herself and who she aspires to be. This clarity allows her to write from a place of utter honesty, as if she’s processing her thoughts in real time and inviting us into her innermost reflections. This is the gift that artists offer us – by being vulnerable, they explore areas many of us shy away from mentioning openly. And when those reflections become songs, we feel a bit less isolated.

      Just before Thanksgiving, we caught up with Clover County at her home in the Atlanta suburbs, finally able to relax between tour dates. Fresh from a series of shows opening for Madi Diaz and still basking in the release of ‘Finer Things,’ she sat down to discuss the journey behind the album, the songs that shaped it, and the peculiar magic of crafting country songs from life’s messy moments that feel like home.

      ‘Finer Things’ is now available through Clover County’s own label, Undercover Lover Records, in collaboration with Thirty Tigers.

      — —

      :: stream/purchase ‘Finer Things’ here ::

      :: connect with Clover County here ::

      — —

      Clover County © Luke Rogers

      A CONVERSATION WITH CLOVER COUNTY

      Atwood Magazine: I’m really moved by the album. It’s one of those records you can listen to from start to finish without skipping a track. It’s so warm and cohesive; I genuinely appreciate the entire project.

      Clover County: Oh my gosh, those are the best compliments I could ask for. Thank you.

      I want to delve into a few specific songs, but first, I’d love to discuss the album-making process as a whole. It truly feels like you’re present in the room while you listen to these songs. Was there a particular track that sparked the album, or how did everything unfold?

      Clover County: When I began writing, I didn’t realize I was creating an album. I was just writing songs. I moved back to Georgia from Birmingham for a year when COVID hit. I had to drop out of school due to financial reasons. So, I came home and thought, Okay, let’s see how many songs I can write. Writing seemed to be my only focus at that time.

      The first song I recall writing was “Midnight Crow,” followed shortly by “Out Well.” Then I composed the Black Leather Daydream EP, which isn’t part of the album but exists in the same realm. From there, I continued to write and perform. People would approach me, saying, “I remember that song, when are you releasing it?”

      Eventually, I connected with Thirty Tigers, which turned out to be the perfect match. They provided me with the chance to record a full-length album, and by then, I had a collection of songs written between the ages of 17 and the week of recording. On the very last day, I wrapped up a song with my friend Cam (Cameron Neal) called “Paradise Road,” which we added to the record.

      Thus, the process was a blend of the unknown and what was always meant to happen. I chose the songs that flowed well together, and a cohesive thread emerged, partly by chance and partly by design.

      Clover County © Luke Rogers

      I love that. It’s incredible how you’ve woven together songs from the ages of 17 to the present so seamlessly.

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